Weekend Report: FanDuel launches RG TV series, Bet365 live in Illinois and Tennessee, Scientific Games WLA re-certification

FanDuel to debut ‘The Comeback’ RG series

First in the Weekend Report, the FanDuel TV division of FanDuel Group has announced the launch of a responsible gambling series, ‘The Comeback’.

Responsible gambling ambassador Craig Carton, who has been very public describing his own past addiction issues, will interview people who have experienced addiction themselves. Carton will cover stigma surrounding gambling disorder and highlight the support available to people.

The first episode will feature 11-year NBA veteran and recovered problem gambler Randy Livingston. Both Livingston and his wife have recently joined FanDuel as responsible gambling ambassadors.

The Comeback will be streamed across both FanDuel’s YouTube channel and FanDuel TV Extra. “Our hope for The Comeback is to raise awareness of problem gambling and foster open dialogue to tackle the stigma that still exists today,” said Cory Fox, FanDuel’s senior vice president of public policy and sustainability.

Bet365 has announced the launch of its online sportsbook in Illinois and Tennessee.

The operator is now live in Illinois, according to Covers.com, and is already taking bets across a range of sports. It joins other major brands such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Fanatics in the state.

Meanwhile, Bet365 has also rolled out its sportsbook in Tennessee. Action Network reports that the brand went live yesterday (16 March), bringing the total number of operators live in the state to 12.

The Bet365 sportsbook app is now available in 13 states. The other eleven are New Jersey, Arizona, Iowa, Colorado, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Virginia.

BetMakers extends with UK Tote Group

BetMakers Technology Group has extended a partnership with UK Tote Group.

Under the deal, announced today (17 March), BetMakers Quantum software will be the core pools wagering platform for the Tote’s operations across British and Irish racecourses. It will also manage the technical aspect of any inbound commingling to these pools.

The agreement contains a mixture of variable revenue and fixed fees. BetMakers expects to generate approximately AU$4.0 million (£2.0 million/€2.3 million/US$2.5 million) each year of the deal, which runs until 30 June 2029.

UK Tote Group is the largest customer of BetMakers’ Global Tote division.

Pagcor pledges PHP300 million to police academy

Also, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has pledged PHP300 million in financial grants to the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

Confirmed over the weekend, funds will be used to improve facilities and provide advanced training resources for cadets

Pagcor’s grant will also cover the construction of a PNPA Alumni Association building that will serve as an administrative office and a dormitory for visiting alumni. In addition, it will finance the upgrade of PNPA’s Crime Scene Plaza.

“We hope that these contributions will help facilitate mobility and enhance the learning of cadets and alumni members who are engaged in continuing education,” Pagcor chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco said.

Scientific Games secures World Lottery Association re-certification

And finally, Scientific Games has secured re-certification for the World Lottery Association (WLA) Responsible Gaming Framework Certificate of Alignment.

The assessment indicates the company meets and exceeds the minimum WLA Responsible Gaming certification requirements. It covers Scientific Games’ operations and technology in 50 countries around the world.

The responsible gaming certification framework includes research, employee programmes, product and service development, remote wagering channels, advertising and marketing communications, client awareness, stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Scientific Games works with 150 lotteries across five continents.