Gambling giant, Flutter Entertainment reported strong revenue growth for the fourth quarter of 2023, sending its share price soaring high on Thursday.

As reported by the Racing Post, the trading update was a very positive one for the Irish company, with the news propelling an increase of almost 15% in its share price, up to 15,160p.

The parent company is a major gambling operator that owns heavyweight brands including Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet, Poker Stars, and Fan Duel.

Flutter has a significant presence within the betting industry in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with its strength reflected in its listing on the London Stock Exchange. The company also operates in other markets such as the United States and Australia.

The revenue growth was said to be helped in part by a bad run for favorite backers in horse racing.

Its fourth-quarter results increased revenue to £2.67 billion, representing an 11% increase and for the full year, an increase of 24% up to £9.5b.

Specifically, UK and Ireland revenues were boosted by 19%, up to £647m in the fourth quarter.

Customer impacts, company gains

Flutter’s chief executive Peter Jackson spoke to the Racing Post on the context of the gains.

He stated, “From a racing perspective the big deal was the poor number of favorites winning in the fourth quarter, which is something that really impacted our customers.”

“In December I think it was one of the lowest ever recorded months for winning favorites, 32% When the €850 horse Hewick won the King George at Kempton we were very relieved,” added Jackson.

This upturn for Flutter was announced as it prepares to launch a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange.  In the US, the company enjoys a 43% market share with FanDuel, the number one sportsbook.

Flutter’s overall US revenue increased by 19% over the fourth quarter of 2023, up to £1.14bn and that was despite a £270 million hit from customer-friendly sports results, particularly impacted by NFL outcomes in November.

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888 Holdings today released its 2023 Post-Close trading update and announced it will cut jobs in a bid to cut costs.

The international betting and gambling company, which owns brands UK bookmaker William Hill, 888, and Mr Green, revealed a £30 million ($37 million) saving plan.

The company noted an 8% decline in total sales across 2023, from £ 1.8 billion ($ 2.2 billion) last year to £ 1.7 billion ($ 2.2 billion) in 2023.

CEO stays positive despite drop in sales

Per Widerström was announced as CEO in July of 2023 and has taken over William Hill amid a rocky year for the firm.

Widerström said, “The financial performance of the Group must improve, and the actions we are taking will build a leaner, more agile, and more effective organization structure.”

“I have been working hard with the Board, our strengthened executive team and the talented people across the business to refine our strategic framework.”

The CEO remained positive about the company’s outlook despite the fall in share price, confidently stating that he is “looking forward to outlining our 2024-2026 plan alongside our full-year results in late March.”

Safer Gambling rules affect 888 profits

The UK will be implementing checks on gamblers across 2024. The move has been made to tighten regulation on betting companies and offer more support to those who are vulnerable to problem gambling.

888 recognized this change to gambling legislation in the trading update, noting that “revenue was further impacted by customer mix changes in the UK as a result of additional safer gambling measures, alongside the change in the Group’s marketing approach to focus more on sustainable revenue and profitability.”

The UK is not the only EU nation to enhance the current rules around gambling legislation as Italy announced a set of changes earlier this month.

Italian gambling agencies have criticized the move by the Economy and Finance (MEF) department of the Italian Government for being too costly.

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Google is set to broaden the horizon for real-money gaming (RMG) apps on its Play Store, according to Tom’s Guide, marking a significant shift in its app policy. Starting June 2024, the tech giant plans to extend support for more types of RMG apps, including those from operators not currently covered by existing licensing frameworks. This expansion will initially roll out in countries like India, Mexico, and Brazil, with plans to extend to additional markets in the future.

Karan Gambhir, Google’s director of global trust and safety partnerships, expressed enthusiasm about the new approach, stating it will “provide new business opportunities to developers globally while continuing to prioritize user safety.”

This move follows Google Play Store’s initial steps in 2021 to allow certain RMG apps in 15 countries, including the U.S. The decision builds on successful test pilots conducted in India and Mexico in 2022, which saw the inclusion of daily fantasy sports gambling apps and rummy apps in India. Unlike the previous policy, which only permitted RMG apps within preexisting regulatory frameworks, the updated policy will open the Play Store to new RMG game types and operators that are legal but not under any existing licensing framework.

Developers, particularly those outside the U.S., have long lobbied Google to allow more diverse types of RMG games, including online versions of local card games that lack formal regulations. The eligible game types listed on Google’s RMG support page include online casino games, sports betting, horse racing, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports.

In addition to expanding the range of RMG apps, Google is also considering revising its service fee model for subscriptions and in-app purchases within these apps. While Google has yet to disclose any specific details of the new fee structure, Gambhir noted that the updated model would reflect the value provided by Google Play and support the sustainability of the Android and Play ecosystems.

Google plans to release more information on these policy changes in the coming months. The company assures that the updated policies will include necessary safeguards like age limits and geo-restrictions to protect consumers.

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SuperSportBet has confirmed official partnerships with the leading South African soccer clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The new betting platform, launched on 5 January, is a joint venture between the prominent African sports broadcaster SuperSport, its parent company MultiChoice, and online developer KingMakers.

In a signal of intent to the sportsbook industry in South Africa, SuperSportsBet has immediately established its presence by agreeing to terms with both DStv Premiership clubs, on a partnership which aims to “elevate the sports betting experience for fans across South Africa,” as reported by Gambling Insider.

The sentiment was echoed by Kaizer Chiefs chairman Dr. Kaizer Motaung who stated, “We are elated that this strong partnership gives us an opportunity to elevate the experiences we intend to bring to our supporters,” whilst his Orlando Pirates counterpart Dr Irvin Khoza said, “As a football club anchored in a rich heritage with a loyal and passionate following, the partnership is an opportunity to further build on our fans’ footballing experiences.”

Joint offering

In terms of how that objective will be met, one of the key projects will be a flagship online magazine show which is expected to include in-depth game analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and other features on the South African soccer heavyweights, as well as the league in general.

The Chiefs, formed in 1970, play at the 94, 797-capacity FNB Stadium in Johannesburg whilst the Pirates have their base at the Orlando Stadium which holds just over 37,000. Both clubs contest the Soweto derby, one of the biggest soccer rivalries on the continent.

Rendani Ramovha, CEO of SuperSport, commented on the club agreement, “SuperSportBet is a pivotal part of our platform-based business strategy. The partnership with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs solidifies our commitment to delivering top-notch sports entertainment to our viewers.”

“The magazine show is an exciting addition to our platform, offering fans a deeper connection to the sports they love. It’s a celebration of sports and betting, and we can’t wait to share it with our audiences.”

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A fresh push has been instigated to legalize online casino gaming in New York which insiders believe could generate up to $1 billion for the state in additional tax revenue.

As reported by SBC Americas, the Bet on NY group, which is backed by the Sports Betting Alliance, is making the case that approval for online casinos would provide a shot in the arm for public finances in the Empire State as well as elevating the gaming market.

New employment opportunities as well as enhanced user protections have been pledged for the Big Apple if a bill is carried, to include both gaming and lottery online. New York State Senator, Joseph Addabbo, has reintroduced the proposal for legalization of iGaming.

Online gambling is legal in several US states, including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia, while Rhode Island is also expected to join the list in April. Addabbo’s bill wants to see online lotteries, such as Mega Millions and Powerball, opened up to New Yorkers, while it also includes online table games and slots.

In Georgia, political representatives have renewed their push to legalize sports gambling but once again, they will face resistance to their plans.

iGaming presents revenue opportunity for New York

As for the New York proposal, the tax revenues to be raised have been mooted as a great source of funding for education.

In 2022, state sports betting operators returned $692.8 million in tax revenue, so further movement with the online market could fill a hole in the significant state budget deficit which is expected to hit $4.3 billion this year.

Senator Addabbo believes New York is leaving crucial funding on the table, whilst nearby states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania benefit from taxing additional online gambling.

“I was concerned, as we always are when neighboring states do something that we don’t do. It usually means a loss of money or a loss of jobs or a missed opportunity. And I hate missing a golden opportunity,” he stated.

“I was certainly jealous of the fact that they were doing stuff that we should have done in New York.”

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In the US state of Georgia, political representatives have renewed their push to legalize sports gambling, but once again, they will face resistance to their plans.

As reported by the Associated Press, the campaign resumed with the Senate Regulated Industries Committee voting 8-4 in favor of advancing Senate Bill 172, which would legalize, regulate, and tax sports betting in Georgia. Still, the requirement of a state constitutional amendment is a significant obstacle.

On Thursday, Vermont will become the 38th state to allow sports betting. While some permit in-person betting only, most states enable betting to occur from anywhere, including using a mobile device.

Back in Georgia, the sponsor of the fresh proposal, Bill Cowsert, outlined that an amendment would be required as when state voters approved the lottery back in 1992, sports betting could only take place in a casino in Nevada.

Other backers of the bill, supported by a trade body and professional sports clubs in Georgia, believe that regulated betting could be introduced under the patronage of the state lottery without requiring any amendment to the constitution.

Opposition to the bill

Any prospective constitutional amendment requires the support of two-thirds of the House and Senate in Georgia before it can be put to the electorate in a referendum. There is the issue of those lawmakers who oppose all forms of gambling for moral reasons.

That group includes Tyrone Republican Sen. Marty Harbin previously stated, “When we look at sports gambling, there’s an addiction issue,”  adding that it lures people to betting with funds beyond their means.

This is the latest step in a long, bumpy road toward the destination of securing sports betting in Georgia. Still, there is no consensus on the best approach, with casino and horse racing provisions debated on the floor in addition to sports.

Another topic of contention is how the proceeds of taxation from sports betting should be allocated. One plan is to direct funds toward pre-kindergarten classes and scholarships, while others want funding to be needs-based as different interests are represented and contested.

No breakthrough is imminent, so will Georgia become the 39th state to legalize sports gambling? That is an outside bet, for sure.

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The boss of gambling giant Bet365, Denise Coates, was paid around £221 million during its last financial year, taking her earnings over the last four years to over £1 billion.

As reported by the BBC, Ms Coates’ salary saw a £7 million increase on the previous year, which has been outlined in Bet365’s accounts for the year to March 2023. This does not include the £50 million she will have received in dividends.

In 2020, Ms Coates’ yearly salary peaked at £421 million, excluding dividends, meaning her earnings over the past four years have reached at least £1.1 billion.

It is being described by campaign groups, such as the High Pay Centre, as unfair and unproportionate. Luke Hildyard, executive director of the High Pay Centre, told the BBC: “Ultimately, Britain’s prosperity depends on how the wealth our economy generates is shared.

“Pouring hundreds of millions of pounds more on top of billionaire fortunes every year isn’t a good way to maximise living standards and it over-values the contribution that the super-rich have made.”

Ms Coates’ recent pay rise comes despite the company reporting significant losses in the same financial year. The latest accounts reported the gambling giant’s revenues at £3.4 billion in the year to March 2023, which was up from £2.8 billion the year before. Such an increase in revenues can be attributed to a boost in activity during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

However, Bet365 also reported a pre-tax loss of £72.6 million compared to the £49.8 million profit they achieved in the 12 months prior. The company cites a “significant increase in costs” due to launching operations in the US and Canada as the primary reason behind the loss.

Who is Bet365 boss Denise Coates?

Ms Coates, who is believed to be one of Britain’s richest women, founded the Bet365 website in a portable building in a Stoke-on-Trent car park over 20 years ago and has since been the driving force behind its rise to becoming one of the largest online gambling companies in the world.

Her father and brother are joint chairmen of Stoke City Football Club, but it is Bet365 which is the primary driver of the family’s wealth.

Before launching Bet365, Ms Coates became managing director of her family’s chain of betting shops at the age of 22, and has since been instrumental in growing the group to becoming the largest private sector employer in Stoke.

According to the Sunday Times Tax List, the Coates family has paid £460.2 million to HM Revenue and Customs.

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New York State Senator, Joseph Addabbo, has reintroduced a bill that proposes the legalization of iGaming, reports Gambling News.

Online gambling is legal in several US states, including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia, while Rhode Island is also expected to join the list in April.

Addabbo’s proposal includes the legalization of online lotteries, such as Mega Millions and Powerball, while it also includes online table games and slots. The State Sen. has been a long-term supporter of online gambling in the state, citing the revenue it brings as vital to financing key services, such as education. He previously supported the legalization of sports betting in New York, which allows for both online and retail wagering.

In an opinion piece in December last year, he confirmed the new proposal to authorize iGaming and iLottery in New York would use the same framework already in place for mobile sports betting.

The introduction of iGaming to the bill will heavily increase tax revenue for the Empire State, which already stands at around $1 billion annually. This new proposal outlines a 30.5% tax on operators that wish to offer online gambling services, while there would also be a $2 million one-time fee to gain a license.

If Governor Kathy Hochul approves the proposal and signs it into law, it’s estimated that New York would benefit from an additional $1 billion boost in revenue each year.

‘New York needs the tax revenue’

The revenue gained from a regulated iGaming market would heavily benefit the state’s  Lottery Fund, which provides important finances to education across New York.

In his opinion piece, Addabbo admits that the state faces a “looming budget deficit,” and pointed to hundreds of millions of dollars spent on iGaming in the state leaving to fill the pockets of illegal gambling operators. He argues that by keeping that money in New York, public schools and educational programs would be the key beneficiaries.

The budget deficit he speaks of is believed to be in the region of $4.3 billion for 2024, rising to $8 billion by 2025, so the estimated $1 billion raised by a regulated iGaming market would go someway in reducing that if a bill is passed into law.

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Entain has confirmed the appointment of Ricky Sandler to a non-executive position on its board, following a period of turbulence at the blue-chip gambling company.

The UK gambling giant has several top brands within its portfolio including its 50/50 share in BetMGM as well as several European gambling heavyweights such as the traditional British high-street bookmaker Ladbrokes, and Bwin, whose key markets include Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

As reported by the Financial Times, Eminence Capital founder Sandler is an activist investor who has been critical of the Entain $750m (£594m) takeover of STS Holding – Poland’s largest bookmaker – due to the fresh share option that supported the buyout. He stated this was a “shareholder value-destroying strategy.”

Sandler’s appointment to the board had been mooted soon after Jette Nygaard-Andersen departed her role as chief executive at Entain following the resolution of the long-running bribery scandal it was mired in. In June last year, he penned a letter, as head of Eminence, to the board of directors at Entain, openly criticizing Nygaard-Andersen’s leadership.

With Sandler taking a seat at the table, it can be viewed as a move to allay the fears of other activist investors. They could be placated further as he is expected to help choose a further two new non-executive directors, whilst hedge funds Dendur Capital and Sached Heam Capital are known to have wanted him on the board after they recently invested in Entain.

Future intentions for Entain

Sandler said of his appointment, “Entain is a robust business with market-leading brands, a unique technology platform, and enviable positions in key geographies around the world.”

“I look forward to working with my fellow directors to help Entain achieve long-term success and create lasting value for its shareholders.”

He previously pointed to the joint initiative with MGM Resorts International as a valuable asset which could open the door to a potential deal to sell its stake in BetMGM and following the contested acquisition of STS, such a move would consolidate the company’s finances.

It is understood that Eminence currently holds around 4.3 percent of Entain’s shares, but Sandler’s board appointment means that figure now cannot exceed eight percent.

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Italy is to see sweeping reform brought to its online gambling sector, in the first reorganization of igaming since 2011.

Known as the Reorganisation Decree, the legislation was proposed by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF) of the Italian Government.

The now-approved decree hopes to protect those vulnerable to gambling such as minors and promote cautionary messaging awhile introducing self-limitation on gambling platforms.

License reform

Italy will now enact a new licensing reform framework with the hope of generating funds to promote responsible gambling campaigns, as reports SBC News.

Operators in Italy known as ‘concessionaires’ will be taxed 3% tax for operating gambling services. Applications for online gambling licenses will now come with a €7m authorization fee.

This is a healthy jump from the current fee of €200,000 and has been criticized by gambling unions in Italy.

Alphabet Inc’s YouTube and popular streaming platform Twitch were fined by Italian lawmakers last month for breaching the terms of the 2019 Dignity Decree which bans gambling advertising.

YouTube was fined €2.25m and Twitch a fee of €900,000, showing Italy is serious about its decision to tighten gambling reform. Italy is not the only country to turn to stricter laws to combat the trials and tribulations of gambling.

The Australian Media and Communications Agency (AMCA) found that some of the top betting sites in Australia have breached in-play betting rules.

This has prompted the parties responsible for the breach to revise their in-play trading rules to avoid a heavy penalty.

Earlier in December 2023 the Australian Federal Parliament also passed legislation banning the use of credit cards to fund online betting accounts.

The New South Wales Government was forced to act as locals in the area had lost a reported $4.3bn to poker machines. A report will be generated by a panel of 16 industry experts to the Australian government that covers 4500 poker machines across 24 local government areas.

Photo Credit: JÉSHOOTS, Pexels.

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Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has blocked access to over 800,000 forms of gambling-related online content, reports Gambling Insider.

Gambling – casinos, poker rooms, sports betting and bingo – has been banned in the country since 1974, but it continues to see gambling-related sites accepting Indonesian registrations globally.

Kominfo is led by Budi Arie Setiadi, who was appointed in May 2023 and is responsible for internet censorship, information affairs and communications across Indonesia. In less than 12 months since Setiadi’s appointment, he has overseen the prevention and removal of 805,923 forms of gambling content previously accessible in the country.

Such a feat has been achieved by working closely with the Financial Services Authority, telecommunications companies and internet service providers, with IP addresses, websites and payment methods all being blocked.

“This achievement is equivalent to the accumulation of online gambling content blocking that has been carried out over the previous five years,” Setiadi said.

The length at which the Indonesian authorities have gone in an attempt to rid online gambling from the country is evident in the breakdown of where restrictions have taken place. Almost 600,000 websites and IPs, over 170,000 Meta platforms, close to 30,000 file-sharing platforms and 15 TikTok accounts are among those who have been blocked from the Indonesian market as a result of this latest crackdown.

Indonesia’s Gambling Ban

While there is ongoing growth in online gambling throughout Asia, Indonesia remains steadfast in its approach to ensuring gambling of any kind remains strictly prohibited throughout its 34 different provinces.

Gambling in Indonesia has been illegal since 1974, but it was announced in 2012 that plans were in place to make all types of online gambling illegal, which was in reaction to large volumes of Rupiah – Indonesia’s national currency – were being gambled online during the European Football Championships in 2012. Those plans are beginning to come to fruition.

Indonesia’s strict Islamic Law is a key reason behind the country’s decision not to capitalize on Asia’s growing gambling industry, which is believed to be worth nearly $80 billion, according to Gambling.com.

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UK-based developer Realistic Games has confirmed a partnership with the world-renowned BetMGM to bring a range of its games and slots to the British market.

The deal will see several Realistic titles opened up for BetMGM customers in the UK, opening access to releases such as Book of Charms, Catch 22 and Destination Atlantis.

Since 2018, BetMGM has been strengthening its international operations, including its recent arrival in the UK but this arm of the company is a separate entity from its primary, US business.

Earlier this month, it confirmed the launch of NHL Gold Blitz in the United States, in a further partnership with the flagship, world-famous brand. Gold Blitz is the first-ever NHL-endorsed online slot game which contains the team logos of all 32 teams to compete in the hockey division, as well as the league shield.

On the link-up with the New Jersey-based global operator, Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games said the following.

“By establishing itself as a leader across multiple markets, BetMGM has earned its status as a major influencer across the industry and we are thrilled to join forces with such a powerful partner.”

“The operator is famed for offering a wide selection of innovative, entertainment that our portfolio of contemporary hits aligns with. We are excited to see how its new UK players engage with our exciting titles.“

UK arrival for BetMGM

The US giant entered the UK betting market back in August and is seeking to establish itself as an unfamiliar name to some, on the back of its significant presence on the other side of the Atlantic.

It has also agreed on a multi-year partnership agreement with Premier League soccer club Newcastle United, whilst its UK headquarters are based in the same city.

Sam Behar, UK director at BetMGM stated “Newcastle United’s re-entry into the world’s elite this season is a golden moment for the football club and its incredible fans.”

“We are proud that the club has selected BetMGM as one of its betting partners for the upcoming season. With our launch in the UK, it is fantastic to have Newcastle United as part of our stable of Premier League partner clubs.”

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A group of MPs has called for the Premier League and other sporting bodies to reduce the number of gambling adverts in stadiums.

This comes after eight Premier League clubs featured gambling companies on the front of their shirts due to partnership deals worth an estimated combined £60m per year.

The cross-party Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee has called for a reduction in gambling ads in a new report in order “to shield children from exposure” to betting companies’ logos, reports the BBC.

The parliamentary group’s chair, Dame Caroline Dinenage, stated that “more should be done…[over] what often seems like a bombardment of advertising branding at football and other sporting events.”

Current efforts don’t go far enough

The Premier League already agreed to a groundbreaking deal in April of this year, cementing a plan to prevent gambling sponsorships on the front of match shirts by the end of the 2025-26 season. However, the CMS Committee is pushing for more action, stating that this will “not significantly reduce the volume of betting adverts visible during a game.”

Namely, clubs have various other avenues to promote gambling companies prominently, such as on shirt sleeves and with LED perimeter advertising.

The CMS report cites a recent study showing that front-of-shirt gambling branding accounted for just 7% of all gambling advertising visible during ten broadcast matches. In total, almost 7,000 gambling messages could be seen during just six games during the season’s opening weekend.

To combat this wealth of messaging, the MPs recommend a fresh code of conduct for sporting bodies, including a provision to reduce gambling adverts and dedicate space to messaging around safer gambling. The committee challenges a white paper published earlier this year that avoided defined rules around advertising. Although not calling for a total ban, the CMS maintains that “there is still scope for further regulation.”

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken a significant step in combating the notorious Blackcat hacker group, also known as ALPHV, by releasing a decryption tool aimed at assisting over 500 victims of cyberattacks worldwide. The FBI’s strategic move, as reported by SBC Americas, is part of a broader effort to dismantle the group’s operations, which have inflicted substantial financial damage over the past 18 months.

Blackcat, responsible for extracting hundreds of millions of dollars through ransomware attacks, targeted various entities, including a notable attack on MGM Resorts in the fall. This particular attack compromised sensitive customer data, such as social security and passport numbers, though on a limited scale. MGM Resorts experienced a week-long shutdown of its computer systems, incurring approximately $100 million in recovery costs.

In response to these escalating threats, the FBI, under the leadership of Deputy Director Paul Abbate, developed the decryption tool as a countermeasure. This tool has already played a crucial role in preventing around $68 million in ransom payouts. Abbate emphasized the FBI’s commitment to defeating ransomware campaigns and assisting victims in recovering from such attacks.

The release of the decryption tool marks a proactive approach by the FBI to address the cybersecurity challenges posed by groups like Blackcat. Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating that the Justice Department’s actions have enabled businesses, schools, healthcare, and emergency services to resume operations after being affected by ransomware.

In addition to the decryption tool, the FBI has infiltrated Blackcat’s network, seizing several websites operated by the group. This disruption is part of a larger strategy to dismantle the cybercrime ecosystem and prioritize victim support.

The MGM Resorts attack and subsequent FBI actions have elevated cybersecurity to a top priority within the industry. Companies are now more aware of the need for robust security measures and the importance of collaborating with law enforcement agencies to tackle cyber threats effectively.

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The Australian Media and Communications Agency (AMCA) has found that some of the top betting sites in Australia have breached in-play betting rules.

The controllers of Ladbrokes, Neds, bet365, and Sportsbet have all been found guilty of non-compliance with interactive gambling rules.

Phone betting rules breached

All three betting companies use Fast/Quick codes, which should be solely used for phone betting for the entire staking process.

In Australia, gamblers cannot place a bet during an event unless this is conducted and placed via a phone call.

The AMCA found that bettors were using the web-based applications of all of these operators, to place bets and then calling to confirm the in-play wager.

According to the AMCA, this process of in-play betting on sport is “prohibited with limited exceptions, which include placing the bet over the phone. However, for the exception for phone betting to apply, information about the bet selection, bet type, bet amount and confirmation of a bet must be provided by a customer wholly via the phone call.”

These betting companies did not comply with the legislation and have avoided further punishment by the AMCA, but they have been asked to review these services by the regulator.

Following these investigations, there has been a revision of Fast/Quick codes. This has resulted in the Fast/Quick codes will be generated before an event takes place.

Australia tightens gambling laws

Earlier this month the Australian Federal Parliament passed legislation banning the use of credit cards to fund online betting accounts.

In New South Wales (NSW) it has been reported that residents in the region have lost $4.3bn to poker machines. Prompting the NSW government is to expand its cashless gambling trial to include nearly 4500 poker machines across 24 local government areas.

Image Credit: Hugo Heimendinger, Pexels.

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The New South Wales (NSW) government is to expand its cashless gambling trial to include nearly 4500 poker machines across 24 local government areas.

As reported by the Guardian, the scheme will be rolled out early in the New Year, following the gambling reform plans that were set out in the state election back in March. The government in Australia’s most populous state had already confirmed that Michael Foggo, a former liquor, gaming and racing commissioner, would lead a panel of 16 industry experts and advocates who will report back to the administration in November 2024.

Foggo intimated that a “large number” of gambling venues are in step with the proposals. He added, “This demonstrates the depth of genuine support this trial has in the industry and its commitment to addressing gambling harm and money laundering,” he said.

Five hundred machines were initially set to be used as part of the gaming trial. Still, this update represents a significant increase in the data that will be available to be scrutinized.

What is cashless gaming?

Cashless gaming (or gambling) is the purpose of gambling without using cash or coins.

There are pros and cons to the system which has already been utilized in other parts of Australia and elsewhere. The neighbouring state of Victoria has permitted two types of cashless gaming since 2019, card-based cashless gambling (CBC) and Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO).

CBC is the use of a card, linked to an account or a digital wallet to transfer credits to and from a gaming machine while TITO means receiving a ticket as a payout instead of cash.

There are also ways of connecting to a poker machine via an app using Bluetooth technology.

With the debate – and the systems mentioned above – there is more or less human contact and dialogue around gambling transactions which is being considered as part of working to reduce gambling-related harm.

New South Wales residents are said to have lost $4.3bn on poker machines in six months last year, representing $820m more than the total losses recorded before the pandemic, in a similar timeframe.

During the same time last year, more than 220 new gaming machines were put in place across the state, taking the total number of machines to 86,872.

NSW’s gambling minister, David Harris, said the trial was “bigger, broader and delivers nine times more machines” than the initial proposal.

“The strong interest in participating in the cashless gaming trial proves just how serious clubs and hotels are about working with the government to reduce gambling harm and money laundering associated with electronic gaming machines,” he said.

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Swedish gaming and slot studio Octoplay has teamed up with Paddy Power and Betfair in a new deal to bring the company’s offerings to the UK market.

Announcing the partnership on LinkedIn, Octoplay said, “We’re thrilled to announce that Octoplay is now live in the UK, all thanks to our direct partnership with market leaders Paddy Power and Betfair.”

A ‘portfolio of slots players want to play’

The deal means Octoplay’s slots and games will have a new line of UK gamers ready to play them exclusively via Paddy Power and Betfair. The deal also covers future releases from Octoplay as they look to expand their existing catalog of slot games as reported via Gaming Intelligence.

Andrew Kerr, Head of Paddy Power Games said Octoplay “is an impressive game developer led by a talented, experienced management team and with a portfolio of slots that players want to play. This is a powerful combination and one that will see Octoplay go from strength to strength, while greatly benefiting the product offering of our Paddy Power and Betfair brands.”

Accreditation for slot studio to operate internationally

Octoplay has had a busy 2023 receiving the prestigious ISO 27001 accreditation and a Swedish supplier license from regulator Spelinspektionen.

ISO 27001 is an international standard specifying requirements for any information and security management system (ISMS) to meet data and security compliance to an internationally accredited standard.

Across 2023 Octoplay has added licenses to operate in Malta, Romania, Sweden, and now the UK.

Casino and games suppliers expand further into Europe

Octoplay is not the only casino and gaming industry provider to broaden its prospective pool of users. Malta-based Wazdan Games announced a new content distribution deal through Spanish casino operator Gran Madrid.

Push Gaming also made a foray into the Swiss Gaming market this month in an exclusive eight-week deal with Gran Casino Luzern.

Photo Credit:  Anna Shvets, Pexels.

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Malta-based slots and casino games supplier Wazdan has secured a pivotal foothold in the Spanish igaming market through a new content distribution partnership with local operator Gran Madrid Casino Online, according to a recent Gambling Insider report.

The agreement, facilitated via Light & Wonder’s aggregation platform, marks Wazdan’s first foray into Spain. It also continues an aggressive growth strategy this year that has targeted locally-regulated markets across Europe and Latin America.

Spain was one of the first markets to introduce a legal framework for online gambling in Europe. However, complex licensing processes have led to slow expansion amongst international suppliers. By leveraging Gran Madrid’s existing local expertise, Wazdan sidesteps legislative barriers but gains access to an igaming sector expected to be worth $850 million by 2024.

The potential rewards are evidenced by Gran Madrid’s faith in player demand for new gaming products. Country Manager José Félix Herreros suggested as much in a statement, saying “We highly value this strategically important collaboration” to bring “unique gaming experiences” to Spanish customers.

For Wazdan, the move builds on previous deals with European heavyweights Kindred Group and Netwin Italia as the company targets growth through regulated markets. Kindred granted Wazdan access to major brands like Unibet and MariaCasino across territories like the UK, Malta and the Netherlands.

The Netwin partnership brought Wazdan’s portfolio of 140+ slots and table games to Italian operator sites for the first time in November.

Chief Commercial Officer Andrzej Hyla called landing Gran Madrid a “pivotal moment” in Wazdan’s Spanish strategy. With the complex licensing addressed, Hyla and his commercial team can now leverage Gran Madrid’s marketing apparatus and customer base to popularize Wazdan titles like Larry the Leprechaun, Great Book of Magic Deluxe and Lucky 9.

The chance for new player acquisition comes at an opportune time for Wazdan, 2023 has seen the company expand through regulated markets in Europe and make its first move into Latin America through recent Colombia and Mexico deals.

Featured image: Pexels

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B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has announced its foray into the Swiss market, partnering with the esteemed Grand Casino Luzern. This collaboration, as per Gambling Insider, marks Push Gaming’s inaugural venture into the regulated Swiss jurisdiction, bringing a fresh gaming experience to the region.

The partnership could revolutionize the Swiss online gaming landscape, as Grand Casino Luzern’s online brand, mycasino, secures an exclusive eight-week deal. During this period, mycasino will be the sole provider of Push Gaming’s acclaimed titles in Switzerland, including popular games like Razor Returns, Jammin’ Jars, Wild Swarm, and Boss Bear. This exclusivity offers mycasino a unique competitive edge before these games become available to other operators in the Swiss market.

Fiona Hickey, Director of New Business and Markets at Push Gaming, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Grand Casino Luzern whilst simultaneously entering the Swiss market. The operator’s position within Switzerland will allow our fan-favourite titles to reach a vast audience and aid in further growth within the market thereafter. We are excited to see players’ reception to our unique content.”

Echoing this sentiment, Wolfgang Bliem, CEO of Grand Casino Luzern, highlighted the significance of introducing Push Gaming’s slot titles to the Swiss player base. “Our goal is to offer players the broadest range of titles that also provide innovation and transformative gameplay experiences and through the partnership with Push Gaming, we reaffirm these aspirations,” he added.

Push Gaming’s global expansion and Grand Casino Luzern’s diverse offerings

Earlier this year, Push Gaming expanded into the Colombian market through a partnership with Skywind. The company’s acquisition by LeoVegas Group, part of MGM Resorts International, has facilitated its global expansion while maintaining its independence. This strategic move has enabled Push Gaming to form collaborations with companies like Skywind, furthering its global reach.

Grand Casino Luzern has also been active in enhancing its online portfolio through partnerships with industry leaders like Light & Wonder and Pragmatic Play. These collaborations have enriched the Swiss online gaming scene, providing players with a diverse range of gaming content from multiple providers.

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BetMGM has confirmed the launch of NHL Gold Blitz in the United States.

The new release is the first-ever NHL-endorsed online slot game which contains the team logos of all 32 teams to compete in the hockey division, as well as the league shield.

NHL Gold Blitz comes in the 6×4 video slot format, with 4,096 ways to win, according to Gambling Insider.

Game users can attempt to unlock features such as NHL Gold Blitz Instant Cash Collection, Wild Multiplier Free Spins, and jackpot rewards.

First of its kind

Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM VP of Gaming Product & Content, spoke of his satisfaction at the news of the link-up between the gambling operator and NHL.

“BetMGM is ecstatic to partner with the NHL and Digital Gaming Corporation to bring this first-of-its-kind slot to BetMGM.”

“The iconic NHL brand combined with the great action of the game makes this a real winner. We are proud to offer this and many more unique games exclusively at BetMGM.”

Initially, the online slot game will be available exclusively in New Jersey, but a wider roll-out is anticipated across the states where BetMGM’s offerings are in place and live. Their online casino is home to over 1,500 games and one of the largest state-by-state exclusive jackpot networks.

This venture is sure to appeal to NHL fans who also like to play slots but it is not the first time that the hockey league’s branding has crossed into the gambling sector. Previously, BetMGM introduced NHL-branded casino games, including roulette, blackjack, and the live money wheel game, Dream Catcher.

Those games contain three-dimensional features and animations that deliver an immersive experience, effectively bringing the player into an NHL environment.

Each game has the option of using the ‘go live’ button, taking players onto the ice and also directly into BetMGM’s live dealer version of the same title.

Image credit, pixabay, pexels.com

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