Has PointsBet found a buyer?
Fanatics is reportedly in talks with PointsBet, Bally's new plans for its app, and 5 years after the overturning of PASPA.
Happy Friday and welcome to your weekly roundup! Fanatics could be speeding up its U.S. launch via M&A, Bally’s chooses partners for its app, and the post-PASPA era is five years old. If you enjoyed reading this, please subscribe or share it with a friend. Have a great weekend…
Market Movers
Fanatics in talks with PointsBet: Fanatics is in talks to acquire a piece of PointsBet, according to SporsHandle. PointsBet has been seeking a sale of its U.S. assets, according to several reports. Fanatics is preparing to launch its sportsbook in a number of states this year so this would obviously change that.
Meanwhile, PointsBet ended its partnership with the University of Maryland. Its marketing deal was technically between PointsBet and third party Playfly Sports’ Maryland Sports Properties. Previously PointsBet ended a deal with the University of Colorado that was under scrutiny.
Bally’s outsources sports betting app. Bally’s basically admitted its technology wasn’t working on its recent earnings call. Bally’s, which is live in 6 states, has now partnered wtih Kambi for sports betting technology and White Hat for player account management.
Tax on handle? Tennessee could become the first state to tax sports betting on handle, with a proposed 1.85% tax on operators, compared to its current 20% of adjusted gross revenue.
Overheard
“Recommended bets or wagers are a great way to broaden the pool of sports bettors… Making the first wager can be a little intimidating.” — Casey Brett, MLB’s SVP of business development, on how suggested bets can help new bettors.
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What we’re Reading
Prove Identity signed a deal to handle FanDuel’s mobile identity verification and authentication.
After NFL players suspended, exclusion lists for pro athletes are in focus.
Vermont legislature sent its sports betting bill to the governor.
Texas sports betting bill has passed the House, but faces challenge in the Senate.
Five years since overturning PASPA, an oral history.
Iowa and Iowa state are investigating athlete gambling.
Colorado Rapids suspended a player for unlawful sports gambling.
Data Point
$220 billion: The total that has been bet with U.S. sportsbooks since the May 2018 Supreme Court overturned PASPA, per the American Gaming Association.
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