Every Friday, Covers has a look back at the week that remained in the sports betting wagering industry. With a collection of sports betting news and notes, we mean to cover all the bases.

PrizePicks announces 2nd Super Sweat Competition for the Super Bowl

Daily Fantasy sports betting (DFS) service provider PrizePicks has revealed the launch of its Super Sweat competitors for the 2nd year. The promo will offer players 3 opportunities to be picked to get involved in a contest for $1 million and a trip to see their choices at an invite-only watch party for Super Bowl LIX on February 9.

THE SUPER SWEAT IS BACK 3 of YOU will get the opportunity to SWEAT a 3-Pick Lineup for $1,000,000 on the Big Game (Feb. 9th)

We are hosting 3 different social contests leading up to the Big Game to find our #SuperSweat competitors Once picked, everyone will be able to ... pic.twitter.com/bz4J5keHe1

Players can earn a chance to sign up with the Super Sweat discount in 3 ways. The very first is by publishing a screenshot of a lineup for the NFL Conference Championship on Instagram, TikTok, or X (previously Twitter) with the hashtag #SuperSweat.

The 2nd way is to post a video of your finest goal event on X, TikTok, and Instagram with the hashtag #SuperSweat. The last way to enter into the promo is by publishing a screenshot of your preferred NFL lineup with the #SuperSweat on X, Instagram, or TikTok.

Additionally, other gamers will have an opportunity to play on video game day for a share of an additional $1 million reward by tailing the lineups of the 3 rivals in the Super Sweat competitors. PrizePicks will announce its three rivals on February 7.

PrizePicks has expanded since it offered the Super Sweat competitors for the last Super Bowl, including peer-to-peer video games in Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming in January. The DFS platform was likewise released in Missouri and Delaware in October, and licensing approval was acquired from both jurisdictions. The site is now readily available in more than 45 U.S. states.

Florida Gaming Commission panelists concur present illegal video gaming statutory is insufficient

The Florida Gaming Commission recently affirmed existing statutory classifications and charges for illegal gaming offenses were insufficient.

"There's only so much cash to walk around. If a dollar does not go to a certified center or a tribal center, it's going into a criminal's pocket. It's as simple as that," executive director Ross Marshman stated, affirming before the Florida Legislature Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee.

Up until now, certified off-track sports betting facilities, card rooms, and slot facilities are the only kinds of lawful land-based gaming in the Sunshine State. Still, panelists expressed growing issue over the boost in illegal video gaming within the state, as the present statute doesn't prevent establishments from making illegal gaming simpler to access.

"There is no disincentive for these facilities to shut down due to the misdemeanors that they face," stated Chief Ed Cayenne of the Homeland Security Division of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. "They want to pay the fines and continue the operations since they are so lucrative."

Recently, Florida police cracked down on unlawful facilities throughout the state, with 10 locations in Jacksonville forced to close in December. The Jacksonville Sheriff's office exposed more than a dozen residents were included in a gambling ring that was operating given that 2021, leading to five people arrested for racketeering offenses.

Likewise, Florida also had among the most recognizable gambling lawsuits in current years, with the Seminole Tribe-operated Hard Rock sportsbook suspending operations after its launch in 2021, with the suit lasting till 2024.

Hard Rock Bet becomes latest member of Unity by Acid rock Loyalty program

Acid rock International revealed its sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, will end up being the most current addition to its Unity by Hard Rock loyalty scheme.

Hard Rock Bet will maintain its online commitment rewards program for users however will let gamers earn Tier Credits for both programs. Players can move these credits in between the 2 and money in for either online or on-property benefits.

"Integrating Acid Rock Bet into Unity will be a game-changer for guest engagement," said Keith Sheldon, president of home entertainment and brand management at Acid rock International and Seminole Gaming. "This improvement not just offers an enjoyable, interactive method for visitors to earn points when placing bets, however also substantially increases commitment."

Using Hard Rock Bet can now lead you to experiences worldwide

Hard Rock Bet Unity pic.twitter.com/JRHPtD00Zr

Unity by Hard Rock lets users redeem Unity Points at one of Hard Rock's international places. There are more than 200 getting involved areas, consisting of hotels, gambling establishments, coffee shops, and Rock Shops. Likewise, Acid rock's partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises permits players to redeem points on Royal Caribbean's Club Royale and Celebrity Cruises' Blue Chip Club.

"By satisfying visitors for their playtime, we produce a win-win scenario where visitors delight in an enriched experience, and we cultivate an introduction to all the remarkable verticals in our brand through point redemption opportunities at Hotels, Casinos, Cafes, Rock Shops and entertainment locations," Sheldon continued.

Acid Rock Bet is also expanding its sportsbooks in other ways, adding jai-alai sports betting ahead of the 2025 World Jai-Alai League. Fans can take pleasure in special streaming and wagering material for jai alai on Hard Rock Bet platforms.

Incentive Games releases crash game with bet365

Game developer Incentive Games has revealed the launch of a new crash game, "Velocity," which the operator will bring to the Brazilian market through a partnership with bet365. It's the first pay-to-play crash video game Incentive Games has made with bet365, however not the first time Incentive has partnered with bet365.

Incentive Games guarantees that it will continue to update "Velocity," utilizing data and AI professionals to examine player interactions.

Legal online video gaming introduced in Brazil on Jan. 1, with 68 online video gaming platforms going deal with a license. bet365 was one of the platforms to go reside on the launch date, along with Flutter Entertainment's Betfair.

bet365 had a successful 2024 before starting a new chapter with its Brazil launch. While the business CEO took a pay cut, bet365's earnings, specifically in the U.S., increased significantly year-on-year in the monetary year ending March. The online sports betting and casino service provider also ended up being the official partner of the UEFA Champions League in August.