Playson, a distinguished supplier in the iGaming industry, has strengthened its presence in Spain by partnering with one of the country’s premier betting and iGaming brands, Luckia Gaming Group. This collaboration marks another significant milestone in Playson’s expansion strategy, enhancing the gaming experience for Luckia’s diverse player base.

Expanding Content Through Strategic Integration

The partnership with Luckia Gaming Group was facilitated through Games Global’s aggregation platform, allowing seamless integration of Playson’s renowned Hold and Win portfolio into Luckia’s online casino. Players can now enjoy a variety of popular titles, including Royal Coins 2, Diamonds Power, and Fire Coins. This strategic addition enriches Luckia’s content library, offering players more variety and driving further growth for the operator’s online services.

About Luckia Gaming Group

Founded in 1980, Luckia Gaming Group stands as one of Spain’s foremost entertainment companies, operating both land-based and online gaming services. Beyond Spain, Luckia extends its reach to Portugal, Colombia, Mexico, and Cameroon, solidifying its status as a global gaming operator.

Eloy Fernandez, Head of Product at Luckia, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: “We are so pleased to launch Playson’s award-winning titles and inject even more excitement into our offering. Our players come to us for an enjoyable, well-rounded experience and we know the studio’s omnichannel titles will be a huge hit. After analyzing player tastes and preferences in detail, we look forward to seeing how much they love these new additions.”

Playson’s Commitment to Growth and Innovation

This collaboration highlights Playson’s commitment to adapting and growing in response to evolving market trends. By developing games that resonate with a broad spectrum of player preferences, Playson continues to expand its footprint in regulated markets worldwide.

Paul McInnes, Sales Manager at Playson, commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to provide Luckia with Playson’s premium slot content in the Spanish market through Games Global and this significant milestone represents Playson’s expansion into other regulated markets such as Portugal and the UK, where our strategy is to increase our presence and for which our games portfolio is ideally suited.”

The agreement not only enhances Luckia’s gaming offerings but also underscores Playson’s ability to deliver high-quality content that appeals to diverse player demographics. By integrating with a reputable and established operator like Luckia, Playson continues to demonstrate its capability to meet and exceed the expectations of the global gaming community.

The partnership between Playson and Luckia Gaming Group is set to bring a new level of excitement and variety to players, reinforcing both companies’ positions in the competitive iGaming landscape. As Playson continues to innovate and expand its portfolio, players can look forward to more engaging and entertaining gaming experiences.

Source: LUCKIA GAMING GROUP CHOOSES PLAYSON FOR MORE CONTENT OPTIONS. Playson. June 4, 2024.

The post Playson Expands in Spain through Luckia Gaming Group Partnership appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Considering that casinos handle large sums of cash, they are often vulnerable to attempts of criminal activities. From fraud and cheating to money laundering, land-based casino operators are constantly on high alert to combat unlawful activities and identify bad actors.

While in some cases, the culprits are guests, in others, insider involvement is possible. This is precisely the case for several people who have recently been arrested by the Judiciary Police in Macau over allegedly participating in a criminal syndicate that defrauded a Cotai Strip casino.

Overall, eight people have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the criminal activities. All of the detainees are local residents, and their age is between 33 and 42. Despite the arrest of the eight people, law enforcement considers that more individuals are involved in the unlawful activities and it will continue to investigate in order to identify and detain them.

The Judiciary Police said that the group’s actions resulted in losses of an estimated HK$4.54 million ($581,500) for one casino operator in Macau. However, the name of the casino was not disclosed. The same group is suspected of being involved in at least two other crimes, dating back to earlier this year.

During the arrest of the eight individuals, police raided a number of properties. In the process of detention, some of the suspects were not cooperative with law enforcement. It is unclear what charges each of the suspects is facing.

Casino Operator Employees Suspected of Collaborating with Criminal Syndicate

Out of the eight people who were arrested, five have been employed by the casino operator that was defrauded. Those employees, who held roles such as dealers, table game managers and directors, are suspected of collaborating with the criminal syndicate that ultimately resulted in the hefty losses for the gambling operator.

On the other hand, the three other individuals who were apprehended are suspected of orchestrating the criminal activities. The trio allegedly played an important role for the group with a focus on planning the unlawful activities.

The three members of the criminal syndicate allegedly collaborated with casino employees to manipulate card games. This enabled them to gain an advantage in games, ultimately defrauding the casino out of HK$4.54 million ($581,500).

The recent case raises a serious concern about the breach of trust of the aforementioned casino employees, some of which held important roles. Still, anyone is considered innocent before being proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The post Macau Casino Employees Suspected of Ties to Criminal Group appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In its recent trading news, the Rank Group has highlighted a significant 6% year-on-year increase in income for the third quarter, reaching an impressive £182.3 million. This growth trajectory shows the company’s solid performance across its digital and land-based gaming sectors.

Land-Based Revenue Overview

The Grosvenor venues continue to lead in terms of revenue generation for the Rank Group. Despite showing a modest growth rate of 3% in Q3, these venues remain a cornerstone of the company’s revenue stream. The increase in visitor numbers by 5% has contributed to a notable 2% rise in average weekly net gaming revenue (NGR) at Grosvenor, aligning with Rank’s strategic goal of achieving £7.0 million weekly NGR from its Grosvenor venues business.

On the other hand, the Mecca bingo venues have experienced a remarkable 12% earnings surge. This growth can be attributed to a combination of increased visitor numbers, which rose by 5% from last year, and a substantial 7% rise in spending per visit. Notably, this surge in gain coincided with strong trading periods during Mother’s Day and Easter weekends, indicating robust consumer engagement with Mecca’s offerings.

The Rank Group’s success extends beyond the UK, with its Enracha venues division in Spain witnessing a commendable 9% revenue increase, amounting to £10.0 million. This international growth underscores Rank’s ability to capitalize on diverse market opportunities and expand its global footprint.

Digital Growth and Operational Enhancements

Digital revenue saw a significant uptick of 6%, totaling £55.0 million in Q3. The UK digital sector experienced a 4% revenue increase, while Spain witnessed an impressive 20% year-on-year growth. Mecca’s digital net gaming revenue (NGR) surged by an impressive 21% in the UK, showcasing the strong performance of its digital gaming offerings. However, Grosvenor’s digital NGR saw a marginal 1% rise, attributed to a weaker gaming margin stemming from significant customer wins.

To further enhance its digital operations, Rank implemented a new content management system for its Mecca and Grosvenor online platforms during Q3. This system aims to improve operational efficiency and facilitate rapid market responsiveness for customer proposition enhancements.

Looking at the year-to-date performance, Rank Group’s income for the nine months ending in March reached a substantial £544.9 million, marking an impressive 8% increase compared to the previous year. This robust performance is driven by the continued growth of Grosvenor and Mecca venues, along with positive digital revenue trends.

As the fiscal year progresses, Rank anticipates that its strong performance will persist, with operating profit expected to align with market expectations for the year ending June 30. This outlook is bolstered by ongoing operational enhancements and strategic initiatives aimed at maximizing revenue potential.

CEO John O’Reilly said: “We continue to make good progress across both our venues and online businesses. Q3 trading is very much in line with the board’s expectations. Performance continues to improve. We have the very important land-based reforms from the government’s white paper to look forward to, which we hope to start implementing in the coming months.”

Stake Sale in Passion Gaming

Rank has announced its decision to divest its stake in Passion Gaming, an Indian online rummy business. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, Rank has emphasized that the transaction represents a significant strategic move for the company’s portfolio optimization.

Source: ”Spain and Mecca Bingo revenue surges as Rank hails Q3 progress”, igamingbusiness.com, April 18, 2024.

The post Rank Group Reports Strong Q3 Revenue Growth of 6%! appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A group of four individuals from Illinois is facing charges in connection with a sophisticated baccarat scam that reportedly swindled the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino out of a staggering $300,000. The alleged scheme, involving six individuals in total, unfolded in the early hours of March 13, culminating in the detention of the four accused parties.

Illinois Group Employed Strategic Card Placement and Cellphone Tracking

According to court documents, Zu Lin, Yuhan Hu, Liping Zhou, and Zhencan Chen, all residents of Illinois, were apprehended by authorities following the departure of two other members of their group, Fuxiang Liu, and alleged ringleader Qingyong Zhang, reported local media outlet Lehigh Valley Live. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. at the Wind Creek Gaming Office.

Police reports suggest that the scam commenced shortly before 4 a.m. as the six individuals congregated at a reserved baccarat table on the casino floor. Qingyong Zhang, the purported mastermind, employed various techniques, including strategic card positioning and covert cell phone use, to track the order of cards as the deck was shuffled.

Subsequently, Zhang and Hu temporarily left the gaming area, reconvening at Hu’s hotel room before returning to the table to resume play. At approximately 5:10 a.m., Zhang allegedly signaled for the group to escalate their betting activity, prompting a series of lucrative wins over the ensuing half-hour.

Following their successful stint at the baccarat table, the group dispersed, with Zhang and Liu exiting the premises while the remaining four members engaged in other games within the casino. During interrogation, Hu disclosed that Zhang had compensated him with $5,000 for his participation, with all proceeds from the operation reportedly funneled to Zhang himself.

The Four Members of the Gourp Face Felony Charges

Further investigation revealed prior involvement in similar illicit gambling activities by Hu and Zhou in Illinois and Missouri, respectively. Consequently, the four apprehended individuals are facing felony charges of participation in a corrupt organization. While Lin, Hu, and Chen managed to post bail set at $100,000, Zhou remains in custody at Northampton County Prison.

Notably, the accused individuals, aged between 28 and 51, all hail from Chicago, with Lin being the exception, originating from Mount Vernon, Illinois. Legal representatives for the defendants have yet to provide comment on the matter, leaving lingering questions surrounding the intricate web of deception orchestrated within the confines of the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino.

Baccarat is seemingly a coveted mark for scammers. Recently authorities in Pennsylvania have been actively searching for Jianchu Liu, a 47-year-old Chinese national suspected of involvement in a professional cheating ring targeting baccarat games at casinos across the United States, including Mohegan Pennsylvania. 

Liu’s alleged sophisticated cheating method involved recording card sequences with his cellphone, prompting casino surveillance to identify him. Despite a warrant for his arrest on fraud-related charges, Liu remains at large, and authorities are seeking public assistance in locating him. This incident adds to a series of recent baccarat-related cheating scandals, including accusations against a Mohegan Sun dealer in January.

The post Illinois Group Accused of Defrauding Wind Creek Casino in Baccarat Scam appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Rank Group released its latest interim results, uncovering details regarding its progress over the six months ended December 31, 2023. The company referred to the period as H1 2023/24, with results pointing to an increase in net gaming revenue (NGR) year-over-year. Besides financial data, Rank Group released details regarding its expectations for 2024 in key markets.

Focusing on the UK, John O’Reilly, the company’s chief executive, explained that the business is positioned well for further growth, boosted by the upcoming regulatory changes within the retail gambling sector in the country. The changes are expected to come into effect at some point this year, according to the company, possibly around the summer. “These reforms cannot come soon enough in enabling us to modernize our proposition to better meet our customers’ expectations,” added O’Reilly.

“We are well positioned to optimize the opportunities afforded by the UK Government’s planned land-based regulatory reforms which will hopefully be implemented through the passing of secondary legislation in the summer of 2024.“

John O’Reilly, chief executive of The Rank Group

Last year, the Gambling Act review white paper was released, outlining a number of suggestions that are expected to completely overhaul the gambling industry across the country. Among the proposed changes are the implementation of limits for online slots, changes in the ratio of B and C gambling devices, as well as implementation of affordability checks, among other improvements.

Yet, so far the government hasn’t set a deadline for the implementation of the changes, while consultations with stakeholders on certain topics are still ongoing. Ultimately, the review of the Gambling Act 2005 is expected to ensure that the laws in the country fit the digital age.

The Company Posts Strong Results Despite Challenges

When it comes to financial results, Rank Group posted £362.6 million ($460 million) in NGR for H1 2023/24. This figure, compared to the £338.9 million ($430 million) reported for the corresponding period a year ago, showed an increase of 7%. Additionally, Rank Group confirmed that its operating profit for the latest trading period was £16.2 million ($20.6 million).

“Whilst it remains a challenging economic environment, we are positive about the future and expect LFL operating profit for the year ending 30 June 2024 to be in line with our expectations,“

reads a statement released by The Rank Group

While the company acknowledged that the economic environment remains challenging, it was still optimistic about its future performance. Rank Group said that it anticipates its upcoming financial results for the year ending June 30, 2024, to coincide with its initial expectations.

The post Rank Group Enjoys Strong Results, Remains Optimistic about UK Growth appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Leading B2B technology provider EveryMatrix has announced the appointment of Bobby Longhurst as its new Group chief commercial officer (CCO). Longhurst brings a wealth of experience to the role and replaces Stian Hornsletten, who will move to the position of chief executive officer of the Games division at the start of next month.

EveryMatrix Continues Investing in Top Talent

The company’s latest announcement is part of ongoing changes to EveryMatrix’s executive team. Bobby Longhurst will assume the responsibilities of Group CCO, stepping into co-founder Stian Hornsletten’s shoes. Adding to the executive reshuffle, Nikolina Gabelica was appointed head of lottery two days before Longhurst’s announcement, further bolstering the company’s leadership.

EveryMatrix Group CEO Ebbe Groes expressed his confidence in the new appointment, noting that attracting leading industry talent would pay significant long-term dividends. He lauded Longhurst’s expertise, hoping the new CCO would contribute to the company’s sustained growth. The leading supplier maintains impressive momentum and should benefit from a fresh perspective.

Bobby’s… extensive commercial, product, and strategic experience will provide us with even greater firepower to expand our reach across new and existing verticals.

Ebbe Groes, EveryMatrix Group CEO

The B2B provider’s impressive Q3 2023 results mean that Longhurst’s new position as CCO will be dynamic and challenging as the company prioritizes its North American expansion. EveryMatrix recently announced a new partnership with gaming giant Caesars Entertainment, agreeing to supply its content for Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Caesars Palace Online Casino.

Longhurst Is Well-Prepared to Excel in His New Position

Bobby Longhurst enters EveryMatrix with an extensive background, accumulating over 15 years of experience in various roles. His professional journey includes a three-year stint at venture capital firm Mindhub Capital as director of business intelligence. Longhurst also served as the Owner & CEO of Farrell Longhurst, his human capital acquisition company, for more than seven and a half years.

The new CCO’s foray into the gambling sector began in January 2017 as he joined B2B trading and pricing service provider Sporting Solutions. He quickly became a leading industry expert, making his new role a natural next step in his career. Longhurst was keen to join EveryMatrix, hoping to help the company capitalize on its ongoing growth.

There are huge opportunities on the horizon across all our major business units and products following the success the business has had in recent years.

Bobby Longhurst, EveryMatrix CCO

The recent series of strategic appointments and management reshuffles is part of EveryMatrix’s plan to strengthen its position in the dynamic and competitive iGaming landscape, leveraging the expertise and leadership of experienced professionals like Bobby Longhurst. The company hopes to maintain its impressive 2023 momentum and achieve even greater success in the new year.

The post EveryMatrix Welcomes Bobby Longhurst as Group CCO appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Online gambling giant 888 Group has confirmed a wave of job cuts in Israel as part of its broader organizational restructuring, impacting dozens of its regional employees. This move follows a similar round of layoffs in the country last January. Such events are rarely a good sign, but 888 should still be able to recapture its momentum and have a successful year.

The Group Commands a Sizeable Worldwide Presence

The 888 Group, with a total workforce of 11,000 individuals, including 500 in Israel, is undergoing significant changes in its operational structure. With dozens of job cuts, the company has joined a growing list of high-tech businesses that have reduced their workforce in the country, whether due to regional instabilities or rising macroeconomic pressures.

An 888 Group spokesperson commented on the layoffs, noting they were part of a broader organizational restructuring. The company aims to advance its long-term strategic plans, better positioning it for enduring success. 888 stated it would ensure the affected personnel would achieve adequate support to adapt to these changing circumstances.

Unfortunately, some of our positions in Israel have become redundant. We will offer our full support to those colleagues who were affected by the move.

888 Group statement

Exactly one year ago, the company went through another significant round of layoffs, reducing its 590 staff by almost 100. 888 again justified the move with an increasingly challenging operational environment, hoping to achieve cost reductions in all the company’s branches. The Group did not comment on whether it planned any additional layoffs.

The Layoffs Are Another Troubling Sign for 888

888 Group’s 2021 acquisition of William Hill added significant operational and regulatory complexity to its worldwide operations, necessitating the ongoing restructuring. However, the process has not been kind to the company, as disappointing financial results have damaged investor confidence. These results may indicate an unfortunate trend for the company as 2022 saw another 7% slump.

Despite ongoing difficulties, 888 maintains a positive outlook, reaffirming its efforts to promote responsible gambling across its retail business as it adapts to shifting regulatory landscapes. While 888 Group seeks to optimize its structure for long-term success, the impact on its workforce reflects the broader trend of companies in the gambling industry adjusting their operations to stay agile and competitive. 

As 888 Group moves through this restructuring phase, the industry will watch how the operator navigates the challenges posed by recent acquisitions, positioning itself for sustained growth in an increasingly competitive market. Recent high-level leadership shifts should provide fresh perspectives, hopefully reversing the negative trend and allowing 888 to better capitalize on its global presence.

The post 888 Group Announces Job Cuts in Israel amid Global Restructuring appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Gauselmann Group, an international gaming group, has officially changed its name to Merkur Group, reflecting its goal to build a new brand identity. As a result, Gauselmann AG will now operate under the name Merkur.com AG.

According to the company’s official announcement, the rebranding was completed on January 1.

Paul Gauselmann introduced the Merkur brand in the 1970s and gradually turned it into a gaming powerhouse. The success of the company was boosted by the Merkur B, the group’s AWP machine division. It was later further reinforced by the launch of Gauselmann’s first company-owned arcade, the Merkur Spielothek.

Following that, Merkur produced a plethora of games, gaming machines and gaming systems, all developed and distributed under the company’s signature laughing sun logo. According to Paul Gauselmann, this success was among the reasons for the current rebranding of the group.

The Rebrand Capitalizes on Merkur’s Appeal

The rebrand was announced in September 2023 and aligns with the company’s desire to capitalize on the Merkur brand’s appeal. This important step will also allow the group to create a unified identity for itself.

The corporate group is becoming increasingly digital and international. The change of name reflects this fact. Both developments will benefit from linking the appeal of our Merkur brand to the company name.

Paul Gauselmann, founder & chair of the management board, Merkur Group

From now on, all marketing materials will display the company’s new look. This also means that the company will have to adapt a large number of company signs. Despite that, Merkur emphasized that the changes to its image will not affect the presence of the Gauselmann Family Foundation. As explained by Paul Gauselmann: “Continuity and stability are cornerstones of our corporate philosophy and will continue to be important factors for success going forward.”

The post Gauselmann Group Officially Rebrands as Merkur appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Kindred Group will benefit from OnAir Entertainment’s dedicated live casino content and strengthen its presence in the vertical through the addition of new & dynamic titles.

OnAir Entertainment brings a diverse selection of titles, including traditional live casino games as well as game shows designed to elevate the entertainment value operators can provide their audiences.

Kindred and Games Global have vowed to deliver an experience that does not only strengthens their respective presence in the segment but also elevates the overall standards for live casino offering. Details about this are forthcoming. Right now, Kindred and OnAir Entertainment will work on more immersive gaming delivered through the live casino offering.

Among the titles included in Kindred Group’s brands are such studio accomplishments as Travel Fever, one of the newer releases, along with Blackjack and Roulette. Both companies welcomed the opportunity to strengthen their respective portfolios by expanding their reach and introducing more players to live casino gaming as part of this new collaboration.

Games Global CRO Julie Allison was confident that the companies had plenty to offer by crafting an experience that would both delight players but also raise standards industry-wide.

Creating Value in the Live Casino Sector

Kindred Group Head of Casino Gareth Jennings was similarly confident in the success of this new tie-up, arguing that gaining access to OnAir Entertainment’s portfolio of live titles was something that the company was specifically looking for.

“Our players can anticipate an elevated gaming experience,” Jennings promised. Kindred Group has taken similar collaborative steps with other companies from iGaming as well, including Swintt, covering multiple jurisdictions for both companies.

As to Games Global, the company recently introduced its OnAir Entertainment live casino games to another prominent industry player through a tie-up with Betsson Group.

The post Kindred Group Launches with OnAir Entertainment for Live Casino appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Bragg Gaming, a reputable name on the online gambling scene, announces the live launch of its casino content with Sportium, a prominent entity under the umbrella of CIRSA.

This milestone represents a significant expansion for Bragg in the vibrant Spanish market, unlocking a world of gaming possibilities for Sportium players.

Content Goes Live

Bragg Gaming’s foray into the Spanish market gains momentum with the live integration of its casino content on Sportium’s platform. As a CIRSA-owned entity, Sportium stands as a formidable player in the Spanish gaming arena. The launch is proof of Bragg’s desire to present Sportium players with a diverse gaming experience, featuring a blend of the supplier’s proprietary casino content and curated games from third-party providers.

Sportium players now have an expanded gaming horizon at their fingertips. Bragg’s casino content portfolio, carefully crafted for diverse player preferences, takes center stage. This includes a rich selection of its exclusive titles, coupled with a curated assortment of games sourced from third-party providers. The amalgamation promises a gaming extravaganza, offering Sportium players a diverse and captivating array of options.

Mexico and Colombia on the Horizon

As the casino content goes live with Sportium in Spain, Bragg sets its sights on future horizons. The strategic partnership extends beyond the Spanish borders, with plans for further rollouts in Mexico and Colombia. This forward-looking approach positions Bragg as a key player in the global gaming landscape, poised for continued growth and market infiltration.

The live launch of Bragg’s casino content marks a strategic thrust into the heart of the Spanish gaming realm. This partnership not only broadens its market footprint but also promises Sportium players an enriched and immersive gaming experience.

Matej Nemec, Commercial Director at Bragg Gaming Group, commented: “The collaboration with Sportium is an important one for us as we continue our global expansion, with Spain a key market today, and LatAm a crucial part of our future growth trajectory. Sportium is a trusted operator with decades of experience and a strong brand and we are thrilled to add our popular titles to its online casino in Spain and regulated markets in LatAm.”

Source: ”Bragg Gaming Goes Live In Spain With Sportium”. Gaming Intelligence. December 5, 2023.

The post Bragg Gaming Group Lands Important Agreement With Sportium! appeared first on Keno Wizard.