Golden Matrix acquires MeridianBet Group: $300 million deal finalized

In times where digital platforms have become the new marketplace, against the promotion of offshore online betting and gambling platforms by influencers. This move comes in response to the growing concerns over the adverse impacts of online gambling, particularly on the youth.

The Ministry’s advisory is a clear message to social media influencers who have a significant impact on their followers’ behaviours and choices. The advisory warns them against promoting or advertising offshore online betting and gambling platforms. The ministry has highlighted the significant financial and socioeconomic implications of online betting, emphasizing the potential harm it can cause, especially to the younger generation.

The advisory also extends to online advertisement intermediaries, urging them not to target Indian audiences with promotional content related to gambling. In addition, social media intermediaries have been called upon to conduct sensitisation efforts among users, discouraging them from publishing such content.

Non-compliance with the advisory could lead to stringent actions under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. This includes the removal or disabling of social media posts or accounts, along with penal action under applicable statutes.

The advisory draws attention to section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which exempts intermediaries from liability for third-party information. However, it underscores that this exemption does not apply if intermediaries fail to expeditiously remove or disable access to unlawful material on receiving actual knowledge or notification from the appropriate government or its agency.

Furthermore, the Ministry reiterated the concerns expressed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) regarding endorsements of betting/gambling platforms by celebrities and influencers. The CCPA had previously cautioned against any direct or indirect advertisement or endorsement of such activities, subjecting them to rigorous scrutiny.

This move by the ministry is a significant step It focuses on responsibility that influencers and intermediaries hold in shaping the digital landscape and the need for them to exercise their influence responsibly. The fight against online gambling is far from over, but with measures like these, we are moving in the right direction.

Delta Corp, a prominent player in India's gaming industry, faced a 3 percent year-on-year decline in gross income from operations for the quarter ending on March 31, 2024. The  reported a gross income of Rs 222.75 crores (€24.8 million), attributed to decreases in both its casino and online skill gaming segments.   

Income from gaming operations witnessed a decline to Rs 174.07 crores (€19.35 million) in the March quarter, compared to Rs 181.54 crores (€20.1 million) in the previous quarter and Rs 175.61 crores (€19.53 million) in the corresponding period last year. Similarly, income from online skill games fell by 10.4 percent to Rs 35.08 crores (€3.9 million) compared to the previous quarter.  

Despite the decline in gross income,  reported a remarkable 110% sequential increase in profit for the quarter, reaching Rs 72.41 crores (€8 million). This increase was attributed to the sale of a subsidiary, contributing to the company's financial performance during the period.  

For the full fiscal year ending on March 31, 2024, Delta Corp experienced a 2.5 percent year-on-year decline in gross income, amounting to Rs 1,010.48 crores (€112.5 million). Both gaming operations and online skill games reported declines of 1.5 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.  

Delta Corp addressed ongoing legal challenges, including notices sent to three of its subsidiaries demanding back payment of GST. The company, along with other impacted entities, has elevated writ petitions opposing these demands to the Supreme Court. Delta Corp asserts that these demands are arbitrary and contrary to legal provisions, emphasizing industry-wide concerns regarding taxation on gaming revenue.   

The company reiterated its stance on the tax demands, emphasizing that they are arbitrary and not in alignment with legal provisions. Delta Corp has initiated necessary legal proceedings to challenge these demands, underscoring its commitment to defending its position within the legal framework. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .  

GLOBE Telecom, a Philippine telecommunications company, disclosed in a statement an escalation in its efforts to . The company reported a substantial increase in the number of malicious sites it blocked during the first quarter of 2024. 

Globe's Chief Information Officer, Anton Reynaldo Bonifacio, emphasised the critical importance of these actions, stating, “Illegal online gambling can have devastating financial and social consequences, fuelling problematic gambling behaviour and exposing users to potential fraud, malware and cybercrime.” 

To fortify its defence mechanisms, Globe said that it invested a considerable sum of $2.7 million (€2.51 million) to bolster its content filtering infrastructure system. This upgraded system is designed to swiftly detect and restrict malicious content, including piracy. 

Globe said it has taken proactive measures to mitigate the proliferation of illegal gambling sites. By implementing network-blocking measures and content filtering systems, the company aims to safeguard its users from potential threats. 

The telco company said that it filtered a total of 1,345 domain names involved in illegal online gambling sites, marking a significant increase from 126 sites in the same period in 2023r. 

The government has issued regarding the risks associated with online gambling sites, particularly in light of the increasing incidents of fraud and cyberattacks. Globe's actions align with the broader efforts to uphold cybersecurity standards and protect users from potential harm. 

Bonifacio reaffirmed the company's dedication to ensuring a safer online environment, stating, “We have an ethical obligation to make the internet safer and are continuing our relentless push to identify and prevent access to these unlawful sites on our network.” 

Following these announcements, market sentiments towards Globe Telecom remained positive. By adopting proactive measures and investing in robust infrastructure, Globe Telecom demonstrated its commitment to combating online threats and prioritizing user safety in the digital landscape. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is contemplating a major change to its licensing rules that could have far-reaching implications for the state’s burgeoning sports betting industry. The proposed amendment would grant the r the discretion to extend the one-year launch deadline for licensees on a case-by-case basis.

This potential change comes in response to the challenges faced by local and retail entities in transitioning from concept to launch within the existing 12-month timeframe. Phantom Fireworks, a Type B operator licensed for brick-and-mortar operations only, is among those finding the current deadline restrictive. Despite not having a definitive location for its sportsbook, the company is making progress, albeit slower than anticipated due to administrative issues.

The OCCC’s consideration of this rule change underscores its commitment to fostering a thriving and competitive sports betting market in Ohio. The state regulator initiated legal sports betting on 1 January 2022, with a deadline for licensees to go live by 31 December 2022. This deadline was subsequently extended by six months, and a second extension is now under consideration.

Several other Type B licensees, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Muirfield Village Golf Club, the SPIRE Institute, and Lori’s Roadhouse, have yet to commence wagering operations. Phantom Fireworks, owner of the United State Hockey League Youngstown Phantoms, is also navigating administrative hurdles as it works towards launch.

In a recent interview with the Business Journal Daily, Michael Podolsky, deputy general counsel for Phantom Fireworks, revealed that the company is collaborating with consultants to finalize financial projections. He expressed optimism about the company’s progress but acknowledged that meeting the current deadline would be unfeasible without an extension.

Meanwhile, in Arkansas, the Racing Commission has opened a 30-day application window for a fourth casino licence. The window, which opens on 13 May, is specifically for those interested in establishing a casino in Pope County. The commission has scheduled a meeting for 12 June to close the application window.

This development follows the state’s approval of legal sports betting in November 2018, which also greenlit casinos at two existing racetracks – Oak Lawn and Southlawn – and two future casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties. The Saracen Casino, located in Jefferson County, is one of the beneficiaries of this legislation.

These regulatory developments in Ohio and Arkansas highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of the . As regulators and operators navigate these changes, the focus remains on creating a balanced and sustainable market that benefits all stakeholders.