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ASSOCIATION OF PICKLEBALL PLAYERS ANNOUNCES HISTORIC SPONSORSHIP WITH THE JAMES AT OHIO STATE

AOPP

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced today a landmark sponsorship with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers. The OSUCCC – James is now the presenting sponsor of the inaugural APP Women’s Open, which will take place Oct. 4-6, 2024, at Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio and broadcast nationally, to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Evident in its name, this APP Signature Event will be a global platform for female competitors at all levels. The professional and amateur tournament will offer $75,000 in prize money and feature women competing in doubles and singles, including skinny singles for women 50 and over. The event will also feature social programming and entertainment designed to celebrate and fuel the growth of pickleball for women, ultimately creating a healthier and more active community. All key elements of the vibrant, multi-day event will be presented by women—from players and referees to administrators and broadcasters. “I am thrilled to stand alongside The James to elevate and celebrate women in pickleball and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Shannon Dan, APP EVP of global partnerships. “The APP Women’s Open presented by The James will be part tournament, part festival and 100% fun for women of all ages and skill levels. It’s an event designed by and for women: a place to compete, celebrate and connect.” The OSUCCC – James is a world-class cancer treatment and research institution. It has been a designated National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1976 and has been one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 25 years. It also has achieved Magnet® recognition, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice. With 21 floors, more than 1.1 million square feet and 356 inpatient beds, The James is the third-largest cancer hospital in the nation. In addition to the presenting sponsorship of the APP Women’s Open, The James has been named the official and exclusive hospital of the upcoming 2024 APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati on May 7-12, and for the APP Tour beginning in 2025. Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio, the largest dedicated indoor/outdoor pickleball facility in the Midwest, will host the first-of-its kind pickleball event. Founded in November 2022, Pickle & Chill features 19 total courts, a 30,000-square-foot event plaza, and an indoor bar and mezzanine space. Additional information on registration, tickets and more will be available at theapp.global. # # # About The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic health center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities. The OSUCCC – James has been designated as an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1976. Also, it is one of only a few centers funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer agents provided by the NCI. As the cancer program’s adult patient-care component, The James is one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 25 years and has achieved Magnet® recognition, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice. With 21 floors, more than 1.1 million square feet and 356 inpatient beds, The James is the third-largest cancer hospital in the nation. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) provides opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels—professionals, amateurs and recreational—to compete in world-class pickleball events for the opportunity to win prize money and be seen on more than 40 hours of nationally televised pickleball action on CBS Sports, ESPN and FOX Sports. Since its launch in 2019, the APP has operated the first and only pro and amateur pickleball tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball and became the first pickleball organization ever to establish an official headquarters and training center with The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The APP Tour’s 2024 schedule features the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions, with 20 events across the country offering various combinations of single, doubles and mixed doubles play as well as pro team competitions. The APP prides itself on growing the game and developing the next generation of pickleball champions through its nationwide network of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues and the Doubles Dink for Cancer fundraising program benefitting the American Cancer Society; support of international pickleball events and the APP’s Atlantic Cup, featuring Team USA vs. Team Europe; and youth initiatives including the APP Junior Circuit, APP Next Gen Series and APP Next Gen U.S. National Team. The 2024 tournament schedule, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at theapp.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Daniel Sagerman +1 847-800-8182 dsagerman@theapp.global Company Website https://theapp.global

May 09, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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5thScape Lists "MMA Cage Conquest" on Meta Store: Step into the Ultimate Virtual MMA Arena

Spark Metro PR

Mixed Martial Arts fans and enthusiasts, your virtual fighting dreams have arrived! 5th Scape delivers a transformative experience with "MMA Cage Conquest," stepping far beyond traditional fighting games into true sensory immersion. Step into the iconic MMA cage, feel the roar of the crowd and become the champion you always envisioned. The 5thScape Project is an ambitious venture that aims to create a comprehensive Virtual Reality ecosystem. In this VR ecosystem many developers, gamers and experts from various industries can collaborate. This is a VR gaming studio startup in which they focus on developing games, movies, animations etc. Apart from this, they are also planning to launch a special VR headset and a VR Chair which is an ergonomically perfect chair for long gaming sessions. Now, coming back to the MMA Cage game, - "MMA Cage Conquest" redefines virtual combat. Its skill-based system demands true martial arts strategy along with honed reflexes. Learn and master strikes like a real-life wrestling professional. It includes (not limited to) powerful grappling throws and the intricacies of ground control to secure your victories. Feel the impact of every blow, the thrill of a perfectly executed submission, and the tension of a match fought on the razor's edge. Training lies at the heart of "MMA Cage Conquest." This journey transcends button-mashing and enters the realm of personal development. Start as an eager underdog, mastering the fundamentals through rigorous simulations. Refine your striking, defense, and ground game, tracking your progression and building unshakeable confidence. With each session, you don't just play the game – you live the fight. MMA Cage Conquest is all set to make gaming experiences more vigorous and a powerhouse for the senses. Feel the rush in your bones as you climb the leaderboards, and establish yourself as the ultimate MMA cage conqueror. Ready to unleash your inner champion? "MMA Cage Conquest" will be available on the Meta platform. Submitted for listing on May 2, 2024, the developers await approval. Visit 5thscape.com for trailers, release updates, and the latest news on your journey to become the undisputed MMA Cage conqueror. Contact Details 5th Scape 5th SCAPE Team +1 302-597-6768 team@5thscape.com Company Website https://5thscape.com

May 08, 2024 06:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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StreamLayer and Kaizen Partner to Transform the Betting Experience

StreamLayer

StreamLayer, an audience engagement technology company focused on transforming the live sports viewing experience across mobile devices and CTVs, is bringing interactive viewing to Kaizen bettors worldwide. The partnership extends across 12 countries on three continents, accommodates seven different languages, and is already delivering impressive results. StreamLayer’s next-generation video engagement and monetization solution enables streaming platforms—including media companies, leagues, and increasingly, sportsbooks—to transform their live content into highly engaging interactive viewing experiences. This innovation drives subscriber growth, reduces churn, and significantly expands monetizable opportunities. Having been utilized during some of the largest live-streamed sporting events on record, StreamLayer’s technology consistently generates substantial boosts in viewing times and other key engagement metrics. Now, for the first time, StreamLayer and Kaizen are leveraging this technology to give sports bettors compelling reasons to stay engaged on their apps during live games, thereby increasing user sessions and, consequently, overall handle. "Until now, sportsbooks have struggled to retain users in their apps once the game begins, missing out on a tremendous monetization opportunity between the kickoff and final whistle," said John Ganschow, CEO of StreamLayer. “Kaizen has been at the forefront of addressing this challenge, so we’re incredibly proud to partner with them and bring our proven technology to the betting industry for the first time.” View promotional video here. StreamLayer is revolutionizing the economic model for OTT providers around the globe. The Company’s proprietary Video Engagement Operating System (VEOS) enables content programmers and broadcast rights holders to transform linear streaming video feeds into highly monetizable interactive viewing experiences, seamlessly integrated into their own native app environments to facilitate valuable first-party data collection. StreamLayer is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Contact Details StreamLayer John Ganschow +1 312-543-0488 john@streamlayer.io Company Website https://www.streamlayer.io/

May 07, 2024 10:19 AM Central Daylight Time

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Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association Opens Membership

Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association

Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association, the leading industry trade group representing companies involved in the promotion and advertisement of sports betting and gaming announces the launch of its new membership program at SBC Summit North America. This expansion marks a significant step for the RGAA, furthering its commitment to act as a trusted voice in the gambling industry, protect consumers and provide greater representation for affiliate companies. Since its inception, the RGAA has been rooted in integrity, upholding the highest standards in responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices while advocating for sensible regulation. By welcoming new affiliates into its association, the RGAA will amplify its impact and influence within the industry, building on the foundation laid by its founding members. "The launch of our membership program is a pivotal moment for the RGAA as we strive to promote responsible gambling practices and advocate for equitable regulation in the industry," said Max Bichsel, Chair of the RGAA. "With each new affiliate that joins our ranks, we fortify our efforts to ensure that integrity and consumer protection remain at the forefront of our sector.” New RGAA members will benefit from united representation within the industry, as well as gain access to a comprehensive suite of resources including regulation updates, education, and tools aimed at empowering their individual businesses. Those interested will have the opportunity to learn more about the RGAA’s mission and membership at a networking event during SBC Summit North America on Thursday, May 9 from 3 to 4 pm hosted on Better Collective’s footprint with drinks provided by SBC Events. “Last year’s Summit was a huge success and brought together industry leaders throughout North America eager to exchange ideas, collaborate and make lasting change,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder, SBC Gaming. “I am confident that this year will be no different and our collaboration with the RGAA will further elevate the conversation surrounding responsible gambling practices and player protection.” In joining the RGAA, members will be expected to pass a yearly responsible gambling and compliance audit. In return, they will receive the RGAA Standards of Excellence certification, awarded to organizations that demonstrate their compliance and commitment to the Group’s mission to champion responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices and protect consumer best interest. "With more than 20 years of experience in the industry and as a founding member of the RGAA, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance safer gambling practices to ultimately strengthen the protection of the players,” said Marc Pedersen, CEO of North America, Better Collective and RGAA Board Member. “We look forward to welcoming more industry peers to the RGAA as we continue our work to secure the sustainable development of the sector." To learn more about the RGAA, please visit www.rgaa.org. For affiliates interested in joining the Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association, submit your application request via email to information@rgaa.org. Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA) is an independent trade association comprised of companies that engage in gambling, gaming, or sports betting marketing and advertising. Its mission is to champion responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices, advocate for sensible regulation, and protect consumer best interest while effectively serving the market. RGAA was founded in 2023 by Better Collective, Catena Media, FairPlay Sports Media, Gambling.com Group, Spotlight Sports Group, and XLMedia plc. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern Jackson Gaskins Jgaskins@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://rgaa.org

May 06, 2024 01:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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AC MILAN AND WEB3 IGAMING LEADER TG.CASINO SIGN NEW PARTNERSHIP DEAL

Finance News

AC Milan and TG.Casino are delighted to announce a new partnership, which sees the online casino platform become the Official Regional iGaming Partner of the Rossoneri in Europe. This new collaboration between two frontrunners in their own fields offers a great opportunity to create something new and innovative. This partnership demonstrates the platform’s intent to take on and beat the iGaming competition to become the ultimate destination for all ambitious Gamefi players. The deal catapults TG.Casino into the top ranks of GameFi by bringing the brand into the living rooms and onto the mobiles of tens of millions of consumers all over Europe. Thanks to this new partnership, $TGC token holders will have the chance to win lots of experiences offered by the Rossoneri club. From visits to the Milanello training centre to winning official AC Milan jerseys and VIP access at the San Siro stadium, football fans will have the chance to enjoy unique and exclusive experiences. The new partnership provides AC Milan with a new fan engagement tool, creating bespoke experiences, which aim to give them more access, and bring them even closer to their beloved Club. TG.Casino on Web: https://shrt.care/e44200d4 TG.Casino on Telegram: https://t.me/tgcasinoofficialbot?start=intpr Contact Details Alex Brown alex@sportsnews.com

May 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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5thScape to list its first game “MMA Cage Conquest” on Meta Store: Ultimate Virtual MMA Experience

Spark Metro PR

Mixed Martial Arts fans and enthusiasts, your virtual fighting dreams have arrived! 5th Scape delivers a transformative experience with "MMA Cage Conquest," stepping far beyond traditional fighting games into true sensory immersion. Step into the iconic MMA cage, feel the roar of the crowd and become the champion you always envisioned. The 5thScape Project is an ambitious venture that aims to create a comprehensive Virtual Reality ecosystem. In this VR ecosystem many developers, gamers and experts from various industries can collaborate. This is a VR gaming studio startup in which they focus on developing games, movies, animations etc. Apart from this, they are also planning to launch a special VR headset and a VR Chair which is an ergonomically perfect chair for long gaming sessions. Now, coming back to the game, - "MMA Cage Conquest" redefines virtual combat. Its skill-based system demands true martial arts strategy along with honed reflexes. Learn and master strikes like a real-life wrestling professional. It includes (not limited to) powerful grappling throws and the intricacies of ground control to secure your victories. Feel the impact of every blow, the thrill of a perfectly executed submission, and the tension of a match fought on the razor's edge. Training lies at the heart of "MMA Cage Conquest." This journey transcends button-mashing and enters the realm of personal development. Start as an eager underdog, mastering the fundamentals through rigorous simulations. Refine your striking, defense, and ground game, tracking your progression and building unshakeable confidence. With each session, you don't just play the game – you live the fight. MMA Cage Conquest is all set to make gaming experiences more vigorous and a powerhouse for the senses. Feel the rush in your bones as you climb the leaderboards, and establish yourself as the ultimate MMA cage conqueror. Ready to unleash your inner champion? " MMA Cage Conquest " will be available on the Meta platform. Submitted for listing on May 2, 2024, the developers await approval from Meta. Visit 5thscape.com for trailers, release updates, and the latest news on your journey to become the undisputed MMA Cage Conqueror. Contact Details 5th Scape 5thScape Team +1 302-597-6768 Team@5thscape.com Company Website https://5thscape.com

May 03, 2024 06:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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AI Sports Odds Intelligence Firm Bettormetrics Finds US Sportsbooks Leave Billions in Handle on the Table Due to Poor Suspension Strategies

Bettormetrics

Bettormetrics, an innovative company providing competitive sports odds intelligence and insight to the sports betting industry, reported today through its latest data analysis, that the leading US sportsbooks are potentially losing tens of millions of dollars in revenue due to length of suspension times during live sport contests. According to the findings, FanDuel led the top three sportsbooks in potential revenue lost, leaving an estimated $1.45 billion in handle on the table with an average suspension rate of 15.8% (84.2% uptime) per fixture. DraftKings, although best in class, leaves a potential $249 million in handle with an industry leading suspension rate of 4.8% (95.2% uptime) The analysis was done leveraging NBA betting data for the 2023-2024 season. “While suspension is an inevitable occurrence in sports betting as traders necessarily evaluate the risks surrounding new situations within games, some sportsbooks are more systematically cautious than others. It’s this situational nuance that leads to more sportsbooks looking at risk instead of the potential rewards around improving its average uptime” said Robert Urwin, CEO and co-founder of Bettormetrics. “In looking at our NBA data of the top three US sportsbooks, it’s clear to see the suspension strategies and the risk management perspectives of each book’s trading desks. While FanDuel is potentially losing out on the most revenue, based on its incredible volume, with a few optimizations it can dramatically increase its margins and create distance between itself and DraftKings as the definitive leader in US sportsbook operations.” Suspension is when a sportsbook periodically shuts down betting lines in a sporting event to readjust the odds based on activity within the event (a basket, touchdown, goal, penalty, key injury, etc.). Each sportsbook handles suspension differently and for different periods of time. Depending on the length of time the odds are suspended, sportsbooks are losing the opportunity to accept new bets and can potentially lose active users to other sportsbooks, should odds be shut down for extended periods of time. “Every operator is looking for ways to grow their margins, increase wagering and reduce customer attrition. While many sportsbooks externalize their focus on the cost of user acquisition, suspension can help a sportsbook find new revenue from within by becoming more efficient than their competitors,” said Sabin Brooks, Commercial Director of Bettormetrics. “In the US, market share is gained in very slim percentage points. By understanding and addressing these crucial trading efficiencies, sportsbooks can gain potentially billions in lost revenue. A poor suspension strategy is very bad business for customers and shareholders alike.” Suspension is just one element of overall sportsbook performance. Bettormetrics monitors and analyzes thousands of live in-play sports betting events traded every single week. Observed performance and competitive analysis by Bettormetrics has already helped traders and analysts discover and ameliorate deficiencies that directly impact sportsbook revenues and profitability. About Bettormetrics Bettormetrics is an innovative company providing competitive sports odds intelligence and insight to the sports betting industry. Bettormetrics’s Trading Analytics Platform is a SAAS product supporting sportsbook trading desks with cutting edge insight and analysis on the entire event life cycle, helping sportsbooks, data suppliers and B2B platforms gain an edge on competitors and ensure no profits are left on the table. For more information, please email info@bettormetrics.com or visit Bettormetrics.com. Contact Details Digital Sport by Hot Paper Lantern Bailey Irelan birelan@hotpaperlantern.com Square In The Air Ben Cleminson ben@squareintheair.com Company Website https://bettormetrics.com/

May 02, 2024 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Locality Expands Leadership with Category Focus, Appoints Robin Wong as VP

Locality

Locality, the industry’s preeminent local video advertising solutions provider, today announces the appointment of Robin Wong as the company’s new Vice President, Category Lead on its converged sales team. In this role, Wong will focus on maximizing advertiser value in the automotive, QSR, and retail sectors by implementing category-specific local sales strategies across Locality’s comprehensive suite of premium streaming video and broadcast inventory. She will report into Steven DeMain, EVP of Sales. An ad sales leader with 20+ years of experience, Robin brings a proven track record of strategic vision, revenue growth, and deep expertise in streaming advertising. She will work closely with Locality executives to drive interest from key categories within the mid-market segment and strengthen Locality’s relationships with agency holding companies. Wong will also partner with Locality’s marketing and converged teams to help develop go-to-market strategies and simplified local buying solutions that combine streaming and broadcast for advertisers. Prior to joining Locality, Robin was a West Coast Director of Ad Sales for VIZIO managing national and local streaming campaigns with a focus on ACR targeting, data, and measurement. She previously held ad sales leadership roles with Vevo as the West Coast local lead driving market share for local CTV streaming video advertising. Additionally, Wong contributed to the success of local broadcast TV stations under Emmis Communications, Tribune Broadcasting, and Bally Sports. "We are thrilled to have Robin join Locality," said Steven DeMain, at Locality. "Her ability to develop specialized sales strategies, foster strong client relationships, and drive tangible results will be invaluable as we continue to innovate around local video advertising solutions." “Building strong relationships with clients has always been a cornerstone of my career in ad sales,” said Wong. “The opportunity to leverage my expertise in both local and national streaming video advertising and local broadcast TV, alongside Locality's innovative approach to deliver optimal outcomes for our clients, is incredibly exciting.” About Locality Locality is the industry’s preeminent local video solutions provider, committed to addressing the evolving needs of advertisers by unlocking the power of local and driving dollars to the local video marketplace. Locality brings together the best talent in both broadcast and streaming helping brands tap into the mindset of the local consumer and precisely reach optimal markets, nationally. Having served more than 1,500 ad agencies and 4,500 advertisers, to date, Locality offers the best premium inventory that the industry has to offer to help brands optimize their spend and target audiences at scale. Our team resides in 11 locations across the U.S. designed to strategically service 100% of DMAs. For more information, please visit www.locality.com. Contact Details Mackenzie Sikora mackenzie@kitehillpr.com

May 02, 2024 12:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Flash Wins California Energy Commission $5.8M Grant for EV Charger ‘Innovation Lab’ in Oakland

Flash Parking

The California Energy Commission (CEC) and Flash, a pioneer in parking + charging solutions, today announced Flash secured a $5.8 million grant from CEC for a large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charger demonstration project in Oakland, California. The first-of-its-kind project will deploy at least 446 low-cost Level 2 EV chargers over a two-year period in convenient, high-density, high-visibility installations in a 1.5-mile area around downtown Oakland. With $24 million in funding from California’s Clean Transportation Program, the CEC grant to Flash and other awardees aims to demonstrate replicable and scalable business and technology models to deploy Level 2 charging infrastructure and improve public awareness of and confidence in Level 2 charging access. The project will also include installation of two Battery Energy Storage Systems that will help safeguard EV charger affordability during periods of peak energy demand. “Bay Area residents’ early commitment to the EV transition uniquely positions this community to serve as an ‘Innovation Lab’ for electrification projects in California and nationwide,” said Matt McCaffree, Vice President of Utility Market Development for Flash. “This collaboration with CEC will not only show what’s possible in high-density smart cities like Oakland but also keep the charging gap for early adopters from becoming a confidence gap for the next wave.” Bay Area EV adoption continues to outpace the national average by a factor of three. By installing reliable, affordable, and convenient public chargers, Flash and the CEC aim to close the charging gap and encourage further EV adoption—particularly among downtown residents, for whom dependable public charging is a prerequisite for ownership in lieu of at-home chargers. The success of the project would establish quality public charging as a standard among the practical, convenient, and environmentally-friendly “smart cities” of the future. “For residents living in downtown areas where at-home charging isn't an option, reliable and convenient public charging is key for continued EV adoption,” said CEC’s Lead Commissioner for Transportation Patty Monahan. “The CEC is looking forward to Flash's deployment of hundreds of Level 2 chargers throughout downtown Oakland to be a model of successful public charging.” The project will also generate invaluable data regarding battery capacities, operating costs, replicable price points, and emergency procedures, as well as insights toward stimulating demand and increasing return on investment. This information can then be used to expand and improve upon the Oakland deployment and inform electrification efforts throughout California and beyond. About Flash Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations — connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress from driving. The solution has arrived. Visit www.flashparking.com to learn more. Contact Details Flash Ray Young +1 512-694-6097 ray@razorsharppr.com Company Website https://www.flashparking.com/

May 02, 2024 08:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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