Gambling in the USA
Futbol Sites joins forces with top industry executives to drive scale-up
Futbol Sites Network Group (FSN) has joined forces with top industry executives Jordan Gnat, Robin Chhabra and Andy Clerkson, who together have acquired a significant interest in the Group, as well as appointing Mr. Gnat to the position of Vice Chair.
These three leading stalwarts, who bring over 60 years of combined experience building brands in the sports, betting and media sectors, are committed to FSN’s expansion and reach – not only in its current North American and LatAm markets, but also broadening its footprint into new global territories. With offices and operations in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico and the United States, Futbol Sites bridges the gap between brands and fans, using data, technology and a deep knowledge of the sports industry.
FSN is a digital media powerhouse, focusing on Latin America and the USA, which owns and operates 10+ sports websites. Founded in 2008 by Argentinian entrepreneurs Federico Grinberg and Nahuel Pan, FSN helps global brands and Football Federations to manage their digital and social media assets, designing and executing powerful fan-oriented strategies.
FSN attracts more than 60 million unique monthly visitors to its web assets and more than 300 million unique monthly visitors to its social media channels.
· Company Size: +100 employees
· Website: https://futbolsites.net/
· Industry: Digital Sports Media
Jordan Gnat is a Senior Business Executive with over 25 years of leadership experience and over 17 years in the global gaming and media industries. Most recently, Gnat was the Group Senior Vice President of The Stars Group, the parent company of PokerStars, FOX Bet, PokerStars Casino, Sky Betting and Gaming and Oddschecker Group Media.
Robin Chhabra is an experienced executive in the online gambling sector and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of FOX Bet, a landmark partnership between Flutter Entertainment and FOX Sports in the USA. He was previously on the Executive Committees of The Stars Group, William Hill and Inspired Gaming Group where he focused on strategy, business development and M&A and expanded the global footprint of each of these companies.
Andy Clerkson has spent three decades building brands for media, sports betting and gaming companies in the USA, UK and Europe. In 2019, he helped The Stars Group and FOX Sports set up FOX Bet, for whom he is a senior advisor. In 2007, Clerkson founded influential digital marketing agency Grand Parade, which specialized in sports betting and was acquired by William Hill in 2016. Previously, Clerkson had a media career in both London and New York culminating in running Maxim USA, which under his stewardship became the world’s most successful men’s lifestyle magazine.
Federico Grinberg, co-founder and CEO of FSN, said: “We started FSN 12 years ago in Argentina. This is a company that has been profitable and growing non-stop from day one. With passion, focus and perseverance we expanded operations all across LatAm and the USA. Now, we are ready to take the company to the next level by joining forces with Jordan, Robin and Andy.”
Grinberg added: “Having these three superstars of the industry as investors, as well as Jordan joining our Board, will not only help FSN expand its network and reach, but also allow us to take the company to the next level, leveraging their shared knowledge and advice, and consolidating FSN as a global group synonymous with digital sports content.”
Jordan Gnat said: “Businesses are premised on their people and the team at FSN are second to none. I am honoured that they have chosen me, Robin and Andy to contribute to their winning ethos. We look forward to bringing our combined sports, media and gaming experience to bear at the company. The platform that has been built is rock solid and we look forward to working with the team to maintain the strong growth in LatAm, the USA and beyond.”
The terms of the acquisition were undisclosed.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – August 26-September 1
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 and new appointments. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Hard Rock Digital and Hard Rock Casino Rockford announced that Hard Rock Bet has been launched in Illinois, with its highly rated online sports betting app now live throughout the state and in-person wagering began on August 29 at Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s sportsbook. Hard Rock Bet recently launched its ‘Roll With Us’ fall campaign, welcoming players of all types to play on its easy-to-use app and online sportsbook by visiting HardRock.bet. New Illinois players can take advantage of Hard Rock Bet’s signup offer and receive $100 in Bonus Bets instantly following their first cash bet of at least $5. Hard Rock Bet offers pre-game, live betting, futures and multiple parlay options (including Same Game Parlays) as well as a free online rewards programme and engaging promotions.
Table Trac Inc. along with TransAct Technologies Incorporated, a global leader in software-driven technology and printing solutions, shared the results from the first six months of the SlotSUITE deployment. The floor-wide, single-wire printing solution, announced in December 2023, was recently implemented in a large regional casino in the American Southwest. SlotSUITE was developed through a partnership between CasinoTrac and TransAct Technologies. It integrates TransAct’s Epicentral SE with PromoTrac, CasinoTrac’s unified promotions administration and management system, using a single-wire solution that works on existing CasinoTrac gaming floor networks.
Related Companies/Oxford Properties Group and Wynn Resorts revealed new project details for the next phase of Hudson Yards, including new renderings and animations as well as additional testimonials of support. The $12 Billion total project proposal to build Hudson Yards West on top of the undeveloped western rail yards, is a once-in-a-generation commitment that, if approved by City and State officials, would provide significant quality-of-life improvements for the neighborhood and enormous economic opportunity for the entire city.
New Appointments
Rush Street Gaming announced that casino and hospitality veteran Cliff Ehrlich has joined the company as its chief operating officer. Ehrlich assumes the role of Rush Street COO from Bill Keena, a longtime company and industry leader, who plans to retire later this year. Ehrlich’s career began in marketing at the Catskills’ Pines Resort Hotel in the 80s and transitioned in the 90s to casino development and operations. In 1996, he became co-owner of the Monticello Raceway and helped recruit the Oneida Indian Nation to build a casino on the property. Since 2022, Ehrlich has been Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise’s chief operating officer, with oversight of four casinos, a resort destination hotel, travel plaza and food & beverage manufacturing.
Wanna.com, in August, announced the appointment of Chuck Bowling, former President and COO at MGM Resorts International, to its Board of Directors. With an impressive career overseeing prestigious properties such as the Mandalay Bay, Delano, Four Seasons Las Vegas and Luxor, Mr. Bowling brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the burgeoning enterprise. As Wanna.com prepares for its initial launch in approximately 25 to 30 states, Mr. Bowling’s extensive expertise in hospitality and gaming will be instrumental in guiding Wanna.com and Wanna Parlay, through this exciting phase of growth and development.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 29-August 4
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 and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
During a community celebration at The Village in Meridian, the Idaho Lottery commemorated their record-breaking 35th Anniversary by returning the single largest dividend in their history to the people of Idaho. The Idaho Lottery Commission presented Governor Brad Little with an $84,000,000 dividend check, a 2.4% increase over last year’s dividend.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) issued a cease and desist demanding that Playgon Interactive Inc. (Playgon) and its affiliate, Bitrate Productions (Bitrate), cease production of live dealer content from a studio located in Las Vegas, NV. The demand, signed by NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick, alleges that Bitrate is using live dealers in Las Vegas to deal games such as baccarat and roulette, and broadcasts the content to online casinos located around the world.
Casino of the Kings is redesigning its website. Though the existing version of the site functions flawlessly, the purpose of redesign is to make the website faster, easier to navigate and more user-friendly. In addition to the website redesign, Casino of the Kings is also launching an official YouTube channel. Casino of the Kings YouTube channel is going to feature slot reviews, casino investigations and exclusive insights for viewers who prefer visual content.
Aristocrat Gaming will bring all-new content to the first and only mechanic of its kind, Frenzy Jackpots, alongside new and top-performing game titles to impress attendees at the upcoming Oklahoma Indian Gaming Show (OIGA). The all-new Frenzy Jackpots SSP $10,000 Link, created specifically for Class 2 gaming floors with higher frequency jackpots, spans across many Aristocrat games.
International Game Technology PLC announced that Jade Luchauer, IGT Senior Manager Global Sustainability, recently won the Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence at the National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) 2024 National Awards. Held in conjunction with NCPG’s National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling, the National Awards honours individuals and organisations from across the world for their work on problem gambling and responsible gambling.
Partnerships
Pollard Banknote Limited has announced an extension to its Instant Ticket Printing Services Agreement with the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC). The original contract term began on December 30, 2013, and under this extension Pollard Banknote will continue to provide instant tickets, game design and related services through December 31, 2028, with an option to renew for an additional five years.
The LA Clippers announced that Pechanga Resort Casino has expanded its partnership to become the team’s exclusive tribal casino and a Founding Partner of its new arena Intuit Dome, which opens Aug. 15. The long-term partnership is rooted in the organisations’ shared value of giving back to Southern California.
SCCG Management has announced a sponsorship partnership with Hoppa! Card. This collaboration is set to revolutionise the payment landscape for the gambling industry with a strong focus on crypto technology, leveraging SCCG’s extensive ecosystem of over 120+ client partners and its global presence across all major regions. Through this partnership, SCCG Management will support Hoppa! Card in delivering their innovative crypto payment and banking solutions to a wider audience within the gaming industry.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 22-28
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 and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Greenlite Ventures Inc. has announced the signing of a Reorganisation Agreement with No Limit Technology Holdings Inc. (No Limit), a company involved in the sports betting and cryptocurrency markets. The agreement has been submitted to FINRA pursuant to its company-related action review process. Once the review is concluded, and FINRA advises the company that no further action is required, the acquisition will be deemed closed.
Penn Entertainment plans to lay off about 100 employees as it focuses on growth for ESPN Bet. CEO Jay Snowden told staff members in an internal email that the changes will enhance operational efficiencies following its 2021 acquisition of Canadian media and gaming powerhouse theScore. The company employs about 20,000 people.
bet365 announced its official launch in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the introduction of its award-winning Sportsbook and Casino, in a partnership with Presque Isle Downs Casino. The Keystone State becomes the 11th state in bet365’s US expansion and joins Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.
DoubleDown Interactive, a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web-based platforms, announced a $10,000 donation to the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in support of its mission to prevent cruelty to dogs, cats, equines and farm animals throughout the US.
The BSA-AML Compliance Group announced that Carole House, White House National Security Council (NSC) Special Advisor for Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure, will deliver a keynote address at the Annual BSA-AML Gaming Conference on Thursday, August 15, at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.
DraftKings Inc. has announced its intention to launch its top-rated online sportsbook in Washington D.C., pending licensure and regulatory approvals. The expected arrival into the nation’s capital follows a market access agreement with D.C. United, which would pave the way for the digital sports entertainment and gaming company to operate in The District of Columbia.
Partnerships
DraftKings has become an official sports betting and daily fantasy partner of the WNBA. As per the deal, DraftKings will receive rights to league and collecting team intellectual property, access to marketing, activation and hospitality opportunities around tentpole WNBA events, and the ability to utilise official league data feeds to support the gameplay experience for fans.
REEVO, a pioneering B2B content and aggregation platform in the iGaming sector, has announced a strategic partnership with Vibra Solutions. REEVO views this partnership as a significant step towards enhancing its market presence in Latin America. By leveraging Vibra Solutions’ expertise and regional insights, REEVO aims to broaden its reach and deliver unparalleled value to operators across the region.
Light & Wonder Inc. announced that the Oregon Lottery has purchased more than 1200 additional Video Lottery Terminals (VLT). This comes less than a year after the Oregon Lottery purchased 1175 VLTs following the successful trial phase in the state. The gaming machines will house diverse player-favourite games such as BLAZING HOT CELEBRATIONS, LIGHTNING TUSKS, AMERICAN ORIGINAL, BIER HAUS, AMERICAN ORIGINAL STARS & BARS, QUICK HIT MONEY WHEEL, TREASURE FRUITS, FLUSH FRENZY Poker and more.
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