NEWS & NOTES

NBC Sports Philadelphia has become the latest regional sports network to offer betting-focused programming alongside its National Basketball Association coverage. The Comcast-owned network began providing gambling analysis via its own digital platform, NBC Sports Philadelphia+, during the Philadelphia 76ers Eastern Conference clash with the Atlanta Hawks on April 3. The commentary, which part of NBC’s “Predict The Game” portfolio, will be complemented by on-screen graphics featuring betting data—including a glossary to aid the viewer with gambling terminology—while its hosts discuss how gameplay events impact certain bets. • Ladbrokes Belgium has signed a new long-term agreement with Arena Racing Company (ARC) which will see the bookmaker roll out ARC’s European Racing Channel (ERC) across its Belgian retail division. The new deal will mean that British horse racing and BAGS greyhound racing can be broadcast to a growing Belgian audience via the stores of Ladbrokes, which is currently listed as one of the largest retail betting shop operators. • The land-based casino industry in Europe is gearing up for the annual European Dealer Championship, which will be held at Olympic Casino group’s flagship operation, the Olympic Park Casino Tallinn April 29-May 1. The competition will attract Europe’s 37 best dealers from 20 countries, including previous winners, runner-ups and talented newcomers. Dealers are ranked on technical skills, game control and hospitality in the group stages and final rounds. A number of side events will also take place at the EDC.  · New Zealand’s Advertising Standards Association (ASA) has published an updated version of its advertising code, including policy guidance and standards for promoting gaming. The new policy, which becomes law after August 5, 2019 will apply to all new advertising. It was developed by a committee that consulted with media owners, publishers and ad agency members. Its purpose is to promote “a high standard of social responsibility,” “protect children, young people and other vulnerable persons,” and be “truthful representation’ of gambling services and marketing terminology.” · Jack Cleveland Casino and Jack Thistledown Racino in northern Ohio will become the first casinos to offer in home loyalty communications employing Amazon Alexa in the form of ClubJACK Skill. Members can access casino promotions using voice commands using any Alexa-enabled device. They can see what their offers are or get the latest information on promotions. “We pride ourselves on continuously seeking to create fun new ways for consumers to interact with our brand through industry-leading advances and innovation,” said Darlene Monzo, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. · SuperBookUSA, one of the largest companies offering legal sports book, will begin offering its services outside of its Nevada HQ. Vice President of Sports Operations Jay Kornegay made the announcement during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention: “Soon. We are working on it. We’re in deep negotiations with a potential partner. We hope to finalize that within a couple of weeks. SuperBook will be operating in another state,” he said. Speculation is rampant as to where that might be, although educated guesses eliminate Rhode Island, Delaware, West Virginia, or Mississippi. Since the announcement was made at an Indian gaming affair, perhaps a tribe will be SuperBookUSA’s new partner. • The Nevada Gaming Control Board has recommended the Golden Gate and D casinos for approval to operate their own sportsbooks. The books currently are run by William Hill. The Nevada Gaming Commission is slated to give its OK at its meeting on April 25.