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.
PrizePicks announces 2nd Super Sweat Competition for the Super Bowl
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) provider PrizePicks has announced the launch of its Super Sweat competition for the second year. The promotion will give players three chances to be selected to participate in a contest for $1 million and a trip to watch their selections at an invite-only watch party for Super Bowl LIX on February 9.
THE SUPER SWEAT IS BACK 🥵
— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) January 22, 2025
3 of YOU will get the opportunity to SWEAT a 3-Pick Lineup for $1,000,000 on the Big Game (Feb. 9th)
We are hosting 3 different social contests leading up to the Big Game to find our #SuperSweat competitors 🤑
Once selected, everyone will be able to… pic.twitter.com/bz4J5keHe1
Players can earn a chance to join the Super Sweat promo in three ways. The first is by posting a screenshot of a lineup for the NFL Conference Championship on Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #SuperSweat.
The second way is to post a video of your best touchdown celebration on X, TikTok, and Instagram with the hashtag #SuperSweat. The final way to get into the promotion is by posting a screenshot of your favorite NFL lineup with the #SuperSweat on X, Instagram, or TikTok.
Additionally, other players will have a chance to play on game day for a share of an additional $1 million prize by tailing the lineups of the three competitors in the Super Sweat competition. PrizePicks will announce its three competitors on February 7.
PrizePicks has expanded since it offered the Super Sweat competition for the last Super Bowl, adding peer-to-peer games in Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming in January. The DFS platform was also launched in Missouri and Delaware in October, and licensing approval was gained from both jurisdictions. The site is now available in more than 45 U.S. states.
Florida Gaming Commission panelists agree current illegal gaming statutory is insufficient
The Florida Gaming Commission recently testified existing statutory classifications and penalties for illegal gaming offenses were insufficient.
“There’s only so much money to go around. If a dollar does not go to a licensed facility or a tribal facility, it’s going into a criminal’s pocket. It’s as simple as that,” executive director Ross Marshman stated, testifying before the Florida House of Representatives Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee.
So far, licensed pari-mutuel facilities, card rooms, and slot facilities are the only forms of lawful land-based gaming in the Sunshine State. Still, panelists expressed growing concern over the increase in illegal gaming within the state, as the current statute doesn't discourage establishments from making illegal gambling easier to access.
“There is zero disincentive for these establishments to close down due to the misdemeanors that they face,” said Chief Ed Cayenne of the Homeland Security Division of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. “They are willing to pay the fines and continue the operations because they are so profitable.”
Recently, Florida law enforcement cracked down on illegal establishments across the state, with 10 venues in Jacksonville forced to close in December. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s office revealed more than a dozen locals were involved in a gambling ring that was operating since 2021, resulting in five people arrested for racketeering offenses.
Likewise, Florida also had one of the most recognizable gambling lawsuits in recent years, with the Seminole Tribe-operated Hard Rock sportsbook suspending operations after its launch in 2021, with the lawsuit lasting until 2024.
Hard Rock Bet becomes latest member of Unity by Hard Rock Loyalty program
Hard Rock International announced its sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, will become the latest addition to its Unity by Hard Rock loyalty scheme.
Hard Rock Bet will maintain its online loyalty rewards program for users but will let players earn Tier Credits for both programs. Players can transfer these credits between the two and cash in for either online or on-property rewards.
“Integrating Hard Rock Bet into Unity will be a game-changer for guest engagement,” said Keith Sheldon, president of entertainment and brand management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. “This enhancement not only offers a fun, interactive way for guests to earn points when placing bets, but also significantly boosts loyalty.”
Playing on Hard Rock Bet can now lead you to experiences around the world
— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) January 22, 2025
Hard Rock Bet 🤝 Unity pic.twitter.com/JRHPtD00Zr
Unity by Hard Rock lets users redeem Unity Points at one of Hard Rock’s global locations. There are more than 200 participating locales, including hotels, casinos, cafes, and Rock Shops. Likewise, Hard Rock’s partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises allows players to redeem points on Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale and Celebrity Cruises’ Blue Chip Club.
"By rewarding guests for their playtime, we create a win-win scenario where guests enjoy an enriched experience, and we foster an introduction to all the amazing verticals in our brand through point redemption opportunities at Hotels, Casinos, Cafes, Rock Shops and entertainment venues," Sheldon continued.
Hard Rock Bet is also expanding its sportsbooks in other ways, adding jai-alai betting ahead of the 2025 World Jai-Alai League. Fans can enjoy exclusive streaming and betting content for jai alai on Hard Rock Bet platforms.
Incentive Games launches crash game with bet365
Game developer Incentive Games has announced the launch of a new crash game, "Velocity," which the operator will bring to the Brazilian market through a partnership with bet365. It’s the first pay-to-play crash game Incentive Games has made with bet365, but not the first time Incentive has partnered with bet365.
Incentive Games promises that it will continue to update "Velocity," using data and AI specialists to analyze player interactions.
Legal online gaming launched in Brazil on Jan. 1, with 68 online gaming platforms going live with a license. bet365 was one of the platforms to go live on the launch date, along with Flutter Entertainment’s Betfair.
bet365 had a successful 2024 before starting a new chapter with its Brazil launch. While the company CEO took a pay cut, bet365’s profits, especially in the U.S., increased significantly year-on-year in the financial year ending March. The online sports betting and casino provider also became the official partner of the UEFA Champions League in August.
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
Cover the Bases for Nov. 18-22
