Sports betting has long been a part of global culture, evolving from traditional bookmaker shops to sophisticated online platforms. In recent years, the convergence of technology and sports betting has revolutionized the way fans engage with their favorite teams and events. With advancements in data analytics, mobile access, and legal reforms, the landscape is changing rapidly, offering users an immersive and personalized experience.

The Rise of Online Platforms

The biggest shift in sports betting has undoubtedly been the migration to online platforms. Betting apps and websites now allow users to place wagers in real time from anywhere in the world. This convenience, paired with a user-friendly interface and a variety of betting options, has attracted a broader demographic, including younger tech-savvy bettors. Mobile apps often come equipped with live streams, score updates, and cash-out features that enhance user engagement.

In addition to accessibility, online platforms have also opened the door to international markets. Bettors are no longer limited by geographical boundaries and can explore odds and markets for events across the globe. This has led to increased competition among platforms, which in turn benefits users through better odds, more promotions, and innovative features.

Exploring the Best Betting Sites Canada Offers

For bettors in Canada, choosing a reliable and reputable site is crucial to ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience. The best betting sites Canada offers typically include features such as competitive odds, easy payment options, strong customer service, and regulatory compliance. These platforms often support both traditional sports and emerging markets like eSports and virtual sports. Additionally, many Canadian-friendly sites provide localized content and promotions tailored to regional events and leagues, adding another layer of engagement for users.

Whether it’s placing bets on the NHL, CFL, or international soccer matches, Canadian players benefit from a range of options designed to suit different preferences and experience levels. As more provinces consider expanding their regulations to accommodate online sportsbooks, the future looks promising for sports betting in Canada.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made a significant impact in sports betting by analyzing vast amounts of data to predict outcomes more accurately. AI-driven models take into account player statistics, historical performance, weather conditions, and even social media sentiment. This data-centric approach empowers bettors to make more informed decisions rather than relying solely on gut instinct or fan loyalty.

AI is also used by betting platforms to detect suspicious betting patterns, enhancing security and reducing fraud. Moreover, personalized marketing powered by machine learning helps operators offer tailored promotions to individual users, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience.

The Emergence of In-Play Betting

Live or in-play betting is another innovation that has redefined the user experience. Unlike traditional pre-match wagers, in-play betting allows users to bet on games as they happen. Odds are updated in real-time based on the state of play, injuries, or shifts in momentum, making it an adrenaline-fueled form of engagement.

This real-time interaction not only enhances excitement but also requires bettors to be more strategic. Successful in-play betting involves quick decision-making and a deep understanding of the sport, turning a passive viewing experience into an interactive activity.

Legal and Regulatory Developments

The legal landscape of sports betting continues to evolve worldwide. In North America, significant developments—such as the lifting of the federal ban in the U.S. and Canada’s move to legalize single-game betting—have opened new avenues for growth. These regulatory changes have led to an influx of new operators, increased tax revenues for governments, and greater consumer protections.

Governments are also focusing on responsible gambling initiatives, mandating operators to provide tools for setting limits and seeking help. These measures aim to balance the growing popularity of sports betting with the need for ethical practices and player welfare.

Conclusion

Technology has transformed sports betting from a niche activity into a mainstream form of entertainment. Innovations in AI, mobile accessibility, real-time data, and regulatory frameworks are reshaping the industry, offering users more convenience, choice, and control than ever before. As digital tools continue to evolve, the sports betting experience is set to become even more personalized, secure, and engaging in the years to come.

Update: Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed in an investor call on Monday that TNT Sports properties will remain on the Max streaming service following the split. This piece has been updated with the new information.

After months of preparation, Warner Bros. Discovery has opted to split into two separate companies.

According to Brian Steinberg of Variety, Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company in charge of TNT Sports and the Max streaming service, will split its company in two: one streaming-focused entity and another that houses the company’s legacy media assets such as its cable networks. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav will lead the new streaming-focused entity, while CFO Gunnar Widenfels will helm the legacy assets.

“By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape,” Zaslav said in a statement, per Variety.

Last month, CNBC’s David Faber reported that Warner Bros. Discovery was “moving towards” a split of its linear television and digital assets. In December of last year, the company moved to internally restructure its assets, dividing its linear networks from its streaming and studios divisions. Just a couple months ago, the company hired bankers to explore a spinoff.

Warner Bros. Discovery would not be the first media conglomerate to opt for a split. In the coming months, Comcast will make its spinoff official when it launches Versant, a new company that will house the majority of NBC’s cable assets.

With Warner Bros. Discovery going a similar route, it appears that sports-focused channels like TNT, TBS, and truTV will eventually fall outside of the corporate umbrella. However, according to an investor call held on Monday, the company will continue to offer its sports properties on its Max streaming service following the split. It is unclear whether that will apply to other cable networks like CNN, Discovery, and Food Network, as Discovery+ is set to be housed with the linear assets.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Bleacher Report, the sports-focused digital publication, will follow the TNT Sports entities as part of the split off.

So far, any timeline for an eventual split is unclear.

WWDC 2025 has just wrapped up, and it was one of the best keynotes in recent memory. While there were sweeping changes across Apple’s entire range, from the already-lauded iPadOS update to iOS 26, as TechRadar’s resident wearables expert, it’s my beat to cover watchOS 26.

And it’s been a pretty big year for Apple’s smallest device.

Why tech matters in the climate fight

The escalating climate crisis demands bold solutions, and technology serves as a critical weapon in this fight. From apps that optimise recycling habits to AI systems monitoring deforestation, tech offers tools to both understand and mitigate environmental harm.

However, its role is complex. While innovations like solar-powered sensors or carbon capture are promising, technology can also contribute to the planet’s problems.

For example, training generative AI models like ChatGPT requires massive energy and water resources. A study by KnownHost revealed that ChatGPT alone emits nearly 261,000kg of carbon dioxide monthly – equivalent to 260 flights from New York to London.

Even small digital habits, such as overloading AI with unnecessary requests, compound energy waste. As OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted in a social media post, adding polite phrases like “please” to ChatGPT queries costs millions of dollars in extra electricity. This underscores a vital lesson: technology’s environmental impact depends on how we design and use it.

Student projects inspire action

At Preface, students are tackling these challenges head on through an annual Innovation Challenge, where young minds design tech-driven solutions for real-world sustainability issues. Here, we spotlight stand-out projects from last year’s competition, demonstrating how even small innovations can create ripple effects for our planet.

This is how Preface’s young innovators are creating practical, planet-friendly tech.

1. Sustainify: a youth-led sustainability education platform

To bridge a gap in youth engagement with sustainability, Boris Lo developed Sustainify,

a web app connecting young changemakers with educational tools, partnership networks and impact-tracking features. In six months, the platform mobilised more than 150 service hours, supported 2,400 users and raised HK$780,000 for underserved communities – proving that tech can turn passion into measurable action.

“Sustainify’s value lies in the youth behind it – their spirit and resolve to drive change,” said Boris, who is 17.

The app has garnered support from Unesco, Carbon Wallet, and Preface CEO Tommie Lo, who emphasised: “We invest in youth because they reimagine solutions with fresh perspectives.”

Boris Lo developed Sustainify, a web app connecting young changemakers with educational tools, partnership networks and impact-tracking features. Photo: Handout

2. Smart recycling bin

When people put the wrong items in a recycling bin, this contaminates the other materials inside, sending them to landfills. Kingsley Cheng, who is now 13, designed an AI-powered bin that uses a camera to identify materials such as plastic, glass and paper while precision motors sort waste automatically and ensure proper recycling.

Kingsley’s product was a winner at Preface’s 2024 Nomad Awards Tech Competition and received recognition from judges and speakers in leading industries. Hopefully, this idea will soon become a reality.

Kingsley Cheng, who is now 13, designed an AI-powered bin that uses a camera to identify materials such as plastic, glass and paper with precision motors that sort waste automatically and ensure proper recycling. Photo: Handout

Your invention could change the world

Innovation isn’t just about scale; it’s about intention. By designing tech that is both powerful and planet conscious, these young minds exemplify how innovation thrives when paired with intention. Whether it’s a smart bin, an energy dashboard or an app uniting global youth, their work reminds us that sustainability starts with a single step – or a single click.

Ellen Lau, Preface’s director, recently spoke at a TEDx Talk event about her journey in empowering students. She highlighted the importance of adapting to change, saying, “In a world where 65 per cent of future jobs don’t even exist yet, it’s important to embrace change and find joy in the process.”

Every line of code, every prototype and every idea contributes to a greener future. Whether you’re improving a smart recycling bin or developing an energy dashboard, your creativity makes a real difference.

Ellen Lau, Preface’s director, speaks at a TEDx Talk event. Photo: Handout

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At PST, we make technology education accessible and fun for learners of all ages. Our mission is to ignite a passion for technology, empowering them to confidently navigate the digital landscape.

Phygital Sports Market

Our market reports now include the latest updates on global tariffs, trade impacts, and evolving supply chain dynamics.

What Is the Current Phygital Sports Market Size and Its Estimated Growth Rate?

The size of the phygital sports market has seen a significant increase in the recent past. The market that is expected to grow from $1.67 billion in 2024 to $2.14 billion in 2025, is likely to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6%. Factors such as the intensified use of augmented or virtual reality for a more immersive experience for fans, the surging demand for interactive and hybrid forms of sports engagement, the expanding applications of AI in performance analysis and coaching, the increasing trend of connected fitness and intelligent wearables, and the growing investments in blockchain and NFTs for sports assets are all contributing to this historical growth.

Expectations are currently high for the phygital sports market size, with predictions of impressive growth in the coming years. Forecasts suggest it will expand to a value of $5.62 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.4%. This anticipated growth can be connected to a rise in funding and innovative practices in sports technology startups, an increased consumer interest in personalized sports experiences, a growing use of gamification in sports and fitness, an upward trend in using biometric data for athlete performance optimization, and progressive development in smart stadiums with digital enhancements. Key trends to watch in this forecast period include heightened fan engagement, the rise of smart stadiums, the adoption of wearable tech and biometric analytics, the use of AI in training and coaching, increased involvement in esports, and the integration of conventional sports.

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How Are Emerging Segments Shaping the Phygital Sports Market Landscape?

The phygital sports market covered in this report is segmented –

1) By Sport Type: Football, Basketball, Hockey, Dancing, Racing, Cycling, Shooter

2) By Technology: Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Augmented Reality, Internet Of Things, Artificial Intelligence

3) By End-User: Individual Consumers, Sports Teams And Clubs, Enterprises And Event Organizers

Subsegments:

1) By Football: Fantasy Football Platforms, Augmented Reality (AR) Training Tools, Gamified Match Simulations

2) By Basketball: Virtual Coaching Systems, Motion-Tracking Training Apps, eSports Basketball Tournaments

3) By Hockey: AR/VR Training Equipment, Virtual Team Management Platforms, Phygital Hockey Simulators

4) By Dancing: Dance Fitness Gamification Apps, VR Dance Classes, Interactive Dance Competitions

5) By Racing: eRacing Tournaments, AR Racing Simulators, Phygital Motorsport Experiences

6) By Cycling: Virtual Cycling Races, Smart Training Apps, AR Cycling Tours

7) By Shooter: AR Shooter Games, Virtual Target Practice Tools, Shooter eSports Platforms

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Which Growth Factors Are Influencing Phygital Sports Market Expansion?

The burgeoning interest in e-sports is anticipated to fuel the expansion of the phygital sports market in the future. E-sports, essentially competitive video gaming where participants and teams vie in regimented digital contests, is experiencing growth due to swift technological progress and the worldwide increase in digital connectivity, fostering a vibrant and competitive gaming community. Phygital sports take e-sports to another level by adding real-world athletic components to digital gaming, ensuring a more comprehensive experience. For example, as per Fusion CPA, an American consulting firm, in December 2023, e-sports drew the attention of 530 million viewers using platforms like Twitch, a number forecasted to climb to 577 million by 2024. Hence, the ever-increasing popularity of e-sports is promoting the growth of the phygital sports market.

Who Are the Dominant Players Across Different Phygital Sports Market Segments?

Major companies operating in the phygital sports market are Samsung Group, Meta Platforms Inc., Sony Corporation, EON Reality Inc., PICO Immersive Pte.ltd., Vection Technologies Ltd, ArborXR, Sense Arena, Rezzil Co, Xtadium, Simbott, VR Sport Tv, Visualise Creative Ltd, HQSoftware, Nsocial Enriched Experimental Agency, BrandXR, SPORTZCHAIN, ProYuga, Phygital Sports USA Inc., VR Esports.

What Are the Latest Developing Trends in the Phygital Sports Market?

Prominent firms active in the phygital sports market are concentrating on enhancing their fan engagement platforms, such as phygital sports non-fungible tokens. These advancements aim to boost fan involvement, produce digital collectibles, and generate new streams of revenue. Phygital sports non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are blockchain-based digital assets tied to physical sports memorabilia, which heightens fan engagement and ownership levels. For example, in May 2022, Sportzchain, a sports fan engagement platform based in India, unveiled India’s first phygital sports Non-Fungible Token (NFT). This NFT, a framed match day memento honoring a notable sporting accomplishment, merged tangible memorabilia with digital ownership backed by blockchain, marking a revolutionary shift in fan engagement. To mark this achievement, the Sportzchain team personally presented the exclusive NFT to its recipient, demonstrating their dedication to crafting engaging and immersive fan experiences. This effort perfectly demonstrates the transformative power of phygital assets in redefining traditional sports engagement.

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Which Geographic Regions Are Expected to Dominate the Phygital Sports Market in the Coming Years?

North America was the largest region in the phygital sports market in 2024. The regions covered in the phygital sports market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What Is the Market Size and Growth Rate of the Phygital Sports Market?

2. What is the CAGR expected in the Phygital Sports Market?

3. What Are the Key Innovations Transforming the Phygital Sports Industry?

4. Which Region Is Leading the Phygital Sports Market?

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EGYM’s Smart Strength Squat makes an exercise that was once challenging to execute, now safe, effective and smart

EGYM, a worldwide fitness technology leader, is applying its commitment to innovation to one of the industry’s most foundational movements. 

This spring, the brand unveiled the Smart Strength Squat, a fully digital, guided squat machine that unlocks the benefits of an essential exercise for every fitness level and is particularly attractive to younger individuals prioritizing weight training. For clubs, it’s a way to meet the demand for lower-body training and differentiate your gym by offering industry-leading technology.

But while this innovation from EGYM creates positive effects for end users immediately, that’s only half the story. The way the Smart Strength Squat benefits gyms looking to secure new members and grow the EGYM ecosystem takes things a step further. 

Eliminating Intimidation

Squats are often called the “king” of compound exercises for good reason. They activate major muscle groups across the legs, glutes and core, improve functional strength, and support better mobility and athletic performance.

But weighted squats aren’t easy to master. Lack of guidance on proper form and weight choice can intimidate beginner-level members and even lead to injury. Experienced members also risk poor form when fatigue sets in, especially when they don’t have a spotter.

“The squat is the cornerstone of effective strength training for the lower body, yet it remains one of the most intimidating and technically challenging exercises for many exercisers,” said EGYM North America General Manager, Dana Milkie.

EGYM eliminates this intimidation factor with the Smart Strength Squat, putting members in control and every squat-related benefit within reach.

“From the beginning of the process, digital resistance removes the need for setting up weight plates, which can be intimidating or annoying to some,” said Milkie. “Adding the automated machine adjustments and guided range of motion reduces the setup time while boosting safety. It allows for tailored and gradual progress, enabling beginners to train independently and with confidence.

“We saw an opportunity here to improve this foundational movement for everyone, giving advanced athletes a much safer way to push to their limits and reach higher training stimuli through advanced training methods, while making it more approachable for those who have previously avoided squats altogether,” Milkie added. “The machine supports training methods like negative, adaptive and explonic modes, enabling high training stimuli without the need for a spotter. It’s a rare combination, one machine that empowers beginners while delivering the training intensity experienced users demand.”   

Gamification and Growth Elements

The Smart Strength Squat’s visual cues do more than just set the grounds for a safe and effective workout. They also sprinkle in an element of fun.

“Our visualization options, as well as our gamified ‘max out’ training method, are engaging forms of feedback, encouraging the users to go all in,” said Milkie. “Progress tracking through the connected software and the automatic adaptation of training weights and periodization, based on recurring strength tests, turn each workout into a data-driven experience, motivating users to beat their best while staying safe and consistent.”

The machine also benefits, and benefits from, the interconnectivity of the entire EGYM ecosystem. Through EGYM Genius, the AI-powered workout platform that weaves together entire gym floors to create tailor-made workouts, real-time performance data is used to instantly adjust workouts and personalize progress. 

See Also

“This accelerates learning by helping members see what works, stay motivated and achieve results faster, all while the system refines their program with each session for optimal outcomes,” said Milkie. “Because the Smart Strength Squat machine is included in the EGYM ecosystem, it leverages the same approach to inform and advance members’ lower body workouts in a hyper-personalized way.”

This, paired with the Overhead Squat Flexibility Test, which measures a user’s flexibility levels through 3D analysis technology and relays that information back to them in an easy-to-digest manner, allows EGYM to surround the workout format with targeted support and intel. 

Feedback Thus Far

There’s already a significant amount of momentum surrounding the Smart Strength Squat. It hasn’t taken long for the industry to recognize the machine’s advantages for both trainers and operators alongside their members.

“Trainers are excited about the reduced onboarding time for beginners and how easily their members can now access a highly effective but complex compound movement like the squat,” said Milkie. “Advanced lifters are particularly drawn to the ability to safely reach muscular failure without needing a spotter. Our negative, adaptive and explonic training methods open up new possibilities in squat training that were previously not possible. This combination of performance and safety is something the market has never experienced before.”

The Smart Strength Squat is a clear indicator that EGYM continues to establish itself as the groundbreaking facilitator of modern fitness. 

“When people look back we want this launch to be remembered as the moment squats became truly smart and accessible for all,” said Milkie. “We believe the industry will say that EGYM didn’t just innovate and add another machine, we redefined what strength training can be in the digital age by bringing these functionalities to such a complex exercise.”