Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB looks at the news that you may have missed across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This week: US bettors face new rules on NBA player prop bets, new betting shop signage comes under fire and Conor McGregor loses big-money bet.
US sportsbooks to halt prop betting on lower-paid NBA players
First up, major sportsbooks in the US will no longer allow players to place a prop-style bet on the lowest-earning NBA players, sources have told The Athletic.
Quoting the article, the New York Times reported that the decision comes after months of talks between the NBA and its gambling partners. These include both FanDuel and DraftKings. From now on, no “under” bets will be offered on players on a two-way or 10-day contract.
While NBA players make several million dollars a year, players on shorter contracts earn far less. As such, they potentially face greater threats over match and betting manipulation.
The New York Times highlights one case last year when the NBA suspended Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors for engaging in a conspiracy to affect the outcome of bets placed on him. Porter was on a two-way contract worth around $56,000 annually.
“We are pleased that these actions have been taken to help protect the integrity of our games,” the NBA said.
Betfred under fire for betting shop signage on vintage shop
Meanwhile, in the UK, Betfred is facing an investigation over signage on a famous old department store in Bradford.
A large, blue vinyl sign has been installed above the Betfred unit on Market Street, which is part of a building that dates back to the 1870s. This is accompanied by window graphics that partially cover the shop’s glass storefront.
However, the Bradford Civic Society has raised concerns that the window graphics have been installed without the proper advertising consent or planning permission. Bradford Council has confirmed it will investigate the matter, the BBC reports.
The location is within a conservation area which was once the Brown Muff department store, before becoming Rackhams.
BetMGM launches new UK advert starring Chris Rock
On the subject of UK advertising, BetMGM has launched a new ad featuring Hollywood actor Chris Rock.
Developed with creative agency Recipe, the 30-second TV ad showcases BetMGM’s range of betting options available to UK players. These include bet builders, accumulators, price boosts and live play options.
“BetMGM are taking the UK market by storm and this next iteration supports that, and then some,” Recipe creative founder, Dan Jacobs said according to Marketing Beat. “Everyone in the team that pulled this off from client side to agency and production are undisputed heroes.”
BetMGM has a history of working with Rock in the UK, partnering with the actor to promote the launch of its brand in the market last year.
Changes at the top for Push Gaming
Meanwhile, B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has announced several changes to its C-level executive team.
Andy Bentley has joined as chief operating officer, having worked with Push on various projects over the past six months. He previously worked for Ladbrokes, Genting and the Gauselmann Group.
The appointment comes as co-founder Winston Lee also moves to the role of co-CEO, working alongside incumbent James Marshall.
Winston will continue to oversee compliance, finance and live operations, while James will maintain oversight on games and product development, people and culture, and sales and account management.
McGregor loses $500,000 on big MMA bet
Finally this week, mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor is $500,000 out of pocket after losing a bet on a major fight over the weekend, according to GiveMeSport.
McGregor wagered $500,000 on Renan Ferreira to beat Francis Ngannou in their PFL MMA super-fight. However, Ngannou dominated the fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia and was eventually halted by the referee.
Had Ferreira won, McGregor stood to make around $1.6m from his $500,000 wager, which he had revealed in a now-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter.
