Building off the network’s Super Bowl LIII broadcast in February, CBS Sports will expand the use of augmented reality and deploy more high-speed cameras for its NFL coverage this fall.
What remains to be seen is whether CBS will revamp its policy on sports betting. The NFL announced a broad betting data partnership with Sportradar on Monday, and 18 states either already have legal sports betting or have passed legislation that is awaiting enactment. CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said in the prelude to last season’s Super Bowl that “our policy is we don’t discuss gambling information.” On Tuesday, he signaled a softening of that hard line.
“We’re still talking about it,” McManus says. “We have not formulated our plan yet, but it’s under discussion and we’ll have a plan, obviously, by opening day.”
CBS debuted some on-field AR graphics at the Super Bowl, but executive producer Harold Bryant says new implementations will be within the domain of the studio. “We still want to explore that space and that technology to see how it can enhance our coverage,” he says. “The best place for us to learn about it, to demo it, and then to apply it is in the studio.”
Bryant says there’s no specific plan to use AR for X’s & O’s analysis or other graphical elements. It’s an open invitation for his team to suggest use cases. “The door is open to anything our artists and our producers and designers can come up with,” he says. “Even our announcers—if there’s something they want to do, we’re going to figure it out. We’re going to grow with the technology and use it as much as we can as the season goes along.”
While CBS Sports has no plans for a dedicated 4K Ultra HD broadcast during the regular season, Bryant says the network has still not decided on a postseason plan. Most regular-season games will have more high-speed cameras incorporated into the feed in order to enhance replays. “Adding the super slo-mo is what fans want to see,” Bryant says. “It’s to help tell the story—slow it down, see those fabulous catches, those moves out in the field, crossing the goal line.”
NBC had originally been slated to broadcast Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7, 2021 with CBS taking Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 6, 2022, but in March, the networks agreed to a swap. NBC was motivated to have the Super Bowl in the same season as the 2022 Winter Olympics; CBS was content not to compete against Olympics coverage that month.
The trade broke the typical three-year cycle of Super Bowl broadcasts (with Fox Sports also in the rotation) and reduced the downtime between games for CBS, which has already begun preliminary preparations for Super Bowl LV in 18 months. “We’ve already had our first in-house planning meeting, and we’re going to meet with the NFL, the organizing committee and survey the stadium this fall,” Bryant says.
That was the same timeline CBS Sports followed prior to the most recent Super Bowl, with Bryant making an open call to tech companies to experiment with innovations well in advance of kickoff. He made as many as 10 site visits to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium to scout locations and plan logistics.
The 2021 Super Bowl will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. CBS has produced a Super Bowl there before—but it was Super Bowl XXXV way back on Jan. 28, 2001.
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
August 14, 2019
December 06, 2018
Gambling firms agree 'whistle-to-whistle' television sport advertising ban
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which includes Bet365, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, has struck a deal to stop adverts during live sports broadcasts.
It follows political pressure about the amount of betting advertising on TV.
More than 90 minutes of adverts were shown during the football World Cup and anti-gambling campaigners say sport's use of adverts "normalises" betting.
There are also fears it contributes to the rise in the amount of problem gamblers - with a Gambling Commission report suggesting 430,000 Britons can be described as such - and helps fuel under-age gambling.
The deal follows extensive talks between firms - also including SkyBet, Betfred, Betfair, Stan James, Gala Coral and William Hill - to ensure no adverts will be broadcast for a defined period before and after a game is broadcast.
The proposal is similar to those made by the Labour party and, importantly, will include any game that starts prior to the 9pm watershed but ends after that time.
The RGA has previously said it was "very mindful of public concerns".
Horse racing will be exempt from the restrictions - given the commercial importance of gambling on its viability - but all other sports will be included.
However, it is the impact on football where the ban will be felt the most, especially given the financial value of the sport to both the gambling companies and broadcasters.
Nearly 60% of clubs in England's top two divisions have gambling companies as shirt sponsors.
Final ratification is needed from the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) before the ban comes into force.
That should be a formality, according to industry insiders, and could come as early as this month or in early 2019.
On Thursday, the RGA said: "The Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising is reviewed annually, and several options are currently being considered as the basis for possible enhancements in 2019.
"However, nothing has yet been finalised."
Tom Watson MP, Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said he was "delighted" by the move as the number of adverts during live sports had "clearly reached crisis levels".
He added: "There was clear public support for these restrictions and I'm glad that the Remote Gambling Association has taken its responsibilities seriously and listened."
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Wright MP, said it was a "welcome move".
"Gambling firms banning advertising on TV during live sport is a welcome move and I am pleased that the sector is stepping up and responding to public concerns," he said.
"It is vital children and vulnerable people are protected from the threat of gambling related harm. Companies must be socially responsible."
Sarah Hanratty, chief executive of the Senet Group - the industry's responsible gambling body, funded by the four largest UK gambling companies - said: "It has been clear for some time now that the volume and density of advertising and sponsorship messaging from gambling companies around live sport has become unsustainable.
"This is a welcome move from the leading industry operators who are taking the initiative to respond to public concern."
Could shirt sponsorship be next?
Matt Zarb-Cousin is a spokesperson for Fairer Gambling, a not-for-profit entity campaigning to reduce gambling-related harm and crime.
Will it make a difference?
Marc Etches is the chief executive of GambleAware, a leading charity committed to minimising gambling-related harm.
It follows political pressure about the amount of betting advertising on TV.
More than 90 minutes of adverts were shown during the football World Cup and anti-gambling campaigners say sport's use of adverts "normalises" betting.
There are also fears it contributes to the rise in the amount of problem gamblers - with a Gambling Commission report suggesting 430,000 Britons can be described as such - and helps fuel under-age gambling.
The deal follows extensive talks between firms - also including SkyBet, Betfred, Betfair, Stan James, Gala Coral and William Hill - to ensure no adverts will be broadcast for a defined period before and after a game is broadcast.
The proposal is similar to those made by the Labour party and, importantly, will include any game that starts prior to the 9pm watershed but ends after that time.
The RGA has previously said it was "very mindful of public concerns".
Horse racing will be exempt from the restrictions - given the commercial importance of gambling on its viability - but all other sports will be included.
However, it is the impact on football where the ban will be felt the most, especially given the financial value of the sport to both the gambling companies and broadcasters.
Nearly 60% of clubs in England's top two divisions have gambling companies as shirt sponsors.
Final ratification is needed from the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) before the ban comes into force.
That should be a formality, according to industry insiders, and could come as early as this month or in early 2019.
On Thursday, the RGA said: "The Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising is reviewed annually, and several options are currently being considered as the basis for possible enhancements in 2019.
"However, nothing has yet been finalised."
Tom Watson MP, Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said he was "delighted" by the move as the number of adverts during live sports had "clearly reached crisis levels".
He added: "There was clear public support for these restrictions and I'm glad that the Remote Gambling Association has taken its responsibilities seriously and listened."
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Wright MP, said it was a "welcome move".
"Gambling firms banning advertising on TV during live sport is a welcome move and I am pleased that the sector is stepping up and responding to public concerns," he said.
"It is vital children and vulnerable people are protected from the threat of gambling related harm. Companies must be socially responsible."
Sarah Hanratty, chief executive of the Senet Group - the industry's responsible gambling body, funded by the four largest UK gambling companies - said: "It has been clear for some time now that the volume and density of advertising and sponsorship messaging from gambling companies around live sport has become unsustainable.
"This is a welcome move from the leading industry operators who are taking the initiative to respond to public concern."
Could shirt sponsorship be next?
Matt Zarb-Cousin is a spokesperson for Fairer Gambling, a not-for-profit entity campaigning to reduce gambling-related harm and crime.
It is long overdue, there has been a huge amount of pressure on the sector over the volume of advertising which has increased exponentially year on year.
But for it to be truly effective, it should also include shirt and league sponsorship and digital advertising around a pitch.
It is better that there are going to be no ads during live sporting events but that falls some way short of being effective. If the whistle-to-whistle TV advertising ban is justified then the other things are as well.
I think it is worth bearing in mind that it is the broadcasters that have been most resistant to the clampdown on advertising.
I think the writing is on the wall. If they hadn't done this, the government would have acted anyway, perhaps next year.
There is no legislation in the pipeline but the strength of feeling cross-party and in both houses suggests that it is unsustainable.
Will it make a difference?
Marc Etches is the chief executive of GambleAware, a leading charity committed to minimising gambling-related harm.
We have been saying for a long time now that gambling is being increasingly normalised for children. They are growing up in a very different world than their parents, one where technology and the internet are ever present.
So while we welcome this move by betting companies, it is important to pay attention to analysis that shows the marketing spend online is five times the amount spent on television.
The fact that it is reported that one in eight 11 to 16 year olds are following gambling companies on social media is very concerning.
July 18, 2017
Uncertainty reigns in ‘Game of Thrones’ markets
Cersei Lannister came in from 14/1 to become the overnight favourite at just 5/2. However, despite a mass influx of overnight bets, Cersei has drifted back out in the market and Daenerys Targaryen now appears to be destined for supremacy.
Nonetheless, tragedy has played a prominent role thus far in Game of Thrones and season seven doesn’t look like being subdued, it is just 6/4 that one or more of Cersei, Daenerys, Jon Snow or Tyrion lannister reach their demise in series seven.
“If our punters are to be believed, Cersei is going to have a very prominent role in these last two series of Game of Thrones,” said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly.
April 20, 2017
Australia mulls “siren to siren” sports betting TV ad ban
Australian betting operators are potentially facing a “siren to siren” ban on advertising during televised live sporting matches, according to local media reports.
On Wednesday, The Australian reported that Communications Minister Mitch Fifield would present a proposal to cabinet on Tuesday that would prohibit television networks from airing betting ads at any time during a live sports contest. Cabinet is expected to approve the proposal.
A similar prohibition was part of a group of gambling initiatives proposed by Independent Sen. Nick Xenophon but these were rejected by a Senate committee last month on the grounds that the federal government had things under control.
Australian free-to-air broadcasters will reportedly be offered reductions in license fees to help offset the expected loss of advertising revenue, but it’s unknown whether subscription TV services will be offered similar incentives to win their support.
Australia’s sporting codes may prove a harder sell. ABC reported that key execs from the Australian Football League and the National Rugby League met with Fifield last week to argue that further advertising restrictions would drastically reduce the value of their media rights deals with betting operators. Cricket Australia is reportedly also lobbying against further curbs.
Malcolm Speed, exec director of the Coalition of Major Professional Participation Sports, told The Australian that media rights were “the sports’ greatest asset.” Speed noted that broadcasters had previously agreed to ban the promotion of live odds during sports broadcasts and further restrictions “will inevitably result in lowering investment in community and participation programs, and grassroots development.”
An unidentified source at a major sports body pointed out that Fifield’s proposed ban “also has the potential to rob sports of product fees,” i.e. the commissions paid by Australian betting operators for taking wagers on individual sports. This source said Fifield’s plan “will result in no reduction in gambling, but a reduction in taxation to state and federal governments.”
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), a trade body representing many of the country’s betting operators, has supported a reduction in betting advertising on television, apparently believing that it’s better to support moderate curbs in the hope of avoiding more punitive measures. It’s unclear whether the RWA will support Fifield’s blanket live sports ban.
On Wednesday, The Australian reported that Communications Minister Mitch Fifield would present a proposal to cabinet on Tuesday that would prohibit television networks from airing betting ads at any time during a live sports contest. Cabinet is expected to approve the proposal.
A similar prohibition was part of a group of gambling initiatives proposed by Independent Sen. Nick Xenophon but these were rejected by a Senate committee last month on the grounds that the federal government had things under control.
Australian free-to-air broadcasters will reportedly be offered reductions in license fees to help offset the expected loss of advertising revenue, but it’s unknown whether subscription TV services will be offered similar incentives to win their support.
Australia’s sporting codes may prove a harder sell. ABC reported that key execs from the Australian Football League and the National Rugby League met with Fifield last week to argue that further advertising restrictions would drastically reduce the value of their media rights deals with betting operators. Cricket Australia is reportedly also lobbying against further curbs.
Malcolm Speed, exec director of the Coalition of Major Professional Participation Sports, told The Australian that media rights were “the sports’ greatest asset.” Speed noted that broadcasters had previously agreed to ban the promotion of live odds during sports broadcasts and further restrictions “will inevitably result in lowering investment in community and participation programs, and grassroots development.”
An unidentified source at a major sports body pointed out that Fifield’s proposed ban “also has the potential to rob sports of product fees,” i.e. the commissions paid by Australian betting operators for taking wagers on individual sports. This source said Fifield’s plan “will result in no reduction in gambling, but a reduction in taxation to state and federal governments.”
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), a trade body representing many of the country’s betting operators, has supported a reduction in betting advertising on television, apparently believing that it’s better to support moderate curbs in the hope of avoiding more punitive measures. It’s unclear whether the RWA will support Fifield’s blanket live sports ban.
June 23, 2015
Bwin.Party sells poker tournaments business for $35m
Bid target Bwin.Party has sold its televised poker tournaments business to a Chinese gaming company for $35m (£22.1m).
The online gambling firm is offloading World Poker Tour (WPT) to Ourgame International, a Hong Kong-listed developer of internet and mobile games.
Loss-making WPT broadcasts high-stakes poker tournaments in more than 150 countries, and Bwin.Party will remain a sponsor of its shows and events until December next year, with first refusal over other deals beyond that date.
Dave "The Devilfish" Ulliott, Britain’s best-known professional poker player who died earlier this year, is one of WPT's past champions.
The sale comes as Bwin.Party itself considers two competing takeover approaches, one of which is understood to value the company at €1.5bn (£1.1bn). Martin Weigold, finance chief of the FTSE 250 group, said the WPT disposal was “consistent” with its plan to sell non-core businesses.
“We believe that now is the right time to release that value for shareholders so that we can focus our efforts on our core real money gaming and technology business,” he added. Shares in Bwin.Party were up 2.9pc in afternoon trading on the sale.
WPT, which holds tournaments in cities such as London and Las Vegas, posted an adjusted loss of €4.1m last year on revenues of €10.4m. PartyGaming, which merged with Bwin in 2011, bought the business for $12.3m almost six years ago. Beijing-based Ourgame, the new owner, agreed a licensing deal with WPT covering a number of Asia countries in December.
Bwin.Party made no mention of its potential takeover in Monday’s announcement.
Amaya, the Canadian giant behind Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker, has teamed up with GVC for a €1.5bn approach for the company, while online gambling group 888 Holdings has also made a rival takeover proposal.
Shares sales earlier this month by the two founders of PartyGaming rattled investors by sparking concerns that a deal for Bwin.Party might not materialise.
The online gambling firm is offloading World Poker Tour (WPT) to Ourgame International, a Hong Kong-listed developer of internet and mobile games.
Loss-making WPT broadcasts high-stakes poker tournaments in more than 150 countries, and Bwin.Party will remain a sponsor of its shows and events until December next year, with first refusal over other deals beyond that date.
Dave "The Devilfish" Ulliott, Britain’s best-known professional poker player who died earlier this year, is one of WPT's past champions.
The sale comes as Bwin.Party itself considers two competing takeover approaches, one of which is understood to value the company at €1.5bn (£1.1bn). Martin Weigold, finance chief of the FTSE 250 group, said the WPT disposal was “consistent” with its plan to sell non-core businesses.
“We believe that now is the right time to release that value for shareholders so that we can focus our efforts on our core real money gaming and technology business,” he added. Shares in Bwin.Party were up 2.9pc in afternoon trading on the sale.
WPT, which holds tournaments in cities such as London and Las Vegas, posted an adjusted loss of €4.1m last year on revenues of €10.4m. PartyGaming, which merged with Bwin in 2011, bought the business for $12.3m almost six years ago. Beijing-based Ourgame, the new owner, agreed a licensing deal with WPT covering a number of Asia countries in December.
Bwin.Party made no mention of its potential takeover in Monday’s announcement.
Amaya, the Canadian giant behind Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker, has teamed up with GVC for a €1.5bn approach for the company, while online gambling group 888 Holdings has also made a rival takeover proposal.
Shares sales earlier this month by the two founders of PartyGaming rattled investors by sparking concerns that a deal for Bwin.Party might not materialise.
December 29, 2014
Kara Scott and Partypoker Sever Ties After Five Years
Kara Scott is the latest professional poker player to part ways with a sponsor after her five-year affiliation with partypoker ends with 2014 drawing to a close.
Kara Scott is back on the market.
Nope, Kara Scott remains happily married; but she has signed on the dotted line of a set of divorce papers that ends a five-year relationship with partypoker. There was a time when this news would have made waves; today it barely ripples – and it goes to show the recent trend of burning professional sponsorship contracts can tinge the fingers of anyone.
In a recent interview with the PR mastermind, Warren Lush, I asked him which sponsored players had been worth their weight in gold during his time in the biz?
“I think Kara Scott is a fantastic ambassador for poker. She is an excellent TV presenter, and great with customers. We use her as a face on the mobile app, and we have enjoyed an excellent relationship for years now.” Lush told me.
She ticks every single box; proving the decision to allow people to leave – or not trying harder to get them to stay – says more of what online poker rooms are beginning to understand about the value a sponsored pro has to the company doing the hiring, than the actual ability of the person hired.
The announcement was made on Kara Scott’s Cardrunners blog.
“PartyPoker has gone through many changes and unfortunately as their focus shifted, there were fewer and fewer TV projects. As those shows disappeared, so did one of my favorite parts of the job and now my association with Party is ending. However, I’m not going anywhere. I still love playing poker and have made a lot of great friends in the industry.”
To be fair to bwin.party they did say that moving forward their rest of the world focus would be on casino products, and a concentrated effort on poker would only be made in the U.S. Scott is a globally recognized face, and spends more time on airplanes than Ted Striker, but her European base, and work within the European tour stops, doesn’t push her nicely into a New Jersey niche.
Scott follows ‘Mad’ Marvin Rettenmaier out of the door marked ‘exit’, and it will be interesting to see what happens to both Jamie Kerstetter and Scott Baumstein once their contracts come up for renewal. Ken Daneyko did buck the trend by joining the team at partypoker, but he is a former sports star, thus fitting the model of sponsored pro that seems to more appropriate in modern times.
With ties to partypoker now snipped, Scott can spend more time concentrating on her family, and she will continue to work with the ESPN and World Series of Poker (WSOP) when the summer comes rolling into her life. During her time with partypoker Scott played a pivotal role in turning TV productions of The Premier League and the Big Game into some of the greatest poker shows ever televised.
Kara Scott is back on the market.
Nope, Kara Scott remains happily married; but she has signed on the dotted line of a set of divorce papers that ends a five-year relationship with partypoker. There was a time when this news would have made waves; today it barely ripples – and it goes to show the recent trend of burning professional sponsorship contracts can tinge the fingers of anyone.
In a recent interview with the PR mastermind, Warren Lush, I asked him which sponsored players had been worth their weight in gold during his time in the biz?
“I think Kara Scott is a fantastic ambassador for poker. She is an excellent TV presenter, and great with customers. We use her as a face on the mobile app, and we have enjoyed an excellent relationship for years now.” Lush told me.
She ticks every single box; proving the decision to allow people to leave – or not trying harder to get them to stay – says more of what online poker rooms are beginning to understand about the value a sponsored pro has to the company doing the hiring, than the actual ability of the person hired.
The announcement was made on Kara Scott’s Cardrunners blog.
“PartyPoker has gone through many changes and unfortunately as their focus shifted, there were fewer and fewer TV projects. As those shows disappeared, so did one of my favorite parts of the job and now my association with Party is ending. However, I’m not going anywhere. I still love playing poker and have made a lot of great friends in the industry.”
To be fair to bwin.party they did say that moving forward their rest of the world focus would be on casino products, and a concentrated effort on poker would only be made in the U.S. Scott is a globally recognized face, and spends more time on airplanes than Ted Striker, but her European base, and work within the European tour stops, doesn’t push her nicely into a New Jersey niche.
Scott follows ‘Mad’ Marvin Rettenmaier out of the door marked ‘exit’, and it will be interesting to see what happens to both Jamie Kerstetter and Scott Baumstein once their contracts come up for renewal. Ken Daneyko did buck the trend by joining the team at partypoker, but he is a former sports star, thus fitting the model of sponsored pro that seems to more appropriate in modern times.
With ties to partypoker now snipped, Scott can spend more time concentrating on her family, and she will continue to work with the ESPN and World Series of Poker (WSOP) when the summer comes rolling into her life. During her time with partypoker Scott played a pivotal role in turning TV productions of The Premier League and the Big Game into some of the greatest poker shows ever televised.
April 03, 2014
Spain to allow gambling TV advertising
The Spanish gambling regulatory body is set to establish new provisions and laws that will allow the promotion and coverage of igaming verticals to be broadcast on Spanish national television.
Although online gambling is permitted, through granted national license the Spanish Government and Advertising Standards do not permit the broadcasting of television adverts promoting igaming verticals.
The new incentives to allow further promotion of licensed will be drafted by the Spanish advertising watchdog – Autocontrol. It is widely thought that TV advertisements promoting gambling will be placed during the hours of 22:00 – 06:00, in order to protect minors viewing the content. Autocontrol have taken on board advertising policies implemented by the UK advertising standards, such as the introduction of a watershed in order to limit promotion of gambling to the general public.
Igaming operators, who have decided to enter the Spanish regulated market, have welcomed the decision to allow them access to further marketing channels. The Spanish igaming market has proved to be a tough undertaking for several operators who have been burdened by heavy tax levy and restrictions of higher grossing gaming games such as casino slots.
Autocontrol have yet to give a further breakdown on how the advertising regulations and policy will be implemented, and which igaming verticals will be allowed to be advertised to the general public through televised mediums.
Although online gambling is permitted, through granted national license the Spanish Government and Advertising Standards do not permit the broadcasting of television adverts promoting igaming verticals.
The new incentives to allow further promotion of licensed will be drafted by the Spanish advertising watchdog – Autocontrol. It is widely thought that TV advertisements promoting gambling will be placed during the hours of 22:00 – 06:00, in order to protect minors viewing the content. Autocontrol have taken on board advertising policies implemented by the UK advertising standards, such as the introduction of a watershed in order to limit promotion of gambling to the general public.
Igaming operators, who have decided to enter the Spanish regulated market, have welcomed the decision to allow them access to further marketing channels. The Spanish igaming market has proved to be a tough undertaking for several operators who have been burdened by heavy tax levy and restrictions of higher grossing gaming games such as casino slots.
Autocontrol have yet to give a further breakdown on how the advertising regulations and policy will be implemented, and which igaming verticals will be allowed to be advertised to the general public through televised mediums.
November 22, 2013
TV gambling ads have risen 600% since law change
The number of gambling commercials on British TV has rocketed from 234,000 a year to nearly 1.4m annually since the deregulation of the sector six years ago, according to new research.
Media regulator Ofcom on Tuesday published research showing that viewers were bombarded with 1.39m gambling ads ran last year, with under-16s exposed to an average of 211 ads each.
This is an increase of nearly 600% since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force in September 2007, which opened the door to TV advertising for sports betting, online casinos and poker. Prior to that legislation only allowed ads for football pools, the National Lottery and bingo premises.
In 2007, some 234,000 gambling ads were aired – two years before that the figure was just 90,000. This rose to 537,000 in 2008 after the market was liberalised.
Ofcom pointed out that between 2005 and 2012, a period that has seen significant growth in the number of digital TV channels available to viewers, the total amount of TV advertising airtime also doubled from 17.4m to 34.2m spots.
Over this period the proportion of commercials accounted for by gambling ads rose from 0.5% to 4.1% of all TV advertising.
According to Ofcom, in 2012 532,000 bingo TV adverts were aired, 411,000 commercials for online casino and poker services, 355,000 for lotteries and scratch cards, and 91,000 sports betting ads.
The research shows that the 1.39m TV ads produced 30.9bn "impacts" – that is, the number of times a commercial was seen by viewers – across the course of 2012.
A breakdown of the impacts shows that adults saw an average of 630 gambling ads on TV, while children aged four to 15 saw 211.
Media regulator Ofcom on Tuesday published research showing that viewers were bombarded with 1.39m gambling ads ran last year, with under-16s exposed to an average of 211 ads each.
This is an increase of nearly 600% since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force in September 2007, which opened the door to TV advertising for sports betting, online casinos and poker. Prior to that legislation only allowed ads for football pools, the National Lottery and bingo premises.
In 2007, some 234,000 gambling ads were aired – two years before that the figure was just 90,000. This rose to 537,000 in 2008 after the market was liberalised.
Ofcom pointed out that between 2005 and 2012, a period that has seen significant growth in the number of digital TV channels available to viewers, the total amount of TV advertising airtime also doubled from 17.4m to 34.2m spots.
Over this period the proportion of commercials accounted for by gambling ads rose from 0.5% to 4.1% of all TV advertising.
According to Ofcom, in 2012 532,000 bingo TV adverts were aired, 411,000 commercials for online casino and poker services, 355,000 for lotteries and scratch cards, and 91,000 sports betting ads.
The research shows that the 1.39m TV ads produced 30.9bn "impacts" – that is, the number of times a commercial was seen by viewers – across the course of 2012.
A breakdown of the impacts shows that adults saw an average of 630 gambling ads on TV, while children aged four to 15 saw 211.
February 12, 2013
New Jersey first to offer television gambling
Customers at a New Jersey casino won’t even have to get out of bed in order to place a bet soon, as The Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City said it will become the first casino in the US to let guests gamble in their hotel rooms via TV sets, starting the end of next week.
Its E-Casino program will let guests with player’s cards set up electronic accounts and risk up to $2,500 a day. Slots and four kinds of video poker will be the first games offered.
The casino says the technology can be expanded to include gambling over hand-held devices anywhere on casino property, which New Jersey recently authorized, and full Internet gambling, if the state approves it.
“This puts us in a position to leverage the technology into true mobile gaming and Internet betting later on,” said Tom Balance, the Borgata’s president and chief operating officer. “We’re moving forward with the future of gaming, and this is that first step.”
John Forelli, the casino’s vice president of information technology, said it is designed not only as an added amenity, but to get them familiar and comfortable with the concept of electronic gambling accounts for the day when Internet wagering comes to New Jersey. Gov. Chris Christie last week vetoed an Internet gambling bill, but said he would sign one with some moderate changes.
The casino does not expect in-room gambling to supplant a significant portion of its action on the casino floor. Rather, it views it as an added attraction for customers trying to decide which of many East Coast casino destinations to visit.
Borgata officials said they had no estimates of how much they expect to take in through the system, which is subject to a 90-day trial period by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
The system is built by Allin Interactive, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., company that specializes in interactive television applications.
There are several controls to prevent the system from being used by minors or people excluded from gambling. A customer would have to have a Borgata player’s club card, which would screen them to ensure they are of legal gambling age and are not banned from any casino premises.
The PIN number used for the players’ club card would have to be combined with a temporary password provided by the casino’s front desk. Patrons would then go to the casino cashier cage and open an electronic account by providing up to $2,500 in cash, the maximum the state allows to be transferred into the system each day.
The system works using the TV remote control. Players can toggle back and forth among a slots game called Rum Runner’s Riches and four kinds of video poker. The casino eventually plans to add more games if the test period if successful.
Players who want to cash out just click a button on the screen and the proceeds of their gambling go into an e-wallet that can be stored for future visits, or paid out at the casino cashier cage, just like winnings accrued on the casino floor.
The technology is currently used on large cruise ships. It will be available in all 2,000 of the Borgata’s rooms.
Its E-Casino program will let guests with player’s cards set up electronic accounts and risk up to $2,500 a day. Slots and four kinds of video poker will be the first games offered.
The casino says the technology can be expanded to include gambling over hand-held devices anywhere on casino property, which New Jersey recently authorized, and full Internet gambling, if the state approves it.
“This puts us in a position to leverage the technology into true mobile gaming and Internet betting later on,” said Tom Balance, the Borgata’s president and chief operating officer. “We’re moving forward with the future of gaming, and this is that first step.”
John Forelli, the casino’s vice president of information technology, said it is designed not only as an added amenity, but to get them familiar and comfortable with the concept of electronic gambling accounts for the day when Internet wagering comes to New Jersey. Gov. Chris Christie last week vetoed an Internet gambling bill, but said he would sign one with some moderate changes.
The casino does not expect in-room gambling to supplant a significant portion of its action on the casino floor. Rather, it views it as an added attraction for customers trying to decide which of many East Coast casino destinations to visit.
Borgata officials said they had no estimates of how much they expect to take in through the system, which is subject to a 90-day trial period by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
The system is built by Allin Interactive, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., company that specializes in interactive television applications.
There are several controls to prevent the system from being used by minors or people excluded from gambling. A customer would have to have a Borgata player’s club card, which would screen them to ensure they are of legal gambling age and are not banned from any casino premises.
The PIN number used for the players’ club card would have to be combined with a temporary password provided by the casino’s front desk. Patrons would then go to the casino cashier cage and open an electronic account by providing up to $2,500 in cash, the maximum the state allows to be transferred into the system each day.
The system works using the TV remote control. Players can toggle back and forth among a slots game called Rum Runner’s Riches and four kinds of video poker. The casino eventually plans to add more games if the test period if successful.
Players who want to cash out just click a button on the screen and the proceeds of their gambling go into an e-wallet that can be stored for future visits, or paid out at the casino cashier cage, just like winnings accrued on the casino floor.
The technology is currently used on large cruise ships. It will be available in all 2,000 of the Borgata’s rooms.
November 28, 2012
Apple to revolutionize gambling on TV
Apple is reported to be working on a television set that will change the way we watch TV and gamble.
According to business rumors, the launch of Apple’s highly awaited television set is “imminent.”, the gossip has been around for at least two years, but recent leaks from various sources suggest the expected debut is as near as the early first half of 2013.
Allegedly, the design will resemble Apple’s LED Cinema Displays, but much bigger. Imagine watching a horse racing broadcast in normal size, and not in an iPhone gambling app.
The new TV will come with built-in Siri enabling viewers to control it without a remote. Facetime will be used on the big screen for high-quality video chat. Apple is supposed to include a console similar to Xbox Kinect as well.
Maybe the most interesting is how Apple handles TV content. The boys in Cupertino want to offer TV channels as streaming apps on their television that one can stream content through. You could pay for each app channel individually instead of subscribing for a package as you would normally do at your cable provider.
You will be able to reach all sorts of extras including mobile gambling content on your Apple devices that are connected with the television set. Apple devices such as iPhone, iPod or iPad could control your TV using a version of AirPlay.
Apple has not even commented on its television plans. There are no known names for the new product. Possible guesses include iTV, “iPanel” or simply just “Apple TV.”
Whatever Apple’s choice will be, we can be sure that its approach towards television will change the rules as iPod changed the music business, iPhone transformed the mobile industry and iPads created a new category in personal computing, gaming and mobile casinos.
According to business rumors, the launch of Apple’s highly awaited television set is “imminent.”, the gossip has been around for at least two years, but recent leaks from various sources suggest the expected debut is as near as the early first half of 2013.
Allegedly, the design will resemble Apple’s LED Cinema Displays, but much bigger. Imagine watching a horse racing broadcast in normal size, and not in an iPhone gambling app.
The new TV will come with built-in Siri enabling viewers to control it without a remote. Facetime will be used on the big screen for high-quality video chat. Apple is supposed to include a console similar to Xbox Kinect as well.
Maybe the most interesting is how Apple handles TV content. The boys in Cupertino want to offer TV channels as streaming apps on their television that one can stream content through. You could pay for each app channel individually instead of subscribing for a package as you would normally do at your cable provider.
You will be able to reach all sorts of extras including mobile gambling content on your Apple devices that are connected with the television set. Apple devices such as iPhone, iPod or iPad could control your TV using a version of AirPlay.
Apple has not even commented on its television plans. There are no known names for the new product. Possible guesses include iTV, “iPanel” or simply just “Apple TV.”
Whatever Apple’s choice will be, we can be sure that its approach towards television will change the rules as iPod changed the music business, iPhone transformed the mobile industry and iPads created a new category in personal computing, gaming and mobile casinos.
March 20, 2012
Channel 4 replaces BBC as exclusive UK racing broadcaster
British horseracing will continue to be broadcast on UK terrestrial television but will switch from the BBC to Channel 4 from 2013 following an exclusive domestic rights deal which includes the Grand National, the Derby and Royal Ascot.
Channel 4’s financial commitment to racing over the next four years amounts to one of its largest programming outlays and continues its 28-year association with British racing.
“We are delighted Channel 4 is to become the sole destination for British horseracing after securing such iconic events as Royal Ascot, the John Smith’s Grand National and the Investec Derby,” said Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s chief creative officer. “These will sit alongside our established coverage of The Cheltenham Festival and major Flat meetings such as Glorious Goodwood and the Ebor Festival and means we can extend our distinctive approach to all the crown jewels of the sport.”
A highly competitive domestic TV rights bidding process saw interest from a range of broadcasters, with Channel 4 winning the rights to a number of popular races which are currently televised by the BBC, which will be shown alongside the channel’s existing 80 days of racing it broadcasts.
“Our coverage this year will mark the end of a partnership covering some of the key events of British racing that extends over 50 years,” said BBC director of sport Barbara Slater. “The BBC are proud of their long heritage of broadcasting horse racing and put in as competitive a bid as possible in the current climate.”
Negotiations were headed by Racecourse Media Group (RMG), alongside The Jockey Club, Ascot Racecourse and British Champions Series Ltd as rights holders, with Martin Baker, director of commercial affairs, at the helm of the Channel 4 team.
“Channel 4 has shown a total commitment to our sport,” said Richard FitzGerald, chief executive of RMG, who headed racing’s negotiating team. “This new deal will not only deliver increased revenues for British racing, but with all of our sport’s crown jewels in its portfolio, Channel 4 offers a compelling vision to innovate the way racing is broadcast. They have also committed to use diverse programming platforms to promote our sport more widely. This is a great opportunity for racing in the long-term.
“The BBC has been a fantastic partner for British racing and helped the sport to grow its attendances and TV audience in recent times. We look forward to continuing to work together through radio, online and TV news coverage over the next four years until the next TV negotiation period.”
Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4’s Sports Editor, added: “This is an opportunity for us to work together to grow the sport, painting the full picture of both the Flat and Jumps seasons to attract new viewers whilst rewarding those loyal viewers we value so highly. Channel 4 fully understands the heritage and cultural importance of British racing, but also the sport’s thirst for a bright future, and we relish the challenge ahead.”
The new arrangement will see all 35 races in the QIPCO British Champions Series of premier Flat racing broadcast on Channel 4.
“Since its inception, we’ve aimed to showcase the very best of British Flat racing within the QIPCO British Champions Series via a single domestic terrestrial broadcaster,” said Rod Street, chief executive of British Champions Series. “We believe this new deal with Channel 4 will make the Series even easier to follow for the racing and wider sports fan. Hugely exciting times lie ahead.”
Channel 4’s financial commitment to racing over the next four years amounts to one of its largest programming outlays and continues its 28-year association with British racing.
“We are delighted Channel 4 is to become the sole destination for British horseracing after securing such iconic events as Royal Ascot, the John Smith’s Grand National and the Investec Derby,” said Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s chief creative officer. “These will sit alongside our established coverage of The Cheltenham Festival and major Flat meetings such as Glorious Goodwood and the Ebor Festival and means we can extend our distinctive approach to all the crown jewels of the sport.”
A highly competitive domestic TV rights bidding process saw interest from a range of broadcasters, with Channel 4 winning the rights to a number of popular races which are currently televised by the BBC, which will be shown alongside the channel’s existing 80 days of racing it broadcasts.
“Our coverage this year will mark the end of a partnership covering some of the key events of British racing that extends over 50 years,” said BBC director of sport Barbara Slater. “The BBC are proud of their long heritage of broadcasting horse racing and put in as competitive a bid as possible in the current climate.”
Negotiations were headed by Racecourse Media Group (RMG), alongside The Jockey Club, Ascot Racecourse and British Champions Series Ltd as rights holders, with Martin Baker, director of commercial affairs, at the helm of the Channel 4 team.
“Channel 4 has shown a total commitment to our sport,” said Richard FitzGerald, chief executive of RMG, who headed racing’s negotiating team. “This new deal will not only deliver increased revenues for British racing, but with all of our sport’s crown jewels in its portfolio, Channel 4 offers a compelling vision to innovate the way racing is broadcast. They have also committed to use diverse programming platforms to promote our sport more widely. This is a great opportunity for racing in the long-term.
“The BBC has been a fantastic partner for British racing and helped the sport to grow its attendances and TV audience in recent times. We look forward to continuing to work together through radio, online and TV news coverage over the next four years until the next TV negotiation period.”
Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4’s Sports Editor, added: “This is an opportunity for us to work together to grow the sport, painting the full picture of both the Flat and Jumps seasons to attract new viewers whilst rewarding those loyal viewers we value so highly. Channel 4 fully understands the heritage and cultural importance of British racing, but also the sport’s thirst for a bright future, and we relish the challenge ahead.”
The new arrangement will see all 35 races in the QIPCO British Champions Series of premier Flat racing broadcast on Channel 4.
“Since its inception, we’ve aimed to showcase the very best of British Flat racing within the QIPCO British Champions Series via a single domestic terrestrial broadcaster,” said Rod Street, chief executive of British Champions Series. “We believe this new deal with Channel 4 will make the Series even easier to follow for the racing and wider sports fan. Hugely exciting times lie ahead.”
November 08, 2011
Commentators may be told to tone down TV betting plugs
Sport commentators would have to tell fans to "gamble responsibly" under proposed new gambling rules.
The Independent Gambling Authority has asked the gambling industry to comment on 12 ideas it is considering as part of an update to industry rules.
Networks are increasingly being paid "plug" money to cite odds during games.
"One option might be for the gambling provider to procure that the same commentators will speak, in a neutral tone, the mandatory warning message on a minimum frequency throughout sporting events," the IGA says in a discussion paper for the industry.
The IGA believes conventional television, radio and print advertising of gambling is "well comprehended" under its existing code of practice, but it may have to toughen up on emerging forms of advertising such as online, at-venue and product placement.
Uniting Care Wesley manager Mark Henley has told the IGA it should also investigate the "contempt" some betting companies show for existing warning messages.
"One company earlier this year concluded their radio advertising with a fast delivery of the following responsible gambling message: `Gamble responsibly, don't drink too much and be nice to your mother'," he said.
"The wording coupled with the delivery is clearly, in my opinion, applying ridicule to the requirement ... to include a responsible gambling message.
"A complaint was lodged with the IGA in March this year. We haven't had a reply."
Other ideas that the IGA has put to the industry for discussion include whether industry bodies to prevent problem gambling are effective, free betting credits should be banned and more training is needed for staff at gambling venues.
In a submission to the IGA inquiry, the Adelaide Casino has lobbied for continued special treatment.
It says: "Adelaide Casino requires a separate code from other sectors and deserves credit for the proven, continued success of the host responsibility co-ordinator program. We thank the authority for the faith shown in Adelaide Casino, following Review 2006 and submit that the findings remain valid."
The Independent Gambling Authority has asked the gambling industry to comment on 12 ideas it is considering as part of an update to industry rules.
Networks are increasingly being paid "plug" money to cite odds during games.
"One option might be for the gambling provider to procure that the same commentators will speak, in a neutral tone, the mandatory warning message on a minimum frequency throughout sporting events," the IGA says in a discussion paper for the industry.
The IGA believes conventional television, radio and print advertising of gambling is "well comprehended" under its existing code of practice, but it may have to toughen up on emerging forms of advertising such as online, at-venue and product placement.
Uniting Care Wesley manager Mark Henley has told the IGA it should also investigate the "contempt" some betting companies show for existing warning messages.
"One company earlier this year concluded their radio advertising with a fast delivery of the following responsible gambling message: `Gamble responsibly, don't drink too much and be nice to your mother'," he said.
"The wording coupled with the delivery is clearly, in my opinion, applying ridicule to the requirement ... to include a responsible gambling message.
"A complaint was lodged with the IGA in March this year. We haven't had a reply."
Other ideas that the IGA has put to the industry for discussion include whether industry bodies to prevent problem gambling are effective, free betting credits should be banned and more training is needed for staff at gambling venues.
In a submission to the IGA inquiry, the Adelaide Casino has lobbied for continued special treatment.
It says: "Adelaide Casino requires a separate code from other sectors and deserves credit for the proven, continued success of the host responsibility co-ordinator program. We thank the authority for the faith shown in Adelaide Casino, following Review 2006 and submit that the findings remain valid."
April 08, 2011
Gambling Commission voids bets after X Factor probe
In a landmark move, the UK Gambling Commission has issued voiding orders for the first time under the Gambling Act 2005, after concluding an investigation into suspicious betting patterns involving three employees of media channel Virgin Media during last year's series of the popular weekly TV talent show The X Factor.
The Commission has voided bets totalling over £16,000 which were placed on The X Factor, and follows an investigation into a report of suspicious betting activity brought to its attention by Betfair’s Integrity Unit.
The investigation established that three individuals employed by phone line operator Virgin Media were misusing their access to Virgin’s data on voting patterns to place unfair bets on which contestants would be eliminated from The X Factor. The employees have since been sacked by Virgin.
“There is no evidence that the integrity of the public voting or the TV shows involved were compromised,” said the Gambling Commission in statement. “However, the Commission has consulted with Ofcom, which has been working with Virgin Media and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that firm steps are taken to prevent a repeat of such activity.”
The voiding orders mean that any contract or other arrangement in relation to each bet is void and that any money paid in relation to each bet - whether by way of stake, winnings, commission or otherwise - shall be repaid to the person who paid it, and repayment may be enforced as a debt due to that person.
The voiding orders also indicate that Betfair should, to the extent that it may be in its power to do so, cause affected Betfair customers to be repaid.
“Following a multi-agency investigation led by the Gambling Commission, we are satisfied that the bets placed were substantially unfair as the individuals involved had inside information,” said Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation for the Gambling Commission.
“We have worked closely with all the bodies involved to ensure that those individuals do not profit from their activity and that appropriate action has been taken to prevent a recurrence of such activity in the future.”
The Commission has voided bets totalling over £16,000 which were placed on The X Factor, and follows an investigation into a report of suspicious betting activity brought to its attention by Betfair’s Integrity Unit.
The investigation established that three individuals employed by phone line operator Virgin Media were misusing their access to Virgin’s data on voting patterns to place unfair bets on which contestants would be eliminated from The X Factor. The employees have since been sacked by Virgin.
“There is no evidence that the integrity of the public voting or the TV shows involved were compromised,” said the Gambling Commission in statement. “However, the Commission has consulted with Ofcom, which has been working with Virgin Media and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that firm steps are taken to prevent a repeat of such activity.”
The voiding orders mean that any contract or other arrangement in relation to each bet is void and that any money paid in relation to each bet - whether by way of stake, winnings, commission or otherwise - shall be repaid to the person who paid it, and repayment may be enforced as a debt due to that person.
The voiding orders also indicate that Betfair should, to the extent that it may be in its power to do so, cause affected Betfair customers to be repaid.
“Following a multi-agency investigation led by the Gambling Commission, we are satisfied that the bets placed were substantially unfair as the individuals involved had inside information,” said Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation for the Gambling Commission.
“We have worked closely with all the bodies involved to ensure that those individuals do not profit from their activity and that appropriate action has been taken to prevent a recurrence of such activity in the future.”
January 07, 2010
Betfair launches first TV widget betting application
Looking to benefit from the emerging Internet-connected TV platform, online betting exchange Betfair has launched the first betting application for TV’s running the Yahoo! TV Widget Engine, an applications platform which allows users to interact with Internet content and services that compliment and enhance the traditional TV viewing experience.
Betfair has created a specialist interactive TV team to lead innovation of this TV technology. The Yahoo! Widget Engine is based on the popular Konfabulator widget platform for the PC, which has been re-engineered specifically for consumer electronics devices.
“TVs are the centre of home entertainment and live sport on TV drives our business,” said Simon Miller, CEO Betfair TV Ltd. “The way people interact with their televisions is changing. Our investment in this exciting new platform ensures that Betfair is an integral part of the future of Internet-connected TV.”
According to industry analysts Futuresource Consulting, 20% of flat panel TVs shipped in Europe this year will have Internet capability with the installed base of connected TVs increasing to 15 million devices by the end of 2010, representing nearly 10% of the total number of flat panel TVs in use.
“Yahoo! is the trusted partner for publishers who want to take advantage of our global distribution channels and advancements in building a worldwide developer ecosystem for publishing and distributing new and innovative TV Widgets,” said Arlo Rose, Senior Director of Product Management and Design, Yahoo! Connected TV. "In those countries that allow it, the Betfair TV Widget provides sports enthusiasts with an online entertainment experience to enhance their sports television watching.”
Betfair will be demonstrating its football betting application at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) which begins today at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Betfair has created a specialist interactive TV team to lead innovation of this TV technology. The Yahoo! Widget Engine is based on the popular Konfabulator widget platform for the PC, which has been re-engineered specifically for consumer electronics devices.
“TVs are the centre of home entertainment and live sport on TV drives our business,” said Simon Miller, CEO Betfair TV Ltd. “The way people interact with their televisions is changing. Our investment in this exciting new platform ensures that Betfair is an integral part of the future of Internet-connected TV.”
According to industry analysts Futuresource Consulting, 20% of flat panel TVs shipped in Europe this year will have Internet capability with the installed base of connected TVs increasing to 15 million devices by the end of 2010, representing nearly 10% of the total number of flat panel TVs in use.
“Yahoo! is the trusted partner for publishers who want to take advantage of our global distribution channels and advancements in building a worldwide developer ecosystem for publishing and distributing new and innovative TV Widgets,” said Arlo Rose, Senior Director of Product Management and Design, Yahoo! Connected TV. "In those countries that allow it, the Betfair TV Widget provides sports enthusiasts with an online entertainment experience to enhance their sports television watching.”
Betfair will be demonstrating its football betting application at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) which begins today at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
New dedicated internet TV sports betting service launches
Aiming to deliver an unrivalled betting-focussed programme to both customers and bookmakers, a new dedicated sports betting Internet TV service, The Betting Channel, has been launched with support from Satellite Information Services (SIS), the news and sports coverage provider part-owned by UK bookmakers Ladbrokes, William Hill and the Tote.
The channel has begun streaming via TheBettingChannel.tv, initially broadcasting from 9am to 11am Monday to Saturday with plans to lengthen the programming output to six hours a day.
The concept is the result of several years planning by former Sky Sports and Liverpool TV presenter Alan Bentley, who has been working towards the idea of an online platform to provide entertaining and informative betting comment and live updated odds.
“After such a long time spent working on this project it’s a very exciting time for the whole team and me personally,” said Alan Bentley, The Betting Channel founder and presenter. “We believe the immediacy of our offering will prove attractive because punters will be able to obtain continually updated sports news and odds as soon as the news breaks. And by using an internet platform to broadcast we offer an immediate global reach.”
Bentley will anchor the live magazine show from London studios alongside co-host Simone Thomas, regularly assisted by a host of sports and betting journalists including football pundit Alan Brazil, The Racing Post’s Mark Winstanley and former Arsenal footballer Perry Groves.
A team of top broadcasters and sports personalities both in the studio and on the telephone provide expert analysis of all major sports events of the day from around the world, identifying regular betting opportunities, including in-running, around that particular event.
Following its launch on interactive TV, The Betting Channel’s future plans include the provision of bespoke content for bookmaker partners, the launch of an affiliate scheme, expansion of the website and SMS and mobile content syndication.
The company plans to stream both the magazine output and coverage of live events onto bookmakers’ own websites and create and deliver podcasts, vodcasts and other compelling content for clients. The Betting Channel site will also host virtual games and act as a portal to sponsor online poker and casino offerings.
The channel has begun streaming via TheBettingChannel.tv, initially broadcasting from 9am to 11am Monday to Saturday with plans to lengthen the programming output to six hours a day.
The concept is the result of several years planning by former Sky Sports and Liverpool TV presenter Alan Bentley, who has been working towards the idea of an online platform to provide entertaining and informative betting comment and live updated odds.
“After such a long time spent working on this project it’s a very exciting time for the whole team and me personally,” said Alan Bentley, The Betting Channel founder and presenter. “We believe the immediacy of our offering will prove attractive because punters will be able to obtain continually updated sports news and odds as soon as the news breaks. And by using an internet platform to broadcast we offer an immediate global reach.”
Bentley will anchor the live magazine show from London studios alongside co-host Simone Thomas, regularly assisted by a host of sports and betting journalists including football pundit Alan Brazil, The Racing Post’s Mark Winstanley and former Arsenal footballer Perry Groves.
A team of top broadcasters and sports personalities both in the studio and on the telephone provide expert analysis of all major sports events of the day from around the world, identifying regular betting opportunities, including in-running, around that particular event.
Following its launch on interactive TV, The Betting Channel’s future plans include the provision of bespoke content for bookmaker partners, the launch of an affiliate scheme, expansion of the website and SMS and mobile content syndication.
The company plans to stream both the magazine output and coverage of live events onto bookmakers’ own websites and create and deliver podcasts, vodcasts and other compelling content for clients. The Betting Channel site will also host virtual games and act as a portal to sponsor online poker and casino offerings.
October 14, 2009
Poker Channel signs Neufbox TV French distribution deal
In parallel to France's National Assembly preparing to vote Tuesday on enacting a bill to liberalize and regulate the country's online gaming market, the Poker Channel has just announced a new distribution agreement with Neufbox TV, the popular TV service of French telecommunications company SFR.
The launch on telco SFR's TV platform follows deals with IPTV operator Free and cabler Numericable in France. Now Europe's largest dedicated gaming TV network is available 24 hours a day to all SFR TV subscribers on Channel 199.
SFR is currently 56% owned by French media group Vivendi and 44% by mobile phone giant Vodafone.
After the agreement, the Poker Channel will air to more than 18 million cable and satellite homes in twenty different countries. It attracts over 1 million unique TV viewers per month, with 65% of viewers playing online every day.
Highlights for the launch in France include seven episodes of the PokerHeaven European Cash Game, a high stakes cash game featuring celebrated poker pros, as well as events from the World Series of Poker, European Poker Tour, and the World Poker Tour.
The launch on telco SFR's TV platform follows deals with IPTV operator Free and cabler Numericable in France. Now Europe's largest dedicated gaming TV network is available 24 hours a day to all SFR TV subscribers on Channel 199.
SFR is currently 56% owned by French media group Vivendi and 44% by mobile phone giant Vodafone.
After the agreement, the Poker Channel will air to more than 18 million cable and satellite homes in twenty different countries. It attracts over 1 million unique TV viewers per month, with 65% of viewers playing online every day.
Highlights for the launch in France include seven episodes of the PokerHeaven European Cash Game, a high stakes cash game featuring celebrated poker pros, as well as events from the World Series of Poker, European Poker Tour, and the World Poker Tour.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)