Sanne Muijser departs from Van Kansspelen after a decade of service
Sanne Muijser has concluded his ten-year tenure as the general secretary of the Dutch gambling association, Van Kansspelen. His departure comes as he prepares to take on a new role at the Royal Booksellers Union, commencing on 1 October.
Earlier this year, Van Kansspelen ushered in Henry Meijdam as its new chairman, succeeding former interim chairman Aad Kobus.
Muijser expressed his gratitude for his time as general secretary, highlighting the enactment of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) as a significant achievement.
“The past decade has passed swiftly,” remarked Muijser. “As a trade organization, we oversaw the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act, which had a profound impact on the slot machine sector. The COVID-19 period also demonstrated the sector’s resilience. I reflect on a rewarding and dynamic period and extend my thanks to all those within and outside the association for their collaboration.”
The period leading up to the enactment of KOA was marked by challenges, including several delays. Initially scheduled to come into effect on 1 July 2020, it was subsequently postponed to 1 October 2021.
Meijdam expressed his appreciation for Muijser’s contributions during his tenure at Van Kansspelen, acknowledging his invaluable role.
“On behalf of the board, I wish to express our gratitude to Sanne for his service as general secretary over the years,” said Meijdam. “He served as a crucial liaison for our association, both for members and external stakeholders. Sanne made significant contributions, particularly on intricate matters such as the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act, navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, and the development of the gambling advertising code.”
The Netherlands government implemented a comprehensive ban on most forms of gambling advertising in July, encompassing television, radio, print media, as well as advertising in public spaces like billboards and bus shelters.
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We cannot change the world but if everyone makes a contribution, it can certainly make a difference. Twenty-one years ago I met a priest who had been shot twice in Brazil while he was doing charitable work. He shared his story with me and it changed my life. I joined him a few months later in Ethopia and I felt that we could bring about change. I can say that my life is perfect for me as it gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am making a difference to improve the lives of others." Keith Marshall, CPO SiGMA FoundationMarshall added that the SiGMA foundation has raised a lot of money and built a number of schools in Africa. He has been working with Father Samuel Yohannes since 2017. Educating children in Jimma Bonga Earlier this year, the SiGMA Foundation inaugurated a three-in-one school in Jimma Bonga, Ethiopia. This project has secured food and education for a thousand Ethiopian children. The school comprises a kindergarten, primary and junior secondary school. The three-year-long project was supported by €300,000 donated in funds raised by previous Camino expeditions organised by the SiGMA Foundation. Ethiopia is a place of trials and tribulations People from different walks of life come and work with us at the SiGMA Foundation. We bring them together and work harmoniously as one system for the common good of those who are not fortunate enough to have the same opportunities as others. He explained how it is important to share the word and raise awareness about the work that the SiGMA foundation is doing. Empowering women and girls Father Sam Yohannes addressed the group and thanked the SiGMA Foundation for its hard work and contribution to a region that is so deprived. "Children are really vulnerable," he said, "I have been working with the SiGMA Foundation since 2017 and I am now working on a project to create job opportunities for women and girls in Ethopia. This will surely contribute to enhancing their lives." SiGMA Foundation aims to facilitate women’s empowerment to enable them to acquire the skills necessary to attain sustainable employment and financial autonomy with a view to ultimately break the cycle of poverty in the region. The initiative is expected to impact 500 women between the ages of 20 to 45 years annually, serving as primary beneficiaries. The project will also indirectly benefit over 2,500 communities in the Bonga area each year. In total, 75 percent of the project beneficiaries will be women, and 25 percent will be men. The Women Empowerment Project requires a projected total investment of €710,322. In order to reach this target, the Foundation is planning a range of fundraising events and will collaborate with partners who share its vision. The SiGMA Foundation collaborates with the Catholic Vicariate of Jimma Bonga, Ethiopia - the Women Empowerment Project. This initiative is dedicated to catalysing positive transformation in the lives of women living in poverty in the region. The project’s main objective is to establish a modern skill development centre that will provide training in a variety of areas, including information technology, cookery, hairdressing, tailoring, and embroidery. Related topics: Toubkal triumph: SiGMA Foundation trekkers reach the peak ¡Buen Camino! SiGMA Foundation raises €50,000 for charity SiGMA Foundation raises over €300,000 for charity in 3 years
This strategic collaboration, a first of its kind for the innovative leader in player engagement solutions, will see Chumba Casino implement cutting-edge gamification solutions driven by BlueRibbon's powerful platform. This move will not only solidify the social casino’s competitive edge but also deliver to its players a new layer of excitement and anticipation during gameplay to drive player engagement and brand loyalty.
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The Prime Minister speaking with delegates during the 2022 SiGMA Europe expo in Malta.[/caption]
The Prime Minister, who traditionally addresses the gaming crowd once a year at SiGMA Europe’s Malta Week events, will discuss the government’s vision for this fast-growing sector.
The Prime Minister will also tour the expo floor, where he will meet with exhibitors and gaming delegates.
Speaking at a conference hosted by The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) for the presentation of the National Productivity Report this June, Dr. Abela said that, “Malta has the highest employment rate, the lowest unemployment rate, and is the fastest-growing economy in Europe. The iGaming Sector is an important pillar of Malta’s local economy”.
[caption id="attachment_851582" align="alignright" width="377"]
The Hon. Robert Abela touring the expo floor during the SiGMA Europe event in 2022.[/caption]
In a study carried out in 2022, it was found that SiGMA Europe’s Malta event generates enough economic activity to sustain the equivalent of 950 jobs for one year, while international visitors to the event in November occupy over 60% of 4 and 5-star hotels in Malta during their stay.
With many attendees choosing to stay in Malta’s historic capital, Valletta - which is only 10 minutes away from the expo - SiGMA has secured advantageous deals with all the best hotels in the city. Hotel rooms are already reported to be selling out fast however, with the country expected to be sold out in available beds.
Malta Week moves to the MMH, Marsa
Malta Week, which leads as the island’s biggest expo for iGaming, is expected to close the year’s event calendar with over 25 thousand delegates.
[caption id="attachment_851571" align="alignleft" width="356"]
Malta's Prime Minister visits the MFCC for Malta Week.[/caption]
The SiGMA Group recently announced a move from the MFCC to the MMH, following an overwhelming number of applications from exhibitors. The floor plan for the 32k square metre venue, which is practically sold out, will host a carefully curated expo floor, while a number of household names are expected to participate in a series of expert-led conference panels and keynotes. And with the likes of Gary Vee, John Karony, and Jordan Belfort headlining past events, delegates will certainly not be disappointed.
Three workshops - focusing on the Italian, German, and Nordic markets - will also take place on Monday - extending the weeklong fete with more quality content before the milestone expo kicks off on Tuesday.
Bringing a festival feel with an upgraded outdoor area, the event will feature the Group’s main brands for gaming (SiGMA), marketing affiliation (AGS) and emerging technologies (AIBC), ensuring plenty of opportunities for attendees looking to explore the benefits of cross over verticals.
With companies like Game Lounge, Bazoom, Altenar, Nordic Affiliates, Pin-Up, Lotto24, the MGA, 1xBet and Praxis all signed up to exhibit, exhibitors can expect a 360 degree look at everything from affiliation and regulation to the payments sector.
On board with change
[caption id="attachment_851615" align="alignright" width="300"]
The Prime Minister, Robert Abela, shares a moment with Group Founder Eman Pulis during the SiGMA Europe expo.[/caption]
Taking advantage of the innovative venue space, SiGMA will provide a shuttle by ferry service, bringing delegates right to the expo door. Leaving from Valletta and St Julian’s, the ferries will offer attendees the chance to not only beat the traffic but to take in Valletta’s scenic fortifications and bastions from a unique viewpoint!
100 metres of berthing spots are also available to top tier companies looking to hold their meetings a little differently this year.
Networking activities are also moving to Valletta. A UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Valletta’s impressive Baroque architecture and top rated restaurants make it the perfect place to host the elegant networking dinners and drinks that take place during the week-long event. The prestigious awards ceremony, as well as Closing Night party will both take place at the beautiful Malta Convention Centre (MCC) in Valletta.
https://youtu.be/pA5x_84muGA
Want to take part as an exhibitor, speaker, or delegate? Get in touch with Emily for more information.
Hacksaw Gaming announced that they will be launching a new concept of slot games which will feature massive, insured jackpots. This will allow Hacksaw to offer games with far larger prizes than what is available in the market today.
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Having their key feature Risk & Buy in place, the company is also introducing a new game mechanics Rockfall.
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Innovative game development studio Evoplay Entertainment has continued to expand its geographical footprint after striking a deal to supply its content to online aggregator, Slotegrator.
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The Giveaway started on 21 October 2020 and will close upon AskGamblers reaching 10,000 Instagram followers.In talking about AG Coin Giveaway race, Denis Ristić, Product Owner at AskGamblers , said: “Well, what better way to mix business and fun if not by joining Instagram races with our prestigious AG Coin? We’ve introduced AG Coin as a way of helping great casinos show how truly amazing they are - and it only makes sense to treat our players to the best, right?”
Block Issue 5 is out:
The Block is a bi-annual publication which illuminates the cutting-edge sectors of AI, blockchain, crypto and emerging tech, with a print run of 5000 delivered to leading brands across the global industry. View our latest issue of the Block here.
The 5x3 high-volatility slot comes packed with Kalamba’s signature features HyperBet and HyperBonus, as well as the newly-introduced LuckyLoops.
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Lloyd Butler, Live5 Gaming CEO[/caption]
The deal has been facilitated by distribution partner SG Digital and its OpenGaming product suite and will see Live5 Billy Gone Wild slot launch to players in the region for the very first time.
Billy Gone Wild is the developer’s adventurous farm themed slot where players are met by a whacky goat before being introduced to a wealth of features, including Wilds, Free Spins and Re-spins.
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Michael Dugher, CEO BGC[/caption]
Commenting on Frazer’s appointment, BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “On behalf of the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on our members – we would like to warmly welcome Lucy on her new appointment. I know she is someone who is liked and respected across Parliament, and her appointment comes at a critical time for our industry. From high streets to hospitality, from tourism to tech, our members generate £4.2 billion in taxes for the Treasury and contribute £7.1 billion to the economy. There are still issues to finalise, but the long awaited package of reforms should be published without delay.”
Background
The White Paper has been further delayed due to the changes in the UK government. So far, three Prime Ministers have lead the country in one year and the reforms were put on the back burner. At one point there were rumours that former Prime Minister Liz Truss intended to scrap the White Paper.
However Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the review would take place suggested a release in February 2023.
“We hope the new Secretary of State will listen to racing and to the millions of punters who are concerned about blanket, intrusive, low level ‘affordability’ checks driving people to the unsafe unregulated black market online,” Dugher concluded.
“We continue to call for big changes so that standards in safer gambling continue to improve, but these changes must be carefully targeted to protect the small minority who are at risk or vulnerable, and not interfere with the overwhelming majority who enjoy betting safely and responsibly.
“We have already called for an ombudsman to improve consumer redress and have engaged extensively with previous ministers. It’s time now for the Government to end the damaging uncertainty and get on with publishing the white paper as soon as possible.”
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Nathan Rothschild, co-founder and partner at GTG.
Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts and Entertainment.[/caption]
“First impressions are powerful and lasting. We came for a wedding and loved it.”, Lawrence Ho, speaking at the opening about how Cyprus was chosen as the first property Melco has opened outside of Asia.
SiGMA Balkans & CIS is coming to the City of Dreams, Limassol this 04-07 September! Join us in Limassol and be among the first to experience the City of Dreams Mediterranean. Find out more here about the regional summit in Limassol. Check out the stellar list of speakers already confirmed to speak at the summit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULUl5B3N5Ks&t=1s
With years of experience and leveraging industry relationships, our team is fully trained to seek out the best speakers to let you feel energised and inspired throughout the conference. Our inspirational speakers have a history of eliciting strong emotions in our listeners and leaving them feeling motivated and inspiring peak performance. Below is a list of this year's Malta Week motivational event speakers who will be present during the show.
SiGMA Speakers:
Nolan Bushnell
Nolan Kay Bushnell is an American businessman and electrical engineer. He established Atari, Inc. and the Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre chain. Bushnell has been inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame and the Consumer Electronics Association Hall of Fame received the BAFTA Fellowship and the Nations Restaurant News "Innovator of the Year" award, and was named one of Newsweek's "50 Men Who Changed America." Bushnell has started more than twenty companies and is one of the founding fathers of the video game industry. He is on the board of Anti-Aging Games. In 2012 he founded an educational software company called Brainrush, that is using video game technology in educational software. Nolan is credited with Bushnell's Law, an aphorism about games that are "easy to learn and difficult to master" being rewarding. Nolan Bushnell is also a Strategic Advisor at Esports Technologies.
Ivan Montik
Entrepreneur in the sphere of information technology, founder of SoftSwiss, a pioneer in Bitcoin online casino solutions, and strongest supporter of cryptocurrency, currently running a number of successful projects in IT and iGaming. With a background in economics and management and a track record in journalism, he founded a custom software development company and further launched two products, online auction software under the brand Merkeleon and an online casino platform under the brand SoftSwiss. The company reached a top position in the iGaming industry and turned into the leading provider of turnkey white label solutions for online casino operators. With the profound knowledge of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, Ivan managed to implement the technology in the online casino software and led his company to become a pioneer in the area of Bitcoin gaming.
Paul Burns
Paul Burns was instrumental in establishing the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) in 2005, recognising the need for a unified voice for the gaming industry in Canada. Under his leadership as the CGA’s Vice President, the association grew to include the industry’s leading operators, manufacturers, and suppliers nationwide. Mr. Burns was appointed the CGA’s President & CEO in March 2018. He has been responsible for the development of industry-wide research and programs, including the release of the most comprehensive study on the economic impact of gaming in Canada, and the expansion of the industry’s national annual conference, the Canadian Gaming Summit.
Alexandre Tomic
Alexandre Tomic is co-founder of ALEA, the multi-award-winning creator of innovative gaming experiences. Tomic is well-known within the industry, having over ten years of experience in varying aspects ranging from affiliate network owner to casino operator. He and his partner at ALEA, Charles Gross, are familiar friendly faces at many conferences and shows. Their passion for the industry is matched by their drive for innovative products and ideas. Alexandre himself is a Biohacking and VR enthusiast and is committed to promoting social responsibility among operators and creating awareness about the societal impact of the gambling industry. Tomic is also the cover of BLOCK's latest issue as health wearables have been a bit of a passion project for the founder. In BLOCK’s latest issue he sits down with our editor to discuss why these devices are on track to change the face of healthcare.
Susan Breen
Susan Breen is a Partner in the firm's top-ranked Betting & Gaming Group in the Innovation Department. Susan's practice spans both corporate and M&A, as well as regulatory and commercial advice with over 20 years experience acting for gambling industry clients. A particular strength of Susan's practice is her ability to blend her corporate knowledge with regulatory, infrastructure, and compliance advice to many of the industry's leading operators, service providers, and business owners both in the UK and internationally.
AIBC Speakers:
Akon
Akon, a hip-hop superstar and one of Africa’s most renowned philanthropists, has accepted a speaker slot during AIBC in Malta, he will all give a performance at the official SiGMA night. He will be speaking about his Akoin token and how he hopes the blockchain-based cryptocurrency can empower young entrepreneurs in Africa to strengthen the continent’s rising economies and support the development of sustainable communities. The Senegalese-American hip-hop singer/songwriter/producer has been profiting from a range of business ventures this year. There's his Konvict Clothing, his Pepsi soccer ad campaign, and Kon Live, his Interscope-backed imprint that's home to Lady Gaga and others. Akoin, created by visionary global artist and change-maker himself Akon is a cryptocurrency, powered by a marketplace of tools and services to fuel the dreams of entrepreneurs, business owners, and social activists. Akoin helps them connect and engage across the rising economies of Africa and beyond.
Dr. Marwan Alzarouni
Dr. Marwan Alzarouni is an internationally recognised blockchain technology advocate, keynote speaker, and strategic advisor. Dr. Alzarouni is the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), impact business, and a strategic partner to Dubai Future Foundation. The center was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the Area 2071 initiative in May 2018. It aims to create a fertile ground and a holistic ecosystem for blockchain companies and projects to thrive in. DBCC regularly hosts a number of blockchain startups within Area 2071 and also conducts educational classes and seminars around blockchain use cases in the government and private sector. Dr. Marwan is currently heading the Digital Asset Task Force (DATF), a research and advisory team that reports to the Dubai Future Council for Blockchain. The purpose of the task force is to conduct a comprehensive study to provide clear guidance on how digital assets can be encouraged and regulated. The council establishes Dubai as a global blockchain capital, offering a prominent platform for decision-makers from various local and international governments and private sector entities to explore futuristic, blockchain-based solutions.
Michael Saylor
Michael Saylor is the Chairman & CEO of MicroStrategy (MSTR), a publicly-traded business intelligence firm that he founded in 1989. He is also the founder of Alarm.com (ALRM), named inventor on 40+ patents, & author of the book “The Mobile Wave”. He founded & serves as a trustee for the Saylor Academy (saylor.org), a non-profit organization that has provided free education to 800,000+ students. He is an advocate for the Bitcoin Standard (hope.com). He has dual degrees from MIT in Aerospace Engineering & History of Science.
John Karony
John Karony, the CEO of Safemoon has been nominated for the ‘Crypto Influencer of the Year’ Award 2021. John Karony’s token is trending because of the unprecedented price increase. In the last month, this novel token has grown up to 6000%, leaving the whole crypto industry speechless. Karony, is a former analyst for the United States Department of Defense. After its launch, SafeMoon quickly gained over one million holders of the cryptocurrency.
Mark Blandford
Mark is a founding partner of Burlywood Capital LLP, a new digital Pay2Play investor, and advisor. Burlywood invests in companies in the digital Pay2Play entertainment industry; the fastest-growing segment in the $0.8 trillion global media and entertainment industry. Highly driven serial entrepreneur. Moved into an investment, specialising in development capital.
AGS Speakers:
Dave Crane
Dave Crane is the host of the award-winning weekly web TV show ‘Turbo-Charge Your Brand TV’ the motivational personal branding show watched by thousands of industry experts, thought leaders, and high achievers in 84 countries worldwide. This former BBC journalist is one of the freshest and highly requested speaker/trainers and motivational entertainers in the market, having worked in the USA, UK, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Austria, France, Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, the Caribbean, Italy, and Monaco. One motivational session in Greece led to one Global company recording a 49% growth in sales within their next 12 months period and they attributed much of it to his work.
Jonas Cederholm
Jonas Cederholm is the founder and Group CEO of Game Lounge. He has a great understanding and passion for Search Engine Optimization and online marketing. Jonas has a typical entrepreneur’s leadership. He sees opportunities rather than problems and believes in decentralization by empowering employees to make their own decisions.
Fabio de Sio
Award-winning public speaker, and LGBTQ business coach, Fabio De Sio offers bespoke individualised coaching sessions. With a renowned focus on developing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, Fabio works with all levels of management and staff, to increase trust and thereby improve efficiency and productivity, within the workplace.
Robert Andersson
Robert Andersson is a Computer Science graduate from Stockholm University and Griffith University. He has long experience in creating shareholder value and developing growth companies in iGaming and the media industry. Before joining Acroud, Robert was CEO of Enlabs and Catena Media, which he built up and developed, turning them from small companies with a few employees into large established listed companies. Robert joined Acroud in February 2020.
Mike Prasad
Mike is the Founder & CEO of Tinysponsor, the world’s first programmatically addressable and inventory-driven marketplace for influencer and content sponsorships. Mike brings his diverse experience as an entrepreneur, VC, and digital strategist to focus on building a platform that can help creators and businesses collaborate and thrive together. Prior to Tinysponsor, Mike co-founded VentureLab, a cross-market early-stage VC and incubator, and before that he worked with startups from Y Combinator, Idealab, 500 Startups, Yetizen, Supermassive, HAXLR8R, SOSventures, and more. In 2008, as the digital strategist and co-founder at Kogi BBQ, he started the worldwide twittering food truck trend that is now a billion-dollar industry. Prior to his work in startups, Mike delivered digital strategy and implementation for companies large and small, from local businesses to Fortune 500's, including Microsoft, Amadeus, Nolet's Gin, Fatburger, Burger King, Fedex, Outrigger Hotels, Wynn Hotels, Tasting Panel Magazine, NVIDIA, Toynami, and others.
Med-Tech Speakers:
Thomas Balkizas
Thomas Balkizas has extensive leadership and consulting expertise in the global healthcare, life sciences, and technology industries. He has enjoyed guiding the strategic direction of firms such as IBM Watson Health, Toshiba Medical Systems, Henry Schein, and IQVIA. He was educated at Imperial College London, NTUA, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is the creator of Alpha Tech Capital, a private equity advising business that connects high-growth technology companies with investors. Thomas presently manages Amazon Web Services (AWS) Healthcare and Life Sciences sector in EMEA. AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and widely used cloud platform.
Ardy Ariandpour
Ardy Arianpour is the CEO and Co-Founder of Seqster, an award-winning SaaS healthcare platform that uses complete medical records (EHR), individual genetic profiles (DNA), and personal health device data to help enterprises drive effective healthcare. Ardy pioneered various clinical and consumer-based genetic tests as CCO of Pathway Genomics and SVP of Ambry Genetics, which was acquired by Konica in 2017 for $1 billion. Ardy got a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of California Irvine and an MBA from the Marshall Goldsmith School of Management. She was named a 2019 Top 40 Healthcare Transformer and a San Diego Business Journal 40 under 40.
Ruthy Kaidar
Ruthy is in charge of Microsoft’s Health Industry division in Central and Eastern Europe. She has worked with Microsoft for almost 7 years, most recently as Microsoft’s Chief Startups Lead and Software Partners Tech Lead in Central and Eastern Europe, and previously as Microsoft Israel’s Vice President for Startups and Developer Relations. Ruthy Kaidar is a medical device, digital health, telecommunications, and venture capital industry executive with over 20 years of expertise. She worked as a Software and Firmware Engineer in the Telecomm business at Geotek and Qualcomm as a Computer Science Engineer.
Nathan Berkley
Experienced CEO of Muhdo with a track record of success in the sports, health, and media industries, as well as multiple start-ups. On a worldwide scale, he has a strong history in expanding firms through new content solutions and data-driven tactics. Muhdo recognizes that we all have a set of genetic predispositions, but that these predispositions are either diluted or intensified depending on our lifestyles and situations.
Muhdo makes the concept of epigenetics, which is the junction of genetics, nutrition, and environment, and how diet, micronutrients, exercise, and sleep can all affect the expression of our genes, more understandable. Epigenetics recognises that the mind and body are in a constant state of interaction, with one always affecting the other.
João Bocas
João Bocas is a worldwide acclaimed business thought leader, coach, counsellor, and entrepreneur who specialises in wearable technologies. João has worked in Healthcare, Financial Services, Media, Sporting, and Third and Public Sector companies with over 25 years of hands-on experience in Professional Sport and Corporate contexts, working with top management, Boards, and executive teams.
While studying sport for eight years, he has collected an impressive collection of 17 formal professional certifications. He is a worldwide adviser and board member of various internet firms, as well as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneurs Awards 2015 and a Top 100 Global Digital Health Influencer.
Malta Week – Save the dates:
For the first time ever SiGMA Group is bringing its 4 leading shows together for the mother of all conferences. From the 15th to 19th November, SiGMA, alongside AGS and AIBC will bring the best in the business to a first-class meeting point at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC). Malta Week is a chance for investors to leverage the significant crossover potential for multi-faceted business deals and to double down on opportunities to connect with some of the leading affiliates, policymakers, thought leaders, suppliers, and operators in the industry. Register now!
https://youtu.be/r5brNkAIWks
Gustaf Hoffstedt (@GustafHoffstedt) | Twitter[/caption]
The Swedish Gaming Authority, Spelinspektionen, has confirmed new measures to resolve match-fixing, one of the biggest threats to sport nowadays, by submitting new proposed regulations to Sweden’s National Board of Trade.
The focus is particularly on football and prohibits betting on rule violations such as yellow or red cards. Regulators are also proposing not allowing operators to take bets on individual achievements of players aged under 18.
Back in May, the regulator proposed the ban on betting when it came to lower divisions and limiting betting to just the top 4 divisions those being top level Allsvenskan, second-tier Superettan, Division 1 Norra and Södra, and six regional Division 2 leagues in Sweden..
Football is a high-risk sport when it comes to match-fixing and there are special risks with low divisions. Surveillance is poorer and practitioners do not make money from their sport.
“The Swedish Gambling Authority has therefore chosen to place special emphasis on football and has taken into account views received from the consultative bodies.” Said the regulator.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general for the online gaming operators’ association Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), criticised the move in a statement and said “Spelinspektionen claims to have found a well-balanced point between different interests but there is no balanced point in this matter. Either you believe restrictions for licensed companies lead to reduced match-fixing [or not]. In that case, I wonder why Spelinspektionen can be content with these relatively peripheral restrictions.
“In that case, the only responsibility would be to impose restrictions on almost everything if one is so convinced that they have a positive effect. The Swedish Gambling Authority is often blamed for a lot of things when, in fact, it is the government that is to be held accountable. This case is unique, however, in that it is the SGA itself that has chosen to impose the restrictions and this without any analysis of their effect. This, of course, damages SGA’s reputation.
These rules would only be applied to matches played in Sweden and are coming into force on 1 January 2021.
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As a result, MoneyMatrix successfully entered into new gaming jurisdictions and continues to offer iGaming operators localised payment methods across the world.
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“I’m excited to be part of this new partnership and I look forward to representing Digitain,” said Figo. “This is a long-standing and forward-thinking iGaming company, dedicated to offering a broad variety of successful iGaming solutions to partners all over the world. Becoming their brand ambassador was an easy decision.”
Digitain Group founder Vardges Vardanyan commented: “It’s an immense thrill to welcome such a phenomenal iconic figure as Luís Figo to the Digitain family.
“When it comes to the worldwide representation of an iGaming company with the latest sports betting solutions, that is Digitain, Figo – praised for his unequalled reputation, impressive background and winning attitude – is undoubtedly the perfect choice to symbolise our sportsbook’s quality, innovation and effectiveness. We’re really keen to work with this sports icon.”
John Debattista, one of the founding partners of Zampa Debattista remarked that this merger is in line with the strategy agreed by the Board pursuing its vision for 2026 and beyond which is directed towards attracting new talent, enabling the firm to enhance its core specialisations further. John emphasised that both firms have common values and beliefs which will better place Zampa Debattista to work towards raising the profession with passion, integrity, and honour.
“When we were approached by the partners at Zampa Debattista in January 2021, we immediately realised that the synergies between both firms were perfectly matched and that this merger would be beneficial to both our clients and employees, who are central to our vision,” said Mark Wirth, co-founding partner at Mint Finance.
Zampa Debattista offices will remain situated in Mosta and the combined team would consist of over 80 professionals. Despite growing the firm’s strong client network, clients of both companies will continue to receive the same specialised service and dedicated personal approach.
About Zampa Debattista:
Zampa Debattista is an accounting, advisory, and assurance firm, primarily focused on business operating internationally and its main areas of specialisation are VAT and Financial Reporting. Zampa Debattista focuses on technical excellence and is a firm believer in specialisation. Zampa Debattista can offer its clients quality and cost-effective professional services whilst at the same time retaining a high level of partner involvement.
About Mint Finance:
Mint Finance is an accounting, audit, and business advisory firm that was set up by Michael Agius-Vadala` and Mark Wirth in early 2017, which has since grown to a team of approximately 20 professionals. Mint Finance prides itself on delivering high-quality deliverables to clients in a timely manner, by maximising the use of modern business practices and technologies. At the same time, the company believes in focusing a lot of its attention on employee empowerment and wellbeing.
SiGMA Africa up next:
During the span of a very exciting and surprisingly sunny November week, SiGMA Group managed to organise four separate conferences with 13,500 delegates drawn from across the world. Up next is SiGMA Africa. With three major shows in the works, the events are designed to enhance Africa’s high-growth gamingindustry. SiGMA Africa unites the leading minds in this sector for a discussion on regulatory frameworks, economic development, and the creation of new opportunities for businesses looking to invest across the continent. With a record for attracting an audience from over 80 countries, SiGMA has the potential to set the stage with a global guest list of some of the best operators, suppliers, affiliates, regulators, and thought leaders in the gaming sector – bringing high-end innovation to the African gambling industry and driving sustainable growth throughout its nations.
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Speaking to SiGMA News, Casino Malta claimed that as a casino they “are surprised and disappointed by the level of the administrative penalty that has been imposed given the significant level of investment put in to adhere to all the updates that have taken place over the last 5 years in the AML space.” The Casino has invested in new software to assist and manage the process and added significant human resources to make sure that AML procedures and processes are strictly followed in line with the regulations set in the compliance directives.”The FIAU found that the casino had allowed a company CEO with connections to Turkey to deposit over €1 million in cash from eight different bank accounts, without obtaining proper documentation regarding the player's source of wealth. Furthermore, a politically exposed person who was allegedly involved in bribery and tax evasion was permitted to make substantial bets without the casino reporting the potentially suspicious transaction to the FIAU. Additionally, a player with €500,000 in unpaid taxes was given a low-risk rating, despite having adverse records indicating that the customer had been involved in tax evasion. Although the FIAU criticised the casino for tolerating large cash drops without questioning the source of those funds, in a prior compliance visit it acknowledged the improvements carried out by the AML team. On this matter, a spokesperson from Casino Malta told SiGMA News: "We are happy that the FIAU has acknowledged the improvements carried out by the AML team following the compliance visit. We will be evaluating the report with our legal advisors and will decide our way forward on this matter."
CEO for 9Tales, Othmane Safsafi.[/caption]
What does the coming year look like for you following your win?
In the next year the big thing will be the launch of the game. As everyone knows, the go-to market is the hardest thing - the big challenge all companies face. So we are going to push it to as many gamers as possible, whilst trying to retain them. This will be our biggest challenge but also our biggest accomplishment.
What advice would you give to other startups just starting out on their unicorn journey?
The main piece of advice I'd give is to really work out your ideas and process beforehand. To do your due diligence when it comes to costs, the people you’ll need on your team, because when you try to reach out to investors and community members - you have to know they will do their research. It's not enough to just have a nice idea. You have to have everything on the outside that makes this idea possible - that makes it not just a dream but a realistic target.
Why are events like the Startup Pitch so important for young companies?
I think it's very important because it gives visibility to a company like us, a lot of people get to hear about us. It also gives trust to potential investors, they know we have gone through the process of pitching, we have had our ideas challenged and were able to succeed and prove that we know what we’re doing. Overall, even for the future, the questions asked - either by the public or by the investors can help us consider problems we haven't yet thought about.
Do you have what it takes to win up to €500,000 in equity investment?
Following a very successful run, the next edition of SiGMA Pitch returns for another round at Malta Week. Over 100 start-ups will be selected to showcase their products and initiatives throughout the event.
The judges’ top ten will stand to compete for a valuable equity investment. Please contact Emily on [email protected].
This sale, which also includes William Hill’s online business in the UK and Europe, could be worth more than $2bn, reports claim.
Wall Street’s private equity company Apollo Global Management is reportedly in the driving seat to buy the assets, having attempted to buy the whole package in 2020.
At the time, Caesars said that if William Hill chose Apollo, it would jeopardise a joint venture between them. Israeli firm Shaked Ventures - the group behind 888 Holdings - are also in the running.
The take over of the William Hill business by Caesar’s was a bumpy ride as initially, minority shareholder HBK Capital Management tried to block the deal over concerns relating to disclosures over the massive $3.7 billion deal. The firm, together with fellow US hedge fund GWM Asset Management, wrote to the board arguing that the terms were not properly disclosed by the bookmaker.
However, the Court overturned these objections and gave its green light to the deal.
Founded in 1934, William Hill was one of the first UK operators in the US.
The US market is currently in a race of acquisitions and new gambling business opportunities following a decades-long ban on gambling was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018.
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I am very pleased to see the Badminton World Federation added to the long list of Sports’ Governing Bodies whom the Authority already assists on a practical level, and we look forward to working with the BWF’s Integrity Unit on any issues that may arise” Antonio Zerafa - MGA Head of Financial Crime ComplianceThis partnership is being recognised as crucial to the future of badminton. It will enable BWF to monitor and prevent suspicious betting and match fixing activity. The Secretary General of BWF, Thomas Lund explained that the partnership is very significant to the sport as the MGA will be able to facilitate sharing of data between betting operators to increase the integrity of the sport.
We see this as being a deterrent to potential corruptors of the sport as we continue to preserve the integrity of badminton.” Thomas Lund, Secretary General - Badminton World Federation Integrity UnitMalta Gaming Authority The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates the gaming industry in the jurisdiction of Malta. The Authority ensures that licensed gaming operations are fair and transparent to all players, preventing crime, corruption and money laundering, whilst safeguarding the interests of players. The Badminton World Integrity Unit The integrity unit offers monitoring and investigation in all aspects of the sport that include anti-match fixing and anti-drug testing programmes with a view to identify individuals who are most at risk and monitor irregular activity in the sport. The monitoring and testing programmes target individuals to see whether they are compliant in terms of the anti-doping and anti-match fixing regulations and where appropriate, investigations are scaled up. Player information is gathered, matches and competition details are analysed and intelligence is used in investigations into any circumstance of possible match manipulation with the support and advice of professional resources and partnerships. The partnership with MGA will benefit BWF Integrity Unit’s capabilities to investigate suspicious betting activity on badminton matches and is part of continuing deterrent initiatives against corruption in the sport. Related topics:
