Gaming content aggregation platform operator Reevo announced today it has entered into a partnership deal with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) to deliver its comprehensive suite of slot and table games.
Enhancing Partner’s iGaming Offering
Under the new deal, the extensive network of online casino operator partners of GiG will gain access to Reevo’s portfolio of in-house developed and third-party studio game content, including top-performing titles such as Crazy Crocs, Wolf Wild and HellO’Win.
We’re constantly evaluating our iGaming solutions at GiG to ensure we’re positioned to deliver quality for our partners and their customers.
Marcel Elfersy, Chief Commercial Officer at GiG
Elfersy is convinced that “the addition of REEVO to that marketplace is a welcome one,” and strengthens the company’s offering.
An option for Reevo games customization is also included in the agreement, allowing GiG to help its partners drive growth through differentiation of their product offering and further boosting GiG’s offering as a B2B iGaming platform.
Continuously striving to improve its product offering, Reevo’s platform offers its B2B customers a selection of the industry’s best third-party games, with seamless integration, while the aggregator is seeking to introduce to its growing portfolio of games two new in-house developed titles per month in 2023, as part of its roadmap to accelerate games production.
‘Win-Win for Both Parties’
Yaniv Tal, chief executive officer of Reevo, commented on the partnership, “delighted to join forces with GiG” and see it “propel Reevo to compete among top-tier providers.”
“What makes this partnership a match made in iGaming heaven is that our values are very much aligned,” Tal continued, looking forward “to collaborating with a provider of this magnitude” and convinced that the collaboration “will be a win-win for both parties.”
Seeking to drive sustainable growth and profitability for its B2B partners, GiG is offering a full suite of proprietary iGaming and sportsbook solutions, leveraging its vast gaming industry knowledge, product innovation, scalability and quality of service capabilities, helping them to deliver a personalized and localized experience for their players globally.
GiG’s solutions are extremely popular in Ontario where the gaming tech supplier already partnered with five iGaming operators, the latest being Casino Time, following an agreement to provide the operator with its platform, sportsbook and omnichannel solutions last month.
Also in February, GiG expanded its existing UK collaboration with News Corp to include Ireland, opening the door for its casino and sports betting content and exclusive offers to enter the country and announced plans for the partnership to target entry into the US.
Whether you scored seats to watch your favorite team battle it out on the court or are hosting a watch party from the comfort of your living room, we are guessing that you, along with many other Americans, will be tuned in to the excitement that is March Madness. While this tournament is a great time to celebrate the sport you love with your favorite watching buddies, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) knows it can also be a dangerous time for those at risk of problem gambling as legal and illegal sports bets are placed in The Sunshine State.
Before we launch into basketball fans’ favorite few weeks of the year, we encourage you to keep reading to learn more about the realities of sports gambling and how to practice responsible gambling as this season comes to a spectacular close.
It’s no coincidence that Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) also takes place in March. When this initiative was launched 20 years ago, it was only a weeklong and inspired by the surge in sports bets placed during the NCAA’s legendary March Madness Basketball tournament. In 2022 alone, it was estimated that 45 million American adults would bet on the outcome of the games. Those bets would total over $3.1 billion, including bets placed legally and illegally.[1] This year, it’s projected that $6 billion will be legally gambled during March Madness. [2]
Now a full month, PGAM is a culmination of efforts across various organizations working together from all over the nation to raise awareness about problem gambling and to connect people who are in need of help with the resources they need for recovery. While online sports gambling is still illegal in Florida, those who find themselves gambling too much should be aware of the risks of even seemingly casual betting among friends and coworkers.
This year, the PGAM theme is “The Game of Life: Choose Your Path,” and when you click here you can play an interactive card game theFCCG created based on a gambling industry employee’s ideation. During this game, just like in life, players will be faced with important decisions and challenged to choose the next right step. We want to stress that when (GAMBLING IS NO LONGER A GAME, LOSING IS NOT AN OPTION). Before any wagers are set on Selection Sunday, we want to provide the background information needed to make the responsible choice. For example, did you know the odds of picking the perfect bracket is 2 to the 63rd power? That means there is a 1 in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 chance— that’s 1 in 9.2 quintillion! [3]
For those who choose to take part in wagering during the tournament, we want to make sure all participants are practicing responsible gambling behaviors so that these games stay what they should be — fun. Some tips to keep in mind during the tournament and in any gambling setting include:
Taking frequent breaks in play and set time limits
If you’re no longer having fun, stop playing
Don’t chase losses
Don’t depend on “good luck” strategies
Don’t think of it as way to make money
Don’t gamble with essential funds
Don’t gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence [4]
This year PGAM and March Madness season, we can all use a reminder to take a step back and unplug from the madness. While opportunities to gamble on the games are available 24/7, so is 888-ADMIT-IT, Florida’s multilingual and confidential HelpLine that helps those struggling with problem gambling and their loved ones get connected to resources for Your One Sure Thing, recovery.
“45 Million Americans to Wager $3.1B on March Madness.” American Gaming Association, 13 Mar. 2022, https://www.americangaming.org/new/45-million-americans-to-wager-3-1b-on-march-madness/
“Betting on March Madness Tournament to Top $3 Billion, Gambling Group Predicts.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 14 Mar. 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/march-madness-tournament-sports-betting-gambling/
Wilco, Daniel. “The Absurd Odds of a Perfect NCAA Bracket.” NCAA.com, NCAA.com, 13 Mar. 2022, https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/bracketiq/2022-03-10/perfect-ncaa-bracket-absurd-odds-march-madness-dream#:~:text=As%20such%2C%20the%20number%20of,correctly%201%20in%209.2%20quintillion.
“Tips to Keep Your Gambling Safe: Safer Play: For the Public: Responsible Gambling Council.” Tips to Keep Your Gambling Safe | Safer Play | For the Public | Responsible Gambling Council, https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/safer-play/safer-gambling-tips/.
Global developer of lottery, betting and gaming products, Scientific Games, announced today the appointment of Nick Negro as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The appointment of highly-accomplished senior financial management executive Negro to the role of CFO puts an end to the extensive nationwide search initiated by Scientific Games after the retirement of long-serving former CFO James Bunitsky.
Bunitsky, who joined the company in 1981, played an instrumental role in the financial transformation of the business over four decades, as well as the sale of its lottery business, Scientific Lottery Games, to Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022.
Sound Financial Management Is Key
Grateful for the “outstanding financial leadership” displayed by Bunitsky and excited to announce the addition of Negro to the executive leadership team of the company, Pat McHugh, chief executive officer of Scientific Games, outlined the credentials of the company’s new CFO.
“He has a thorough understanding of the complexity of international operations in a service-based business and broad knowledge of corporate structure, compliance and strategy,” McHugh said, looking forward to writing Scientific Games’ “next chapter of sound financial management” under the guidance of Negro.
A results-driven financial professional, Negro is bringing over 20 years of progressive financial, strategic, and operational management and leadership experience to the company, gained at global organizations across technology, logistics and manufacturing. He will be based at the company’s global headquarters in metro Atlanta.
Holder of an MBA in Accounting and Finance from DePaul University and BS in Finance from the University of Illinois, Negro was highly successful in developing and executing financial strategies at companies such as Honeywell, Dover Corporation and Navistar, where he held positions as CFO.
Corporate Governance, Compliance, Innovation
Commenting further on the appointment, McHugh stressed the importance of the corporate governance and compliance functions, playing a vital role in helping Scientific Games’ objective of earning long-term contracts with state and government-regulated lotteries worldwide.
He also reaffirmed the company’s stance to continue innovating its games, products and services while continuing to set the global lottery industry’s gold standard for achieving and sustaining growth while maximizing gains for its customers and shareholders.
For five decades, Scientific Games has been providing games, technology, analytics and services to lotteries globally, and is currently boasting a portfolio of 130 customers in 50 countries. It also achieved numerous global certifications in corporate governance, quality, security, environmental and responsible gaming standards.
Among the latest development was the announcement of the launch of the company’s new instant games printing technology which is expected to become central in the lottery product supplier’s expansion plans in the vertical.
Ya sea que haya conseguido asientos para ver a su equipo favorito batallar en la cancha o que esté organizando una fiesta para ver los partidos desde la comodidad de su sala de estar, suponemos que usted, junto con muchos otros estadounidenses, estará sintonizado con la emoción que es March Madness. Si bien este torneo es un buen momento para celebrar el deporte que uno adora con sus mejores amigos, el Consejo de Juego Compulsivo de Florida (FCCG) sabe que también puede ser un momento peligroso para quienes están en riesgo de problemas con el juego, ya que en el Estado del Sol se hacen apuestas deportivas legales e ilegales.
Antes de lanzarnos a las semanas favoritas del año para los aficionados al baloncesto, lo animamos a seguir leyendo para saber más sobre las realidades de las apuestas deportivas y cómo practicar el juego responsable a medida que esta temporada llega a un final espectacular.
No es coincidencia que el Mes de Concientización sobre el Problema de las apuestas (PGAM) también se lleve a cabo en marzo. Cuando se lanzó esta iniciativa hace 20 años, solo duró una semana y se inspiró en el aumento de apuestas deportivas realizadas durante el legendario torneo March Madness Basketball de la NCAA. Tan solo en 2022, se calculó que 45 millones de adultos estadounidenses apostaron por los resultados de los partidos. Esas apuestas totalizarían más de 3,100 millones de dólares, lo que incluye las apuestas hechas legal e ilegalmente. [1] Este año, se prevé que se apostarán legalmente 6 mil millones de dólares durante March Madness. [2]
Ahora con un mes completo de duración, el PGAM es la culminación de los esfuerzos de varias organizaciones de todo el país que trabajan unidas para crear conciencia sobre el problema de las apuestas y conectar a las personas que necesitan ayuda con los recursos que necesitan para su recuperación. Si bien las apuestas deportivas en línea siguen siendo ilegales en Florida, quienes se encuentran apostando demasiado deben estar conscientes de los riesgos que implican incluso las apuestas aparentemente casuales entre amigos y compañeros de trabajo.
Este año, el tema del PGAM es “El juego de la vida: elija su camino”, y cuando uno hace clic aquí puede jugar un juego interactivo de cartas que elFCCG creó basado en la ideación de un empleado de la industria del juego. Durante este juego, como en la vida, los jugadores se enfrentarán a decisiones importantes y se les desafiará para elegir el siguiente paso correcto. Queremos enfatizar que cuando (APOSTAR YA NO ES UN JUEGO, PERDER NO ES UNA OPCIÓN). Antes de que se hagan apuestas el domingo de selección, queremos proporcionar la información de antecedentes necesaria para tomar la elección responsable. Por ejemplo, ¿sabía que las probabilidades de elegir el intervalo perfecto son de 2 a la 63.a potencia? Eso significa que hay una probabilidad de 1 en 9,223,372,036,854,775,808, ¡eso es 1 en 9.2 millones de billones! [3]
Para quienes eligen participar en apuestas durante el torneo, queremos asegurarnos de que todos los participantes estén practicando comportamientos de apuestas responsables para que estos juegos sigan siendo lo que deben ser: divertidos. Entre algunos consejos que conviene tener presentes durante el torneo y en cualquier entorno de apuestas tenemos:
Tomar descansos frecuentes en el juego y establecer límites de tiempo
Si ya no se divierte, deje de jugar
No persiga las pérdidas
No dependa de estrategias de “buena suerte”
No piense en ello como una forma de ganar dinero
No apueste con fondos esenciales
No apueste cuando esté molesto, estresado o bajo la influencia de alcohol o drogas [4]
Este año en el PGAM y la temporada de March Madness, todos podemos beneficiarnos de un recordatorio para dar un paso atrás y desconectarnos de la locura. Si bien las oportunidades para apostar en los partidos están disponibles las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, también lo está 888-ADMIT-IT, la línea de ayuda multilingüe y confidencial de Florida que ayuda a quienes están luchando con problemas con las apuestas y a sus seres queridos para conectarlos con recursos para Your One Sure Thing(Su única cosa segura), la recuperación.
“45 millones de estadounidenses apostarán $ 3,100 millones en el March Madness”. American Gaming Association, 13 de marzo de 2022, https://www.americangaming.org/new/45-million-americans-to-wager-3-1b-on-march-madness/
“Las apuestas en el torneo de March Madness superarán los 3 mil millones de dólares, predice un grupo sobre apuestas”. CBS News, CBS Interactive, 14 de marzo de 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/march-madness-tournament-sports-betting-gambling/.
Wilco, Daniel. “Las absurdas probabilidades de un intervalo perfecto de la NCAA”. NCAA.com, NCAA.com, 13 de marzo de 2022, https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/bracketiq/2022-03-10/perfect-ncaa-bracket-absurd-odds-march-madness-dream#:~:text=As%20such%2C%20the%20number%20of,correctly%201%20in%209.2%20quintillion.
“Consejos para mantener sus apuestas seguras: Juego más seguro: Para el público: Consejo de Apuestas Responsables”. Consejos para mantener sus apuestas seguras | Juego más seguro | Para el público | Consejo de Apuestas Responsables, https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/safer-play/safer-gambling-tips/.
Kamaru Usman’s two-year UFC Welterweight reign ended last August when Leon Edwards knocked him out. Seven months later, The Nigerian Nightmare has a chance to get his revenge, can he pull it off?
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3 Odds
Moneyline
Odds
Leon Edwards
+196
Kamaru Usman
-260
*Odds taken from FanDuel on Monday, March 13, 2023.
When, Where, and How to Watch?
Place: The O2 Arena in London, England
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023
Time: ~10:00 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Leon Edwards Defending His Title for the First Time
Leon Edwards is 20-3-1 in his professional career which started in 2011. Only three years later, he joined the UFC, where he’s 12-2-1. One of his UFC losses happened to Kamaru Usman in 2015. The Nigerian Nightmare beat him by unanimous decision in that right and was just 56 seconds away from doing the same in their second fight.
It was August 20, 2022, when Edwards defeated Usman with a shocking KO with 4:04 on the clock in the fifth round. Before that, Usman was literally killing him. He landed 83 significant strikes, which was 28 more than Edwards. Further, Usman made five takedowns, while Edwards made only one.
The Englishman can count himself lucky for getting a win, but you can be 100% certain Usman will take the next fight even more seriously. That said, Edwards will have to up his game. He does seem to be in top shape right now, not to mention that he’s gonna have his fans there to support him at The O2 Arena. But will that be enough to retain his UFC Welterweight title?
Kamaru Usman Ready for Payback
In March 2023, Kamaru Usman is sitting in the No. 5 place in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Before the KO loss to Edwards, he was at the top of the P4P list for almost a year. This fact on its own explains why Usman is favored to get back his title on Saturday.
The championship belt was in his possession for over two years. He won it in March 2019 against Tyron Woodley. Then, he went on to defend the title five times, beating the following opponents – Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice), and Gilbert Burns (once).
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3 Prediction
Both fighters are great striking-wise, but each of them has won most of the fights by decision. We think the same is going to happen this weekend in London.
Usman is the better fighter, but he will probably be way more cautious than the last time. As a result, it seems very likely the fight will go the distance. The judges will probably score in Usman’s favor, although we wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up being a split decision.
The murder of a young woman has shocked the Philippines. Rizia Mae Pardillo Ycot, 24, was serving her shift as a Small-Time Lotteries (STL) vendor in the city of Cotabato City when she got shot in the head by a heinous criminal. The suspects are the criminal gangs running illegal lottery operations.
STLs are legal lottery booths that offer forms of legal lottery gaming to local customers. Unfortunately, local gangs believe STLs are undermining their illegal gambling operations and have come to detest the booths.
The pressure on STL vendors is, sadly, nothing new. Many people working in the sector have reported having been threatened by gangs on countless occasions. Locals are almost certain that Ycot was shot by a gang member as her assailant did not steal anything. The crime was likely meant to scare other STLs into giving up on their business.
While the local gangs have previously refrained from murdering STL vendors to prove a point, it seems that illegal operators in the Philippines are now ready to do anything if that will keep them in power.
Halting Lotteries Will Allow the Police to Investigate
Now, several weeks after Ycot’s murder, Bruce Matabalao, mayor of Cotabato City, has ordered the temporary shutdown of all lotteries in the city. In the wake of the recent killing, city officials are concerned about the well-being of STL vendors.
The decision to halt STL operations in the city comes as Querubin Manalang, director of the city police, asked Matabalao to take action. Matabalao thus ordered the arrest of anyone selling any type of lottery, regardless if they were authorized to do so or not.
Lotteries will remain shut down until officials form a plan to tackle the issue and investigate Ycot’s murder. Manalang, who proposed the measure, said that the temporary stopping of operations will provide his team with the time it needs to do its job.
Other Recent Developments
In other news, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) sector recently became the object of public criticism. According to a survey, the majority of Filipinos believe that POGOs are harmful to society and the economy and encourage a sinful lifestyle.
In the meantime, the PAGCOR, a body that regulates gambling in the country, just terminated its contract with an allegedly fraudulent auditing firm. As it turned out, the company, Global ComRCI, had provided fake documents during its application for becoming PAGCOR’s third-party auditor.
The regulator will audit POGOs by itself until it finds a new partner.
Sportsbook sponsorships in Brazil face significantly less stigma than in other countries, as most Brasileirão teams have secured similar contracts. The agreement will benefit both parties, substantially bolster Fortaleza’s coffers and give the Greek bookmaker a significant visibility boost. Novibet is steadily pursuing its Latin America expansion goals and is prepared to invest a lot of funds into establishing solid brand recognition.
Fortaleza Is Now among the Best-Funded Brazilian Clubs
With the Novibet partnership now official, the number of Brasileirão clubs sponsored by betting sites rises to 19. Nearly all the country’s high-profile football teams have partnerships with operators, with Cuiabá as the sole exception after Luck.Bet did not renew their agreement. The extra funds are vital to the clubs’ competitiveness, and gambling sponsorships are substantially less divisive than in most other countries.
The sponsorship is the biggest in Fortaleza’s history and will place it among the best-funded teams in the country. Fortaleza president Marcelo Paz expressed his excitement regarding the deal. He noted that securing such a high-profile sponsor highlighted the club’s achievements and growing fanbase, promising to provide continued value to the team’s newest partner.
It is a sponsorship that will help us directly in our day-to-day activities… and we will do everything… to give the best possible return to the ones who invest in our shirt.
Marcelo Paz, Fortaleza president
The team will receive R$ 20 million ($3,83 million) per season for the next two seasons. In exchange, Novibet’s logo will prominently feature on the club’s shirts, shorts, and sleeves. The Greek operator will also maintain a presence on Fortaleza’s digital channels and display promotional messages at Arena Castelão during the team’s Brazilian Championship games.
Novibet Prepares the Ground for Future Expansion
Partnering with a prominent Brazilian team is another step towards Novibet’s ambitions to expand its Latin American presence. The operator recently successfully launched online in Mexico, partnering with brick-and-mortar casino operator Big Bola. Novibet considers Brazil a valuable and underutilized market. Partnering with a well-loved football team will allow the company to bolster its public perception, easing future expansion efforts.
Novibet president Rodolfo Odoni confirmed Brazil’s position as a strategic market, lauding the nation’s rich sports history and world-renowned football reputation. He lauded Fortaleza as a historic and beloved team, expressing his eagerness to spearhead the operator’s first forays into the country and become a part of its rich sports culture.
Through this partnership… and the ones to come, we want to become one of the world’s main supporters of Brazilian football.
Rodolfo Odoni, Novibet president
Despite Novibet’s eagerness, an official Brazilian launch may be challenging given the country’s current political climate. While the government has expressed a desire to update the country’s sports betting regulation, progress is slow. With offshore operators running mostly unchecked, Novibet may need to wait for the market to stabilize before moving in.
The Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev UFC 286 fight is bound to be a real barnburner as both fighters are famously fun to watch. Gaethje is trying to make himself relevant again, while Fiziev is hoping to continue to impress.
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev UFC 286 Odds
Moneyline
Odds
Justin Gaethje
+196
Rafael Fiziev
-260
*Odds taken from FanDuel on Monday, March 13, 2023.
When, Where, and How to Watch?
Place: The O2 Arena in London, England
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023
Time: ~10:00 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Former Champ Justin Gaethje to Make Himself Relevant Again?
Justin Gaethje is 23-4 overall with all four of his losses happening against champions or interim champions – Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poirier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira.
Gaethje himself used to be the interim champ of the UFC Lightweight division in 2020 after defeating Tony Ferguson by technical knockout. It was the last time he defeated someone by KO/TKO, which is his No. 1 preferred method of victory. Nineteen of his 23 wins happened this way, while also has one win by submission, and one by decision.
He’s a great striker who’s landing 7.46 significant strikes per minute. Knowing this, it’s no surprise he’s won so many fights by KO/TKO. What is surprising is that he doesn’t have more submission wins in his portfolio, considering that he’s a fine wrestler, who used to compete in NCAA Division I.
Reasons Why Rafael Fiziev is the Favorite at UFC 286
Rafael Fiziev is 12-1 in his pro-MMA career. His only loss happened on his UFC debut when he lost by TKO to Magomed Mustafaev. From there, he went on to win six straight fights, winning the Performance of the Night bonus for three of those. Further, he also won the Performance of the Night bonus on two occasions.
The Azerbaijani fighter is incredibly fun to watch, with some of his moves going viral on social media, the best example being his Matrix-style strike dodging. His strike defense is decent, and he tends to land a lot of punches. Eight of his 12 wins happened by KO/TKO, while he also has one win by submission and two by decision.
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev UFC 286 Prediction
Both fighters throw a lot of strikes in every fight, meaning that it’s very unlikely we’ll see the full five rounds on Saturday. We think one of the fighters is going to get too tired and the other one will take advantage of that. But who is it going to be?
We say Gaethje. He’s got the skills, as well as the experience to win this fight. Our prediction is a TKO win for The Highlight in round 5.
A champion has been declared after nine days of the $3,500 Main Event at the 2023 Wynn Millions. Michael Rossitto has climbed to the top and defeated a field of 1,314 entries to take home $604,637. Rossitto conquered a final table on Day 6 in just over 10 hours and outlasted Andrew Esposito in a heads-up duel.
Rossitto entered the final day in the middle of the pack but never really suffered any major setbacks throughout the day. As one of the strongest players remaining in the field, Rossitto got down to business and was able to walk away with the title. Both players had their hands on the chip lead at one point in a heads-up match that lasted around 2.5 hours, but it was Rossitto who got the last laugh.
It’s the largest career score for Rossitto, who said he was patient for most of the final table.
“I just waited for good hands early on until I got chips and could play more aggressively,” said in his post-win interview with PokerNews.
Rossitto will add this to his already impressive poker resume which includes over $2.1 million in career earnings.
The only hiccup on the day for the new Las Vegas resident was when he had his aces cracked during heads-up to relinquish the chip lead.
“We were still pretty deep so I got some advice from some better players to adjust my strategy and I played well,” Rossitto said. “It’s pretty good to bounce ideas off everyone and everyone had great knowledge to give. I kind of just went with my own reads and I think it well.”
As for the runner-up from Texas, Esposito also earned his largest payday of $480,752 after another solid performance since returning to the tournament scene. Esposito mentioned throughout the day that he was mostly into cash games but has since indulged in more tournaments and his track record has been stellar over the last few months. “I’m very happy with it,” Esposito said on his good run that also last over 10 hours on Day 6.
Final Table Results
Place
Player
Country
Prize
1
Michael Rossitto
United States
$604,637
2
Andrew Esposito
United States
$480,752
3
Mark Zajdner
Canada
$294,540
4
Pedro Ingles
Spain
$208,598
5
Zachary Donovan
United States
$154,279
6
Jacob Powers
United States
$120,361
7
Zhigang Yang
Canada
$96,706
8
Kharlin Sued
United States
$80,310
9
Cliff Ziff
United States
$67,765
Action from the Final Day
The day began with nine players returning to the felt and if the end of Day 5 was any indication of the pace of play, the players may have been looking at a long and extended final day before the winner would be declared. However, that wasn’t the case as the action was fast and furious right from the start with a cold deck helping the situation.
Cliff Ziff came into the day with an average stack but on the second hand of the day, his pocket tens were no match for Esposito who rivered an ace with ace-king. Short-stacked Kharlin Sued lasted another orbit but Esposito’s straight flush also sent him to the rail in the early going.
Near the end of the first level, Zhigang Yang got the last of his chips in the middle with pocket nines but was looked up by a suited broadway holding from Mark Zajdner. A runner-runner flush for Zajdner sent Yang to the payout desk in seventh place and the field was quickly down to the final six.
When the players returned from their first break of the day, it was the start-of-day chip leader Zachary Donovan who was on the wrong end of a cooler when his pocket kings were up against the pocket aces of Zajdner. The board provided no change and Donovan was left on the short stack.
Zachary Donovan
Jacob Powers was full of unorthodox plays throughout the final table, and today he even pulled out the straddle (blind raise). However, those lost chips eventually caught up with him and he ran out of chips in sixth place. Donovan managed to survive long enough to ladder up to fifth place but lost a flip to the big stack of Zajdner to leave just four players remaining.
Pedro Ingles was fairly quiet at the final table and patiently watched other stacks implode around him. The Spaniard finally found a spot to get his 20 big blinds into the middle with ace-jack suited but ran right into the ace-king of Rossitto. The board ran out clean and Ingles hit the rail in fourth place.
That left the final three to battle it out, with plenty of chips in play to create a dynamic that saw the chip lead bounce around feverishly. Another cooler emerged when Esposito’s aces scored him a double-up through Zajdner’s kings but the Canadian bounced right back with a triple-up on the very next hand.
Pedro Ingles
Three-handed play continued past the dinner break for another two levels with the chips being passed around the table pretty evenly. However, Zajdner was never able to escape the short stack, and eventually, another cooler was dealt. In a blind vs blind matchup, Zajdner got his chips in the middle with pocket jacks against the ace-king from Rossitto. An ace on the flop left Zajdner drawing slim and he was unable to catch up, bowing out in third place.
When the heads-up match began, Rossitto was comfortably in the lead and slowly adding more chips to his stack. However, his pocket aces were cracked by Esposito who flopped two pair when all of the chips went in the middle. Esposito held on for a big double-up to sway the chip lead in his direction. After one last break, Rossitto returned to the felt on a mission and quickly climbed his way back to even.
After Rossitto started to pull ahead over the next hour, he finally laid a couple of larger blows to Esposito’s stack and it all came to a head in one final hand. Rossitto barrelled the turn with the nut-straight and Esposito went bluff-catching at the wrong time. All of the chips went in on the river and Rossitto was able to celebrate with his rail.
That concludes coverage of the 2023 Wynn Millions. Please join the PokerNews team again soon for live updates from your favorite tournaments around the world.
Sportradar Group subsidiary and leading sports technology company offering unique experiences for bettors and sports fans around the globe, Sportradar, secured a major bid for ATP betting, as well as data streaming rights. The company confirmed Monday it secured the multi-year bid for the betting and streaming rights after Tennis Data Innovations (TDI), a joint venture organization of ATP Media and ATP, led an extensive RFP process.
Ultimately, the new collaboration builds further upon the positive momentum gained by Sportradar. This is because, since 2022, the company was designated as the official secondary data feed supplier of the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour. The aforementioned collaboration helped Sportradar ink multiple deals with sports organizations and companies within the vertical.
The latest RFP bid started back in January and was launched by TDI. Overall, the organization looked into proposals from five bidders for the six-year rights cycle. As a result, Sportradar was selected as the winner of the bid by demonstrating a commitment to innovation and a vision for technology.
At the same time, TDI acknowledged the company’s leading integrity solutions and services as well as its AI-driven technologies. Securing the bid means that starting from January 1, 2024, the company will be the global data and betting streaming rights holder for the ATP. Still, the company explained that in preparation there are still “contractual terms” that need to be finalized.
The Company Is Excited about the Secured Bid
Carsten Koerl, Sportradar’s CEO, said that the company is excited to be selected by TDI for the new bid. At the same time, he pointed out that tennis has seen significant growth recently which once again reaffirms the need for a provider that delivers innovative solutions and products that bring unique experiences for fans and bettors alike.
According to Koerl, Sportradar’s products and services are the perfect fit for the new task. Finally, he pointed out: “Our expertise in developing advanced technologies, including computer vision and AI which create advanced analytics and data visualization, will drive new, compelling ways for fans to engage with tennis, while also safeguarding and upholding its integrity.”
David Lampitt, TDI’s CEO, thanked all the companies that participated in the latest bid and went through the RFP process. He added that Sportradar was ultimately selected as the winner of the bid, considering its “combination of product capabilities, global reach and an innovative commercial model.” In conclusion, Lampitt acknowledged the potential and value of ATP content and said that the company is looking forward to the success the new deal with Sportradar will bring.
