The sports betting industry in the US has seen varied performances across different states as the market matures. This round-up gives a closer insight into the ongoing trends in Kentucky, Maryland, and Maine, which all reported different results over the last few months.

With Kentucky preparing for its first full NFL season, Maryland continuing to experience year-on-year growth, and Maine’s market adjusting to seasonal fluctuations, the coming months are expected to see a varied performance in these states. While Kentucky is hoping for a resurgence driven by football season, Maryland’s steady growth offers a positive outlook. Meanwhile, Maine’s market may need more competitive dynamics to drive further growth.

Kentucky’s Online Betting Sees Continued Decline

Kentucky’s sports betting market is approaching the one-year anniversary of its regulation, but the state’s online sports wagering performance continues to experience a decline.

According to Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s report, in July, online sports bettors wagered $125.4 million, marking the lowest monthly total since the state’s regulated market launched in September 2023. This figure was $50 million lower than May’s total and represented the eighth decline in online sports betting in the past nine months.

The online wagers in July generated $14.7 million in revenue, which equates to a hold of 11.7%. Among the operators, FanDuel maintained its leadership position, generating $6.1 million in revenue from $41.2 million in wagers, resulting in a 14.8% hold. Meanwhile, DraftKings followed closely with $5.7 million in revenue from $48 million in bets, representing an 11.9% hold.

Retail sports betting in Kentucky also experienced a dip, with $3.9 million in wagers recorded in July, marking the lowest monthly total for retail betting since it launched on September 7, 2023. Despite these figures, there is optimism surrounding the upcoming NFL season. With Kentucky’s first full NFL season of digital wagering platforms kicking off this month, there is hope for an uptick in both online and retail sports betting numbers.

Maryland’s Year-on-Year Sports Betting Growth

In contrast to Kentucky’s declining trend, Maryland has seen more positive developments in its sports betting market. Despite a predictable summer slump in overall handle, the state reported a year-on-year sports handle increase of 43.1% for August, rising from $263.7 million in 2023 to $377.4 million in 2024.

Maryland’s mobile sports betting revenue reached $38.1 million, with a 10.3% hold, while retail wagering generated $1.2 million with a 13.1% hold. Live! Casino led the way among mobile operators, recording a handle of $160.7 million with a hold of 11.4%, generating $18.3 million in revenue. DraftKings followed with a handle of $119.3 million, resulting in $12.5 million in revenue and a 10.5% hold.

Although Maryland’s mobile operator numbers have decreased slightly year-on-year from 12 to 11, the state’s sports betting market continues to grow, further bolstered by the popularity of both mobile and retail wagering platforms. The introduction of mobile sports betting in November 2022 has been a key factor in driving the state’s ongoing success.

Maine’s Market Dominated by DraftKings

Meanwhile, Maine saw a notable month-on-month decline in its sports betting handle for August 2024. The total handle dropped 16.8%, from $42.8 million in July to $35.6 million in August.

Monthly revenue also saw a significant dip, falling from $6 million in July to $3.6 million, with the hold decreasing from 14.1% to 9.6%. However, despite these declines, Maine’s August revenue was still an improvement from June’s total of $3.4 million.

In August, DraftKings continued its dominance in the Maine market, accounting for 84.6% of the total state wagers. DraftKings reported $30.1 million in wagers, while Caesars, its only competitor, lagged behind. In Maine, DraftKings operates in partnership with the Passamaquoddy tribe, while Caesars collaborates with the Penobscot, Maliseet, and Micmac tribes.

The Maine Gambling Control Unit has overseen sports betting in the state since its launch in November 2023, and although the market is still relatively new, the overwhelming presence of DraftKings suggests a significant level of market consolidation.

Source:

US sports betting round-up: Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, igamingbusiness.com, September 10, 2024.

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Play’n GO’s footprint in the US has been steadily expanding, with the company experiencing strong growth and game success in key markets. From exclusive partnerships to the release of engaging new online slot titles, Play’n GO is making waves across the country’s iGaming landscape.

George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, recently shared insights into the company’s journey and its future plans in the US. At the upcoming G2E Las Vegas event, Play’n GO will be showcasing its games to industry professionals, offering a glimpse into what’s next for the company in the US market.

Looking ahead, Play’n GO is preparing to launch several new titles in the US, including Midnight Princess 100 and Oasis of Dead. Additionally, Rise of Olympus Origins is set to be released around Halloween, building on the success of its predecessor.

Piggy Blitz: A Breakout Success in 2024

One of Play’n GO’s most successful US launches to date has been Piggy Blitz, which was introduced as a BetMGM exclusive in late December 2023 before going live in other licensed states in January 2024.

The game quickly became a hit, achieving the number one spot among newly released games in New Jersey and the second spot across all new US releases within its first month. By February, Piggy Blitz had secured a spot in the top five games overall, speaking volumes about the quality and appeal of the studio’s content among players from the United States.

Colt Lightning Firestorm: Another Hit in the Making

Following the success of Piggy Blitz, Play’n GO has seen another title gaining momentum: Colt Lightning Firestorm. Launched as an exclusive with BetRivers in August 2024, the game has already delivered remarkable results, despite being available exclusively for half of its release period.

Olekszy shared his optimism about the game’s future, stating:

“It’s fair to say the performance has been pretty staggering, made all the more remarkable when you consider it was a single-operator exclusive for half of its US lifespan. We’ll have more firm facts and figures to share in the coming weeks, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Colt Lightning Firestorm became one of our best performing games in the US in the very near future.”

Play’n GO’s Grid Slots Make an Impact with Midnight Princess Power of Love

The Midnight Princess Power of Love release marks Play’n GO’s expansion of its popular Moon Princess series in the US.

Known for pioneering grid slots, Play’n GO has seen great success with titles like Reactoonz and Rise of Olympus 100 in the US market. The company is now seeing similar results with Midnight Princess Power of Love, as it quickly gains traction among players.

A Bright Future for Play’n GO in the US

Since entering the US market in 2022, Play’n GO has expanded its operations to five states-West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut, entering partnerships with major operators like Rush Street Interactive and BetMGM. With plans for continued growth, the company is positioning itself for long-term success.

As Olekszy pointed out:

“Our hope, like everyone else in the industry, is that more individual states will continue to open up over the coming months and years, and when they do, we’ll be ready. We have a publicly stated goal of being active in every regulated market in the world, and we plan to keep that promise.”

Source:

“Play’n GO – Taking the USA by Storm”, playngo.com, September 11, 2024

The post Play’n GO Expands US Presence with New Titles & Partnerships appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Gaming Realms plc, a leading developer and licensor of mobile-focused gaming content, has published its interim results for the six months ending June 30, 2024. The company reported significant growth in both revenue and profitability, driven largely by its successful content licensing business and key partnerships across North America and Europe.

The Board remains confident that Gaming Realms is well-positioned to capitalize on its growth trajectory and deliver further value to shareholders by continuing to expand into regulated markets and launching new content.

Financial Performance Highlights

For the first half of 2024, Gaming Realms achieved total revenue growth of 18%, reaching £13.6 million, compared to £11.5 million in the same period last year. This revenue increase was supported by strong growth in the content licensing segment, which saw a 28% rise to £11.2 million, making it the primary driver of the company’s growth.

By contrast, brand licensing revenues fell by 67%, contributing only £0.3 million due to the absence of major deals that had been completed during the same period in 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA also saw a robust increase of 21%, rising to £5.8 million and representing an adjusted EBITDA margin of 43%, up from 41% in the previous year. Excluding brand licensing, the company’s adjusted EBITDA grew by 46%, reflecting the operational leverage and efficiency within its core business.

Gaming Realms also reported a 51% increase in profit before tax, which reached £3.5 million, up from £2.4 million in H1 2023. The company’s net cash position increased by 28% to £9.6 million, underlining its strong cash generation capabilities.

Expanding Global Partnerships and Game Portfolio

During the first half of 2024, Gaming Realms launched with 22 new partners in key markets, including FanDuel in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, Fanatics in New Jersey and Michigan, and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation in Canada.

In Europe, new partnerships were formed with Solverde in Portugal, DAZN in the UK, and LiveScore in the Netherlands. These partnerships have solidified the company’s presence in regulated markets and supported its expansion goals.

Additionally, the company secured a full iGaming Supplier License in West Virginia, further enabling its North American expansion. A new distribution agreement with Playtech is expected to open up additional opportunities in Switzerland and the U.S.

Gaming Realms also released seven new games in the first half of 2024, increasing its total portfolio to 82 titles, up from 70 games in June 2023. Notable new releases include Slingo Capital Gains and Slingo Gold Cash, which have been well received by players. Unique players in the content licensing business grew by 24%, reaching 3.5 million, further highlighting the popularity of the company’s offerings.

Positive Post-Period Developments

After the reporting period, Gaming Realms has continued to experience positive momentum. Licensing revenues increased by 33% in the two months following the end of June compared to the same period in 2023. The company also launched content in West Virginia, its fifth regulated U.S. state, and received an iGaming Supplier License in British Columbia, Canada.

Gaming Realms expanded its presence in the European market by launching Slingo Originals content with Danske Spil in Denmark, and Betclic in Italy. Additionally, the company released new titles such as Slingo Press Your Luck and Slingo Phillies in partnership with BetMGM.

Outlook for FY24

Looking ahead, Gaming Realms is optimistic about its financial performance for the full year 2024. The company plans to build on its strong first-half performance by expanding into new international markets and strengthening its presence in existing ones.

CEO Mark Segal commented on the company’s performance, stating:

“We are delighted with our strong performance in the first half of 2024, with total revenue increasing by 18% to £13.6 million. Our focus on expanding our content licensing business has led to a 28% revenue growth and the successful launch of seven new games. These results reflect our commitment to innovation and solidify our position in the gaming industry.”

New game releases, including Slingo Fowl Play and Slingo Press Your Luck, are expected to drive further growth in the second half of the year.

Source:

“Gaming Realms announces its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2024”, gamingrealms.com, September 11, 2024

The post Gaming Realms Reports 18% Revenue Growth and Strong H1 2024 appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Pragmatic Play has further extended its influence in the North American iGaming market by launching its captivating slots portfolio with Caesars Digital in Ontario. This strategic partnership will initially feature Pragmatic Play’s extensive range of slots on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, with the company’s live casino suite set to be rolled out in the near future.

The agreement also underscores Pragmatic Play’s strategy of expanding its product offering in regulated markets like Ontario. The company’s ability to continuously innovate and develop new content, while ensuring compliance with local regulations, has allowed it to gain traction quickly in Canada’s competitive market.

Lots of Surprises for Ontarian Players

The integration brings top-performing titles like Gates of Olympus and Sugar Rush to Ontario’s players, alongside newer offerings such as Forging Wilds and Mustang Gold Megaways. This collaboration is a testament to Pragmatic Play’s growing presence in Canada and highlights the strong demand for their innovative and engaging content.

Pragmatic Play’s Chief Operating Officer, Irina Cornides, emphasized the significance of the deal, stating:

“Caesars Sportsbook and Casino is a prestigious gaming and entertainment brand. Pragmatic Play’s partnership with them reinforces our commitment to delivering player-favourite content to the world’s leading casino operators.”

Echoing Cornides’ sentiments, Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital remarked that Pragmatic Play’s award-winning portfolio of gaming titles represents an exciting addition to the company’s fast developing platforms. Having in mind that ten studio’s games have already proven popular with players across Ontario, he’s positive that this deal will result in numerous benefits.

The partnership with Caesars Digital is just the latest in a series of successful collaborations that have helped Pragmatic Play strengthen its position in North America. In recent years, the company has made significant strides in expanding its reach, not only in Canada but also in the U.S. and Latin America.

Firm Position on Global Level

Pragmatic Play has become well-known for its ability to produce high-quality gaming content at a rapid pace. The company currently releases up to eight new slot titles per month, in addition to providing Live Casino and Bingo products. These offerings are available through a single API, making integration smooth for operators.

Looking ahead, Pragmatic Play’s continued expansion in Ontario and other regions is expected to drive further growth for the company. The partnership with Caesars Digital, a leading operator in North America, is a crucial component of this strategy. With both companies committed to providing high-quality gaming experiences, players can look forward to even more exciting developments in the near future.

At the beginning of the current month, the supplier attended GAT Showcase Bogotá in Colombia. Held at the Sheraton Bogota Hotel, this event gathered numerous iGaming professionals.

In second half of September, Pragmatic Play will take part in another GAT event, this time to be hosted in the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino in the Dominican Republic. Welcoming more than 300 delegates, this event will be crowded with informative presentations on new regulations and innovations withing online platforms.

Source:

“Pragmatic Play Strengthens Ontario Offering with Caesars Digital Rollout”, pragmaticplay.com, September 10, 2024

The post Pragmatic Play Expands in Ontario via Caesars Digital Deal appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Great Canadian Entertainment, a leading Canadian gaming and hospitality company, has announced its second significant transaction with the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The company signed an agreement to sell Elements Casino Victoria to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. (PDG), marking another important step in Snuneymuxw’s efforts to boost its economic influence in the region.

This deal follows the recent agreement for PDG to purchase Casino Nanaimo from Great Canadian Entertainment. The acquisition of Elements Casino Victoria allows the Snuneymuxw First Nation to further solidify its presence in Vancouver Island’s gaming industry, with PDG now owning two major casino properties in the region.

According to Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment:

“”We are very pleased to have executed this second historic agreement with the Snuneymuxw First Nation. From its original opening as View Royal Casino in 2001, to major expansion and rebranding of the property in 2018 as Elements Casino Victoria, we are looking forward to the next chapter for this beautiful and historic Vancouver Island destination under PDG’s stewardship.”

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse praised the transaction, noting its importance to the Nation’s economic strategy, announcing as follows:

“With the acquisition of a second casino operation, we continue to honour the decades of work by past Snuneymuxw leadership who tirelessly pursued this goal, as we begin to realize various opportunities that contribute to optimizing Snuneymuxw socioeconomic potential. Our Nation is sharply focused to make investments that bring returns to our people and builds our presence in the economy so that Snuneymuxw takes its rightful place.”

Wyse also highlighted the collaboration between PDG and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) as a key factor in driving economic benefits for the local and provincial economies.

PDG’s President, Erralyn Joseph, expressed optimism about the future, stating that the acquisition of the Elements Casino Victoria reinforces the company’s goal to build a corporate enterprise that secures the growth of the region and supports its residents.

Elements Casino Victoria’s Legacy

Elements Casino Victoria has been a major player in Vancouver Island’s gaming landscape since it first opened as View Royal Casino in 2001. After its expansion and rebranding in 2018, the casino now offers over 750 slot machines, table games like poker and blackjack, as well as four restaurants and an entertainment venue.

Great Canadian Entertainment’s board of directors unanimously approved the sale, and the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Following the closing, Great Canadian Entertainment will continue to provide transition services to PDG for up to two years, ensuring a smooth handover.

Unlocking Economic Potential

PDG CEO Ian Simpson emphasized the economic impact of the acquisition, noting that the deal brings a colossal potential for the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

The Snuneymuxw First Nation’s latest acquisition continues its commitment to building a sustainable economy that benefits its people. With both Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria now under its control, the Nation is well-positioned to achieve long-term success.

As the transfer of ownership moves forward, Great Canadian Entertainment and PDG remain focused on ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers, and the community.

Source:

“Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Elements Casino Victoria”, newswire.ca, September 10, 2024.

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On 10 September 2024, Playtech announced a significant partnership with Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (RSI), marking its latest move to expand its gaming content across North America. Through this collaboration, Playtech’s wide array of games, including online slots, table games, and live dealer options, will be available to players in key markets such as New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and Mexico.

This agreement brings Playtech’s content to RSI’s BetRivers platform, enabling players in these regions to enjoy high-quality games streamed directly from Playtech’s state-of-the-art studios. The partnership demonstrates both companies’ commitment to delivering a world-class gaming experience to customers in the regulated U.S. iGaming markets.

Worth adding is that this partnership builds on the success Playtech and RSI have experienced since entering the Ontario market in 2022. The ongoing collaboration has allowed both companies to grow their presence in the regulated iGaming sector while providing players with a wide range of games tailored to their preferences.

Excellent Opportunity for Both Companies

Shimon Akad, COO of Playtech, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating the cooperation with one of the most respected casino operators across the Americas will give them exclusive opportunity to showcase their premium quality games to new audience in North America.

Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, expressed his excitement, stating:

“We are very pleased to be announcing this exciting game supplier relationship with Playtech. At RSI, we are proud to deliver innovative industry leading online entertainment experiences to our players. The addition of this casino content from Playtech will further our efforts to become a leading online operator across the Americas.”

Playtech’s Strategic Expansion in North America

Playtech’s partnership with RSI marks a pivotal step in its broader North American expansion strategy. The agreement allows players across multiple U.S. states to experience a wide variety of Playtech games, ranging from popular slot titles to live dealer games.

All of these offerings are tailored to meet the preferences of North American players, underscoring Playtech’s commitment to delivering localized content in new markets.

By leveraging RSI’s well-established platform, Playtech is able to broaden its reach and cater to a growing audience of online casino enthusiasts in the U.S. The demand for Playtech’s games has been strong, reflecting the company’s ability to provide both entertaining and responsible gaming experiences.

Plans for Expansion in Latin America

Beyond its success in North America, Playtech and RSI have plans to expand their partnership to Latin America, where RSI operates its RushBet platform. The companies will work together to introduce Playtech’s games to Latin American players, beginning with Mexico and continuing into other markets such as Peru and Colombia.

RSI has already established a solid presence in Latin America, having launched operations in Colombia in 2018 and expanded to Mexico in 2022. In July 2024, RSI further extended its reach by debuting RushBet in Peru, and this partnership with Playtech will allow RSI to enhance its offerings even further in the region.

Founded in 2012, Rush Street Interactive joined the iGaming sector with the ambition to create the most fun, friendly, and fair online gaming platform in the Americas. The company’s core values include excellence, collaboration, transparency and empathy.

Source:

“Playtech partners with Rush Street Interactive as it broadens reach of its game content across North America via BetRivers & RushBet platforms”, playtech.com, September 10, 2024.

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Brazil’s government is ramping up efforts to tackle illegal betting operations, focusing on preventing unlicensed operators from processing payments. These actions are being implemented in anticipation of the country’s legal betting market launch on January 1, 2025.

According to Ari Celia, director of Pay4Fun, a licensed payment provider authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil, a new department within the Ministry of Finance will be responsible for ensuring that illegal gambling sites cannot conduct transactions in the country.

Government Establishes Civil Service Team to Block Payments

As part of this crackdown, the Ministry of Finance in Brazil is creating a dedicated team of eight civil servants who will oversee complaints from the betting sector and take punitive action against unlicensed payment providers. This group will also work closely with the Central Bank of Brazil to ensure that illegal operators cannot utilize Brazil’s most popular payment system, Pix, for processing transactions.

The decision to block Pix transactions stems from the platform’s widespread use in the Brazilian betting market. Celia emphasized that because Pix is controlled by the Central Bank, Brazil has a significant advantage in enforcing these restrictions compared to other countries where regulators have struggled to stop illegal betting payments.

Celia explained:

“If any commercial bank isn’t aware they have a company or client that is using illegal sites, as soon as they receive a warning from the Central Bank, they will shut down their bank account immediately.”

Challenges for Unlicensed Operators

Blocking Pix payments will leave unlicensed betting sites with few options to receive money from Brazilian players. Celia pointed out that the use of cash is declining, and cryptocurrency will not be a viable solution, given Brazil’s regulatory landscape.

He highlighted the difficulty of using cash for online operations, noting that it would require local brokers or affiliates to handle payments, a complex and risky process, noting that:

“Cash is limited, and a lot of people in Brazil are not using it anymore. And how do you get cash for an online operation? You need local people, brokers, affiliates, to receive and send money to operators. This is very complicated, and it’s almost impossible to send money out of Brazil using illegal channels.”

In addition, Brazilian law explicitly prohibits licensed operators from accepting cryptocurrency payments. Normative Ordinance No. 615, which governs the legal betting market, outlines strict regulations against the use of crypto as a payment method for gambling.

Celia is confident that the Central Bank will be able to monitor and block any attempts by illegal operators to process cryptocurrency transactions. At the time being, crypto in Brazil is not considered a payment method, and it can only be used as an asset for investments.

Enforcing Regulations to Ensure a Smooth Market Transition

With the legal betting market set to launch in just a few months, these measures are designed to ensure that unlicensed operators have minimal opportunities to operate in Brazil. The Central Bank will play a crucial role in regulating the market, as all payment providers will require its authorization to operate legally.

The government’s strategy reflects a broader effort to bring stability and legitimacy to Brazil’s betting market, ensuring that only licensed operators can provide services to consumers. By targeting illegal payment channels, including Pix and cryptocurrency, the Brazilian authorities aim to establish a secure and well-regulated betting industry that benefits the country’s economy and protects its consumers from unregulated operators.

Source:

“Brazil government preparing heavy crackdown on illegal betting payments”, igamingbusiness.com, September 9, 2024.

The post Brazil’s Government to Crackdown on Illegal Betting Payments appeared first on Keno Wizard.

GAMOMAT, a leading independent software developer specializing in online slot games, has officially entered the U.S. market through a strategic partnership with Bragg Gaming Group. This move marks a significant milestone in GAMOMAT’s global expansion strategy, further solidifying its presence in the regulated online gaming space.

This U.S. launch follows the successful collaboration between GAMOMAT and Bragg in Canada, where the two companies have been operating in the Ontario market since 2022. The introduction of GAMOMAT’s games in the U.S. represents a major step forward in bringing their innovative and popular titles to a wider audience.

Bringing Popular Titles to U.S. Players

As part of the U.S. launch, a selection of GAMOMAT’s top-performing games will go live, including Feng’s Fortune Flaming Link, Great Grizzly, and Lava Lions. These games have been specially developed for the U.S. market, with GAMOMAT conducting extensive research and analysis to ensure they meet the specific tastes and preferences of American players.

Dietmar Hermjohannes, Founder and Managing Director of GAMOMAT Development GmbH commented on the occasion as follows:

“The regulated U.S. online market offers significant potential, and we are excited to bring our games to these vibrant jurisdictions. Our team’s commitment to analysing the diverse preferences of U.S. players has been pivotal in preparing a suite of games tailored to meet their demands.”

GAMOMAT’s approach to game development is driven by a deep understanding of player behavior, and this debut is no exception. The initial launch in Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania is just the beginning, with plans for further expansion as the U.S. iGaming market continues to grow.

A Thriving Partnership with Bragg Gaming Group

The partnership with Bragg Gaming Group is instrumental in helping GAMOMAT make its U.S. debut. Bragg, a leading iGaming company, has been pivotal in the distribution of studio’s content, with both companies experiencing success together in various markets.

Matevž Mazij, CEO and Chair of Bragg Gaming Group is positive that this cooperation will bring great results, as GAMOMAT, as he says “excels at balancing innovation with proven success”.

This collaboration reflects the strategic alignment of both companies, leveraging their combined strengths to deliver premium gaming experiences to players in the U.S. Bragg Gaming’s established distribution network and experience in the North American market provide a solid foundation for GAMOMAT’s continued growth in this region.

Expansion Beyond the U.S.

GAMOMAT’s foray into the U.S. market is part of a broader expansion strategy that extends beyond North America. In 2022, GAMOMAT and Bragg made their mark in the Canadian province of Ontario, a regulated market where the partnership has gained significant traction. Additionally, GAMOMAT secured a B2B license from the Swedish Gambling Authority in 2023, enabling it to offer its games in Sweden’s regulated market. Popular titles such as Ramses Book and Fancy Fruits have been made available to Swedish players through Bragg’s distribution network.

The provider’s commitment to international growth is evident in its strategic partnerships and continued innovation in game development. The company’s ability to adapt its content to suit local markets while maintaining the high-quality gaming experiences that players expect has been a key factor in its global success.

Source:

“GAMOMAT makes its debut in the U.S. market with Bragg Gaming Group”, gamomat.com, September 9, 2024.

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Sands China Ltd., a premier casino and resort operator in Macau, has announced a strategic partnership with Agoda, a leading digital travel platform. The collaboration aims to enhance international tourism to Macau by launching multiple marketing campaigns in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The partnership will focus on combining the strengths of both companies to promote Macau as a prime destination for international tourists. This initiative will leverage Agoda’s extensive resources in Asia, targeting key markets to attract more visitors to Sands China’s iconic properties.

Making a Positive Impact on Macau’s Tourism

The partnership is set to deliver customized products and experiences for high-value guests from overseas, further boosting Macau’s tourism economy.

Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Sands China, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating as follows:

“We are thrilled to have cemented this meaningful agreement with Agoda. As visionary companies in our respective industries, we believe that we can make a positive impact on Macau’s tourism economy, and this is further demonstration of Sands China’s commitment to supporting the various tourism+ initiatives and increasing diversification of visitor source markets.”

Improved Customer Experience

In addition to marketing campaigns, Agoda will launch a new feature on its platform that promotes flight cross-selling to Sands China’s properties. This will offer travelers an enhanced booking experience, allowing them to conveniently plan their entire trip, including accommodations, flights, and activities.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda, commented:

“At Agoda, our goal is to simplify travel booking and enhance convenience for our users. Through this partnership, we can provide visitors to Sands China’s properties the opportunity to experience the unique attractions of Macau and see the world for less.”

The collaboration underscores Sands China’s dedication to expanding its reach and solidifying its position in Macau’s tourism market. As the operator of five integrated resorts, including the famous Venetian Macao and Parisian Macao, Sands China continues to play a pivotal role in driving the growth of Macau’s leisure and business tourism.

Analyzing the Figures

Macau’s economy experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024, with a 15.7% year-on-year increase in local gross domestic product (GDP), reaching MOP204.3 billion. This marks the first time GDP has surpassed MOP200 billion since the same period in 2019, as reported by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). The economic recovery is now at 86.2% of pre-pandemic levels, largely driven by strong service exports and domestic demand.

Exports of services saw a 17.6% rise, with gaming and tourism services contributing 39.9% and 2.8% growth, respectively. In contrast, merchandise trade faced declines, with exports dropping 15.9% and imports falling 3.3%.

Private consumption surged by 7.8%, buoyed by improved income levels and a stronger labor market. Household final consumption rose by 7% domestically and 13.5% abroad, while government spending fell by 14% due to the end of the livelihood subsidy program.

Gross fixed capital formation grew 9.8%, driven by a 29.8% rise in private equipment investment and a 14.7% increase in private construction investment.

Macau’s economic outlook remains positive as gaming taxes surged 58% in 2024, despite some reductions in public construction investment.

Source:

“Sands China and Agoda announce partnership to drive international tourism to Macau”, asgam.com, September 5, 2024.

The post Sands China Partners with Agoda to Boost International Tourism to Macau appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In November, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to decide the fate of sports betting within the state. After a long history of failed attempts to pass sports wagering legislation, a judge’s ruling last Friday, September 6, 2024, ensured that the sports betting ballot initiative would remain on the state ballot.

If passed, the initiative would legalize both digital and retail sports betting in Missouri. The initiative has garnered strong support from Missouri’s professional sports teams and residents. Currently, many bettors from the Show Me State travel to neighboring states such as Illinois and Kansas to place their wagers.

Financial and Regulatory Benefits for the State

With neighboring states like Arkansas and Kansas already legalizing sports betting, Missouri is losing out on a potential revenue stream. Legalizing wagering would not only allow residents to place bets from the comfort of their own state but also create new economic opportunities through tax revenue and licensing fees.

The proposed initiative places sports betting under the regulation of the Missouri Gaming Commission. Both digital platforms and physical venues such as casinos and professional sports stadiums would offer sports wagering, with the commission overseeing operations to ensure compliance with state laws.

The measure also includes provisions for responsible gambling, which would be supported by a minimum of $5 million in annual tax revenue. Any remaining tax revenue from sports betting would be directed toward funding education, including elementary, secondary, and higher education programs.

This initiative promises significant economic benefits, with proponents estimating that the state could see tax revenues ranging from $0 to $28.9 million annually, depending on deductions and other variables.

A recent poll conducted by Saint Louis University and YouGov PLC found that approximately 50% of Missouri residents support the sports betting initiative, while 30% oppose it, and 20% remain undecided.

Judge’s Decision Clears Path for Voter Approval

On Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel R. Green ruled that the sports betting ballot initiative would remain on the November ballot. This decision followed a seven-hour hearing in which political consultants argued that the initiative should be disqualified due to allegedly invalid signatures.

Judge Green ultimately ruled that the plaintiffs failed to present enough evidence to prove that 95 signatures were improperly verified by the Secretary of State’s office. He emphasized that lawsuits aimed at removing certified ballot initiatives are “highly disfavorable.” By keeping the sports betting initiative on the ballot, voters now have the opportunity to decide its future.

A Crucial Vote for Missouri’s Future

In addition to the sports betting initiative, Missouri voters will also weigh in on Amendment 5, which would authorize the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue an additional gambling boat license for the Lake of the Ozarks region. Both initiatives have the potential to reshape the state’s gaming landscape and provide new revenue streams for public services.

As Missouri looks to join the growing list of states that have legalized sports betting, the November vote will be a pivotal moment for the state’s economy and gaming regulations. If passed, the initiative will bring much-needed tax revenue while ensuring that sports wagering is conducted in a responsible and regulated manner.

Source:

“Sports betting will be on Missouri ballots this November” by Caroline Pettey and Joey Schneider, newsnationnow.com, September 8, 2024.

“Missouri wagering initiative will be on November ballot, judge rules” by Jill R. Dorson, igamingbusiness.com, September 8, 2024.

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