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

PrizePicks reveals 2nd Super Sweat Competition for the Super Bowl

Daily Fantasy sports betting (DFS) service provider PrizePicks has actually announced the launch of its Super Sweat competition for the second year. The promo will offer players three possibilities to be picked to take part in a contest for $1 million and a journey to view their selections at an invite-only watch celebration for Super Bowl LIX on February 9.

THE SUPER SWEAT IS BACK 3 of YOU will get the chance to SWEAT a 3-Pick Lineup for $1,000,000 on the Big Game (Feb. 9th)

We are hosting 3 various social contests leading up to the Big Game to find our #SuperSweat rivals Once chosen, everybody will be able to ... pic.twitter.com/bz4J5keHe1

Players can earn a possibility to sign up with the Super Sweat promotion in 3 methods. The first is by publishing a screenshot of a lineup for the NFL Conference Championship on Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #SuperSweat.

The 2nd method is to post a video of your best touchdown celebration on X, TikTok, and Instagram with the hashtag #SuperSweat. The final method to get into the promo is by posting a screenshot of your preferred NFL lineup with the #SuperSweat on X, Instagram, or TikTok.

Additionally, other players will have an opportunity to use game day for a share of an additional $1 million prize by tailing the lineups of the three rivals in the Super Sweat competitors. PrizePicks will announce its three competitors on February 7.

PrizePicks has broadened given that it used the Super Sweat competition for the last Super Bowl, including peer-to-peer games in Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming in January. The DFS platform was likewise launched in Missouri and Delaware in October, and licensing approval was acquired from both jurisdictions. The site is now readily available in more than 45 U.S. states.

Florida Gaming Commission panelists agree present unlawful video gaming statutory is inadequate

The Florida Gaming Commission recently testified existing statutory categories and penalties for prohibited video gaming offenses were insufficient.

"There's just so much cash to go around. If a dollar does not go to a licensed facility or a tribal facility, it's going into a lawbreaker's pocket. It's as simple as that," executive director Ross Marshman stated, affirming before the Florida House of Representatives Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee.

So far, licensed off-track sports betting facilities, card spaces, and slot centers are the only kinds of lawful land-based gaming in the Sunshine State. Still, panelists expressed growing concern over the boost in unlawful video gaming within the state, as the present statute doesn't prevent establishments from making illegal gambling much easier to access.

"There is absolutely no disincentive for these establishments to shut down due to the misdemeanors that they face," said Chief Ed Cayenne of the Homeland Security Division of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. "They want to pay the fines and continue the operations due to the fact that they are so lucrative."

Recently, Florida law enforcement cracked down on unlawful establishments throughout the state, with 10 locations in Jacksonville forced to close in December. The Jacksonville Sheriff's office revealed more than a dozen residents were involved in a gaming ring that was running since 2021, leading to 5 individuals arrested for racketeering offenses.

Likewise, Florida likewise had among the most identifiable gambling suits over the last few years, with the Seminole Tribe-operated Acid rock sportsbook suspending operations after its launch in 2021, with the lawsuit lasting until 2024.

Acid rock Bet becomes latest member of Unity by Hard Rock Loyalty program

Acid rock International announced its sportsbook, Acid rock Bet, will become the most recent addition to its Unity by Acid rock loyalty plan.

Acid rock Bet will preserve its online commitment benefits program for users however will let players earn Tier Credits for both programs. Players can move these credits between the 2 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 home entertainment and brand management at Acid rock International and Seminole Gaming. "This improvement not just provides a fun, interactive way for visitors to make points when putting bets, but also significantly enhances loyalty."

Using Acid rock Bet can now lead you to experiences around the world

Hard Rock Bet Unity pic.twitter.com/JRHPtD00Zr

Unity by Acid rock lets users redeem Unity Points at one of Hard Rock's global locations. There are more than 200 taking part locations, including hotels, gambling establishments, cafes, and Rock Shops. Likewise, Hard Rock's collaboration with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises enables players to redeem points on Royal Caribbean's Club Royale and Celebrity Cruises' Blue Chip Club.

"By satisfying visitors for their playtime, we create a win-win scenario where visitors enjoy an enriched experience, and we promote an introduction to all the amazing verticals in our brand through point redemption opportunities at Hotels, Casinos, Cafes, Rock Shops and entertainment places," Sheldon continued.

Acid Rock Bet is likewise expanding its sportsbooks in other methods, including jai-alai wagering ahead of the 2025 World Jai-Alai League. Fans can enjoy special streaming and wagering material for jai alai on Acid rock Bet platforms.

Incentive Games launches crash game with bet365

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

Incentive Games promises that it will continue to update "Velocity," utilizing information and AI experts to analyze gamer interactions.

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

bet365 had a successful 2024 before beginning a brand-new chapter with its Brazil launch. While the company CEO took a pay cut, bet365's revenues, particularly in the U.S., increased substantially year-on-year in the fiscal year ending March. The online sports betting and gambling establishment company also ended up being the official partner of the UEFA Champions League in August.