## SoftGamings and Onlyplay Forge Alliance – Casino and Gaming – iGB

Onlyplay, a cutting-edge game studio specializing in Crash, Instant Win, and other groundbreaking casino games, has teamed up with SoftGamings, becoming one of their latest game developer associates.

SoftGamings is delighted to declare their collaboration with Onlyplay, a game studio renowned for crafting thrilling and inventive casino games. Onlyplay brings a novel viewpoint to the sector with their lively and elaborate games like Hot & Spicy, Lucky Ocean, and F777Fighter. These games showcase unique game mechanics and gamification features intended to appeal to a diverse range of players.

Onlyplay’s games are highly adaptable, enabling operators to select in-game characters and modify the games to align with their casino’s theme or promotional campaigns. Moreover, all Onlyplay games support both traditional currencies and cryptocurrencies, making them favored among players in the global crypto community.

Irina Sazonova, Director of Partnerships at SoftGamings, remarked, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Onlyplay and be among the first to introduce their content to the CIS and other European markets.”

Onlyplay is absolutely delighted with this new distribution agreement. Onlyplay’s Chief Business Development Officer, Artem Klymenko, remarked, “Onlyplay is a pioneer in innovative games and solutions, with no other offerings like it in the marketplace.

Our objective is to assist operators in reaching a wider audience with our exceptional games, including the popular crash feature. Onlyplay’s solutions provide numerous advantages, such as support for all cryptocurrencies, genuine gamification, and cutting-edge features. We are thrilled to collaborate with SoftGamings. We share a common vision for the future of the industry and the significance of novel tools. Innovation is paramount to success in online gambling.

We are confident that this partnership with SoftGamings will be mutually beneficial and strategically vital.”

Their advanced technology and industry insights perfectly align with our vision for the future of iGaming, making this distribution agreement a significant step forward.

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The sole New Zealand organization authorized to accept wagers, Tab NZ, has declared that Mark Stewart will relinquish his position as chairperson next week. Anna Stove will assume the role of temporary chairperson.

Stewart, who has held the position for two years, will depart at the end of August. The enterprise has stated that his tenure as chairperson has been “revolutionary.”

Stewart was instrumental in securing a new collaboration with Entain, a prominent betting firm. Entain declared in March that they would assist Tab NZ with wagering and broadcasting in New Zealand. This agreement will endure for 25 years.

Stewart remarked, “My two years on the Tab NZ board have been exceptionally significant. Most importantly, we have ensured that our stakeholders will reap long-term benefits due to our partnership with Entain.”

“I am confident that the remaining members of the board and the management team will continue to build upon the Entain partnership for the betterment of our nation,” he added.

Tab NZ CEO Nick Roberts expressed gratitude to Stewart for his contributions. “We have been fortunate to have Mark’s exceptional experience and abilities,” he stated.

New Zealand’s Tab NZ has selected Stove as their interim chairperson, succeeding Stewart who is departing.

The leadership of Tab NZ has altered the lives of countless New Zealanders, from athletes to those who depend on the domestic horse racing sector.

McAnulty authorized the appointment of Stott as temporary chair, who is the New Zealand Minister for Racing.

Stott has been in the position since August 2021, when Stewart began his term. She was also previously a member of the Racing Industry Transition Agency’s board.

“I am thrilled to assume this role, and we will be concentrating on collaborating with the government to modernize the gambling landscape in New Zealand,” Stott stated.

Tab NZ also declared another modification to its board. Jason Fleming has stepped down and taken on a new position as Tab NZ’s commercial general manager.

Bill Bernie, Wendy Harvey, and Rewan Lovitt remain on the board alongside Stott.

Tab NZ-Entain agreement leads to funding boost

The announcement follows the successful launch of the Entain partnership, which commenced on June 1.

Tab NZ stated that in the initial months, this has resulted in a funding increase for New Zealand’s three primary racing codes, the New Zealand Sports Bureau, and 37 national sporting organizations that have signed sports betting agreements with Tab NZ.

Tab NZ mentioned when announcing the deal earlier this year that it entered into the partnership due to heightened competition, escalating costs, funding limitations, and other difficulties.

This indicates that it has impacted its capacity to sufficiently finance racing and sporting events.

Entain provided an update regarding the agreement shortly after its implementation. The update encompassed Entain’s pledge to return a minimum of NZ$150 million annually to Tab NZ for the initial five years following the agreement’s enactment.

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## Softswiss: Does Crypto Betting Represent the Future of Gaming?

The worldwide digital currency market is valued at a staggering £954 billion, presenting a substantial opportunity for the gaming sector to participate.
Softswiss’s co-chief executive, Andrei Staravoitau, engaged in a conversation with us to explore why Softswiss has been a pioneer in the field for the past ten years, providing top-tier cryptocurrency casino software solutions.

**Softswiss: Does crypto betting represent the future of gaming?**

**iGB:** There is a significant amount of excitement surrounding the potential of digital currency in gambling, and Softswiss has observed a substantial increase in transaction volume in its reports. Are you noticing any trends or connections among players? Based on this data, what kind of individual is the typical crypto gambler?

**AS:** If we compare the average digital currency user to someone who utilizes traditional currency, the digital currency user is generally younger and originates from Canada, Germany, or Asia. Depending on their location and age, we witness different types of crypto brands attracting distinct players. There are the early adopters, such as Bitstarz and MBit, and then there is the newer wave of brands like Stake, Roobet, Rollbit, Duelbits, and BC.Game. The newer brands are truly focused on establishing a robust community surrounding their brand, utilizing chat and forums. This assists them in attracting players and maintaining their engagement.

These are just a few significant factors, apart from transaction velocity, accessibility of demonstrably fair games, and other factors.

iGB: How do early digital currency adopters like Softswiss adapt in the increasingly competitive and demanding digital currency market?

AS: I wouldn’t say the digital currency gambling market is particularly competitive – competition is steadily increasing, but it hasn’t reached its peak yet. We observe the digital currency gambling market attracting industry giants, with many companies considering integrating payment methods like Coinspaid to enable digital currency deposits. Some companies opt to launch separate digital currency brands, similar to the design and features of Stake.com, Bitstarz, MBit, Rollbit, Duelbits, Roobet, and BC.Game, to enhance their portfolio with new digital currency-focused offerings.

Many market participants are hesitant about entering this specialized market, rather than actively participating. We can understand the reasons behind them, such as a lack of digital currency expertise or a strong team of specialists, difficulty attracting digital currency audiences, digital currency gambling regulations, and the attitude of regulators towards digital currencies, believing that digital currencies don’t exist. However, this specialized market is actively evolving, and the market leaders I mentioned above are now being followed by new high-potential entrants who are able to make significant progress, such as Stake.com in 2021.

The Softswiss platform distinguishes itself in the crowded crypto gaming marketplace through its deep knowledge and extensive experience in integrating cryptocurrencies for gambling. As a leader in the field and the first to bring cryptocurrencies to the B2B sector, Softswiss has made crypto gambling development a central part of its approach. This includes cultivating expertise within the team, developing products that support cryptocurrencies, and staying ahead of the product trends observed in all crypto brands.

All products within the Softswiss ecosystem (casino platform, game aggregator, sportsbook, jackpot aggregator, and Affilka) are compatible with cryptocurrencies, and their partner product – the crypto payment gateway Coinspaid – is the perfect choice for launching a cryptocurrency business. For instance, the Softswiss game aggregator currently supports around 50 game providers using over 20 different cryptocurrencies, and is capable of integrating new cryptocurrencies based on the needs of its clients and partners.

The in-game currency conversion feature integrated into their flagship casino platform is a unique solution that enables crypto balance holders to access and enjoy non-crypto games. Softswiss sportsbook and jackpot aggregator are also fully equipped to operate with cryptocurrencies.

The utilization of digital currencies in gaming is a rapidly expanding field. There’s a need for increased education for all parties involved, from operators and providers to oversight bodies.

Oversight bodies should collaborate more closely with enterprises to comprehend how digital currencies can be used securely and efficiently in gaming. This will contribute to the creation of a transparent regulatory structure and guarantee that the industry develops in a responsible manner.

Regrettably, many oversight bodies are still lagging behind in this matter. They need to catch up and establish guidelines that address the use of digital currencies in gaming.

Our organization is dedicated to assisting in bridging the gap between businesses and oversight bodies. We provide support and direction to help operators and game studios incorporate digital currencies into their operations. We can assist them in accepting all digital currencies and navigating the intricacies of this emerging technology.

We consider the education and direction of our operational crew in the realm of digital currencies to be a significant area for expansion, enabling us to enhance our offerings.

iGB: Softswiss was recently recognized as the Crypto Company of the Year at the 2023 International Gaming Awards. What distinguishes you from your rivals in the field of digital currency operations? What novelties have you introduced to the marketplace in this domain?

AS: We are thrilled to receive this accolade, and more importantly, to be acknowledged by the industry as a frontrunner in crypto gambling. This award genuinely reflects our strategy and enthusiasm – to make digital currencies user-friendly and accessible. In the past, Softswiss bravely experimented with cutting-edge advancements and incorporated digital currencies into gambling, propelling the industry to new heights.

I would venture to say that the nomination and award were not a surprise for us, as the company has made significant progress, refining its expertise, developing various features, and adapting standard operations for a digital currency audience. Nine out of ten leading crypto gambling entities utilize our products. All of this demonstrates that Softswiss is the undisputed leader in the crypto gambling landscape.

iGB: What are your forecasts for digital currencies in 2023? What factors could impede their widespread acceptance?

While the cryptocurrency market has experienced fluctuations, the crypto gambling sector and its user base are predicted to expand. Players appreciate the swiftness, ease of use, and a level of privacy that cryptocurrencies provide. An increasing number of operators, including those at the top of the industry, are incorporating cryptocurrencies into their payment options, indicating a clear rise in interest in this area.

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## Cultivating a Sustainable Sports Wagering Marketplace in Brazil

Brazil boasts a massive soccer fan base, making its market a potential frontrunner for one of the largest worldwide. Francisco Rodano, Playtech’s Chief Policy Officer, highlights the vital role operators play in ensuring a secure and sustainable launch, outlining how they navigate the intricate regulatory landscape to iGB.

After four years of endeavor, the implementation and opening of the Brazilian sports wagering market are anticipated to materialize later this year – sustainability being of paramount importance.

Francisco Rodano, Playtech’s Chief Policy Officer, believes the market holds immense potential. “The substantial size of the unregulated gambling market, combined with Brazilians’ fervor for sports, suggests it could become one of the largest regulated markets globally,” he asserts.

At Playtech, we’re prepared to contribute, whether it’s forming strategic partnerships or joint ventures with prominent local operators, as we’ve done in Mexico with Caliente and in Colombia with Wplay, or providing our offerings and services to local and international licensees of any scale.

**Ethical Gaming**

Nevertheless, new prospects also bring new dangers, and Rodano believes it’s essential to incorporate sustainability into Brazilian sports betting from the beginning.

He believes that the market opening will drive operators to prioritize how to safeguard customers, aligning with broader industry trends. Sustainable betting focuses on maintaining a balance between finances and entertainment, preventing continued play after financial losses.

Operators now need to not only recognize potential risks but also take action by setting limits to avoid harming players’ mental and financial well-being.

“Even if only a small percentage of players might be negatively impacted by gambling, identifying them at the earliest stage is critical and a moral duty,” he explained.

“There are many ways to engage with at-risk players, from general emails to personal interviews conducted by ethical gaming experts or even psychologists. All operators should be able to activate the most appropriate intervention measures based on each player’s risk level. At Playtech, we’ve developed a first-level interaction tool that has proven to be very valuable.”

In our experiments, AI-driven personalized interventions were twenty-one times more effective at promoting responsible gaming practices, such as establishing deposit limits, compared to conventional generic email responsible gambling initiatives.

Artificial intelligence technology is becoming increasingly widespread in the gambling sector. In the past, gambling operators have relied on straightforward scorecards based on basic thresholds, such as deposit or wager amounts and time spent participating. This uniform approach has a fundamental flaw: it tends to treat all participants equally, while at Playtech, they acknowledge that “human behavior is far more intricate and varied.”

“Online gambling provides us with access to a vast amount of personal information that was previously inaccessible,” Rodano states. “And it’s not just gambling data, which is already very detailed. Considering how ‘connected’ we are, there are numerous other sources. I am aware that VIP managers examine players’ activity on social media platforms, for instance, if they suspect something is occurring.”

“Machine learning presents a valuable opportunity to attempt to ‘decipher’ people’s actions. For instance, in 2019, an AI poker bot developed by Facebook and Carnegie Mellon University defeated some of the world’s top professional players. Utilizing AI, the software developed an understanding of human behavior that extended beyond the players.”

Playtech is adopting this technology through its safer gambling analytics platform, BetBuddy.

This program endeavors to pinpoint players at risk by scrutinizing their actions. It leverages machine learning algorithms that process data on each player, generating up to 70 behavioral indicators to align them with recognized players who have experienced harm.

These algorithms are coupled with “expert rules” to further refine the data-driven method, and these algorithms are entirely transparent. Rodano elucidated, “These risk indicator lists empower operators to tailor interventions, which is more effective than traditional generic interactions.”

“Astonishingly, our research reveals that 76% of Brazilians endorse betting companies employing AI to identify potential at-risk players.”

Potential Hazards
Playtech recently conducted a tailored consumer survey in four Latin American nations, including Brazil, to comprehend key issues related to accountable gambling in each region. In Brazil, 56% of respondents indicated they participated in gambling, despite the absence of regulation. A majority of them advocated for more robust local regulations and more information about responsible and sustainable gambling tools.

The survey discovered that Brazilians are most apprehensive about losing all their funds due to addiction while gambling.

In addition to these, there are also dangers of deception, game manipulation, bonus payment mistakes, privacy violations, and the increasing risk of funding criminal activities.

Rodano indicated that since the legal market is not yet open, numerous local participants interact with betting firms from overseas and tax-free areas where no consumer protection measures are in place.

Brazil’s ruling has brought sports betting under control, but online gambling remains uncontrolled. Rodano emphasized that other forms of gambling need to follow suit.

Thus, he highlighted that the regulatory framework needs to include casino games and popular forms of sports betting sought by consumers, otherwise there is little motivation to move to the legal side of the country.

“This is a possible risk factor, as Law 846/2018 only regulates sports betting, while casino games (which account for almost half of global gambling income) will remain unlawful in the near future, leaving Brazilian players with no legal alternative to their offshore versions.”

Collaborating, not competing
“We believe that a gambling regulatory framework can only function when all three parties – the government, players, and the gambling industry – achieve their respective objectives,” Rodano said.

He added that suppliers play a neutral role.

We collaborate with numerous consumer-facing businesses, and although there’s intense rivalry among them, this doesn’t hinder our capacity to dedicate time and resources to safer gambling research and development.

Our duty is essentially two-pronged. On one side, we aim to create safer, more sustainable gambling solutions that are grounded in evidence and extensively tested, with a focus on the well-being of individual players, not broad assumptions about the entire player base, as we are all unique.

On the other side, we need to inform policymakers and industry colleagues about the potential of this approach.

He stated that increased cooperation throughout the industry is essential for this work to be successful. Rodano recognized that for the market to thrive, operators need to look beyond competition—collaboration across the entire gambling sector is vital for success.

“Numerous machine learning programs and trials are being conducted by various operators, but frequently these findings aren’t shared with others,” he explained. “Safeguarding everyone’s health and enhancing well-being should be a collective, industry-wide endeavor, not a means to gain a potential competitive edge.

“By sharing our triumphs, and especially our setbacks, we can learn together and assist the gambling industry in achieving sustainable success over the long term.”

Playtech envisions a promising outlook for Brazil’s gaming sector, but they emphasize the paramount importance of responsible gaming. They’ve been engaging with regulatory bodies globally, and many are now mandating that businesses implement behavioral analysis and customized interventions to safeguard players. This practice is already being implemented in nations such as the Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany, and Sweden.

Playtech is prepared to collaborate with Brazilian authorities to ensure the country’s gambling industry is secure, enduring, and prosperous for the future.

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The Australian administration has taken strict action against unlawful gambling websites, including the well-known cryptocurrency gambling platform Cloudbet. The government agency in charge of this, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has instructed internet providers to restrict access to these websites. They contend that these sites are violating Australian regulations by providing online gambling services without proper authorization.

This is not the first time the ACMA has taken action against illegal gambling websites. Since 2019, they have blocked over 600 websites, and since 2017, over 180 unlawful gambling services have been forced to withdraw from the Australian market.

The recent crackdown includes a comprehensive list of websites, including Spin Oasis, Fab Spins, RB Carnival, The GoGo Room, Velvet Spin, Zenith Slots, Slots of Wins, Latinbet24, Hell Spin, Sky Crown, Blue Leo, Wolf Winner, Bizzo Casino, Wabo88 and Ozbet88.

This week, Australian media reported that the license of Star Entertainment Group, a land-based resort operator, was rescinded in New South Wales. The firm was penalized with a substantial A$100 million fine (approximately GBP 55.8 million, EUR 64.2 million, or USD 63.1 million) for failing to adhere to the state government’s standards.

Last month, Star Entertainment Group was deemed unsuitable to possess a casino license in New South Wales after a report by barrister Adam Bell revealed significant shortcomings at Star Sydney casino. The report emphasized numerous breaches of anti-money laundering regulations and a lack of social responsibility over an extended period.

These violations involved cleverly circumventing Chinese capital flight laws by falsely classifying gambling expenditures as hotel expenses on UnionPay (CUP) cards. The company also provided false information to banks regarding these payments and permitted entities potentially associated with organized crime to manage cage operations at their casino.

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A major force in the internet gaming world, ComeOn Group, has just debuted its proprietary casino application programming interface (API). Their inaugural collaborator in this venture? The up-and-coming German developer Apparat Gaming, celebrated for its impressive game portfolio!

This collaboration is significant because it demonstrates ComeOn’s dedication to providing its users with a superb gaming experience. They’re touting it as a “wholly novel API strategy,” and it promises to streamline the process for studios like Apparat to distribute their games to ComeOn’s extensive player base.

Apparat’s games are already a sensation in Germany, a crucial market for ComeOn. However, this is merely the first step! The intention is to rapidly deploy them in additional countries.

Cristiano Blanco, the head honcho of products at ComeOn, is incredibly enthusiastic about the entire endeavor. He states that it exemplifies ComeOn’s commitment to delivering exceptional games. Furthermore, he was struck by the speed and efficiency of the integration process – it was finalized in a matter of weeks!

This is a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties. Apparat gains exposure for its games to a broader audience, while ComeOn can furnish its players with even more outstanding content. It’s a match made in digital entertainment paradise!

Apparat Gaming’s co-founder, Martin Frindt, conveyed significant satisfaction in being selected as ComeOn’s inaugural API integration collaborator. He remarked, “The decision by ComeOn to select Apparat Gaming for their first API integration partnership is a source of great excitement for us. We possess unwavering confidence in our abilities and the forthcoming collection of games, and we eagerly anticipate cultivating a robust alliance with ComeOn.”

According to a Bloomberg article, Churchill Downs Inc. is contemplating the divestiture of its horse racing wagering platform, TwinSpires. This prospective transaction carries significant weight as TwinSpires holds a prominent position within the sector, serving as the Kentucky Derby’s official betting associate.

Although Churchill Downs has not issued a formal statement, insiders indicate that the company has engaged advisors to identify a purchaser. The acquisition cost could reach $1.5 billion, but no definitive agreements have been made.

Market participants have responded favorably to the reports, propelling Churchill Down’s share price upward. This surge in valuation is unsurprising considering TwinSpires’ robust financial results. In the third quarter of 2021, their earnings experienced a remarkable 56% increase compared to the same period in 2019, while the aggregate sum wagered on their platform surged by nearly one-third.

Catena Media has designated Öystein Engebretsen to its governing body, succeeding Anders Brandt who has resigned to concentrate on alternative pursuits. Engebretsen, a candidate of the second-largest stakeholder Investment AB Öresund, will hold the position until the subsequent yearly general assembly. He contributes significant expertise to the post, presently serving on the selection committee.

Chairperson Kathryn Moore Barker expressed gratitude to Brandt for his contributions and greeted Engebretsen to the board. Engebretsen stressed the significance of Catena Media to Investment AB Öresund and their dedication to enhancing the company’s standing as a premier lead source in the iGaming partnership sector.

The gaming giant, Caesars Entertainment, has divested its entire interest in the Conrad Punta del Este Resort and Casino, situated in Uruguay. The remaining shares were acquired by the Chilean gaming corporation, Enjoy SA, which previously held a 55% ownership. Through its subsidiary, Baluma Holdings, Enjoy SA now assumes complete control. This $180 million transaction concludes Caesars’ participation in the casino’s development. Enjoy SA had previously disbursed $14.7 million in February and has now finalized the purchase with the outstanding balance. The resort, nestled in Maldonado, Uruguay, features 300 guest rooms and a comprehensive casino. This strategic maneuver bolsters Enjoy SA’s footprint in South America, where it manages numerous casinos and hotels. The company has been actively expanding within Chile, inaugurating two new establishments, the Villarrica Park Lake and the Patagonia Hotel, earlier this year.

Wagering on athletic events in Brazil was projected to be governed by the final quarter of 2019, but the procedure has been more prolonged than foreseen.

Marcelo Munhoz da Rocha, a legal advisor at BetConsult, conversed with Gambling Insider and furnished an update on the circumstances. Although fixed-odds sports wagering has been permissible in Brazil since December 2018 under Law No. 13,756/2018, which categorized it as a lottery, it still requires proper regulation.

To establish the most effective regulatory structure, the national government, through the Ministry of Finance, initiated a public dialogue in August 2019 to collect feedback from the sector, particularly on taxation and licensing frameworks. This resulted in the issuance of a draft regulatory decree, suggesting an open-market system with authorization permits for operators fulfilling specific criteria.

Nevertheless, this decree was not definitive and is anticipated to be modified. A supplementary decree is expected, and the Ministry of Finance commenced a fresh round of public consultation that concluded on September 27th. The aspiration is that these actions will ultimately yield clarity and a robust framework for lawful sports wagering in Brazil.

Brazils recently enacted laws are poised to establish a well-defined structure for wagering on sporting events, encompassing specifics such as permit costs, regulations, and other significant factors like levies and charges.

Although the precise expense of a permit has not been formally verified, it is projected to be approximately R$3 million (equivalent to $723,150 USD). This sum is liable to alteration pending subsequent regulatory adjustments.

Numerous stakeholders perceive the acquisition of a permit to function legitimately within Brazils regulated sports wagering sector as a lucrative prospect for both operators and those providing capital.

The general sentiment towards sports betting in Brazil has undergone a transformation. The illicit market was already substantial, but legitimization and regulation seek to furnish legal assurance to an activity already embraced by a considerable number of Brazilians. This action will also empower the government to gather revenue from this market.

Even media entities that previously opposed legalization have modified their stance, with advertisements for sports betting now prevalent on television and other media platforms.

The regulatory structure is anticipated to reach completion by the close of 2019, clearing the path for the commencement of licensing procedures.

Whats the delay with launching sports wagering in Brazil?

Although the legislation received approval, they’re still ironing out the details of its implementation – the regulations and who receives authorization to provide it.

Additionally, Congress might need to modify the law they enacted in 2018 (Law No. 13,756, for those curious). There’s an issue with uncollected winnings that requires resolution.