22 winners, 2024 dreams: SiGMA Africa Awards shine bright

Croatian Baby Lasagna is the hot favourite for the Eurovision final, and it's creating quite a buzz! "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" wasn't even supposed to be in the running at Croatia's Dora event. It all happened because another singer, Zsa Zsa, had to pull out last minute. Baby Lasagna's performance is a crazy mix of rock and techno that somehow just works. The song tackles a serious topic but keeps things fun and engaging. Croatia's entry currently leads with a 41% chance of winning, suggesting strong confidence among bettors.

Right behind Baby Lasagna is Israel's Eden Golan with "Hurricane," sitting pretty as the second favourite with a 26% chance of winning. Eden's powerhouse vocals and the emotional punch of her song set her apart. She's one of the few belting out a ballad this year, amidst all the pop and comedy acts. If she delivers live like she does on record, she's sure to make a lasting impression. Israel's entry has a 22% chance of winning.

Switzerland's Nemo and his song "The Code" are holding strong in third place with an 11% chance of victory. Mixing rap, drum & bass, and space opera sounds like a recipe for chaos, but somehow Switzerland makes it work. It's bold, in-your-face, and just the right amount of intense to keep you hooked. “The Code” is given an 11% chance of winning, with odds ranging from 6 to 8.5.

Down the line in fourth place is France's Slimane with "Mon Amour," bringing that classic French charm we are used to. Slimane's raw vocals and emotional delivery hit all the right notes, even if he's not leading the pack in the odds with a 6% chance of lifting the crystal microphone. It's quality music that speaks for itself, and sometimes that's all you need to make an impact.

Clinching the final spot in the top 5 of the Eurovision 2024 odds is Ireland’s Bambie Thug with “Doomsday Blue”. The Emerald Isle has finally decided to throw a bit of pizzazz into the Eurovision mix! Bambie's entry is much more than a song, it's a full-on Ouija-Pop spell. Win or lose, they're the talk of the town. The song is given a 4% chance to win.

Every year, the world collectively holds its breath as countries battle it out on stage with a mix of heartfelt ballads, catchy pop tunes, and the occasional entry that leaves you scratching your head in confusion. So, grab your popcorn, settle in for a night of glittery madness, and let the Eurovision extravaganza begin!

The Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival, a prestigious event in the horseracing calendar, is set to take place from 24 to 26 May at The Curragh. This festival not only marks the commencement of the Irish Summer Classics with QuinnBet, which has been chosen as the official betting partner.

The festival is renowned for its record prize money of €2.4 million ($2.58 million), attracting competitors from around the globe. For the first time, several races will be included in the Tote World Pool, adding another layer of excitement for participants and spectators alike.

Evan Arkwright, the Curragh Racing and Sponsorship Manager, expressed his delight at QuinnBet’s decision to enhance their association with the Curragh. He stated, "Their brand will be visible across the three days to include which will ensure maximum exposure for them.” As part of the partnership, QuinnBet will lend its name to the €100,000 QuinnBet Emerald Mile and the €50,000 QuinnBet Premier Handicap.

Stephen Kelly, Managing Director of QuinnBet, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership. He said, “The Curragh is widely regarded as one of the best racecourses in the World and home to Ireland’s five most important flat races, two of which will take place over the Guineas Festival and open the curtains on the Irish Summer Classics Season. It is therefore a huge privilege for QuinnBet to be associated with this event which builds on our ongoing commitment to sponsorship of Irish Racing, that we and our customers are so passionate about.”

This partnership comes at a time when the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has recently made changes to how non-runners will affect races, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the sport. As the Irish Summer Classics Season begins, this partnership between QuinnBet and the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival promises to bring a new level of excitement and engagement to the world of horseracing.

The Irish Summer Classics Season is a time of vibrancy in Ireland, marked by a variety of events that cater to a wide range of interests. The season kicks off with Vantastival, a family-friendly festival held over the May Bank Holiday Weekend in the picturesque Beaulieu House and Gardens in Co. Louth. This is followed by the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, a long-standing event since 1998, known for its eclectic mix of folk, blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, and cajun-inspired music. The AVA Festival in Belfast, a two-day grassroots event, then takes centre stage, celebrating and amplifying the strong current of electronic music and digital visual arts that has emerged from Northern Ireland. The Bank Holiday weekend is further enlivened by Forbidden Fruit, a festival featuring a diverse array of artists. The season is rounded off by the Life Festival, a three-day open-air weekender that showcases the finest electronic artists in the stunning surrounds of Belvedere House and Gardens. Each event in the Irish Summer Classics Season offers its own unique flavour, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

International Entertainment Corporation has officially taken the reins of the Casino Filipino New Coast branch in Manila, previously owned by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (). The Hong Kong-listed company acquired the property as part of PAGCOR's privatisation initiative. 

The handover process between PAGCOR and International Entertainment's subsidiary, Marina Square Properties, Inc. (MSPI), was completed, leading to the commencement of limited operations on Thursday. The full transfer of casino operations to International Entertainment is scheduled for May 11, as per the company's announcement. 

International Entertainment Corporation underscores its commitment to regulatory compliance and responsible gambling. The company has implemented internal control procedures, including a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing program (MLPP), aligned with relevant laws and regulations. 

As part of the Provisional Licence Agreement with PAGCOR, the casino operator is obligated to remit a monthly minimum guaranteed share (MGS). In recognition of the licensee's operational commencement in May 2024, PAGCOR has granted a pro-rated monthly MGS of PHP60 million (€969,021), subject to adjustment if licence fees exceed this amount. 

With the transition now underway, International Entertainment Corporation is poised to leverage its expertise and resources to enhance the New Coast Casino's offerings and customer experience. The company aims to solidify its presence in the ' bustling gaming landscape while contributing to the local economy and community. 

During the ASEAN Gaming Summit last March, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco stressed the vital importance of privatisation, stating, "Emphasizing PAGCOR's regulatory function through privatization is crucial for promoting fair competition and rejuvenating the industry." 

Tengco also outlined plans for the gradual privatisation of Casino Filipino properties, aiming for a leaner, more focused organization dedicated to regulatory tasks. 

Tengo said that after full privatisation, PAGCOR's revenue will mainly come from regulatory fees, licences, and a portion of gross gaming revenue, as the agency optimize operations to become more agile and efficient. 

South Korean casino operator  experienced a 228 percent increase in operating profits during the first quarter of 2024, reaching KRW48.4 billion ($35.2 million), attributed mainly to heightened participation from Japanese and mass market players.  

The reported operating profits signify a substantial surge from the KRW19 billion (€12.8 million) recorded in the previous quarter and a 154 percent rise from the corresponding period last year.  

Paradise Co. witnessed a significant turnaround in its net profit attributable to shareholders, with KRW36.9 billion (€24.8 million) recorded in the first three months of 2024, marking a departure from previous losses.  

The company specializes in managing foreigner-only casinos, including renowned establishments such as Walker-Hill, Jeju, Incheon Paradise City, and Busan Casino.  

Despite modest overall sales growth of 9.5 percent quarter-to-quarter, totalling KRW264.7 billion (€179 million), revenue from casino sales saw a notable increase of 9 percent, reaching approximately KRW102.2 billion (€69 million).  

 reported a record-breaking quarterly soft drop, with nearly KRW1.7 trillion (€1.11 billion) exchanged for chips at gaming tables. Notably, Japanese punters contributed KRW717 billion (€485 million), while Chinese gamblers accounted for KRW301 billion (€203.6 million).  

With a projected full-year EBITDA of KRW68.1 billion (€46 million), reflecting a remarkable 96.3 percent increase from the preceding quarter, Paradise Co. anticipates continued growth and profitability in the foreseeable future.  

This projection followed a 2023 revenue uptick of 112.8 percent increase compared to the figures of 2022. The group amassed KRW744.2 billion (€529.4 million) in casino revenue. This growth in annual revenue last year can be primarily attributed to the significant uptick in the table games segment. According to the company, revenue from table games soared by 118.8 percent year-over-year. Meanwhile, machine revenue also experienced an increase, rising by 51.9 percent.