1 Dec 2021 07:00
1 December 2021
888 Holdings Plc
("888" or "the Group")
888 secures sports betting licence in Virginia
888 (LSE: 888), one of the world's leading online betting and gaming companies, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a provisional sports betting licence from the Virginia Lottery.
In June 2021, 888 announced a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a brand development, marketing and entertainment company and owner of the Sports Illustrated brand to extend Sports Illustrated into betting and gaming. SI Sportsbook was unveiled in Colorado in September 2021, providing a world class betting experience to SI customers in Colorado. The partnership will launch SI Sportsbook in Virginia in 2022.
As part of this venture, 888 has also partnered with Virtual Entertainment Partners LLC (VEP), a Virginia based Small, Woman-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) certified company with 100% African American female ownership. With VEP's local expertise, 888 will commit significant contributions to communities across Virginia, specifically minority communities, to drive meaningful value, opportunity, and diversity for Virginians.
While a relatively new sports betting market, sports betting in Virginia has already experienced significant growth. According to the Virginia Lottery, to date over $1.95bn has been wagered, including $293m in September 2021 - a 61% increase on the month prior.
SI Sportsbook, which is powered by official data from the most popular sporting leagues and tournaments around the world, will offer a new, unique value proposition for sports fans across the state, bringing a trusted Sports Illustrated experience to betting fans.
In the US, 888 now holds local licences or market access agreements in nine states: Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Yaniv Sherman, SVP - Head of US at 888, commented:
"We are delighted to have been awarded our license by the Virginia Lottery. This is an important milestone for 888 which enhances our foothold in the US online sports betting and iGaming market. There is a growing sports betting fanbase in the state and I firmly believe that SI Sportsbook, supported by our partners at Sports Illustrated, will offer a unique and differentiated experience to our customers which will be well-received."
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About 888 Holdings Plc:
888 Holdings plc (and together with its subsidiaries, "888" or the "Group") is one of the world's leading online betting and gaming companies. 888's mission is to develop state-of-the-art technology and products that provide fun, fair and safe digital gambling products to players globally. Safer gambling is a core focus for the Group and, at the beginning of 2020, 888 launched its 'Safer. Better. Together' safer gambling strategy and commitments.
888 has been at the forefront of the online gaming industry since its foundation in 1997, leveraging its proprietary technology to provide players and B2B partners an innovative and world-class online gaming experience.
In 2020, the company was proud to be recognised at the 2020 Gaming Intelligence awards as the winner in the Casino Operator of the Year category. In 2020, 888 also won two prestigious awards for its poker platform at the 2020 Poker Listings Operator Awards in the Most Improved Software and Best Beginner Software categories.
The Group is structured into two lines of business: B2C, under the 888 brands, and B2B, conducted through Dragonfish, which provides partners a leading platform through which to establish an online gaming presence and monetise their own brands in a safe and responsible manner.
888's consumer facing websites offer more than just online betting and gaming. They are entertainment destinations: places where people can enjoy a truly interactive experience and be part of an online community that shares common interests. 888's strong and trusted brands are all accessible through www.888.com.
Find out more about 888 at http://corporate.888.com/.