In an effort to demonstrate its dedication to maintaining betting integrity, Novibet has officially become a member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

Novibet holds operating licenses in several countries, including Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Ireland, and Italy, and has expressed interest in obtaining a license in Brazil.

This membership marks Novibet’s inclusion among over 50 companies and 125 sports betting brands within the IBIA, which aims to safeguard regulated sports betting markets against match-fixing and other integrity threats.

Novibet’s entry into the association follows shortly after Latin American betting operator Aposta Ganha joined the IBIA.

Panagiotis Skyrlas, Novibet’s Chief International Expansion Officer, commented: “At Novibet, our dedication to transparency is at the heart of our operations. Joining IBIA is a clear reflection of this dedication as we continuously strive to set new standards for integrity and excellence in the online betting sector.

“By partnering with IBIA, we are reinforcing our vision to maintain the highest standards and to lead by example. We believe that close collaboration with IBIA will further elevate trust and confidence in the industry, ensuring our customers always enjoy a fair and secure betting experience with us.”

IBIA CEO Khalid Ali stated: “Novibet is a well-established name in the sports betting arena, bringing with it a global customer base that will significantly enhance IBIA’s monitoring network. We are thrilled to welcome Novibet to the association and appreciate the operator’s dedication to utilizing the best integrity protection available worldwide for its sports betting products.

“Maintaining product integrity is crucial to our mission, and we look forward to integrating Novibet into our global sports betting integrity monitoring system.”

In related company news, Novibet recently announced a new partnership with W2, making W2 its latest digital compliance partner.

Source: “Novibet joins the IBIA”. Gambling Insider. May 22, 2024.

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Nolimit City, a provider of online slots that push the limits enters a milestone agreement with Livespins, the social live-streaming platform, to provide players unparalleled gaming experience. Thanks to this agreement, consumers will be able to enjoy the studio’s finest hits from a completely new perspective.

Making this deal particularly interesting is that both brands operate under Evolution’s umbrella. The immense network of players to serve is one of the most prominent benefits resulting from this strategic partnership.

As a small reminder, Evolution’s plans for the Livespins acquisition were announced in February this year. The completion of the acquisition will take place in Q2 2024, for an up-front consideration of EUR 5 million.

Engagement to the Max

Highly volatile gameplay is one of the most notable characteristics of Nolimit City’s slot games, which is precisely what players will be the most thrilled with. As a result of the agreement, consumers will be able to spin the reels of top-performing adventures among which Tombstone RIP, Mental, Fire in the Hole, and many more.

Malcolm Mizzi, Commercial Director at Nolimit City, commented on the deal as follows:

“Our games deliver thrilling action with each spin. They are volatile with unique mechanics that provide the gripping gameplay that streamers need to keep their audiences engaged.”

According to Mizzi, this cooperation will get their games significantly better visibility, while securing authentic player experience. As he believes, this partnership has tremendous potential and is bound to open a plethora of new opportunities for both companies.

The completion of the acquisition of Nolimit City by Evolution took place in August 2022 for an upfront consideration of EUR 200 million paid in cash.

Immersive Gaming Sessions

Following the deal closed between Nolimit City and Livespins, players get the chance to bet behind their favorite streamers and enjoy a fully immersive gaming session. On top of that, Livespins is integrated into the casino’s lobby, which means consumers can bet behind in a secure environment while having all the required protection tools at their disposal.

Livespins not only makes it possible for consumers to enjoy watching and betting behind their favorite streamers, brand ambassadors and celebrities fire up the reels, but it also gives them a chance to collect solid wins. Simply put, if the streamer wins, participating players win as well. Additionally, they can also drop reactions, emojis, and gifs, ensuring the action never stops.

Referring to the deal as the mega-addition to the company’s portfolio, Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins, said:

“This is a developer that knows how to get players on the edge of their seats thanks to trademarked mechanics like xBet, xSplit, xWays, xNudge, and xGod which come wrapped up in some truly wondering themes.”

He also added that this collaboration, which unites together two Evolution-owned companies, brings lots of value not only to the companies but to the players as well.

Ensuring genuine shared experience, Livespins has proved to be a game-changer for operators in regulated markets all over the world. What makes this creative team different from ordinary streamers is the fact that their operations are fully compliant with local regulations, ensuring a safe and well-organized gaming environment.

Source: “On the Limit: Livespins Joins Forces With Nolimit City”, livespins.com, April 29, 2024.

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Marriott Bonvoy has officially opened its doors to MGM Resorts, allowing its members to earn and redeem points at 16 select properties across Las Vegas and beyond. This partnership, initiated in July 2023 and now fully operational, marks a significant shift for travelers and loyalty program enthusiasts alike.

MGM Resorts Shift to Marriott Bonvoy Unlocks Riches for Vegas Travelers

Previously aligned with World of Hyatt, MGM Resorts’ transition to Marriott Bonvoy offers a plethora of new opportunities for Bonvoy members, particularly those frequenting the vibrant Las Vegas Strip. 

The integration of MGM’s portfolio into Marriott’s ecosystem considerably expands the options for travelers, especially in a city where Marriott offerings were previously limited to just a handful of properties, such as The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Among the notable properties now available for redemption are iconic names like ARIA Resort & Casino, Bellagio Resort & Casino, and the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, alongside other renowned establishments like Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Additionally, members can relish in various perks tailored for elite status holders, allowing for a seamless and rewarding experience during their stays.

However, while the partnership promises exciting prospects, there are nuances to consider. One such aspect is the dynamic pricing model employed by Marriott Bonvoy, where redemption costs can fluctuate based on factors such as demand and seasonality. Despite starting as low as 5,000 points per night, the potential for resort fees adds an additional layer to the redemption calculus, especially for those without Ambassador Elite status, which waives these fees.

How to Choose Between Cash and Points in Marriott Bonvoy’s MGM Collaboration

Comparisons between cash rates and point redemptions become essential, particularly when factoring in resort fees and potential elite status benefits. While the convenience of using points for bookings is undeniable, especially with the added incentive of the fifth-night free offer, the financial trade-offs necessitate careful consideration.

Moreover, the partnership extends beyond mere hotel stays, offering members exclusive access to curated experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. From orchestrating the famed Bellagio Fountain Show to indulging in the ultimate golf weekend at Shadow Creek, these opportunities further enrich the travel experience for Marriott loyalists.

For those aiming to bolster their points balance or attain elite status, Marriott Bonvoy’s suite of co-branded credit cards presents a compelling avenue. With offerings like automatic elite status and generous sign-up bonuses, these cards serve as invaluable tools for maximizing rewards potential.

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This has been made possible through Bally’s, which has been offering interactive casino games of chance since Tuesday, and is the first time the country has seen a new expansion and a subsequent launch of iGaming since Connecticut became the sixth state to do so in October 2021.

Rhode Island Lifts the Curtain on Online Casino Gaming

The key event here is not so much the arrival of interactive gambling, as online sports betting has been available in Rhode Island since late 2019. Last year, the state gave its go-ahead to Bally’s to operate an exclusive live casino with Stakelogic, a supplier with a global reach and a unique blend of live dealer games.

Rather, it’s a matter of introducing online casino games. Bally’s features 170 slot games and it also offers live dealer tables for blackjack and roulette, both of which are popular segments.

However, the online casino does come with some conditions. For one, to play online, players would have to be 21 years of age, as opposed to 18 years for the commercial casino. There are also a host of responsible gambling measures designed to ensure that online players are protected and have access to all they need to engage responsibly with gambling.

That includes session limits, spending and betting restrictions, cool-off periods, and of course self-exclusion. Rhode Island, a small state by any meaningful measure in the United States, has decided to pursue growth in yet another important gambling vertical.

Bally’s is hoping to continue adding to its online casino offer, although there may be a fast-reached ceiling for the actual growth with not that many players to go around. The Ocean State and the latest introduction of online casino games, though, begs the question of how soon before we see others follow suit. The gambling bill that made online casino gambling in Rhode Island is far from ideal, though.

Who May Be Next in the Race for iCasinos?

It only allows Bally’s to offer such products, and this is understandable as Rhode Island operates an exclusive based on an exclusivity model with the brand. Other states though are bigger, and there are already several potential targets for further expansion. Among the names that have openly discussed the idea are both Indian and Illinois.

Florida, which managed to push online sports betting through a tribal compact, has been openly tinkering with the idea of using the same arrangement and introducing online casinos, although all of these are rather far-fetched.

There is a compelling case to pursue growth in Indiana, too, as according to a recent study, the state stands to rake in millions worth of tax windfall, not to mention the added value to the economy. Anything new coming out of Illinois this year, though, is more likely to do with a proposed tax increase, however.

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BetFIRST, a leader in Belgian sports wagering, unveiled a new online casino brand called betfirstcasino.be. The new gambling site was launched in partnership with Groupe Partouche’s Middelkerke Casino.

According to the announcement, betfirstcasino.be leverages Middelkerke Casino’s recently-acquired A+ casino license to offer online gambling in Belgium. Moreover, the launch aligns with betFIRST’s ambition to solidify its leadership position in the country.

Betfirstcasino.be players can expect to find a variety of exciting betting offerings, including slot games, table games and live casino options.

BetFIRST was acquired by the Betsson Group last year as the latter company sought expansion in the Belgian betting market. The $130 million deal secured Betsson an entry into Belgium, putting it in charge of one of the oldest and most trusted betting companies in the country.

The launch of betfirstcasino.be will solidify Betsson’s presence in the market, allowing it to further capitalize on betFIRST’s popularity in Belgium.

Betsson Is Looking Forward to Solidifying Its Presence in Belgium

Speaking of Betsson, Jesper Svensson, the company’s chief executive officer, said that his team is proud to have acquired betFIRST and is looking forward to scaling up the company. The new online casino will further increase betFIRST’s value while allowing Betsson to form an important relationship with Groupe Partouche.

BetFIRST’s chief executive officer, Alexis Murphy, also commented on the launch of the new brand, saying that it will reinforce his company’s presence in Belgium, allowing it to tap into the lucrative iGaming market.

betFIRST already boasts the best-performing and fastest sports-betting app in the Belgian market, and we aim to replicate this success with the most extensive mobile casino offering in Belgium.

Alexis Murphy, CEO, betFIRST

Finally, Groupe Partouche’s chief executive officer, Fabrice Paire, shared his thoughts, saying that betfirstcasino.be is poised to become a great addition to the group’s portfolio in the country. Paire pointed out that Groupe Partouche is already working on a landmark casino in Middelkerke that is poised to become the “most iconic casino in Belgium.”

The CEO concluded that the French gambling group is looking forward to conquering both the retail and online sectors in Belgium.

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Videoslots has welcomed Klas Winberg as its new chief commercial officer. Described as a “visionary leader with two decades of iGaming excellence,” Winberg will now be tasked with driving success for the online casino company.

According to Videoslots, the new appointee is a performance-driven professional with a long history of success in iGaming. Prior to joining Videoslots, Winberg served a variety of online gambling companies, including industry giants such as Betfair, Catena Media, Raketech and Expekt.

Prior to joining Videoslots, Winberg served as the chief executive officer of Play North. His two-year tenure as CEO of the latter company saw him play a key role in driving business growth and overseeing the organization’s expansion. He was also integral in the institution of effective departmental structures and led successful brand development initiatives.

Klas will now join Videoslots’ senior management team and work hard to drive growth for the company. His appointment, according to the company, signals the operator’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership and strategic capabilities.

Winberg is notably the second C-level appointment to Videoslots team and follows the recent addition of Anna Komemi as the operator’s chief operating officer.

Winberg Is Thrilled to Join as CCO

Ulle Skottling, Videoslots’ deputy chief executive officer, welcomed Winberg as CCO and praised his excellence in online gaming. Skottling said that the company is happy to have “someone of such caliber” join its ranks.

His [Winberg’s] proven success in the iGaming industry will undoubtedly elevate our team’s strategic vision and drive future accomplishments even further.

Ulle Skottling, deputy CEO, Videoslots

Winberg was similarly excited about his new position, saying that he cannot wait to work with Videoslots. He said that he has had his eye on Videoslots for a while and lauded the company as a leader in games offering, industry expertise and customer engagement.

I am very excited to join this team brimming with know-how and who has great and exciting plans for growth in the pipeline.

Klas Winberg, CCO, Videoslots

In other news, Videoslots recently got itself into trouble in Sweden because of AML violations.

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Basketball powerhouse LeBron James is joining DraftKings’ team as a talent ambassador, the American betting operator announced. While best known for his basketball prowess, King James’ partnership with the gambling juggernaut will actually be centered on football.

According to the announcement, the multi-year agreement will see the Los Angeles Lakers star participate in a variety of football activations centered on select key tentpole events. This latest football venture will see James, who is prohibited from discussing the NBA under the terms of his agreement, leverage his understanding of the professional sports sector as a whole.

James is, admittedly, no stranger to football himself. Prior to his foray into the world of professional basketball, the King played football for two years for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.

A Union of the Crowns

LeBron James commented on his new venture on X, where he shared a promotional photo of himself under DraftKings’ signature crown. Using emoji, he implied that this is a partnership between kings and added:

Football season just got A LOT more fun. Let’s go!

LeBron James

Meanwhile, Jason Robins, DraftKings’ board chair, welcomed the basketball star to the DraftKings family. Robins lauded King James as “one of the most influential athletes of all time” and said that the current deal is an “absolute honor and privilege” for his team.

Robins added that he cannot wait to work with such an outstanding athlete who reflects the operator’s love for sports.

We look forward to working with a passionate sports fan who shares the same competitive mindset that echoes throughout the walls at DraftKings, while delivering exciting engagement opportunities to our customers and his loyal fanbase for years to come.

Jason Robins, chair, DraftKings

Other Fresh DraftKings News

LeBron James isn’t the only new addition to the DraftKings family. A few days ago, the gambling giant also added the experienced Marie Donoghue as its new chief business and growth officer. In her new role, Donoghue was tasked with overseeing different internal processes and leveraging her extensive experience to help DraftKings grow.

An earlier report, meanwhile, implied that a tie-up between DraftKings and Barstool Sports is in the works. People familiar with the matter implied that this deal is set to be a game-changer.

In other news, two individuals were just indicted for participation in a recent cyberattack on DraftKings. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.

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Spinomenal, a creative provider of captivating online slots, is happy to announce another significant strategic cooperation. This time, the studio entered an important agreement with NetBet, a reputable casino and sportsbook operator, to go live in the iGaming market of Italy.

As agreed between the two companies, Spinomenal’s games will be added to the operator’s extensive library, giving players the opportunity to explore the finest adventures. The entire selection of titles will be integrated via Light & Wonder’s OpenGaming platform.

Wonderful Business Opportunity

Thanks to this milestone cooperation, Italian players will have the chance to immerse themselves in thematically versatile games, filled with a great selection of features. Dark Wolf, Queen of Ice, Times of Egypt, and Book of Demi Gods II are just some of the games that will go live with the operator.

Commenting on the newly-inked deal, Lior Shvartz, CEO of Spinomenal announced:

“Our relationship with NetBet continues to be extremely productive and we’re eager to strengthen our ties as we launch in Italy together. NetBet has a commanding influence in Italy, so it’s a wonderful chance to get our games in front of more slot enthusiasts.”

Claudia Georgevici, NetBet Italy’s PR manager, pointed out that the agreement with Spinomenal is part of their mission “to offer our customers the best experience.”

Expanding International Outreach

The most recent deal is part of the studio’s plans to broaden its reach into important regulated iGaming markets of Europe.

At the very beginning of the year, Spinomenal made a move into the interactive market of Hungary via Vegas.hu deal. Top-performing Spinomenal Universe collection, plus engaging stories such as Fairytale Beauties and Book of Rebirth were just some of the releases made available to players via platform provider Finnplay.

A couple of days later, the operator went live in Lithuania through an Optibet agreement, allowing local players to explore the most popular installments such as Times of Egypt, Majestic King, Book of Rampage, and many others.

Bulgarian expansion was marked with a duet of agreements. One was inked with 8888.bg via platform provider 7777 gaming, while the collaboration with efbet.com. saw the studio’s games integrated via Pariplay’s aggregation platform Fusion.

On top of that, the producer joined forces with Spain’s prestigious operator CasinoBarcelona.es. to make its titles available via Light & Wonder’s OpenGaming.

Strategic Agreements from 2023

The final month of the year behind us brought the operator an opportunity to tie knots with some of the most respected studios in the content production sector.

To start with, alignment was made with Stakelogic, an innovative award-winning provider that holds over 10 licenses. Thanks to this deal, consumers were given a chance to spin the reels of Bonanza 2 Megaways, Greedy Fox, Book of Adventure Super Stake, and many other fun-filled games.

A couple of days before that, a partnership with Red Tiger was penned, allowing players to enjoy numerous hits, including Megaways releases, among which Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Dynamite Riches Megaways, and Piggy Riches Megaways.

November was also marked with multiple cooperations, among which ELK Studios, Blueprint Gaming, and Revolver Gaming. Each of these deals contributed towards the constant diversification of the operator’s large lobby, giving both newbie and seasoned players lots of options to choose from.

Other agreements announced during the previous year include those with Spadegaming, Platipus Gaming, BGaming, Wazdan, Hacksaw Gaming, 3 Oaks Gaming, and many more.

Source:

“Spinomenal is now live with NetBet Italy”, spinomenal.com, January 29, 2024.

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Moya Wilson, a seasoned professional with over seven years of experience at PokerStars, has embarked on a new journey, joining ACE Hollreiser as its director. Her transition to the Isle of Man-based business consultancy marks an exciting turn in her career. Wilson was present during a period of rapid growth for PokerStars and will likely look to recapture some of that winning formula.

Wilson Is a Seasoned Professional

Before joining PokerStars, Wilson had accumulated over 25 years of marketing expertise across various industries, creating a robust foundation for her professional growth. One of her most notable roles was at marketing and public relations service provider Ashgrove Marketing, where she worked as a senior account manager, bolstering her leadership experience.

Wilson commenced her tenure at PokerStars in December 2016, assuming the role of senior manager of consumer public relations. Her dedication and skillset quickly propelled her to Head of PR and Consumer Engagement in November 2022. Her understanding of public relations messaging and commitment to her clients’ needs made her a valuable addition to the PokerStars Team.

Her time at PokerStars saw Wilson play a pivotal role in several strategic initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to fostering inclusivity within the gaming community. Wilson was one of the primary driving forces behind PokerStars’ 2023 Women Bootcamp, helping diversify poker by giving more women the skills they need to enter the vertical.

PokerStars Remains a Market Leader

Wilson expressed her enthusiasm about this career shift, taking to LinkedIn to thank her colleagues at PokerStars. She expressed optimism for the future, as her new management position at ACE Hollreiser marks a significant professional advancement. While her new position as Director bears substantial responsibilities, Wilson’s extensive and diverse resume should give her all the tools to excel.

I am delighted to announce that after a fantastic 7 years at PokerStars, I have a new and really exciting challenge. I am starting a new position as Director at ACE Hollreiser!

Moya Wilson, ACE Hollreiser director

While Wilson’s departure from PokerStars sees another valuable talent leave the company, the operator should be able to adjust to this development and maintain its impressive momentum. PokerStars’ most recent collaboration saw it partner with casino games provider Play’n GO to provide an exclusive NHL-themed experience, expanding the company’s customer engagement efforts.

Wilson’s wealth of experience and her track record of successful initiatives position her as a valuable addition to ACE Hollreiser, bringing impressive knowledge and insights to the consultancy firm. Such movement of talent is invaluable to modern businesses and should hopefully allow both companies to excel and adapt to today’s rapidly changing economic realities.

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GambleAware’s newest initiative seeks to dismantle the prevailing stigma around problem gambling by urging individuals affected to break their silence and speak openly about their struggles. PayPlan’s support will significantly bolster the leading charity’s efforts, raising awareness and lending its knowledge on problem gambling.

Stigma Can Harm Addiction Recovery

GambleAware’s research highlighted the societal perception of gambling harm, indicating that three in five individuals tend to judge people struggling with gambling issues. The charity’s recent findings revealed that a staggering 64% of adults who encountered gambling-related problems have never discussed their challenges. 39%– a significant proportion- attributed this silence to the pervasive stigma surrounding gambling harm.

PayPlan’s independent research into problem gambling confirms these issues, uncovering that 30% of its clients felt gambling negatively impacted their mental health. However, GambleAware’s data contains some positive takeaways, as 76% of those who did open up about their gambling issues reported feeling better after discussing their concerns with someone.

Tackling the pervasive stigma surrounding problem gambling is one of GambleAware’s primary goals. The charity held a similar campaign in April, featuring TV host Tyler West, health professionals, and lived experience individuals. Encouragingly, the latest data shows a promising 56% who agree on the importance of challenging the stigma associated with gambling harm.

Collaboration Remains Instrumental to Success

Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, expressed delight in partnering with PayPlan for this campaign, envisioning collaborative efforts to encourage individuals affected by gambling harm to share their experiences and feel secure when doing so. She emphasized the complex and concealed nature of gambling harm, making it challenging to detect when someone might need help.

It is critical that when accessing financial services… people feel they can talk openly about the issues they may be experiencing and are made aware of the support services available.

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO 

Charity GamCare, part of the National Gambling Support Network, highlighted the correlation between harmful gambling and financial debt, lauding PayPlan’s contribution to combating this issue. PayPlan vulnerability lead Emma Gibbons drew attention to the organization’s tailored pathways into debt advice. She also emphasized the need for public awareness and partnerships within the financial services sector to discuss gambling-related issues.

It’s important that we increase conversations around gambling harm and make sure that people have a better perception of those experiencing gamble-related debt.

Emma Gibbons, PayPlan vulnerability lead

The collaboration between PayPlan and GambleAware is a testament to their commitment to creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to discuss gambling harm without fear of judgment and seek assistance to overcome such challenges. However, their efforts must also coincide with concerted government efforts to combat the root cause of such issues and encourage meaningful change.

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