Some 20 days ago, Barca defeated Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga, thus practically taking Los Blancos out of the competition for the league title. Can they knock them out of the cup as well? Let’s find out!

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Copa del Rey Odds

*Odds taken from bet365 on Monday, April 3, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain
• Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2023
• Time: 3:00 PM ET
• How to Watch: ESPN+

Barcelona Looking for 4^th Win Over Real Madrid in 2023

In 2023, Barca really looks like Real Madrid’s kryptonite. So far this year, they’ve defeated them three times – 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup, 2-1 in La Liga, and 1-0 in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semifinal.

Barca have a 1-0 advantage from the first game, meaning that if they don’t lose on Wednesday, they will advance to the final of the Spanish Cup. That seems like an easy job for them, especially considering the fact that the game is played on their turf.

Spain’s largest stadium, Camp Nou, is where Xavi’s boys are undefeated since October 26, 2026, when Bayern Munich beat them. Most of the home games they’ve played in 2023, they won – they’re 6-1-0 this year at Camp Nou.

Los Blancos Know How to Upset the Odds

Real Madrid are trailing by double-figure points behind Barcelona in Spanish La Liga, meaning that it’s close to impossible that they’re going to retain the domestic title. They do, however, stand a chance to win other competitions. In the Champions League, for example, they’ve reached the quarterfinal stage, where they will play Chelsea.

In the Spanish Cup, they’re still in the game. In fact, if they knock Barcelona out of the competition, Los Blancos will take over the role of the No. 1 favorite for the trophy. This is because their opponent in the final would be either Osasuna or Athletic Bilbao.

So, the big question is whether Real Madrid can beat Barcelona for the first time in 2022? Bookies see Los Blancos are the underdogs in Wednesday’s game, but these guys know how to play when there’s a lot at stake. Just think of their 5-2 win over Liverpool on the road, in which they were 2-0 down at one point in the first half.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Prediction

If there’s a team that can end Barcelona’s superb run at Camp Nou, it’s Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s boys have everything needed to grab themselves a win on Wednesday. Whether it will be enough to advance to the next stage of Copa del Rey straight away or the game will see extra time, we can’t say for certain.

Pick: Real Madrid to win 

The fast-growing iGaming content provider, Hacksaw Gaming, announced it expanded further its European footprint after securing a new business-to-business (B2B) license. On Monday, the company confirmed that the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), approved its B2B gaming license.

This license enabled Hacksaw Gaming to deliver its content to gambling operators licensed within the market in the country. As a result, famous games such as Hand of Anubis, Dork Unit, Mines, as well as Wanted Dead or a Wild will be arriving to new operators.

Besides expanding further the company’s presence in Sweden, the new license boosts its European footprint as well. The latest announcement comes after only recently, Hacksaw expanded further its Swedish footprint via a partnership with Glitnor Group.

Last month, the iGaming content provider joined forces with the Group, allowing it to deliver its portfolio of content for players of the brands LuckyCasino and HappyCasino. Now, the new license will enable Hacksaw to continue to grow in the country and reach new audiences.

The Company Is Thrilled to Expand Further in Sweden

Securing the license comes at a strategic time for the market in the country. This is because new regulations were implemented on March 1, 2023, requiring all online casino game suppliers to have a license. Ultimately, the new Swedish regulation seeks to boost the channelization of the legal markets, and protect the integrity of the industry, as well as the consumers.

“We are delighted to be among the first providers to obtain a full Swedish B2B gaming license, allowing us to build from a position of strength in the fast-growing market.“

Marcus Cordes, CEO of Hacksaw Gaming

Marcus Cordes, Hacksaw Gaming’s CEO, shared his excitement saying that the company was able to act quickly within the market which helped it gain a head-start. Additionally, he said that Hacksaw is excited to be one of the first iGaming providers to secure a complete B2B gaming license in Sweden.

Cordes predicted that the collaboration will help the company continue to grow within the market. Finally, he said that thanks to the B2B license, Hacksaw will be able to team up with new gambling operators and engage with new audiences.

“The purpose of the license requirement for gaming software is to discourage illegal gambling.“

Swedish Gambling Authority

The SGA added that the new licenses seek to repeal and combat illegal gambling operators. The Authority also noted that illegal gambling operators must not be able to team up with companies such as suppliers of iGaming content that deliver software or solutions for licensed gambling operators in Sweden.

The gaming giant BetMGM is parting ways with Jason Scott, its vice president of trading, VIP and retail sportsbooks. The experienced employee shared the news on LinkedIn, adding that he will now head back to Australia.

Scott, who has served the Entain/BetMGM family for the last 11 years, said that his time with Entain and BetMGM has been a “fun ride.” He noted that his announcement comes with a mix of sadness and happiness and said that he enjoyed being able to support the rapid growth of the two businesses.

It’s been a fun ride, playing my small part in the growth of two businesses evolving into a couple of fairly substantial entities.

Jason Scott

Scott Applauded CEO Greenblatt’s Leadership Skills

Scott thanked a few of the people whom he worked beside. He said that there are way too many whom he enjoyed working with to mention all of them.

Scott singled out Adam Greenblatt as one of the best colleagues he has ever had and said that he remembers how Greenblatt acquired bookmaker.com.au, a small Australian business that eventually became Ladbrokes and Neds.

The departing VP had worked directly under Greenblatt for the last three and a half years and was impressed by the latter man’s leadership skills. Scott lauded the CEO as a leader that has no par “in any category anywhere on the globe.”

Thanks to Adam and the guidance of the executive team, BetMGM continues to make progress. Scott shared that he is excited to continue watching this growth from afar.

Other News Concerning the Two Businesses

Speaking of BetMGM, the company’s North American business was just honored with the RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council. This is one of the most extensive and strict responsible gambling accreditation programs, attesting to BetMGM’s commitment to protecting its players from harm.

Entain, on the other hand, just agreed to provide Gordon Moody’s Alumni Project with funding. Through its non-profit arm, the Entain Foundation, the gambling company will support the treatment of gambling disorders in the United Kingdom.

The Alumni Project will see Gordon Moody leverage former addicts and people who recently completed treatment to help others overcome their problem gambling.

Around the same time, New Zealand’s single racing and sports betting agency, TAB NZ, picked Entain for a new 25-year strategic racing-oriented partnership. As announced, Entain will help TAB NZ “deliver its wagering and broadcast functions.”

The Victorian government has joined Western Australia in its efforts to minimize gambling harm at the troubled Crown Casino. The Royal Commission recently recommended betting and time limits for Crown Perth in Western Australia, and authorities in Victoria have already mandated similar measures for the operator’s Melbourne branch. Patrons must take mandatory breaks every few hours and face daily and weekly limits.

Daily and Weekly Limits Will Encourage Safer Gambling

The ongoing controversy surrounding The Crown has kickstarted some long-overdue regulatory reforms. The 2021 Royal Commission investigation revealed systemic regulatory violations, tax evasion, severe money laundering, and ties to criminal organizations. The operator’s Australian properties have since felt the ire of the local regulators, paying hundreds of millions in fines and facing ongoing restrictions until they fall back into compliance.

Crown Melbourne now operates under the watchful eye of the Victorian government, which oversees the ongoing reforms. The newest updates aim to combat the rising problem of gambling rates by introducing mandatory breaks and time limits. Patrons will take a non-optional 15-minute break for every three continuous hours of play and a 24-hour break if they have gambled for over 12 hours daily.

Victoria authorities hope that such forced breaks, combined with a 36-hour weekly limit, will help dissuade patrons from overspending. The region’s Casino and Gaming minister Melissa Horne hoped the measures would lay the foundations for a safer gaming environment. A September 2022 legislation also introduced a cash cap of $1000 per 24 hours.

The Royal Commission (evidence) showed incredibly predatory behavior on people… struggling on the casino floor and in the pokie machine rooms in particular.

Melissa Horne, Victoria Casino, and Gaming minister

Anti-Gambling Advocates Find Such Measures Lacking

Despite the authorities’ good intentions, some experts remain skeptical of the practical benefits of time limits. Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett noted that individuals struggling with gambling addiction would move on to bet at another venue. The proliferation of pokeys across various establishments means a machine is always nearby.

The measures put in place in Crown should also be translated into pubs and clubs because we’re otherwise just shifting the problem.

Carol Bennett, Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO

Bennett tentatively agreed that such measures were a step in the right direction and urged widespread reforms encompassing all venues offering to gamble. However, each Australian region’s high degree of autonomy makes coordination difficult, and powerful lobbying groups ceaselessly fight to maintain the status quo. Even so, attempts to bring order to Australia’s premiere gambling destination should receive recognition.

Wharton’s decision to leave Star leaves the operator leaderless amidst ongoing anti-money laundering reforms, up to $1 billion in fines, several lawsuits, and a potential tax hike on the horizon. As the person responsible for restoring order and compliance to the struggling casino, his departure has caused substantial concern among regulators. However, Star Entertainment CEO Robbie Cooke remained unfazed, promising the group would soon appoint a new Sydney CEO.

The Star Sydney chief executive will officially resign on 28 April to assume a new position as CEO of salary packaging company Smart Group. His departure came out of the blue for the beleaguered operator, as Wharton stepped away from the struggling operator after only eight months in charge.

The Star Sydney CEO was the primary driving force behind the ongoing remedial measures at the Sydney casino, heading the company’s transformation division. The company struggles to rescue its reputation and remain afloat after last year’s regulatory probe revealed severe AML failings and possible ties to terrorist organizations.

As a stopgap measure, Star Entertainment CEO Robbie Cooke plans to split Wharton’s responsibilities, delegating his remediation duties to current general manager of transformation Nicola Burke. She is well-acquainted with the position’s requirements and will be hard-pressed to navigate the ongoing regulatory challenges.

The board and the management team have an unwavering focus on proving our suitability to hold casino licenses in NSW and Queensland.

Robbie Cooke, Star Entertainment CEO

Wharton thanked The Star team for their commitment and hard work, extending special gratitude to the company’s leadership. CEO Cooke remained confident that the group would soon find a new Sydney chief executive and continue its long way toward redemption. However, Wharton’s departure leaves a void during a short but possibly critical period for the operator due to a looming taxation overhaul.

The Star Continues To Struggle With Poor Financials

Wharton was one of the people involved in the discussions regarding a potential new tax increase for poker machines which could significantly impact The Star’s bottom line. NSW Premier Chris Minns did not take a firm stance on the matter, preferring to first get a clearer picture of the tax hike’s implications before committing to a specific course of action.

We’ll be having discussions with the Treasury in the coming days as we get a full picture of the revenue side of the budget and future policy measures.

Chris Minns, NSW Premier 

With trouble looming on all sides, the company finds itself hard-pressed to find a competent replacement for the departing CEO. Financially, The Star Sydney continues to reel from the ongoing turmoil, as rising competition caused FY22 domestic revenue to lag 14% behind pre-COVID levels. The operator hopes that extra funding, like the recent AUD142 million ($96 million) investment from tycoon Bruce Mathieson, would help it stand back on its feet in the coming months.

Online casino and sports betting operator Rush Street Interactive has unveiled what it calls “the most exciting online slot tournament in Michigan history.” The so-called BetRivers Michigan Million Online Slot Tournament will provide slot aficionados with a shot at various exciting prizes.

BeRivers Michigan Million players will get to play slots and earn points for their successes. Each successful spin will help players accumulate more points and rise above their peers. The best players will secure positions in the next round of tournament play, RSI explained.

To qualify for a chance to win $1 million in bonus money, players need to visit BetRivers.com from April 1 to 30. Then, they must make a single deposit of $50+ using the code “MILLION” into their BetRivers account. At that point, players will be awarded 100 Tournament Spins that they should use smartly before April 30. Depending on their performance, players can secure additional spins.

The top 400 players from the qualifying round will advance to the semi-final round. Then, each of these players will be awarded another 200 Tournament Spins that they can use between May 5 and 6. Only the top 10 players will advance to the finals but everyone who failed to qualify will receive $1,500 in bonus money.

The final round of the tournament will take place live on May 15. The 10 participants will have 10 minutes and unlimited spins. The luckiest player will receive the $100,000 bonus money grand prize, while the other two will each win $35,000 in bonus money.

John Mason Will Join RSI for the Event

RSI also noted that John Mason, a Detroit radio host and public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons, will once again join the BetRivers team. Mason, who placed the first-ever legal bet on BetRivers.com, will help the operator make the tournament even more exciting.

Mason said that Michigan players have never seen anything quite like this slot tournament. He added that he is excited to be a part of this thrilling event.

I’ve been connected to the brand since the launch and am thrilled to be part of the BetRivers Michigan Million Online Slot Tournament. I can’t wait to see 400 Michiganders win their share of the $1 million bonus money prize pool.

John Mason

Richard Schwartz, RSI’s chief executive officer, also commented on the matter. He said that his team is looking forward to hosting the most exciting online slots tournament Michigan has ever seen.

The leading independent charity in the UK, GambleAware, announced changes to its National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) Monday. The charity confirmed that the NGTS was renamed to National Gambling Support Network (NGSN). Additionally, GambleAware confirmed that it doubled the funding for the next year for the newly renamed network that will help by providing vital support and treatment for people affected by gambling harm in Great Britain.

Ultimately, the NGSN is expected to “deliver a regional-first approach, improving referral routes and ensuring individuals receive the right support at the right time,” explained the charity. The network consists of third-sector treatment providers that deliver confidential support, without judgment for people affected by problem gambling.

The services and support is free and can also be accessed by people affected by someone else’s gambling. One of the goals of the NGSN is to reduce the negative impact of gambling harm and provide support for people who need it. This, in turn, is expected to reduce the problem gambling rate and prevent the escalation of such cases. The services provided via the network also help reduce the pressure on the NHS, explained GambleAware.

“The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) will deliver a regional-first approach, improving referral routes and ensuring individuals receive the right support at the right time,“

explains a statement released by GambleAware

The Network Provides Vital Support and Treatment

Early intervention when it comes to problem gambling is vitally important. Such treatment and support services are expected to have different long-term positive effects for the people affected. Additionally, the NGSN will leverage a regional-first approach, which according to GambleAware will result in “improved referral routes for anyone experiencing harms from gambling.”

“As the country’s leading commissioner in this sector, we’re delighted to announce the new National Gambling Support Network and our increase in investment for those experiencing gambling harm.“

Anna Hargrave, chief commissioning officer at GambleAware

Anna Hargrave, GambleAware’s chief commissioning officer, explained that the charity remains committed to investing in the NGSN which will help by providing treatment and support for people affected by problem gambling. She explained that the network helps connect regional providers that make a difference for people that need support. Finally, Hargrave spoke about the importance of involving people with lived experience of gambling harm and confirmed that the network will continue to deliver vital support.

Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council said that it would welcome a mandatory levy to fund gambling research, education and treatment (RET) services if it is independent and tiered to protect land-based companies.

The mandatory levy is a measure proposed ahead of the release of the white paper which will revolutionize British gambling law. It would force operators to provide 1% of their proceeds as funding for RET services, helping to keep problem gambling rates low.

For the past two decades, RET services in the UK have been dependent on voluntary donations. BGC’s four largest members, for example, have been providing millions in RET contributions for the last few years.

However, some believe that enforcing a mandatory levy would be a preferable alternative. The proposed levy has become the subject of various debates and controversies with some claiming it would cause more harm than good.

The Government Must Protect Land-Based Businesses

The BGC would accept a mandatory levy if the new system would ensure mandatory contributions and continued independence of funding allocation. In addition, the commission said that land-based companies, who have inherently higher expenses, should pay less than their online counterparts.

The BGC disagrees with the proposed blanked 1% fee on all members because of the differences between the businesses within the gambling industry. A recent industry analysis, the commission pointed out, shows that a new blanket 1% statutory levy to land-based operators would be the equivalent of a 10-15% hit on post-tax profits because of the fixed costs which do not apply to iGaming companies.

The BGC’s chief executive, Michael Dugher, voiced his thoughts on the matter:

We want to see continued sustainable funding for RET provided it recognizes the fact land-based operators are under greater cost pressures, so there has to be appropriate mitigation, and that funds continue to be distributed effectively and genuinely independently.

Michael Dugher, CEO, BGC

Dugher added that the union’s largest members already voluntarily pay 1% to fund RET services. These companies, he said, want to be sure that their money would be used to fund independent evidence-led research.

Dugher noted that it is imperative to maintain gambling harm rates low and make sure that people with gambling disorders can receive the help they need. He noted that there is “some brilliant treatment” available in the third sector and noted that the government should make sure not to put that provision at risk.

What’s important is that the money goes to helping the tiny minority of people who need it, not wasted on the cottage industry of anti-gambling prohibitionists, masquerading their biased work as “research.”

Michael Dugher, CEO, BGC

The CEO also emphasized that the government should be careful not to jeopardize the jobs of people within the industry when introducing a new tax.

The BGC concluded that it supports the gambling white paper and considers it an opportunity to raise standards and deliver jobs and growth. However, the union is firm that change should be handled responsibly and in a way that will not amplify harm by channeling people toward the dangerous black market.

This is going to be the second time Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira meet inside the UFC Octagon, while they’ve also fought twice in a kickboxing match. Pereira is 3-0 against Adesanya, but online sportsbooks expect The Nigerian Nightmare to get his revenge this Saturday.

Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 Odds

*Odds taken from BetUS on Monday, April 3, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida
• Date: Saturday, April 8, 2023
• Time: ~10:00 PM ET
• How to Watch: PPV

Israel Adesanya Plotting Revenge

Adesanya is 23-2 in his professional MMA career, with one of those losses happening in the UFC Light Heavyweight division (vs. Jan Blachowicz). In his natural division (Middleweight), he’s got only one loss, which happened in his most recent fight – Alex Pereira beat him by TKO in November 2022.

The loss in question happened in the second minute of the fifth round. Before that, Adesanya was on-pair with his opponent. That said, he really should feel bad about not surviving the whole five rounds. The loss meant that he ended up losing his championship belt, which used to be in his possession for three years.

Adesanya’s TKO loss to Pereira was his third loss to the Brazilian. He lost to Pereira twice in kickboxing bouts. One of those losses was a KO loss – it happened in 2017 in Adesanya’s last kickboxing match.

Alex Pereira is Adesanya’s Kryptonite

Adesanya is one of the best strikers in the UFC, but Pereira might be even better. The Brazilian is a former kickboxing champion in Glory and other promotions. Since transitioning to MMA, he’s 7-1 with six wins by KO/TKO.

This guy lands 5.23 significant strikes per minute, some of which are incredibly powerful. He’s competing in the UFC Middleweight division, but he’s got the power of a light heavyweight fighter. In fact, during his kickboxing days (until 2021), he fought many fights in the light heavyweight division.

Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira 2 Prediction

Israel Adesanya is one of the best fighters in the history of the UFC Middleweight division, and if he’s going to challenge for the GOAT status, he needs to beat his archnemesis, Alex Pereira. It won’t be easy, but we think he’s going to pull it off, using his good-old strategy of out-striking the opponent and winning by decision.

Each of his last three wins happened this way, and he was very close to beating Pereira by a decision last November. He wasn’t lucky that evening, but this time, we think his plan will come true.

Pick: Israel Adesanya to win by decision

The premier management advisory firm that has significant experience within the global gaming vertical, SCCG Management, announced a new strategic partnership with the professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Cincinnati Bengals. The duo confirmed last week that they joined forces for a new market access support deal.

Per the new collaboration, SCCG Management and its CEO, Stephen A. Crystal are going to help the team join forces with a second “skin,” a branded mobile sports betting partner. The new skin is expected to bring benefits for the Bengals fans and further expand their presence within the betting vertical. At the same time, the new collaboration is expected to deliver engaging experiences for Bengals’ fans.

Ultimately, the new deal will see the team’s management collaborate with SCCG Management to join forces with an organization that will help expand its fan base and reach. That process was described by the company’s CEO as “positive interactive engagement.”

The Deal Builds upon the Success of Other Collaborations

The recent tie-up comes as no surprise, considering that SCCG Management helped the Bengals with its deal with Betfred USA Sports. That collaboration, dating back to July 2022, designated Betfred as the official sports betting partner of the Cincinnati Bengals. Building upon the success of that collaboration, now, SCCG will provide further strategic guidance and help the Bengals find a second sports betting partner.

Besides the deal between the Bengals and Betfred, SCCG played an important part in other collaborations. The company helped facilitate multiple successful sports sponsorship deals with teams including the Colorado Rockies, Iowa Cubs, Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Additionally, SCCG contributed toward a deal with America Ultimately Disc League and a consultation agreement with Major Arena Soccer League.

“We couldn’t have found a better partner than the Cincinnati Bengals to showcase the growth of our sports marketing division.“

Stephen A. Crystal, CEO and founder of SCCG Management

Sharing his excitement about the new deal, Crystal pointed out that the collaboration with the Bengals reaffirms the potential and growth of the company’s sports marketing division. “The Bengals team have a vision for their organization that is positive, and growth-focused – we are honored to have been asked to be a part of it again,” he explained in conclusion.