Indulge in the best of licensed online gambling with our regularly updated news, honest reviews, and expert articles. Our platform is your trusted gaming partner.
Indulge in the best of licensed online gambling with our regularly updated news, honest reviews, and expert articles. Our platform is your trusted gaming partner.
The Swedish Gaming Authority, known as Spelinspektionen, issued a formal notice to bingo operator Tombola for breaching the agency’s rules regarding website content.
Spelinspektionen declared that Tombola failed to provide information on deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and game time measurement on its desktop and mobile platforms, thus contravening Article 17 of the Spelinspektionen regulations.
Tombola cooperated fully and rectified the violation by adding all required details to its website.
Spelinspektionen categorized the violation as not serious, but “neither minor nor excusable.”
On the previous day, Spelinspektionen also issued similar warnings to licensed enterprises Multi Brand Gaming and More Tech Group for violating Article 17.
More Tech Group received an additional warning for breaching Articles 7 and 8 of the Spelinspektionen regulations because the company did not display contact information on its website.
An investigation conducted by Spelinspektionen yesterday also revealed that the number of players in the nation using unauthorized gaming websites has risen. The investigation also uncovered that players who engage in gambling on unlicensed websites are more likely to acknowledge that their gaming activity has escalated during the coronavirus pandemic.
Parson Capital is taking over the gaming branch of Global Payments.
The private equity firm Parson Capital has reached an agreement to buy the gaming division of Global Payments for an amount that has not been revealed. The deal is anticipated to be finalized by the end of March. Parson will separate Global Payments’ gaming solutions into a distinct entity, Pavilion Payments, which will continue to provide the division’s complete range of payment solutions to the gaming sector, such as VIP Preferred and contactless payment solutions VIP Mobility.
Pavilion Payments will remain under the direction of its current leadership team, with the present gaming division head Christopher Justice assuming the additional position of CEO of Pavilion Payments.
The deal is still contingent upon obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
“This transaction enables our business to adapt to the changing demands of the gaming industry and benefit from growth trends, particularly in areas like online gaming,” Justice stated. “Our focus is on creating distinctive player experiences for both physical and digital gaming.”
“Clients can anticipate increased investment in innovation and product development, providing them with more sophisticated tools to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction, boost revenue, and minimize obstacles.”
We are delighted to collaborate with Venue Payment, stated Parthenon partner Zack Sadek. Their cutting-edge product range, encompassing top-tier omnichannel payment solutions and the most triumphant cashless deployments, enable businesses to persistently guarantee customer triumph.
Scientific Games Corporation (SGC) has decided to retract its proposal to acquire the remaining nineteen percent ownership in its social gaming branch, SciPlay, through an all-stock transaction.
Last July, Scientific Games presented a proposition to purchase all the SciPlay shares it did not already possess.
The agreement suggested an enterprise value of $1.9 billion and would have provided SciPlay shareholders, excluding SGC, 0.25 shares of Scientific Games stock for each SciPlay share they held.
However, the choice to withdraw the offer will leave SGC with an eighty-one percent economic interest and ninety-eight percent voting authority in SciPlay.
SciPlay was once the social gaming division within Scientific Games until it became an independent entity in 2019, listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
“Based on our capital management and sound M&A principles, we believe that continuing to pursue this opportunity is not in the best interests of our investors at this time,” stated Barry Cottle, President and CEO of SGC.
“We remain dedicated to our strategy of developing exceptional games across platforms, utilizing our unparalleled portfolio of popular franchises, world-class talent, and high-quality content engine.”
SciPlay is a prized possession with the potential to generate significant revenue as it expands its presence in the social casino market. They are also leveraging their expertise in player engagement and monetization to venture into the lucrative $20 billion casual gaming sector.
We will continue to allocate resources to this area judiciously. As we implement our plan, we will maintain financial prudence and prioritize investments that will enhance our earnings per share.
This move follows a series of acquisitions by SGC in recent months, including the acquisition of Swedish game developer Elk Studios last month and the acquisition of casino solutions provider Authentic Gaming in November 2021. This marked their initial foray into the live casino market.
Last October, SGC also reached an agreement to divest its lottery operations to private equity firm Brookfield Business Partners for $6.05 billion. Their sports betting division will be sold to IMG Arena owner Endeavor.
SGC stated that the proceeds from the lottery business sale will facilitate accelerated growth by reducing debt, investing in their core operations, and acquiring additional digital companies. This will result in enhanced returns for investors.
Scientific Games is acquiring Sideplay Entertainment, a firm specializing in the creation of instant-win games. This acquisition will bolster Scientific Games’ global lottery operations.
Sideplay has developed over 270 instant-win games for lotteries and gambling entities worldwide. These games have been enjoyed by over 100 million players.
Scientific Games asserts that this deal will accelerate their game launch process. They will also integrate Sideplay’s digital game server technology into their existing infrastructure.
The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. However, Scientific Games has stated that they will incorporate all of Sideplay’s games into their existing lottery game portfolio.
Scientific Games has purchased Sideplay, a digital gaming firm, to enhance its lottery services. The agreement will merge Sideplay’s distinctive game development strategy with Scientific Games’ broad global lottery customer base.
Sideplay’s founder and leader, Steve Hickson, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that it signifies a substantial accomplishment for the company. He highlighted their shared vision to mold the future of lotteries together.
The acquisition follows Scientific Games’ recent purchase of Lightning Box, a game content studio, earlier this month. This acquisition strategy aims to solidify Scientific Games’ position as a leading content-driven company in the digital marketplace.
While the financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, Scientific Games has confirmed that the acquisition will contribute to its strategic plan for enduring growth and bolster its internal studios.
Boyoko has introduced its partner website in New Jersey after obtaining authorization from the state’s Gaming Enforcement Division (DGE).
Boyoko’s site will enable players in New Jersey to sort and contrast online gambling platforms operating within the state.
Certified operators in New Jersey, along with gaming developers aiming for the New Jersey and broader US market, can also set up their own information pages on the Boyoko website.
Boyoko’s US entry is in New Jersey, and the company has also requested partner licenses in several other states, including Pennsylvania and Michigan.
“This is a crucial moment for Boyoko, and we are very enthusiastic about utilizing the vast possibilities presented by the New Jersey and wider US market,” stated Jonas Kahou, the affiliate’s Chief Business Officer.
The UKs Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has imposed a penalty on SkillonNet for employing deceptive language in their PlayOJO brand advertising. The advertisements promoted a “hot and cold” feature intended to assist players in achieving victories.
Three individuals lodged complaints regarding a webpage, a blog entry, and a television commercial released in September 2021. All three advertisements discussed the new “hot and cold” feature, which indicated which games had recently paid out and which had not.
The website advertisement stated, “Wouldn’t it be fantastic to observe which games are yielding payouts and which are not, just as in a real casino? Now you can. You’ll witness the hottest and coldest games currently, alongside the time of their most recent significant payouts, based on actual game activity, updated every five minutes. You can toggle between hot and cold to determine which games are providing the most payouts and which are providing the least.”
However, two of the complainants asserted that the wording of the text was deceptive.
The ASA concluded that the advertisements were “misleading, suggesting that the ‘hot and cold’ feature could predict or influence future success; and could irresponsibly lead to financial, social, or emotional harm.”
A person expressing concern inquired about the inclusion of a tarot card reader in a promotional piece, asserting that it “unwisely capitalized on cultural convictions or customs surrounding wagering or fortune,” and the advertisement had been authorized by the review service Clearcast.
SkillOnNet countered that the “hot and cold” characteristic on its online platform merely informs users about the recent payout amounts for diverse online slots and casino games, and which games have not yielded winnings for a period.
They clarified that “the data is derived from an algorithm that refreshes every five minutes, utilizing real-time and precise game information,” adding that the feature seeks to mirror the scenario at a physical casino roulette table, where the dealer displays recent game history “to guide interested participants in deciding their next wager.”
Clearcast also provided input, stating that “the typical viewer would readily comprehend the context of the tarot cards’ use in the advertisement, namely that the fortune teller is engaging in deception by employing the PlayOJO app to access the ‘hot and cold’ feature.”
They further emphasized that the advertisement clearly depicts the player in the ad being required to make their own decision regarding how to proceed after receiving the fortune teller’s “guidance.”
In its evaluation, the ASA partially sustained the complaint regarding the feature’s irresponsibility: “The feature provides an indication of the game’s recent performance, but lacks a connection to the potential payout amount in the future.”
Promotional materials deceive gamers about the extent of their influence over their wagering, suggesting that utilizing this feature promotes reckless gambling and could result in financial, social, or emotional distress. This also contravenes the [CAP] guidelines.
Nevertheless, the third grievance concerning television advertising was not sustained. The ASA believes that employing a tarot card reader does not take advantage of cultural customs.
Intralot has inked a five-year service and operations contract extension with the Wyoming Lottery Corporation.
Intralot’s US division will continue to furnish lottery operating systems and services for the Wyoming Lottery’s operations until August 2029.
Intralot has been a collaborator with the Wyoming Lottery Corporation since the commencement of WyoLotto in 2014, and the two entities jointly launched the newest lottery game, 2by2, in March 2021.
“We take our responsibility to the Wyoming Lottery Corporation very seriously,” stated Jon Clontz, CEO of the Wyoming Lottery Corporation. “The selection of a gaming provider is vital to us and is at the core of our business. We are thrilled to extend our association with Intralot and continue to depend on our mutually beneficial, trusting, and high-performing partnership.”
Byron Boothe, CEO of Intralot, added, “We appreciate the trust and long-term partnership that the Wyoming Lottery has placed in us, and we look forward to continuing to generate value and propel their growth through our advanced technology and high-quality services.”
We are thrilled to continue our collaboration and assist Wyoming in generating revenue.
Intralot has also recently inked a two-year agreement with Magnum, a Malaysian gaming enterprise, set to expire in June 2024.
Intralot will continue to furnish Magnum with their LotoSTM system, encompassing software, online gaming components, and cutting-edge terminals.
This marks the second consecutive renewal for Intralot. Last month, they secured a one-year extension with MDJS, a Moroccan gaming and sports organization.
The agreement between Gaming Innovation Group and Crab Sports positions them advantageously to be a significant force in the American sports wagering market. While prominent brands are reducing their promotional efforts, these local entities have an opportunity to establish themselves in various states.
GiG’s Martin Collins discusses the concept of regional champions in American sports betting. In Europe, numerous examples exist of “local heroes,” businesses that have leveraged their regional expertise to achieve widespread popularity within their respective areas. Brands like Winamax in France, Snai or Sisal in Italy, and Betcity in the Netherlands are highly recognized in their home nations, despite their expansion into other territories.
This phenomenon has yet to materialize in the United States, but the reasons are readily apparent. Operating in each state is costly, and the availability of licenses is limited, resulting in the dominance of large corporations with substantial financial resources.
However, regulatory changes are underway, creating opportunities for new entities to enter the market and disrupt the status quo at the local level.
For instance, Maryland has formulated a more thorough plan that permits live wagering at ten gambling houses, sports arenas, and racetracks, with an additional thirty available for other businesses within the state.
These permit holders will be qualified for mobile betting permits, with the legislation permitting up to sixty permits to be issued.
This will generate one of the most extensive state-level markets in the United States to date, opening the door for a substantial number of new rivals. One enterprise preparing to enter the competition is Crab Sports, a firm established in 2021 that reached a preliminary agreement with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) this week.
Highly Localized Focus
A common tactic for new entrants into the US market is to establish a presence and then utilize that as a launching pad for other states. For Crab Sports, Maryland will be the sole focus, with the company named after one of the state’s most cherished dishes.
The agreement marks GiG’s initial deal with a US sports betting company since acquiring Sportnco, with Sales and Business Development Director Martin Collins believing it is a “game-changer” for the provider.
“The number of opportunities we have access to has increased significantly – we did not have a competitive sports betting product to address these previously,” he stated.
But that does not imply reaching a preliminary agreement was a simple process. “It was very thorough, akin to a Tier 1 deal,” Collins explained.
They are keen to make sure they pick the right platform to accomplish their objectives.
This ongoing discussion is a product of constant talks within the industry, particularly with the investment group. This continuous dialogue helps GiG spot opportunities to act swiftly and gain introductions or recommendations from potential customers.
“It’s a key source of leads,” he said. “We anticipate one-third of our leads to come from incoming inquiries produced by marketing; one-third from outgoing efforts by the sales team, and one-third from recommendations. For us, that’s the ideal ratio. If you achieve that, you’ll get a lot of good chances.”
With this strategy, GiG is targeting three kinds of partners in the US. Similar to Europe, it’s looking for top-tier operators who want to expand into the US, where it can use its regulated market expertise to help them move quickly and effectively.
Secondly, there are tribal markets, where its platform’s built-in responsible gambling features enable partners to expand sustainably, considering the community-driven approach taken by Native American reservations.
The third category is challenger brands, like Crab Sports, which are focused on just one state.
Collins explained that this hyper-local focus can be especially powerful. Crab Sports won’t have the deep resources of a well-funded national operator. “But they have the local knowledge and partnerships to bring customers to the brand,” he said.
Creating Brand Assets
He thinks that regional rivals like Crab Sports won’t gain a strong presence in all states, noting that states like New York, with its bidding procedure, high tax rate, and hefty licensing fee, make it impossible to enter.
He went on to say, “Some states, like Maryland, Ohio, or Louisiana, have a distinct regional identity, and these competitors have a chance to enter.” “Simply because they can collaborate with local businesses in the market and directly engage players by allowing these [outlets] to generate income through sports betting and online gaming later on.”
These partnerships might not allow a company like Crab Sports to dominate in Maryland. But by utilizing this local presence, whether through sports teams, entertainment venues, or bars and restaurants, it positions the business as part of the community.
Collins stated this is already incorporated into the agreement. “We believe that massive spending is not sustainable, so we encourage clients like Crab Sports to utilize the platform’s key components. There’s GiG Data and GiG Logic, but another crucial element is CMS; it allows us to segment the customer journey, developing a customized journey for each user.
“They might be acquired through a bar as an affiliate, or through an event partnered with a local team like the Baltimore Ravens.”
This information can assist them in crafting highly customized marketing plans, fostering stronger relationships with the brand.
Collins stated that tools like Logic can automate procedures, significantly lowering resources and expenses for customer management. For new brands, this will dramatically increase their profit margins.
However, he stressed that these campaigns should not focus solely on financial incentives. Even simple local restaurant meals can effectively draw in players and cultivate their loyalty.
Competitors, unlike major players in US sports betting, lack abundant resources, so they must be more strategic with their marketing budget allocation. However, even with substantial marketing investments, it remains to be seen if their promotional spending truly generates a significant return.
“Major players haven’t embraced this approach in other states,” Collins continued. “They’ve been attracting players with bonuses and retaining them with continuous bonuses, resulting in low lifetime value and high acquisition costs.
“I’ve been in this industry for 16 years, and every company traditionally invests heavily in user acquisition, but rarely invests equally in cultivating loyalty. In a highly regulated, high-tax market, this approach hinders any chance of profitability.”
In conclusion, the “spray and pray” strategy is increasingly being questioned.
Digital Caesars is pledging to reduce marketing expenditures. Churchill Downs has already initiated the process of closing its betting and online wagering ventures. Speculation persists regarding the potential sale or closure of WynnBet.
“They’re striving for a more strategic approach now, emphasizing their loyalty programs and cultivating customer connections based on loyalty rather than financial incentives,” Collins remarked. “However, they acquired these customers through inducements – that doesn’t foster genuine brand loyalty.”
This, in turn, is generating opportunities for a new wave of operators like Crab Sports to establish a presence, even on a state-by-state basis.
“These smaller brands, the tribal entities, can introduce something distinctive despite the constant visibility of the major brands on television,” Collins added. “I anticipate witnessing this materialize over time.”
The Mississippi sports betting industry saw a plateau in September’s earnings when compared to the same timeframe in the previous year.
Mississippi’s sports bettors spent a considerable amount less in September compared to the same period last year, but the state’s income remained steady.
The month’s total wagered was $43.1 million, a decrease from $54.8 million in September of 2021, but an increase from $21.2 million in August.
Despite the decrease in spending, revenue was unchanged from the previous year at $8.8 million, which is also a significant increase from August’s $2.7 million.
Coastal casinos remain the most popular locations for sports betting in Mississippi, with players wagering a total of $28.1 million, generating $5.5 million in casino revenue.
Central casinos had a total wagered of $8.2 million, generating $1.8 million in revenue, while northern casinos had a total spend of $6.9 million, generating $1.6 million in revenue.
Football surpassed baseball as the most popular sport for players, with coastal casinos taking $16.5 million in bets, central casinos taking $3.1 million, and northern casinos taking $4.4 million.
The hold for the month was 20.4%, an increase from 16.1% in September of last year.
The Influence of COVID-19 on Gambler Feelings in 2020 – iGB
In the initial six months of 2020, wagering businesses encountered numerous challenges. Many were merely striving to stay operational. However, as confinement regulations relaxed and athletic events resumed, organizations could begin contemplating the future.
This online seminar will discuss how gambling companies can rebound from the repercussions of COVID-19, expand once more, and seize new opportunities in a transformed environment.
Earlier this year, Trulioo conducted a comprehensive survey of consumers in the UK and the US. They aimed to comprehend how individuals felt about establishing online accounts and confirming their identities.
In this session, Trulioo will unveil the survey findings and elucidate how this data regarding gambler sentiments in 2020 can assist companies in providing their customers with the optimal experience, particularly when they are setting up new accounts.
Gamblers desire to create accounts swiftly, effortlessly, and securely. Companies that fail to achieve this could encounter substantial difficulties, especially in a market that is unpredictable and challenging.
Its clear that the yearning for streamlined account initiation has only escalated during the recent months of coronavirus confinement. In the “digital realm,” individuals have become more discerning and refined in their utilization of digital services – they recognize quality, and they won’t settle for anything inferior. Individuals feel insecure and are more apprehensive about threats surrounding them.
Trulioo will also present a case study illustrating how a global gaming operator ensured they could fulfill their compliance responsibilities and safeguard customers while providing a top-notch account creation experience.
Essential takeaways
This online seminar is sponsored by Trulioo
Trulioo is a worldwide identity verification enterprise that offers real-time online identity and business verification coverage for over 5 billion individuals and 330 million companies globally.
The company recently conducted a survey to comprehend the significance of initial impressions in online gaming. For 77% of online gamers, the account onboarding process can “make or break” their future connection with a brand. Players anticipate operators to provide swiftness and security, particularly during the present crisis, and they expect real-time identity verification during account establishment.
