Weekend Report: FanDuel bans user for heckling Olympian, Push Gaming in US, Veikkaus extends Finnish football deal
Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB looks at the news that you may have missed across the last few days. This week: FanDuel bans bettor for heckling Olympics star, Push Gaming enters US and Veikkaus extends with Finnish FA.
FanDuel bans bettor over Olympics star heckle
Flutter-owned FanDuel has banned a bettor for heckling US Olympic star Gabby Thomas at a recent track event.
In a post on X, Thomas said a man followed her around the track as she took photographs with fans. She also said he shouted personal insults during the Grand Slam Track event in Philadelphia.
The man in question posted a video of himself online saying his actions “made my parlay win”. The user, who is known as mr100kday and describes himself as “The Track and Field Bully”, also posted a screenshot of a $1,000 parlay bet on FanDuel.
In response, FanDuel said it has blocked the user’s account.
“Threatening or harassing athletes is unacceptable and has no place in sports,” a FanDuel spokesperson said in a statement to ESPN. “This customer is no longer able to wager with FanDuel.”
Push Gaming enters US with BetMGM
Online casino games developer Push Gaming has launched in the US through a partnership with BetMGM.
Push Gaming said its titles are now live with BetMGM in Michigan. The initial rollout includes content such as Big Bamboo and 10 Flaming Bisons.
The deal will also see Push Gaming develop new online games for BetMGM. This builds on an existing deal between the two parties, covering operations in Ontario, Canada.
“We’re incredibly excited to be live in the US,” Push Gaming Chief Operating Officer Andy Bentley said. “Michigan is the perfect place to start. It’s a hugely important and vibrant market, and we’re proud to launch exclusively with BetMGM.”
Celestar launches with MGA licence
In Europe, online slots developer Celestar has announced its launch with a B2B licence from the Malta Gaming Authority.
Headquartered in Malta, Celestar is seeking partnerships with operators, aggregators and platforms. It will focus on markets in Europe but also further afield.
Celestar will operate under the leadership of several industry veterans with over 20 years of experience. This includes CEO Vassilis Trochalidis.
“Our goal is to craft slots that are not just games but experiences, titles that players will return to time and again,” Trochalidis said. “We are committed to bringing fresh ideas to the market, with engaging features and themes that resonate across borders.”
Bragg hands top content role to Milford
Bragg Gaming Group has appointed Scott Milford as executive vice president of group content.
In his new role, Milford will lead strategy, development and delivery across Bragg’s in-house studios. He will also guide relationships with partner developers through the Powered by Bragg programme.
Milford has worked in gaming for over 25 years. His career has included stints at Aristocrat Leisure Limited, Konami Group and Aruze Gaming.
“Bragg’s relentless focus on innovation and excellence is unlike anything I’ve seen,” Milford said. “This is a company that doesn’t just follow trends, it sets them. I’m excited to help elevate Bragg’s world-class teams and partners to new heights.”
Veikkaus scores Finnish FA extension
Veikkaus has extended its long-term partnership with the Finnish Football Association until 2030.
The deal covers both Finland’s national teams and club competitions in the country. Veikkaus will serve as a main partner and betting partner for the duration of the partnership.
The operator has worked with the Finnish FA for more than 85 years.
“The agreement is very important and meaningful to us,” Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski said. “Veikkaus and domestic football have a long, shared history, and that continues. Finnish football is on the rise, and together with the Finnish FA, we can offer Finns great emotions and experiences.”