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The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the iGaming industry by enhancing user experience and enabling more personalized services. IoT allows online players to play simultaneously with brick-and-mortar casino players by connecting them via the internet. It also enables greater personalization by collecting more analytical data on individual players. As a result, an operator can create a customized space full of games, themes, and offers that are specially tailored to players across all its connected devices.

Professor Alexei Dingli speaking with explained that today's immersive technologies such as VR and AR are revolutionising iGaming experiences. "Advanced headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Quest 3", he says, "are not just tools but gateways to new realms of interaction". He shared his insights about how they are transforming everything, from how we learn, work and play and merging the physical and digital worlds.

Dingli described how the transformation in sports and iGaming, driven by technological advancements, is indeed also making a profound impact on sports betting. This includes changes in the structure of betting activities, the emergence of new forms of fraud, and the development of AI tools to mitigate these risks."

In the context of the feud between Mark Zuckerberg and Apple over VR sets, the implications of IoT on iGaming become even more significant. Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has been vocal about his belief that Meta’s Quest 3 VR headset is superior to Apple’s Vision Pro. He argues that the Quest 3, as an indirect competitor to the Vision Pro, is “seven times less expensive” and better suited for mobile use cases like gaming and fitness.

This rivalry highlights the potential of IoT in enhancing the gaming experience. For instance, the Quest 3’s passthrough feature, which uses cameras on the outside of the headset to provide users with a live, high-definition video feed of their surroundings, allows users to wear a headset while walking or exercising. This kind of immersive experience, enabled by IoT, could be a game-changer in the iGaming industry.

However, it’s important to note that while IoT brings numerous benefits, it also presents challenges such as data security and privacy concerns. Therefore, as the iGaming industry continues to leverage IoT, it must also invest in robust security measures to protect users’ data and privacy.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)technologies is revolutionizing the iGaming industry. AI and machine learning technologies are enhancing the gaming experience by personalizing games and preventing cheating. They streamline the VR gaming experience, making it more immersive and interactive.

Advancements suggest that the integration of IoT and VR in iGaming will continue to evolve, offering more immersive and personalized gaming experiences in the future.

High-fidelity graphics and advanced haptics are blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. High-fidelity graphics provide a high level of photo-realism, enhancing the gaming experience. Advanced haptics allow users to interact with the digital world through tactile feedback and sensations.

Eye and motion tracking technologies are improving the gaming experience. Eye tracking technology streamlines weapon aiming, menu selection, and triggering in-game events with a glance. Fine-tuned motion tracking improves the accuracy, speed, and sensitivity of tracking using better sensor technology and advanced algorithms.

Spatial audio is enhancing the immersive experience of the game. The sound is three-dimensional, improving the game’s storytelling with sounds rather than words.

Beyond iGaming, VR technology is proving to be helpful in various aspects of every other industry, for example, in healthcare. It allows professionals to connect with each other from remote locations. VR headgear provides a complete 3D environment to teach students and has helped many physically challenged students attend classes. In manufacturing plants, a combination of both AR and VR is used to increase the efficiency of the assembly lines and reduce cycle time. This shows the potential of these technologies beyond gaming, indicating a promising future for IoT and VR in various industries.

Professor Dingli pointed out that as we embrace this new era, "we realise the future is here, and it is virtual".

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, competition is fierce and relentless. Mark Zuckerberg, took a direct swipe at Apple’s new headset.

The Vision Pro has been making waves in the tech industry, with celebrities like Diplo and T-Pain seen wearing it in public. Its “passthrough” feature, which allows users to see their surroundings while using the headset, has been particularly praised. However, Zuckerberg, in a video shot using Meta’s own Quest 3’s passthrough, insisted that his company’s headset is “the best product, period.”

Passthrough is a feature used by the most recent mixed reality headsets. It utilizes cameras on the outside of the headset to provide users with a live, high-definition video feed of their surroundings. This allows users to wear a headset while walking or exercising. Meta has been working on this technology for the better part of a decade, and it also features on rival products such as Sony’s PlayStation VR 2.

Zuckerberg expressed frustration that the Vision Pro is being praised over technology that exists elsewhere. He stated, “I think Quest is the better product, period.” He went on to express surprise that many people assumed that the Vision Pro would be of higher quality simply because it’s an Apple product and costs $3,000 more. He argued that the Quest is superior for the majority of things that people use these headsets for, despite the price differential.

Several people have started to post on social media about returning their Apple headsets. Product manager Parker Ortolani praised the device but said the “physical trade-offs are just not worth it.” This sentiment seems to echo Zuckerberg’s critique of the Vision Pro.

Zuckerberg spent much of his time during the video clip trying to point out why the Quest 3 was better, citing reasons ranging from the ability to move around easily without a cable, socializing, and above all, the difference in price. He stated, “I expected that Quest would be the better value for most people since it’s really good and it’s like seven times less expensive.”

He also insisted that the Quest 3 had a wider field of view and a brighter screen. While he acknowledged that the Vision Pro had some advantages, such as a higher resolution, he was “surprised by how many trade-offs they had to make” in other areas to achieve it.

It came as a surprise to many when Zuckerberg directly criticized “fanboys” who “get upset whenever anyone dares to question if Apple’s going to be the leader” in a type of technology. He argued that every generation of computing has an open and a closed model, referring to how Apple controls what can and can’t be installed on its devices.

This feud between Meta and Apple highlights the intense competition in the tech industry. As companies strive to outdo each other, consumers stand to benefit from the resulting innovation and advancement in technology.

spoke with Professor Alexei Dingli about the significant impact of IoT on the iGaming Industry. He is a global expert in artificial intelligence and highlights the role of sophisticated AI fraud detection tells in mitigating risks associated with online gaming.

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The fourth edition of  will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable networking opportunities for industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets. 

 event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11 March. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry.

North Korea is involved in the production and selling of gambling websites that come pre-infected with malware, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

According to the , the agency identified South Korea cyber crime organizations as buyers of the sites.

The NIS alleged that the North Korea faction responsible for this scheme is believed to be an IT organization associated with the secretive Office 39, known as "Gyeongheung."
Office 39 operates within North Korea's ruling Workers Party and is widely regarded, including by the US Department of Treasury, as a key revenue generator for the country's leadership through both legal and illicit means.

The NIS said the organization has made billions of dollars in profit.

Based on the report, the websites are leased for approximately $5,000 (€4,600) per month, with North Korea offering technical support for an additional $3,000 (€2,700) monthly fee.
According to a local media report, an extra $2,000 to $5,000 (€1,800 to €4,600) may be awarded if the website successfully acquires significant banking information from Chinese nationals' PayPal accounts.

Additionally, the NIS revealed that the websites contained malicious code allowing for automatic betting, through which personal data of gamblers, including approximately 1,100 pieces of information concerning South Korean citizens, was compromised.

With less than a month until the highly anticipated  event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

The fourth edition of  will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets.

Global online gaming company 188BET announced it is moving back its operations to the Philippines.

In an email to players sent out last week, the company said it is undergoing changes and is relocating to a new licensing jurisdiction.

Currently, the sports betting and casino behemoth is operated by Cube Limited and is licensed by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (IoMGSC).

The notice said Cube Limited would surrender its IoMGSC license on March 19.

It added that the business of 188BET will be operated by a new Philippine-based company, BestCommerce Corporation, which is licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The company said players who are not 21 years of age, the minimum age under PAGCOR regulations, or who do not wish to play under the new license can choose to have their accounts closed and any funds returned.

188BET was one of the first Asian bookmakers to set up its corporate headquarters on the British island after receiving its Isle of Man license in 2007.

It first held office in Makati, a central business district in the Philippines but it moved out of the country during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

This development comes after a week PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco encouraged investors to come to the Philippines.

Last week, PAGCOR also that the revenue of the country’s iGaming sector nearly doubled in 2023.

Tengco attributed the growth to policy reforms undertaken by the agency.

The agency said the iGaming sector – which includes e-games, e-bingo, specialty games, and sports betting – contributed Php58.16 billion (€967.69 million) to the country’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) in 2023.

Moreover, PAGCOR reached another milestone in the past year with more than 1,000 licensed iGaming sites – with more applications in the pipeline.

With less than a month until the highly anticipated  event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

The fourth edition of  will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets.  

2023年初許多指出東南亞博彩產業的成長將有明顯的成長，隨著2024年到來，本次主題聚焦「2023年東南亞賭博業發展回顧與2024年趨勢預測」，並以市場發展角度解讀多方數據，希望協助各位更全面的了解2024年東南亞地區博彩產業發展趨勢。

隨著研究機構預估東協各國成長趨勢明顯; 人口總計資料指出汶萊、柬埔寨、印尼、寮國、馬來西亞、緬甸、菲律賓、新加坡、泰國和越南人口總數超過 6.6 億，目前總 GDP 超過 3.3 億美元（2.7 億英鎊/3.1億 歐元）。這驚人成長數據代表東協各國的GDP狀況，比加拿大多出50%。

然而，眾所皆知使用GDP當作指標有，其中造成GDP大量成長的原因之一可能是當局進行大量建設導致GDP成長，該現象剛好符合東協各國近年發展狀況; 即大量人力投入建設，然而生活水平卻沒有明顯提昇。並且，仔細觀察當地建設份額對GDP影響發現，並不是所有國家的GDP發展皆代表人民水準提昇; 因此真實所得有限的環境下，招募客人的成本與運營方式將受到很大的限制。

雖然，線上推廣效果有限，然而盤點當地發展與法規制度相對完善的國家中，還是可以發現如馬來西亞對當地國度假村(Empire Resorts)等行為，是當地有目的性發展博彩產業的信號，相信未來運營與推廣方式將會往合法經營的趨勢發展。

在亞洲線上博奕網站中，除了各網站的獨創遊戲之外，我們常見的老虎機品牌如PG, JILI, PP, MG等遊戲品牌，在各國都有不同的排名地位(統計232間東南亞線上樂城的熱門遊戲版位)，如菲律賓JILI電子、印尼PP電子、泰國PG電子...etc

我們將各國線上博奕網站上架時間，與社群媒體(如,  , X(Twitter)…)比對後發現，熱門遊戲品牌在社群媒體上的曝光量，往往早於線上娛樂城的發展; 這說明了線上博彩產業在開發新市場時，首先考慮的是"產品"，即遊戲的知名度。

根據Slotegrator最近一份調查顯示，2023年有多數亞洲公司開始向拉丁美洲(包含主要市場如巴西、墨西哥、阿根廷、哥倫比亞、秘魯和智利等國)積極發展業務，亞洲區則持續發展如(印度、喬治亞、土耳其)等國家，其中新的泰國獲取合法條件鬆綁，可能進一步讓泰國、越南與柬埔寨等地區發展更快速。

然而比對 公開資料發現，南美洲市場的線上博彩文化可能並未達到年初的預期; 2023 Q2的巴西約有500間線上娛樂城廣告於Facebook進行投放，然而從廣告內容發現2023 Q3後線上博彩產業的活動額度逐漸縮水，廣告數量截至2023 11月僅剩約140間線上博彩業者投放; 該數據說明南美洲市場的線上博奕文化可能沒有年初預測般的鮮明。

在這篇專題報導中，我們利用公開資料庫的數據，對2023年眾多人預期的新市場發展方向進行了深入的探討。我們發現，儘管大部分新興市場正在積極開發，但從公開的廣告系統數據來看，實際上有發展潛力的國家往往與當地政府對博彩產業的開放態度有著密切的關聯。這一發現提醒我們，未來在觀察博彩市場的發展趨勢時，除了關注市場本身的變化，也需要密切關注政府政策的變化。這將有助於我們用不同角度了解博彩產業的未來走向。

感謝您的閱讀，我們期待與您一起見證博彩產業的未來發展。

2024年SiGMA亚洲

明年，SiGMA将再次举办第二届。菲律宾是无与伦比的游戏博彩汇集地，将再次成为面向亚洲市场的SiGMA会议既博览会东道国，预计将迎接超过20,000名代表参加。

Betsson Group has reported a record-breaking performance for 2023. The company’s group revenue rose by 14 percent to €251.9 million in Q4, contributing to a full-year revenue of €948.2 million, a new high for the company.

This growth marks the eighth consecutive quarter of sequential growth for , driven by a significant 25 percent increase in casino revenue, which reached a record €182.8 million. Of this, a substantial €157.8 million was generated from mobile devices, highlighting the growing importance of mobile gaming.

Despite an 18 percent increase in sportsbook gross turnover across all of Betsson’s gaming solutions, reaching a record €1.68 billion, sportsbook revenue fell by 5 percent to €67.0 million. This was due to a lower sportsbook margin of 6.2 percent, compared to 7.3 percent in Q4 2022.

Revenue from other products, including poker and bingo, represented just 1 percent of Betsson’s total Q4 revenue, falling by 45 percent to €2.1 million.

In terms of customer engagement, active customers were down 6 percent year-on-year at 1,345,129, while total registered customers rose 11 percent to 29.7 million.

Betsson’s CEO, Pontus Lindwall, (pictured above), reflected on the company’s 60-year history of offering entertainment in the form of casino games, sports betting, and other types of games. He highlighted the company’s role in leading the digitalisation of the gaming industry and its continued commitment to innovation.

Lindwall also noted the strategic initiatives taken in 2023 to strengthen the product offering, manage risks through geographic diversification, and create conditions for continued profitable growth with an increased share of revenues from locally regulated markets.

Regionally, revenue from the Nordics declined by 13 percent to €46.4 million in Q4, with decreases in Sweden and Finland offset by growth in Denmark. Western Europe saw a 62 percent increase in revenue to €41.7 million, driven by a record performance in Italy and growth in Belgium. Revenue from Central & Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA) rose 25 percent to €106.8 million, while Latin America revenue climbed 2 percent year-on-year to €53.3 million.

Despite these successes, Lindwall acknowledged the challenges faced in the sportsbook sector, with the quarter’s sportsbook margin of 6.2 percent being the lowest reading for a single quarter in the past two years. However, he reaffirmed ’s commitment to offering competitive odds and chances for customers to win, stating that this is a key part of their vision to offer the best customer experience in the gaming industry.

With less than a month until the highly anticipated  event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

The fourth edition of  will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets.  

Catena Media, a key player in the iGaming industry, has reported a significant 41 percent year-on-year revenue drop in Q4 2023. Despite this, CEO Michael Daly remains optimistic about the company’s future.

In Q4 2023, Catena Media’s revenue fell to €14.5 million, a 41 percent decrease compared to the previous year. The North American market, which accounts for 85 percent of the group’s revenue from continuing operations, saw a 43 percent decrease to €12.3 million. The adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations also fell by 88 percent to €1.5 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10 percent, a significant drop from 48 percent in Q4 2022.

The number of new depositing customers (NDC) from continuing operations was 32,032, a 43 percent year-on-year decrease. For the full year 2023, the company reported a 22% decrease in revenue from continuing operations, amounting to €76.7m. The North American market accounted for 87 percent of the group’s revenue from continuing operations, with a 21 percent decrease to €67.1m. The NDCs saw a 19 percent annual decrease, totalling 184,257. The adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations decreased by 47 percent to €25.4 million, corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 33 percent, down from 49 percent in 2022.

CEO comments

Despite these disappointing results, CEO Michael Daly, (pictured above), believes that the company is transitioning to a more sustainable revenue model. He attributed the revenue and EBITDA declines in Q4 to market headwinds, lower cost-per-acquisition (CPA) rates paid by operators, and increased competition. However, he highlighted that Catena Media is shifting operator deals from CPA to revenue share, which will bring greater stability and sustainability to revenue inflow over time.

Daly also pointed out the company’s wide-ranging internal investment program, including significant investments in tech and AI. These investments, initiated in 2023, aim to position Catena Media for the future and restore the group to a sustainable long-term growth trajectory. A new technical platform, set to launch in Q1, is the cornerstone of this transformation. Once fully rolled out in Q2, it will be the first time Catena Media focuses affiliation activities on a single, coherent tech infrastructure.

In Q4 2023, Catena Media established a joint venture with a specialist AI partner to develop a generative AI application dedicated to content production for online betting and casino gaming affiliation. This project has already delivered a minimum viable product (MVP) that has been introduced to the business. The focus now is on refining and adapting the MVP for multiple brands.

The completion of the strategic review and associated divestments has enabled the firm to undertake these investments. The strategic review has narrowed the company’s geographic spread and streamlined the organization. Catena Media is now transitioning into a multichannel business that operates across various channels.

With less than a month until the highly anticipated  event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

The fourth edition of  will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets.  

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) revealed that the revenue of the country’s iGaming sector nearly doubled in 2023.

In a press release, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco this growth to policy reforms undertaken by the agency.

“There was a phenomenal rise of over 90% in online gaming activities in 2023 compared to the previous year,” Tengco said during a panel interview at the ICE London 2024 Conference earlier this month.

The agency said the iGaming sector – which includes e-games, e-bingo, specialty games, and sports betting – contributed Php58.16 billion (967.69 million Euros) to the country’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) in 2023.

The latest figure is 92.32% higher than its earnings of Php30.24 billion (502.30 million Euros) in 2022.

Tengco earlier said PAGCOR reached another milestone in the past year with more than 1,000 licensed iGaming sites – with more applications in the pipeline.

“Because of the policy changes implemented by the current management, there was a considerable increase in gaming sites. We also approved reductions in [licensing] rates that contributed to the spike in approved sites,” Tengco said.

The PAGCOR Chairman added that the sector’s notable performance positively impacted not only the local gaming industry but also the agency’s revenue generation efforts.

The Philippines’ gaming authority said more policy tweaks can be expected to happen soon.

This includes further lowering licensing rates and the growing integration of technology.

The agency said this should allow the iGaming sector to continue fueling the growth of the local gaming industry with its projected Php61.75 billion (1.03 billion Euros) in revenues in 2024.

With less than a month until the highly anticipated  event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

The fourth edition of  will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets.  

GAN, a prominent player in the iGaming industry, has recently received approval from its shareholders for the acquisition of its assets by Sega Sammy, a Japanese gaming giant. This decision however has not been without controversy.

In November 2023, GAN announced a $107.6 million acquisition agreement with Sega Sammy, which valued the company at $1.97 per share. During a shareholder meeting held on 13 February 2024, over 95 percent of votes cast were in favour of the merger agreement. Approximately 51 percent of GAN’s issued ordinary shares were represented at the meeting.

The shareholders also gave non-binding advisory approval for the compensation that may be paid to GAN’s executive officers in connection with the merger. The merger’s closure is expected to occur in late 2024 or early 2025, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. If completed, each GAN ordinary share will be converted into the right to receive $1.97 in cash per share, and GAN will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sega Sammy.

The approval of the merger was followed by a class-action lawsuit filed by Joseph Zappia, a prominent GAN shareholder. Zappia alleged that GAN misled investors through its proxy statement preceding the shareholder meeting. The lawsuit outlined several instances where GAN purportedly failed to disclose conflicts of interest and omitted material information.

One of the grievances detailed in the complaint was the allegation that the initial offer was reduced from $2.51 per share to the final $1.97 per share due to concerns surrounding GAN’s business landscape, including the departure of one of GAN’s major B2B clients, WynnBet.

GAN denied these allegations, asserting its adherence to legal standards and making additional disclosures to mitigate potential legal ramifications. The lawsuit also questioned the transparency and composition of the committees involved in approving the acquisition, raising concerns about the secretive nature of the Financing Special Committee and the Merger Special Committee.

Zappia’s legal team argued that GAN shareholders suffered “irreparable harm” due to the alleged material omissions and demanded a trial by jury to seek appropriate relief. The exact amount was not specified in the complaint.

As the merger progresses, GAN Limited (GAN) is currently trading at $1.57, a 1.29 percent increase.

The gaming industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional gaming, once the undisputed leader of the sector, is facing challenges from an unexpected quarter - Web3 gaming. The latter, powered bytechnology, is not just surviving but thriving, showing a bullish growth of 33 percent in Q4 alone.

Traditional gaming, on the other hand, is challenged with market saturation and dwindling user numbers. The situation is further exacerbated by regulatory challenges, such as China’s recent draft rules to curb spending and rewards in video games. This move led to a staggering $80 billion loss in market value for top gaming giants.

In response to these challenges, traditional gaming studios are exploring new ways to attract and retain users. The answer, it seems, lies in the decentralized models of Web3.

Web3 gaming offers a host of benefits that traditional gaming simply cannot match. For instance, game developers can avoid intense competition in popular categories and more easily acquire gamers in a less crowded landscape. Blockchain gaming also boasts community-driven user acquisition methods beyond traditional advertising, such as airdrops and in-game assets.

Moreover, Web3 games allow developers to sidestep policy restriction issues in some countries. This is a significant advantage, given the increasing regulatory scrutiny in the traditional gaming sector.

But the benefits of Web3 gaming extend beyond the developers. Players, too, stand to gain from this shift. In the Web3 world, games create and oversee entire online economies, and players can earn digital assets from playing blockchain games. They can aggregate, control, and monetize their identity. Beyond play-to-earn, gamers can earn passive income by sharing their information with titles and participating in brand interactions.

The future of gaming lies in Web3. As traditional gaming continues to grapple with market saturation and regulatory challenges, is poised to take centre stage. With its unique benefits for both developers and players, it’s not just a viable alternative to traditional gaming - it’s the next big thing in the gaming industry.

Super Bowl LVIII marked a significant milestone in the history of sports betting. Analysts had predicted a record-breaking amount of bets for this event, which was the first NFL championship game held in Las Vegas. However, this wasn’t the first time awas hosted in a state that legalized sports betting. That distinction goes to Arizona, when Super Bowl LVII was hosted at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, home to its own BetMGM-operated sportsbook.

Thousands of fans, particularly those supporting the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, flocked to Las Vegas to partake in the city’s largest special event. Interestingly, both California and Missouri, the home states of the rival teams, are among the 12 US states that do not offer legal sports betting.

Despite being a progressive state, California astonishingly remains without legalized sports betting. The potential for a sports betting industry in California has been closely monitored by Nevada’s gaming industry, as many Californians frequently travel to Nevada to place bets on major sporting events.

The California sports betting market is one of the largest in the country. The prospect of the state legalizing and taxing sportsbooks, whether they operate from land-based tribal casinos or on mobile devices, could significantly impact black-market operations and illegal bookies.

Super Bowl LVIII was not just a football event but also a cultural phenomenon, largely due to the presence of pop superstar Taylor Swift. Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs’ tight-end Travis Kelce, (in photo with Swift), who secured his second consecutive Super Bowl win, has been a focal point throughout the season. During her high-grossing Eras tour, Swift consistently attended Kelce’s games. Their relationship has raised considerable attention, contributing to an increase in the NFL’s popularity.

Swift’s influence on the Super Bowl viewership was significant. A Seton Hall University poll revealed that 21 percent of Americans, and 41 percent of 18-34-year-olds, were influenced by Swift’s presence to watch the game. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged Swift’s impact, calling her a “dynamo” and welcoming her massive fan base’s contribution to the sport’s audience. Despite some controversy and conspiracy theories surrounding Swift and Kelce’s relationship, their influence on the NFL and Super Bowl LVIII has been undeniable.

However, any move to legalize sports betting in California must have the backing of the state’s Indian tribes, who operate their own casinos. This became evident when two sports betting initiatives, Propositions 26 and 27, were soundly defeated by voters in the November 2022 election. The California tribes did not support either proposal, and analysts suggested that ballot confusion led to the defeat of both initiatives.

Since then, another sports betting proposal emerged but also failed. Gambling industry veteran Casey Thompson and blockchain executive Reeve Collins drafted a proposal last September to include a new sports betting initiative on the 2024 ballot. The Thompson-Collins proposal would have given control of California sports betting to the tribes. However, they failed to inform the tribes about their plan, leading to its downfall.

As the legal battles continue, sports betting thrives in California, albeit illegally. The American Gaming Association has long advocated for federal authorities to play a larger role in shutting down illegal operations and discouraging players from placing bets through illegal sources. The case of Wayne Nix, a California-based illegal bookmaker, serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal gambling operations. Nix, who gambled at the MGM Grand, led to the conviction of MGM’s former chairman, Scott Sibella, on federal charges of racketeering. Nix pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of filing false tax returns. Both Nix and Sibella await sentencing for their respective crimes.

While the excitement and success of Super Bowl LVIII have been unprecedented, the future of sports betting in California remains a complex issue. The state’s tribes hold the key to resolving the resolution of sports betting in California.