888 continue to launch new products and partnerships around the globe. This week saw them announce a deal with Sports Illustrated’s Sportsbook that will see them operating in Virginia, US.
Like many other British companies, 888 are keen to expand their presence in the USA as more states legalize sports betting. They have already worked with Sports Illustrated (SI) when launching a sportsbook in Colorado last September.
888 are promising a “unique proposition” to gamblers in Virginia. They will be eager to be betting on top US sports such as American Football. NASCAR, MLB and NBA, as well as the English Premier League when the new season begins.
The President of 888 US is Howard Mittman and he’s delighted with the deal with SI. He believes it will be an “important milestone for both ourselves and our partners.” Mittman added that with a “growing base of sports betting fans” in Virginia, the coming months will see “the continued development of SI Sportsbook over the coming months.”
They will also be helping the local community in Virginia. This will be achieved by linking up with Virtual Entertainment Partners LLC and contributions will be made to minority communities across Virginia.
Back to the sportsbook side of the deal, this is one of a few that 888 have planned with SI Sportsbook in the US. The 888 US President added: “Expanding further in the US market is an important part of our ambition to become a global online betting and gaming leader, and we look forward to introducing the brand to players across the state.”
Next month is also likely to see the conclusion of the deal that sees 888 purchase the non-US assets of William Hill from Caesars Entertainment.
In other news, the company has now launched The Control Centre in Italy. This is a safer gambling product and will allow Italian customers of 888 to monitor their gambling activity. Real-time data will be available when 888 gaming accounts are used.
Other control tools are included on the app. These allow users to self-restrict themselves from the site and also set deposit limits.
2020 saw The Control Centre launched in the UK and it has since become available in other areas where they operate. There was an increase of 23% in the use of The Control Centre last year. 888 claim that those using the app are 20% more likely to make a change to their Personal Deposit Limit and 102% more likely to use it to allow them to self-exclude themselves for a certain period.
The Vice President of Customer Safety & Due Diligence at 888 is Andrew Anthony commented: “At 888 we recognise the need to use our proprietary technology to protect customers and promote safer play. By giving customers transparent information about their gambling activity in real-time, we continue to ensure that safer gambling remains at the heart of the 888 customer experience.”
