The Acquisition Likewise Included SportsDirect Inc .
Covers.com, previously known as SportsDirect, is an online publication that provides sports-related info and data analysis. It is based in Post Falls, Idaho, United States.
History
Covers.com was founded in 1995 by Paul Lavers and Joe MacDonald as an online information platform for sports wagerers. [1] [2] [3] Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the platform got appeal amongst sports betting enthusiasts due to its substantial protection of betting data. [1]
For the 1997 World Figure Skating Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, SportsDirect developed the first website to provide real-time protection of the occasion. [1] During the early 2000s, Covers.com became a notable affiliate and information resource for sportsbooks. [4] In 2005, it got Wagerline.com. [5]
In 2007, Covers was granted Halifax's service of the year award. [5]
In 2009, the creators divided their business interests: Lavers focused on a sister business (SportsDirect Inc.), while MacDonald became the sole owner of Covers.com. [6] Under MacDonald's instructions, Covers expanded its material and international audience. [6]
In 2015, Covers Media Group, which ran Covers.com, was obtained by Gracenote, a U.S.-based data company owned at the time by Tribune Media, as part of an expansion into sports data services. [7] The acquisition also included SportsDirect Inc., with the combined deal valued at approximately $54 million. [7] Following the acquisition, Covers run as part of Tribune Media's digital assets. sold Gracenote to Nielsen in 2017 but kept Covers.com as a direct consumer-focused residential or commercial property. [8]
In 2022, Covers and Postmedia Network accepted distribute wagering analysis and odds content throughout Postmedia's nationwide news outlets. [9] [10]
Platform
Covers.com is an online platform offering sports betting details and tools to users. It releases real-time content covering major sports leagues and occasions and launched a mobile app in 2019. The platform also hosts neighborhood online forums where users discuss betting choices, and offers free-to-play contests. [11] It has an active neighborhood of 20 million users. [12]
References
^ a b c Brearton, Steve (April 12, 2006). "Media firm ranked best employer". The Globe and Mail.
^ "High loonie blamed for cuts at sports info business". CBC.ca.
^ "Nova Scotia embraces sports-tip service as safe bet". The Globe and Mail. April 12, 2006.
^ "iGaming History WRIGHT".
^ a b Won, Shirley (February 9, 2007). "Internet sports company wins top Halifax award". The Globe and Mail.
^ a b Bousquet, Tim (January 2, 2018). "Here are the Nova Scotians called in the Paradise Papers". Halifax Examiner.
^ a b Fisher, Eric (May 27, 2015). "Gracenote Jumps Into Sports Data Market After Buying Infostrada, Sports Direct For $54M". Sports Business Journal.
^ Weitman, Gary (February 1, 2017). "Tribune Media Completes Sale of Gracenote for $560 Million".
^ "Postmedia and Covers Launch Content Partnership|Postmedia".
^ "Postmedia partner with Covers.com for high-grade betting protection". Toronto Sun.
^ "Covers.com Celebrates Their $25,000 Streak Survivor Contest Winner".
^ "Covers.com profile".