Around the Betting Planet: Koeman lifts lid on Suarez switch

US sports betting news

PointsBet to begin streaming sports to US customers

With the US recently opening the door for states to regulate sports betting, the war between bookmaker operators is on. Early contenders like DraftKings and FanDuel have another major rival to worry about: PointsBet.

Following a new content deal with Genius Sports, the Australian-based bookmaker will be able to livestream multiple sporting events in the US. This includes the likes of soccer, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, and even esports. The deal allows customers to stream events live through the PointsBet app or website.

In addition, the streaming agreement allows players to make live bets on in-play matches through the Betgenius platform. The deal gives PointsBet a crucial strategic advantage over many competing US betting sites.

UK sports betting news

Football fans reluctant to buy team kits with betting sponsors

Over a third of UK soccer fans would rather hold off on purchasing team kits if they feature bookmaker partners. Those are the results from a recent poll of over a thousand British sports fans. More than half of English Premier League uniforms feature logos from betting operators.

The poll suggests that English fans may be getting tired of the saturation of gambling sponsorships in the Premier League. For years now, new UK betting sites have used the kits of top teams for market exposure. Gambling logos are prominently displayed across the chest.

Football clubs and betting sites have a natural synergy that, until now, has proven lucrative to both parties. If consumer sentiment begins to turn, however, football clubs may need to reconsider these alliances.

Africa sports betting news

Nyantakyi’s lifetime ban cut to 15 years, fine reduced

Kwesi Nyantakyi, the disgraced former senior VP of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was previously banned for life from football due to bribery and corruption violations. Now, Nyantakyi has successfully appealed the FIFA ruling, cutting the lifetime ban down to 15 years.

In addition, the original fine of US $550,000 was reduced by 80% down to $110,000. Nyantakyi, a Ghanaian lawyer and banker, resigned his high-ranking position in the CAF executive team following a media exposé.

He was filmed taking more than $65,000 in bribes from undercover reporters. Following the bribe, he agreed to a deal crafted by the press that would’ve funnelled millions of dollars to him. Nevertheless, a loyal group of supporters continues to lobby for striking the ban altogether.

Europe sports betting news

Koeman spills beans on Messi talk about Suarez departure

After a successful six-year stint at Barcelona, Uruguayan player Luis Suarez was suddenly left out in the cold. New coach Ronald Koeman allowed the star player to leave the club during the latest transfer window as part of a series of drastic changes to the lineup.

The sudden departure of Suarez left many team veterans feeling rather uneasy, including superstar Lionel Messi. Now, Koeman has revealed some of the things he said to Messi following Suarez’s move to Atletico Madrid.

The Dutch trainer said he understood that Messi’s closeness to Suarez made it an uncomfortable situation for the Argentine superstar. He also insisted that he gave Suarez a choice: stay and prove he was part of the team, or leave instead. Neither Messi nor Suarez has confirmed this version of the events.

South America sports betting news

Former Brazil and Real Madrid star Robinho goes back to Santos

Robinho, the 36-year-old footballer picked in 1999 by Pelé as his heir, has enjoyed an illustrious career. Playing with Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Manchester City, he rose to prominence in European football. With the Brazil national team, he played alongside the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and Adriano.

Now, Robinho has signed a contract to go back to his first childhood club, the Brazilian Santos FC. The deal will run until February 2021, with a possible extension until December 2022.

It’s a passion move for Robinho, as his salary at Santos will be a mere US $271 a month – just above the Brazilian minimum wage. That is a far cry from the millionaire contracts of yesteryear, but it is an invaluable chance for Robinho to continue playing the sport he loves.

Australia sports betting news

Gallen accused Sport Integrity Australia of chasing clout

Michael Jennings, centre for the Parramatta Eels, recently received a provisional suspension after testing positive for banned substances. His test result was dire news for the Eels, coming the day before they faced South Sydney in the NRL finals.

Now, rugby league great Paul Gallen has called out Sport Integrity Australia (formerly ASADA) for the timing of the news. As Gallen pointed out, Jennings was initially tested on September 21. For reasons unknown, those results were withheld by SIA until last week.

Jennings tested positive for Ibutamoren and Ligandrol. Gallen found it noteworthy that the organization allowed Jennings to play another game after having tested positive, calling it “dangerous”.

NZ sports betting news

Packed stadium at Bledisloe Cup draws international envy

With the global pandemic restricting live sports and mass gatherings worldwide, packed stadiums are a distant memory for many nations. In countries that have restarted professional sports leagues, games often go on behind closed doors and with no audience.

That’s why photos of the huge crowd at the first Test of the 2020 Bledisloe Cup series shocked the world. With many countries still struggling to control the pandemic, the lack of masks or social distancing drew much envy.

New Zealand rugby recently resumed regular operations, owing to the successful handling of the pandemic in the country. European leagues are now looking to New Zealand as a model for returning to normal.