The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) today announced an exciting new benefit for fans that attend sporting events at TD Place. The company, which owns and operates the Ottawa REDBLACKS, Ottawa Fury FC and Ottawa 67’s, will launch a dynamic new 50/50 system to heighten fan engagement, increase jackpots and maximize contributions to community groups through OSEG’s charity foundation.
“In recent years we’ve all heard of record 50/50 jackpots at major sporting events across North America, and the main reason for that is the adoption of compelling, mobile 50/50 technologies,” said Jeff Hunt, President of OSEG Sports. “Fans purchase their tickets on a hand-held device and other fans see the jackpot rise in real-time because the purchasing system is integrated with video displays throughout the stadium. That tends to drive more purchases which results in higher jackpots and larger contributions to our 50/50 charity partners.”
In 2014, the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors were among the first Ontario sports teams to participate in a trial of the interim electronic 50/50 regulatory framework, and jackpots at their games typically doubled. It’s the same story in other provinces and in cities across the United States.
“A jackpot at an Edmonton Eskimos game last season was just under $350,000,” said Hunt. “And in Winnipeg, at their NHL outdoor game last year, the jackpot was over $400,000. It’s an incredible phenomenon and I know our fans will enjoy the experience while they also provide much-needed benefit to our community.”
OSEG will “soft-launch” its new 50/50 system at this evening’s Ottawa REDBLACKS pre-season match-up against Hamilton. “The equipment is in place and staff a retrained but we’re calling it a soft-launch because it’s brand new,” said Hunt. “The official launch will be at the REDBLACKS regular season opener on June 23.”
OSEG chose 5050 Central as its technology partner for the new 50/50 system at TD Place. 5050 Central has an extensive client-base across North America and a proven track-record for reliability and ease of use. For more information on 5050 Central visit www.5050Central.com.
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