The Netherlands gambling regulator (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) has reminded operators that untargeted ads are no longer permitted. The warning comes in the wake of a recent violation that forced the KSA to intervene.

According to the authority, a licensed gambling company had aired an untargeted ad during a TV game show. While the Netherlands has yet to fully prohibit TV sponsorships, there are some strict restrictions, that this operator violated.

For reference, the Netherlands banned untargeted advertisements last year and is set to disallow TV sponsorships from July 1, 2024. Then, a year later, the country also plans to ban gambling sponsorship contracts in professional sports.

The gradual crackdown on gambling advertisements and sponsorships takes in mind gambling companies’ existing deals and provides them with ample time to prepare for the changes. However, the KSA continues to detect certain violations from time to time.

The crackdown on advertising seeks to combat the concerning problem gambling rates in the country and protect minors and vulnerable groups from exposure to gambling content.

The KSA Asked the Operator and TV Program to Fix the Issue

Commenting on the current case, the KSA explained that the advertisement in question failed to meet the conditions for TV program sponsorships. According to the authority, such sponsorships mean that an operator’s logo is allowed to appear neutrally during broadcasts.

However, the TV program in question also featured a game element involving a fruit-themed slot. The KSA emphasized that it does not believe this to be a “neutral expression.”

The KSA added that it contacted the operator and the TV program in question, addressing the matter. As a result, the game element was adjusted, the regulator concluded.

The current warning comes a month after the KSA launched a probe into slot machine arcades. In December, the authority warned that supervisors will carry out checks on compliance with the requirements of addiction prevention, ensuring that arcades do not violate the rules.

In the meantime, the KSA prepares for a major leadership change this year as René Jansen, its current board chairman, reached retirement age and decided not to renew his term.

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Despite its hurdles in Curacao, 1xBet continues to collect accolades and grow its global business. The international operator now announced that it has reached the international EGR Operator Awards 2023 final and will compete with its competitors in six categories.

The categories 1xBet has been nominated for include the following:

• Sports betting operator
• Affiliate program
• Crypto operator
• Esports operator
• Football betting operator
• Mobile sports product.

1xBet hopes to achieve victory in one or more of these categories and further solidify itself as a leading global company.

Winners of the event will be determined by an authoritative jury and will be announced on October 26. An awards ceremony will take place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.

The EGR Operator Awards are presented by eGaming Review Magazine, a prominent media outlet that covers the gambling and sports betting industries. Its awards are a sign of prestige and are a firm testament to the quality of a company’s products.

1xBet Hopes to Maintain Its Momentum

A 1xBet representative commented on the matter. They remarked that this is not the first time the company has ranked among the leaders in the betting industry. Boasting previous participations in the EGR Operator Awards, 1xBet hopes to maintain its edge and continue to sit at the forefront of gaming and betting.

It [1xBet’s participation in the finals] is a confirmation of 1xBet consistent progress: it is very pleasant that our success impresses not only customers but also recognized authorities in the industry.

1xBet representative

Participation in the EGR Operator Awards final is not 1xBet’s only achievement in 2023. Earlier this year, the company became a laureate of the SiGMA Awards Americas 2023 and was named Innovator of the Year at the International Gaming Awards.

1xBet Faces Some Trouble

Unfortunately, not everything has been rosy for the company as earlier this year, 1xBet’s co-founder Sergey Karshkov passed away in a Swiss hospital. Despite being described as very healthy, the Russian businessman suffered a devastating allergic reaction that caused his passing.

In addition to that, 1xBet is still dealing with financial trouble in certain regions and legal issues in Russia. The brand is notably banned in the country because of allegations of illegal operations and money laundering.

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French lottery operator Française des Jeux (FDJ) has made a significant move in the international gaming market with its agreement to acquire Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), the operator of the Irish National Lottery. The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for FDJ into the Irish gaming landscape, solidifying its position as a key player in the global lottery industry.

The Acquisition Will Elevate the Irish Lottery Experience

For FDJ, the acquisition presents an opportunity to leverage its expertise and experience in lottery operations, bringing a fresh approach and innovation to the Irish market. With a reputation as one of Europe’s leading lottery operators, the company is well-equipped to enhance the Irish National Lottery’s offerings and deliver an exceptional gaming experience to its customers.

Current Irish Lottery operator PLI recorded a GGR of €399 million in 2022, donating nearly €260 million to over 4,000 deserving causes. The new owner’s extensive experience will be instrumental in maintaining the organization’s community-focused approach and ensuring enduring relevance. FDJ chair and CEO Stéphane Pallez noted that the two companies shared a common vision, significantly aiding future integration.

FDJ… remains faithful to its recreational, responsible, and redistributive gaming model. We look forward to working together.

Stéphane Pallez, FDJ chair and CEO

The acquisition agreement will see FDJ acquire all of PLI’s assets, taking over its license to operate the Irish National Lottery until 2034. The French company has a history of success, posting impressive FY22 Results and demonstrating its capability to create balanced value in the medium term while remaining socially responsible. PLI’s acquisition should complete in H2 2023 after regulatory approval.

FDJ Acquires a Well-Established and Successful Business

The Irish National Lottery, established in 1987, has been a prominent fixture in the country’s gaming market, offering a diverse range of games and contributing to charitable causes through its funding allocation. PLI secured its 20-year operational license in 2014, rapidly modernizing the lottery to stay in touch with technological developments.

PLI has over 200 employees across 5,300 retail points and operates roughly 45 draw and instant win games. The operator’s success recently drew the attention of the Czech operator, but FDJ acted swiftly and secured the deal. Integrating such an expansive business will present short-term challenges for the French company but promises significant long-term returns.

With FDJ’s enduring commitment to innovation and responsible gaming practices, the Irish National Lottery is poised for continued growth and success, maintaining its contributions to the welfare of communities and players. The gaming industry will watch with anticipation to witness the positive impact of this strategic partnership, which promises to elevate the Irish Lottery’s offerings and solidify FDJ’s global leadership position.

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Philippines casino operator cum gambling regulator, PAGCOR intends to come on board with an online casino for denizens there as early as the first quarter of 2024. The announced name is Casinofilipino. Casinofilipino.ph is the home page for a variety of large and small land-based casinos and dozens of satellite operations already in use by PAGCOR.

Casinofilipino.com is “taken” but parked free on Godaddy with servers based at Amazon for the last 90 days or so but was served by Google LLC for the three years prior.

Familiar Brand Name to Drive Local Traffic

It’s unclear which top-level domain will be used to serve players in the Philippines their first legal online games beginning next year. However, during the opening ceremony of the SiGMA Asia Summit 2023 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on July 20, 2023, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco referred to the dot com site in his keynote address according to information on the regulator/operator’s website.

The CEO explained some reasons for the launch, the main one being to raise revenue.

“This will bring several benefits and opportunities such as increased revenue, extended reach and market expansion, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer engagement,” Pagcor’s Tengco said. Launching the online casino would allow for additional revenue.

“It will allow players to interact with the digital counterparts of traditional casino games. This will also transcend physical boundaries and will enable users from around the world to interact and participate in virtual environments.

“It can reach a global audience and can establish a presence in virtual communities of avid gamers. It will likewise offer an opportunity to tap into new markets and diversify its customer base.”

As part of PAGCOR’s plans to modernize operations, changes will also be made at its land-based venues. Slot machine ops have already undergone the beginnings of modernization according to Tengco, which he said brings hope to continue the trajectory with at least 3,500 new machines being installed in its multitude of land-based venues.

“We endeavor to enhance our game offerings by replacing our old machines with a total of 3,500 brand-new units under a lease agreement with the manufacturer,” said the CEO.

He added inter alia, “We have already taken the preliminary steps and entered into negotiations with different manufacturers for the modernization of our slot machines. I expect our customers to have a renewed gaming experience.”

Casino Management System to be Revamped as Well

“This will play a pivotal role in improving Pagcor’s casinos in terms of operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, facilitating real-time reporting and analytics, ensuring security and fraud prevention, optimizing financial management, and streamlining compliance requirements,” Tengco said.

Prior to announcing the upcoming money-making venture into cyber-space, the agency had launched a major crackdown on locally-based online gambling service providers without regard to the location of customers the alleged violators were serving. In early May over 1,000 human trafficking victims were rounded up and repatriated to their home countries when the Sun Valley Hub in Clark was raided.

Over 1,000 human trafficking victims were rescued from the government-owned buildings in the early-May raids, with about a dozen perpetrators being arrested. In response to that news, Philippine senators renewed calls to entirely eliminate POGOs (online operator-licensed companies).

CGC Technologies was the first POGO to lose its license as a result of the raid followed by every other operator at the hub at month’s end in one fell swoop by pulling a provisional license that allowed occupants to offer service. In addition to human trafficking, crypto scams were widely cited as a reason to end the POGOs.

Nearly 500 of the trafficking victims haled from Vietnam and have been sent home. At the time, Chairman Tengco stated that job seekers should “check the credibility of the companies that they are applying in. By going the extra mile, they can protect themselves from possible scams and human trafficking activities.”

Inside the Clark Freeport Zone are only four remaining accredited service providers and one licensed offshore gaming operator.

In early June the regulator joined the newly created Clark Security Advisory Council, just prior to its first meeting. The inter-agency organization aims to curb all illegal offshore gaming activities within the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

During the Council’s launch on June 9, 2023, Atty. Jessa Fernandez, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Offshore Gaming Licensing announced that it will impose heavier sanctions on all licensed offshore gaming operators and accredited service providers who stray from the rules.

Revenues Recover from COVID Disruption

During his keystone address at the most recent event, Tengco noted the post-pandemic revenue story for PAGCOR:

“For the first half of this year, I am proud to share with you the figures we have generated so far. Our total income from gaming operations from January to June of 2023 has reached P34.125 billion. Of this amount, PAGCOR’s contributions to nation building also rose by 48.50% — from P15.23 billion in the first half of 2022 to P22.62 billion this year,” he said.

Tengco said that with the agency’s consistent upward revenue trend, it is highly possible for PAGCOR to reach or even surpass its pre-pandemic income by the end of 2023.

Source: PAGCOR to launch own online casino in 1st QTR of 2024, eyes modernization of slot machine operations, Gov.PH, July 20, 2023

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Following an extensive review of Tipster.de’s operations, financial status, and compliance with regulatory requirements, Gluecksspiel (GGL) has concluded that the company’s license must be revoked. The measure will prevent the company from offering games of chance in Germany, effectively banning it within the country. GGL’s decision will significantly impact the struggling operator as it looks to sell off its assets.

The Regulator’s Decision Was Fully Justified

The decision to revoke Tipster’s license is based on the concerning factors uncovered during GGL’s evaluation process. The business currently finds itself in a precarious position after its recent filing for bankruptcy, rendering it unable to meet its obligations to customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities. Since the betting group is under administration, it cannot effectively dispute GGL’s verdict.

We take consistent action against license holders if they violate elementary rules of the State Treaty on Gaming.

Ronald Benter, GGL co-executive director

Things came crashing down for Tipster after the German police raided the operator’s premises due to alleged ties with organized crime, leading to the arrests of six people. The sudden action was part of a joint pan-European investigation regarding unlicensed gambling, corruption schemes, large-scale money laundering, and tax evasion. In the aftermath of the raid, the group filed for bankruptcy, sealing its fate.

Losing its license at such a critical time will have a devastating effect on Tipster. The company hopes to find a buyer after it restructures its operations. However, its spotty history and inability to operate in one of Europe’s leading markets significantly reduces its attractiveness and can negatively impact the ongoing insolvency proceedings.

Tipster’s Fate Should Teach Operators a Valuable Lesson

GGL’s decision to revoke Tipster’s license appears justified considering the operator’s current state. With its leadership and operations in shambles, the company cannot guarantee basic player protections and meet its contractual obligations. The company refused to comment on the situation, and its website remains offline, making any hopes of a resurgence virtually nonexistent. 

Such a sudden downfall came as a shock, considering the business had annual revenues of €250 million ($273,76 million) and employed over 1,000 people. However, GGL noted that it was willing to take action even against the high-profile operators, evidenced by its recent probe into Daily Fantasy Sports operators in the country.

Glücksspiel’s revocation of Tipster GmbH’s license represents a significant development in the German gambling industry, demonstrating the regulator’s ability to implement harsh punishments given sufficient justification. The case should also send a message to other operators, highlighting the need to uphold financial stability, compliance with regulations, and responsible gambling practices.

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The accolade was granted to BetMGM at the EGR North America Awards 2023, and it constitutes an important achievement for the company after it won the same title back in 2022. The second silverware distinguishes BetMGM as the best North American online casino and positions the company as one of the most exciting entities on the market.

BetMGM Remains at the Helm of North American Online Gambling

Commenting on this opportunity BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said that it was a real honor to have the award presented to his company once again. He spoke of how BetMGM was consistently looking to evolve and move with the times.

“As the industry evolves, we look forward to providing new and innovative products for our customers,” Greenblatt said. BetMGM has been commended for the quality of its product and the reach of its operations, offering a mix of product and brand strength. BetMGM VP of gaming Agnus Nisbet added:

We are proud of our accomplishments and thank EGR for this recognition. Our team remains committed to offering players a truly unique, best-in-class experience.

BetMGM VP of gaming Agnus Nisbet

BetMGM has been able to deliver some very exciting developments for the United States and Canadian iGaming markets. The company runs extensive progressive jackpot networks, and it currently controls around 29% of the online casino market in the United States alone, with a presence in Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey.

Jackpot Network Is BetMGM’s True Strength

BetMGM is largely touted as one of the most successful entities in the iGaming and sports betting industries in the United States. In terms of pure jackpots, BetMGM’s progressive network has paid out more than $104 million to players in 2022.

The company has more than 20 games that are part of this progressive jackpot network, including Mirage Mega Magma, Loot’En Khamun, Dead Sea Scrolls, MGM Grand Millions, Bison Fury, Mirage Mega Magma, MGM Riches and more.

The post BetMGM Wins Back-to-Back EGR’s Casino Operator of the Year in 2023 appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The OLG’s Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) will see interested parties submit their initial bids to bring innovation and growth to the iconic property. The casino is one of the most popular in Ontario and contributes substantially to the local economy, so choosing a future operator a vital decision that cannot be rushed. 

Only Experienced and Reputable Companies Can Apply

Featuring over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, 2,300 slot machines, 85 gaming tables, and sports betting options, the Windsor casino has established itself as one of the region’s premiere gambling destinations, providing jobs and generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. The current operator, Caesars Entertainment, has performed adequately at managing the property, but their contract ends in 2025, necessitating the recent RFPQ.

The OLG noted that it would only accept proposals from companies experienced with managing a large gaming resort. Such a requirement immediately narrows down available options to a few high-profile operators. Caesars Entertainment can also participate in the selection process and retain its operating rights. OLG president and CEO Duncan Hannay was excited to begin the process and ensure Ontario’s lasting reputation as a leading casino destination.

Selecting a highly qualified service provider… will ensure the long-term competitiveness of the site while continuing to generate economic benefits for the local community.

Duncan Hannay, OLG president, and CEO

Companies that meet the OLG’s strict requirements will then have to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) elaborating on their plans for the resort. The ideal operator will have the experience, resources, and vision necessary to operate the property successfully and maximize revenue for the province. Finding the perfect candidate can be difficult and time-consuming, so the OLG started the selection process with over a year to spare.

The Venue Is a Vital Part of the Local Economy

Selecting a new operator will impact more than just the casino. The city of Windsor receives roughly $10 million in payments each year, and the venue is a valuable source of employment. The casino’s proximity to the US border encourages tourism and bolsters surrounding businesses, making it a vital part of the local economy.

The company that wins the lucrative license will oversee the casino’s day-to-day operations, but the OLG retains its overall control over gaming in Windsor. Caesars appears to have an advantage due to its familiarity with the casino but other big players will try their best to offer a better proposition and take over the lucrative property. Ultimately, it will be up to the OLG to make the right choice.

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As a result, Gaming Corps will bring its games in strength with Vera & John and offer the operator an opportunity to increase its content library with innovative and player-focused games designed to bring better entertainment to players across the board.

Gaming Corps Delivers Innovative Content for Vera & John

Gaming Corps has been developing a variety of titles and focusing specifically on the Plinko game genre. Plinko is among the first games to hit Vera & John’s casino platform with a dedicated Mine game also coming. Commenting on this opportunity, Vera & John said:

We’re thrilled to expand our exciting arcade vertical with Gaming Corps, as specialists in the space. The launch of Plinko offers more control and variety to our players and their preferences in the game.

Vera & John

Gaming Corps CCO Danielle Calafato was similarly pleased with the opportunity to see the company’s content launch with yet another operator.

“Vera & John not only leads but has essentially created the entirety of its active market with others joining to build online operations in the region,” Calafato said. The executive further commended the operator for focusing on providing player bases with local content that truly strikes home with them.

Calafato further thanked for the opportunity to see Gaming Corps products launched with Vera & John. Gaming Corps is also a refreshing supplier that is adding games that defy iGaming expectations and provide content that is innovative and breaks the industry’s mold.

Gaming Corps provides a strong variety of titles, including crash, mine, slots, and table, as well as the aforementioned Plinko. The supplier has been growing its footprint at a good pace, teaming up with Napoleon Casino in Belgium.

The company similarly sought to expand its footprint in Africa, a vibrant market that is embracing iGaming, with Gaming Corps now setting a firm foot in it.

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The DP Tour, a European men’s professional golf league, has designated OlyBet as its official betting operator in the Old Continent. The agreement between the two parties has been signed for two years and will cover all European countries with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Thanks to the agreement, OlyBet, an Estonia-headquartered casino and sports betting company, will be able to provide its sports betting customers with the freshest information regarding the DP Tour.

Relevant DP Tour information will be available at OlyBet’s sportsbooks and casinos, while its online streaming platform, OlyBet YV, will broadcast content from the tour. As announced, the operator will follow 39 DP Tour tournaments this season alone.

New Fan Experiences Are at the Heart of the Relationship

Representatives from the two companies commented on the agreement in a promotional new video announcing the partnership.

David Brookes, senior commercial director for the European Tour Group, said that finding a betting partner was a natural step for the league.

I think the drama of golf lends itself perfectly to having a betting partner and in creating this partnership with OlyBet as our official European betting operator, I think it’s a tremendous opportunity to once again evolve and innovate experiences for the golf fans.

David Brookes, senior commercial director, European Tour Group

Brooks added that his team is truly passionate about what it will be able to deliver with OlyBet, saying that this betting agreement will provide fans with new opportunities.

Corey Plummer, chair and CEO of Olympic Entertainment Group and OlyBet Group, said that his team always seeks to leverage the thrill of sports to provide sports aficionados with unforgettable experiences. Plummer added that there are very few sports and activities that are better at bringing thrill, anticipation and excitement than golf.

This is a natural sport for competition, you can play it at all ages and all levels and be very competitive. So we want to create those kind of moments that bring more of that competitive juice and the thrill of the game to as many people as possible.

Corey Plummer, CEO, OlyBet Group

Plummer concluded that golf is growing rapidly and that there are many markets hungry for more golf content. However, he noted that being able to engage with golf through content really elevates the experience.

Plummer concluded that he is excited to provide European punters with more opportunities to engage with the sport and the players themselves.

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Sun International, the South African operator of about a dozen casino properties including Sun City, has released its full-year results for 2022. The company’s online gaming operation, SunBet is reporting record-high revenues, and land operations including its slot distributor, Sun Slots are also showing strong revenue growth.

In the year that ended December 31, Sun International enjoyed a 10-fold increase in adjusted top earnings from R110m ($5,999,081) to R1.1bn ($59,990,810). EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) nearly doubled to R3.3bn.

Online Income up 36%

Anthony Leeming, Sun International Chief Executive said: “We are particularly pleased by the significant progress we are making with our online strategy, with SunBet showing strong growth in all key indicators. Gaming income from casinos, Sun Slots, and SunBet showed a significant recovery, with income up 36%.”

Sun Slots currently owns and operates six Limited Payout Machine (LPM) Route Operators across 4 provinces within South Africa – Grand Gaming Slots runs in Gauteng and Mpumalanga; Hot Slots in Gauteng, and Kingdomslots and KZN Slots KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Grandslots.

The company brought over 5,000 LPMs back into operation last year adding over 500 more machines than it had activated in 2021.

The CEO added that SunSlots intends to add another 1,000 machines to its network.

Leeming stated: “We continue to engage with the regulators to increase the rollout of LPMs to the 6,500 LPM positions that have been allocated,” according to various reports.

The wholly-owned subsidiary’s income increased about 20% over the previous year while its online operation, SunBet saw income surge more than 85% for the year with outsized growth in the second half of 2022.

“Active players on our rapidly expanding online sports betting and gaming platform continued to grow, with additional games being offered and the overall player experience being enhanced,” a statement said.

While online gambling is understood by most to not be legal in South Africa, that is simply not the case. Online betting and games where players bet on outcomes, such as roulette, are allowed.

Successes of Sun City Operator Continue Upward Trajectory

On this day last year, SunBet reported 2021 turnover was up 78% over 2020 and 66% over 2019, while gaming income rose 33% against 2020 and 30% against 2019. Last year’s commentary on the numbers with explanations of the online sector of iGaming and sports betting showed healthy growth driven by increased broadband, smartphone, and mobile money penetration, with SunBet fervently scaling up revenues from middling to high-end customers.

The group expanded into new markets last year with a 70 percent investment of $3.2m (R58m) in SunBet Africa Holdings.

Leeming said: “The company has online sports betting and casino licenses to operate in Ghana, Zambia, and Kenya. We are in the early stages of rolling out the SunBet operating model and brand in these markets, which have attractive long-term growth potential.

“Our resort and hotel properties have continued to perform exceptionally well, and we anticipate another good year from them in 2023.”

Source: Sun International poised for more growth following post-pandemic rebound, G3 Newswire, March 14, 2023

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