In recent years, sports betting has transformed from a niche hobby into a mainstream global phenomenon. As regulatory frameworks shift and digital technology advances, the industry has become more accessible than ever, drawing in millions of users from across the world. From local fans placing friendly wagers to serious punters analyzing stats with software tools, the betting landscape is evolving at breakneck speed.

The primary catalyst behind this surge is the global expansion of online betting platforms. In the past, bettors were limited to physical bookmakers or regional systems that restricted choice. Today, mobile apps and online platforms allow users to bet on events across dozens of sports—anytime and anywhere. Whether it’s football in the UK, basketball in the U.S., or cricket in India, fans can now place real-time bets with a few taps on their smartphones.

The role of technology cannot be overstated. Sophisticated algorithms, real-time data feeds, and AI-powered analytics have enabled punters to make more informed decisions. Live betting has gained traction, where odds update dynamically as the game progresses, adding a new level of excitement and strategy. Meanwhile, social betting—where users follow expert bettors or friends and mimic their wagers—is helping new users get involved with less risk.

In the broader context of international betting, many users have turned to offshore betting sites to access wider markets and higher odds. These platforms operate outside of domestic regulatory frameworks, offering services in regions where local laws may be restrictive or unclear. While this often means more freedom and a broader array of betting options, it also raises concerns about consumer protection, financial security, and responsible gambling oversight. Bettors must weigh the pros and cons carefully before using these services.

Legalization efforts in various parts of the world are further shaping the industry. The U.S., for example, has seen a wave of state-level legalization since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018. As a result, major sports leagues and franchises have formed partnerships with sportsbooks, bringing betting directly into the fan experience. In contrast, some countries still maintain strict prohibitions or government monopolies, creating a fragmented global landscape.

Another important trend is the integration of betting into live broadcasts and sports content. Broadcasters now offer odds overlays during games, exclusive betting shows, and in-depth betting insights. This fusion of content and betting helps drive user engagement, with fans feeling more invested in every play and decision. However, it also calls for increased awareness around responsible gambling, especially among younger audiences who are most active online.

Despite the meteoric rise, challenges remain. Regulatory uncertainty in key markets, concerns over match-fixing, and the need for robust responsible gaming frameworks all demand attention. The industry must strike a balance between innovation and integrity, ensuring that the thrill of betting does not overshadow ethical and legal responsibilities.

In conclusion, sports betting is undergoing a renaissance, fueled by tech advancements, global accessibility, and evolving consumer behavior. With more people engaging than ever before, the industry stands at a crossroads—poised for further growth, but also facing complex challenges. As the line between sports entertainment and betting continues to blur, stakeholders must collaborate to ensure a safe, fair, and transparent environment for all.

By KELVIN CHAN and MATT O’BRIEN

LONDON (AP) — Getty Images is facing off against artificial intelligence company Stability AI in a London courtroom for the first major copyright trial of the generative AI industry.

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™.

The New York Times inked a multi-year deal with Amazon last month to license its content to Amazon’s artificial intelligence models.

Amazon will have access to The New York Times’ content, including NYT Cooking and its sports publication, The Athletic.

Amazon’s AI services, such as Alexa, will produce real-time summaries and short excerpts. Similar to other news publishers, The New York Times views a licensing deal as a viable way to generate profits as AI companies attempt to siphon copyrighted content to train their chatbots.

Attitudes towards AI use, especially regarding news organizations, can be polarizing. Other publishers such as The Washington Post, Associated Press, and Axios have also signed deals with AI companies to license their content. A few years ago, AI companies were using copyrighted material without permission. Media company Ziff Davis and The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft in 2023, alleging intellectual theft.

The Times’s decision to do business with an AI company feels like a departure from its initial thoughts on AI; the biggest difference is that the publication is being paid for its intellectual property. The majority of the litigation against OpenAI and other AI companies stems from allegations that they fail to properly credit the source of their information.

There are several reasons to be wary about AI, including its environmental impact, the potential for spreading misinformation, and its potential to alter the way we work. Artificial intelligence isn’t disappearing anytime soon though. It’s better for news organizations to be compensated for their work rather than allowing AI companies to continue scraping their content for free. It creates a chain of accountability and forces these companies to pay.

When a consumer uses AI to ask a question, chatbots provide the user with answers sourced from various news articles, making it less likely for the user to scroll through the publisher’s website to find the answer themselves. This licensing deal balances the scales between artificial intelligence and news publishers that are struggling to increase traffic and assures them a cut of the profits.

More artists and publishers should take note of this. OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and more are resistant to effective AI legislation because they don’t want to compensate people for their intellectual property. These deals could be a first step in artists demanding their own deals, not only to protect their art but also to ensure that these companies aren’t hoarding all the profits they make from their work.

We can’t allow them to train AI with our content for free. If AI companies wish to use our work, they need to pay us for it.

NEW YORK—Warner Bros. Discovery today unveiled its plans to separate the company into two publicly traded companies—one focused on its streaming services and the second on its cable business, confirming plans it announced last December.

The “Streaming & Studios” company will consist of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO and HBO Max, as well as their film and television libraries. Global Networks will include entertainment, sports and news television brands worldwide, including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery, top free-to-air channels across Europe, and digital products such as Discovery+ streaming service and Bleacher Report (B/R).

BingX, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 AI firm, has unveiled Chelsea FC’s 2025/26 training kit as part of its ongoing partnership with the Premier League club. This latest release reinforces the brand’s position as the Official Men’s Training Kit Partner. The training kit boasts a sleek design that calls attention to the Chelse FC’s high performance ethos.

The BingX x Chelsea FC campaign is titled ‘Trained on Greatness.’ The initiative draws parallels between the disciplined preparation of elite athletes and the data-driven precision of AI-powered trading. To achieve this, the campaign emphasizes the core values of focus, adaptability, and performance optimization. A dynamic launch video and refreshed visual identity underscore this synergy, positioning both entities as leaders in their respective fields — sports and fintech.

Image Credit: BingX x Chelsea FC

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Warner Bros. Discovery will calve off cable operations from its streaming service, creating two independent companies as the number of people “cutting the cord” brings with it a sustained upheaval in the entertainment industry.

HBO, and HBO Max, as well as Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, will become part of the streaming and studios company, Warner Bros. said Monday.

The cable company will include CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery, top free-to-air channels across Europe, and digital products such as the Discovery+ streaming service and Bleacher Report.

Shares jumped 11% at the opening bell.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav will become serve as CEO of the company that for right now is called Streaming & Studios. Gunnar Wiedenfels, chief financial officer of Warner Bros. Discovery, will be CEO of the cable-focused entity, for now known as Global Networks.

“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.

Just days ago Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders in a vote that was symbolic as it’s nonbinding, rejected the 2024 pay packages of some executives, including Zaslav, who will make more than $51 million.

Warner Bros. Discovery said in December that it was implementing a restructuring plan in which Warner Bros. Discovery would become the parent company for two operating divisions, Global Linear Networks and Streaming & Studios. That was seen as a preview of the separation announced Monday.