North Carolina: alleged $3M political donations for gambling expansion

announced the structure and leadership of its newly formed brand, Aristocrat Interactive. 

Combining Anaxi and NeoGames, Aristocrat Interactive aims to lead online Real Money Gaming (RMG) solutions and be the “most trusted” interactive partner for connecting experiences for operators and players. The company offers a full suite of content, technology, and services. 

“ is a major step forward,” said Moti Malul, CEO. “We’re setting a new standard with our combined strengths.” 

Aristocrat Interactive will operate through five distinct business units:

• iLottery: Led by Chris Shaban, this initiative operates to transform the way governments conduct lotteries by taking them online.
• Content and aggregation: Adrian Bailey leads the top-quality content aggregation solutions.
• Gaming systems: Casino operators are provided with technology solutions led by Neil Crossan.
• iGaming and sports: Offers online operators content and tech products for online gaming and sports betting, led by Dima Reiderman.
• iGaming white-Label: Provides a turnkey solution for new RMG operators, led by Jonathan Chilton.

The company prioritises a responsible gaming environment that ensures a safe and positive experience for all users. It is firmly committed to operating within legal frameworks and adhering to the highest regulatory standards. Additionally, the company actively participates in advocating for advancements in regulations that benefit both the industry and its stakeholders.

As of 26 June 2024, all operations under Anaxi branding and . started operating under the Aristocrat Interactive brand. This launch marks a new chapter for Aristocrat, and the company plans to unite its global teams and deliver innovative solutions for the future of online gaming. A dedicated website for Aristocrat Interactive will launch on 1 September. 

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OPAP Cyprus Ltd has embarked on a new journey, having signed a Concession Agreement with the Republic of Cyprus. This agreement grants OPAP Cyprus the exclusive rights to conduct, provide, and manage designated games of chance in the Cypriot market for a period of 15 years.

This agreement is in line with the longstanding goals of the Republic of Cyprus, as outlined in the Law on Designated Games of Chance, published in June 2018. The law aims to safeguard public interest, enhance market supervision, combat illegal gambling, and promote responsible gaming. In this context, the National Betting Authority (NBA) of Cyprus has been appointed as the regulatory body overseeing .

The concession came into effect immediately after the NBA issued the relevant licence. The license fee will be paid in 15 annual instalments, calculated based on a specific mathematical formula that also takes into account the annual performance of the games offered by OPAP Cyprus. The first instalment of €4.2 million has already been paid, with subsequent instalments due on 31 January of each licence year.

As per the Law on Designated Games of Chance and the Concession Agreement, the Republic of Cyprus will receive 22.5 percent of OPAP Cyprus’ Furthermore, OPAP Cyprus is obligated to allocate an amount equivalent to 5 percent of its GGR to sponsor sporting, social, and charitable activities within the Republic of Cyprus. The minimum annual proceeds for the Republic of Cyprus are set at €20 million.

Kamil Ziegler, Executive Chairman of OPAP and Chairman of OPAP Cyprus, (pictured above), expressed his satisfaction with the new 15-year Concession Agreement. He emphasized the group’s commitment to continue offering popular games and appealing experiences to customers, supporting shared goals, and implementing impactful social initiatives.

OPAP has been a significant player in the Cyprus market since 1969, offering games that have become top choices for Cypriot customers. These include TZOKER, LOTTO, PROTO, KINO, SUPER 3, EXTRA 5, PROPO, and PROPOGOAL. The company’s network of over 200 stores forms the backbone of its business and is one of the largest commercial networks in the country.

OPAP Cyprus is a responsible partner of the Cypriot society, delivering tangible value to its stakeholders. It has made significant contributions in the field of Health, through meaningful interventions such as donating modern mammography equipment, supporting cancer treatment and awareness with Europa Donna, and standing beside leading health organizations.

In the realm of sports, OPAP Cyprus has institutional partnerships with the Cyprus Sport Organization and the Cyprus Olympic Committee, among others. It supports sport at all levels, from infrastructure to national championships, and even the Cyprus Olympic Team.

In the cultural sector, OPAP Cyprus cooperates actively with the Deputy Ministry of Culture and various cultural organizations to preserve and promote cultural heritage and support the development of the cultural sector. It sponsors a wide range of cultural events and organizations, including the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation.

In the field of Education, OPAP Cyprus has partnered with the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth to benefit Cyprus’ youth. It has implemented impactful initiatives, including providing free meals to thousands of students in rural areas during the major economic crisis, supporting the creation and operation of music and sports schools, strengthening special schools, and supporting innovative programmes that aim to inspire young people in the areas of science, culture, and sports. This commitment to education reflects the company’s belief in the value of investing in the country’s youth, its most valuable asset.

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An IPSOS , published today and commissioned by , reveals strong public support for stricter regulations on gambling advertising in the UK. This push for reform comes amid heightened advertising activity during the Euro 2024 and growing concerns about the impacts of gambling promotions on vulnerable groups, particularly children and problem gamblers.

GambleAware’s survey revealed that ads prompted approximately 40% of problem gamblers to overspend. Additionally, 24% of respondents who had gambled in the past year took gambling-related action after seeing an advert, with this figure rising to 79% among those experiencing gambling problems.

The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) maintains that there is no established causal link between gambling ads and problem gambling, citing government research. However, GambleAware is challenging the previous government's stance on causation with its new data.

Recent research by GambleAware indicates strong public backing for tighter controls on gambling advertising. The study found that nearly three-quarters of British consumers believe there should be more regulations for gambling ads, with two-thirds feeling there are currently too many.

66% of those surveyed expressed concern about the impact of gambling ads on children, and 61% opposed the presence of gambling logos on football shirts.

GambleAware is advocating for comprehensive restrictions on betting advertisements at sporting events, which includes the removal of sponsorship logos from players' jerseys and all stadium advertisements.

It is also calling for a pre-watershed ban on gambling advertisements across television, radio, and video on demand. Additionally, GambleAware proposes that all gambling adverts should include health warnings to better inform the public about the risks and dangers associated with gambling.

The charity argues that the absence of significant changes in gambling advertising in the recent Gambling Act white paper was a missed opportunity. The charity's CEO, Zoe Osmond, explains that gambling advertising has been largely "overlooked," despite exposing vulnerable groups to harm.

According to the survey, about 64% of those experiencing gambling problems have not spoken to anyone about it, often due to stigma and discrimination. Many feel ashamed or worried about judgement, while others believe they can handle the problem themselves. Despite this, 76% of those who sought help felt better for doing so, and 63% wished they had done so sooner.

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Sir Philip Davies, considered to be a very prominent figure in the Conservative Party, has been reported to be involved in the controversy involving election betting. The allegations suggest that Davies placed a bet of £8,000 against his own victory in the forthcoming election, a move that has stirred up considerable debate.

Davies, who is vying for the Shipley seat in West Yorkshire, has been a significant player in the UK political scene. His candidature, however, has been overshadowed by the betting scandal. The controversy has raised questions about the ethics of a candidate betting against their own success, and whether such actions could potentially influence the outcome of the election.

When questioned about the alleged bet, Davies responded with a dismissive attitude, stating, “What’s it got to do with you whether I did or didn’t.” He further asserted that the bet was “nobody’s business,” a statement that has only fuelled the ongoing speculation.

Despite the controversy, Davies remains committed to his campaign, expressing his determination to win the election. He stated, “I hope to win. I’m busting a gut to win. I expect to lose.” This paradoxical stance, hoping for victory while expecting defeat, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Davies has been associated with such a bet. He admitted to having placed a similar bet on himself during the 2005 election, which he ultimately won, causing his bet to “go down the pan.”

In the face of Davies maintains his innocence. He invites anyone who believes he has acted illegally to make their accusations, confident in his assertion that he has not broken any laws.

This incident has cast a spotlight on the issue of election betting, prompting a broader discussion about its implications on the democratic process. As the controversy continues to unfold, the focus remains on Davies and the outcome of his election campaign.

The nature of politics is indeed unpredictable, where even a seasoned politician like Sir Philip Davies has not ben immune to this controversy. As the date for the election approaches, this extraordinary

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