North Star Network has made waves in the African sports media landscape by acquiring Soccernet.ng, a popular Nigerian football blog known for its in-depth coverage of local and international soccer stories. The acquisition marks a strategic move to strengthen North Star’s presence in Africa.
Commitment to Nigerian Football Journalism
Co-founder of North Star Network, Julien Josset, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating:
“We’re excited to welcome Soccernet.ng into the North Star Network family. Their passion for Nigerian football and commitment to quality journalism align perfectly with our global vision of bringing fans closer to the game they love.”
Soccernet.ng, founded over a decade ago, has become a trusted name in Nigerian football coverage, drawing an international audience from countries including the UK, North America, Canada, and Spain.
Soccernet.ng: A Decade of Passion and Growth
Founder Biyi Akangbe reflected on Soccernet’s journey:
“We started out as a small website 10 years ago with a passion to deliver news about Nigerian footballers to readers. We have since become globally renowned as a trusted source for Nigerian football news, leading to this acquisition by North Star.”
Co-founder Lolade Adewuyi will remain with the team as a columnist, ensuring the blog continues its tradition of insightful football commentary under the new ownership.
What This Means for Soccer Betting
This acquisition opens exciting opportunities for soccer betting enthusiasts. With North Star Network’s extensive sports media portfolio—spanning over 20 brands such as Afrik Foot, Football Whispers, and SportsMole—readers of Soccernet.ng can expect enhanced coverage, deeper insights, and potential collaborations with betting platforms catering to Nigerian and African football fans.
As soccer betting continues to grow in popularity across Africa, having a trusted source like Soccernet.ng under the North Star umbrella could further connect fans with match predictions, player statistics, and betting trends.
A Growing Presence in Africa
The acquisition underscores North Star’s commitment to expanding in Africa, complementing recent developments like Altenar’s national manufacturer licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board in South Africa.
With Soccernet.ng now part of its lineup, North Star Network is well-positioned to unite African soccer fans and bettors alike under its global sports media vision.
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Bet365, a global leader in sports betting, has released its 2025 Annual Sports Betting Report, offering valuable insights into emerging trends, rising markets, and its ambitious expansion strategy. The report highlights significant growth in women’s sports, player-focused betting, and activity across regulated markets.
Women’s Sports Betting Sees Remarkable Growth
Women’s sports betting has gained tremendous traction in recent years. According to the report, global wagers on the WNBA increased by an impressive 67%, showcasing the growing interest in women’s sports. This surge can be attributed to rising stars, expanded media coverage, and increased attention to women’s college basketball, which has drawn a broader and more engaged audience.
The Shift to Player-Centric Betting
A key trend highlighted in the report is the growing focus on individual player performances. Bettors are increasingly seeking personalized betting options, driving demand for player props. Athletes such as Nikola Jokić in the NBA and Saquon Barkley in the NFL have become fan favourites in these markets. The Kansas City Chiefs led NFL betting activity, fuelled by their on-field success and the media spotlight on Travis Kelce. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics topped NBA wagers, with the Oklahoma City Thunder following closely, underscoring a shift toward analytical, player-driven markets.
Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Bet365 has made significant strides in its global expansion efforts. In 2024, the company entered Pennsylvania and Peru and is awaiting regulatory approval for operations in Brazil. Strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in strengthening its offerings. Collaborations with Inspired and Playtech in Pennsylvania and Betmakers for fixed-odds horse racing in New Jersey and Colorado reflect its commitment to diversifying and enhancing its betting options. New features, such as early payout options and flash betting, have also improved user engagement and received widespread praise.
Bet365’s Entry into the Illinois Market
Illinois represents a major milestone in Bet365’s U.S. expansion strategy. The Illinois Gaming Board recently approved its partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, granting Bet365 a Management Services Provider License. This allows the company to offer both in-person and mobile sports betting in one of the country’s most lucrative markets. Illinois sportsbooks handled $11 billion in bets through October 2024, a 23% year-over-year increase, and set a record $1.45 billion betting handle in October. However, Illinois’ new progressive tax structure poses challenges, with rates ranging from 20% to 40%, depending on revenue. Despite this, Bet365 is unlikely to hit the top tier due to current revenue projections.
Expanding Presence Across North America
Beyond Illinois, Bet365 continues to solidify its footprint across the U.S. market. In Pennsylvania, its partnership with Presque Isle Casino has generated nearly $100 million in bets and $10 million in revenue. The company also opened a new Denver office in September 2024, facilitating a partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. This expansion aligns with Bet365’s stated priority of driving growth in its live markets while exploring opportunities in new states.
New York’s Milestone Achievement in Sports Betting
New York’s sports betting industry reached new heights in November 2024, setting an all-time record for gross gaming revenue (GGR). The New York State Gaming Commission reported a staggering $231.7 million in GGR, a 53.5% increase from November 2023 and a 9.5% jump from January 2024’s previous record of $211.5 million.
Despite a slight dip in the total betting handle, which came in at $2.27 billion compared to October’s $2.32 billion, the November handle still represents the second-highest in New York’s history since the launch of mobile betting in January 2022.
Unprecedented Tax Contributions
The November revenue surge significantly bolstered the state’s tax income, generating a record-breaking $118.1 million in tax revenue for the month. This brings New York’s year-to-date tax contributions from sports betting to $965 million, positioning the state to surpass $1 billion in annual tax revenue for the first time.
Performance Breakdown: Dominant Players and Emerging Contenders
FanDuel maintained its market dominance, securing 43% of the total GGR with $102.6 million in revenue from $921.2 million in bets, achieving an 11.4% hold rate. DraftKings followed with $77.1 million in revenue from $745.4 million in handle, boasting a 10.3% hold.
BetMGM jumped to third place, generating $14.4 million in revenue from $167.7 million in bets, surpassing competitors Caesars ($14.2 million) and Fanatics ($13.8 million), despite a slightly lower handle. Notably, Fanatics’ $170.2 million handle was the third-highest, yet its revenue lagged behind due to an 8.1% hold rate.
New entrants ESPN Bet and Bally Bet also made notable strides. ESPN Bet posted $3.5 million in revenue from $39 million in bets, marking its best month since launching in September. Bally Bet reported $1.2 million in revenue, achieving the highest hold rate in the state at 11.3%.
New York’s Role in the National Sports Betting Landscape
Beyond breaking records, New York’s sports betting market continues to shape the national landscape. In 2024, the state became the first to surpass $20 billion in annual sports betting handle and $5 billion in all-time operator GGR. These milestones underscore New York’s pivotal role as a hub for sports betting innovation and growth.
Fanatics Sportsbook, a rising player in the market, announced the return of its flagship Fanatics Fest event to New York in 2025. The inaugural 2024 event brought together fans, celebrities, and athletes, highlighting New York’s status as a cultural and sporting epicenter.
Conclusion
New York’s November performance solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the U.S. sports betting industry. With record-breaking revenues, robust tax contributions, and a vibrant market landscape, the Empire State continues to set the benchmark for success in the sports betting arena. As operators refine their strategies and new entrants gain traction, New York’s betting market promises further growth and excitement in the years to come.
Betting Breaches in Football
The intersection of football and gambling has long raised concerns, particularly when players themselves become involved in betting activities. The recent suspension of Ryan Rainey, a former Finn Harps midfielder from the League of Ireland, highlights how these breaches can affect not only individual careers but also the wider conversation about gambling’s role in sports.
Ryan Rainey’s Suspension: A Case Study
The Breach and the Consequences
Ryan Rainey was handed a six-month suspension by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for violating its betting regulations. These breaches involved wagering on various football matches globally between 2021 and 2024, including fixtures in the League of Ireland and the FAI Cup.
In response, Rainey accepted his punishment, stating unequivocally that he did not bet on games in which he participated. Despite this, he acknowledged his error and took full responsibility for breaking the rules.
Gambling Addiction and its Roots
In a statement issued through the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI), Rainey opened up about his struggle with gambling addiction. He attributed his addiction to the overwhelming presence of gambling advertisements, particularly during televised matches, and the idle time that led him to seek stimulation.
“I realised my dream of playing football, but the constant stream of gambling adverts made it easy to develop an addiction,” Rainey confessed. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game, emphasizing that while he did not gamble on matches he played in, the rules exist for a reason.
Gambling and Football: A Call for Reform
The Role of Advertising
Rainey’s case has reignited calls for tighter restrictions on gambling advertising in sports. His statement underscores how pervasive and targeted gambling ads can encourage unhealthy behaviors, particularly among young athletes.
Notably, his suspension comes shortly after Ireland passed its Gambling Regulation Bill, which introduced stricter limits on gambling advertisements, including a ban between 5:30 AM and 9 PM. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has seen a growing push for similar reforms.
Broader Implications for the Industry
Rainey’s suspension also highlights the systemic relationship between sports and gambling. Football’s financial ties to gambling companies—ranging from sponsorship deals to televised ads—raise ethical concerns, particularly as more players, like West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá, come under investigation for betting-related breaches.
Lessons for the Future: Protecting the Integrity of the Game
Supporting Players
Rainey’s story underscores the importance of providing better support systems for players, particularly regarding education about gambling risks and access to addiction treatment.
Reforming Gambling Policies
Stronger regulations around gambling advertising could mitigate the impact on vulnerable groups, including young athletes. Limiting the visibility of such promotions during sports events could play a pivotal role in curbing gambling addiction.
Voters Narrowly Approve Sports Betting Legalisation
Missouri is set to join the growing list of states offering legalised sports betting following the razor-thin passage of a ballot measure with 50.05% voter approval. Certified by state election officials last Thursday, this marks a significant milestone for sports enthusiasts and industry stakeholders. While the constitutional amendment takes immediate effect, betting services are not expected to launch until late spring or early summer of 2025.
Record-Breaking Campaigns Drive Approval
The campaign supporting legal sports betting shattered Missouri’s previous fundraising records, amassing $43 million. Leading contributors included DraftKings and FanDuel, who dominated with substantial funding, alongside $2 million in support from Missouri’s professional sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and St. Louis City soccer team.
St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III highlighted the initiative’s benefits, stating, “Joining the 38 other states that already allow sports betting will enable us to engage more deeply with fans while keeping tens of millions in Missouri for educational and community benefits.”
Opposition, funded mainly by Caesars Entertainment, raised $14 million but failed to prevent the measure’s passage. Caesars, which operates three of Missouri’s 13 casinos, expressed disappointment but has not indicated plans to challenge the results.
Framework for Implementation
Missouri’s constitutional amendment permits sports betting at the state’s casinos and through its professional sports teams. Teams will have exclusive control over betting and advertising within 400 yards of their facilities. Additionally, two mobile operators will receive direct licensing from the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Regulators are tasked with drafting rules, processing licenses, and setting oversight mechanisms to ensure a smooth rollout. The Missouri Gaming Commission expects the industry to be operational well before the constitutional deadline of December 1, 2025.
Tax Revenues and Problem Gambling Initiatives
The approved measure imposes a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, significantly below the national average of 19%. A minimum of $5 million annually will fund programs addressing problem gambling, while the remainder will be allocated to education.
National Context and Future Prospects
Missouri’s entry into sports betting follows a nationwide trend, as 38 states and Washington, D.C., have already legalised the practice since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a federal ban in 2018. However, major markets like California and Texas remain untapped, with California voters rejecting sports betting proposals in 2022 after an unprecedented $450 million campaign battle between interest groups.
Missouri’s move is expected to generate significant revenue and enhance fan engagement across its professional sports landscape. As the countdown begins for its 2025 rollout, residents can look forward to joining the national sports betting boom.