International Game Technology announced that its IGT PlaySports Trading Advisory Services Team is now supporting sports betting in Michigan via a new services agreement with the Lac Vieux Desert Northern Waters Casino & Resort in Watersmeet. In addition to now leveraging IGT PlaySports’ expertise for a range of trading-related services, Northern Waters has powered its sportsbook with IGT’s award-winning platform and self-service betting technology since 2021.

“IGT PlaySports is Northern Waters’s ideal technology and services partner as we roll out the next era of sports betting entertainment to our customers. IGT PlaySports’ comprehensive, turnkey solution has streamlined our sportsbooks operations and positioned us to more keenly focus on our guests and ensure they have the best possible fan experience,” said John McGeshick, General Manager of Lac Vieux Desert Northern Waters Casino & Resort.

“The IGT PlaySports team is excited to expand our relationship with Northern Waters to include trading advisory services. In servicing 36 sportsbooks across North America, the IGT Trading Advisory Team is adept at helping operators maximize the returns of their sports betting offerings while enhancing player loyalty and engagement,” Joe Asher, IGT President of Sports Betting, said.

As part of Northern Waters’ sportsbook enhancements, the casino plans to deploy IGT’s PeakBarTop cabinets with Total Gaming software. The award-winning hardware boasts a player-preferred, ergonomic design and gives players the option to enjoy Game King video poker, slots, keno, and sports betting from a single device and a single gaming wallet.

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NHRA announced an exciting and landmark step forward for the company with the launch of PlayNHRA, an innovative new initiative that will provide fans opportunities to engage in fantasy games, gaming, and betting for NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events.

As part of PlayNHRA, NHRA’s partnerships with leading sports books and fantasy sports providers will enable fans to sign up for free and legally wager on national events and other outcomes in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

“PlayNHRA marks a huge and significant step forward for the NHRA and its fans. This initiative will provide a destination for fans to enjoy the safest and most regulated place to bet on NHRA drag racing, participate in fantasy games, and engage with our sport in so many new ways,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said.

As part of the PlayNHRA initiative, NHRA has partnered with an industry-leading firm, IC360, to educate employees, race teams and other stakeholders about sports betting and to maintain the integrity of the sport through data intelligence, fraud prevention and monitoring of wagering patterns.

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“NHRA is committed to maintaining the integrity of our sport. By partnering with IC360, as well as licensed and regulated sportsbooks and fantasy operators, NHRA will help ensure everyone who engages with PlayNHRA will enjoy a safe and well-regulated betting and gaming environment. This was a vital step in the creation and rollout of PlayNHRA,” NHRA Vice President and General Counsel Alen Cisija said.

The National Indian Gaming Commission announced the President’s appointment of Associate Commissioner Sharon M. Avery as Acting Chair of the Agency, effective May 15, 2024. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently appointed Avery to a three-year term as Associate Commissioner, effective May 6, 2024. Avery will serve both as Associate Commissioner and Acting Chair until a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed Chair is in place.

As Acting Chair, Avery has the same statutory authority to lead the Agency and take official actions as a Senate-confirmed appointee.

“I am humbled the administration has entrusted me with the distinguished opportunity to serve as the NIGC Acting Chair. In this capacity, and to the best of my abilities, I will diligently execute my duties and responsibilities designated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to continue the Agency’s regulatory oversight of tribal gaming facilities without disruption, until a permanent Chair has been confirmed,” said Avery.

Avery is an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. She has been with the NIGC for over four years where she has served as an Associate General Counsel in the NIGC Office of General Counsel. Before joining the NIGC, Avery served for more than 10 years in the legal department for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Most recently, she served as the Tribe’s General Counsel for Tribal Operations.

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