PokerStars fined by New Jersey authorities for taking over 200 wagers, totalling over $2,700, on state college basketball teams.

PokerStars has been fined by authorities in New Jersey for taking over 200 wagers on state college basketball teams.

According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), the operator has been fined $10,000 for accepting 216 wagers, totalling over $2,700, on a Rutgers v Eastern Michigan University game. One bet was also accepted on a Monmouth University v University of Pennsylvania game.

Under current New Jersey sports betting regulations, wagering on collegiate teams from the state is prohibited, even if the game is played in another state.

If you think the fine seems a like on the low side, you’re not the only one. In fact, after even paltrier punishments had been issued to Golden Nugget and Caesars Entertainment for the same type of infraction, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo has put forward a bill proposing fines of between $20K and $100K. It is currently being considered by state lawmakers.

AYO.NEWS says:

While in Europe, especially in the UK, regulators seem to be constantly hitting operators with eye-watering fines for relatively minor infractions, in the US the immaturity of the environment is highlighted by some laughably low fines. But, operators should make the most of it, as it sure won’t last long.

Sports data firm Sportradar teams up with sports and DFS programming company SportsGrid to launch free 24-hour sports betting network.

Sports data and analytics firm Sportradar is teaming up with sports and DFS programming company SportsGrid to launch the first free 24-hour sports betting network.

The new network will be the first of its kind dedicated to the sports betting audience, and will combine Sportradar’s ad tech, OTT technology and data with SportGrid’s original specialised programming, serving fans accurate coverage and analysis of statistics and odds across pro sports.

Discussing the partnership SVP US Advertising and OTT at Sportradar, Jason Sukhraj, said:

“Sportradar is always looking to enhance the fan experience through the use of data and technology,

“Collaborating with the SportsGrid executive team provides us with the platform to mesh our core competencies around betting with their programming talent and address the increasing demand for information and content geared around sports gaming.”

The collaboration will incorporate Sportradar’s ad:s service, which gives bookmakers a range of marketing solutions that are billed to “eliminate waste” and streamline marketing spend (see SPORTRADAR ENTERS MARKETING WITH LAUNCH OF AD:S SERVICE). The service will also be offered to other brands looking to reach the betting community through program sponsorship and targeted ad spends across video and audio.

Commenting on the development President of SportsGrid, Louis M. Maione, said:

“The integration of Sportradar data and technology into our content is game changing for our free twenty-four hour audio and video gambling network. This partnership showcases our combined vision of delivering the true convergence of content, data, and gaming to the millions of sports fans craving this informative and entertaining programming.

“Joining forces with Sportradar instantly affords SportsGrid with the ability to provide unquestionable best of breed sports wagering programming. Additionally, Sportradar’s delivery of a robust video solution ensures our content is placed where fans want to consume it, stamping our foothold as a market leader in the space.”

AYO.NEWS says:

With the US sports betting market still only suggesting its true potential, many sports operators will be looking for effective marketing to establish their brands with the American market, which unlike the UK market, doesn’t already have almost unassailable brand loyalty with existing bookmakers. With affiliate marketing rapidly becoming less effective, inefficient and generating huge liability problems in some markets, the appeal of targeting marketing through a unified content network like this may also be increasing.

Midwestern US state of Iowa closer to legalising land-based and online sports betting and daily fantasy sports after bill passes Senate.

Sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) is a step closer to being legalised in the US state of Iowa, after a bill passed the state Senate.

The Senate approved the bill 31-18, and it will now be put forward for debate in the Iowa House.

The bill proposes that both land-based and online sports and DFS wagering (with the exception of DFS betting on collegiate sports) be legalised, with the remit of the existing greyhound and horseracing regulator extended to cover all betting. Following the Nevada model, it suggests a revenue-based tax rate of 6.75%.

Commenting on the developments, Senator Roby Smith said:

“I believe what we’re doing in this bill is the right thing to do. Sports wagering will no longer be acceptable in the dark. The sun is shining and Iowans will be able to participate legally and responsibly.”

AYO.NEWS says:

With a little over 3,100,000 people, Iowa is never going to be one of the most lucrative states for gambling operators, but it’s still good to see a comprehensive legalisation bill which includes online wagering progressing with such convincing support, and it’s yet another one of the dominos falling as sports betting marches west across America.

Just two days ago AYO.NEWS reported that another Midwestern state, Indiana, is also closer to legalising limited sports wagering, after Bill 552 passed the House of Representatives 78-15 in favour (read more).