David Gutstadt

Ballers has closed a $20 million Series A co-led by specialized New York venture firms Sharp Alpha and RHC Group, as it announced the opening of its first “social sports venue” in Philadelphia, the headquarters of the company building hospitality-driven centers across the country.

The creative startup — started by Equinox veterans and Fitler Club founders David Gutstadt and Amanda Potter, who are married to each other, and Vero Capital founder Daniel Bassichis — has also won the backing of high-profile athletes and celebrities. Tennis icons Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters and Sloane Stephens; the world No. 3 singles pickleball player Connor Garnett, MLS star and padel aficionado Maarten Paes, and Philadelphia 76ers owner David Blitzer were among those who joined the investment round.

“Having played tennis in college, racquet sports have always been a passion of mine. So when we saw the opportunity to marry the powerful trend and innovations in urban social sports including pickleball, padel and golf with our unique expertise in design and community-building, we went all in on Ballers,” said Gutstadt, who serves as Ballers’ CEO. “The incredible response to our Philadelphia pop-up last year showed us that people are craving this connection through sports, and we’re excited to show that when paired with unparalleled hospitality, athletics can go beyond just leagues, lessons or court time.”

Potter, who serves as the company’s chief creative officer, underlined the point that Ballers is not just a sports facility, adding that “we’re merging sport and culture, creating a social hub for fashion, art and community.”

Ballers says it is bringing “country club sports to the city.” Its centers will have pickleball, padel, golf, squash and soccer, along with food and beverages and dynamic event spaces, among other facilities. It has picked sites ranging from decommissioned power plants to downtown rooftops. Ballers’ Philadelphia site is located at the Turbine Hall space of The Battery in Fishtown, and will sport six pickleball courts, three padel courts, four golf simulators, fitness and recovery spaces, and food and beverage service.

Ballers plans launches in Boston in August and in Miami either in the last quarter or early next year. Over the next 7-10 years, it expects to open over 50 locations, including Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Connecticut and Toronto.

“Consumers are prioritizing meaningful shared experiences and lasting connections,” said Lloyd Danzig, managing partner of Sharp Alpha. “Competition is the fastest-growing centerpiece for socialization. Modern urban country clubs sit right at the intersection of these trends.”

RHC Group founder Richard Hsiao said he doesn’t see his backing as just an investment in racquet sports, but as “an investment in a new business model that seeks to channel how active consumers want to play and be entertained, all while keeping true to the cities and neighborhoods that make their experiences unique.”

Apple is doubling down on the Apple Watch as not just a smartwatch, but a full-fledged AI-powered health and productivity companion. With watchOS 26 officially unveiled at WWDC 2025, and major hardware upgrades on the horizon for Series 11 and Ultra 3, the Apple Watch is entering a new era. Here’s everything you need to know.

A Revamped Interface: “Liquid Glass” Design

One of the most visible changes in watchOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass UI, bringing a semi-translucent aesthetic to match iOS 26 and macOS Sequoia. This design introduces smoother animations, layered depth, and a more unified Apple ecosystem feel across devices.

This visual overhaul makes interacting with the Apple Watch feel more premium and fluid—especially on newer OLED displays.

Workout Buddy: Apple Intelligence Comes to Fitness

Apple is injecting its AI suite, Apple Intelligence, into the Apple Watch experience with a new feature called Workout Buddy. This AI-powered coach offers real-time feedback during activities like running, weight training, and cycling.

Instead of generic data dumps, you get motivational prompts, dynamic adjustments based on your pace or fatigue, and personalized coaching via Bluetooth audio using natural-sounding voices. This feature makes your watch feel more like a personal trainer than ever before.

Smart Stack 2.0 and Expanded Widgets

watchOS 26 enhances Smart Stack with more context-aware cards. Widgets now adapt in real time—showing weather when rain is incoming or bringing up your boarding pass right before a flight. For the first time, third-party developers can build widgets that appear in the stack, giving the platform broader utility.

The Control Center has also been redesigned to be swipe-accessible from anywhere, not just the watch face, reducing taps and improving speed of access.

New Gestures and Better Accessibility

A standout addition is the new “wrist flick” gesture, which lets you dismiss notifications with a subtle motion. This builds on Apple’s existing AssistiveTouch features and reflects a broader push for one-handed usability—especially during workouts or when on the go.

Messaging and Translation Upgrades

Messaging gets smarter in watchOS 26. You can now live-translate messages in over a dozen languages directly on the wrist, ideal for travel or international chats. The Messages app also receives UI enhancements and more quick-reply suggestions powered by Apple Intelligence.

Apple Notes Finally Arrives on Watch

For the first time, Apple Notes is available as a native app on the Apple Watch. You can view, edit, and create short notes on the fly, with dictation and voice input making note-taking hands-free.

Smarter Music During Workouts

Apple is leaning into personalized media integration: the Workout app now auto-selects music playlists based on your past habits and workout type. Whether it’s pump-up playlists for cardio or chill tracks for yoga, your wrist now doubles as your DJ.

Release Timeline

• Developer Beta launched June 9, 2025
• Public Beta expected in July
• General Release: Mid–September 2025, likely tied to new hardware reveals

Looking Ahead: Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3 (Fall 2025)

With the software refresh underway, all eyes now turn to Apple’s next hardware generation.

Apple Watch Series 11

Expected alongside iPhone 17 in September 2025, the Series 11 may finally debut:

• Micro-LED displays: Offering brighter colors, better energy efficiency, and longer lifespan than OLED
• New S11 chip: Promising faster performance and smoother animations
• Health sensors: Blood pressure monitoring, possible non-invasive glucose tracking, and improved ECG

Apple is reportedly still navigating legal hurdles around SpO₂ sensors, but plans to return full oxygen monitoring once cleared.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple’s Ultra model continues to push boundaries, and Ultra 3 could bring:

• Satellite messaging: Great for backcountry or remote travel
• Bluetooth 5G/5G RC: A low-power variation of 5G for wearable-friendly communication
• Experimental sensors: Apple may use Ultra 3 as a testbed for emerging features like hydration tracking or advanced body temp sensing

Some leaks even hint at a wrist camera prototype being tested internally—though that feature may be reserved for future models beyond 2025.

Should You Upgrade?

If you already own a Series 9, 10, or Ultra 2, you’ll get most of the new watchOS 26 features this fall, especially the design update and AI-powered coaching. But if you’re looking for serious health innovations, display advancements, or extreme sports functionality, waiting for Series 11 or Ultra 3 is a smart move.

Apple is clearly positioning the Apple Watch not just as an accessory—but as a full-fledged AI-powered health, communication, and lifestyle device. With watchOS 26 laying the groundwork and hardware upgrades on the way, 2025 is shaping up to be the most ambitious year yet for Apple’s wearable lineup.

Latest About The Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)

Apple has released its newest smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10, marking a significant milestone for the popular wearable device. The Series 10 features the largest display ever seen on an Apple Watch, allowing users to view more information at a glance than previous models. This redesigned watch continues Apple’s tradition of refining both the aesthetics and functionality of their devices.

The Apple Watch Series 10 represents the biggest update to Apple’s wearable line in 2024, bringing enhanced capabilities and a refined design to the world’s most popular smartwatch. For those considering an upgrade or first-time purchase, the Series 10 offers compelling improvements over previous generations. Apple unveiled this new model in September 2024, positioning it as their flagship watch alongside the more rugged Ultra 2 model.

As we move toward 2025, potential buyers face choices between the new Series 10 and other models like the Ultra 2 or the more affordable SE. The Series 10’s technical specifications and design changes make it a noteworthy contender in the increasingly competitive smartwatch market.

Here’s a rundown of the latest about the Apple Watch Series 10:

Design and Display:

• Thinner and Lighter: The Series 10 is Apple’s thinnest and lightest Apple Watch to date, with a depth of 9.7mm for both sizes.
• Larger Displays: It comes in larger case sizes of 42mm and 46mm, offering a significantly larger display area (up to 9% more than Series 7/8/9, and 30% more than Series 4/5/6).
• Enhanced Always-On OLED Display: The wide-angle OLED display is up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle and has a faster refresh rate in always-on mode, allowing for a continuously ticking second hand.
• New Finishes: Aluminum models are available in Silver, Jet Black (a new polished black finish), and Rose Gold. The new titanium option (replacing stainless steel) comes in Natural, Gold, and Slate Grey, and is about 20% lighter than the stainless steel Series 9.
• Redesigned Speaker Grille: A new micro-perforated speaker grille is on the left side of the watch.

Health and Fitness Features:

• Sleep Apnea Detection: A significant new health feature, it uses accelerometer data to detect sleep disturbances that may indicate sleep apnea.
• Vitals App: Provides a quick overview of key overnight health metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration.
• Improved Water Resistance: While still 50m water resistant, it now includes a depth gauge (up to 6 meters) and water temperature sensors, previously exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra. It also integrates the Oceanic+ app for snorkeling.
• Enhanced Workout Features: Offers new metrics like Training Load to help users understand the intensity of their workouts and avoid overtraining. You can also create custom workouts.
• Existing Health Features: Continues to offer ECG, high/low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection. (Note: Blood oxygen detection is currently disabled on watches sold in the US due due to a patent dispute.)

Performance and Battery:

• S10 SiP: Features a new S10 SiP (System in Package) with a 64-bit dual-core processor and a 4-core Neural Engine for improved machine learning tasks and on-device Siri. The S10 SiP is single-sided, contributing to the thinner design.
• Faster Charging: Boasts 20% faster charging, reaching 80% battery in about 30 minutes.
• All-Day Battery Life: Maintains the “all-day” battery life of up to 18 hours in normal use, and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.

Other Notable Features:

• On-Device Siri: Siri processing is now handled directly on the device.
• Precision Finding: Helps locate your iPhone with distance and direction indicators.
• Audio Playback through Speaker: You can now play music and podcasts directly through the Apple Watch speaker, not just calls.
• Translation App: Integrates Apple’s Translate app with the ability to download languages for offline use.
• watchOS 11: Ships with watchOS 11, bringing features like pausing Activity Rings, Check In, and enhanced Smart Stack organization.

Overall, the Apple Watch Series 10 represents a significant refresh in terms of design (thinner, lighter, larger display) and introduces valuable health and fitness features, particularly for sleep tracking and water activities.

Key Takeaways

• Apple Watch Series 10 features the largest display ever in the product line with a refined design.
• The new watch was released in September 2024 as Apple’s flagship smartwatch model.
• Consumers can choose between the Series 10, Ultra 2, and SE models based on their needs and budget.

Design and Build of the New Apple Watch 2024 Editions

Apple has made significant strides in refining the design of its latest watch offerings for 2024. The Series 10 represents a major milestone with its expanded display and refined aesthetics, while maintaining the brand’s commitment to durability and style.

Material Enhancements and Variety

The 2024 Apple Watch lineup showcases impressive material improvements across all models. Series 10 features a premium titanium option that offers exceptional durability while remaining lightweight. This high-end material, previously reserved for Ultra models, now gives standard Series users access to this premium finish.

Aluminum remains a popular choice for the Series 10 and SE models, offering a balance of affordability and durability. The aluminum cases have been refined with improved scratch resistance compared to previous generations.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 now comes in a striking jet black titanium finish, adding a sophisticated option to the adventure-focused model. This new color joins the existing titanium options, giving users more personalization choices for the rugged Ultra line.

Display Innovations

Series 10 boasts “the biggest and most advanced display yet” according to Apple. The expanded screen real estate allows for more information to be displayed simultaneously, enhancing user experience. The always-on Retina display features improved brightness for better outdoor visibility.

The active display area has been increased by reducing bezel size, providing more usable screen without significantly increasing the watch’s overall dimensions. This engineering achievement maintains comfort while maximizing screen space.

The Ultra models continue to feature the wide-angle OLED display that provides exceptional clarity even in challenging lighting conditions. The display’s enhanced durability makes it ideal for outdoor adventures and extreme sports.

Size, Shape, and Color Options

Apple has maintained its commitment to providing various case sizes to suit different wrist sizes and preferences. The Series 10 offers multiple size options, with the larger display models attracting users who prioritize screen real estate for easier reading and interaction.

Color options have expanded across the lineup. The aluminum models come in silver, rose gold, and other finishes that complement various bands and personal styles. The new jet black option for the Ultra 2 adds a sleek, professional look to the adventure-focused watch.

The SE maintains its position as an affordable entry point with a streamlined selection of finishes, including silver aluminum. Each model maintains Apple’s distinctive rounded square shape that has become iconic in the smartwatch market.

Tech Advancements and Feature Integrations

Apple’s upcoming 2024 watch lineup showcases significant technological improvements focused on performance, health monitoring, and user experience. The new models incorporate advanced sensors and processing capabilities to deliver more accurate data and faster response times.

Enhanced Health and Fitness Capabilities

The 2024 Apple Watch models are expected to feature expanded health monitoring systems. A major addition is sleep apnea detection, which will use existing sensors to monitor breathing patterns during sleep and alert users to potential issues. This builds upon Apple’s established sleep tracking features.

The ECG app continues to receive refinements for more accurate heart rhythm assessments. Blood oxygen monitoring also remains a key feature, though regulatory challenges have affected its availability in some regions.

Temperature sensors now provide more precise readings with improved algorithms. For fitness enthusiasts, the watches offer enhanced workout metrics and more accurate GPS tracking during outdoor activities.

Apple has also improved the fitness tracker algorithms to better detect various workout types automatically. These enhancements make the new watches more effective health companions for daily use.

Improved Performance and Battery Life

The new S10 SiP (System in Package) represents a significant upgrade from the previous S9 chip. Early reports suggest processing speeds up to 20% faster, enabling smoother app performance and more responsive interfaces.

Battery life has received notable attention, with the Series 10 featuring a redesigned metal back that integrates a larger and more efficient charging coil. This makes it “the fastest-charging Apple Watch ever,” reducing downtime between uses.

Low Power Mode has been enhanced to preserve more functionality while extending battery life. GPS battery life specifically has improved, making the watch more practical for long outdoor activities without requiring a recharge.

The Neural Engine in the S10 chip enables more on-device processing, including on-device Siri capabilities that reduce reliance on the paired iPhone and improve response times for voice commands.

Exclusive Features for Diverse Use Cases

The Ultra line continues to target outdoor enthusiasts with specialized features. The rumored Ultra 3 may be approximately 15% thinner while maintaining its rugged build quality and featuring a larger display.

Water resistance remains exceptional across the lineup, with diving features on the Ultra models including the depth gauge and water temperature sensor for underwater activities.

The dual-frequency GPS provides enhanced location accuracy in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests. This precision extends to the Compass app, which offers more reliable navigation.

The Action Button introduced on previous Ultra models now supports more customizable functions. The Tides app has been refined for water sports enthusiasts, providing more accurate forecasts and alerts.

Precision Start functionality has been expanded across more workout types, allowing users to prepare their sessions more effectively.

Connectivity and Interaction Enhancements

Communication capabilities have improved with enhanced microphones and louder, clearer speakers. This benefits both call quality and Siri interactions in noisy environments.

Cellular editions continue to offer standalone functionality, now with better reception and more efficient connectivity to preserve battery life. Notifications have been redesigned for better glanceability and faster interaction.

The integration with Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI initiative, is expected to debut with watchOS 12. This will enable smarter contextual responses and more personalized experiences based on user habits.

Offline maps now include more detailed points of interest and improved navigation instructions when away from cellular connections. This makes the watch more useful for travelers and hikers in remote areas.

On-device processing has been expanded, reducing privacy concerns by keeping more user data local rather than sending it to cloud servers for analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consumers have many questions about Apple’s latest smartwatch offerings. The information below addresses key concerns about features, comparisons, release dates, and pricing to help potential buyers make informed decisions.

What are the new features of the Apple Watch Series 10?

The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with several noteworthy improvements. It features watchOS 11 compatibility, offering enhanced health tracking capabilities.

The display is slightly larger than previous models, providing more screen space for apps and notifications. Battery life has also been improved, allowing for longer use between charges.

Water resistance has been enhanced, making it more suitable for swimming and water sports activities.

How does the Apple Watch Series 10 compare to the Series 9?

The Series 10 offers a more powerful processor than the Series 9, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother performance. The display is brighter and more energy-efficient.

Health sensors have been upgraded to provide more accurate readings for heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep tracking. The Series 10 also includes more storage space for apps and music.

Design changes include slimmer bezels and new case material options not available in the Series 9.

When is the expected release date for the Apple Watch Series 10?

Based on Apple’s typical release schedule, the Apple Watch Series 10 was released in 2024. The current model is already available for purchase.

Apple typically announces new watch models in September each year, and the 2024 model follows this pattern.

What is the price range for the Apple Watch Series 10?

The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the base model. This pricing aligns with Apple’s previous entry-level pricing for new watch models.

Higher-end versions with cellular connectivity, stainless steel cases, or titanium finishes cost more. The most premium configurations can exceed $800 depending on case material and band choices.

Special edition models may command even higher prices for unique materials or branding partnerships.

How does the Apple Watch SE 2024 differ from the 2023 model?

The 2024 Apple Watch SE maintains its position as the budget-friendly option in Apple’s lineup. It includes modest performance improvements over the 2023 model while keeping the same design language.

The 2024 SE incorporates some of the health features previously only available in higher-end models. Battery efficiency has been slightly improved as well.

The SE 2024 is compatible with watchOS 11, ensuring access to the latest software features.

Which models of Apple Watch are recommended to buy in 2024?

For most users, the Apple Watch Series 10 provides the best balance of features and future-proofing. Its improved health sensors and performance make it a worthy investment.

Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Apple Watch SE 2024, which offers core functionality at a lower price point. It’s ideal for first-time smartwatch users.

Those with specific health concerns might benefit from the additional sensors and capabilities of the higher-end Series 10 models.

a visit to nike’s global campus in oregon

At NIKE’s World Headquarters outside Portland, Oregon, the LeBron James Innovation Center houses the company’s Sport Research Lab, one of its most advanced design environments. This month, designboom visited the state-of-the-art space to preview the Breaking4 Speed Kit being developed for Faith Kipyegon, the three-time Olympic champion who will attempt to become the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile. The challenge, titled Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile, represents a collaboration between the athlete and a cross-functional design team whose focus spans footwear, apparel, and performance research.

The lab occupies the fourth floor of the Olson Kundig Architects-designed building, where physical and cognitive testing converge. Motion capture cameras, treadmills outfitted with sensors, and climate-controlled chambers allow NIKE’s teams to simulate race-day conditions. The goal is to understand how the body performs under pressure, and how design interventions can help optimize that performance.

Faith will make the attempt on June 26th, 2025 at Stade Charléty in Paris. NIKE will invite supporters across the world to tune in to a livestream broadcast, which can be viewed here!

the Olson Kundig-designed LeBron James Innovation Center at NIKE World HQ | image © designboom

the NIKE design team collaborates with faith kipyegon

For Brett Kirby, who leads performance research within the Advanced Innovation team at NIKE, the process of designing the Breaking4 Speed Kit begins before the first sketch or sample. His role is to define the structure of the challenge itself. ‘We are aiming toward the mile in four minutes,’ he explains during our visit to the lab. ‘What are the elements that we could start to think about? What’s the homework we need to do to understand this problem?‘

Kirby’s team gathers information not just through data collection but through close listening. His approach involves watching how athletes move, how they adjust their gear without thinking, and what sensory conditions help them settle into focus. ‘We want to take that and create a good observational portfolio of how they are communicating in all ways,’ he says. This kind of introspective, adaptive, and responsive design research sets the foundation for the physical pieces that follow.

inside the NIKE Sport Research Lab | image © designboom

the aerodynamic ‘system of speed’

Once the team’s goal has been structured, NIKE’s footwear and apparel teams begin develop possible solutions. For Faith Kipyegon’s attempt at the sub-four minute mile, those solutions took form as a fully customized NIKE Victory Elite FK spike, a performance FlyWeb Bra, and the aerodynamically tuned NIKE Fly Suit, each built with attention to functionality and sensory experience together.

Lisa Gibson oversees apparel development at NIKE, and described the suit as one of the most aerodynamic systems the brand has created. ‘We learned that Faith wanted to feel like she was running free,’ Gibson emphasizes. That simple idea, freedom of movement, became a central design thread. From there her team sourced materials that were both slick and elastic, then developed construction techniques that placed seams away from the front of the body to reduce drag. Every detail was calibrated through a combination of physical modeling, wind tunnel testing, and environmental simulations.

Integrated into the suit are textured surfaces known as Aeronodes. These small, raised geometries are tuned to generate controlled turbulence, helping the air stay closer to the body and minimizing the wake behind the runner. ‘By creating this controlled turbulence ahead of where larger turbulence would normally occur,‘ Gibson continues, ‘you end up having a smoother flow downstream.’ The result is reduced aerodynamic drag without the need to alter the runner’s natural form.

a running track threads through the colossal interior | image © designboom

a bespoke spike built from the ground up

Footwear innovation for the project is led by Carrie Dimoff, whose team approached the design of Faith’s Victory Elite FK spike as a ground-up reconstruction. Rather than modifying an existing shoe, they began by reviewing the demands of middle-distance racing and drawing insights from Nike’s experience with both marathon and sprint events. ‘We opened the aperture and looked at a lot of different ingredients,’ Dimoff tells us. ‘Then we thought about, ultimately, what’s the best in terms of weight reduction and performance return.’

The final spike includes a Flyknit upper constructed from precision-engineered yarns that deliver strength with minimal weight. Dimoff noted that one component of the upper weighs just three grams. Underfoot, a newly designed Air Zoom unit stores and returns energy, supported by a reengineered carbon plate embedded with six 3D-printed titanium pins for traction. Prototypes were assembled and revised on-site at the LeBron James Building in Oregon, allowing the team to respond to feedback from Kipyegon in real time.

testing chambers measure sweat, body temperatures, and wind | image © designboom

Throughout the process, Kipyegon remained central to every decision. The design team traveled to Kenya to observe her training firsthand and make in-the-moment adjustments. Lisa Gibson recalled watching for what she called ‘unconscious feedback’ — the way an athlete might subtly adjust a seam or pull at a strap. ‘If Faith is tugging on the leg or adjusting the shoulder, that’s telling us something,’ she explains. ‘We dive into that and figure out what’s going on.’

Carrie Dimoff echoes this attentiveness. There were instances, she said, when internal lab data showed no significant difference between two prototypes, but Kipyegon could feel one worked better for her. ‘She is so attuned to her body as a system,” Dimoff said. “If it meant she could run more confidently in it, that was equally as important to us.’

Carrie Dimoff shows Faith Kipyegon’s Breaking4 spike | image © designboom

While the gear developed for Faith Kipyegon’s Breaking4 attempt is entirely bespoke, the innovations produced through the project are already being evaluated for broader application. Elements such as the taller Air Zoom unit, 3D-printed pin systems, and even the textile learnings from the bra design are under review for integration into future footwear and apparel lines. ‘There were lots of things left on the table that didn’t make it into this spike,’ says Dimoff. ‘But we’re really fascinated to dig into them.’

What emerges from Nike’s collaboration with Kipyegon is at once a portrait of a singular athlete at the edge of possibility, and a case study in how design can be shaped by data, environment, sensation, and trust. The effort unfolds through textile calibration, surface tuning, and structured observation. In the end, the system is built from listening and innovation together.

Illinois lawmakers just passed a new state budget, with a change that’s raising eyebrows in the sports betting world. Starting soon, each sports wager made in the state will come with a small fee: 25 cents per bet for the first 20 million bets a company takes, and 50 cents after that. At first glance, it may not seem like much, but the ripple effect of this tax is already being felt, and not just by sportsbooks. Operators are making it clear that customers could end up footing the bill.

The Sports Betting Alliance, a group representing major betting companies, wasted no time calling the new fees “discriminatory.” They argued that such costs won’t be absorbed by the companies, but passed along to users instead. On the same day the budget passed, the group launched an online petition urging bettors to speak out. The message was blunt: lawmakers are making fun activities more expensive, and it’s not fair to everyday players.

According to Alex Hoffmann, many players are already leaning toward online casinos and gambling sites with real money slot games because of the convenience, better odds, and frequent bonuses (Source: https://www.cardplayer.com/online-casinos/real-money-slots). These platforms offer everything from no-deposit promotions to free spins and cashback deals. Unlike retail sportsbooks or traditional casinos, these online sites are accessible 24/7, offer a huge game variety, and often provide more value upfront. For players looking to avoid added costs or restrictions, shifting online becomes a no-brainer.

The irony is that these betting companies can absolutely afford the tax. By dominating the Illinois betting market, popular betting sites’ revenue likely won’t take a major hit even with a new fee. However, their stock prices dipped after the announcement, and investors don’t love added costs, especially if companies say they won’t absorb them. That’s what makes this situation tricky. While lawmakers pitch the tax as a way to fund public services, the reality may be that regular users see less value, fewer promotions, or even small surcharges on every bet.

There’s also no clarity on how these fees might be passed along. Will sportsbooks directly add 25 or 50 cents to your bet slip? Or will they quietly adjust the odds to build the cost in? Some popular betting companies have already reduced promotional offers after a previous Illinois tax hike. Many even briefly tested out a “surcharge” system in other high-tax states before public pressure forced a retreat. It wouldn’t be surprising if similar tactics appeared here.

Ideally, betting platforms would shoulder the cost themselves. After all, they’re the ones licensed to operate in the state. Still, their reaction so far suggests they see this as a battle worth fighting publicly. However, bettors don’t want to feel like they’re getting hit from both sides; taxed by the state and shortchanged by the companies. Especially when these companies are more than capable of managing a few cents per bet. When operators talk about protecting their bottom line, it often means squeezing the customer. The Sports Betting Alliance’s statement left little room for doubt: they’re not taking the loss.

With the new law now in place, it’s still unclear how this will play out in real-world betting slips. Until then, players might have to watch a little more closely to see just how much their next bet will really cost them. 

Breaking from the typical reimbursement model, EGYM Wellpass introduces an all-in-one wellness platform with off-site access, on-site gym solutions and digital health support

EGYM Wellpass, a corporate fitness and wellness provider based in Europe, has launched its services in the U.S. as comprehensive employee well-being programs become essential to attracting and retaining staff.

The move follows EGYM’s acquisition of FitReserve, bringing a network of boutique fitness studios into the Wellpass platform. The integration provides gyms with a new pipeline for member traffic, eliminating the typical reliance on promotions or high-cost marketing.

The company, which operates as part of the fitness technology leader EGYM, has secured partnerships with more than 3,500 gyms and fitness studios nationwide. Its all-in-one membership model gives employees access to off-site gyms, digital health tools, mindfulness programs, nutrition resources and mental health apps, while also providing on-site gym installations for partner companies.

The first U.S. rollout began with employer clients in Colorado, with additional markets to be announced soon. 

In an interview with Athletech News earlier this year, EGYM co-founder and CEO Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer described the company’s long-term ambition as fundamentally reshaping the role of fitness in prevention.

“The ultimate vision for EGYM, and a focus for the next 5 years, is to shift healthcare from repair to prevention by building a bridge connecting corporate fitness (through Wellpass), fitness technology (via EGYM), and the healthcare market, aiming at a potential total addressable market exceeding $600B globally in the upcoming years.”

It’s a vision echoed by EGYM Wellpass managing director Nicolas Stadtelmeyer, who called the U.S. launch a majormilestone.

See Also

“With the growing adoption of GLP-1 medications, we believe the U.S. is primed for a major evolution in corporate wellness,” Stadtelmeyer said. “Preventative health and dedicated workout solutions alongside GLP-1 usage are more critical than ever.”

As it looks to build traction in the U.S. market, EGYM Wellpass will exhibit at SHRM25 later this month in San Diego. Attendees can schedule a meeting in advance here or visit the EGYM Wellpass booth (#444) during the conference.

“As companies increasingly recognize the ROI of employee wellness, we believe Wellpass will soon become a standard workplace benefit across the U.S.,” Stadtelmeyer said. “And we’re just getting started.”