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Shopistry Launches Showcase, Bringing to Hollywood what Shopify did for Brands

Shopistry

Toronto, Ontario -- Shopistry, a leading commerce solutions company, today announced the launch of Shopistry Showcase, enabling filmmakers, studios, and distributors to launch direct to consumer online sites with the ability to stream content, sell merchandise, and directly engage audiences in one beautiful experience. As streaming giants Netflix, Disney, Apple, Amazon, and Paramount provide the opportunity for mass audience reach, filmmakers and studios are at risk of diminishing control over distribution, marketing, and revenue opportunities. Shopistry Showcase changes this dynamic with a direct-to-consumer channel for audience monetization that compliments existing licensing deals and provides growth capabilities not provided by the major platforms. “Being able to go direct to audiences and drive distribution, and monetize content from pre-release, post-release, and long tail with full control is a gamechanger. Fans can watch, shop, and share; it’s like Netflix meets Amazon and everyone wins,” said Matt Osterman Writer/Director (Bitcon, 400 Days, Hover, Ghost from the Machine). Academy Award winning NEON's innovative online experience is an example of how studios and creators can excite audiences with a beautiful online site including digital streaming, the ability to sell merchandise, gated content, and more. Hosted on Shopistry’s innovative content and commerce platform and integrated with leading providers the solution is built for scale and designed to adapt as consumer behavior continues to evolve. “By making it easy to launch a direct-to-consumer site, filmmakers, comedians, and all creators can bring their amazing work to audiences that love them and drive new revenue similar to how digital brands have done,” said Jaafer Haidar, CEO of Shopistry. “Showcase is the first integrated solution to elegantly bring commerce and content together. Louis CK and recently Andrew Schultz showed us that going direct to fans has a big payoff. We’ve made it easy for everyone”. Key benefits include: Streaming & Distribution: Monetize content with secure DRM and flexibility End-to-End Merchandising & Logistics: Sell products and take advantage of Shopistry’s product sourcing, management, and fulfillment Demand Generation: Drive discovery and traffic including social sharing Pre-launch to Long Tail Revenue: Gain across the content lifecycle pre and post release windows and long-tail Full-Service Partner: Managed and built for scale, no tech knowledge required About Shopistry Shopistry’s content + commerce platform empowers brands and creators with solutions to launch innovative shopping experiences and gain operational flexibility without complex engineering; significantly increasing time to value. Shopistry’s full suite of products, professional service, and high-performance managed infrastructure deliver the flexibility to continually adapt and power growth without heavy technical investment and keep pace as consumer behaviors and business needs evolve for the future. To learn more visit or shopistry.com/showcase.. Contact Details Shopistry Inc. Jaafer Haidar +1 519-670-0250 contact@shopistry.com Company Website https://www.shopistry.com

March 09, 2023 11:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

GameOn Entertainment expecting a "very profitable" 2023

GameOn Entertainment Technologies Inc

GameOn Entertainment Technologies Inc founder & CEO Matt Bailey speaks to Proactive's Thomas Warner about the work the B2B technology company is doing to "make it easy to get involved in web3 through games." Bailey says that after reaching cash break-even in December 2022, he's expecting a "very profitable" 2023. Contact Details Proactive United States Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

March 08, 2023 12:58 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Announces Grant Initiative For Black, Female-Owned Businesses

Flawless by Gabrielle Union

Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a haircare brand intentionally crafted to celebrate versatile hair types, textures, and styles, today announces its inaugural grant initiative for Black, female-owned businesses. Historically, there has been a significant gap in access to capital, expertise, and opportunities among Black, female entrepreneurs. This International Women’s Day, Flawless by Gabrielle Union is helping bridge this gap by awarding three Black, female entrepreneurs $25,000 each in financial support to help elevate their businesses. “We are so grateful to have a platform to support other Black female entrepreneurs,” said Gabrielle Union, co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union. “For these founders, the barrier to entry is often unreachable, and we are proud to be a supporting anchor in their climb to success.” “We want to give these individuals the necessary tools to succeed in a saturated space,” said Larry Sims, co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union. “Financial support, along with one on one mentorship sessions with some of our incredible partners, aims to give recipients the opportunity to feel seen, supported, and uplifted.” To be considered, founders must submit a one-minute video and a brand deck to an expert panel of judges, who will then review each submission. The judges are as follows: P. Bagels-Minor, Founder of DVRGNT Ventures * Antoine Gregory, Founder of Black Fashion Fair Third judge to be announced *will offer mentorship sessions to winners The application period begins on March 8th and ends on April 19th. Six finalists will be chosen to participate in a virtual pitch event taking place on May 10th and winners will be announced on May 17th. In order to participate, founders must meet the following criteria: Must be 18+ Company must be based and operated in the United States (open to U.S. residents and U.S.-based brands only) Company must be in one of the following categories: fashion, skincare, and hair accessories Must have an existing company website and social media presence Products are not in distribution at a major retailer Business must be past the ideation phase with a fully developed product or service, with customers or ready for customers To learn more about Flawless by Gabrielle Union, please visit flawlesscurls.com. About Flawless by Gabrielle Union: Co-founded by Gabrielle Union and celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims, Flawless by Gabrielle Union aims to provide product knowledge and style education to everyone with its versatile collection of oils, cleansers, and conditioners for every hair type. Flawless by Gabrielle Union’s texture-specific products are infused with exotic, hydrating ingredients such as Brazilian Bacuri Butter, Rice Oil Complex, and Lilac Leaf Extract, leaving out harmful additives such as sulfates, silicones, and parabens. The Flawless by Gabrielle Union collection aims to help individuals find their custom routine to hydrate, define, repair, and protect. Contact Details Six One Agency Camryn Carlson +1 818-748-7444 camryn@six-one.com Chloe Sonne +1 425-315-3353 chloe@six-one.com Company Website https://flawlesscurls.com/

March 08, 2023 08:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Playmaker and Complexity Gaming, a GameSquare Company, Strike Long-Term Deal to Bridge the Gap Between Gaming and Sports

Playmaker

Playmaker, a leading social media sports and entertainment content platform catering to Gen Z, and Complexity Gaming, a GameSquare company, have announced a multi-year partnership to link traditional sports and gaming through content collaboration and strategic development with athletes and gamers. “Given its emerging popularity among our audience, we know this is the optimal time to fully embrace esports, and launch a dedicated channel,” said Playmaker CEO Brandon Harris. “Complexity Gaming’s support is essential in building out this new vertical, as we now have significant connections to prominent industry tools, leaders and influencers.” As a leading esports organization in North America, Complexity will serve as a key resource for Playmaker as it ventures into the ascending esports market with its recalibrated esports and gaming channel, playmakerOP. The partnership will arm Playmaker with preferred access to GameSquare’s full service content studio, creative assets, gaming equipment and technology, and a roster of high-profile athletes and gaming influencers under management. Additionally, Playmaker will utilize Complexity’s two decades of industry knowledge as it builds out a comprehensive gaming strategy. Playmaker’s sizable following enhances Complexity’s efforts to drive media visibility and brand awareness. Playmaker’s audience includes more than 18 million followers across social platforms, touching a variety of verticals including sports, betting and entertainment. Additionally, Playmaker manages and produces content with notable athletes and influencers such as Tracy McGrady, Nate Robinson and Xavien Howard, amplifying the magnitude of its influence and reach. “We want to ensure that we are at the forefront of the convergence of gaming and traditional sports,“ said GameSquare CEO Justin Kenna. “Working alongside Playmaker affords Complexity access to engaged audiences across sports and entertainment, noteworthy influencers, and key brand relationships, making the company the ideal partner to expand our capabilities and serve our growing global audience.” About Playmaker Founded in 2018, Playmaker is a new-age media, talent & merchandise company. The company currently influences more than 18 million followers across its social media, 50+ athletes under management and more than 20 original shows on Snap Discover. In addition to its flagship sports content, Playmaker operates independent branded verticals including betting, entertainment, basketball and esports. For more information, please visit Playmaker’s official website: https://playmakerhq.com/ About Complexity Gaming Complexity Gaming, a GameSquare subsidiary, is one of North America’s longest-standing esports organizations. Complexity Gaming’s Esports teams have won more than 140 championships in nearly 30 game titles over its 15+ year history. Staunchly committed to passion, professionalism, and a player-first mentality, Complexity Gaming has been continuously recognized as a global leader in modern esports. For more information on Complexity Gaming, visit http://Complexity.gg and follow the organization on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook. About GameSquare GameSquare (CSE: GSQ; OTCQB: GMSQF; FRA: 29Q1) is a vertically integrated, international digital media and entertainment company enabling global brands to connect and interact with gaming and esports fans. GameSquare owns a portfolio of companies including Code Red Esports Ltd., an esports talent agency serving the UK, GCN, a digital media company focusing on the gaming and esports audience based in Los Angeles, USA., Cut+Sew (Zoned), a gaming and lifestyle marketing agency based in Los Angeles, USA, Complexity Gaming, a leading esports organization operating in the United States, Fourth Frame Studios, a multidisciplinary creative production studio, and Mission Supply, a merchandise and consumer products business. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Contact Details Alex Shapiro +1 732-770-9395 ashapiro@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://homeofplaymakers.com/

March 08, 2023 07:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Family Entertainment Live and Mattel Announce 2023 Expansion of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party™

Family Entertainment Live

To meet growing demand from fans and venues, Family Entertainment Live and Mattel today announced a major expansion of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party North American tour, coming in the second half of 2023. Following record breaking sales in 2022 and the beginning of 2023, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party has added 23 markets to its expanding schedule, including some of the country’s most preeminent arenas such as the Barclays Center (Brooklyn), Chase Center (San Francisco), Target Center (Minneapolis), and Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia). The newly announced tour dates will begin in July, filling the 2023 Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live schedule with more events than ever. Presale tickets will be available on March 8, with public sale beginning on March 10, in most markets. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is produced by Family Entertainment Live, and brings fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Boneshaker™, Bigfoot®, and the all-new Gunkster™, to name just a few. The Glow Party production features a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, and lots of Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from the car-eating, fire-breathing, transforming robot MEGASAURUS™, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross. "After a record-breaking season in 2022, the tour’s expansion to more cities and renowned venues across the United States ensures that Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live can build upon the incredible momentum that began with Glow Party,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel. “Our exhilarating tour theme, coupled with a robust second half schedule, means even more families will be able to connect and engage with their favorite real-life Hot Wheels Monster Trucks like never before.” “After so much early success with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, we thought this was the perfect time to take it to another gear across the U.S.,” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live. “The fans’ response has been incredible both domestically and overseas. Families will now have even more opportunities to experience the party at some of the most well-known venues throughout the major metros of North America.” Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party™ 2023 extended tour* dates are as follows. Matinee and evening performances are available across all dates. July 29-30 INTRUST Bank Arena Wichita, KS August 5-6 Chase Center San Francisco, CA August 5-6 Blue Cross Arena Rochester, NY August 12-13 XL Center Hartford, CT August 12-13 Veterans Memorial Coliseum Portland, OR August 19-20 Desert Diamond Arena Glendale, AZ August 26-27 Toyota Arena Ontario, CA August 26-27 Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA September 2-3 Orleans Arena Las Vegas, NV September 9-10 Acrisure Arena Coachella Valley, CA September 23-24 Pechanga Arena San Diego, CA September 23-24 KFC Yum! Center Louisville, KY Sept 30 Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY October 7-8 T-Mobile Center Kansas City, MO October 7-8 Scope Arena Norfolk, VA October 14-15 DCU Arena Worcester, MA October 14-15 Cross Insurance Arena Portland, ME October 20-22 Cross Insurance Center Bangor, ME November 4-5 FedExForum Memphis, TN November 4-5 Family Arena St. Charles, MO November 11-12 Dickies Arena Ft. Worth, TX November 18 Target Center Minneapolis, MN November 18-19 Paycom Center Oklahoma City, OK *Additional dates to be announced. Hot Wheels fans also have the opportunity to participate in the Crash Zone Pre-Show Party, held two and a half hours prior to every performance. The unique experience provides fans access to the competition floor where they can see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks along with autograph signings from their favorite drivers and performers. Each Crash Zone ticket includes an autograph card, souvenir pass, and a lanyard exclusive to Crash Zone attendees. Passes will be available to purchase while supplies last. Fans can go to HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive.com for more information. The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour is a partnership between Mattel and Raycom-Legacy Content Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Family Entertainment Holdings, LLC. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com. About Family Entertainment Live Family Entertainment Holdings, LLC is a diversified, entertainment holding company that develops family-oriented live events including Monster High® Live, Magic of Lights ®, an outdoor holiday lights drive-through experience produced at venues throughout North America and Hot Wheels® Monster Trucks Live, showcasing a toys-to-life show of Mattel’s legendary Hot Wheels Monster Trucks show presented across North America, Europe and elsewhere internationally. The Company is headquartered in Medina, Ohio. For more information visit familyentertainmentlive.com. Contact Details Eric PR & Marketing, LLC Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com

March 07, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Fun Japan Communications starts offering all exclusive official goods developed in collaboration with animated TV series Tokyo Revengers through FUN! JAPAN SELECT SHOP

Fun Japan

NEW YORK, US - Media OutReach - 6 March 2023 - JTB group company Fun Japan Communications, Ltd., operator of FUN! JAPAN, one of Asia‘s largest community websites for “Japan fans” (4.65 million Facebook fans, 1.28 million website subscribers as of January 2023), under the mission to “bridge between Japan and Asia,” starts offering fully original goods developed in collaboration with animated TV series Tokyo Revengers through FUN! JAPAN SELECT SHOP, the company’s cross-border e-commerce website for consumers in Asia! All exclusive unique goods featuring Tokyo Revengers, the hottest and most bittersweet time travel thriller animated TV series, combined with Japan's local manufacturing skills and specialties, will be available on made to order on our cross-border e-commerce website for consumers in Asia. The keyword for this collaboration is 'kizuna (bond).' Just like various types of close 'kizuna’ depicted in the animated TV show Tokyo Revengers, made-to-order products represent connections among people and between people and things beyond borders. Consumers can expect items such as a pair of matching special glasses that change color when filled with a liquid (from a manufacturer in Tajimi City, Gifu) and exclusive premium fruit juice made from locally grown fruits (from a manufacturer in Komoro City, Nagano). Illustrations of Takemichi Hanagaki, Manjiro Sano, Ken Ryuguji, Chifuyu Matsuno, Keisuke Baji, and other popular characters from the animated TV show Tokyo Revengers, and fruit juice inspired by these characters' theme colors will be offered in a special box. These completely limited products will be available on made to order in early March 2023. This special campaign will help people in Asia find 'kizuna' bond with Japan and rediscover attractive aspects of local communities in Japan through the animated TV series Tokyo Revengers. Stay tuned. https://en.pinkoi.com/product/j7WjjERf Product image download link： https://tokyo-revengers-craftsmanship.jp/resources/complete%20set%20Takemichi_Hina.jpg Contact Details Fun Japan Communications, Ltd. Media Contact inquiry@fj-com.co.jp

March 06, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Livento Group (NUGN) Artificial Intelligence Acquisition Complete

Livento Group

McapMediaWire --- NuGene International, Inc./ Livento Group, Inc. (OTC: NUGN ), a dynamic group that specializes in acquiring and developing companies with disruptive business models in film, content, and technology for fund managers, announced it has finalized the acquisition of Novel-Ti, a company specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Industry Solutions. About Novel-Ti Novel-Ti was created in 2013 by two partners, an engineer in computer science and a PhD engineer who is qualified in electrical engineering and fuzzy logic, which is an approach to variable processing that allows for multiple possible truth values to be processed through the same variable. Novel-Ti has eight engineers and PhD engineers. It has developed many bespoke innovative applications, utilizing artificial intelligence and computer vision in different sectors including the finance, automotive and healthcare sector. We will be releasing more information about the nature of some of the very sophisticated programs developed by the company in the coming days. The company’s clients have included major corporations and business who are seeking unique solutions to solve complex problems. David Stybr - Livento Group CEO - “The artificial intelligence market equated to $50 billion USD in 2020 and is expected to reach $185 billion USD in 2026. The Novel-Ti acquisition is just the start of what investors and customers will see from the Livento AI & Robotics Solutions division. After completion of the acquisition and integration of the Novel-Ti acquisition, we will focus on business growth and harnessing the power of the team to add value across the Livento Business. Livento will remain opportunistic regarding further acquisitions within the industry. We forecast revenue of $1M USD in 2023 from their existing clients and additional revenue from solutions developed by the team that are sold as solutions across the industry. An example of this is project ‘OWL’. OWL is a very exciting project and the Novel-Ti Solution is transformational. About OWL At Livento Group we couldn’t pass up this opportunity to acquire a company that specializes in treating neurological disorders and diseases that effects millions of people around the world. The uncontrolled annual growth of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathologies requires an urgent solution. It’s estimated that Autism effects 75 million people, Alzheimer’s effects 78 million people, and will cost society an estimated $2.8 Trillion USD by 2030. To fight against this disease, Novel-Ti uses its expertise in Artificial Intelligence and image processing. Novel-Ti has developed an interactive solution in collaboration with professionals in neurological pathologies. The application identifies areas of brain, which require an active reconnection. The visual analysis of the participants behaviour in real time allows the system to monitor and adapt each exercise individually, as well as analysing the progress made at each session. A unique hardware and software solution The second project in the pipeline for Novel-Ti is in the Robotics sector. The Livento team is in discussions with a production facility in the Czech Republic. The facility specializes in producing robotics solutions, The Novel-Ti team is tasked to deliver programming works for two new automated robotic prototypes which will be used in various business cases. Livento is in discussion to have larger involvement in the projects. Livento will seek to achieve higher revenue potential in the Articifial Intelligence sector. Mr Zied Loukil, founder of Novel-Ti, stated: “Livento plans to position the new division as a major player in the Artificial Intelligence industry, combining the strengths of the Marketing and Commercial power of Livento and the expertise of the Novel-Ti team, which will enable Novel-Ti to grow our client base and product lines increasing revenues and market share.” The new division of Livento will be managed from our European offices and will be led by Mr. Willem van der Meer, Mr. Olivier Somville and Mr. Zied Loukil. The acquisition will be fully paid in Livento restricted shares. Safe Harbor Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements as predictions, projections, or references future events and expectations, possibilities or similar. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company is unable to give any assurance that its expectations will be attained due to several variable factors. Factors or events that could cause actual results to differ may emerge, and it is impossible for the Company to predict all of them. Some of these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, in customer order patterns, changes in consumer trends, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. Although the Company intends to provide public updates, it undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Contact: David Stybr, CEO Livento Group, Inc. ir@liventogroup.com Livento Group LLC | LinkedIn | Twitter Boxo Productions | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Contact Details Livento Group, Inc. ir@liventogroup.com

March 06, 2023 09:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

Mike The Pike Productions, Inc. (OTC: MIKP) and Sack Lunch Productions (OTC: SAKL) Jointly Agree to Termination of Letter of Intent

Mike The Pike Productions, Inc.

McapMediaWire -- Mike The Pike Productions, Inc. (OTC: MIKP ) (“The Company”), ($MIKP), a fan-owned entertainment studio focused in the acquisition, development, and production of entertainment intellectual property through its wholly owned subsidiary www.ArowanaMedia.com, announces today that it has amicably agreed to a termination of the Letter of Intent with Sack Lunch Productions (OTC: SAKL ) in favor of proceeding with initiatives toward becoming an SEC Fully Reporting, OTC Markets Pink Current status Issuer including the filing of Form 10 with audited financials through EOY 2022. MIKP CEO Mark B. Newbauer states, “I believe this is the best for the Company and its Shareholders as we have a definable path to becoming a fully reporting pink current company. I thank shareholders for your patience as we work with auditors to finalize the 2022 financials, and believe this to be a monumental step for the company into 2023. We are operating full force in Arowana on development benchmarks for our projects including the Vampirella Universe, New York Times Bestseller ‘Wish’, and other titles soon to be officially announced,” LIKE, FOLLOW & SHARE AT: Facebook: @arowanamedia Twitter: @ArowanaOfficial and @MTPprods IG: ArowanaMedia About Mike The Pike Productions (OTC: MIKP), Arowana Media Holdings and Mike The Pike Entertainment Mike The Pike Productions is a publicy traded media holdings company operating through its subsidiary Arowana Media Holdings, Inc. ( www.ArowanaMedia.com ), a fan-owned entertainment studio focused on IP Acquisitions, Development and Production, and building a diverse portfolio of IP for the entertainment marketplace. It does this via its flagship subsidiary, Mike the Pike Entertainment, LLC, which will acquire, incubate and develop IP which can then be used to complement horizontally integrated subsidiaries focused in Film/Television/Streaming, Publishing, Software/Gaming, esports, AR/VR, Web3, Metaverse, and Artificial Intelligence. CONTACT: CEO Mark B. Newbauer hey@mikethepike.com Contact Details Mark B. Newbauer hey@mikethepike.com Company Website http://www.arowanamedia.com/

March 02, 2023 04:35 PM Eastern Standard Time

FanDuel Named ‘Most Innovative Sportsbook’ by Sports Betting Journalists in New HPL Digital Sport Study

HPL Digital Sport

HPL Digital Sport, (HPLDS) a specialty division within Hot Paper Lantern focused on building brand, partnerships and user growth within the sports betting, sports technology and iGaming industry, today released its new study State of the Sportsbook: Media Scoreboard on Innovation. The study measures the opinions and perspective of the media who regularly write about the sports betting industry on topics like: which are the most innovative sports betting operators, the technological elements most likely to make the most impact in 2023 and which new entrants to the market can challenge current leaders in the space. To contrast the media’s opinions, HPLDS also interviewed more than a half-dozen sports betting industry consultants to obtain their views. “In a very nascent industry like sports betting, the media hold a very important position as the group that sits across the entire market, talking to every company and executive on topics ranging from technology, new products and services, pain points, wins and innovation. While many opinions and anecdotes have been shared on who leads the market, there has never been a definitive study completed to put quantitative and qualitative data behind these ideas,” said Ed Moed, CEO of HPL Digital Sport. “As thought leaders in the space, we felt it necessary to create this content but also accentuate this data with commentary and opinions from the most respected and visionary sports betting consultants in the industry. We hope this series of studies and our Media Scoreboard become the industry standard bearer for years to come.” When it comes to the most innovative operator, it’s FanDuel and everyone else In a weighted ranking, the media named FanDuel as the most innovative sports betting operator in a landslide, scoring 55 points. FanDuel more than doubled the points of the Second Place and Third Place finishers, PointsBet (24) and DraftKings (20), respectively. Rounding out the Top 5 list included BetMGM in Fourth Place with 9 points and Bet365, Caesars and Circa all tied for Fifth Place with 7 points. Among new sportsbooks joining the market, the media believe 2023 is Fanatics’ year to lose When choosing the most anticipated new entrant in the market, the media overwhelmingly chose Fanatics as the company they feel will have the biggest impact in sports betting. The potential Disney (ESPN)/DraftKings partnership came in second while Betr rounded out the top three. Subsequently, the media survey also felt Fanatics’ announcement to officially launch its sportsbook was the top story of 2022 showing a betting operator “revolutionizing the market and leading to potential change in 2023.” Fanatics’ launch beat out other top stories including the Disney (ESPN) teaser announcement of an upcoming strategic partnership with DraftKings, DraftKings integration with Amazon’s Thursday Night Football package and FanDuel’s announcement of its pullback of promotional dollars. The media prioritized User Experience and Engagement as the most important innovative practice in sports betting In an industry deep in an arms race to secure new and sustainable users, when given a list of the most innovative practices, the media found User Experience and Engagement to be the industry’s top priority, followed by: User Experience and Engagement Product Differentiation Development of Next Generation Technologies Fiscal Responsibility Brand Development Strategic Partnerships Influencer Deals In-play betting seen as the innovation most likely to gain momentum in 2023 In-play betting secured 42%, and the majority of the response, from the media as the innovation most likely to gain momentum in 2023. While in-play betting drew the most attention, other imminent innovations mentioned highlight the expanding betting ecosystem and capabilities users can begin to expect to gain traction in the near future including, the evolution of sports betting content (17%), universal wallet (8%) and the gamification of sports betting (8%). “The consultants we interviewed all agreed with the media’s assessment of the sports betting innovation landscape. However, adding to the media’s perspective, the consultants warned this is not the time for any company, new entrant or incumbent, to rest on their laurels,” said Moed. “Innovation isn’t about winning the moment but a mindset of continuous improvement. The companies and sportsbooks who will make moves on our Scoreboard in the future will undoubtedly have a deep focus on the end user experience, as well focusing on any real ways each can be unique in its own value proposition to sports bettors.” The State of the Sportsbook is the first industry study collecting the data and opinions of the sports betting media and the most influential industry consultants, as well. HPLDS was the first to capture the data behind needs, behaviors and wants of the emerging sports bettor in its flagship study, The State of the New Sports Bettor in 2020. In 2021, HPLDS was the first company to obtain data and insights from sports betting executives in its State of the Sports Betting Industry: User Expectations vs. Executive Realities study. The study was conducted between Jan. 12-23, 2023, leveraging the insights of more than two dozen top-tier business and sports betting trade reporters covering the business of the sports betting industry. About HPL Digital Sport HPL Digital Sport is a specialty division focused on the sports betting, fantasy, and igaming spaces within Hot Paper Lantern, a multi-disciplined brand, marketing and communications firm. We build brand relevance and thought leadership, while driving growth for sports betting, fantasy and sports technology companies through our core capabilities of branding, public/media relations, performance marketing, social media and sophisticated design. www.hpldigitalsport.com Contact Details Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.hpldigitalsport.com/

March 02, 2023 02:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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