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US SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF LARRY FINK JOINS RED KNOT TO LEAD NEW WEST COAST OFFICE
Red Knot, the PR and communications agency specializing in sport, sports betting, and gaming announced seasoned public relations executive, Larry Fink, has joined the company as Vice President of Consumer Public Relations and Communications. Fink will head the company’s West Coast operations from its new Los Angeles office.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Larry to Red Knot,” said Andy Clerkson, Co-Founder of Red Knot. “He brings with him some terrific clients and adds years of experience, knowledge, and contacts to our team. We intend to expand our operations into sport and entertainment, but also have a powerful desire to tell our betting and gaming partners stories to a broad mainstream audience. I worked with Larry when he was first starting out at Access Hollywood and when he was at the Palms in Vegas, and we know he is the best person to lead Red Knot’s West Coast group.”
Fink most recently operated his own boutique agency, 1on1 PR, as Co-Founder and President for six years. To Red Knot he brings clients including Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) from Major League Soccer, OSDB Sports, and Xperience Restaurant Group. At 1on1, Fink helped Danny Trejo and Trejo’s Tacos build a strong foothold in the Southern California restaurant market, and amplified Trejo’s TV, radio, and social media presence. He has also represented sports greats Eric Dickerson, Baron Davis and Adrian Gonzalez, as well as fashion designer and entrepreneur Steve Madden.
“Red Knot is a young, and highly respected company growing quickly in the U.S., and I am excited to be bringing my ideas, insight and energy to the team,” said Fink. “There are so many possibilities for growth in sports betting and gaming, as well as the wider sports industry and I look forward to shepherding the projects our clients are passionately working on and developing.”
A well-known figure in media and public relations for more than two decades, Fink began his career at NBCUniversal’s Access Hollywood as a segment and field producer. During his time at the syndicated entertainment news program, he became a red-carpet fixture, interviewing and developing relationships with some of the most celebrated actors, athletes, musicians, and reality stars in global entertainment.
After eight years at NBC, Fink was recruited in 2006 by Palms Casino Resort owner and President, George Maloof, to join the Las Vegas property as Executive Director of Public Relations. Under Fink’s watch, the Palms became the hottest destination for young Hollywood to stay and play in Vegas. During his six years at Palms, Fink also led a public relations effort for expansion projects at the resort totaling $750 million. While serving as communications adviser to Maloof, he oversaw long-term campaigns for multimillion dollar projects and openings including Fantasy Tower, Playboy Club and Pearl Theater.
Following his stint at Palms, Fink joined Planet Hollywood International as Vice President of Public Relations where he oversaw the expansion of brands including Buca di Beppo and Earl of Sandwich. Fink doubled the social media following of Planet Hollywood’s brands and improved its data acquisition program on Facebook and Twitter.
At Red Knot, Fink will be charged with building the company’s West Coast client base and developing a strategy for growth for companies operating at the tremendously exciting intersection of sports, sports betting and celebrity talent.
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
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