In August 2022, the Chicago Tribune and Action Network, owned by Better Collective, a respected sports media company specializing in sports betting analysis, announced a strategic partnership. Through that partnership, Action Network provides Chicago Tribune readers with a comprehensive suite of informative resources and sports betting promotions, empowering them to navigate the evolving landscape of sports betting through:
- Access to Verified Industry Expertise: Action Network’s team of experienced handicappers and analysts contribute researched analysis and data-driven selections to the Tribune’s sports betting content. This collaboration strives to facilitate readers’ informed decision-making through a deeper understanding of various sports betting markets.
- Curated Educational Resources: In addition to the expert insights, Chicago Tribune readers will gain access to Action Network’s curated library of educational content. This resource delves into responsible gambling practices and explores effective wagering strategies, enabling readers to engage more confidently with the world of sports betting.
- Objectivity: All sportsbook rankings and reviews will be conducted with impartiality. Action Network prioritizes editorial integrity from experienced sports bettors, ensuring these evaluations are not influenced by any financial considerations.
- Financial Transparency: The Chicago Tribune acknowledges that both Action Network and the Tribune may benefit financially when readers sign up for new featured legal sportsbooks and online casinos. However, this partnership prioritizes the reader experience. No illegal sportsbooks are featured. Illegal betting advice is never included.
This collaboration between the Chicago Tribune and Action Network establishes a valuable resource for Chicago Tribune readers with an interest in sports betting. It fosters a platform for informed decision-making by providing access to expert analysis, curated educational resources, and objective reviews.
More on the Chicago Tribune and Action Network’s Partnership
- Who is Better Collective?
- The Role of Chicago Tribune in Guiding Action Network’s Content
- The Action Network Team
Who is Better Collective?
An industry titan in the arena of digital sports media, Better Collective governs a broad portfolio of sports media outlets, spanning both the United States and global markets. Among its prestigious properties are the well-recognized Action Network, Vegas Insider, and Rotogrinders.
As a heavyweight in the realms of sports gambling and online gaming, Better Collective has been lauded as the affiliate of the year, capturing esteemed accolades from industry bodies like EGR in YEAR and IGB in YEAR, to name a few.
Combining expertise in sports analysis, gambling acuity, and masterful affiliate marketing, Better Collective stands as a content partner of choice for many of the world’s leading news and sports publications. They boast alliances across influential media such as the New York Post, Goal.com, Peru’s Depor, Terra, Nigeria’s Punch, and many more.
The Role of Chicago Tribune in Guiding Action Network’s Content
In the alliance between The Chicago Tribune and Action Network, the goal is to ensure that the distributed content adheres to the high bar set by the platform:
- All sports betting and online casino content shared stems from Chicago Tribune and Action Network’s partnership.
- The team at Action Network rigorously engages in research when crafting content.
- Prior to presenting it to the Chicago Tribune, all content is meticulously edited and validated by Action Network’s team.
- The information provided by Action Network is routinely revised to ensure its timeliness, accuracy, and relevance.
The Action Network Team
Steven Petrella – Director for Commercial Content
At Better Collective U.S., Steven Petrella assumes the role of Director for Commercial Content, where his main objective is to develop engaging content that amplifies sports bettors’ engagement with various promotions. In his role at Action Network, where he served as deputy editor for over two years, Steven made a name for himself through his in-depth reportage on the sports betting sector, dispensing valuable insights on a wide array of sports, from the widely-followed NFL to the niche world of darts. Before ascending to his deputy editor position, Petrella was the go-to editor for college football and basketball coverage at Action between 2018 and 2020. His substantial experience in the sports betting realm dates back almost a decade, originally leading the charge at Sporting News’ ‘The Linemakers’ in 2015.
Andy Fenelon – Senior Editor
Andy Fenelon is a seasoned sports journalist with an impressive career lasting over three decades, now contributing his talents to Action Network as a senior editor and journalist. Fenelon’s work has been featured in some of the country’s most esteemed publications, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the San Diego Union-Tribune, the New York Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Chicago Tribune. His background includes a significant period at NFL Media, where his editorial acumen was instrumental in overseeing the coverage of multiple Super Bowls and drafts for NFL.com and the NFL Network. To engage with Andy and his prolific work, readers can follow him on X @andy_fenelon.
Michael Sciangula – Sports Betting & Casino SEO Editor
In the dynamic sectors of sports gambling and online casino entertainment, Michael Sciangula applies his considerable skills at Better Collective U.S. Michael occupies pivotal roles as an editor, a writer, and a specialist in SEO, contributing to the company’s reach and impact within the digital space. A distinguished alum from Rutgers University, Michael carved a niche for himself at Better Collective following his onboarding in 2021. After initially contributing to several premier in-house platforms such as Rotogrinders, USBets, and SportsHandle, Michael now plays a pivotal role within Better Collective’s media partnerships.
Ryan Gutzler – Casino SEO Editor
A figure of notable prominence in the gambling scene since 2007, Ryan Gutzler holds the mantle of Casino Content Manager at Better Collective. His Pennsylvania roots anchor his highly-regarded analysis in the domains of online sports betting and casino landscapes across America. Renowned for his thorough evaluations of gaming operators, Ryan’s expertise is a cornerstone across several gaming publications, prominently within the USBets Network.
Michael Leboff – Sports Betting Analyst & Writer
Hailing as a sports betting connoisseur, Michael Leboff brings his seasoned commentary and analytical prowess to entities such as the Action Network and the Chicago Tribune. Michael has held a significant role at the Action Network since its inception in 2017, known then as the Sports Action app. Adept in a multitude of sports that include the NHL, soccer, tennis, darts, horse racing, college football, cricket, and Aussie Rules Football, Michael not only shares his insights through written work but also engages audiences with his co-hosting duties on the Line Change! and Wondergoal podcasts, focused on hockey and soccer, respectively. Moreover, he is the voice behind Islanders Anxiety, a podcast dedicated to the New York Islanders. Followers can tap into Michael’s frequent sports updates on his Twitter feed @thebigleebowski.
Tanner McGrath – Sports Betting Analyst & Writer
With a prominent role at the Action Network and the Chicago Tribune, Tanner McGrath is renowned for his expertise in analyzing and writing about college basketball and baseball. His expertise also extends to Canadian college sports, with a particular focus on financial and economic factors influencing the sports industry. McGrath is well-known for his intense interest in the Big Ten and America East basketball leagues, as well as his fervent support for the Miami Marlins.
