Community, Author at iSportConnect

Betting on Football casts its eye over the sports betting world

Betting on Football 2018, held at Stamford Bridge from 20-23 March, will demonstrate its international appeal by delivering updates around the biggest sports betting jurisdictions.

Global Market Profiles, which takes place on the first full day of #bofcon2018 on Wednesday 21 March, is one of five main tracks at the event, which will feature a total of more than 40 sessions and up to 190 industry speakers.

OPTIMA CEO Jacob Lopez will get the ball rolling with a presentation on the new window of licensing opportunity in Spain, just a few months after Spanish regulatory body Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) reopened the application process for the third time since 2011.

Lopez commented: “This event comes at a great time for us, as it falls within the 12-month window for online licence applications in Spain, that will enable new online operators to gain access to the market by working with OPTIMA.

“It also coincides with a period of considerable growth in the country – the regulated gambling market in Spain generated revenue of €140.5 million from 30 June to 30 September last year, a 37.3% increase when compared to the same period in 2016.”

The morning part of the seven-session track will also cover preparation for a World Cup-free summer in Italy and the success of start-ups across the Scandinavian region, featuring Danske Spil CEO Niels Erik Folmann, Mr Green CEO Jesper Kärrbrink, Better Collective CEO Jesper Soegaard and Jari Vahanen, Senior Vice President for state-owned Finnish operator Veikkaus.

Kärrbrink added: “Scandinavia is a hotbed of innovation because of its history – a history of entrepreneurship, of technology development, of successful companies such as Ericsson and Spotify, but also a heritage of gambling, which has been a key part of society for hundreds of years. If you add this together, you get a very interesting environment for technology driven betting companies.”

Folmann said: “The key challenge for the Scandinavian sports betting market is that we have full regulation in Denmark, and Sweden coming up, but Finland and Norway are not regulated yet, so you have this enormous pressure from our international competitors on both the commercial terms and innovation.”

Meanwhile, Snaitech CEO Fabio Schiavolin, Gazzetta dello Sport Managing Director Francesco Carione, Microgame CEO Marco Castaldo and Tonucci and Partners’ Quirino Mancini will pick out the positives in the land of the beaten Azzurri, as progressive betting regulations make for a significantly more attractive place to conduct business.

Following a lunch break, the focus will turn to tackling the changing laws in Africa and the move towards legalised sports betting in the US, as the state of New Jersey seeks to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which prohibits sports betting outside of Nevada.

The list of confirmed speakers for the Africa session includes Web Analysis Solutions CEO Mathew Symmonds, BetBoss.co.ke Investor Ian Hogg and Martin Sack, the Group Manager of Online Business Development for Sun International Group Manager, while Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith will be talking about the potential for PASPA repeal in ‘‘Making America a great market again’, alongside Betradar MD of Sales Eduard Blonk.

Smith said: “The US has the potential to house the biggest betting market in the world, but it all depends on the Supreme Court. Though it’s now quite possible that New Jersey will win the right to reverse the federal ban on licensed sports betting, that does not mean that the PASPA will be fully repealed. Both from a neutral perspective, and with my Pinnacle hat on, it will be interesting to see how this progresses.”

The afternoon will conclude with a session on dealing with the opaque regulatory landscape in Asia, led by TCM Inplay CEO Jim Yu, followed by expert insight into the scale of the World Cup opportunity in Eastern Europe.

Right now tickets for Betting on Football are available at a 25% discount – get there HERE! For enquiries about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities – please contact us on sales@sbcnews.co.uk

VERO appointed lead communications and strategy consultants for Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has appointed London-based VERO Communications as the lead international communications and strategy agency to the Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid.

VERO will work with the Federation and the Morocco 2026 Bid Committee to help shape the vision of a welcoming, passionate and authentic tournament in one of Africa’s most dynamic nations.

VERO will be the lead agency on all aspects of international media and social media communications and work closely with bid leaders on overall campaign strategy.

VERO’s appointment comes after a hugely successful 2017 for the agency, which included advising Paris in its successful campaign to win the right to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as Andrew Parsons in his election as President of the International Paralympic Committee.

Mike Lee, Chairman of VERO Communications, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Morocco 2026 Bid at this time and look forward to this exciting journey all the way to the FIFA Congress in June.

“Morocco is a truly welcoming country with an authentic passion for football, providing excellent conditions for players, easy for fans to access and get around and all in a single time zone. Its location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, and East and West, means it also offers FIFA a superb commercial proposition.

“This promises to be a very interesting campaign as a country from Africa seeks the honour to host the most important footballing event on the planet.”

Arsenal announce Hyde Park Developments as first official partner in Egypt

Premier League football club Arsenal has announced retail company Hyde Park Developments as their first official partner in Egypt.

The Gunners boast a significant fanbase in Africa and plan to use the partnership to help drive engagement with fans in Egypt, plus support Hyde Park Developments’ marketing strategy across two real estate developments: New Cairo and Coast82.

The club will co-host quarterly training camps at both developments, while Arsenal Legends will visit Cairo and first-team players will feature in content used to promote the developments.

Additionally, Arsenal supporters in Egypt and Hyde Park Developments’ residents will be able to access a range of club-related benefits.

Arsenal’s chief commercial officer, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “We are pleased to announce this landmark partnership with Hyde Park Developments, our first in Egypt.

“Arsenal has fantastic support in Egypt where we have our second largest Facebook following of more than 2.5 million. We look forward to working with Hyde Park Developments to help them fulfil their business goals and for us to engage further with our passionate supporters in Egypt.”

Hyde Park Developments chief executive officer, Amin Serag, added: “Since football is by far the most loved sport in the country, it is only natural that one of largest Arsenal’s fan bases has developed over here. We are planning to directly reach out to those followers and engage in common activities for the benefit of both brands.

“Partnering with Arsenal will allow us not only to enhance our brand perception through association with a globally recognised and respected brand, but also to cater to our living community’s lifestyles at Hyde Park, the New Cairo and Cairo overall.”

ITTF World Tour and T2 sign collaboration agreement

The ITTF World Tour and T2 Asia & Pacific Table Tennis League have signed a collaboration agreement with the aim of growing both properties for the betterment of global table tennis.

T2 will become the ITTF competition “laboratory”, where the ITTF can test new innovations such as ball tracking and the challenge system.

The collaboration will also involve the ITTF World Tour incorporating certain elements from T2, such as using multiple balls during matches, increased player promotion, player contracts and broadcast innovations.

Mr Frank JI, who is the Founder & Chairman of T2 as well as the Chairman of Seamaster, the title sponsor of the ITTF World Tour, said: “My goal is to create an environment where our table tennis players are adored and loved by millions across the world and not just by table tennis fans.

“An environment that would attract more media attention, more TV broadcasters, more fans and more money into the sport. I want table tennis to be one of the biggest sports in the world, and have our players become rich and famous! This is why I created the T2 league and sponsored the ITTF World Tour.

“I see many synergies between the two properties, which is why this collaboration makes sense, so ITTF and T2 can work more closely together and achieve my goal of table tennis being a flourishing commercial sport.”

Date set for iSC Beijing Summit | March 26-27

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that the first Summit of 2018 will take place in Beijing, China on March 26-27.

The two-day event will bring together an elite group of C-level executives working at premier sports rights holders and brands in the world’s major cities, representing a unique opportunity for delegates to experience the learning and networking benefits of iSportconnect’s exclusive invitation-only event concept.

With a content programme incorporating panels and interviews focusing on building sports businesses, education, health and grassroots football development, those in attendance will learn about China’s impressive growth in the sports market and gain insight into how the nation can learn valuable lessons from the Western world.

Additionally, a series of workshops will give the audience a chance to develop their skills and best practices in regards to sponsorship, fan engagement, social media and international events.

Tom Glick, Chief Commercial Officer at City Football Group, has been confirmed as a guest speaker and will add significant value to the content programme, having helped propel the organisation to the pinnacle of the footballing world. A full lineup of speakers will be confirmed in due course.

The two-day event will take place at the iconic National Aquatics Centre – dubbed the Water Cube – which proved to be a key venue at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and is set to host curling at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Attendees will receive a guided tour of the spectacular swimming venue while breakout sessions, plus an evening networking reception, will ensure delegates can exchange ideas with some of the most influential people in the global sports industry.

Chatham House Rules will be in operation, promoting a relaxed environment in which to forge new relationships, discuss potential partnerships and mull over future business opportunities.

iSportconnect will also be staging Directors’ Summits in other major cities such as Lausanne, Dubai, Madrid and Paris throughout 2018.

Please contact Niren Hirani (niren@isportconnect.com) to register your interest in attending.

Event schedule

26th:

Workshops: 12:00-15:00

Networking Reception: 18:00-21:00

27th:

Summit: 09:30-16:30

In partnership with Lanxiong Sports, the first sports business content provider in China.

British Cycling gears up with more and better data

The UK’s fastest-growing two-wheel sport just got even faster.

That’s thanks to a comprehensive data analysis project completed by sports CRM specialist Goodform, which has boosted British Cycling’s prospective membership database.

The agency’s work not only analysed existing customer data, but also harnessed several previously-untapped data sources and touch points. All have now been combined into a central data warehouse.

The warehouse now provides a single customer view of everyone connected to British Cycling, whether a rider or ticket-buyer for a cycling event – or both.

“It means we can now embark on highly-targeted communications strategy to people we know a lot more about,” says Terry Greenwood British Cycling’s Head of Membership Services and Insight.

“Goodform applied an insight-led approach to the data analysis project, rather than a straight amalgamation of our various existing data sources. This approach revealed touch points where we had collected data, but not considered part of our integrated marketing efforts.

“In turn, it means we are now much better-placed to understand our customers’ relationship with cycling enabling us to cross-sell products, services and events. It all means we can enhance the attraction of cycling further.”

Leading the analysis was Goodform’s Abigail Cockayne, who notes: “Apart from the more relevant dialogues British Cycling can now create with its followers, this work can have a profound effect on the financial stability of the sport.

It means the governing body is better placed to leverage existing sponsorships by providing more intelligent activation opportunities – and arms them with really hard evidence to attract new commercial partners.

“The insight-led methodology we employ is intended to generate genuine sustainability for sport, allowing them to secure their present and flourish in the future.”

Away from British Cycling, Goodform’s impressive client portfolio spans the sporting world. The agency’s core services focus on the use of data and insight to drive tangible growth – whether in revenue, participation or membership – or all three at the same time.

The range of Goodform services can be viewed here.

Chelsea Football Club appoint Guy Laurence as new chief executive

Chelsea Football Club has today announced the appointment of Guy Laurence as their new Chief Executive.

Laurence will start his new position with the Blues at the start of February, reporting directly to the club’s Board of Directors.

Laurence will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Premier League club, with a focus on increasing revenues through the development of commercial activities both in the UK and around the world.

Chelsea Chairman, Bruce Buck, said: “We look forward to Guy joining the club during an exciting period for Chelsea on and off the field.

“He will be working with the owner and the Board to increase our commercial revenues and maximise digital opportunities, identifying new ways to best serve our supporters here in the UK and further grow our international fan base.”

Laurence brings with him significant experience in senior roles courtesy of recent positions as the President and CEO of Rogers Communications, one of Canada’s largest communications and media businesses.

NFL announces schedule of London Games for 2018

The National Football League (NFL) today announced the schedule of London Games for 2018, with Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium set to stage a regular-season game for the first time.

Spurs’ new home will host a clash between the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks, while Wembley Stadium will feature games between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The order of the games, along with all kick-off times, is yet to be confirmed.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: “We continue to be very excited by the growth of the NFL in the UK. The fans have demonstrated outstanding support and passion for the NFL over the past 11 seasons and we look forward to some great games in London this year.

“A key feature of our success is playing in iconic, world-renowned venues like Wembley and Twickenham, and we look forward to playing in what will be another incredible setting for NFL football at Tottenham’s new stadium.”

Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, added: “This is a milestone year for the club as we look ahead to the opening of our new stadium and all that it will bring to the area of Tottenham.

“The announcement of the first game of the NFL’s 2018 London Games to take place at our new home heralds the commencement of our 10-year partnership. This is one of the cornerstones of our vision for creating a world-class sports and leisure destination that will make Tottenham a hive of activity 365 days a year and drive the regeneration of one of the most deprived areas of London.

“The NFL will bring a whole new audience to the local area, showcase Tottenham and bring further economic and social benefits with truly global coverage and attraction.”

Martin Glenn, Chief Executive of the Football Association, commented: “The NFL holds huge value and importance to Wembley Stadium. We are proud to have hosted games under the arch for the past decade and to have played a key role in the growth of the sport.”

Betting on Football 2018 takes shape with new speakers and exhibitors

Leading speakers from across the industry have signed up to Betting on Football 2018 (20-23 March), while 70% of the exhibition space at Stamford Bridge has already been sold.

The list of confirmed speakers includes Snaitech CEO Fabio Schiavolin, Danske Spil CEO Niels Erik Folmann, Mr Green CEO Jesper Kärrbrink, Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith, Veikkaus Senior Vice President Jari Vahanen, Better Collective CEO Jesper Soegaard, OPTIMA CEO Jacob Lopez Curciel, Microgame CEO Marco Castaldo and Matt Scarrott, Director of Sportsbook & VIP at BetVictor.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available for #bofcon2018, the fifth edition of the largest international football and betting trade conference, while the 25% discount on individual tickets will run until Monday 19 January.

This year’s conference agenda has been deliberately shaped around this year’s World Cup, with a full day’s track covering key topics such as engaging customers in a live environment, standing out in the social media battleground and preparing for ‘Life beyond the bonus’.

The World Cup and beyond is one of three main tracks on the first full day (21 March) alongside Betting on Innovation, a series of presentations by companies bringing an innovative product to market, and Global Market Profiles, as Betting on Football underlines its international appeal by delivering updates around seven of the biggest sports betting jurisdictions, including the new window of licensing opportunity in Spain, the move towards legalised sports betting in the US and preparing for a World Cup-free summer in Italy.

The second full day (22 March) will feature a Leadership track exploring the philosophy of gambling, the value of investment and the influence of ‘designer bets’, while the Customer Journey track will be on hand to discuss bridging the conversion gap, cross-selling to football punters, building the perfect customer environment and striking a balance between a smooth and safe registration process.

In addition to the five main tracks, SBC Events will also launch three specialist forums – The Affiliate Insider Bootcamp, Esports Insider Super Forum and SBC Sponsorship Forum, all of which double up as stand alone events and individual tracks as part of the wider Betting on Football conference agenda.

The Affiliate Insider Bootcamp will deliver content ranging from digital marketing hacks to the latest innovative technologies, while the Esports Insider Super Forum will feature six panels and workshops focused on the challenges that exist within the worlds of traditional sports and esports.

Meanwhile, the invite-only SBC Sponsorship Forum, managed by former AC Milan Chief Commercial Officer Jaap Kalma, has been designed to bring football clubs and betting brands together to discuss opportunities in football. Nielsen Sports, a leading provider of analytics and insights within the sports industry, has already confirmed its participation in the forum through Managing Director Marco Nazzari.

Kärrbrink said: “SBC Events are here to stay. Great networking and seminar focus. With focus on sports betting the exhibition was also very targeted and you basically found something interesting in every booth. Also very impressed with the high number of attendees making it possible to have a lot of productive meetings in just two days.”

Schiavolin added: “It’s almost five years that we’ve been choosing to attend and speak at Betting on Football. We like the way SBC has been organising this event. We like the audience, and it’s a good opportunity to exploit the conference to network and talk about our experiences. We also like the choice of Stamford Bridge, which is a good way to confirm the relationship between betting and football.”

Don’t miss out on the current 25% Early Bird Discount on tickets for Betting on Football 2018 – Go HERE to get it!

There are also still sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available – for enquiries about these please contact us on sales@sbcnews.co.uk.

Fox Sports expands World Cup coverage with Twitter and Snapchat agreements

Fox Sports has announced new Snapchat and Twitter agreements for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The expanded relationships will provide dynamic opportunities tailored to each respective social media platform and the broadcaster’s audience.

Alexis Ginas, SVP of Cross-Platform Solutions, FOX Sports, said of the deal: “These exciting collaborations with Twitter and Snapchat mark a major opportunity to leverage the world’s greatest sports moment and our talent beyond the TV screen.

“Alongside our FOX Sports-owned properties, they’ll help amplify this summer’s incredible live events programming – 64 matches total at the FIFA World Cup. We’ll immerse fans in the ‘beautiful game’ even further through our experts and fun, creative content from Moscow.”

As part of the agreement, Fox will produce a 30-minute live show streamed exclusively on Twitter from Moscow’s Red Square each match day.

FOX will also provide near-live video highlights to Twitter for each game, including every goal scored as well as video featuring interviews and press conference clips.

Anthony Noto, COO at Twitter, said: “We are excited to collaborate with FOX Sports to bring an exclusive daily live show, expert analysis and video highlights from the 2018 FIFA World Cup to Twitter alongside the best curated real-time conversation.

“Passionate soccer fans will need to look no further than FOX and Twitter to find everything that’s happening at this summer’s tournament.”

On Snapchat, FOX Sports will produce a Publisher Story that chronicles the day-by-day drama of the month-long tournament.

Ben Schwerin, Snap’s Vice President of Partnerships, added: “We’re thrilled to be one of FOX Sports’ first digital collaborators for the FIFA World Cup.

“What makes the tournament so exciting for us is that we are going to be able to deliver our community a perspective of the global game that brings them not only into the roaring stadiums in Russia, but also to those celebrating in cities around the world.”

Do you want to stay ahead of the broadcasting curve? Sign up to iSportconnect’s first Masterclass of 2018 now.