Covers.com, previously called SportsDirect, is an online publication that supplies sports-related information and data analysis. It is based in Post Falls, Idaho, United States.
History
Covers.com was established in 1995 by Paul Lavers and Joe MacDonald as an online details platform for sports wagerers. [1] [2] [3] Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the platform got popularity amongst sports betting enthusiasts due to its substantial protection of betting information. [1]
For the 1997 World Figure Skating Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, SportsDirect developed the first site to supply real-time coverage of the event. [1] During the early 2000s, Covers.com ended up being a noteworthy affiliate and information resource for sportsbooks. [4] In 2005, it obtained Wagerline.com. [5]
In 2007, Covers was awarded Halifax's service of the year award. [5]
In 2009, the creators divided their business interests: Lavers focused on a sibling company (SportsDirect Inc.), while MacDonald ended up being 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 operated Covers.com, was obtained by Gracenote, a U.S.-based information firm owned at the time by Tribune Media, as part of a growth into sports statistics services. [7] The acquisition likewise included SportsDirect Inc., with the combined transaction valued at roughly $54 million. [7] Following the acquisition, Covers operated as part of Tribune Media's digital assets.Tribune sold Gracenote to Nielsen in 2017 but retained Covers.com as a direct consumer-focused home. [8]
In 2022, Covers and Postmedia Network accepted disperse betting analysis and odds content across Postmedia's national news outlets. [9] [10]
Platform
Covers.com is an online platform providing sports wagering details and tools to users. It publishes real-time material covering significant sports leagues and occasions and launched a mobile app in 2019. The platform likewise hosts community online forums where users discuss betting picks, and uses free-to-play contests. [11] It has an active community of 20 million users. [12]
References
^ a b c Brearton, Steve (April 12, 2006). "Media firm ranked best company". The Globe and Mail.
^ "High loonie blamed for cuts at sports details business". CBC.ca.
^ "Nova Scotia welcomes sports-tip service as winner". The Globe and Mail. April 12, 2006.
^ "iGaming History WRIGHT".
^ a b Won, Shirley (February 9, 2007). "Internet sports service wins leading Halifax award". The Globe and Mail.
^ a b Bousquet, Tim (January 2, 2018). "Here are the Nova Scotians named 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 teams up with Covers.com for top-of-the-line gambling protection". Toronto Sun.
^ "Covers.com Celebrates Their $25,000 Streak Survivor Contest Winner".
^ "Covers.com profile".