888 Holdings has appointed media veteran Howard Mittman as president of 888 US. Mittman will be responsible for 888’s US operations, including its strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) a brand development, marketing, and entertainment company and owner of the Sports Illustrated brand.

Mittman is having more than 20 years’ experience in the digital and media industries. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Bleacher Report, a leading digital sports brand, having previously been Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at the company. During his career, he also held leadership roles including Chief Business Officer of Conde Nast, and Publisher and Chief Revenue Officer of WIRED and GQ.

Itai Pazner, CEO of 888, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Howard as our new President 888 US. This key appointment comes at a hugely exciting point in our long-term growth strategy in the US online betting market as we look forward to launching SI Sportsbook in multiple states in the coming months and years.

“We have established a platform for strong growth in the US through our world-class technology and operational expertise, with the Sports Illustrated brand, and the appointment of Howard, which will enable us to maximise the potential of this unique combination to further grow a profitable business in the US.

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“Howard has an exceptional track record at some of the world’s best known media brands, brings a huge amount of knowledge of the US digital landscape, has exceptionally strong relationships across the world of sports and media, and was the outstanding candidate after a thorough search.”

Howard Mittman said: “I am thrilled to be joining one of the online betting industry’s most respected and successful businesses. 888 has an outstanding reputation for innovation, product leadership, and customer-centricity. I have been hugely impressed by the people I’ve met within the business, particularly their passion for product and the customer experience, and I share their excitement about the significant opportunities ahead.

“The partnership with ABG and Sports Illustrated gives us a unique opportunity to deliver world-class betting and gaming products as part of a fully integrated experience with a leading sports media brand.”

Daniel W. Dienst, Executive Vice Chairman at ABG, said: “We applaud 888’s decision to appoint Mr. Mittman as President 888 US of its growing US platform and the operators of SI Sportsbook. With the breadth of his media industry experience and 888’s technical capabilities, we are excited to further capitalize on the opportunity to build a differentiated wagering experience for the loyal and avid fans of sports – and in particular, Sports Illustrated – who since 1954 continue to trust and rely on its peerless journalism and visit the platform in record numbers monthly.”

888 Holdings PLC has announced that it has been awarded a provisional sports betting license from the Virginia Lottery.

While a relatively new sports betting market, sports betting in Virginia has already experienced significant growth, 888 said.

According to the Virginia Lottery, over USD1.95 billion has been wagered to date, including USD293 million in September 2021 – a 61% increase on the month prior.

The head of US at 888, Yaniv Sherman, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded our license by the Virginia Lottery. This is an important milestone for 888 which enhances our foothold in the US online sports betting and i-gaming market.

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“There is a growing sports betting fanbase in the state and I firmly believe that SI Sportsbook, supported by our partners at Sports Illustrated, will offer a unique and differentiated experience to our customers which will be well-received.”

In June, 888 announced a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group, owner of the Sports Illustrated magazine brand, to extend the Sports Illustrated brand into betting and gaming. SI Sportsbook was first released in Colorado in September, providing a world-class betting experience to SI customers in Colorado. The partnership will launch SI Sportsbook in Virginia in 2022.