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

PrizePicks announces second Super Sweat Competition for the Super Bowl

Daily Fantasy sports betting (DFS) company PrizePicks has announced the launch of its Super Sweat competitors for the 2nd year. The promo will give players 3 chances to be chosen to participate in a contest for $1 million and a trip to watch their choices at an invite-only watch celebration 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 make an opportunity to sign up with the Super Sweat promo in three ways. The very first is by posting a screenshot of a lineup for the NFL Championship Game on Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #SuperSweat.

The second way is to publish a video of your best goal celebration on X, TikTok, and Instagram with the hashtag #SuperSweat. The final method to enter into the promotion is by posting a screenshot of your preferred NFL lineup with the #SuperSweat on X, Instagram, or TikTok.

Additionally, other gamers will have a chance to use 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 reveal its 3 competitors on February 7.

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

Florida Gaming Commission panelists concur existing unlawful gaming statutory is insufficient

The Florida Gaming Commission just recently affirmed existing statutory classifications and penalties for unlawful gaming offenses were insufficient.

"There's only a lot money to go around. If a dollar does not go to a certified facility or a tribal facility, it's entering into a lawbreaker's pocket. It's as easy as that," executive director Ross Marshman mentioned, testifying before the Florida Legislature Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee.

Up until now, licensed off-track sports betting centers, card spaces, and slot facilities are the only types of legal land-based video gaming in the Sunshine State. Still, panelists expressed growing issue over the increase in prohibited gaming within the state, as the current statute doesn't discourage establishments from making unlawful sports betting much easier to access.

"There is zero disincentive for these facilities to close down due to the misdemeanors that they face," said Chief Ed Cayenne of the Homeland Security Division of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. "They are ready to pay the fines and continue the operations because they are so lucrative."

Recently, Florida police broken down on illegal facilities across the state, with 10 locations in Jacksonville forced to close in December. The Jacksonville Sheriff's office exposed more than a dozen locals were included in a gambling ring that was operating since 2021, leading to five people detained for racketeering offenses.

Likewise, Florida likewise had among the most recognizable gambling suits in the last few years, with the Seminole Tribe-operated Hard Rock sportsbook suspending operations after its launch in 2021, with the suit lasting up until 2024.

Hard Rock Bet ends up being latest member of Unity by Hard Rock Loyalty program

Hard Rock International revealed its sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, will become the latest addition to its Unity by Acid rock loyalty scheme.

Hard Rock Bet will keep its online commitment rewards program for users however will let players earn Tier Credits for both programs. Players can move these credits between the two 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 entertainment and brand management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. "This improvement not only provides a fun, interactive method for guests to earn points when placing bets, but also substantially increases loyalty."

Playing on Hard Rock Bet can now lead you to experiences worldwide

Acid Rock Bet Unity pic.twitter.com/JRHPtD00Zr

Unity by Hard Rock lets users redeem Unity Points at one of Acid rock's global places. There are more than 200 taking part locations, including hotels, gambling establishments, cafes, and Rock Shops. Likewise, Acid rock's collaboration 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 rewarding guests for their playtime, we develop a win-win situation where guests enjoy an enriched experience, and we promote an introduction to all the amazing verticals in our brand through point redemption chances at Hotels, Casinos, Cafes, Rock Shops and home entertainment places," Sheldon continued.

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

Incentive Games launches crash video game with bet365

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

Incentive Games promises that it will continue to upgrade "Velocity," using data and AI professionals to evaluate gamer interactions.

Legal online video gaming launched in Brazil on Jan. 1, with 68 online gaming platforms going live with a license. bet365 was among the platforms to go live on the launch date, together with Flutter Entertainment's Betfair.

bet365 had an effective 2024 before beginning a new chapter with its Brazil launch. While the company CEO took a pay cut, bet365's earnings, especially in the U.S., increased substantially year-on-year in the monetary year ending March. The online sports betting and casino provider also became the official partner of the UEFA Champions League in August.