Spelinspektionen warns Sweden of gaming tax hike

On June 27, journalist Sempurna Pasaribu and his family tragically died in a house fire in Karo Regency, Indonesia. Police are now investigating claims that suggest his death was not accidental but linked to his work as an investigative journalist for the television channel Tribrata.

Sempurna Pasaribu (47) had recently investigated gambling activities allegedly involving Indonesian military personnel.
The Journalists Safety Committee (KKJ) stated that they had "verified and thoroughly investigated the case of the house fire that killed Rico Sempurna Pasaribu in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Based on the joint investigation conducted by KKJ Sumut, several facts indicate that the fire incident, which claimed the lives of the Tribrata TV journalist and his family, occurred after the victim exposed gambling activities in North Sumatra". They also alleged that a TNI military member with the initials HB, who was targeted by Sempurna Pasaribu's investigation, had threatened the journalist.

The police stated that they are currently investigating the cause of the fire to determine whether it was arson or a domestic accident. They appear to be taking the claims seriously, as the Forensic Laboratory division has conducted a crime scene examination, and autopsies are underway. However, the exact cause of the fire that killed Sempurna and his family still remains unclear.

Several witnesses reportedly claimed that the family stored gasoline and that spilled gasoline may have sparked the fire.

"The Press Council urges the National Police and the North Sumatra Police chief to establish a team to investigate the case fairly and impartially," the council said in a statement.

The Press Council also called on the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to ensure the safety of the victims' family from potential retaliation by TNI military personnel, who are accused of involvement in illegal gambling and potentially silencing the journalist.

"The Press Council believes that journalistic activities, including those undertaken by the journalist from Tribrata TV, should not justify acts of violence against him, despite any alleged misconduct," the council added.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Indonesia ranks 111th out of 180 in terms of press freedom. They state, in Indonesia “journalists who investigate cases of local corruption are often subjected to various forms of intimidation by police or TNI soldiers, going as far as arrest and physical violence. This results in a high level of self-censorship.”

As Wynn Resorts prepares to open the first-ever casino in the UAE, a survey conducted by Dubai Casinos reveals varied opinions on its potential impact on Ras Al Khaimah. This landmark development, set to launch in 2026 on Marjan Island, has sparked significant interest and debate among locals.  

In January 2022, Wynn Resorts announced the groundbreaking project that aims to transform Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism and entertainment landscape. The resort will be situated on a man-made island extending 4.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, marking a pivotal moment in the UAE's tourism sector.  

The survey was conducted over six months with 2,000 respondents. The goal was to gauge public sentiment on how the Wynn Project might reshape Ras Al Khaimah. According to Dubai Casino, the survey exclusively targeted UAE residents, with 81 percent of respondents hailing from Ras Al Khaimah and all participants aged 18 and above.  

9 out of 10 respondents are aware of the Wynn Resorts project, highlighting the high level of public interest. 56 percent of participants believe the project will significantly boost tourism revenue and create job opportunities, reflecting optimism about economic growth. However, 29 percent anticipate only moderate economic benefits, while 15 percent foresee little to no impact on the local economy.  

Many respondents, 60 percent, expect the project to increase property values in the surrounding areas. However, 22 percent are concerned about potential decreases in property prices, suggesting mixed expectations.  

54 percent of the respondents believe the casino will draw new tourists interested in gaming, potentially boosting local tourism. About 34 percent of respondents expressed concerns about the social implications, such as gambling addiction, calling for careful regulation. Additionally, 28 percent emphasised the importance of preserving local cultural integrity through sustainable development.  

A majority, 60.8 percent, believe Dubai will remain the UAE’s top tourist destination, despite the Wynn Resorts project. However, 32.4 percent see the potential for Ras Al Khaimah to emerge as a significant tourist hub, while a small segment, 6.8 percent, remains unsure about its future standing.  

The introduction of a casino in Ras Al Khaimah has sparked discussions about its impact on the UAE’s cultural scene. Balancing traditional values with economic growth through tourism requires careful community engagement.  

The Wynn project promises to bolster Ras Al Khaimah’s economy by increasing tourism revenue and creating jobs. However, concerns about social repercussions, such as gambling addiction, necessitate proactive measures.  

Implementing a casino in Ras Al Khaimah poses regulatory challenges in the UAE, known for its strict governance of social conduct. Adapting existing frameworks to ensure responsible gaming practices is essential.  

As Ras Al Khaimah advances with ambitious growth initiatives, these survey insights provide valuable guidance for stakeholders aiming to leverage opportunities and address challenges in shaping the emirate's tourism future. 

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“We are delighted to partner again with Rush Street Interactive for another momentous launch in Delaware.” - Jacob Claesson, Evolution CEO for North America.

Evolution has revealed the exciting news of the debut of their new online live casino in Delaware on 2 July 2024. Collaborating with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., Evolution has crafted an immersive online live casino tailored for players in Delaware’s regulated gaming market. This captivating experience has been made accessible at Delaware Park Casino, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, and Harrington Raceway & Casino.

Following a partnership with the Delaware Lottery in 2023, BetRivers expanded its presence in the local market, offering its products to individuals interested in both betting and gaming. Players can now access the Delaware Park and Harrington sites through the BetRivers multi-state platform. Furthermore, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort has introduced its standalone app, allowing players to enjoy a variety of live casino games, including Live Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Poker, and Blackjack through the platform.

The arrival of BetRivers, an online gaming platform operated by Rush Street Interactive, has significantly influenced the iGaming industry in Delaware. This platform’s entry has been instrumental in driving substantial growth and building a good environment within the market.

“BetRivers in Delaware is thrilled to offer players the chance to virtually play on Evolution’s world-renowned live tables. We are confident that the live dealer online casino will be very popular as the live dealer games offer the same level of excitement as playing in a land-based casino. “- Richard Schwartz, Rush Street Interactive CEO.

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The globally renowned British television quiz show, "The Chase," has expanded its reach to the international sports betting and iGaming industry, marking a milestone for entertainment and gaming enthusiasts worldwide. This expansion is the result of a strategic partnership between Entain, a prominent global sports betting and gaming group, and Playtech, a leading provider of platforms, content, and services in the online gambling industry.

Hosted by Bradley Walsh, "The Chase" has gained popularity in the UK, with a daily viewership of approximately four million. Its distinctive format involves contestants competing against a professional quizzer, known as the "chaser," for a cash prize, offering an electrifying and competitive gameplay experience.

The Entain-Playtech collaboration has led to the launch of an exciting new live game show hosted by Playtech from its live studio in Riga, Latvia. Initially introduced to Entain's UK customers, the game has now expanded its presence to regulated markets in Canada, Brazil, and Belgium. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce the game to Italian and South African players through Entain's brands in the near future.

The live game show offers various engaging features, including a plinko board and two bonus features, ensuring an immersive gameplay experience until the thrilling "Final Chase" segment.

ITV Studios, as the game's host, is expected to profit from licencing its brand to the gaming sector, especially since it has shown impressive revenue generation within its first month of release.

"The Chase Live has been our most anticipated game release in 2024. We have been working with the teams at Entain and Playtech for many months on bringing one of the UK's most successful and popular gameshow brands to the live casino space." - Steve Watling, SVP Gaming, ITV Studios Global Partnerships

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