An article from our Media Partner, SBC

Major operators from 17 different jurisdictions are using next month’s Betting on Football conference a Stamford Bridge as the perfect opportunity to meet and discuss the future of sports betting in their sector.

The European Lotteries Association (EL) will host a meeting for members of its Sport Working Group in London on Tuesday 19 March, which is part of the wider Betting on Football Conference at Stamford Bridge on 19-22 March.

EL is the umbrella organisation of national lotteries operating games of chance for the public benefit, which brings together both state-owned and private operators, both profit and non-profit, who operate on behalf of the state.

Olli Sarekoski, Chair of EL Sports Committee, said: “We are pleased that our Sport Working Group has been planned around the Betting on Football Conference. Embracing responsible innovation in sports betting as part of the event is of great importance for the Lotteries; our Working Group members will have the chance to join 2,000 delegates at Stamford Bridge, interact with like-minded professionals and get up to date with the most interesting developments in the sports betting sector.”

The Sport Working Group holds 17 members, who will each have the chance to discuss a wide range of key topics at this #bofcon meeting, including sports integrity, sports policy and the planning and content for upcoming European Lotteries’ internal events, along with updates on the EL Sport Award.

The group includes representatives from the likes of Danske Spil (Denmark), Veikkaus (Finland), FDJ (France), Hrvatska Lutrija (Croatia), Szerencsejáték Zrt. (Hungary), Lottomatica (Italy), SAZKA (Czech Republic), Tipp3 (Austria), LOTTO Bayern (Germany), Norsk Tipping (Norway), Svenska Spel (Sweden), Loterie Nationale (Belgium), OPAP (Greece) and Sisal (Italy).

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, commented: “European state lotteries are large, important players when it comes to sports betting in their markets, both operationally and politically, and as such provides an important perspective. They are an integral part of the Betting on Football conference, as we aim to bring together decision-makers from both European and international operators to address the recent issues and opportunities in the sports betting industry.”

Betting on Football is known as the only trade conference that brings together decision-makers from international operators to address the recent issues and opportunities in the sports betting industry, and this year focus will extend wider than football and betting based on requests from participating operators.

The six main conference tracks will discuss operator related topics within Leadership & Vision, Global Markets, Betting on Marketing, Product in Focus, Betting on Innovation and The Science of Compliance. The main conference will be complemented by Expert Forums such as PaymentExpert Forum, Digital Marketing Forum, and the Sponsorship Forum.

Stamford Bridge will once again provide the intimate setting for 2,000 senior execs and over 200 expert speakers, with world-class hospitality and plenty of business and networking opportunities between operators, key suppliers and industry stakeholders. In fact, 97.4% of those surveyed from last year’s event said they would return in 2019 and recommend the event to a colleague.

Betting on Football is the only trade conference that brings together decision-makers from international operators to address the recent issues and opportunities in the sports betting industry. Stamford Bridge provides the perfect setting for 200 expert speakers across 40 sessions, including high-level business and networking opportunities for key suppliers, top affiliates and sports clubs & organisations to meet with the operators. For more information about the event, CLICK HERE to visit the Betting on Football website.

Rhys Weston Joins Commercial Team

 

Today (13^th February), the Sports Technology Awards Group announced that former Wales International turned sales pro, Rhys Weston, has joined its commercial team.

Having run out for Arsenal, Cardiff City, Walsall and Dundee, as well as Wales, Weston will be the second former-pro athlete at the Awards Group, joining former Bulgarian pro-basketballer, Diana Voynova, who is the Group’s Events Assistant.

Weston said ‘Having made the move from on-field to sales several years ago, I am enthusiastic to be joining the Group at such an exciting point for the company commercially. Sports technology is now central to sport and the STA Group is at the fore of this; their ambitions for how to ‘inform, inspire and celebrate’ this work internationally presents us with huge business development potential, spanning ticket sales, creating new partnerships and building on the new initiatives we are launching over the next 18 months.’

Rebecca Hopkins, Sports Technology Awards Group CEO, added ‘We’re delighted to welcome Rhys to the team in our London headquarters. As a former ‘tracksuit’, he brings with him a great network as well as a fresh perspective on how we can expand our business interests in ways which are relevant to different markets.’

This announcement comes in advance of the 2019 Yahoo Sports Technology Awards Ceremony, which will be held at the Roundhouse, London, on May 2^nd. It will be an experience enjoyed by leading industry figures, innovators and international athletes, who will be flying in from around the world to attend.

Tickets are available through the Group’s Global Ticketing Partner, Ticketmaster Sport, on its Universe platform.

Click to learn more about the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards and Sports Technology Awards Startups.

Today (6th February), BetConstruct, the award-winning gaming solutions developer, was announced as the newest member of the Sports Technology Awards Group Global Partner network.

The Sports Technology Awards Group leads the global sports industry in championing the best tech-led innovations across international sports. BetConstruct’s position at the fore of advancing technology in sports betting, meant that this partnership makes great sense. Having enjoyed rapid international growth, BetConstruct will use the relationship to connect with existing and potential sports partners.

Rebecca Hopkins, CEO of the Sports Technology Awards Group, said ‘We are delighted to welcome BetConstruct to our family of Global Partners. As an award-winning brand with 15 years’ gaming experience, the expertise and industry respect they bring to bear helps elevate our brand within the gambling community, just as we will elevate theirs across the wider sports sector. All Group Partners are committed to seeing the positive evolution of technology in sports – as will be evident at our next major event, The Yahoo Sports Technology Awards, on May 2^nd in London.’

For more information about the STA Group please visit www.sportstechgroup.org and for more information about BetConstruct, please visit www.BetConstruct.com

Click to learn more about the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards and Sports Technology Awards Startups.

Jesper Kärrbrink and Anthony Werkman Talk Regulations and Public Perceptions

Ahead of this year’s Betting on Football (19-22 March), SBC caught up with two of the event’s headline speakers – Jesper Kärrbrink (Mr Green) and Anthony Werkman (Betway).

The pair will be taking part in the CEO panel, held as part of the ‘Leadership & Vision’ track on Wednesday 20 March, which will be looking at the industry’s response to a disruptive 2018 and the key values that need to be challenged to regain both public and political trust.

 

SBC: What can be done to offset the high-profile government restrictions that beset the industry in 2018?

Jesper Kärrbrink: It is a bit ironic, while the industry never has focused more on responsible gaming and anti-money laundering, we have never been this exposed in the common debate.

As an industry, we are heading the right way with most operators investing heavily in both tools and training for responsible gaming and AML.

However, with a business model based on high churn and extensive marketing and customer acquisition, we risk coming out as aggressive and even greedy.

Over time, we need to be more focused on retention and entertainment and also build the story that we (as an industry) actually care about our players and are trying to help those who risk ending up playing too much.

Anthony Werkman: At Betway, we don’t feel that these restrictions are unreasonable.  As an industry, it is our responsibility to implement truly responsible strategies that cover both player protection and keeping crime out of the industry.

The governments’ rulings should therefore not be thought of as restrictions, but rather policies that force implementation of a strategy that all operators should be implementing on their own.

 

SBC: How can the public’s trust in gambling be restored without a change in the media’s approach to focusing on the bad, rather than the good?

AW: Quite simply, actions speak louder than words. The way to change media perception is to ensure that as an industry we change the way we act.

If we all act responsibly together and ensure the proper checks and balances are in place that ensure we eliminate problem gambling, we can start to take responsibility for the narrative that surrounds us.

A good example of this is the agreed whistle to whistle ban on advertising. This shows how when the industry works together, we can self-regulate where there was a clear problem, and we can create a positive outlook for our sector.

JK: Trust comes from within, it starts with how we see our own business. For Mr Green, this is about prioritizing Green Gaming in all business decisions, not to cut corners just to grow a bit more but to have a long term view on the business where the aim is to grow and drive a sustainable business.

And be open when we make mistakes (because we do) and learn from those. Over time the public and media will see us as the entertainment companies we are and that we do our best to stop over-consumption.

SBC: Both from a product and regulatory standpoint, what are your biggest hopes for the industry in 2019?

JK: Increased personalization. This will lead to a better product – from a players perspective -, less risk and higher retention. The better we know each customer the easier it is to be compliant.

When we really know our customers, detecting riskful behaviour, whether is gaming pattern or money laundering will be easier.

AW: Product-wise we will be keen to see responsibility built into game design as well as continual improvements in the way we interact with our customers through our interaction programme so that responsible gambling becomes an intrinsic part of our customers experience.

 

SBC: What do you expect, or hope, to be the biggest takeaway for delegates from the operator CEO panel at Betting on Football?

AW: That they get a genuine sense that industry is better working together on issues that are upsetting the public, causing political concern and inviting media focus.

We have the tools, the know-how and increasing the collective will to act on these issues and it’s time for us all to adopt a responsible approach to our future ambitions.

JK: That we say something that provokes and creates people views to change some. A conference like Betting on Football is a great opportunity not only to meet people but also to get something new to discuss when coming back to the office.

Adidas and F1 amongst Shortlistees for Global Sports Technology Awards

Today (31^st January) the 2019 Yahoo Sports Technology Awards’ shortlist was revealed, showcasing leading innovations from the sector’s most dynamic brands. Judged by a panel of global industry experts, the technology and brands which impressed most included industry mainstays Hawk-Eye, Formula 1 and Adidas, as well as disruptive newcomers Livelike VR and Guided Knowledge.

 

Rebecca Hopkins, Sports Technology Awards Group CEO, said ‘We are in the sixth cycle of the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards and this year’s entries, once again, push the boundaries of innovation across the sector. The shortlist highlights frontrunners in every area and proves that these Awards highlight the industry’s technical progress like no other. Every successful brand should be proud to have made it this far given the high standard of competition. We look forward to unveiling the winners on 2^nd May in London.’

 

Devon Fox, Director of Digital Platform Innovation at the PGA Tour and one of the 2019 judges, added ‘There were, as always, a wealth of amazing innovations to review, making shortlisting a difficult task. It has been fascinating to judge these awards and enjoy advance knowledge of what influences the sector. Investors searching for the next big tech disrupter should check out the work we’ve seen.’

 

The 2019 ceremony will be hosted at the Roundhouse, London, on May 2nd, an experience enjoyed by leading industry figures, innovators and international athletes, who will be flying in from around the world for the event. Tickets are available through the Group’s Global Ticketing Partner, Ticketmaster Sport, on its Universe platform.

 

2019 Yahoo Sports Technology Awards Shortlist

Agency of the Year

• Fanview Media
• InCrowd
• Lagardère Sports and Entertainment for the Total Africa Cup of Nations
• Project11 Sports
• The Goat Agency
• Winners FDD for the UEFA GROW IT Maturity Matrix

Best App

• Fishbrain
• GameOn for Sky Sports Jeff Bot
• Lagardère Sports and Entertainment for the West Ham United Official App
• Major League Soccer Mobile App
• MatchPint
• SportsCastr

Best Digital Technology

• ATP Media Portal
• FieldTurf for Intelligent Play
• IBM Watson and ESPN Fantasy Insights
• iRewind for Migros iMpuls
• StreamAMG Cloud Matrix
• WSC Sports

Best Innovation of the Year

• BT Sport and EE deliver 5G
• European Tour for ShotClock Masters
• Hawk-Eye Inspection System for NASCAR
• Hawk-Eye Live Ball Tracking in Tennis
• SciSports for Insight Global Football Recruitment Platform
• Vald Performance for the GroinBar Hip Strength Testing System

Best Sports Broadcast (Single or Series)

• Discovery and Eurosport
• FIFA TV for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™
• LiveLike VR, Fox Sports and BBC Sport for the FIFA World Cup
• Pixellot Automatic Production
• Sky Sports for the Premier League Augmented Reality Studio

Best Sports Equipment, Apparel or Wearable Technology

• Guided Knowledge
• LID Helmets
• Solos Smart Wearable Technology
• Sports Performance Tracking for SPT2
• STATSports Apex Pro
• The Occlusion Cuff Elite

Best Technology for Athlete Welfare

• Catapult Movement Module
• Hawk-Eye Medical System for Premiership Rugby
• HP 1T and Charles Owen Helmet ICS
• K-Laser Therapeutic Laser
• Pitch-Ready Post Injury Knee Assessment System
• Return2Play

Best Technology for Elite Performance

• 15th Club for the Ryder Cup
• Kinetic Performance Technology for GymAware
• K-MOTION
• SBG Sports Software for RaceWatch Race Strategy
• SIS Pitches for SISGrass Hybrid Pitch Technology
• SPORTLOGiQ Performance Analytics Platform

Best Technology for Fan Engagement

• BBC Sport 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ VR App
• CTP for Your Call Football
• Dimension Data for the Tour de France 2018
• Formula 1 and Goodform for F1 Fan Voice
• Formula 1 and Meshh for Project Fanzone
• Xperiel for The Real World Web

Best Technology for Participation

• CAP2 for CoursePro
• Cricket Australia Coach App
• Motitech for Motiview
• MyLocalPitch
• Sports Engineers and Tennis Australia Competition Management Software
• ASB GlassFloor

Best Technology for Sports Betting

• Betradar Managed Trading Services
• Fresh8 Gaming
• Genius Sports Group
• Incentive Games
• Scientific Games for OpenBet
• Trustly Group for Trustly Pay N Play®

Best Technology for Sports Commerce

• AtletasNOW
• mycujoo
• Minute.ly
• Nielsen Sports for Sports Connect
• SeatServe: In-Seat Delivery
• Ascot and Worldpay for My Business Mobile

Most Innovative Sports Partnership

• Avid for the European Championships Glasgow 2018
• Genius Sports and the PGA Tour
• Harlequins and Adidas for the Flash Charity Jersey
• IBM Aspera and Fox Sports for the World Cup 2018
• Intel and LaLiga
• Mitel and Major League Baseball

Rights Holder / Governing Body/ Team / Sponsor of the Year

• Mitel and Major League Baseball
• NASCAR and OMNIGON
• Powerboat P1 for the Panther Race Boat Upgrade
• The R&A for Modernising the Rules of Golf
• The Ocean Race for Southern Ocean RAW
• Winners FDD for the UEFA GROW IT Maturity Matrix

When it comes to embracing technology in sports, most people would cite tennis, cricket, the NBA, F1 or rugby as having the most impressive track records. Certainly, the governing bodies and some of the teams in these sports have led the way but, industry-wide, football is not just finding its way out of the shadows, in many cases it is heading to the fore.

There are two bases for this claim, firstly the sheer volume of football technology being produced – largely by dynamic young businesses who understand the scalability of a successful proposition within the space. Secondly, the prevalence of impressive budgets gives marketers scope to embrace fresh creative thinking – which inevitably means turning to high tech solutions.

Based on the findings of the 2018 Yahoo Sports Technology Awards, football is shouldering its way to the front of tech in ways that span fan engagement, player performance, grassroots participation and marketing.

Many entries caught the judges’ eye, here are just a few:

• After winning, P&L is probably the second greatest consideration for most sports clubs, brands helping brands maximize their bottom lines include Sports Engineers, Nielsen and Kore
• The challenge of continuing to impress sophisticated fans is ever-present, the organizations doing this through embracing technology were Audi (who can forget the Jurgen Klopp hologram press conference), the EFL, Juventus, rivals Swansea and Cardiff (which made for some cross-table banter at the awards ceremony), BT and UEFA
• Player performance is crucial but balancing this with proper management of their welfare is increasingly an issue finding tech-led solutions, the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards’ judges particularly rated the work being done by care, Gait Up and Catapult

With so much technology talent on show, it is almost invidious to highlight specific brands, but omission of any organization shortlisted is no reflection on the excellence of their work. The standard of entries to the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards is as impressive as it is varied so it takes knowledgeable judges to determine the eventual winners. Fortunately, this is something that the Sports Technology Awards Group has in spades, with industry giants including Gareth Southgate, Richard Bevan, David Dein, Graham Poll, Louis Saha and Thomas Hall Robson-Kanu having served on the panel.

Whilst the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards celebrates tech-led innovation in sports, its sister award, the STA Startups, celebrate sports innovation from inception. Established in 2017 and aimed at sports technology companies which are less than five years old, it is also finding that the sports tech start-up market is favouring football.

Entries to both awards close on 23^rd November 2018 (with a week’s extension for a late submission fee); details on categories, judges and entry forms can be found at www.sportstechgroup.org/awards/ or call the sales office on +44 (0) 20 3150 2080

Click to learn more about the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards and Sports Technology Awards Startups.

ActiveLab is ukactive’s global launchpad for innovation in physical activity, supported by Life Fitness and Jonas Software. ActiveLab is looking for technology-focused businesses who are willing to scale their product throughout the United Kingdom in an effort to get more people, more active, more often.  Applications for the 2019 programme are open now, closing on 9^th December.

 

ActiveLab is a cost and equity free accelerator programme and constitutes an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded people who strive to bring technology to the forefront of the fitness and physical activity sector. Our workshops and events provide actionable insight and connections specifically aimed at Sport and FitTech start-ups looking to grow their businesses.

 

2019’s programme will be featuring:

• Bespoke insight sessions into the UK’s physical activity market
• 1:1 mentorships with key sector leaders
• ukactive insight, connections and support needed to scale throughout the UK
• Headline presence at key sector events including pitching to over 600 people at Active Uprising and showcasing at other key sector events
• Bespoke investments into growth packages to tackle your greatest growth challenges

 

Information about the programme, including information about applications and last year’s cohort can be found here.

 

About ActiveLab

Since its founding year in 2017, ActiveLab has supported 23 start-ups, enabled businesses to raise over £3million in investment and engaged over 45 experts in programme delivery.

For more information about ActiveLab, please contact Jack Connors on 02074008616, or jackconnors@ukactive.org.uk

www.activelab.co

About ukactive

ukactive is the UK’s leading not-for-profit health body for the physical activity sector, with almost 4,000 members from activity providers to major consumer brands, training facilities and equipment manufacturers. Members come from across the private, public and third sector and are united by ukactive’s longstanding and uncompromising commitment to getting more people, more active, more often.

ukactive facilitates big impact partnerships, conceives and drives breakthrough campaigns, conducts critical research and galvanises key stakeholders to develop and deliver key projects that support and champion the physical activity agenda. The organisation’s efforts are centred on supporting a national ambition to “Turn the tide of physical inactivity”.

For more information about ukactive, please contact Rob Gibson on 02074008631, or robgibson@ukactive.org.uk

www.ukactive.com

Today 31^st October, the Sports Technology Awards Group unveiled Ticketmaster Sport, the global leader of sports ticketing, as the latest Partner in its Global Group Partner program.

The relationship sees Ticketmaster provide ticketing resources for all the Group’s initiatives via its Universe platform, spanning the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards, the Sports Technology Startups and the Sports Technology Talks international series as well as all the Group’s networking events.

Adam Newsam, Managing Director of Ticketmaster Sport, added ‘At Ticketmaster we have a track record of working with the best brands to give fans exceptional service, and this means being at the forefront of technology. The work of the Sports Technology Awards Group is fundamental to the evolution of the sports sector, and we are pleased to be aligned to this. We look forward to working with the Group and its network and providing an outstanding ticketing experience to match an outstanding portfolio of events.’

Rebecca Hopkins, CEO of the Group, added ‘We are delighted that Ticketmaster Sport is our Global Ticketing Partner as we now know that guests at our events worldwide will be accessing the best ticketing platform available. Ticketmaster, without doubt, leads the sector. As a Group we are committed to be as tech-forward as possible and Ticketmaster ensures we are on-track with this ambition in this area.’

The Group now has an impressive portfolio of partner brands which includes its Global Legal Partner, international law firm, Charles Russell Speechlys, leading data company Sportradar which powers the Startups, and headline sponsor of the Sports Technology Awards – Yahoo Sports.

A calendar of Group events can be found on the brand’s website – www.sportstechgroup.org – and its biggest event of the year, The Yahoo Sports Technology Awards, will be taking place in London on May 2^nd 2019. Entries for the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards and the STA Startups powered by Sportsradar are open now until 5^th December 2018.

Universe, a division of Ticketmaster, is a global platform for anyone to discover and create events. Currently operating in +150 countries, the platform provides event organizers with access to insights, unmatched flexibility, and seamless channels to sell more tickets.

Today sees both the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards and STA Startups open entries for 2019. Amongst the perennial favourites, we’ve introduced new categories for sports betting and eSports in the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards and, after the success of its inaugural year, the Startups will be expanding so entries can be received by businesses funded from seed capital all the way through to Series C.

For more information, see some of our past winners, or enter either of the Awards right now.

A message from Yahoo Sport, Headline Sponsor of the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards

Yahoo Sport UK will bring football fans closer to the World Cup in Russia this summer with a global daily video series presented by sports journalist and broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury and broadcaster Toby Tarrant. ‘The 32’ will stream live on the Yahoo Sport app and yahoo.co.uk at 8.30am BST every match day during the tournament in Russia, making ‘The 32’ the perfect place for your football fix on the move. The series will also be available to fans around the world via Yahoo’s international editions. Each episode will be available immediately following the live show to stream online or via the Yahoo Sport app, and will feature big-name guests from across the world of football.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience including fans from, and supporting, each of the 32 participating nations, the series promises to bring insight, analysis, irreverence and fan views. Alongside the latest football news from the tournament in Russia, ‘The 32’ will bring fan culture and flavour direct from the venues in Russia with reporter Peter Hall as well as fan reactions in London. The studio in London will welcome big-name guests from the world of football, who will discuss the major tournament news, results, team selections and gossip, whilst the team behind live show and podcast Jim & Dave Have Lost The Dressing Room, Jim Daly and Dave Bibby, will bring their unique take on the tournament.

Reshmin Chowdhury says, “This tournament is always an exciting mix of football, culture, and often a career pinnacle for players. It’s also when friends and families unite to enjoy the beautiful game. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan, or new to the sport, we look forward to sharing your World Cup adventure and bringing you up to speed with all the big news from Russia. We can’t wait to see you every morning!”

Raj Mannick, Head of Sport, Yahoo UK, says, “‘The 32’ will make Russia a tournament to treasure, and we’re delighted to bring this show to audiences wherever they may be on mobile or desktop. If you can’t be in Russia, then ‘The 32’ is a fun show with a super line-up of talent including Reshmin Chowdhury, Toby Tarrant, Jim & Dave and a slew of other big-name guests.”

For your daily football fix, visit Yahoo to watch ‘The 32’ live every day throughout the tournament on the Yahoo Sport app and yahoo.co.uk at 8.30am. You can also follow #The32 via @YahooSportUK.

About Yahoo Sport

Yahoo Sport is connecting fans every day to the sports they love and new sports they are going to love. We’re building a powerhouse of sports content and delivering it on every mobile device.  We deliver a best-in-class mobile experience with original content optimized based on how today’s fan consumes throughout the day.

About Oath

Oath, a subsidiary of Verizon, is a values-led company committed to building brands people love. We reach one billion people around the world with a dynamic house of media and technology brands.