Morm Rithy, who is one of the leaders in Cambodia’s labor movement, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for a Facebook post he used to criticize the treatment of a casino worker.  

Union Leader Rithy Faces Legal Battle Over Facebook Critique

Rithy who is also the president of the Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation (CTSWF) and the vice president of the Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC) was charged with incitement and discrediting judicial decisions, reported The Camboja News. 

The reason behind the charges is a Facebook post from February 24, 2022, with which Rithy expressed concerns about the arrest of Morm Sreyleak, a female employee at the Jin Bei 2 casino, and questioned the legitimacy of her being detained. He also called for more transparency in the judicial proceedings. As a result, the Chinese-owned Jin Bei Group filed a complaint against him.

Following prolonged legal proceedings, Rithy was arrested on May 7 this year outside the offices of CLC in Phnom Penh. Scheduling conflicts prevented Rithy from attending the hearing and the verdict was pronounced in his absence. 

Cambodian Rights Groups Decry Union Leader’s Sentence

Licadho and other human rights groups have spoken against Rithy’s prison sentences. The have labeled the imprisonments an attempt to scare labor unions and thwart their activist operations. 

The incident is part of a wider crackdown on activists and union leaders in Cambodia. A couple of days before Rithy’s arrest Cambodia’s Supreme Court confirmed the verdict of Chhim Sithar who is also a labor unionist and several other individuals who organized a strike at NagaWorld Casino.

Cambodia has faced criticism that such activities undermine its reputation as a democratic state and violate fundamental freedoms. The Cambodian government has stated that it abides by the law, however, it is still the subject of allegations of politically motivated prosecutions and judicial harassment.

Cambodia has a history of authoritarian governance including former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Against this backdrop the country is still struggling to uphold democratic values and protect human rights and the freedom of speech. Despite a change in leadership, observers have yet to witness significant improvements in the country’s human rights landscape.

Following Rithy’s arrest and prison sentence, fellow union leaders and activists have vouched for his release. They see the incident as a threat to the labor movement‘s ability to advocate for workers’ rights.

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High-profile Bulgarian media companies have raised their voices in opposition to a proposed ban on gambling advertising, expressing concerns over its potential impact on media revenue streams and journalistic freedom. They criticized the government for lacking foresight, alleging that some parties would use the situation to influence the media space before the upcoming elections.

The Changes Could Do More Harm than Good

The new bill calls for a prohibition on gambling advertisements across various media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and online sites. While outdoor advertising in specific locations would still be permitted, the proposed ban has drawn criticism from media industry stakeholders who believe the bill does not aim to protect consumers but to suppress freedom of speech.

Former prime minister Nikolai Denkov highlighted the threat the ban poses to media outlets, emphasizing the significant revenue loss and increased dependency on other funding sources it could entail. He also drew attention to rising concerns about the potential suppression of media freedom, with industry experts warning against the adverse effects of legislative interference.

Let’s hope that (the proposal) is an oversight. The worse option is if somebody in a position of power – in this case, legislative power – is trying to strike a targeted blow against media freedom.

Nikolai Denkov, former PM

Leading journalists noted that social media platforms, banners, and targeted advertisements would remain unaffected, expressing concerns over the rising prevalence of underage gambling. They highlighted that vulnerable groups like children did not engage with traditional media, and the bill would only increase the prevalence of gambling ads in the digital space, exacerbating existing issues.

Leading media conglomerate Nova Broadcasting Group expressed apprehension over the ban’s impact on sports broadcasts, particularly those related to high-profile events like the European football championship. Similarly, Net Info group, which operates numerous popular websites in Bulgaria, underscored the potential hardships it would face without gambling-related revenues.

The Association of Bulgarian Broadcasters (ABRO) shared this opinion, cautioning against the ban’s implications for media sustainability, citing the importance of advertising revenue in supporting quality journalism. Meanwhile, the Technology Industry Alliance raised concerns about the ban’s feasibility in enforcing restrictions on internet platforms, citing potential conflicts with EU law.

As demonstrated in other European markets, advertising restrictions lead to an increase in unlicensed operators, consequently impairing the state’s ability to collect taxes from gambling activities and to provide adequate consumer protections.

Stilian Shishkov, Sportal Media Group CEO

As the debate over the proposed ban continues, affected parties are urging policymakers to consider the bill’s broader implications and either consider a substantial overhaul or cancel it. The outcome of the upcoming vote on the ban will likely shape the future landscape of gambling advertising regulation in Bulgaria, necessitating a careful and comprehensive approach.

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Oddschecker Global Media, the leading sports betting publishing group backed by Bruin Capital, announced its rebranding to FairPlay Sports Media (FPSM). Confirmed today, the rebranding comes amid ambitious plans for the company’s expansion across the United States and follows the recent acquisition of SuperScommesse, an Italian sporting network.

In a statement, FPSM revealed that the rebranding seeks to “level the playing field for all sports bettors across pricing, payouts, bonusing, intelligence, and more.” This strategic process is expected to raise the lifetime value for media and distribution partners, as well as operators.

FPSM confirmed its intention to continue delivering tools and technology via its established brands such as SuperScommesse, Whoscored.com and oddschecker. At the same time, the company acknowledged the potential and value it can deliver to the end users and its partners via further expansion of its network across the globe.

“Oddschecker Global Media has today rebranded to FairPlay Sports Media (FPSM), to best deliver its aim to become the world’s most significant sports media network, powered by sports fans, bettors and its market-leading BetTech platform,“

reads a statement released by FairPlay Sports Media

Rebranding Announced during a Busy Period for the Company

Stuart Simms, FPSM’s group CEO, spoke about the rebranding, explaining that it represents more than just a change in the company’s name. “The launch of FairPlay Sports Media allows us to empower our customers to better compete in sports betting, while delivering significant efficiencies and added value to our partners through the use of our game-changing betting technology,” he added.

Additionally, Simms explained that recently, the company completed a number of acquisitions, strengthening its footprint in the global sports vertical. Finally, he predicted that the recent rebranding along with BetTech’s efforts will result in benefits for FPSM’s partners.

“We’ve made various strategic acquisitions – with more in the pipeline – to best place ourselves to create more engagement with sports bettors and the data they need, the independent content they demand, and we’re excited to showcase how this realignment and BetTech focus will benefit everyone in the FairPlay Sports Media Network, particularly in the US market.“

Stuart Simms, group CEO of FairPlay Sports Media

Undoubtedly, Simms is the perfect fit for the group CEO role with FPSM. He has more than 10 years of experience with leading sports and commerce companies, including XLMedia, Rakuten and Microsoft, among others.

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Vermont online sports betting has finally become a reality, allowing local customers to play with three of America’s largest operators. In addition to that, Catena Media, one of North America’s most influential sports betting affiliates, has now launched online sports betting affiliation in the state.

The short list of online sports betting operators available in The Green Mountain State includes Fanatics, FanDuel and DraftKings. As a leading affiliate, Catena Media has existing agreements with both FanDuel and DraftKings.

According to the affiliate’s announcement, all of its national brands are “carrying strong Vermont content” to celebrate the launch of online sports betting in the state. Catena Media added that this coverage is complemented by content published by the group’s media partners, including NJ.com and TheSportingNews.com.

Catena Media pointed out that Vermont is the last of the New England states to launch online sports betting. The affiliate specialist also pointed out that The Green Mountain State is the first new US betting market to launch in 2024.

The state has an adult population of roughly half a million, which will now be able to enjoy the three sportsbooks’ offerings and Catena Media’s content.

Ryan Harper, Catena Media’s vice president for North America, commented on Catena Media’s foray into the state of Vermont, praising the interest in affiliation from both the industry and sports bettors.

Initial interest from both the industry and sports bettors in Vermont is strong. Vermonters have enjoyed online daily fantasy sports products and horse-race wagering so are no strangers to the online market.

Ryan Harper, VP for NA, Catena Media

Having launched in Vermont, Catena Media’s affiliation services are now available in over 28 US states and Canadian provinces. The company remains bullish on expanding in North America and launching in new betting markets.

Speaking of new betting markets, North Carolina is also set to launch sports betting soon, becoming the next state where wagering on professional sporting events is legal. Speaking of North Carolina, the state failed to legalize Las Vegas-style resorts but concerned customers believe that lawmakers are not ready to give up and continue to lay down the foundations for such projects.

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Crown Resorts urged the community to exercise caution regarding counterfeit social media accounts and advertisements falsely using Crown’s identity. The operator was adamant that online gambling in Australia was strictly prohibited, reaffirming it did not offer any form of iGaming. Such developments further threaten Crown’s public image as the company struggles with reforms.

The Operator Urged People to Report Any Offending Websites

Crown’s official warning highlighted the rising prevalence of fraudulent social media accounts, advertisements, or apps that utilize Crown’s name, logo, images, and other identifying information. The operator was adamant it did not operate an online casino or provide any form of online gambling, as its activities are only limited to its physical venues.

Crown Resorts advised the public to refrain from engaging with such suspicious accounts, avoid disclosing personal information or credit card details, and promptly report fraudulent content or suspicious activity. Despite the Australian government’s efforts to curb illegal online operators, the country struggles to enforce its regulations, leaving many people vulnerable to gambling harm.

Crown continuously works with social media and technology companies to seek removal of fraudulent content as a priority.

Crown Resorts official statement

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been the country’s leading authority in identifying and dealing with illegal online operators. It regularly requests internet service providers to block offending websites and has been steadily intensifying its efforts. However, such measures usually have limited success as offending operators can change their IP address and circumvent restrictions.

Crown Still Struggles to Regain Compliance

The cautionary message comes amid Crown Resorts’ comprehensive reform initiatives across its Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth integrated resorts. The company is actively working to regain its casino licenses following inquiries in these three states, which delivered unfavorable assessments. Regulators have generally observed steady progress, raising hopes for the beleaguered operator.

Notably, Crown Melbourne recently implemented mandatory time and loss limits for all patrons using electronic gaming machines in compliance with recommendations from the Finkelstein Royal Commission. The company’s rigorous reform agenda is paying off in other jurisdictions, thanks to company-wide safer gambling initiatives and a determination to return to suitability.

Despite Crown’s progress, some recent developments have raised new integrity concerns. The company’s CEO is under investigation over allegations that he allowed removed patrons back into the company’s properties. If confirmed, these suspicions could substantially hinder Crown’s progress toward compliance, and seeing the company’s logo on illegal websites does little to improve its image.

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A recent study by The British Medical Journal (BMJ) highlights the dangers social media presents to young people’s health. This, according to the experts, includes higher chances of participation in gambling and, by extension, higher risks of gambling harm.

Dubbed Social media use and health risk behaviors in young people: systematic review and meta-analysis, the study evaluates potential links between the use of social media and addictive tendencies. Primarily focused on people from 10 to 19, the study sought to understand how social media affects young and vulnerable audiences.

The BMJ linked the daily use of social media to the use of alcohol consumption, drug use, tobacco use, anti-social behavior, multiple risk behaviors and gambling. The study also found out that content showcasing health risk behaviors led to increased odds of use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, unhealthy dietary behaviors and alcohol consumption.

According to The BMJ’s findings, the daily use of social media increased young people’s odds of gambling by a whopping 200% compared to those who use social media infrequently. While the overall youth gambling in the UK is declining, the findings are a step toward further understanding of how to prevent it.

The BMJ experts concluded that the regular use of social media is associated with adverse health risk behaviors among young people. However, the study added that further research would be needed to better understand these links.

For reference, the study saw The BMJ evaluate over 126 previous surveys conducted between 1997 and 2022, involving millions of adolescents.

Another Survey Shows Youth Gambling Is on the Decline

As mentioned, the UKGC recently conducted another, more gambling-oriented study on younger people. Titled Young People and Gambling Survey for 2023, it probed into audiences aged 11 to 17 and learned that youth gambling is actually on the decline.

The study engaged 3,453 online participants across the United Kingdom and recorded a decrease of 5%. The encouraging results attested to the efficiency of the UKGC’s latest efforts to protect younger Brits.

For reference, some of the commission’s recent initiatives led to a 10% decrease in exposure to gambling advertisements among 11-17-year-olds.

The survey identified only 0.7% of young players as problem gamblers. It also identified 1.5% of respondents as at-risk players and 23% as non-problem gamblers. In the meantime, 74% of the young people had not taken part in gambling over the past year.

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The leading iGaming affiliate, Catena Media, announced an important senior-level appointment today. The company confirmed that its board of directors decided to appoint the seasoned executive, Sean Hurley, as non-executive director. Joining Catena, he fills in the role that was vacated by Per Widerström back in August this year. At the time, Widerström said that he decided to step down and take on the position of chief executive officer at 888 Holdings.

Catena confirmed that Hurley’s appointment to its board of directors will come into effect once the required regulatory filings with the Malta Business Registry are completed. The company revealed that the term of the new non-executive director would last through the end of its next annual general meeting. This requirement, Catena said, is in line with the Maltese Companies Act as well as the company’s articles of association.

Ahead of the appointment of the new non-executive director, Catena confirmed the divestment of its Italian assets earlier this month. At the time, the company revealed that the divestment of its casino and sports assets in Italy was completed in two details totaling $21.7 million. This achievement also marked the completion of its strategic review that sought to boost the company’s focus on markets across the Americas.

Hurley Is Thrilled to Join Catena’s Board of Directors

Becoming a part of the board of directors at Catena brought excitement for Hurley. He said that it is thrilling to join the company at such an important phase in its growth and development. Finally, Hurley explained: “I am delighted to have been asked to contribute my expertise as the company moves forward and further strengthens its position as a leading affiliate in North America.”

“Catena Media has entered an exciting new phase in its development and has a promising future ahead.“

Sean Hurley, non-executive director at Catena Media

As a seasoned expert, Hurley brings a wide range of skills and knowledge from the betting and gaming sectors. Overall, he spent more than 13 years within the vertical, proving himself as a leading advisor, experienced executive and investor. Throughout his extensive career within the sports betting, casino and social gaming sectors, Hurley held different important senior-level positions related to affiliate and business-to-consumer relations. He also held important positions related to the business-to-business sector.

Earlier this month, Catena posted its Q3 results, showing a revenue decrease of 28% year-over-year. Besides revenue, the company’s adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations halted at $3.4 million, representing a decrease of 65%.

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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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Global sports & culture company IMG has extended its exclusive international media, data and streaming rights partnership agreement with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL). Under the extended partnership, IMG will distribute APL media rights for several more years.

The partnership extension will allow the sports specialist to manage APL’s media rights in international markets, excluding Australia and New Zealand. At the same time, IMG’s IMG ARENA brand will record and provide official data from all APL matches over, supplying it to its extensive network of partnering sports betting operators.

The renewed contract covers both ALP’s men’s and women’s teams, allowing the APL to grow its presence. The league explained that the partnership with IMG will help it “drive audience and commercial growth” for some of the most highly-anticipated events of the seasons.

More Soccer, More Goals and More Stories for Fans

A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia commented on the extension of APL’s partnership with IMG, highlighting its potential to promote Australian and New Zealander soccer.  Garcia said that his team is looking forward to continuing the partnership with IMG, tapping into the global sports company’s extensive expertise in sports and benefitting from its expansive global network.

Garcia added that the A-Leagues are home to a variety of international soccer talents. He noted:

With three new women’s teams in the A-League Women, and two men’s teams to come to the A-League Men, we have more football, more goals, and more stories for fans to connect with.

Nick Garcia, commissioner, A-Leagues

In the meantime, Dale Levin, senior vice president and head of Australasia and Southeast Asia for IMG’s media business, also commented on the matter. He said that his team is very proud of its lasting relationship with the Australian Professional Leagues. According to Levin, the partnership has allowed the leagues to grow significantly over the past six years.

Earlier this year, IMG ARENA expanded its partnership with Major League Soccer, agreeing to supply tracking data for MLS Next Pro, a major soccer league in the United States and Canada.

In April, IMG ARENA also wrapped up its acquisition of the high-end virtual games provider Leap Gaming. The deal was officially announced in December 2022 and allows IMG ARENA to enhance its offering. IMG ARENA president Freddie Longe remarked that the acquisition will allow his company to “shape the future of sports betting entertainment.”

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The leading provider of innovative technology powering the iGaming sector, SOFTSWISS, announced details regarding a new partnership with Kings Media LTD, the parent company of the popular King Billy Casino. Under the terms of the new collaboration, announced Thursday, the company agreed to power King Media with its Jackpot Aggregator which will introduce three customized and unique jackpot campaigns.

The new campaigns involve King Billy’s MGA and Curacao casino brands. Ultimately, the collaboration seeks to elevate the thrill and excitement for the casino’s players. At the same time, Jackpot Aggregator is expected to impact positively Kings’ revenues and boost retention and loyalty.

SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator is renowned for its scalable campaigns and expertise. The first online operator that tapped into the innovative solution was Cleopatra Group which powered six of its online casino brands. Since then, the interest in Jackpot Aggregator within the iGaming sector has only been growing, allowing SOFTSWISS’ leading technology to reach new partners and customers across the globe.

Thanks to the new collaboration, Jackpot Aggregator will deliver three unique prize levels that include Crown Jackpot, Shield Jackpot and Sword Jackpot. Players of King Billy Casino will have a chance for daily jackpots within the operator’s complete portfolio of more than 7,000 games. Still, it’s important to mention that the company’s MGA and Curacao brands will offer different jackpot totals.

Recently, SOFTSWISS joined forces with the leading provider of games for the online gambling industry, BF Games. Under the terms of the deal, announced late last month, the iGaming developer agreed to provide its portfolio of games, strengthening SOFTSWISS’ Game Aggregator.

The Partnership Marks an Exciting Moment for the Duo

Andrii Morozov, Kings Media’s head of product, acknowledged the importance of the company’s new “Royal Jackpots” feature. He explained that powered by SOFTSWISS technology, the new jackpot system will deliver unrivaled entertainment for the company’s customers. Finally, Morozov said: “All of us at King Billy are excited to be a part of this!”

Aliaksei Douhin, the head of SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, was similarly delighted about the new collaboration with Kings Media. He explained that Jackpot Aggregator is powered by innovation and proven to boost player engagement.

At the same time, according to Douhin, the solution delivers unique online gambling experiences. Finally, he confirmed that SOFTSWISS will support the whole process related to the delivery of the much-anticipated jackpot campaigns.

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