Beter US approval, STS new sportsbook chief

Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGaming Business (iGB) curates the latest headlines and significant developments in the gambling industry. This week, we highlight Beter’s milestone U.S. approval, a leadership change at STS, and a notable victory for a plaintiff in a high-stakes negligence case against a prominent Las Vegas casino.

Beter Secures Landmark Approval in New Jersey

Beter, a leading provider of sports betting odds, data, and content, has achieved a significant milestone with its first U.S. approval. The company has received vendor registration from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement, enabling it to collaborate with licensed operators throughout the state. This registration allows Beter to offer its state-of-the-art real-time data and dynamic live streaming services.

Initially, Beter will launch its flagship offering: the Setka Cup, which features competitive table tennis tournaments already accessible through Bet365 in New Jersey. The Setka Cup hosts over 11,000 matches per month, providing upwards of 30 distinct betting markets for each event. In total, Beter is responsible for organizing more than 46,000 fast-betting events monthly that span multiple sports and esports disciplines.

Gal Ehrlich, CEO of Beter, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion into the U.S. market, stating, “This is a milestone moment for the Beter team. We see tremendous potential for our fast-betting products and solutions in New Jersey and across the U.S.”

Ivan Gojic Appointed Chief Sportsbook Officer at STS

In a strategic move within the European sentiment of sports betting, STS, fully owned by Entain, has appointed Ivan Gojic as its new Chief Sportsbook Officer. Gojic’s appointment was confirmed through his LinkedIn profile, and he will operate from STS’s Zagreb office in Croatia.

With a rich background in the sports betting domain, Gojic previously held critical positions at notable operators, including Superbet and Ladbrokes Coral. Most recently, he served as Head of Trading Product at Superbet, where he refined his expertise over a span of seven years, leading various trading initiatives. His tenure at Ladbrokes Coral included notable roles, such as Senior Sports Trader and Product Manager.

ULIS Partners with LFP to Uphold Sports Integrity

In a pivotal move for sports integrity in Europe, the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) has established a partnership with the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), overseeing the integrity of French football. This partnership targets both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 competitions, aiming to strengthen measures against manipulation and preserve the legitimacy of these prestigious leagues.

Key initiatives resulting from this collaboration will include the sharing of vital information to counteract potential integrity threats and conducting pre-season assessments of clubs and associated stakeholders. ULIS President Gilles Maillet commented on the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration reinforces our shared commitment to ensure that Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 remain synonymous with fair play and ethical excellence.”

ToonieBet Forms Partnership with NHL’s Ottawa Senators

In Canada, the Ottawa Senators of the NHL have officially teamed up with ToonieBet, marking an exciting entry into sports sponsorship for the online casino platform. Launched in 2024 as a venture under Soft2Bet, ToonieBet will now serve as the Senators’ official online casino partner.

The partnership encompasses a range of joint initiatives, including branding opportunities in-stadium and across broadcasts, as well as direct fan engagement strategies. Senators Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Martin Ballard, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome ToonieBet as an official partner. Collaborating with a brand that shares our commitment to providing fans with an exceptional and trusted experience is incredibly exciting.”

Las Vegas Strip Casino Faces $15 Million Judgment in Negligence Case

In noteworthy legal news, MGM Resorts International has been ordered to pay a staggering $15 million judgment to a California woman in a negligence lawsuit stemming from an incident at The Cosmopolitan on the Las Vegas Strip. The case, reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, arose when Deborah Fenton suffered injuries from slipping on water and glass while visiting the resort’s Chandelier Bar in September 2021.

The Clark County District Court ruled in favor of Fenton, approving a multi-faceted payout structure that included $261,751 for past medical expenses, $976,614 for future medical costs, and $1.4 million for various forms of suffering and loss—culminating in a substantial $12.3 million awarded for future pain and suffering. This single-count negligence lawsuit underlines the importance of maintaining safe premises in the bustling Las Vegas hospitality scene.