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.
BetRivers signs Phil Hellmuth to promote online poker, casino expansion
BetRivers Poker announced Monday that it signed an endorsement deal with 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth.
The agreement comes after BetRivers' online poker platform launched in Pennsylvania last October. Professional poker player Phil Galfond developed the platform through his company, Run It Once, which RSI acquired in 2022.
Hellmuth is regarded as one of the most successful poker players, so RSI has engaged him in supporting all BetRivers online poker, sportsbook, and online casino brands. This new deal comprises online and retail verticals.
We are proud to announce @phil_hellmuth is joining the BetRivers family!
— BetRivers Sportsbook (@BetRivers) January 13, 2025
The record-holder for most WSOP tournament wins is our newest brand ambassador. pic.twitter.com/rsncwEhkV6
Nicknamed "The Poker Brat," Hellmuth will participate in poker tournaments at Rivers Casino properties and online poker events through the BetRivers platform. He will also appear at special live dealer casino events and interactive sports betting engagements designed to elevate customer experiences, especially for VIP guests.
The deal also signs Hellmuth to participate in "Poker Night in America," a television show on the BetRivers Network, to which he has been a regular contributor since the show's inception in 2014.
Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Hellmuth started playing poker games at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He continued improving his game there before eventually dropping out to pursue poker full-time.
Hellmuth earned his big break in 1989. At only 24 years old, he became the youngest Main Event winner at the WSOP. Since then, he has won millions in tournaments and become one of the most recognizable figures in poker.
3 men facing murder trial in heist of illegal Brooklyn gambling den
Three men from New Jersey are facing federal murder and robbery charges for their involvement in a botched heist at a Brooklyn illegal gambling den.
The heist-gone-bad resulted in the death of a security guard on the premises of an illegal gambling operation in Brooklyn, N.Y. A recent letter from one of the defendants' attorneys questioned the extent of the death and whether it should yield murder charges.
The robbery occurred on Oct. 7, 2020, when the accused men, Brian Castro, Musah Coward, and Charles Powell, allegedly entered the “G Spot,” an illegal gambling den in Brownsville. A fourth alleged robber accompanied them, but their name has been redacted in court documents on the grounds of being a cooperating witness for the government.
When Castro, Coward, Powell, and the unnamed robber entered the venue, the security guard of the property, Rodney Maxwell, intervened. A fight broke out, during which Castro shot the security guard and wounded three other men, according to surveillance footage. Powell was arrested in October 2021, followed by the arrests of Castro and Coward in March 2023.
As of December, the case remained ongoing. In a letter dated Dec. 29, Powell’s attorney, Murray Singer, argued that Castro’s statements about the shooting were inflated. “Had the purpose of the plan—to commit a robbery—not been successful, and Castro having been fought off by intended victims, gotten nothing, but instead had killed someone, this could be viewed as humiliating,” Singer wrote. “It makes sense, then, that Castro would try to puff up the incident.”
The lawyers of all three suspects have declined to comment to press questions.
Yggdrasil secures expansion into U.S., Canadian markets
iGaming software developer Yggdrasil has partnered with Aristocrat Interactive to allow it to distribute its content to the U.S. and Ontario markets. The partnership integrates Yggdrasil’s gaming portfolio with Aristocrat’s Ignite platform.
“As far as names in the industry go, they don’t come much bigger or renowned than Aristocrat Interactive and we are very excited to make this significant step together in North America,” said Jose Simon, chief commercial officer at Yggdrasil.
North American players will now have the chance to interact with Yggdrasil’s game collection, which includes games such as "Valley of the Dead OnlyWins," "Aphrodite Goes Wild Rushing Wilds," and "3 Gladiators vs Caesar."
RubyPlay enters New Jersey through partnership with BetRivers
RubyPlay, a B2B iGaming studio, expanded into the U.S. online casino market through a partnership with Rush Street Interactive. The initial launch will see RubyPlay games in New Jersey, with plans to expand into more states, such as Pennsylvania and Delaware in the future. Rush Street is anticipating growth for the gaming market in the future with these expansion plans.
“RubyPlay’s diverse portfolio of slots has gained recognition in global markets for its quality and entertainment value,” said Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz. “This partnership with RubyPlay aligns perfectly with that commitment. We’re looking forward to a successful collaboration as they establish themselves in the U.S. market.”
Crayford Greyhound Racetrack hosts last race before closure
This Sunday will mark the last race at the British Greyhound racing stadium, which first opened its doors in 1986. The venue will formally cease operations as of Jan. 21. Global gambling giant Entain confirmed the last day Crayford Greyhound Track in Dartford, England will be in operation after its closure was announced towards the end of November.
“It is with great sadness that we are announcing today the confirmation of the closure of Crayford Greyhound track,” an Entain spokesperson said. “Since announcing our intention to close the venue, several parties have expressed interest in exploring alternatives. We held discussions with these parties and carefully reviewed and evaluated their proposals. Regrettably, none of the options put forward were viable.”
After Crayford's closure, the remaining racing schedule will occur at the Coral Romford Greyhound Stadium, Coral Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium, and Monmore Green Dogs Stadium.
The track released an official statement apologizing to fans about the imminent closure and explained that it had tried to prevent a permanent closure by exploring various avenues but subsequently found no viable options.
All personnel working at the track have been through a two-stage consultation process to help relocate to alternative venues. The track is offering its support for all trainers impacted by the decision going forward.
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
Cover the Bases for Nov. 18-22
