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Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson has called on footballing authorities to tackle the 'hidden epidemic' of gambling addiction by ending shirt sponsorship deals with sports betting companies.

In a report on the Labour List website, Watson published figures showing that 25 of the 92 professional football clubs in the English and Scottish leagues held shirt sponsorship deals with sports betting operators. Of these 25 teams, 9 are in the Premier League, with a further 14 in the EFL Championship.

The UK Gambling Commission recently revealed that the number of people over the age of 16 deemed to be problem gamblers had grown by a third in three years, with over 430,000 people estimated to suffer from a serious gambling habit.

Watson said: "Football has to play its part in tackling Britain's hidden epidemic of gambling addiction. Shirt sponsorship sends out a message that football clubs don't take problem gambling among their own fans seriously enough."

"It puts gambling brands in front of fans of all ages, not just at matches but on broadcasts and highlights packages on both commercial television and the BBC."

At present, gambling firms are prohibited from sponsoring under-18 teams but with young fans being exposed to betting companies through both senior team sponsorship and advertising on football club websites, more and more people are calling for gambling firms to be barred from all sponsorship deals with football clubs.

The FA ended all of its sponsorship deals with sports betting companies following revelations regarding the betting activity of premier league footballer Joey Barton, who had reportedly placed over 1,260 bets over a 10 year period, directly contravening rules on player betting. However Watson has called on the football world to do more.

Watson added "With new evidence showing gambling addiction rising, at a huge cost to individuals and their families, to society and to the taxpayer, the clubs should follow the FA's lead."

"Just as tobacco companies were banned from sponsoring sporting events and putting their logos on branded goods because of the harm smoking can cause, it's right that we recognise the harm problem gambling does and take gambling logos off football shirts."

The Labour party are set to announce further proposals to curb gambling advertising over the coming months.

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Labour MP calls for an end to football sponsorship by betting companies

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Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson has called on footballing authorities to tackle the 'hidden epidemic' of gambling addiction by ending shirt sponsorship deals with sports betting companies. In a report on the Labour List website, Watson published figures showing that 25 of the 92 professional football clubs in the English and Scottish leagues held shirt sponsorship deals with sports betting operators.

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Beginning to influence the Mecca of gambling

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As casinos look to counteract an aging demographic of customers and players, one industry many operators are looking to is esports.

This is understandable given the typical demographic of esports fans, which in particular titles' scenes at least, is notably older than many outsiders would (and regularly do) presume. They aren't all kids. A recent story on Fox Business opened with the line 'casinos are slowly embracing competitive video game tournaments as a way to help their bottom lines', and went onto explain that the money was coming from hotel rooms, food and drink. This of course is not necessarily a bad thing; casinos are evermore entertainment venues first and foremost as opposed to gambling halls.

Regardless, declining revenues and player volumes on slot machines in Las Vegas and elsewhere have set the alarms off at management level of many casinos and a number of these are looking for ways to future proof their casino floors. One such option is skilled gaming machines, such as the VGMs produced by GameCo.

At the upcoming Betting on Esports Conference in London (Kensington Olympia, September 13-15) the CEOs of Millennial Esports (Alex Igelman) and GameCo (Blaine Graboyes) will speak on a panel alongside Downtown Grand Chairman Seth Schorr on the topic of 'Saving Las Vegas - how esports and land based casinos can work together'. Melissa Blau, iGaming Capital Director, will moderate.

GameCo has agreed partnerships with the likes of Bandai Namco for branded titles, and has plenty more in the pipeline. Its VGMs are already in Atlantic City, Foxwoods in Connecticut, Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina, in Chile and in other Caribbean locations. The firm is looking at opportunities globally, and is in discussions with operators to enter the Macau market. European casinos too would be foolish not to consider this opportunity now.

Naturally it will take time for players to adapt to such games, for the games themselves to be 'perfected' and moreover for word to spread and for them to be across enough casinos that you can reliably head into one and expect a top of the range skilled gambling machine. Change it seems though, is coming. It seems unlikely that the current generation of 20 and 30 somethings who grew up playing video games are ever going to be entertained by slots.

Over at Millennial Esports, whilst the group is expanding with various acquisitions across the esports space (such as analytics firm Stream Hatchet, IDEAS+Cars and more), it has its flagship venue at the Neonopolis in downtown Vegas. The key purpose of this is to host esports tournaments and it's something it's been doing since the ribbon was cut with the Mayor of Vegas in attendance. It's venue space, and at a wider level the city's infrastructure that comes with being a premier and experienced tourist hub, that right now offers casinos a prime opportunity to cut their teeth in esports.

This is something Seth Schorr, Chairman at the Downtown Grand knows only too well. He told Esports Insider: "For nearly two years the Downtown Grand has been consistently running weekly esports tournaments. Throughout this process we have learned a great deal about the esports enthusiast and the nuances between the fans and players of each game genre. We have learned how to effectively program and promote our tournaments and have created a business model that has been positive to the bottom line of our organisation."

In the past six months we've also seen The Luxor (part of MGM International Group) commit to renovating a 30,000 sq foot nightclub space in its Strip based casino. From 2018 this will be "an esports mecca" in the words of The Luxor's General Manager Nik Rytterstrom.

We've also seen Caesars unveil a Vegas based production studio in association with Sidekick Productions which will involve esports to some degree. Casinos have the capacity to put on small to medium scale high level tournaments to attract an audience, and moreover smaller still tournaments to get people in and playing themselves. Whilst gambling on esports tournaments is not yet really an option right now (only limited options to do so have been granted), the path has been cleared for Senate Bill 420 which would legalise esports gambling statewide.

Millennial Esports' Igelman said of the bill: "The State's approach to esports betting is cautious yet pioneering. In the foreseeable future a bet on a Rocket League or DOTA match will be as common as a bet on an NFL or NBA game."

The potential for this Bill is considerable. Casino floor designs could be altered, with a focus on fans of esports; a viewing zone showing live coverage of any ESL One or DreamHack tournament with a bar and food. The option to play some skilled gambling machines nearby, or take part in a small SFV tournament with friends old and new. There could also outlets to buy merchandise and apparel, there could be team meet and greets, and on key occasions tournaments with some of the bigger teams around.

You only need look at the yearly pilgrimage to Seattle for The International or to Katowice for the Intel Extreme Masters to gauge the potential of becoming a place known and loved by some of these communities of fans. Esports alone are unlikely to save casinos' bacon, but they could play a significant role in modernising them for a new audience if the operators do their homework and play it smart.
You can learn all about the casino and esports opportunity, and have the chance to ask those in the know all the questions you can dream up at Betting on Esports 2017 (London, September 13-15). BoECon is a part of the wider #boscon2017 (same dates) featuring over 55 exhibitors, 160 speakers and 1,000 attendees. Tickets include full access to both shows, food and networking parties each evening.

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Saving Las Vegas: Can esports be the hero casinos need?

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As casinos look to counteract an aging demographic of customers and players, one industry many operators are looking to is esports. This is understandable given the typical demographic of esports fans, which in particular titles' scenes at least, is notably older than many outsiders would (and regularly do) presume.

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- Betsafe giving odds of 49/1 that Conor McGregor will defeat Floyd Mayweather on the 26th August to all new customers
- Fans can win a trip to Las Vegas to watch the fight in style, on board the 'Notorious Airways' private jet
- As part of a wider partnership, Betsafe also tie up with The Mac Life to support their ongoing content-led approach

Known worldwide for premium sponsorships and innovative campaigns, the online bookmaker and gaming company, Betsafe, has announced it has signed UFC star, Conor McGregor, as an EU Ambassador, just weeks ahead of the Mayweather V McGregor fight in Las Vegas on 26th August.

With Floyd Mayweather having made 5 trademark applications around the 50-0 record, McGregor is determined that Mayweather's record will not proceed beyond 49 wins. To this end, Betsafe is offering odds of 49/1 to all new customers that the Irish star will be victorious.

McGregor and Betsafe have also teamed up to create 'Notorious Airways', an exclusive private jet service to fly competition winners to the most-talked about fight in history and receive a taste of the McGregor lifestyle.

Speaking about the partnership, Conor McGregor said: "Today I'm happy to announce that I'm partnering up with Betsafe. It is an honour for me to be an Ambassador for this great brand. Although real gamblers know the odds are stacked against them, we also know that passion overcomes the odds."

The sponsorship with Conor McGregor will run for the next 18 months across Betsafe's EU territories. Betsafe branding will appear on McGregor's shorts for the upcoming Mayweather fight, and a variety of exciting activations will bring Betsafe customers closer to the UFC star over the coming months. Famous for engaging fans, Betsafe will use the sponsorship to create exclusive and innovative content, while also offering them bespoke betting offers.

Speaking about the partnership with Conor McGregor, Nicola Fitton, Managing Director at Betsafe, said: "We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Conor McGregor. Conor is one of the biggest athletes in the world today, defined by his extreme talent, work ethic and personality, which are values that we reflect every day at Betsafe. We firmly believe that passion always overcomes the odds, and there is no sports star in the world today that both inspires and embodies passion as much as Conor.
It's a pleasure to be a part of Team McGregor and we very much look forward to being in his corner over the next 18 months."
Conor McGregor joins Betsafe's growing sport sponsorship roster, which includes Manchester City, Tony Bellew, Jimi Manuwa, Cage Warriors, and Saracens.
For more information, visit About Betsafe www.betsafe.com
Betsafe offers a wide range of first-class online gambling products including sports betting, horse racing, online poker, casino games and much more in a safe and fun environment. Sportsbook offers over 4000 sports betting channels, which includes a live betting option and a huge array of in-play betting opportunities. Casino offers everything from table games such as blackjack and roulette, to slot machines games, video slots, video poker, mini games and a host of other games.

Betsafe.com and the Betsafe mobile app are operated by BML Group Ltd, with licenses issued and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. With more than 20 i-Gaming brands including Betsson.com, Betsafe.com, Nordicbet.com, and CasinoEuro, the company offers Sportsbook, Casino and Poker in many different territories.

Betsson Group is wholly owned by Swedish Betsson AB listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Large Cap list, and one of the world¹s largest gaming groups, at the heart of gaming entertainment for over five decades.

Comments

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Betsafe giving odds of 49/1 that Conor McGregor will defeat Floyd Mayweather on the 26th August to all new customers - Fans can win a trip to Las Vegas to watch the fight in style, on board the 'Notorious Airways' private jet - As part of a wider partnership, Betsafe

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Interesting view. Though given their share price is fourfold their nearest competitor I doubt the alarm bells are ringing just yet

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Shares in Paddy Power Betfair fell by almost 5% after the bookmaker said that chief executive Breon Corcoran was standing down.

The company also said that Mr Corcoran would be replaced by Worldpay's UK chief executive Peter Jackson.

Paddy Power said its half-year results, due on Tuesday, would show a 9% rise in revenues while underlying earnings are up 21%.

Underlying earnings for 2017 as a whole are expected to be £445m-£465m.

Paddy Power Betfair was the biggest faller on the FTSE 100, but the index itself managed to produce a small gain, jumping 0.3% to close at 7,531.94.

The index was boosted by mining companies, which saw their shares rise on the back of higher prices for metals. Shares in Glencore and Rio Tinto rose 2.6%, while BHP Billiton jumped by 2.3%.

In the FTSE 250, shares in QinetiQ rose 3% after Goldman Sachs raised its rating on the defence technology company to "neutral" from "sell".

On the currency markets, the pound fell 0.15% against the dollar to $1.3017, and fell 0.3% against the euro to 1.1045 euros.

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Paddy Power Betfair shares hit as boss stands down - BBC News

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Shares in Paddy Power Betfair fell by almost 5% after the bookmaker said that chief executive Breon Corcoran was standing down. The company also said that Mr Corcoran would be replaced by Worldpay's UK chief executive Peter Jackson. Paddy Power said its half-year results, due on Tuesday, would show a 9% rise in revenues while underlying earnings are up 21%.

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WH chief claims that they could drop TV?

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WH chief claims that they could drop TV?

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Interesting view but likely the drop of SOV% would lead to a drop in SOWallet?

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Philip Bowcock, chief executive at William Hill, suggests that his company has the brand presence to withstand the loss of TV advertising, writes Scott Longley.
_________________________

Philip Bowcock, chief executive of William Hill, said he personally would like to see the gambling industry reined in when it comes to TV advertising and suggested his company would benefit from the general lack of available airtime due to its existing brand recognition.

Bowcock was speaking after the company released its well-received half-year results which showed the online business managing a partial turnaround led by a 10 percent rise in gaming revenues while the UK retail results were solid despite the comparator period from last year which included the Euros.

The results came on the same day as The Times newspaper launched another attack on the industry which broadened out on previous attacks regarding FOBTs to point to perceived government failures with regard to online stakes and ads for gambling on TV.

Bowcock said the industry needed to "get back to being on the front foot" in defending its right to do business but suggested it should be prepared to cede ground on advertising. "My personal view is that there is too much gambling advertising on TV," he said. "But from a business perspective, we think we already have the brand recognition. It is an additional barrier to entry."

He added that he felt the sector was working towards solutions with regard to concerns over the numbers of people that are resorting to self-exclusion in the UK. Pointing to the soon to be fully-introduced national self-exclusion scheme, he added that the sector now "has the algorithms, we can see the markers of harm."

Presenting the results to analysts, Bowcock said the UK high-street sector was awaiting the recommendations of the government's triennial review but he made the point that whatever was said about staking levels for FOBTs, the industry would likely have a year to get to grips with the situation ahead of full implementation.

"There will be a 12-week consultation period after the announcement which we expect in October and then a six to nine-month implementation period," he said. "In effect, it is a year away so we will have time to get organised."

Should the review come up with a £2 stake limit for B3 machines in betting shops, it would crater William Hill's retail profit. Paul Leyland, partner at gambling consultancy Regulus Partners, pointed out that depending on substitution levels across the machine types, it could more than wipe our retail profit and substantially hurt total group profit where retail represents 82 percent of the total.

Leyland added, though, that the company is "no longer in an operational tailspin", a fact recognised by investors who helped push the share price up 8 percent on the day. Bowcock said the company was being rewarded for "doing what we said we'd do."

The self-help saw the online net revenues rise 5 percent to £290m helped by a 10 percent rise in gaming revenues. Sportsbook was down 1 percent due largely to a four basis points fall in gross margin to 6.9 percent. Stripping out last year's Euros, the sportsbook amounts wagered was up 15 percent while active players rose 7 percent.

In retail, net revenue was down 2 percent with OTC revenue down 7 percent and gaming up 3 percent. Bowcock admitted that when it came to the introduction of self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) William Hill was slightly off the pace in terms of numbers but he said the proprietary terminals it was installing were better than the competition in terms of product.

The company is also introducing a new 'Plus' loyalty card for SSBT customers which it said that 80,000 customers have signed up to but he admitted the company "didn't have an awful lot of omni-channel customers."

In terms of international operations, Bowcock said the Australian business had been concentrating on improving the product ahead potential regulatory change. The government is set to introduce a ban on credit betting and it is also considering following the lead of South Australia and introducing a point of consumption tax regime.

A brighter regulatory situation exists in the US where William Hill has hopes that the Supreme Court decision on sports-betting in New Jersey could open up the wider US market.

Analysts welcomed the signs of a reversal of fortunes. Simon Davies at Canaccord Genuity said it was a "reassuring performance", adding that the "key positive" was the online revival. Ivor Jones at Peel Hunt added that the overall results - which saw pre-tax profit fall 7 percent to £93.5m - "made a step backwards appear like a step forwards."

"Today's interims seem like progress; wagering was in growth across the business, which appears to have gained market share in the UK," Jones added.

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Scott Longley - William Hill chief: 'Drop TV ads'

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Philip Bowcock, chief executive at William Hill, suggests that his company has the brand presence to withstand the loss of TV advertising, writes Scott Longley. _________________________ Philip Bowcock, chief executive of William Hill, said he personally would like to see the gambling industry reined in when it comes to TV advertising and suggested his company would benefit from the general lack of available airtime due to its existing brand recognition.

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Changes to the conventional broadcast rights landscape

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Changes to the conventional broadcast rights landscape

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Start of things to come?

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Amazon has snapped up its first major live TV sports rights deal outside the US after outbidding Sky for control of the ATP World Tour.

The deal will see Amazon broadcast the majority of top flight men's tennis outside the four grand slam tournaments and will include the end of year ATP World Tour finals at the O2 Arena in London.

Sky's current agreement with the ATP is due to expire in 2018 at which point Amazon will begin showing the sport on its Prime Video subscription service.

Amazon was awarded the contract with a £10m a year bid, £2m more than what Sky currently pays. The contract covers the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and Masters 500 events from around the world, including tournaments in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Paris, Miami, Indian Wells and Shanghai.

The partnership with the ATP is Amazon's first significant play outside the US where it recently bought the broadcast rights to the NFL's 10 Thursday Night Football games. The company subsequently began selling adverting packages around its live streams for a reported $2.8m.

Sky's savings from losing out on the current deal could benefit it when its faces off with BT Sport for the next Premier League rights deal early next year.

Jeremy Darroch, the chief executive of Sky, said last week that the company had "walked away" from bidding for some sports rights recently as there was better value in spending the cash elsewhere in the business

Dror Ginzberg, chief executive of video creation platform​ Wochit said Amazon's move was hugely significant because it represented the "first move to take on British broadcasters directly for sought after sports rights".

He added: "Amazon is clearly trying to build its credentials in live sports broadcasting as it has also taken over from Twitter in broadcasting this coming season's Thursday night NFL games. Given that the Premier League's rights are up for grabs next year too, Amazon could be a player in this bidding war, which means it may even surpass the previous record deal of over £5bn secured in 2015."

The absence of the ATP builds on a wider tennis exodus for Sky after it lost out to Eurosport for the broadcast rights to the US Open, one of its longest major sports rights deals. Sky Sports recently replaced its numbered channels with dedicated channels focused on specific sports - led by football, golf and cricket, however tennis coverage has been relegated to appearing on one of two mixed sport channels.

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Amazon outbids Sky for the exclusive broadcast rights to the ATP World Tour

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Amazon has snapped up its first major live TV sports rights deal outside the US after outbidding Sky for control of the ATP World Tour. The deal will see Amazon broadcast the majority of top flight men's tennis outside the four grand slam tournaments and will include the end of year ATP World Tour finals at the O2 Arena in London.

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Partnership between 3 key digital players for the WC18

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Partnership between 3 key digital players for the WC18

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Very relevant for the digital team

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The three platforms combined reach more than 20 million football fans on social media and nearly 90% of men aged 18 and above each month in the UK, according to ComScore data.

The agreement presents advertisers with the option to have the three platforms work together on ideation and delivery.

Perform offers its data and video production capabilities as well as its site Goal.com, while journalists from Daily Mirror publisher Trinity Mirror and The Telegraph will cover the global sporting event.

The publishers have said they will all follow their own commercial and content-led roadmap for the World Cup but will work together on creating and executing ideas for "significantly budgeted briefs".

Piers North, group digital director at Trinity Mirror, said: "Football is massively important to our 30 million users a month but we know when we collaborate with other brands we can do an even better job for our users and our advertisers."

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Telegraph, Trinity Mirror and Perform launch branded content tie-up for Fifa 2018

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The three platforms combined reach more than 20 million football fans on social media and nearly 90% of men aged 18 and above each month in the UK, according to ComScore data. The agreement presents advertisers with the option to have the three platforms work together on ideation and delivery.

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Potential new advertising opportunities for golf

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Potential new advertising opportunities for golf

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Digital platforms should index well for online gambling

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PGA has added additional coverage of the PGA Championship with livestreaming on Twitter and GiveMeSport's Facebook page, in a bid to bring the sport to a younger audience.

As part of the deal GiveMeSport's Facebook page and website, which the publisher claims regularly attracts 750,000 golf fans in the UK, will broadcast live four-day coverage of the championship. GiveMeSport has 26 million Facebook followers, the bulk of which are aged between 18 to 34.

Jae Chafin, chief commercial officer, GiveMeSport, said: "We're delighted to partner with the PGA to bring the 2017 championships to a new younger audience of sports fans in the UK. Live streaming the championship on GiveMeSport's Facebook page means that fans will not miss a single moment of the action, wherever they are and whatever device they are using."

The announcement comes after the recent news that the BBC will show live coverage of all four rounds of the US PGA Championship.

Pete Bevacqua, chief executive officer, PGA of America, added: "By delivering this season's final major to fans of all ages across BBC, Facebook and Twitter, we hope to serve the core golf audience and invite new fans to enjoy major championship golf across the platforms they frequent."

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PGA adds Livestream deals with Twitter & Givemesport

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PGA has added additional coverage of the PGA Championship with livestreaming on Twitter and GiveMeSport's Facebook page, in a bid to bring the sport to a younger audience. As part of the deal GiveMeSport's Facebook page and website, which the publisher claims regularly attracts 750,000 golf fans in the UK, will broadcast live four-day coverage of the championship.

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A nice touch

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Betway the 'Principal Sponsor' of London Premier League football club West Ham United, will donate its front of shirt sponsorship to during the upcoming pre-season clash with Manchester City

DT38 a charitable partner of West Ham helps raise awareness of men's health issues, with a particular focus on testicular cancer.

The Foundation was launched in 2015 in memory of West Ham Academy starlet Dylan Tombides, who lost his three-year battle with testicular cancer in April 2014, at the age of 20.

Helping the charity's profile, Betway will ensure that the shirts used for the pre-season friendly, which takes place in Iceland on August 4, will then be signed by the players and a uctioned off by DT38 after the game to raise valuable funds for the foundation.

Karren Brady, Vice-Chairman of West Ham United, thanked Betway's contribution "It's fantastic that our exceptional principal sponsors Betway care about all aspects of the Club and its supporters, and we are very grateful to them for choosing to replace their sponsorship with DT38 for the game against Manchester City in Iceland. We really hope it can raise awareness of a wonderful person and a truly worthy cause.

"A hugely popular figure among his team-mates, coaches, backroom staff, supporters and opponents alike, Dylan was loved and respected throughout the football community

and is hugely missed by all at West Ham United.

"The way he battled his disease was truly inspirational, as is his wonderful family's courage in the face of such adversity. The valuable work they are doing in Dylan's name is absolutely incredible and a fitting way to ensure Dylan's legacy continues to inspire others every day."

Anthony Werkman, Betway's Director of Marketing and Operations, commented on the initiative: "The DT38 Foundation is a charity close to the hearts of everybody involved with West Ham United and it is a great honour to be able to help such a worthy cause raise not only valuable funds but also awareness.

"It's important to support the incredible work the foundation is doing to raise awareness of such important health issues and we're absolutely thrilled to donate our front shirt sponsorship for the game against Manchester City."

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Betway donates pre-season shirt sponsorship to DT38 Foundation

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Betway the 'Principal Sponsor' of London Premier League football club West Ham United, will donate its front of shirt sponsorship to The DT38 Foundation during the upcoming pre-season clash with Manchester City DT38 a charitable partner of West Ham helps raise awareness of men's health issues, with a particular focus on testicular cancer.

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Not specific to live sport but does offer some perspective on the wider market

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UK advertising spend grew at its slowest rate for almost four years in the first quarter of 2017, as a notable drop in TV spend hit the market.

The quarterly survey by the Advertising Association (AA) and Warc found that UK advertising grew just 1.3% year on year in the first quarter of 2017 to reach £5.4bn. TV advertising took a surprising hit, dropping 6.2%, its first fall since 2009.

"The latest data show that large retailers - particularly supermarkets - and major food brands reined in their TV spending by 25% during the first three months of 2017, instead committing to cutting prices on the shelves as household expenditure wanes," says James McDonald, senior data analyst at Warc.
READ MORE: Channel 4 admits TV ad market is in recession as big brands pull back
The decline in TV ad spend was not enough to offset the growth seen in internet ad spend, which was up 10.1% and accounted for almost all the growth in the industry.

The report found that digital formats performed well across the board, up 25.4% for national news brands, 8% for radio, 7.2% for broadcaster video-on-demand and 27.6% for out-of-home. Cinema also grew 27.6% year on year, as brands including River Island and YouTube used the medium.

Mobile formats saw the fastest growth, at 36.2%, while search continue to hoover up spend. The report estimates that £1 in every £4 spent on advertising now goes on search.

Despite the slowing growth, the outlook for the advertising industry remains positive. AA/Warc expects spend to increase by 2% this year (a 0.5 percentage point downgrade from previous estimates), with that growth set to accelerate to 2.6% in 2018 driven by the men's football World Cup and a likely rise in certainty around the terms of Brexit. TV ad spend is also expected to return to growth

"As business sentiment suffers, it's no surprise to see ad spend come under pressure - but the market overall remains resilient," says Stephen Woodford, chief executive at the AA.

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Ad spend under pressure as big brands pull back on TV

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UK advertising spend grew at its slowest rate for almost four years in the first quarter of 2017, as a notable drop in TV spend hit the market. The quarterly survey by the Advertising Association (AA) and Warc found that UK advertising grew just 1.3% year on year in the first quarter of 2017 to reach £5.4bn.

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The future of broadcast rights could be changing

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The future of broadcast rights could be changing

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Interesting space!

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Did you catch Philipp Kohlschreiber and João Sousa going head to head in the final of the ATP General Open in Austria last week?

No, nor me.

Indeed, it's a rare evening when someone runs home from the pub to catch an ATP World Tour Masters event, a series notable for what it doesn't include, such as Wimbledon, the US Open, Roland Garros or the Davis Cup. Men's professional tennis has many merits, but few of us would describe it as "must-have" viewing.

So why then has the bidding for tennis rights become such a big story over the past week? The answer lies not in what was being bought, but who was buying, and what that might mean about how we consume sport over the next decade.

The facts are simple enough: Amazon outbid Sky Sports for the right to broadcast the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and Masters 500 events. The price was quoted as £10m a year. The fun bit is the conjecture as to what happens next.

Sport's major global rights-holders and the big tech platforms have been circling each other for some time. A deal here, a rejection there. Some golf on Twitter. The NFL on Facebook Live. Interesting, but not transformational.

But now the big one is just around the corner. The tender for the next cycle of Premier League rights is being distributed to interested parties. The timing is perfect from the Premier League's perspective, as it always tends to be.

This week, the 2017/18 season kicks off, marking the second year of the current contracts with Sky and BT in the UK. The next round of negotiations are for the season starting 2019/20. Some of the early negotiations are being carried out in public. Richard Scudamore, the league's chief executive, has been talking of new platforms and live-streaming, over-the-top broadcasting and a more creative approach to content distribution.

Sky Sports has realigned its offer into sports-specific verticals, from golf and cricket to F1 and, of course, football. Now TV is a response to the cord-cutting impulse of younger viewers, who show few signs of wanting to saddle themselves with long-term package deals.

And there's Amazon, with a cash pile few can match and a need to make Amazon Prime more than just the home of Jeremy Clarkson and his Grand Tour. What would it take for every sports fan in the country to sign up for Prime? Just to be clear, the answer isn't tennis.
Jim Dowling is managing director of Cake, the Havas-owned sports and entertainment agency

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Is Amazon priming itself for a Premier League bid?

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Did you catch Philipp Kohlschreiber and João Sousa going head to head in the final of the ATP General Open in Austria last week? No, nor me. Indeed, it's a rare evening when someone runs home from the pub to catch an ATP World Tour Masters event, a series notable for what it doesn't include, such as Wimbledon, the US Open, Roland Garros or the Davis Cup.

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A nice example of two very different brands coming together for the mutual benefit of the consumer

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Samsung has announced an official partnership with Tough Mudder to deliver exclusive content and training tips across Samsung devices and at Tough Mudder's UK events.

The partnership will kick off at the Tough Mudder Yorkshire event and run through to the end of the Tough Mudder 2018 event season.

Ahead of each Tough Mudder event, participants will have access to 360 preview video content of each obstacle course, helping them prepare for the challenge ahead and allow people all over the world to enjoy the full Tough Mudder experience from their devices. Samsung will also be developing training programmes across its wearable fitness devices, including the Gear S3, designed to facilitate Mudders' training ahead of each event.

Samsung is the sponsor of Tough Mudder's new finisher obstacle Kong, which has been developed exclusively for Tough Mudder Legionnaires (those who have participated in at least one Tough Mudder event). During each event, participants and supporters can be part of the action with Samsung, as they capture content from Kong using the Gear 360 camera.

"Tough Mudder is thrilled to welcome Samsung to our family of UK sponsors for the 2017 and 2018 season," said Adam Slutsky, president of Tough Mudder, Inc. "Like Tough Mudder, Samsung is committed to innovation and developing products that enhance its customer experience, and we are proud to partner with Samsung and continue to enhance the Mudder journey for hundreds of thousands of participants across the UK. We look forward to working with Samsung and providing exclusive 360 content and training tips across their best-in-class products."

Sam Grant, marketing director at Samsung Electronics UK said: "Being outdoors and enjoying sport is a massive part of summer in the UK, and we're thrilled to be aligning with one of the fastest growing participation events in the country, Tough Mudder. For the activities we have planned throughout the season we are focused on delivering experiences only Samsung could, using our Gear 360 and wearable technologies to engage with both participants and supporters alike."

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Samsung has announced an official partnership with Tough Mudder to deliver exclusive content and training tips across Samsung devices and at Tough Mudder's UK events. The partnership will kick off at the Tough Mudder Yorkshire event and run through to the end of the Tough Mudder 2018 event season.

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