LIV Golf Partners with Simplebet as Official Sports Betting Innovation Partner

LIV Golf, the groundbreaking golf league, has announced a strategic partnership with Simplebet, a global technology leader in micro-betting products. Simplebet will serve as the league’s Official Sports Betting Innovation Partner, distributing real-time competition data to sports betting operators and media platforms worldwide. This collaboration aims to provide innovative single-screen in-play wager technology and low latency video streaming, enhancing the fan experience in the U.S. and international markets.

Unlocking Fan Engagement Opportunities

Simplebet’s CEO, Chris Bevilacqua, expressed excitement about revolutionizing fan engagement in live sports through their partnership with LIV Golf. They aim to create a blueprint for maximizing intellectual property (IP) through innovative betting, setting the stage for the future of the sport.

LIV Golf’s Forward-Thinking Approach

Greg Norman, LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO, highlighted the league’s commitment to developing new ways for golf to progress. With a consistent field of top players competing simultaneously under the same conditions, LIV Golf offers a supercharged tournament and fan experience. As golf gains popularity within the multi-billion-dollar sports betting market, LIV Golf is proud to collaborate with Simplebet. Their shared vision aligns with the league’s competition model, where every shot from every player matters throughout the entire tournament.

Enhancing the Fan Experience

Using Simplebet’s platform, sports betting operators will soon be able to offer in-play wagering opportunities during LIV Golf’s action-packed events. Fans will engage with the competition on a whole new level, placing bets on specific moments, such as the outcome of players’ shots or putts. Simplebet’s technology transforms the fan experience by creating deeper engagement around thousands of individual moments throughout the tournament.

Record-Breaking Growth and Established Expertise

Simplebet’s remarkable growth over the past year solidifies its position as a global leader in the sports betting industry. They have developed innovative in-play micro-betting and fan engagement products for major leagues such as NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, NCAAB, and IFL. Through their partnership with LIV Golf, Simplebet’s technology will connect fans with the league’s groundbreaking team and individual competition, featuring renowned golfers and exciting shotgun starts.

Upcoming Tournaments and How to Watch

LIV Golf’s next tournament, LIV Golf Greenbrier, will take place from August 4th to 6th at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. Fans can catch the action on The CW, The CW App, LIV Golf Plus, and YouTube, with broadcasts reaching over 180 territories and 380 million homes worldwide.

Unlocking Golf’s Potential

LIV Golf is owned and operated by LIV Golf Investments, a company dedicated to making holistic and sustainable investments to enhance the global golf ecosystem. Their mission is to unlock the sport’s untapped potential on a global scale.

For more information on the 2023 LIV Golf League and how to watch, visit LIVGolf.com. The future of golf and sports betting is set to take off with LIV Golf and Simplebet leading the way in innovation and fan engagement.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association of Football (NCAAF) has a rich and storied history stretching over a century. Its evolution offers a fascinating study of athletic, educational, and societal shifts that have shaped the world of college football as we know it today.

The journey from early gridiron matches to the modern, nationally-televised games replete with packed stadiums reflects the game’s ever-growing popularity and significance. This blog post aims to explore the key turning points in NCAAF’s history, focusing on its origins, expansion, integration, and present era.

The Origins of NCAAF

The birth of college football can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the first recorded game in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton (then known as the College of New Jersey). However, the NCAAF as we know it today did not come into existence until 1910 when the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) was established.

Later renamed the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1910, its initial purpose was to oversee the rules and regulations of college sports, including football. The early days of NCAAF were characterized by rudimentary rules, minimal protective gear, and a vastly different playing style compared to the current game.

Expansion and Popularity

Post-World War II saw an explosion in college football’s popularity. The GI Bill, which provided educational benefits to war veterans, led to an influx of mature, physically fit players in college football teams. As the teams grew stronger and the games more exciting, fans and bettors began to follow the NCAAF lines closely, adding another dimension to the enjoyment of the sport. Concurrently, the development of regional conferences facilitated organized competition and fueled regional rivalities, drawing in large crowds and further heightening interest in NCAAF lines.

With the advent of television in the 1950s, the NCAAF cleverly leveraged the new medium to bring college football and its excitement to a wider audience. The result was a surge in popularity that propelled NCAAF into the national limelight. The game continued to grow when teams began to add passing the football to their offense.

Integration and Diversity

One of the most significant periods in NCAAF’s history was African American players’ slow but eventual integration into previously all-white teams in the mid-20th century. This shift not only mirrored the broader Civil Rights Movement but also significantly impacted the composition and performance of college football teams. The inclusion of diverse talent enriched the quality of the game and opened opportunities for all, setting a precedent for further diversity initiatives in college athletics.

The Modern Era of NCAAF

Today, the NCAAF stands as a multi-billion-dollar organization boasting hundreds of teams nationwide. Key developments in this modern era include the introduction of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 1998 and the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014, both aimed at determining a national champion through a more organized and inclusive system.

Player safety has also become a central focus, with improved equipment and stricter rules on dangerous play. The advent of digital media has further revolutionized the fan experience, bringing live games, player stats, and exclusive content to fans’ fingertips.

The style of offenses has also gone through a major transformation. The wishbone and I-formation have been replaced with the spread offense, now used by almost every team. Offenses are also scoring points at a much higher clip than ever before.

There could be a new star on the MMA circuit, as Muay Thai superstar Phenom Petjeeja certainly looks on her way to the top of the sport.

The 21-year-old boldly claimed that the ‘Queen is Back’ following her most recent success, and she will now be handed a global platform to maintain her progression toward the top of the sport.  A betting favourite with Thailand’s best online sportsbooks, Petjeeja will now be handed a rivaled opportunity in the United States, as she has signed a big promotional deal worth $100,000 with ONE’s Fight Night to compete in a primetime slow in the United States. 

Petjeeja Earns Huge Contract

Petjeeja continued her rapid rise through the ranks on May 12, as she landed a dominant victory over Ines Pilutti in the dying seconds of the opening round. It was a clinical performance by the Thai superstar in the atomweight division, and it would have been no less than the dominant display that the Muay Thai superstar would have been expecting.

Her aggression throughout the opening round was ultimately too much for her opponent, as Petjeeja continued to land heavy blows to her rival before her second victory in the ONE promotion was secured. However, it was the manner of her performance that captured the attention of Chatri Sityodtong, as the ONE Chairman immediately revealed that she would be offered a $100,000 ONE Championship contract in the aftermath.

Huge Opportunity

It was a career-altering night for the Muay Thai superstar, as the victory promises to change her life forever. A massive opportunity will now be on the horizon for the Thai fighter, as she will compete in the United States in a primetime slot on the ONE Fight Night series in North America. It will be a massive promotional opportunity for the Thai fighter, and one that she promised the chairman she wouldn’t let pass her by.

In the aftermath of her massive victory, she told ONE commentator Mitch Chilson how much she was looking forward to the opportunity of fighting in North America. She revealed that she wouldn’t let down the chairman for giving her the biggest opportunity of her career, and promised that she would continue to train incredibly hard so that she is prepared for whatever her upcoming rival has to throw at her.

Incredible Rise Through The Ranks

For those that have followed Petjeeja’s career to this point, the fact that she has been handed a massive opportunity in North America would come as no surprise. The victory at ONE Lumpinee was her tenth straight victory in MMA, and she has now been incredibly competitive in her recent career. She also brings in a wealth of experience in the octagon, despite being aged just 21.

Her career in the sport dates back to before she turned ten, as she had competed in over 100 fights from a young age. Petjeeja also fought on 70 occasions in those early bouts against boys, as there weren’t enough girls for her to compete against to feed her appetite to continue to improve in Muay Thai competitive competition.

The Thai star boasts an incredible professional record, as she has won on 203 occasions, losing on just 12 occasions. Since competing in the West, she has been perfect, as she currently boasts a 5-0 professional record. Throughout her career, she has continued to pick up major honours, including victories in the WPMF Muay Thai World Championships, while she was also the WMC World Champion.

Her highest esteemed honour came in 2021, as she won the prestigious honour of Thai Fight Queen’s Cup. However, there only looks set to be higher targets in her sights now, and that could include a bid to win the top prize in the ONE promotion.

Conclusion

Petjeeja will now have her sights firmly set on her ONE Championship debut in the United States. However, there may be a slight delay before an opponent and the date for her debut in North America are confirmed. But, there would be no prizes for guessing the star that she has her sights set on, as a potential future bout for the atomweight Muay Thai top prize in the promotion would be her ultimate goal. That could lead to a fascinating future showdown with dominant Brazilian superstar Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.

Lahinch Amateur Áine Donegan Shines in US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach

Amateur golfer Áine Donegan from Lahinch, Co Clare showcased her remarkable resilience and skill at the US Women’s Open in Pebble Beach. Despite facing challenges such as losing her clubs and discovering her driver had been smashed, she delivered an impressive three-under 69, briefly sharing the clubhouse lead. Glenlo Abbey Pro Gary Madden who is her caddie and coach played helped get over all adversity.

Journey from Vagliano Trophy to Pebble Beach

Áine Donegan, a rising star from Lahinch and Louisiana State University, made it to her first major tournament after successfully qualifying in a 36-hole event a month ago. Following her participation in the Vagliano Trophy for Great Britain and Ireland at Royal Dornoch, she embarked on a lengthy journey to California, spanning 30 hours from Scotland to Dublin and Newark.

Overcoming Adversity and Embracing New Opportunities

Despite her clubs arriving only on the eve of the tournament, Donegan didn’t let a bogey-start deter her. Instead, she showcased her resilience by delivering the best round of her career. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed pride in overcoming the challenging start and eagerly anticipated the upcoming rounds.

New Equipment and Inspirational Encounters

Following the delay with her clubs, Donegan received replacement equipment from PING, including a new driver. Surprisingly, she found herself falling in love with the new driver and was relieved not to rely on her old one, which had arrived damaged. Throughout the week, Donegan had the incredible opportunity to play a practice round with renowned golfers Annika Sorenstam and Lexi Thompson, describing it as an awe-inspiring experience.

Impressive First Round Performance

With her new driver, Donegan’s performance in the first round was nothing short of remarkable. Combining an eagle and three birdies with three bogeys, she set an early pace alongside Hae Ran Ryu from South Korea, trailing behind China’s Xiyu Janet Lin by a single shot. Donegan’s performance was a testament to her skill, determination, and ability to overcome adversity.