Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – August 16-22

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news, new appointments and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an iGaming independent testing laboratory (ITL) by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The registration means that, effective immediately, GLI is authorised to test and certify iGaming components such as games, random number generators (RNGs) and platforms/RGS.

Amazon-owned streaming platform Twitch has implemented a ban on content featuring gambling referral codes and links. In a statement, the platform explained it was introducing the ban to prevent scams and harms “created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content.”

Sportradar Group AG has announced that it has publicly filed a registration statement on Form F-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) relating to the proposed initial public offering of its ordinary shares. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined. Sportradar intends to list its common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “SRAD”.

Senate lawmakers tentatively approved sports gambling in North Carolina last Wednesday. The narrow 26-21 vote, which didn’t follow party lines, broke precedent for Senate Republican leaders. Senate Bill 688 would legalise betting on sports online, via mobile phone and in person at approved facilities in the immediate area of major sporting events. The North Carolina Lottery Commission would handle the regulation of the industry.

The new Catawba Two Kings Casino pre-launch facility in Kings Mountain, N.C., opened to the public on July 1 and is protected by leading technologies from JCM Global (JCM). Catawba Two Kings selected JCM’s iVIZION bill validator, GEN5 Thermal Printer and ICB Intelligent Cash Box system for the 500-slot casino.

Betsson Perch Investments AB, a subsidiary of Betsson AB (publ), has acquired 28% of the shares in Canadian start-up Slapshot Media Inc for the purchase price of CAD 3 million (SEK 21 million). The investment is in line with Betsson’s strategy of partnering locally in order to position itself in locally regulated markets and markets soon to be regulated.

New Partnerships

The Houston Rockets has entered into a multi-year partnership deal with Socios.com, a direct-to-consumer platform which leverages blockchain technology to provide the world’s leading sporting organisations with the tools to engage with their global fanbase. As an official partner of the Rockets, Socios.com will be integrated into signage at Toyota Center and will have a heavy presence on the Rockets’ social media accounts, including as the presenting partner of Rockets Fan Art Friday.

Chicago Bulls, the Chicago-based professional basketball team, has entered into a partnership with Socios.com. As per the deal, Socios.com will function as an official team partner from the 2021/22 season onward and will gain exposure via TV-visible signage at the Bulls’ Chicago Stadium and gain the rights to the franchise’s marks and logo to build brand association and awareness.

New Appointment

Intema Solutions has appointed Scott Meyers as its new Chief Financial Officer, replacing acting Chief Financial Officer Anna Kastelorizios. Scott Meyers has over 18 years of experience in finance and accounting for large multinational firms and Canadian startups.