The company, Blask, which focuses on crunching big data and leverages AI solutions to support partners, will prove invaluable to BetBlocker’s efforts to further strengthen safeguards related to player safety and consumer protection in gambling.

Bringing AI and RG Together to Tackle Gambling Harm

This partnership is a two-way street as Blask will also benefit from BetBlocker’s expertise and strengthen its analytics. Meanwhile, BetBlocker will improve its self-exclusion solution based on the AI experts’ insights and ability to comprehensively identify behavior and support players.

Commenting on this opportunity, Blask CEO Max Tesla hailed the chance to see his company work closely with BetBlocker and share its commitment to address gambling-related harm and help problem gamblers, making a real difference in the process.

“We are thrilled to partner with BetBlocker in our mission to use technology to create a more ethical way of doing things within the iGaming industry,” said Tesla.

BetBlocker trustee and founder Duncan Garvie expressed similar enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that challenges remained in ensuring a robust standard of self-exclusion for all parties involved.

Among the biggest challenges was identifying which operators were new to the market. However, this concern may now be properly addressed by leveraging Blask’s analytics capabilities, which could help BetBlocker act in a more prompt and targeted fashion.

“Their innovative AI technology will help us to identify gaps in our protections faster and provide stronger and more effective restrictions for our tens of thousands of users,” said Garvie, reflecting on the future of player protection.

Blask to Reshape Our Understanding of the Industry

Blask is a company built around technological excellence, aiming to capture insights from the iGaming market and provide them to key decision-makers.

In May, the company rolled out its AI analytics platform, delivering on its promise. The platform was co-founded by Tesla and Dmitry Belianin, a long-time industry thought leader.

Since its launch in 2023, Blask has garnered strong support from angel investors, notably from Yolo Investments. Despite fears that AI in gambling could help companies direct their products better at players and galvanize higher participation, companies like Blask are setting out to buck this trend and prove otherwise.

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James Browne, the Irish minister tasked with revamping the industry, says gambling harm must be addressed. In an interview with The Irish Sun, Browne slammed the scaremongering accusations that the new rules will land people in jail over betting tweets.

Thanks to his experience as a barrister Browne was tasked to regulate Ireland’s gambling industry by Tanaiste Micheal Martin himself. Many of Ireland’s gambling laws are almost a century old, sparking the need for urgent changes. However, Browne’s proposals have aggravated operators, sparking claims that the new regulations would devastate the horse racing industry.

In his interview with the Irish news outlet, Brown defended his vision for Ireland’s gambling sector, emphasizing the dangers of gambling harm. He said that he has personally known gambling addicts and believes that the Irish society doesn’t take the matter as seriously as it should. He reminded the public that the issue is very serious and that everyone is at risk.

Browne pointed out that, unlike other types of addiction, gambling addiction can be invisible to a person’s loved ones, which makes it very dangerous. He reiterated the importance of protecting local consumers in light of a recent study that showed there are approximately 130,000 problem players in the country.

Because of that, Browne and the Irish regulator seek to introduce new fines and possible jail sentences for operators and executives that violate Ireland’s safer gambling rules. In addition, the new regulations would ban betting ads from airing before 9 pm and will prohibit enticing offers such as free bets.

However, these measures do not sit well with the industry.

Browne Slammed the Scaremongering That Is Going on

In his interview with The Irish Sun, Browne said that the new measures are impeded by “extreme intensive lobbying.” Racing TV and At The Races, on the other hand, recently expressed their concerns, saying that the advertising ban may force them to exit the Irish market.

Racing TV, for example, said that the ban may cost it EUR 2 million. Browne, however, said that the broadcaster is yet to provide any evidence of that. He added:

Even if you accept the €2m — which is questionable — that’s a tiny fraction of a contract worth hundreds of millions of euros and a contract that was entered into in the face of Government policy.

James Browne

Browne added that the new policy will not change what types of betting are permitted or what events customers can wager on. As a result, broadcasting should not be as impacted as Racing TV claims, he concluded.

Browne also slammed recent claims that people could be jailed for social media posts about bets. He called this “scaremongering” and confirmed that people will not face charges for retweeting odds.

Finally, the Minister refuted the claims that the new public health measures would devastate the racing sector, saying that horse racing companies will likely just revert to sponsors that are not gambling companies.

Despite that, Browne conceded that the legislation would still need certain tweaks before it is ready to be signed into law. Browne confirmed that his team is working on amendments that address a problematic measure that would have introduced betting limits of EUR 10 for games with fixed odds, effectively hurting the poker sector.

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For nearly two decades, casinos in Atlantic City have been exempt from the statewide ban that prohibits smoking within public areas across New Jersey. The exemption in the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act enabled casino operators to allow indoor smoking for up to 25% of their gaming floors. During the pandemic, Atlantic City’s casinos banned indoor smoking temporarily. However, with the pandemic residing, indoor smoking was reinstated. Unlike other states where the temporary smoking ban became the new normal, operators in Atlantic City continue to fear the possible negative impact of such a measure.

Despite fears, one proposal that calls to close the existing smoking loophole in the legislation is gaining traction in New Jersey. Senate Bill 264 (SB 264) proposes the elimination of the smoking ban exemption that is applicable to casinos and simulcasting facilities. The bill’s primary sponsors are Joseph Vitale and Shirley Turner, but it is also co-sponsored by two dozen lawmakers.

The proposal marks the latest effort by lawmakers that want to put an end to the exemption of smoking for casinos. Enjoying bipartisan support, SB 264 gained traction recently after it was heard by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. Supporters of the proposal hope for it to gain further traction and those efforts come at a time when bills can advance at a faster pace ahead of January, which marks the expiration of the legislative session.

The latest progress comes after a hearing with the Assembly dating back to March. At the time, supporters of the new proposal, as well as opponents, were heard. Besides bipartisan support, the smoking ban is backed by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), a group that fights against smoking inside casinos.

Smoking Ban Opponents Voice Their Concerns

Despite the concerns about the impact of smoking on casino employees’ health, not everyone agrees with the proposed smoke ban in New Jersey. Groups against the smoking ban continue to claim that it may result in significant losses for casino operators. They claim that in turn, this can result in layoffs and reducing the number of employees.

Previously, Unite Here claimed that a smoking ban could have a devastating impact on Atlantic City’s casino sector. According to them, the implementation of a smoke ban may decrease gross gaming revenues for casinos by a staggering 11%.

Contradictory to anti-smoking groups, supporters of the smoke ban claimed that it wouldn’t have such a dire impact on the casino sector. Supporting this statement, the groups reiterated that a temporary ban imposed due to the pandemic did not hurt the sector.

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Catena Media, a company that creates content-rich websites that help users navigate the complex world of online sports betting and casino gaming, has published its Q3 results, reporting a favorable net cash position despite a Q3 revenue drop.

As reported by the company, its revenue decreased by 28% year-on-year to EUR 15.9 million ($17.4 million, current rates). The company attributed the decline to the transition of some contracts in North America from CPA to revenue share. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations decreased by 65% to EUR 3.1 million ($3.4 million), corresponding to a margin of 19%.

North American revenue plummeted by 29% to EUR 13.3 million ($14.5 million). In addition, the company reported an NA EBITDA margin of 44% despite the transition and intense competition. Meanwhile, the number of depositing customers in the NA region was 17% up. However, the total number of new depositing customers (NDCs) from continuing operations totaled 44,986, a decrease of 34%.

Earnings per share from continuing operations totaled EUR -0.02 ($-0.022). Catena Media also noted that 90% of its group revenue came from regulated markets.

At the close of the quarter, Catena Media reported net debt of EUR 25.4 million ($27.8 million) and concluded the quarter with a net cash position of EUR 21.2 million ($23.2 million). On September 30, Catena Media had EUR 33.5 million ($36.7 million) in cash and cash equivalents.

After Q3, the company finalized the sale of its online sports betting and casino gaming business in Italy for EUR 19.8 million ($21.7 million). At the beginning of Q4, Catena Media continued to invest in the development of an AI-based affiliation platform.

Catena Media also published its year-to-date results, highlighting revenue from continuing operations of EUR 62.3 million ($68.3 million), representing a 16% decrease from the prior-year period. NA revenue decreased to EUR 54.8 million and the number of NDCs from continuing operations declined by 24% to 186,129.

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations decreased by 34% to EUR 23.7 million ($26 million), translating to a margin of 38%.

In Q3, Catena Media initiated a share buyback program and agreed to divest its UK and Australian sports betting brands in a EUR 6 million ($6.57 million) deal. The quarter also saw the company part ways with Per Widerström who now heads 888.

In August, Catena Media penned a media partnership with The Sporting News. The following month, the company launched sports betting affiliation in Kentucky.

Soon after the conclusion of the quarter, Catena Media announced the completion of its share buyback program, noting that it had repurchased 2,510,116 Catena Media shares during the period from July 17 to October 31.

Michael Daly, Catena Media’s chief executive, commented on the report, noting that it has been 18 months since the company commenced the strategic review and streamlining of its business. He said that the company will now focus on more stable markets that provide opportunities for stable growth.

Predictable regulatory frameworks provide stability for operators and affiliates alike. They create a structure that allows Catena Media to respond effectively to market needs and to confront the operating challenges and opportunities we face in North America and beyond.

Michael Daly, CEO, Catena Media

In other news, Catena Media recently joined forces with five other affiliates to form the Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association.

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888, the company that acquired William Hill earlier this year, provided insights into its efforts to promote responsible gambling across its retail business during the ongoing Safer Gambling Week. According to the company, the initiative is a great opportunity to reflect on its progress.

Mark McCaffrey, the company’s head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook, highlighted the efforts of the company’s shop employees who have a great relationship with their customers. According to McCaffrey, 888’s genuine care for the customers provides it with a significant advantage when it comes to safer gambling.

McCaffrey also noted that 888 has introduced a number of new tools and changes that help them shield consumers from harm. This includes the introduction of exception reporting that helps 888 employees identify at-risk players based on changes in their behavior.

In addition, 888 introduced a new affordability approach to prompt conversation at key points in the customer journey. Furthermore, the company made improvements to the system its workers use to record customer interactions and decisions, providing a more holistic view of their time with the company.

McCaffrey praised the progress but said that there is still more to do.

The Company Implemented Many New Solutions

According to 888’s head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook, the company will continue to improve into 2024. As a result, it will make further investments and is currently exploring options to change its customer management system.

McCaffrey added that the company is also planning to include better support for colleagues to identify customers through the implementation of a data-driven markers of harm model. The gambling giant also plans to introduce bespoke shop-level prompts based on each shop’s risk profile.

In addition to innovating through the use of cutting-edge technology, 888 also recently teamed up with BetKnowMore to offer a training program for its cluster operations managers and shop teams. The training will enhance the managers’ and team’s skills even further, McCaffrey said.

888’s head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook also promised that there is a lot more the company has in store. He noted that as retail shops celebrate Safer Gambling Week, customers can expect to see a number of webinars, top tips, best practices and quizzes.

Player safety is important to us every day of every week in every shop. Safer Gambling Week provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the great things we do, share the exciting plans we have and provide opportunity for everyone to learn a little more about this important subject.
Mark McCaffrey, head of compliance policy, retail & sportsbook, 888

In other news, a recent report said that DraftKings may be eyeing a takeover of 888.

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The NSW government has confirmed that the proposed ban is going to be complied with fully, and already nearly 50% of all establishments have decided to act preemptively and strip their outward gambling signage.

NSW Sees Proposed Gambling Signage Ban Preparations Take Off

The measure discussed is a voted proposal by the government which wants gambling businesses to remove signage that invites passers-by to visit their VIP Room, VIP Lounge, Golden Room, Players’ Lounge, and other similar dedicated gambling spaces, which boil down to gambling business operations.

The government has similarly acted preemptively and anticipated some companies using imagery and signage such as dragons, coins, or lightning to attract people, but this type of outward branding and marking one’s establishment has also been prohibited under the new rules. Officials from the NSW government provided an update last week, confirming that 215 out of 530 venues have moved on with complying with the measure.

Minister for Gaming & Racing David Harris has hailed the efforts made by these establishments and said that they went on to indicate that operators and the government can indeed collaborate in helping reduce gambling harm and making sure that consumers are protected across the board.

“We announced these changes back in May as a staged approach to ensure pubs and clubs were given the appropriate amount of time to conceal, remove and switch off any gambling-promoting signage,” Davis added. However, this measure is just one of the planned proposals that will help elevate the responsible gambling field in Australia and New South Wales in particular.

A Raft of Measures to Protect Consumers and Tackle Crime

There are further measures designed to ensure that Australians and NSW residents are protected. One of the most ambitious measures is to reduce the cash input limit for electronic gaming machines from $5,000 presently to $500.

Another measure is to ban clubs that offer gambling materials from being able to place political donations of any sort, and there will also be Responsible Gaming Officers now available at any venue that features more than 20 machines. NSW is also focusing on a cashless tech that is supposed to curb money laundering and boost player protection.

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Leading Swedish gambling operators, Kindred Group, Svenska Spel, and ATG, have released their latest data on responsible gambling in Sweden, revealing that a significant number of players change their behavior after being contacted by the operators.

Operators Release Responsible Gambling Metrics in Sweden

In an effort to promote transparency and responsible gambling, the three operators began sharing internal data on their responsible gambling initiatives in the autumn of 2022. The data is submitted to the Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, every six months.

The published data covers four key areas: the percentage of players contacted due to risky gambling behavior, the impact of operator contact on players, the number of players who reduced their problem gambling habits, and the percentage of players who completely stopped gambling.

During the period under review, Kindred reported that 0.5% of its customers were contacted over suspected or at-risk problematic gambling behavior. This percentage remained consistent with the previous six-month period. 

Of those contacted, 75.1% reduced their gambling activities after interacting with the operator, and 75.8% decreased their average gambling deposits. Additionally, 1.1% chose to self-exclude from Kindred’s platform for less than six months, while 0.8% opted for a self-exclusion period of six months or longer.

Additionally, in April Kindred Group disclosed a reduction in its revenue share from harmful gambling for the first quarter of 2023.

ATG’s Responsible Gaming Efforts Yield Positive Results: 57.3% Reduce Gambling

ATG, on the other hand, contacted 1.9% of its customers regarding their gambling behavior during the period, an increase from the previous six months’ figure of 1.4%. Following operator contact, 57.3% of users reduced their gambling, and 61.1% decreased their deposits. Moreover, 1.4% of customers chose to self-exclude for up to six months, while 1.9% opted for a self-exclusion period longer than six months.

Sophie Linghag, the head of fair play at ATG, commented: “It is important that ATG, Kindred and Svenska Spel continue to report key figures for responsible gaming in an equivalent manner. Transparency helps to drive the gambling industry in a more sustainable direction. The key figures should be reported because they form the core of the duty of care, an important provision in the Gambling Act: monitor risky gambling patterns, initiate contact, and ensure limited gambling when there are reasons for it. “

Although Svenska Spel did not provide full figures, CEO and president Patrik Hofbauer noted that seven out of ten customers reduced their gambling habits after being contacted by the operator. The positive effect of the operator’s measures was emphasized, particularly in light of the company’s marginal year-on-year increase in net gaming revenue, primarily driven by digital growth.

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The English Gambling Education Hub (EGEH), published its first Insights Report in the wake of its first networking event dedicated to the dangers of gambling harm to young people. The original event was held in March and attracted many experts in the fields of health, education, voluntary local authority.

The hub, which encompasses GambleAware-funded organizations, such as ARA, Aquarius, Beacon Counselling Trust, Breakeven, GamCare, NECA and YGAM vowed to continue protecting the youth from harm.

During the networking event, the experts discussed how gambling harm affects young people. The EGEH members assessed the risks and confirmed that they are committed to raising awareness about the problem.

The event, furthermore, helped to introduce the EGEH and highlight the importance of collaboration to the provision of efficient educational materials to the public.

The EGEH Identified Four Main Points

The EGEH believes that tackling the issue is of extreme importance since a recent UKGC study demonstrated that a concerning 0.9% of the people aged 11 to 16 engage in problem gambling. The bad news did not stop there as the commission also noted that an additional 2.4% are at-risk customers.

During the inaugural networking event, the experts identified four main points that can contribute to solving the problem.

First of all, young people are more likely to respond to initiatives developed by other young people. As a result, collaboration with the youth will be crucial to the success of educational programs.

Furthermore, the experts agreed that gambling harms can be caused or exacerbated by other issues. As a result, organizations would need to find links between problem gambling and other risky behaviors.

In addition, safer gambling organizations should work together rather than compete with one another. By sharing resources and experience, experts can be far more efficient.

Lastly, organizations need to be mindful of the diverse communities that can experience harm and try to understand the inherent differences and similarities between them. Efficiently connecting with various groups is at the heart of EGEH’s mission.

The hub will continue its efforts to provide free and reliable educational materials for problem gambling, helping people across the UK get their habits under control. The EGEH members will, in the meantime, continue exploring ways to connect with young people and protect them from harm.

The hub will continue working with other organizations in the sector to make sure that progress is being made.

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In the wake of the recent legislative failure to expand gambling in Texas, Naskila Casino, one of the three legal gaming establishments in the state, is ramping up its advertising efforts to attract new customers.

Naskila Casino Sparks Excitement with New Advertising Campaign

Whitney Williams, the social media specialist at Naskila Casino, conveyed her excitement regarding the new advertising campaign, mentioning that seeing the signs was thrilling and that it created an irresistible anticipation for the experience. She further stated that the casino had the objective of expanding its player base and promoting growth, reported KETK NBC. Williams added that they were optimistic about their ability to develop a robust player network.

However, Texas Values, an organization dedicated to preserving family values in the state, has expressed concerns about the advertisements promoting gambling expansion. Jonathan Covey, the policy director for Texas Values, voiced his apprehension, noting that such ads can be harmful and potentially exacerbate addictive disorders. Covey cited evidence linking gambling problems to increased family violence and the rise of underage online gambling.

Despite the concerns raised by Texas Values, the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas, which operates Naskila Casino, emphasized that their destination offers more than just gambling. Williams highlighted the variety of recreational activities available, such as visiting the lake area with cabins and RV parking.

While neighboring states have actively lured Texans across their borders with gaming options, the prospects for additional casinos within Texas remain dim. The failed expansion efforts have placed a firm cap on casino growth in the Lone Star State.

Texas Abandons Online Sports Betting in 2023, but Governor Perry Remains Optimistic

Texas has recently abandoned its pursuit of online sports betting in 2023, as legislative sessions have concluded without progress in passing comprehensive gambling expansion laws. A bill aiming to expand sports betting did not advance beyond the House, lacking interest and support in the Senate. 

Texas has traditionally taken a strict stance against gambling, considering it a cause of social issues. However, proponents like investor Mark Cuban argue that introducing casinos in the state could boost tourism and retain revenue currently lost to neighboring states. 

Despite the defeat, Texas Governor Rick Perry remains optimistic about the industry’s future. Perry, a spokesperson for the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, believes that the State Senate can be convinced to support the legalization of sports betting. 

Perry emphasized the potential for Texas to become a casino resort destination and acknowledged the desire of Texans to bet in a safe and regulated environment. However, the main challenge lies in calling a referendum and amending the constitution, which requires two-thirds majorities in both the Senate and the House. Governor Perry hopes to see the matter put to a vote in a 2025 ballot.

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As a leading US gambling equipment manufacturer, Everi maintains a presence in several states. However, rising costs have pushed the company to consolidate its operations in a new state-of-the-art facility located in Las Vegas. Everi’s new hub will be significantly more energy-efficient and employee-friendly while retaining its focus on operational effectiveness and excellent customer service.

The New Venue Boasts Many Impressive Features

Everi’s most recent press release focused on the company’s planned 182,500-square-foot leased facility in Las Vegas. The high-tech building is already under construction and should meet all the manufacturer’s needs. Upon completion, the facility will host most of Everi’s manufacturing, assembly, and distribution efforts, centralizing its operations in one state for easier management.

Streamlining all of our… processes into a single facility designed to our specifications would best serve the needs of our large and growing casino customer base.

Randy Taylor, Everi CEO, and president

The state-of-the-art building will help simplify supply chains. Its location in the middle of the USA and proximity to the country’s largest gaming hub will significantly relieve distribution pressures. The facility’s substantial size will allow it to hold Everi’s production, receiving, and shipping, with ample space remaining for Games and FinTech lab facilities, service, customer installation teams, and administrative staff.

The Everi team has taken great care to future-proof the new venue, allowing ample room for expansion. Environmental sustainability and an employee-friendly working environment also received significant attention. Energy-efficient design and solar power installations will significantly reduce the building’s ecological impact. Occupant wellness features like thermal comfort, ample parking, and electric recharging stations will significantly bolster employee comfort and morale.

Customers Should Remain Unaffected by the Move

Moving a large and active production base will be challenging for Everi. The company’s FinTech product assembly team at its current Vegas facility should have a reasonably easy time relocating, but consolidating manufacturing bases in other states will be significantly more challenging. Despite such difficulties, the economic and employee benefits should be worth the extra effort.

Production of gaming machines currently happens in Austin, Texas. Everi’s press release mentions that the relocation will affect 35 employees who can either move to Vegas or apply for other positions at the company. Transitioning to the new facility will be performed gradually over six months to avoid delays or disruptions.

We have the highest regard for our Austin employees who will be impacted by this initiative… and will strive to make any transition as painless as possible.

Randy Taylor, Everi CEO, and president

Centralizing resources and streamlining production seem like sound investments in the current uncertain economic climate. The move to one primary location should net Everi long-term financial benefits, hopefully offsetting the cost of the new facility. The company currently enjoys a healthy position, making this the perfect time to invest in similar sustainable long-term initiatives.

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