The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal body overseeing commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates, announced today the award of the first authorized lottery license to The Game LLC. This milestone marks a significant step in establishing a well-regulated commercial gaming sector in the UAE, built on principles of transparency, accountability, consumer protection, and responsible gaming practices.

A New Era for UAE Gaming

The license, awarded to The Game LLC, a commercial gaming operator specializing in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content, signifies the launch of the ‘UAE Lottery’. Under this banner, The Game LLC will offer a diverse range of lottery games tailored to players’ varied interests and financial preferences. The selection of The Game LLC coincides with the GCGRA launching its official website, providing insights into its board and executive team.

Jim Murren, the Chairman of the GCGRA, heralded the event as pivotal: “The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”

Regulatory Framework and Consumer Protection

Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, emphasized the authority’s commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight: “The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the UAE, which include lottery games. It also provides consumers with a comprehensive set of tools to monitor and manage their gaming activity. Additionally, we are leveraging new technologies to foster the creation of safe, entertaining games and drive consumer-focused innovation.”

The GCGRA has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at protecting consumers and the legitimate interests of all stakeholders. Engaging in, conducting, or facilitating commercial gaming activities within the UAE without approval from the GCGRA is illegal and exposes offenders to severe penalties. Playing as a consumer via unlicensed operators is also illegal under the GCGRA framework.

The GCGRA’s website details comprehensive licensing procedures, including land-based gaming facilities, indicating potential plans for integrated resorts (IRs) in the UAE. The regulatory framework defines commercial gaming broadly, encompassing slots, table games, lottery, internet gaming, and sports wagering. This development is expected to alleviate skepticism within the investment community regarding the legalization of commercial gaming in the UAE.

Market Response and Future Prospects

The announcement of The Game LLC as the UAE Lottery operator coincides with the launch of the GCGRA’s official website, which provides a clear view of the board and executive team tasked with bringing lottery, land-based, and online gaming to the United Arab Emirates. The GCGRA, established in September 2023, now confirms its full board of directors and C-level executives across all key functions.

CBRE analysts have noted that the regulation of lotteries was anticipated, given the UAE’s history of grey market operations and existing customer acceptance. They suggest that opportunities for larger international lottery operators to establish partnerships in the UAE remain viable, consistent with practices in other global lottery jurisdictions. The GCGRA’s detailed and thorough licensing process is expected to be well-received by investors seeking transparency in this expanding market.

The GCGRA’s recent progress, including the awarding of the first lottery license, the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework, and the launch of its official website, marks a significant milestone in legitimizing and adding transparency to the UAE’s commercial gaming industry. With a focus on protecting consumers and ensuring the integrity of gaming activities, the UAE is positioned to become a highly attractive global gaming market.

Source:

Press Release – The GCGRA awards License for UAE Lottery, gcgra.gov.ae, July 28, 2024.

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DraftKings’ casino jackpots soared to $11.73 million in the month of May, with several states registering the highest payouts. With the company’s operations present across different states, Pennsylvania actually led the way, producing the most jackpot winners.

15 People Win Multiple Jackpots from DraftKings Casino in May

A total of 15 jackpots were won, with the most jackpot winners coming from Pennsylvania’s corner. Five winners were able to draw six-figure wins, including two seven-figure wins across a variety of games. Players won the following paydays in the Keystone State in May:

• Phoenix Fa– $1,130,005.24
• 10,001 Nights Megaways – $1,113,257.45
• Assassin Moon – $892,013.68
• Ultimate Fire Link Olvera Street – $767,164.55
• Divine Riches Diana – $706,666.36

Yet, a player from New Jersey took the biscuit, winning the month’s highest prize from DraftKings jackpots. The player won on Atomic Meltdown, bagging $1,504,527.85 in the process. The second largest jackpot scored in the Garden State was on Double Fancy 7s, $847,451.54.

A third jackpot dropped in the state on Fortune Coin, although arguably far more modest – only $445,443.54. DraftKings also saw four jackpots drop in Michigan, where a lucky player won $794,441.25 from Cleopatra. Three other players scored on Ultra Blazing Fire Link, Blackjack 4 Live, and 10,000 Wonders 10K Ways bringing home $576,163.80, $499,553.21, and $415,009.51 respectively.

Two players also won in West Virginia, bringing home American Treasures ($471,061.99) and Cash Falls Pirate’s Trove ($356,380.65). Another big jackpot dropped in Ontario, where a player bagged $311,131.62 from DraftKings Multihand Blackjack.

DraftKings is habitually running the numbers of its big winners, in a bid to raise awareness for its products and properties, but also to demonstrate its generosity. This is not the biggest month DraftKings has on record paying jackpots, but it comes close to one of its busiest.

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SiGMA Africa Awards 2024, one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, is over, and several companies won the awards. Among them is BetConstruct, one of the leading providers in the industry, which has been awarded the Best Online Sportsbook Provider.

Globally recognized provider

BetConstruct became famous for its efforts to deliver an exceptional sports betting experience to all its fans all over the world, and this award means it has been recognized by the industry’s experts.

The event saw a range of companies, both the ones with a lot of experience in the industry and beginners with a lot of potential. All of them have one thing in common: they were recognized for producing unique content and pushing the boundaries of gambling, contributing to improving the global gaming market.

BetConstruct is one of the leading innovators in the gaming industry. Its focus lies in providing its customers with unparalleled gaming experiences and creating unique solutions. The provider’s portfolio consists of modern sports betting and gaming products that are available across the whole global market. The company focuses on providing both customers and partners with exceptional experience, strengthening its position as an industry leader.

The Best Online Sportsbook Provider award represents the company’s dedication to delivering unique and advanced offerings to the market, but it’s also a sign that BetConstruct promises a lot of new, thrilling solutions that will shape the future of the global gaming market.

BetConstruct has been present on the market for more than 20 years, and in that period, it achieved huge success. Its offering includes both online and retail products, such as sportsbooks, classic casino games, live casino products, poker, skill games, an advanced social gaming platform, as well as sports data solutions. All of them are managed through SpringBME, a business management tool that enables secure and smooth operations.

The company is owned by SoftConstruct, one of the leaders in the global IT industry.

Prestigious award

Apart from BetConstruct, the companies that were awarded at SiGMA Africa 2024 are Sumsub, Smartx, Wa Technology, Digitain, Hollywood Bets, Hea, GR8 Tech, Kiron, WeWire, SA Gaming, Payler, Bitville, Bmit, Fast Track, 1xBet, SoftGamings, Softswiss, SEO Brothers, Rival, MarketCall, FinRax, and PayBrokers. The award was established by SiGMA Group, founded by Eman Pulis back in 2014. Its main mission is to research all topics in the industry and inform the public about them. Currently, the company has four ventures: SiGMA Events, SiGMA Play, Venture Capital, and SiGMA Foundation.

Source: Narayan, Niji. “BetConstruct Secures Prestigious Best Online Sportsbook Provider Award at SiGMA Africa 2024”. European Gaming. March 19, 2024.

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A leading solution provider to the iGaming industry, International Game Technology (IGT), has been awarded the gold medal rating from the leading sustainability ratings provider EcoVadis. The recognition follows the EcoVadis assessment of the level of sustainability of global companies and their operating practices to position the IGT among the top five percent of companies with the gold medal rating.

Sustainability Assessment

The sustainability assessment of the renowned rating provider indicated that the IGT exercised a particularly distinctive performance in the areas of environment, ethics, and procurement to boost its overall ratings and include the company in the leading group of sustainable companies.

Rating Criteria

The sustainability performance assessment was conducted under the EcoVadiscriteria focused on the categories of environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. The assessment was based on 21 benchmark distributed across the above categories to report the IGT performance in terms of sustainable practices representing the pillars of the company’s strategic operations. In assessing the IGT sustainability level, EcoVadis used these sustainability standards to evaluate environmental, social and ethical performance across more than 85,000 companies around the world.

Testimony of Commitment

The gold medal rating awarded to IGT represents another testimony of the iGaming provider’s commitment to sustainability of its operations. The recognition brings IGT in the group of reputable companies proven to operate in compliance with international norms and regulations to ensure legal adherence at all times. At the same time, the gold metal rating is the confirmation that IGT’s operations are in lieu with its internal corporate culture ensuring that the satisfaction and loyalty of its employees continue to drive the company forward.

Commenting on the prestigious rating, Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP Marketing, Communications and Sustainability said: “Receiving a gold medal from EcoVadis validates IGT’s long-time commitment to continuously improving our ESG results and the effectiveness of our Sustainable Play initiatives. IGT will leverage the gold medal honor from EcoVadis as inspiration for enhanced sustainability innovation and performance, as we help contribute to a more sustainable future for our business and stakeholders.”

Gold Medal Rating Meeting International Standards

Business sustainability ratings used by EcoVadis in assessing global companies are based on international sustainability standards such as the Ten Principles of the UN Global Company, the International Labor Organisation conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative standards, and the ISO 26000 standard. The rating entity relies on these norms to produce analysis and reports after sourcing performance figures and data to provide a guide for possible improvement of the operating practices of the company concerned. The highest rating awarded to IGT represents the recognition of the company’s continued commitment to quality and sustainability.

Source: “IGT Earns Gold Medal from Leading Rating Agency EcoVadis”. European Gaming. February 19, 2024.

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Games Global, a leading iGaming supplier, secured a number of awards as ICE 2024 kicked off. In addition, the company has now completed its acquisition of DGC B2B from Super Group.

Games Global Scoops Up Three Prestigious Awards

Games Global was recognized at the International Gaming Awards 2024, securing three prestigious accolades. The company was named Slot Provider of the Year at the event at the Savoy Hotel in London, while its Snowborn Games subsidiary secured the Games Studio of the Year award.

In addition, Just for the Win’s Golden Fields slot game was named Game of the Year. Golden Fields is a critically acclaimed slot that has enjoyed industry recognition ever since its launch in May 2023. This is not the first time the studio has won an award either as it was named RNG Casino Supplier of the Year in 2023. Previously, the studio also grabbed the Game of the Year accolade thanks to its Scarab Kingdom game. Earlier still, the studio was named Rising Star of the Year in 2021.

Walter Bugno, Games Global’s chief executive, commented on the three new awards, saying that he is proud to see his company and its studios recognized.

Last year highlighted our ability to deliver unmatched products and experiences for players, from significantly enhancing our progressive jackpot portfolio to delivering a constant roll-out of diverse content that takes player journeys to a new level, and we are thrilled to be recognized by our industry peers at this prestigious event.

Walter Bugno, CEO, Games Global

For reference, 2023 saw Games Global launch more than 240, solidifying its position as a leading provider.

Super Group Is Happy to Have Completed the Sale of DGC B2B

In the meantime, Games Global just finalized its acquisition of Super Group’s Digital Gaming Corporation (DGC B2B). According to the former company’s announcement, the transaction was finalized on February 1, 2024, and followed the securing of all necessary regulatory approvals.

Games Global said that this acquisition attests to its desire to expand in the lucrative US iGaming market by constantly driving innovation and excellence.

Bugno also commented on this deal, expressing his team’s excitement about the acquisition. He noted that this move aligns with the company’s desire to become a leader in the US market and beyond.

This move not only strengthens our global position, it also allows us to further innovate and deliver incredible experiences to operators and their players.

Walter Bugno, CEO, Games Global

Super Group’s chief executive, Neal Menashe, also shared his thoughts on the deal, saying that he is pleased to have brought the sale to a close.

Going forward, our team can continue focusing on our global B2C growth. Games Global is a valued long-term partner of ours, and DGC’s B2B division is in good hands. We wish them all the best.

Neal Menashe, CEO, Super Group

Games Global boasts some 40 studios under its wing and offers over 1,300 in-house games. In addition to that, the company offers one of the industry’s highest-paying progressive jackpot networks and is poised to capitalize on the acquisition of DGC B2B.

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Scatters Club, a global gambling community of live streamers and slot game enthusiasts, will host an online Streamers Awards event for the first time since the group’s establishment. The event, designed to highlight top streamers in the community, will collect nominations from December 4 to December 30, 2023 with top five streamers to be proclaimed on February 1, 2024.

Scatters Crown Trophy

The Streamers Awards event will evaluate the creative achievements of gambling streamers and have the selected performers qualified for the audience’s love award and the Scatters Crown Trophy. All players and the club’s site visitors are invited to nominate their favorite streamers on the platform. The platform also allows self-nominations of streamers in the creative achievement category.

Award Categories

Scatters Club announces that nominations for the unique award will be open from December 4 to December 30,2023 for international applications in the categories as follows:

• Most Hilarious Reaction to a Win
• Most bright Reaction to a Lose
• Most bright Reaction to a Lose
• Coolest Background
• Craziest Outfit
• Best Streamer Collaboration
• Community Champion
• Rising Star in Gambling Streaming
• Most Responsible Streamer
• Everyone’s Favorite Gambling Streamer
• The Best Female Streamer

Voting Period

Upon the closure of the application period, the eligible applications will be classified into the respective categories to be prospectively nominated for the awards. The vote-casting period begins simultaneously to invite all players to vote for their favorite streamers on a dedicated web page. Based on these votes, each category will have its TOP-5 streamers shortlisted and the leaders in various nominations will be determined by further public votes.

Award Ceremony

As the voting process focuses only the shortlisted candidates, the special jury will make the final choice and unveil the winners in a live session on February 1, 2024. The jury will then crown the winners with the Legend of the Year title based on the stats provided by a Scatters Club’s partner Casinolytics.

Special Jury and Famous Guests

During the voting period from December 8, 2023 to January 30, 2024, the audience can try to predict the winners and place their bets on the web page. The winners will be announced online on February 1, 2024. The live event will be attended by a secret host invited by Scatters Club to make a special contribution to the image of the Streamers Award ceremony. Also, famous gambling streamers will make guest appearances to announce the nominees and the winners chosen by a special jury.

Their names will remain secret and will be revealed during this fantastic event to spice up the thrill of this unprecedented gaming experience.

Source: “Calling All Gamblers: Scatters Club to Host First-Ever Gambling Streamers Awards”. EuropeanGaming. December 4, 2023.

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SOFTSWISS, the international supplier of software and content for online casinos and sports betting websites, has announced that the company has achieved great success at iGaming IDOL Awards 2023, an annual industry event that celebrates the best performers in the realm of online gambling.

At this year’s event, SOFTSWISS was designated Brand IDOL of the Year, an award that the company says represents “a significant milestone” in its history. The award recognizes the success of the brand awareness campaigns launched by SOFTSWISS over the past year, including “Bringing the Heat,” “Make Your Business a Classic” and “Grab Success.”

SOFTSWISS acknowledged that it has tried to develop “creative and eye-catching” marketing campaigns in order to expand its business throughout the European continent but also in Latin America and Asia.

Not The First Award

Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, declared herself “truly honored to stand among the industry’s best and brightest at the esteemed iGaming IDOL.” The SOFTSWISS executive added that the award represents “a testament to the collective passion and dedication” shown by the company’s team.

The SOFTSWISS Chief Marketing Officer also added that the award will further motivate the company to seek to understand what the customers need and then create “top-tier products” by putting their creativity to use.

SOFTSWISS has already secured two other awards for its marketing efforts this year: EGR Marketing and Innovation Awards and Best Marketing Campaign at EiGE Awards. The addition of the Brand IDOL of the Year award further recognizes the prowess of the company’s marketing campaigns.

A Powerful Company

SOFTSWISS was a pioneer in the iGaming industry as in 2013 it was the first supplier to launch a Bitcoin-optimized online casino solution. Since then the company has grown significantly, becoming a respected international provider of software solutions for managing gambling operations.

The company now has a team of over 1,700 employees which are working in offices located in Malta, Poland, Georgia, Bulgaria and Belarus. The supplier has gained several gaming licenses and provides complete iGaming software solutions.

The product portfolio currently offered by SOFTSWISS includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator which comprises thousands of online casino games, the affiliate platform named “Affilka”, the turnkey Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator.

Source: “SOFTSWISS Becomes iGaming Brand IDOL 2023“. SOFTSWISS. December 1, 2023.

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The anticipation for the iGB Affiliate 2024 Awards is reaching its peak as the shortlist of contenders is revealed. This prestigious event, hosted by Naomi Barton, Portfolio Director for iGB Affiliate, promises an evening of recognition for outstanding talent in the industry.

Set against the backdrop of the Grade II-listed Art Deco Troxy music venue in East London, this black-tie affair will not only feature a three-course sit-down dinner but also a night filled with joy.

A Star-Studded Shortlist

The shortlisted entries represent a roll call of exceptional individuals and companies in the iGaming affiliate space. The selection process was meticulous, ensuring that only the most deserving nominees made it to the final list. The diverse categories span various aspects of the industry, recognizing achievements across affiliate marketing, innovation, and customer experience.

As iGB Affiliate prepares to bid farewell to London and move its operations to Barcelona, the 2024 Awards mark a poignant moment in the organization’s history. The relocation adds an extra layer of significance to the event, making it a must-attend for those wanting to celebrate the achievements of the international iGaming affiliate community.

The response to the upcoming ceremony has been overwhelming, with a surge in early demand for table bookings. Industry leaders, affiliates, and enthusiasts are eager to be part of this grand finale in London, making it clear that this event will be a memorable farewell to the city.

Save the Date: 8 February 2024

Mark your calendars for the 8th of February 2024, as the iGB Affiliate 2024 Awards promise an unforgettable evening filled with glamour, recognition, and celebration. It’s not just an awards night; it’s a grand send-off to London and a warm welcome to the vibrant city of Barcelona, where iGB Affiliate’s journey continues!

Looking ahead to the prestigious evening Naomi Barton said: “It’s totally fitting that the last iGB Affiliate Awards to be held in London has attracted a record 338 submissions from across the international community. The Awards are an integral part of the iGB Affiliate experience and celebrate everything that’s so unique and compelling about the igaming affiliate sector, recognizing the industry’s outstanding individuals, brands, games, networks, tech vendors and marketing campaigns. It promises to be another inspirational Awards evening and a perfect way to complement the exhibition which will feature approximately 155 exhibitors occupying 11,757 square meters of space and a raft of show initiatives created to highlight new strategies, new partnerships, new sectors and new jurisdictions all culminating in the delivery of new business opportunities for the thousands of customers who will be part of what will be an historic edition of iGB Affiliate.”

Source: ”Outstanding talent’ underpins iGB Affiliate Award shortlist”. European Gaming. December 1, 2023.

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CreedRoomz, one of the leading live casinos in the iGaming industry, received a prestigious award, Live Casino Provider of the Year, at one of the most important events in the industry, SiGMA Europe Awards 2023.

A vast network of partners

The company’s live casino sector is already very popular among the players. The commitment the whole CreedRoomz team showed when it came to creating and developing new live casino solutions got recognized in many markets, and this award comes as a cherry on top and confirms that CreedRoomz has a lot to be proud of.

Its creative and unique solutions and fantastic service delivery are what led the company to this prestigious award.

The company has a partner network that consists of more than 1000 partners all over the world, and it doesn’t seem to stop when it comes to global expansion. That number of partners shows the trust and value the company has brought to the whole global iGaming industry. Among the recently signed deals are the ones with Leader Bet, Soft2Bet, Alea Play, Tom Horn Gaming, BlueOcean Gaming, and many more of them. This year, the company was present at various events, such as BEGE Expo, SiGMA CIS, Entertainment Arena Expo, SiGMA Asia, iGB Live Amsterdam, SiGMA Americas, and other important industry events.

The company’s portfolio currently consists of 24 unique and captivating games. It grew from 18 games at the beginning of the journey and expanded rapidly.

Cultural diversity in the company’s games

One of the main assets of CreedRoomz’s games is its cultural diversity – its gaming halls incorporate various cultural elements, including Indian table, as well as Brazillian ones, so people from various cultural backgrounds can be assured that they would find something for themselves and enjoy a range of games from the CreedRoomz’s fantastic portfolio. There are more than 150 different tables for players from all backgrounds and all interests.

At the moment, CreedRoomz offers games such as Express Roulette, Roulette, Bet On Poker, Blackjack, Dragon Tiger, Keno, and many more.

The company’s CEO commented on this award: “The SiGMA Europe award is a testament to our team’s hard work and our commitment to delivering the highest quality live casino experience. Our mission is to continually set new standards within the live casino market, and this recognition fuels our drive to innovate and lead from the front.”

Just recently, the company got a Danish license, which strengthened its position in the key European market.

Source: “CreedRoomz Secures ‘Live Casino Provider of the Year’ at SiGMA Europe Awards 2023″. CreedRoomz. 

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It seems that SOFTSWISS, a widely-acclaimed iGaming expert and pioneering gambling software operator, will have to expand its cupboard of trophies after the recent 2023 European iGaming Excellence Awards, one of the most prestigious events in the European online gambling industry. The latest iGaming event has awarded the company for outstanding achievements in the categories of Best Marketing Campaign and Best Customer Service.

Best Marketing Campaign Award

The company’s winning Maltese 360 Campaign was launched with the goal of making the brand more recognizable. The wide range of marketing activities, together with captivating artwork and striking visuals associated with the campaign to present the subtle essence of the brand against the daydreaming images of the vibrant island of Malta have proven to be extensively appealing to customers. According to the company, the campaign reached an estimated total audience of more than 50 percent of Malta’s population, as well as around 25,000 guests of the reputable SiGMA Europe annual show to testify about the customers’ interest but also the company’s commitment.

Delighted about the triumph, Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS reportedly said: “Enhancing the efficiency of our marketing communications is pivotal in achieving tangible commercial outcomes. Receiving fair recognition for the impressive display of extraordinary creativity, innovation, and marketing prowess is a great honour and source of inspiration for our talented Marketing Team. Rest assured, we are committed to constantly captivating our audience with even more groundbreaking creations in the future.”

Best Customer Service Award

But that’s not all; the company boasts of another well-deserved award that went to SOFTSWISS Managed Services which array of comprehensive solutions represent an integral part of the brand success. The sector offering services such as First Line Support, Anti-Fraud Support, VIP Player Support, Player Retention and Reactivation, and Content Management has been designed to promote the brand through a direct contact with customers. The customers’ satisfaction with SOFTSWISS Managed Services has shown that communication is the key to successful operations. The sector acts as a bridge between operators and players to facilitate a seamless gaming experience and the quality of its service has been duly recognized at 2023 European iGaming Excellence Awards to make the brand stand out.

Artyom Rudakov, Head of SOFTSWISS Managed Services, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award, which symbolises more than just recognition of our innovative, flexible, and highly customised approach in the industry. It’s a resounding acknowledgement of the remarkable efforts of our team members who contributed to this achievement.”

Source:

‘’Big Win At 2023 European iGaming Excellence Awards’’, softswiss.com, November 3, 2023.

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