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Ocean Casino Resort Announces Partnership with Renowned Restaurateur Michael Schulson
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Ocean Casino Resort announced its partnership with celebrated chef and restaurateur, Michael Schulson to bring two fine-casual concepts to Ocean’s culinary roster. Opening later this year, Pearl & Mary oyster bar and Samuel’s at Ocean will be located on the lobby level across from The Park.
“Having opened my first restaurant in Atlantic City more than 15 years ago, it’s apropos to be returning to the shore to work with Ocean, starting with these two incredible projects. The team at this property is first class and I look forward to opening additional concepts with them in the future,” Michael Schulson said.
Pearl & Mary will present a stunning oyster bar offering bespoke dishes inspired by classic coastal favorites, including an assorted raw bar, mixed crudos, and refreshing cocktails. Pearl & Mary at Ocean will be the second iteration of the oyster bar, with the first location in Mid Town Village, Philadelphia.
Samuel’s is more than just a modern take on an all-day diner experience. It is a nod to Michael’s grandparents who immigrated to the Bronx and opened a kosher butcher shop, effectively serving as the celebrity chef’s first culinary influence. Samuel’s American-Jewish inspired menu will include fresh baked breads and pastries, scrumptious salads, and signature sandwiches.
Michael Schulson is one of Philadelphia’s most successful hospitality professionals and is the owner of Double Knot, DK Sushi, Independence Beer Garden, Sampan, Graffiti Bar, Harp & Crown, Giuseppe & Sons, Alpen Rose, Via Locusta, Prunella, Pearl & Mary and his newest concept Bar Lesieur.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pearl & Mary and Samuel’s into Ocean’s portfolio of dining venues as we venture into a long-term partnership with Michael Schulson,” Bill Callahan, General Manager for Ocean Casino Resort, said.
Both Pearl & Mary and Samuel’s at Ocean are expected to open before Summer 2024 in the current Harper’s and Sky Café spaces. Harper’s award-winning brunch options will move to a much-needed larger venue on the casino level, near Starbucks.
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Checkd International passes 1 million bets placed across NFL season on SmartPicks
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- Checkd International’s SmartPicks app has surpassed one million bets in just five months
- There have been over six million screen views by users
- More than 8,000 subscriptions have been purchased on SmartPicks Pro
Checkd International, the North American sports betting specialist and part of the award-winning Checkd Group, has announced a successful first NFL season for its SmartPicks betting app with many huge milestones hit by users.
At the culmination of Super Bowl LIX in Louisiana, over one million bets had been added to bet slips through SmartPicks, as the informative and streamlined app proved it was a roaring success.
The new and improved SmartPicks app was launched in October, midway through the NFL season, and builds on existing technology used in the UK by the Manchester-based company, to provide a unique sports betting-focused app to the US.
There have been over six million page views on SmartPicks since the launch, equating to more than one million each month.
The apps prop tool, which sits front and centre, has been hugely popular with users, and over one million markets have been selected using this.
In the past five months, there have been more than 29,000 installs for the app as more users across America look to use this as their preferred choice when gambling.
SmartPicks Pro, which gives users even more access and is Checkd Group’s first-ever subscription model product, saw more than 8,000 users join throughout the NFL season, proving how vital this model will be for the business going forward.
SmartPicks was built in-house by Checkd Dev, the technology specialist division of Checkd Group, which has supported top-tier operators with new products in the past year, including Paddy Power’s Mix ’N Match bet building tool.
The success of SmartPicks continues to expand Checkd Group’s position in the US-based betting market through Checkd International’s on-the-ground presence, and 2024 saw a 187% increase in app searches for the business.
Commenting on the success, Callum Broxton, Head of US Operations at Checkd Group said: “We’re delighted to announce that our SmartPicks app has been greatly received in the American sports betting market, with millions of bets placed and thousands of new users choosing the market-leading technology provided this NFL season.
“The launch of SmartPicks Pro has proven successful for the business, and with plenty of positive feedback from users, means we are looking for further ways to tap into revenue subscription models as there is clear demand for this.
“As we enter a key stage of the NBA season and March Madness set to begin, we look forward to developing the app further and making betting even easier across America.”
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Arizona Department of Gaming Releases November Sports Betting Figures
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Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $898 million on sports in November of 2024, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 26% increase when compared to November of 2023.
The state collected approximately $5.7 million in privilege fees in the month.
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Indian Gaming Association Introduces TribalBond Connections Program
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The Indian Gaming Association is introducing TribalBond, an exciting new initiative designed to foster meaningful connections between tribal gaming casino executives and solution providers at this year’s Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, taking place March 31-April 3 in San Diego, CA. This innovative program will feature a dynamic “speed networking” format, aimed at creating efficient, valuable interactions and personalized experiences for participants.
As the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is the meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network, and create new connections. TribalBond was created with tribal casino executives in mind, designed to bring operators and solution providers together through structured meeting sessions that cater specifically to their unique needs. By facilitating targeted networking opportunities, TribalBond empowers attendees to build connections, share insights, and unlock new opportunities. A special focus will be put on equipping solution providers with knowledge and insights on how to effectively engage and build long-lasting relationships with the tribal gaming industry.
The Indian Gaming Association has tapped into the extensive industry knowledge and experience of Frances Alvarez, to lead this program. Alvarez is a highly respected leader in the tribal gaming industry, with over 24 years of service. She remains engaged and influential in Indian Country through her roles as Chairwoman of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network, President of the National Native American Hall of Fame, and Gaming Commissioner for the Wilton Rancheria Gaming Commission. In these capacities, she builds strong relationships and fosters opportunities for collaborative success. Through her firm, Rezonate LLC, Alvarez demonstrates her unwavering commitment to service while actively working to reshape the conversation surrounding tribal relations.
Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr said: “We are excited to introduce TribalBond at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention. Our goal is to provide Indian Country with the best experience to foster meaningful connections and support their communities. This program will be a game-changer to support the innovation that tribal gaming is known for. We could not think of a better person than Frances to help us introduce this program to the event.”
The highlight of TribalBond is its engaging speed networking format. This fast-paced, efficient program ensures participants maximize their time at the tradeshow while establishing meaningful professional relationships. The 2025 event will feature five rounds of speed networking over the course of April 2 and 3. Participants in the TribalBond program will enjoy exclusive benefits designed to enhance their experience as well as their professional growth.
“As a long-time supporter of the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, I’m excited to lead the TribalBond program. My aim is to support the tribal gaming community by connecting them with innovative products and insights to enhance their operations and communities. Equally important, I will provide solution providers with the knowledge and resources needed to foster meaningful, lasting partnerships with Indian Country. I am encouraged by the positive feedback we have already received from the tribal gaming community regarding TribalBond,” Alvarez said.
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