SiGMA Play now licensed in state of Pennsylvania

Local officials are claiming that legalised esports betting could bring in up to $87m in tax revenue within the first five years of operation According to official estimates carried out by professionals in Puerto Rico, sports betting, electronic games, and the fantasy sports industries could generate more than $40m combined to the local generating revenue. A group created by Pedro Pierlusi, Governor of Puerto Rico will “advise the Gambling Commission and the Governor of Puerto Rico on this new industry, and collaborate in the development and implementation of initiatives aimed at fostering and promoting its growth.” 50% of these funds generated would be used to contribute to retirement funds to employees in the public sector. “As part of our commitment to guarantee a dignified retirement to our employees, it is extremely important to ensure that the treasury has access to these funds.” This is all possible with the signing of Senate Bill 1534 which then-governor Wanda Vázquez Garced signed off standardising betting laws across the traditional sports and esports industry. Local officials are claiming that legalised esports betting could bring in up to $87m in tax revenue within the first five years of operation. For local bettors, this law paves way for legislation that further recognises esports. (more…)

North American regulatory bodies and law enforcers are cracking down on illegal gambling dens and related criminal activities. They are making strides in dismantling illicit operations and ensuring that the public is protected from the harm caused by these activities.  Westminster police (CA) bust illegal gambling operation The dangers of illegal gambling have been brought to light once again after a recent raid by the Westminster Police Department. In the early hours of Wednesday, Westminster police detectives executed a search warrant at a residential property in Westminster, resulting in the discovery of a vast illegal gambling network. The property, commonly referred to as a "slaphouse," situated in the 15800 block of Quartz Street, was searched at approximately 6:30 a.m., leading to four arrests and twelve people being detained. "We found two gambling rooms containing multiple electronic table games," reported Sergeant Eddie Esqueda of the Westminster Police Department. "We found drugs, drug paraphernalia and some bladed hand weapons." During the search, the detectives found two rooms that were converted into gaming areas, housing approximately eight video games and electronic tabletop games, $3,000 in cash, a quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as several knives and swords. Authorities revealed that the illegal activity was promoted publicly through various neighbourhoods by flyers. Florida Gaming Control Commission confiscates over $1 million in cash and assets Authorities are taking action against unlawful gambling throughout the state of Florida. On Tuesday, the Florida Gaming Control Commission confirmed the confiscation of over $1 million in cash and properties from four unlawful gambling operations in Fort Pierce, Delray Beach, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. The Florida Gaming Control Commission received a complaint from the public about an unlawful gaming operation in Fort Pierce in January. Past investigations indicated that the operator in Fort Pierce also ran illegal gambling facilities in the Bay Area. Officials confiscated as many as 44 illegal slot machines from the Lucky Game Lounge on Gunn Highway near Plantation Boulevard in Tampa, one by one. Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg, authorities raided another establishment located in a business suite in the Twin Brooks Commons strip mall near I-275 and 22nd Avenue South. They removed 103 slot machines. "The way gambling is set up in the state is that it's essentially prohibited unless it's one of the few exceptions," Louis Trombetta, the Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, made a statement. "These types of establishments don't fit any of those exceptions. They're just illegal." In recent years, the gaming industry has grown exponentially in the United States, creating thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in revenue. However, as the industry has grown, so too has the problem of illegal gambling operations. These nefarious activities not only put players at risk but also damage the industry's reputation and hinder its growth. In Florida, the Florida Gaming Control Commission has taken bold steps to address this issue, and its recent success in cracking down on illegal gambling operations is a clear sign that regulation is working. The Florida Gaming Control Commission has been relentless in its efforts to root out illegal gambling activities, and their recent operations have resulted in the confiscation of millions of dollars in cash and assets. Exceptions to the prohibition of slot machines are made for properties run by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, such as the Seminole Hard Rock, as well as for Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Eight non-tribal establishments hold licences to provide slot machines in those two counties.

People are doing this because there is money to be made. We're trying to stop that from happening - Louis Trombetta

An owner of a shop located in the same strip mall told FOX 13 that Lucky Game Lounge operators distributed flyers in the neighbourhood, enticing individuals with the promise of significant wins. Once the facility became busy with players, a representative from the Florida Gaming Control Commission stated that operators would manipulate the machines and reduce payouts. In one instance, a player won $10,000, but the operator refused to pay out the winnings. Join us this June in São Paulo, Brazil Register for the SiGMA Americas Summit and be part of the excitement! Immerse yourself in a thriving industry with endless opportunities and innovative advancements. The summit offers valuable industry insights and exceptional networking opportunities that you wouldn't want to pass up. https://youtu.be/pacxEujDOYM

With 'Minha Carreira’, betwarrior users will be able to personalise their profile, invite friends and share strategies together The app aims to change the world of sports betting, the company states “at BetWarrior, we are always obsessed with +”. (more…)

SCCG Management Founder and CEO, Stephen Crystal, announced today the execution of an agreement with RGS provider, PDX Slots, to provide strategic advisory and business development services for North America. SCCG Enters into Strategic Advisory Agreement with PDX SLOTS Stephen Crystal said of the event,

"We are very excited to partner with PDX Slots, their RGS solution is scalable and easy to build on, empowering developers to create games focused on optimizing retention in the regulated iCasino market. We have a great presence in the online casino industry at SCCG. Our best-in-class resources and services, paired with PDX’s product, will fill a major gap in this growing industry.”

CEO of PDX Slots, Chris Housel said of the partnership,

“SCCG was a natural fit with our aligned goal of launching the next generation of retention oriented content in the North American market. Together we’re excited to help new studios go-live and to help operators better engage their players.”

The North American iCasino market is rapidly growing. With each new jurisdiction, there is more demand to get unique content approved and live. PDX has joined forces with SCCG to accelerate this process by providing content to regulated online casinos. PDX Slots focuses on providing operators content optimized towards player retention both with proven European content, as well as working with new innovative concepts. SCCG Management is the top advisory firm in the gaming industry with over 30 years of experience. About PDX Slots PDX Slots aims to be a leading provider of content to regulated online casinos. We work with some of the best game developers in the industry, focusing on getting the most retentive math models possible onto our RGS. About SCCG MANAGEMENT SCCG specializes in the investment in and development of worldwide brands, governmental and regulatory management support, intellectual property, and strategic business development within international land-based casinos, sports wagering, internet gambling, gaming, esports and entertainment markets. About SiGMA Europe After a year of international events, the SiGMA Group will close off the year with one of the biggest gaming and emerging tech shows in Europe. Drawing industry leaders from across the globe, Malta Week brings SiGMA's biggest brands together for a week of networking, top notch conferences and a buzzing expo floor. With Europe being one of the premier economic regions, the conference will unite market titans amongst the affiliates, operators and suppliers of the Gaming and tech industry - with an infinite amount of opportunities for both the investors and the entrepreneurs seeking to shape the future of this multi-billion dollar industry. View the agenda here. For speaking and exhibiting opportunities, contact Sophie.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez6zSLWCBaA

Argentina are set to introduce a 5% tax on online gambling, an increase of 3%, in bid to tackle economic crisis

The 2021 budget in Argentina will include a tax increase of 3% on online gambling, raising it from the previous 2% to what now will be 5%. The increase is “on the gross amount of each bet:, and it will increase by 10% for bets involving a company or a subject based in a country which is ‘non-cooperative’, meaning a tax haven.  

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Americas: Son sentenced to life for arranging father's mafia-related hitman murder to inherit illegal gambling machine empire Anthony Zottola has been found guilty of hiring a hitman and paying $200,000 to murder his father, Sylvester "Sally Daz" Zottola, who was shot and killed in a drive-thru at a Bronx McDonald's in October 2018. This week, a federal judge in Brooklyn imposed a mandatory life sentence on Anthony Zottola, as well as an additional 112 years in prison. Sylvester Zottola was a reputed associate of the Lucchese crime family, one of the five Mafia families in New York City. He was involved in an illegal gambling machine scheme in bars and private clubs and had amassed a $40 million property empire through the years. Anthony Zottola orchestrated the killing of his father by enlisting the services of hitman Himen Ross, so that he could take over the business. Sylvester Zottola was shot numerous times in the head and body while sitting in his car at the fast-food restaurant waiting for his coffee. Himen Ross was also given a life sentence. [caption id="attachment_832429" align="aligncenter" width="347"] While sitting in his car at a fast-food restaurant, waiting for his coffee, Sylvester Zottola was shot multiple times in the head and body.[/caption] Europe: German sportsbook Tipster faces raids amidst allegations of organised crime and illegal gambling More than 900 German police officers took part in raids against sportsbook Tipster across several states. The operation, led by the State Criminal Police Office of North Rhine-Westphalia, involved executing over 100 search warrants and six arrest warrants. Lawmaker Ulrich Mäurer used this occasion to express his view that sportsbooks were a hotbed of illicit activities. The senator from Lower Saxony's Bremen had previously warned about this. The raids focused exclusively on Tipster's activities. Two and a half years ago, an investigation was initiated, and the authorities have recently responded to it. Tipster’s management has been accused of various offenses, including the establishment of a criminal organization, money laundering, illegal gambling, and unreported employment. Evidence, along with an unknown sum of money and valuables, has been confiscated by the police, and further seizures and arrests are anticipated. The State Criminal Police Office in Germany has claimed that the recent searches were part of a broader effort to confiscate tens of millions of euros in revenue obtained illegally. Although the authorities did not disclose the specific allegations that resulted in the searches, the involvement of various law enforcement departments suggests the gravity of the accusations. The Central Office for Organized Crime in Germany, in addition to officials from the North Rhine-Westphalia financial investigation department and customs, participated in the operation. [caption id="attachment_832440" align="aligncenter" width="366"] Allegations include the creation of a criminal syndicate, money laundering, unauthorised gambling, and employing people without proper reporting.[/caption] Asia: Tak Chun Group's Levo Chan Weng Lin receives 14-year sentence for running billion-dollar illegal gambling ring in Macau Levo Chan Weng Lin, the former head of the now-defunct junket operator Tak Chun Group, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Macau Court of First Instance for various offenses, including organized crime, illicit gaming activities, fraud, and money laundering. Chan faced a total of 83 charges, but the court found him guilty of 34 charges due to a legal technicality. According to public prosecutors, Chan was involved in a criminal syndicate that enabled under-the-table bets in Macau casinos, resulting in HK$575.2m in gaming tax losses for Macau’s government and HK$135m in losses for the city’s gaming operators between 2014 and 2020. In addition to Chan, four other defendants were found guilty of under-the-table betting, fraud, and participation in a criminal organization and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven to eleven years. Four other defendants were acquitted of all charges. The guilty verdict against Chan follows similar sentencing of Alvin Chau Cheok Wa, the former boss of Suncity Group, to 18 years in prison in January. All those sentenced have 20 days to appeal to the Court of Second Instance. Chan and four other defendants must pay compensation to the Macau government and five gaming operators, while the amount was not specified, the criminal syndicate led by Chan reportedly profiteered by HK$1.5bn from under-the-table bets. [caption id="attachment_832450" align="aligncenter" width="381"] Levo Chan Weng Lin, who used to lead the defunct junket operator Tak Chun Group, has received a 14-year prison term for committing organised crime, participating in illegal gambling activities, perpetrating fraud, and engaging in money laundering.[/caption] About SiGMA News: At SiGMA.world, we understand the importance of staying informed and up-to-date in today's fast-paced gaming industry. That's why we are dedicated to providing you with the latest news and insights from around the world, so you can stay on top of the latest trends, market movements, and breaking news stories. Our Facebook, You Tube and Instagram pages are also a great way to stay connected with us and get the latest news delivered straight to your feed. From breaking news stories to in-depth analysis and expert opinions, we've got you covered. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfmJslybFlU&t=1s  

As part of the Global Esports Federation’s (GEF) mission to support esports development in South America, the Global Esports tour is ready and set to grace the shores of Rio de Janeiro for 3 consecutive seasons, being 2023, 2024, and 2025. This came as a result of a deal struck between GEF, the state government and the Brazilian Confederation of Games and Esports. GEF’s mission is aimed at developing the region-wide industry going into the inaugural Panam Esports Championships which are due to be staged in tandem with the Santiago 2023 Pan America Games. GEF made this statement to accompany the announcement:

Brazil is a key growth area for esports, and we believe that this event will not only showcase the talent of professional esports athletes but also provide an opportunity to continue to fuel the growth in this powerhouse region.

The tour will feature a series of competitions that will be held at sensationally exciting cities around the world. The coming of the phenom of this phenom of events to Brazil’s coastal heart is yet another momentous milestone for the nation’s esports scene. A special advisor for government events in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo Castro described it as transformative, for the economy and the community that rely and part take in it. [caption id="attachment_832604" align="alignleft" width="300"] Parque Lage, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[/caption] This event doesn’t only signal great addition to the economy and a chance to showcase the youthful scene and display the progress gaming has enjoyed in Brazil has made, but also a representation of the challenges that are no longer shackling their esports industry as of not too long ago. Issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic and unpopular and imprudent policy decisions made by former Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonara have plagued the industries growth and ability to cater for the undeniable demand that has only grown since the lifting of pandemic lockdown restrictions. Hosting such spectacular events for and with the esports community is simply a wonderful example of the exponentially growing ecosystem being cultivated in the South American scene, both a celebration and a broad step in the right direction. SiGMA Americas SiGMA Americas is coming to Brazil this June. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an extraordinary event, with a wealth of industry leading knowledge, innovative insights and a plentiful plethora of premium networking opportunities. https://youtu.be/pacxEujDOYM

Angelo Coronel on the way to improve the fiscal situation is to fight smuggling and legalise gambling

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FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi partners with Hard Rock International to mark 50th anniversary of the brand Hard Rock International marked its 50th anniversary by signing on one of the biggest names in football history, Lionel Messi, as its new brand ambassador for the next 5 years. (more…)

The Spanish gaming management platform Tecnalis will add premium content from Greentube The deal will see Tecnalis take on Greentube’s full suite of slots, table games and video bingo titles, which are hugely popular in the Latin American market. Famous games such as Book of Ra™ deluxe, Sizzling Hot™ deluxe, Mega Joker™, Bruno Bingo™ and Diamond Link™: Mighty Elephant will become available to operating partners throughout Latin America. Many of Greentube’s titles have already proven successful in land-based casinos in the region and players will soon be able to enjoy the popular games online. Renowned operators from around the world are using Tecnalis’ online gaming platform, Alira, which has become a market leader in Spanish-speaking regions. Alira provides a solid software, which offers operator partners, scalability and flexibility. With the platform, operators can grow and develop their own operation the best way possible. Tecnalis is positioning itself as one of the leading software companies in the market, with operations in Colombia, Peru and Paraguay, as well as current projects in Mexico and Argentina. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="140"] Alejandro Serrano Zaera[/caption] Alejandro Serrano Zaera, COO of Tecnalis, said: 'Greentube is certainly one of the big names in the industry. The quality of their games and their popularity is a guarantee of success. Thanks to this collaboration, Tecnalis is improving the content that we offer and Greentube is ensuring greater visibility throughout the Latin American market'. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="138"] Michael Bauer[/caption] Michael Bauer, CFO/CGO at Greentube, said: “Latin America is becoming an increasingly important region for Greentube. Tecnalis’ track record in Spanish-speaking markets is second to none. We are thrilled to have our content on the Alira platform and available to leading operators as we grow our presence in Latin America.” (more…)

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has issued an emergency order placing an immediate ban on sports betting related to Alabama baseball games after it was reported there were suspicious gambling activities being propagated. This was instigated following a report from “certified independent integrity monitors”. Subsequently Ohio’s most influential gambling regulator was forced to bar licensed sportsbooks from accepting bets on Alabama baseball games. This was an internal communication which was obtained by The Associated Press, so it is not immediately clear whether the other 33 states where sports betting is legal that similar orders have been applied. A relevant incident had already been reported by Las Vegas based US Integrity, who monitor data regarding a multitude of factors across the sports’ industry, sending out an alert warning to sportsbooks of “suspicious wagering activity” involving a match between Alabama-LSU. Alerts of this nature occur when there are instances such as huge moves in the odds, particularly when one team is predicted to greatly outperform the other. According to a California attorney, Baird Fogel, this particular game displayed such shifts in odds. When after a significant change in odds the perceived inferior team made a huge run. He would digress to make a point of great importance when dealing with cases involving sports betting.

This could all be conjecture, it could all be a coincidence. That’s the wonder of sports betting. Sometimes weird things happen.

Match fixing is a multifaceted issue, perpetuated by and affecting many different aspects of the betting and sports industries. A veritable umbrella term, it can be highlighted in numerous different ways such as bribes, manipulated scores, intentional errors and bogus penalties. This leads to great uncertainty within these fields and even further confusion when it comes to regulation and penalisation. What can be certain is that major sport and the related sports betting are economically significant sectors with the most important aspect historically, culturally and intrinsically is outcome. Making sure the outcome of matches are not tampered with is of paramount importance. This is where the integrity of competition stems, from playing on a fair field, affecting the fans' relationships with their teams and the leagues they play in. Jeopardising this whether in perception or in actual fact would spell disastrous chaos for all involved. So a precautionary stance is understandable, however, it is important that legislation and regulation find a definitive way to both support the sports betting industry both online and in person, as well as secure without doubt the sporting integrity of their competitions. SiGMA Americas SiGMA Americas is coming to Brazil this June. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an extraordinary event, with a wealth of industry leading knowledge, innovative insights and a plentiful plethora of premium networking opportunities. https://youtu.be/pacxEujDOYM

States such as Michigan, Oregon, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania reach new-level highs According to data released by the American Gaming Association on Wednesday, online gaming revenue increased across all states in the US to around $4.89b in August 2022. Since the start of the pandemic, when almost all land-based gaming businesses shuttered for weeks and many maintained extended health and safety standards for more than a year, August represented the 18th consecutive month with positive year-over-year gaming revenue growth. All gaming segments improved year over year, but sports betting rose the most by a startling 116.2% due to the launch of sports betting markets in six new states over the previous year. Michigan September kept shining a light on the betting industry in the US. According to data released this week by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the state's retail and online sports betting operators took $383.1 million in wagers during September, an increase of nearly 40% from the $229.7 million in wagers placed in August but a startling 1% decline when compared to the same period last year. With September online sports betting gross receipts more than doubling to 47.8 million, the state's licenced commercial and tribal casino operators reported a 26% rise in iGaming gross receipts to $128.7 million. This was the greatest monthly performance since November 2021. The entire combined adjusted gross receipts, which include taking promotional expenses into account, were $143.0 million. These included $27.2 million from sports betting and $115.8 million from online gambling. Oregon The Oregon Lottery's gross sports betting income for September hit a new monthly high of $5.47 million as well thanks to a significant increase in parlay wagers. Due to a margin of 27%, parlay bets provided 28% of the handle and 55% of the gross revenues. Sports betting gross income for the month was $5.47m, with the betting handle totaling $39.29m, up 57% year over year. Connecticut In September, football made a welcome comeback for bookmakers all around the country, with Connecticut serving as a shining example. In August, taxable gaming revenue was $17.73 million; in September, it was approximately $19 million, an increase of 7.1%. The state's tax revenue grew by the same percentage in September, rising from $3.19 million in August to $3.42 million. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania's legal sports betting market has seen considerable growth as well thanks to the start of the NFL season, with handle up more than 50% from August and 10.9% from September 2021 in September. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported on Tuesday that wagers on legal sporting events in the state totaled $645.2 million for the month, a 56% increase from the $363 million in August. Revenue from sports betting soared from $28.3 million in 2021 to $50.2 million this year. $43.0 million of this amount was generated by online gambling, and the remaining $7.3 million came from physical sportsbooks. According to the AGA, year-to-date iGaming revenue is $3.21 billion, up 39.9% over the same period in 2021. Sports betting and iGaming combined revenue accounted for 17.9% of all US commercial gaming revenue, an increase from the two preceding months. Join us: 14 – 18 November 2022 MALTA One of the first European countries to regulate the gaming sector, Malta is a hub of global business. The island is an obvious choice for SiGMA’s presence in Europe and a strong foundation for the field’s future. With a plethora of prospects for both investors and entrepreneurs looking to shape the future of this multi-billion dollar business, Malta Week will bring together industry giants among the affiliates, operators, and suppliers of the gaming sector. https://youtu.be/2Qf00f4vHA8

WeAreGame is excited to announce its participation at the upcoming SiGMA Americas in partnership with the Brazilian iGaming Summit. The event will be held at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo from June 14th to 17th, and WeAreGame will be located at Stand E121 alongside other industry giants.  Brazil is quickly becoming a hub for iGaming businesses, and WeAreGame has had a busy year launching multiple brands in the country, including FazOBetAí, FazOBetAí Fantasy, PixBet.tv, PixJogos, PixBet Fantasy 5, brbet, Greenbets, and F12 Mania. With more exciting Brazilian announcements on the horizon, WeAreGame is well-positioned to become the go-to choice for operators looking to enter or expand in the Brazilian market.   WeAreGame's expertise in the Brazilian market is exceptional, with a deep understanding of regional differences and the ability to tailor content accordingly. The platform specialises in Brazilian sports content and leagues, including specials and boost, MMA, and local proposition markets such as elections.   SiGMA Americas BiS will bring together thousands of attendees from across the iGaming sector, including casino operators, developers, bettors, and more. Nearly half of the attending businesses will be represented by C-level executives, making it the perfect place to build on existing collaborations and forge new ones.   WeAreGame is thrilled to participate in SiGMA Americas BiS and continue its journey in Brazil. The company will also be attending SiGMA Asia in Manila from July 19th to 22nd and SiGMA Europe in Malta from November 13th to 17th. For more information on how WeAreGame can help start your iGaming business in Brazil, LatAm, or any other market, please email at [email protected]. 

Betcris supports officially called the Liga Betcris de Honduras

The duration of the contract between Betcris and Honduran soccer is for three years. Gabriel Núñez Del Arco, Chief Commercial Officer of Betcris, indicated in a press conference that “for Betcris it is a great honor to have an alliance with a Football League in Central America, such as the National League of Honduras, where we know that their clubs have a huge historical tradition. With this great strategic move, we seek to contribute to the sports development of the country”.

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Over the last few years, the regulated iGaming and sports betting industries have been rapidly growing worldwide, paving the way for innovative revenue streams and new sponsorship opportunities. A new market garnering a lot of attention is Ontario’s newly regulated online gaming market. With economic benefits and a strong player base, online gaming is quickly establishing itself as one of the most lucrative entertainment segments of Canada, making Ontario one of the most important iGaming markets in North America. For gaming merchants who have already moved into the province or those wanting to expand their offering in Ontario, it’s critical to understand how the market differs from the United States, choose the right payment partner for expansion, and abide by the new advertising regulations. The benefits of expanding into Canada are plentiful and with the right approach, your company can reap the rewards of this rapidly expanding, newly-regulated market. Understanding Canada's market

Established Market

Canada's iGaming market is quite different from the US in that Canada was already an established market before regulation. Players were able to place wagers on sports or play casino games on Grey Market Sites. While players had broad gaming options through Grey Market Sites, regulations were desperately needed to ensure consumer safety and protection.

Bill C-218

Canada’s online gaming industry surged ahead with the passing of Bill C-218. This bill would allow single-event sports betting to happen across Canada. Before the passing of Bill C-218, consumers were only allowed to place parlay-type bets on province-run sportsbooks.

Major Wins

Once Bill C-218 passed, players began placing sports bets through their provincial-run sportsbook on single-event sports events. In the first month of the bill's passing, Ontario’s sportsbook Proline+ recorded more than $6 million in bets. Similarly, British Columbia’s sportsbook, PlayNow.com, recorded more than $25 million in single-event sports bets in its first two months of operation—indicating a strong market for online gaming in the provinces.

Why It Matters

With the passing of this bill, provinces such as Ontario began creating the framework for their online gaming industry, allowing international gaming operators to expand into the province. Government bodies such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario set up the registration and agreement process. Just a few months later, Ontario’s iGaming market was open to players. Additionally, with Ontario being the first province to launch its iGaming market, it has the potential to cause a ripple effect leading to other provinces launching their own online gaming markets. The Benefits of Expanding into Canada Early Success Ontario’s market launch included prominent online gaming merchants such as FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, and theScore. Players in Ontario have already shown a strong interest in online gaming with theScore Bet and bet365 being the most downloaded sports app in the province over the first 10 days of the regulated online gaming market launch.

Revenue Maker

Canada’s gaming industry is a billion-dollar industry. According to the Canadian Gaming Association, gaming is the largest segment of Canada’s entertainment industry. Provincial online gaming, which is relatively new, has already started bringing in millions of dollars.

Active Playership

According to the Guardian, Canada has one of the most active gaming populations in the world, especially considering the percentage of the population.

New sponsorship opportunities

International merchants can partner up with Canadian sports organizations such as the Canadian Football League (CFL) or the Canadian Elite Basketball League, which would help international operators reach a broader audience while also providing diverse sports betting options for Canadian players. Choosing The Right Payment Partner As merchants move into the regulated gaming industry of Ontario, payment technology will play a major role in helping gaming operators grow their brands in Canada. ​​Payments technology is critical to both acquiring new customers and driving loyalty to keep existing customers. Payments technology also benefits operators with higher conversions, reduced costs, and security checks.

Strong Banking Connections

As of today, credit card acceptance in the gaming industry within Canada is extremely low. Two of the major five banks are not accepting credit card payments, while the others are only accepting deposits but not withdrawals via credit card. Additionally, choosing a payment provider that has stable banking relationships with multiple banks also helps in reducing vendor risk. For a successful expansion, merchants must offer a bank-account-based payment option like Paramount Commerce. Paramount Commerce offers three products that cover all the major payment rails in Canada with 100% bank account coverage.

Known brand

Paramount Commerce is the number one provider of bank-account-based payment solutions for the gaming industry in Canada. Operators can benefit from an established user base with products such as iDebit, INSTADEBIT, and INTERAC^Ⓡ through Paramount’s platform. Paramount’s INTERAC product, a fast-growing payment solution in the online gaming industry, is a trusted financial service brand in Canada for over 35 years.

Risk management

Choosing a payment provider with a state-of-the-art risk management system is important to maximize volume, decrease rejection rate, and reduce fraud. Paramount Commerce offers a real-time decision engine proven to mitigate fraud and provides merchants with the tools needed to manage risk. Their risk management and fraud prevention solution gathers information from industry-leading sources, while their dedicated risk team continuously improves prevention and detection rules to keep transactions safe.

Compliant

New regulation brings new standards for iGaming payments in Ontario. Features such as bank account ownership checks and consumer location features add an additional layer to compliance requirements. Working with an industry insider—a company that helped create the new regulations, like Paramount Commerce—ensures that your business is not only compliant but will support your business to succeed in a new market.

Speed of Deposits

While foreign gaming operators who have or are moving into the newly-regulated Canadian gaming space will have an active player base in their current jurisdictions, the real challenge will be attracting new players in Canada. A key component that attracts new players to a gaming platform is quick payments. According to a TrueLayer report, “8 in 10 players said fast payouts are important when choosing an online gambling or betting provider.” Payments with INTERAC are both instant and guaranteed.

Protecting the Consumer

Consumer protection is the number one goal of iGaming Ontario. Through regulation, the provincial body hopes to achieve: 1. Regulatory outcomes that protect the public 2. Responsible Gambling — Ensuring Responsible Gambling is embedded in Operators' culture and players have the tools and support to gamble responsibly, including the option for self-exclusion. 3. Game Integrity — Ensuring games operate as designed and are fair to players. 4. Preventing infiltration of crime (including money laundering) — Ensuring criminal elements and activities are deterred and detected. 5. Preventing access to minors — Ensuring underage individuals are restricted from gambling. 6. Protection and security of personal information — Ensuring personal information is kept private.

Advertising and Messaging

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario also established important advertising and messaging requirements which helps consumers enjoy a safe and fun gaming experience. An important part of the AGCO’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming is advertising and marketing. The core principles of the AGCO’s responsible advertising standards can be broken down into three main categories: Protect individuals: Through responsible advertising, AGCO aims to work with operators in protecting individuals who are underage, at high risk, and have self-excluded themselves from online gambling. Stay truthful: iGaming operators must not misguide consumers through advertisements of their products or promotions. Offers cannot promote excessive play or require players to incur substantial losses. Restrict inducements: To tackle gambling-related problems, iGaming operators may only advertise inducements, bonuses, and credits on their websites. Connecting With iGaming Ontario: iGaming operators who have registered with the AGCO and want to begin offering gaming services in Ontario must also meet the specific requirements and conditions—which include responsible advertising—set by iGaming Ontario. iGaming Ontario’s marketing and advertising conditions can be broken down into four main categories: Association: To let players know they are on a regulated site, operators must display an iGaming Ontario logo on their website, social media platforms, and paid visual media produced for the Ontario market. Responsible gaming: iGaming operators moving into Ontario must also commit a portion of their gross gaming revenue generated in the province towards problem gambling prevention and responsible gaming campaigns. All advertising and marketing materials must include a responsible gambling message. Location: iGaming merchants must make the best commercial efforts to restrict marketing and advertising outside of Ontario. Direct marketing: To ensure any self-excluded or ineligible individuals in Ontario are not targeted, iGaming operators must dedicate sufficient tools in their direct marketing and advertising efforts. Looking Forward While the future is hard to predict, it is safe to assume that with Ontario’s iGaming market going live, it will encourage other provinces to launch their own iGaming markets. The launch of a regulated iGaming market not only brings economic benefits but also brings a better way for governments to protect the public. Through consumer protection and responsible gaming initiatives, Ontario has shown it will provide players with all the tools to enjoy their gaming in safe environments. Additionally, one of the most important factors that will help gaming operators better reach consumers will be innovative payment solutions. Teaming up with the right payment partner such as Paramount Commerce will benefit merchants through increased player acquisition, strong conversion rates, and low processing costs. Also, consumers will enjoy safe and swift transactions through Paramount Commerce’s bank account-based payment solutions. Merchants wanting a smooth expansion in Ontario’s iGaming market will need to ensure they satisfy provincial regulatory requirements, dedicate tools to protect consumers, and team up with payment partners that offer diverse payment solutions.   Join us for SiGMA Americas – Toronto: Toronto is the perfect hub for SiGMA’s growth in North America, making it a nexus of networking and business development in the region with regards to land-based gaming, eSports, iGaming, sports betting, and more. Playing host to a massive iGaming industry, Toronto will be the home for the SiGMA Group’s initiative to link the industry pioneers of the continent together for 3 days of networking, workshops, and awards. To learn more about sponsorship and speaking opportunities or to inquire about attending the event, please contact Sophie on [email protected].

Seeking to be part of a diverse network of online gaming providers and operators, 15 companies from five countries have already joined OGL - Online Gaming Latam The initiative, driven by some of the leading operators in Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Costa Rica, comes as a consequence of the sector’s evolution in the region, where new and existing regulated markets continue to grow; most recently, as a result of the closure of land- based venues due to the ongoing pandemic, and the newly enacted regulations in several jurisdictions across Latin America. (more…)

Salsa Technology has appointed industry specialist Alberto Alfieri as its Chief Operating Officer to add fuel to the company’s growth strategy

As COO, Alfieri is to consolidate Salsa Technology’s position at the forefront of the Latin American market, while simultaneously expanding its European activity. From his Southern Spain base, Alfieri will lead commercial projects, product development and a recruitment drive.

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Kentucky Derby boosts Churchill Downs third quarter by $28.4 million, when compared to 2019

The Kentucky Derby, or Run for the Roses event, helped Churchill Downs run up Wall Street-forecast, topping third-quarter results.

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Casino sector in Peru is in stage 4 of the Peruvian economic reactivation plan and casinos are expected to reopen next month  Casino Sector has been facing a difficult moment since the establishments had to close down as measurements during the pandemic. Carlos Canales, president of the National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR), commented that August is the most expected month for the casino sector in Peru. He mentioned that together with bars, discos and markets, which are in the stage 4 of the Peruvian economic reactivation, casinos will also have to comply with the robust security protocols in order to reopen.  (more…)

Stakeholders of New Mexico’s casinos are targeting a major gaming expansion that would permit online casino gaming and sport betting Should such a proposal fall through, it would make New Mexico the first western state to embrace mobile casino gaming. However, several political and logistical challenges lie ahead.   (more…)

Playmaker, a Canadian digital sports media company, has bought Wedge Traffic to boost its presence in the U.S. iGaming and affiliate market.  The company said that Wedge’s technical and affiliation expertise, combined with Playmaker’s ecosystem of highly engaged sports fans, will create significant value for online sportsbooks and casino operators that are vying to acquire and retain customers. Playmaker said that it has identified affiliation as a gap when it comes to partnering with iGaming operators.  “We have been very clear that creating a centre of excellence in affiliates was key to rounding out our offering as a leading sports media business,” said Jordan Gnat, Playmaker CEO. “We look to super-serve all of our partners, and Wedge allows us to better serve critical customer segments, sports betting and iGaming operators.” Playmaker payment split The transaction consists of a cash payment on closing of $8.5 million, together with the issue of 3,694,933 Playmaker shares. There is also a contingent consideration for $20.7 million, which consists of two separate earn-out payments.  Wedge is currently active in 16 states and in the province of Ontario. It has affiliate marketing relationships with 15 online sportsbooks and casinos. There are currently 21 US States, as well as the District of Columbia and the province of Ontario, Canada, with regulated mobile sports betting operational in North America. Additional States including Ohio, Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts are on track to launch online sports betting activity in the near-term.  By 2026, the US sports betting and online casino market is projected to generate revenue of US $24 billion, an increase of 213 percent over 2021. Join us: 14 – 18 November 2022 MALTA Being one of the first European countries to regulate the gaming sector, Malta is a hub of global business. The island is an obvious choice for SiGMA’s presence in Europe and a strong foundation for the field’s future. With a plethora of prospects for both investors and entrepreneurs looking to shape the future of this multi-billion dollar business, Malta Week will bring together industry giants among the affiliates, operators, and suppliers of the gaming sector. Our networking activities, including the extra cultural excursions, dinners, and networking drinks are solely open to Premium and Platinum ticket holders. Choose your ticket type here. SiGMA – World Gaming Festival – SiGMA 2022: MFCC, Malta SiGMA World is a leading platform for igaming, betting & esports industries. With a well-earned reputation for networking events. https://youtu.be/bksUbhwSal8  

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management will be traveling through Peru, Chile and Argentina from July 16-29, 2022. This tour is to support the firm’s recent efforts to build our practice through Latin America. Helping support this effort is Rosa Ochoa, Director – Mexico and Latin America, who was brought onto the team earlier this year. SCCG Management believes there is significant value in these, and other key global gaming markets, and continues to build capability and outreach on behalf of our client partners. If you are interested in connecting with Stephen Crystal, please contact him directly at his contact information, below:

STEPHEN A. CRYSTAL, SCCG MANAGEMENT

Mobile/WhatsApp: +1 702-427-9354 Email: [email protected] Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sccg-management May 17, 2022

In early trading today, Nasdaq futures led the market decline following a report in The Wall Street Journal indicating that the Biden administration is contemplating a ban on the sale of artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China. This potential ban has caused a setback in the recent market rally. According to Deutsche Bank, the rebound has been curtailed due to concerns over the AI chip ban. The report suggests that even lower-end chips, which do not require an external export license, may be included in the ban going forward. As a result, shares of Nvidia, which generates 20 percent of its revenue from China, fell by 4.8 percent while Advanced Micro Devices dropped 3.6 percent. S&P 500 recoups nearly 50 percent Investors are also closely monitoring the European Central Bank (ECB) forum in Portugal, where Jerome Powell, the Chairman of the US Federal Reserve, is set to speak alongside the heads of the UK, eurozone, and Japanese central banks. The market will pay particular attention to any comments regarding the prospects of higher borrowing costs as central banks continue to grapple with persistent inflationary pressures. Despite these concerns, market research firm Fundstrat believes that recent market trends indicate further gains. The rebound seen on Tuesday, which brought the S&P 500 back to multi-day highs, is viewed as a positive development that halted the recent decline. Fundstrat noted that the S&P 500 managed to recoup nearly 50 percent of its previous pullback since mid-June highs, suggesting a potentially bullish outlook. Europe and Nikkei indexes rise Overseas indexes mostly rose, with Europe's Stoxx 600 gaining 0.5 percent and the Nikkei 225 in Asia rising by 2 percent. However, Chinese stocks were more subdued as fears of US AI chip restrictions dampened sentiment. The Shanghai Composite Index remained flat, while the Hang Seng edged up by 0.1 percent. In pre-market trading, AeroVironment's stock rose by 5.2 percent after the company reported a better-than-expected 40 percent increase in fourth-quarter revenue and issued guidance for the current fiscal year that surpassed Wall Street expectations. On the other hand, AST SpaceMobile's shares fell by 24 percent following the announcement of a sale of 12 million class A common shares. Micron Technology stock declines by 1.5% Micron Technology, scheduled to report quarterly earnings after the closing bell today, saw a decline of 1.5 percent in its stock price. Other chip makers, including Intel and Qualcomm, also traded lower. In other news, the US Food and Drug Administration rejected an application from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for approval of a new, higher-dose version of its eye disease treatment Eylea, resulting in a 1 percent decline in the company's stock. Looking ahead, Astrotech received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from BML Investment Partners to acquire the company for $17.25 per share, leading to a 7.7 percent increase in its shares. Dollar strengthens On the economic front, JPMorgan expects the second half of 2023 to see a continuation of tightening policies by most developed market central banks. However, differentiation across jurisdictions will emerge as the end of the tightening cycle approaches. The bank believes that resilient growth and persistent inflation will prevent an imminent recession. In the currency markets, the dollar strengthened slightly, building on its gains from the previous day following a set of stronger-than-expected economic data. UBS said that the dollar is "significantly overvalued" against several other relevant currencies but expects it to weaken in the coming months.   Related content: SiGMA Group launches new FX vertical Did you know that the SiGMA Forex Summit takes place in Cyprus in September?  

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management announced the appointment of Nick Giangreco as VP of Marketing. In this role, Giangreco will support brand and communications efforts on behalf of the firm and its client partners

“Nick Giangreco is an emerging talent in the sports gaming industry who founded the mobile app ‘CliquePicks’, a competitive social media platform that unites the interactive rivalry of fantasy leagues with the thrill of sports wagering. As the Founder and CEO of CliquePicks, he turned his vision into a reality by, investing his own capital in developing the app, coining the tagline ‘Make Every Game A Rivalry’, pitching venture capitalists and building a business model that fills a major gap in the sports wagering industry for the younger demographic”, said Crystal of Giangreco and his recent achievements in social media and product development.

In 2022, CliquePicks announced their strategic partnership with SCCG who serve as a business development strategic advisor, investor and partner. Giangreco graduated from University of Miami’s Herbert Business School in 2019, and In his early career has worked for a wide range of industry-leading companies such as Willis Towers Watson, Velocity Risk, and Development Specialists Inc., mastering spreadsheet analytics to protect profits and manage risks. Giangreco said of the appointment, “I am thrilled to be joining SCCG. For more than thirty years, Steve Crystal’s vision, innovation and success has propelled SCCG forward, creating a global powerhouse in the industry. Steve has put together a Dream Team of some of the most highly respected professionals anywhere. I am excited to work together with this team to accelerate SCCG’s brands forward, with an emphasis on capturing the next generation of players.”

ABOUT SCCG MANAGEMENT

SCCG Management is a consultancy that specializes in sports betting, iGaming, sports marketing, affiliate marketing, technology, intellectual property protection, product commercialization, esports, capital formation, M&A, joint ventures, casino management, and governmental and legal affairs for the casino and iGaming industry. SCCG Management celebrates 2022 as its 30th Anniversary of leadership and innovation for the gaming industry.

Provider’s highly popular video bingo games now available across the SkillOnNet network of casino brands as the operator continues its push into LatAm markets SkillOnNet, the award-winning operator and online casino platform with some of the biggest brands in the market, has added more quality video bingo content to its game portfolio after partnering with Ortiz Gaming as it continues its push in Latin America. The provider has established itself as one of the leading video bingo game developers and offers a portfolio packed with a wide range of titles covering various bingo formats and themes. Chart-topping titles include Beach Bingo, Roma Bingo and Goal Mania. The partnership with Ortiz Gaming comes as SkillOnNet continues to localise its game portfolio for Latin American markets and especially in Mexico where video bingo is hugely popular with players. The operator recently made its debut in the market with PlayUZU. Jani Kontturi - Head of Games at SkillOnNet, said: “We are making a big play in Latin America with our PlayUZU and BacanaPlay brands and this partnership with Ortiz Gaming forms part of wider efforts to localise our content offering for fast-growth markets such as Mexico. “Video bingo is hugely popular in these markets, so it is important for us to offer the widest range of quality video bingo content if we are to deliver the best player experience. Joining forces with Ortiz Gaming is testament to the efforts we are going to in order to do this.” [caption id="attachment_494196" align="alignright" width="171"] Alejandro Ortiz, Ortiz Gaming.[/caption] Alejandro Ortiz at Ortiz Gaming, added: “SkillOnNet powers some of the biggest online casino brands in Latin America and beyond, so to add our online and mobile bingo games to its impressive content portfolio is a major milestone for Ortiz Gaming. “Our games have been designed to take player engagement to new highs and they have proved to be incredibly popular with players in LatAm markets such as Mexico, and we now look forward to seeing players at SkillOnNet brands enjoy the fun and thrilling experience they offer.”   SiGMA 2022 :  After the exciting set of conferences that was Malta Week 2021, the SiGMA Group plans to take the world by storm with the golden steeples of Kiev and the snowy city of Toronto being hubs to draw the best and brightest of the iGaming world together. Our next expo takes us to cutting-edge metropoli of the United Arab Emirates for three days of networking, panel discussions and festivities. Stay up to date with the latest and greatest through SiGMA News. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjWaRXyiyRA

The Santa Cristina Hotel & Casino in the South American region of Uruguay has set its sights on the progressive global video slot provider Link King

Santa Cristina Hotel & Casino aims to bring trendy and exciting offerings to its premises with the notion of attracting more players to its casino.

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SiGMA - the World’s Gaming Festival - has announced that it will partner with Global Gaming Women to host a networking reception during the upcoming SiGMA Americas expo in Toronto. [caption id="attachment_567177" align="alignright" width="300"] Cassie Stratford, President, Global Gaming Women.[/caption] Generously sponsored by Neosurf and GeoComply, the event, which is free and open to all delegates attending SiGMA, as well as members of the Canadian Gaming Association holding SiGMA badges, will take place on the 6th of June, from 9.00PM to 10.30PM at one of Toronto’s  most popular eateries - Greek restaurant Petros82.  “Global Gaming Women is pleased to partner with SiGMA, the World’s Gaming Festival, to host a networking event at the inaugural Americas Summit in Toronto. Having an international partnership with SiGMA strengthens our commitment to helping and supporting women across the globe. GGW is committed to bringing together women from all gaming segments to enrich their professional and personal lives,” said Cassie Stratford, President, Global Gaming Women. [caption id="attachment_470282" align="alignleft" width="180"] Nicole Fields, Vice President of Growth & Strategy at SiGMA Group.[/caption] The event is open to everyone with an interest in the global gaming and tech sector and in collaboration with Global Gaming Women gives attendees an opportunity to celebrate women in gaming and secure lasting connections with industry influencers and policy makers across the board. Interested in attending? Use discount code GGW100 when applying for your standard pass to SiGMA Americas. “GGW is an excellent resource for women in the industry and brings women from all corners of the world together to network. SiGMA is proud to collaborate with Global Gaming Women to host a networking event for both women and men during our inaugural SiGMA Americas Summit. We're glad to support GGW and this fun networking reception,” said Nicole Fields, Vice President of Growth & Strategy at SiGMA Group.   Join us for SiGMA Americas – Toronto: Toronto is the perfect hub for SiGMA’s growth in North America, making it a nexus of networking and business development in the region with regards to land-based gaming, eSports, iGaming, sports betting, and more. Playing host to a massive iGaming industry, Toronto will be the home for the SiGMA Group’s initiative to link the industry pioneers of the continent together for 3 days of networking, workshops, and awards.  To learn more about sponsorship and speaking opportunities or to inquire about attending the event, please contact Sophie on [email protected]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKxvSZ4LOOk

BOSS. Gaming Solutions hits the ground running in LATAM with a fresh new brand

This summer, sports fans in Latin America have a fresh online destination where they can indulge their hobby with OLEbet - the new mobile sportsbook & casino that celebrates passion for the game!

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SCCG Management Founder and CEO, Stephen Crystal, announced the addition of Matt Di Giorgio as Director of Talent Recruitment for the company Matt Di Giorgio has over 20 years of executive experience with a strong focus on Human Resources. He worked for Michael Page International as a top billing consultant and manager in his early career and more recently has become the 'go-to' search consultant for a number of established and new entrants to the broad gaming ecosystem. He also services some of the up-and-coming technology businesses in Silicon Valley. In this role, Di Giorgio will be leading the firm’s practice in the category of Gaming Talent Recruitment. In this role, Di Giorgio is primarily focused on executive searches at VP level and above, whether that be in the product, marketing, IT, finance or HR disciplines. He will oversee all projects personally, with the support of an established research team and all the latest candidate attraction tools and technologies.

ABOUT SCCG MANAGEMENT

SCCG Management is a consultancy that specializes in sports betting, iGaming, sports marketing, affiliate marketing, technology, intellectual property protection, product commercialization, esports, capital formation, M&A, joint ventures, casino management, and governmental and legal affairs for the casino and iGaming industry. SCCG Management celebrates 2022 as its 30th Anniversary of leadership and innovation for the gaming industry. Join us for SiGMA Americas – Toronto: Toronto is the perfect hub for SiGMA’s growth in North America, making it a nexus of networking and business development in the region with regards to land-based, iGaming, sports betting, and more. Playing host to a massive iGaming industry, Toronto will be the home for the SiGMA Group’s initiative to link the industry pioneers of the continent together for 3 days of networking, workshops, and awards. To learn more about sponsorship and speaking opportunities or to inquire about attending the event, please contact Sophie on [email protected].

The Canadian Government's 2020 budget includes new legislations to open up the gaming market 

A new legislation aiming to dislodge the current online gambling monopoly in the Canadian province is set to be introduced by the government of Ontario which will make way for private operators to enter the market.

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Entain said it has seen a surge in popularity in betting on Formula 1 and expects to see a record-breaking year.  The group, which said the rise in popularity was helped by Netflix series Drive to Survive, said the total number of clients betting on F1 has jumped by 50 percent from 2018 to 2021.  It said the total number of bets on each season is up by 30 percent.  According to Entain, most customers betting on the races during the period were from the U.K., at 35 percent, followed by Brazil and Germany at 17 percent.  The group said with four races yet to go in the 2022 season, it has seen a gain of 18 percent in the number of clients betting, with a 121 percent increase for the The British Grand Prix held in July.   According to Formula 1, it was the fastest-growing major sports league in terms of follower growth in 2021. Followers on social media platforms increased 40 percent to 49.1 million, with video views up 50 per cent to 7 billion and total engagement up 74 per cent to 1.5 billion. Netflix drives interest “Our customers are finding Formula 1 an increasingly exciting sport to participate in – numbers are growing year on year, in line with the popularity of the sport,” Dom Grounsell, chief commercial officer at Entain, said. “ This has no doubt been helped by the hugely successful Netflix Formula 1 Drive to Survive series.” The U.K-based company also put out a 3Q22 trading statement on Thursday, Entain said that net gaming revenue overall was up 2 percent, though was flat in constant currency terms. Online NGR was up 1 percent, while retail NGR grew 10 percent. The company said its BetMGM venture in the U.S. now has a 23 percent market share and the group is on track for full year NGR of more than $1.3 billion. It said it expects to reach sustainable positive EBITDA next year.  "Our business continues to perform well with good underlying momentum across the group, including in BetMGM,” CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen said. “This illustrates the effectiveness of our growth strategy, the unique capabilities of the Entain platform, and the underlying strength of our diversified global business.   “We have healthy momentum across the business and look forward to a strong finish to the year which includes the World Cup.  Looking ahead, we remain vigilant of the economic backdrop. However, our diversified revenue base and robust business model enable us to remain confident in our ability to deliver on our growth and sustainability strategy." THE 300 SPARTANS: After triumphing in key locations across Asia and Europe, AGS is flying 300 top affiliates to Malta, for an all inclusive deluxe trip. The event will happen alongside SiGMA, 14-18th November, during SiGMA Europe. Read more about the 300 Spartans here. https://youtu.be/ez6zSLWCBaA    

The State of New York is moving towards legalising online gambling. It will expand land based gambling by offering online gaming in the state. This will keep pace and catch up with the developments in the gaming sector in other nearby states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania that already have online casinos. Currently more than 30 states have legalized some form of sports betting. The proposed new bill has been filed in Albany and it will legislate online casinos. The amendments will not change the state constitution. Online table games such as blackjack and casino slots will be allowed once the bill becomes law. The New York state constitution announced that it will provide “betting by virtual or electronic means” adding that the legislature will “declare an interactive gaming wager that is made through virtual or electronic means from a location within New York state and is transmitted to and accepted by electronic equipment located at a licensed gaming facility." Online poker will be available In addition to the online casino proposal, a separate measure will be proposed to legalise online poker. Online sports betting has been booming in New York and so far has provided more than US$900 million windfall for state coffers. Regulators are expected to approve the most popular games such as blackjack and roulette as well as poker. New York is the nation’s largest mobile sports betting market, generating more than US$16 billion in the state’s first 12 months with legal online wagering. Once the new proposals are rolled out, the state of New York is expected to be the highest grossing iGaming market. Currently the Canadian jurisdiction of Ontario reports the highest revenues in the sector. Nine online sportsbooks in state of New York The proposed bill will allow 14 mobile sites. Three casinos are also expected to be granted a licence this year. The State of New York currently operates nine online sportsbooks.  The US market leaders in the sector are FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars which combined have more than 80 percent of the market share. Online casinos have higher margins for operators and tax revenues for the state than sportsbook. New York sportsbooks pay 51 percent of their gross gaming revenue (GGR) in taxes, the highest rate of any competitive sports betting market in the country, and are not allowed to apply tax deductions for advertising and other expenses incurred. The new bill would tax online casino gaming operators 25 percent of GGR. A number of land based casino operators are opposing the new legislation. The bill is set to be heard in the company weeks. Some resistance from land based operators Online table games and slots are more difficult to legalize politically over fears in part that it will spur gambling addiction. Some brick-and-mortar casino operators have opposed these games as well over fears it would cannibalize revenues, but studies and revenue results from legal markets have shown these games are attracting younger customers and serve as a compliment to retail casinos. In New York, the bill is set for a hearing in the coming weeks in the state assembly’s Racing and Wagering Committee. It will likely advance out of the committee, but it will likely face more pushback in the full Assembly and should it make it that far, the full Senate.

Three months after receiving Ontario license, SkillOnNet adds even more quality content to its huge portfolio of games SkillOnNet, the award-winning operator and online casino platform of some of the world’s biggest brands, has added popular games developer Wazdan to its expansive game portfolio for the Ontario market and can now also be found on player favourites such as PlayOJO. Wazdan secured an Ontario supplier license back in May, which means it can now make its games available to players in a territory which is shaping up to be one of the most exciting newly regulated markets. For SkillOnNet this means that popular games such as Sizzling Moon™, Dwarves Fortune™ and 9 Burning Dragons are now available at world renowned brands live in Ontario like, Slots Magic, SpinGenie, KnightSlots and the award winning PlayOJO. Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet, said: “We’ve worked with Wazdan across all our brands in multiple regulated markets for more than two years now and their games have proven extremely popular with players around the world. “We are now very excited to introduce them to our Ontario audience and I’m very confident that they will be just as popular.” Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “We are passionate about designing and developing slots that capture the player’s imagination and that deliver a fun and thrilling experience with each spin. “We are always looking to expand our international reach and have identified Ontario as being a market of great potential, therefore building our presence via our partnership with SkillOnNet is a significant moment for us.” 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. For more information, please contact Emily. https://youtu.be/nG3lAvF0nQQ

Yahoo, the American multinational technology company, has recently acquired Wagr, a social sports betting start-up located in Nashville. Although the details of the acquisition have not been disclosed, it is believed that Yahoo, now owned by Apollo, made the purchase to expand its position in the fantasy sports market. Yahoo’s acquisition of Wagr Wagr, which was founded three years ago, allows sports fans to bet alongside their peers. The platform incorporates a variety of features, including leaderboards, challenges, and smack talk tools to enhance the social experience. The start-up received considerable funding, with investors including New York-based VC firm Greycroft, Seven Seven Six owned by Alexis Ohanian, Justin Mateen, co-founder of Tinder, and Kraft Group, the owner of the New England Patriots. Yahoo already has a significant presence in the US fantasy sports market, competing with well-known brands such as ESPN and DraftKings. By incorporating Wagr into its business, Yahoo hopes to accelerate its "vision to create and deliver the most compelling fantasy and gaming products" while promoting camaraderie among friends. TechCrunch, whose parent company is Yahoo, covered Wagr at its inception in 2020, demonstrating the start-up's potential early on.

While we know our fantasy leagues increase fan engagement and give people something to root for, the real value is in keeping friend groups together through competition and camaraderie around the sports they love. Acquiring Wagr creates an immediate opportunity for us to expand into new group formats that can take engagement and friendly competition to the next level - Jon Shaw, Yahoo Sports SVP

In the wake of Yahoo's announcement of laying off 20% of its workforce from its ad tech business, the acquisition has now been closed, and Wagr will be fully integrated into Yahoo Sports, ceasing to exist as a standalone entity. According to Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone, the layoffs were a strategic move to strengthen the company's unprofitable Yahoo for Business advertising unit, rather than being a direct result of the economic downturn. The acquisition of Wagr by Yahoo marks a significant step towards enhancing Yahoo's presence in the sports betting and fantasy sports industry. Revolutionising iGaming in LatAm Join industry experts and thought leaders at the SiGMA Americas Summit to discover the latest trends and innovations that are transforming the iGaming industry's future in the Americas. Taking place in São Paulo, Brazil in June, this summit provides a unique platform for networking with like-minded professionals from the region. https://youtu.be/pacxEujDOYM

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation said it will join Caesars Entertainment and SL Green in a bid for a casino license in New York’s Times Square.  The partners have said that Caesars Palace Times Square has the potential to attract 7 million new visitors to the zone and create billions in economic benefits to Broadway and the local community. Roc Nation is a full-service entertainment agency.  “New York is a beacon, the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of Times Square, the true crossroads of the world,” said Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter in a statement. “My partnership with SL Green and Caesars, this coalition, has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth and enrichment for the community, and everyone who visits the Empire State.” Caesars announced it had tied up with property developer SL Green for a tilt at the New York license in October. It gave no financial details for the development, which will also include a Broadway Theater for The Lion King.  The New York Gaming Commission appointed  the first three members of the Gaming Facility Location Board, which will oversee the process for the three casino licenses in the downstate region in October..  Each license will cost at least $500 million and competition is expected to be tough. Wynn Resorts, Bally’s, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts and Genting are all in the running.  While last month, Saratoga Casino Holdings pledged a $3 billion investment in the Coney Island district, saying it would help to rejuvenate the area by providing all-year-round entertainment.