Every Friday, Covers takes a look back at the week that was in the sports betting industry. With a collection of sports betting news and notes, we intend to cover all the bases.
$83.5M Texas jackpot claimed using Jackpocket
A lottery customer in Texas won $83.5 million on Monday, ordering the winning jackpot ticket through Jackpocket, a lottery courier app that was acquired by DraftKings in 2024.
"We're thrilled to celebrate one of our dedicated Jackpocket customers winning one of the largest prizes ever won from a ticket ordered using a lottery courier app," DraftKings' senior vice president of lottery, Pete Sullivan, said.
However, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has since raised concerns about courier services buying lottery tickets.
Recently, there have been many questions raised about the integrity of the Texas Lottery. Last night, an $83 million winning ticket was sold in Austin. Turns out, the retail establishment that sold the winning ticket in the front of the store was owned by the courier service that… pic.twitter.com/i4MyR2wQXd
— Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) February 19, 2025
Jackpocket defended its position, stating what they do is allowed in the state of Texas.
"I think there is a misconception that JackPocket as a courier is buying all these tickets to try to win itself. No, we are buying them on behalf of customers that have been age and geo-verified and are playing the games on an individual basis, not a bulk purchase basis," Sullivan said, per Fox4News.
Atlassian Williams Racing partners with Super Group
Super Group, the parent company of Betway and Jackpot City, reached a multi-year partnership with Atlassian Williams Racing of Formula 1.
As a result, both brands are represented on the FW47 driven by Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon in the 2025 season.
It's here, and it's perfect 😍 pic.twitter.com/11c7p5pWtt
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 18, 2025
Super Group's brands are the official betting, casino, gaming, score, and live score partner of Atlassian Williams Racing.
"We are delighted to join the thrilling world of Formula 1, by partnering with one of the most prestigious teams in motor racing," Super Group CEO Neal Menashe said this week.
"The sport perfectly matches the excitement that our brands offer our worldwide customer base and we look forward to Betway and Jackpot City logos being seen at circuits across the globe during the varied and entertaining Grand Prix calendar."
Resorts World Las Vegas appoints new CFO, COO
Resorts World Las Vegas has appointed Carlos Castro as its Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Castro brings a wealth of finance and operations experience from his former executive positions at Caesars Entertainment, Hilton Hotels, and MGM Resorts International.
Prior to Resorts World Las Vegas, Castro was senior vice president and CFO of Las Vegas' Aria Resort and Casino. There, he was instrumental in leading profitability through the development of strategic financial initiatives, management of capital resources, and implementation of cost control programs.
In his new dual position, Castro will manage all aspects of the property's operations, including investment strategies and daily operations. His responsibilities will include enhancing operational efficiencies while spearheading the resort's expansion initiative.
The appointments come after Resorts World Las Vegas's recent leadership restructuring. The company formed a new board of directors two months ago, with Jim Murren serving as chairman and Alex Dixon as CEO.
In addition to this, Resorts World Las Vegas has also revealed its partnership with popular YouTuber Mr Beast and is set to release a MrBeast-themed hotel package from April 13 to 15. Resorts World plans to deliver an immersive experience for fans through collaboration.
Las Vegas manager accused of embezzling $160K to cover gambling debt
The former manager of Discount Firearms and Ammo, a firearms and ammunition retailer and gun range near Resorts World, has been accused of stealing more than $160,000 after she lost several thousand in gambling, according to a police statement obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators.
A report about an employee possibly embezzling money was initially filed in September last year after at least $120,000 was discovered missing. Around the time the report was made, Debbie Walker resigned from her managerial role at Discount Firearms and Ammo, which she had held for a decade.
Part of her duties included handling the store’s cash and checks and accessing the store’s safe and deposits, according to the police. Detectives say they hold video evidence of Walker pocketing what appears to be money.
The police’s investigation of Walker included reviewing a Station Casinos player’s card in Walker’s name. This card showed a loss of $353,000, which police
suspect is tied to the alleged theft.
Walker was arrested on Feb. 14 but has since been released from jail with electronic monitoring. Court documents state she now faces a charge of $100,000 after she pleaded not guilty. A court date is scheduled for April 22.
BetMGM launches Dual Play Baccarat Online and at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
BetMGM has launched a new live dealer game that lets players play baccarat with real-life customers at an MGM Resorts International property. The game is available at BetMGM Casino and Borgata Online Casino.
Dual Play Baccarat, developed by Evolution Gaming, allows online players in New Jersey to play live dealer baccarat broadcast from the casino floor at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City. Several cameras cover the baccarat table, allowing casino players to play.
The live dealer game is the first baccarat title in the U.S. to allow online players to play alongside real casino players.
“Dual Play Baccarat is one of the best ways to bring the excitement of live table games to our online casino players. Similar to the familiar slot titles like Buffalo and Wheel of Fortune at BetMGM, we look for ways to build connections to on-property play and games that resonate with players,” said Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM’s VP of gaming product and content.
While this is the first baccarat game to provide this kind of experience in the U.S., it’s not the first dual play game. In fact, it’s not even BetMGM’s first dual play title. The online casino operator partnered with Evolution Gaming in 2023 to launch Dual Play Roulette.
That game was the first dual play game at an MGM North American property, and it was also launched at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. BetMGM needs to increase its income after suffering $85 million in income losses in Q4 2024, although most of this came from strong betting results on its online sportsbook.
Cover the Bases for Feb 10-14
Cover the Bases for Feb. 3-7
Cover the Bases for Jan. 27-31
Cover the Bases for Jan. 20-24
Cover the Bases for Jan. 13-17
Cover the Bases for Jan. 6-10
Cover the Bases for Dec. 9-13
Cover the Bases for Dec. 2-6
Cover the Bases for Nov. 25-29
