OpenBet, a leading content, platform and service provider to the sports betting industry and part of the global Endeavor network, has facilitated the launch of Sports Illustrated Sportsbook’s first-ever retail sportsbook in partnership with 888. 

Sports Illustrated, through its parent company Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), partnered with 888 in 2021 to create a world-class sportsbook.

Following the success of the digital sportsbook branded by one of the world’s most iconic media brands, OpenBet was selected as the partner of choice to support its journey into the retail space.  

Situated within Michigan’s Island Resort & Casino, the operator’s suite is powered by OpenBet’s world-class retail solutions, including state-of-the-art betting counters and self-service kiosks. Customers are presented with a diverse range of betting options such as same-game parlays, in-game wagering, teasers, futures, and player props, all seamlessly integrated through OpenBet’s comprehensive Trading System. 

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This collaboration further solidifies OpenBet’s position as the trusted sports betting provider to operators across the U.S. 

Deb Krupinski, U.S. Vice-President at OpenBet, commented: “We are delighted to partner with 888 and Sports Illustrated Sportsbook to power their first-ever retail launch. Customers at the Island Resort & Casino in Michigan can now immerse themselves in the ultimate sports betting experience in a safe and secure environment. 

“Delivering this landmark retail platform for such an iconic brand is a significant milestone for OpenBet and underscores our commitment to ensuring our partners are equipped with cutting-edge technology and unrivalled content. We’re excited about the future and eager to see the successes this launch will bring.” 

Howard Mittman, US President at 888holdings, added: “Our alliance with OpenBet to power Sports Illustrated Sportsbook, celebrated with this launch, paints a promising future for the retail betting landscape in Michigan.  

“As we stand on the cusp of this exciting new chapter, our collective vision and expertise are set to redefine customer experiences.” 

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Nuvei Corporation, the Canadian fintech company, announced that it has been selected by 888, a leading global iGaming operator, to boost its card acquiring and local payment method capabilities to accelerate its growth in the large and expanding U.S. iGaming landscape. 888 is leveraging Nuvei’s superior technology platform, extensive acquiring reach, instant bank-to-bank payments, and deep knowledge of regulated iGaming markets to maximize payments acceptance and optimize its risk management.

Supporting its growth in the US is the latest expansion of Nuvei’s longstanding global partnership with 888, including an existing relationship driving enhanced player experience at the cashier. In addition to enabling 888 to accept deposits, players can instantly withdraw funds from their 888 account directly to their bank card or via Nuvei Instant Bank Transfer, the U.S. iGaming industry’s first payment method for instant account-to-account deposits and payouts.

Nuvei has provided payments services to 888 in Europe since 2017 and enabled 888 to launch in Ontario, Canada, once the province launched its newly regulated iGaming market in April 2022.

888 VP of U.S. Marketing, Noam Klivitzky, said: “Enabling players to deposit and withdraw funds from their iGaming accounts seamlessly and securely is critical to the overall platform experience. At 888 we’re committed to offering the most comprehensive iGaming experience in the market, so we’re excited to add Nuvei’s card acquiring capabilities alongside its Instant Bank Transfer solution. Nuvei has a rich heritage of enabling iGaming operators to maximize their payments’ performance in regulated markets across the globe.”

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Nuvei Chair and CEO Philip Fayer said: “We’re thrilled to continue to grow our relationship with 888 and support its global expansion in the U.S. and beyond. Instant, convenient, and secure deposits and payouts are critical to winning players in the rapidly expanding U.S. iGaming landscape. Optimizing card payment acceptance is a key component of the cashier experience, and Nuvei has decades of experience supporting operators maximize their revenue growth.”

New BTG game challenges you to tame the Big Bad Bison for some epic wins

Do you have what it takes to tame Big Time Gaming’s Big Bad Bison? Already a big hit in Europe, this is a high-volatility slot where the North American wilderness takes center stage and it will be stampeding into Ontario on July 5. The game makes its Canadian debut via Evolution Network partners such as 888, BetMGM, LeoVegas and Rush Street Interactive.

Legendary Australian games developer Big Time Gaming (BTG) is the originator of the Megaways mechanic, which revolutionized the online gaming space. Now, thanks to BTG, Ontario players get to sample this powerful random-reel-modifier that changes the number of winning paylines with every spin. And paylines can reach anything up to 117,649 when the reels get hot.

Big Bad Bison marries the epic beauty of the North American landscape with a cool Spaghetti Western soundtrack and some innovative features that will delight and surprise in equal measure.

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As the American Eagle wheels and cries aloft, single symbol wilds run through the reels in the base game, adding random multipliers for magnificent wins. Meanwhile, each retrigger in the free spins round will reduce the minimum density by one to beef up your game for a rampage of wins to occur.

But you don’t have to wait to hit the bonus round. Press the Bonus Buy icon to purchase twelve free spins for 50 times stake and run straight into the action. Or use Win Exchange to gamble your big wins into free spins and hopefully some epic wins. It’s time to show that bison who’s boss.

“We wanted to build a game with awesome audio-visuals that’s also packed with exciting features, mechanics and explosive playability,” the Chief Executive Officer for BTG, Nik Robinson, said. “So, we did. Big Bad Bison has been making serious waves in Europe since we launched it there in early June and we’re thrilled that Ontario players will now get to enjoy it too.”