Troubling findings in Irish teenage gambling patterns

Multilingual site speaks to gaming industry as it climbs a new world stage SiGMA Group is excited to unveil the face of its rebranded website. Through a commitment to quality and years of successful operations, SiGMA has nurtured the development of a strong brand, allowing for its evolution into a global influencer on the gaming and tech stage. (more…)

While gambling revenue did not meet expectations for 2020/2021, slots are reported to have reached a record high of £202.9m During the final month of lockdown in England, online slots revenue hit a £202.9m milestone, an increase of 15.2% from February and 1.5% rise from December 2020. (more…)

Tougher affordability checks are beginning to put pressure on regulated online gambling revenue, according to a report by Ernst & Young for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). The research, commissioned by the BGC, found that nearly 70 percent of people who place a bet said they would be unwilling to allow regulated firms to carry out compulsory affordability checks to see if they have sufficient funds to gamble.   “Online GGY has declined since mid-2021, probably reflecting the re-opening of physical venues, the introduction of affordability checks online, and the decline in real household incomes,” the report said.  The EY study, said these pressures, “could in turn lead to leakage to the black market, i.e. operators offering remote (mainly desktop and mobile) gambling products that do not hold a UK Gambling Commission license for remote gambling.” The industry in the U.K. is waiting for a long-delayed white paper that will set out new rules for the sector. That report is expected to be produced within weeks and there is concern that some of the measures will hit the competitiveness of regulated firms. In expectation of government limits on spending, BGC members have already started applying more stringent checks, which are hitting revenues. BGC warns of black market gambling The BGC said that countries in Europe that have imposed tougher rules on online gambling, including blanket affordability checks, have seen a rise in black market betting. It said in Norway, the black market is thought to make up about two thirds of all money wagered, while in France it's 57 percent and Italy 23 percent.   “The UK’s regulated betting and gaming sector is a genuine global leader. Some 22.5m adults enjoy a wager, on the lottery, on bingo, on any number of sports, online and in casinos,” BGC CEO Michael Dugher said in a statement. “Our members pump billions into the economy, support the Treasury with more billions and support over one hundred thousand jobs. “But this contribution is never guaranteed. This industry needs to thrive if it is to maintain its status as a global leader. “As ministers consider the regulatory framework for this industry, they should stop and think, and ensure the decisions they make support a sustainable future. The gambling industry contributes GBP4.2 billion to the Treasury annually. It supports 110,000 jobs either on the High Street, or through hospitality, or global tech firms.  

GrooveGaming has been selected by InfinGame to add more firepower to their offering with the highly-prized game portfolio

GrooveGaming’s pulsating portfolio will be featured on InfinGame’s platform. InfinGame’s partners can now access an ever-expanding collection of games from latest releases to time-worn classics and get plug-and-play access to the world's best gambling brands powered by the latest technologies.

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Simon Bazalgette and Ralph Topping are joining forces after being appointed to the advisory board of 1account

Following 1account’s significant success in KYC validation, Bazalgette and Topping  will help drive the continued roll out of the company’s existing solution as well as its new consumer digital ID app, 1account ID. 

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Spillemyndigheden announced that Denmark has the lowest gambling spend across Nordic countries and the eighth lowest of ten European countries. The average spend for an adult a reported DKK2,101 (£2547/€282/$340) per year. In addition, the Danish Gaming Authority Spillemyndigheden on Tuesday (1st December) released a report outlining the results of a new survey covering 10 markets across Europe. The statistics were based on 2019 data from H2 Gambling Capital, the gambling industry's data specialists headquartered in London.  (more…)

Pragmatic Play, a leading content provider to the gaming industry, has released its thrilling new tumbling hit, Gems Bonanza

The 8x8 grid fills with symbols which, when connected in groups of five or more, pay out as a win before new symbols tumble from above. Random colour markings can land on any section of the reels, each with a feature attached.

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Digital sports and media company, Better Collective, is embarking on a significant transition as it prepares to relocate its headquarters to a state-of-the-art facility in Copenhagen. This strategic move aligns with the company's ambitious vision to establish itself as the leading digital sports and media group. The new headquarters, encompassing an expansive area exceeding 6,000 square metres, is housed within a historical building near Sankt Annæ Plads square, a move that marks the end of the firm's nearly 14-year tenure at its former Toldbodgade location in central Copenhagen. Expected to be fully operational by August, Better Collective's new headquarters is a testament to the company's dedication to fostering innovation and attracting top talent. The multi-level facility will accommodate not only the core team but also several European market teams, as well as host international colleagues on a regular basis. The entire building has undergone meticulous renovations, resulting in a cutting-edge environment that is expected to facilitate the retention and recruitment of exceptional individuals. [caption id="attachment_35121" align="alignnone" width="1080"] (Source: SiGMA)[/caption]   Of particular note is the inclusion of an expansive studio within the new headquarters, a facility that will enhance Better Collective's content and media production capabilities. Long term objective is to stengthen the sports media brand This investment in content creation will further fortify the company's sports media brands, including popular platforms like bettingexpert.com, irishracing.com, and soccernews.nl. By equipping themselves with such state-of-the-art resources, Better Collective aims to solidify its standing as a formidable player in the digital sports and media landscape. Christian Kirk Rasmussen, co-founder and COO of Better Collective, expressed his gratitude towards the collective efforts of the entire team that led to this momentous achievement. In his own words, "The move reflects and is the result of the collective efforts, dedication and hard work of our entire team, across all departments and locations." Rasmussen also underscored the significance of this move in propelling Better Collective towards its goal of becoming the leading digital sports media group. Beyond its striking design and functional aspects, the new headquarters offers various collaborative spaces that foster knowledge sharing and a sense of community. Open work areas, expansive lounge zones, a fully-equipped gym, and well-appointed meeting rooms are among the facilities available to employees. These amenities are designed to provide an optimal work environment that promotes creativity, collaboration, and productivity. In celebrating this milestone, Rasmussen took to LinkedIn, sharing a video showcasing the new building. In the video, he triumphantly raises a Better Collective-branded flag atop the facility after arriving at the headquarters on his bicycle. A proud moment that will open more doors Rasmussen emphasized the significance of this occasion, inviting colleagues and stakeholders to join him in acknowledging this proud moment and expressing optimism for the company's future. As the company prepares to settle into its new state-of-the-art headquarters, the anticipation grows for the next chapter in Better Collective's remarkable journey towards industry dominance. As of the latest trading data, Better Collective A/S (BETCO.ST) is listed at SEK220.00 (-1.12 percent), reflecting the market's response to the imminent transition and the company's strategic vision.   Related topics: SiGMA star moves of the week New country director for Brazil solidifies Better Collective (sigma.world) Las Vegas Sands solidifies position as gaming industry leader (sigma.world) Did you know that the SiGMA Forex Summit takes place in Cyprus in September?

Networking dinner cruise on the Thames for operators and affiliates attending ICE

SiGMA Group is match-making once again at London’s ICE 2020 expo, with a lavish dinner cruise on the opening day of ICE, 4th February, attracting operators and affiliates to network and strike deals, as the new decade shapes up to be a huge growth period for the iGaming industry.

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Sweden’s Ministry of Finance has brought forth several prosed changes to strengthen consumer protections in its already heavily regulated gambling sector. This proposal has come as part of a process that began with the tabling of a Ministry report focused on enhancing consumer protections. The 650-page document covered a diverse range of topics across its sizeable contents. The two main talking points emerging from this report’s release take a particular aim at the topic of credit. This included a proposed ban on the promotion of credit and an extension of an existing ban on the offering of credit. Credit checks and prevention of indebtedness The Ministry has also suggested that credit checks be substantially improved along with a debt register system should an individual incur any debt. The credit check proposal has secured inclusion into the Ministry’s document due to the challenges Sweden is facing in terms of high-risk lending and over-indebtedness. Through the improvement of credit checks, financial institutions and lenders will have a far more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s financial circumstances before extending credit. Clearer marketing guidelines The Ministry also took aim at the marketing of consumer credit products, proposing the introduction of clearer guidelines when moderating marketing materials. This suggestion seeks to ensure that advertisements are not misleading or exploitative, even going so far as to call for the inclusion of explicit information whenever any costs would be incurred. The Swedish Gambling Association (SPER) in support [caption id="attachment_868137" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sveriges Riksdag, Stockholm, Sweden.[/caption] Members of the trade group have expressed their shares in the investigation’s concerns surrounding over-indebtedness, acknowledging it as an already significant issue which is still growing. The state-owned gambling operator Svenska Spel is one such member of SPER making this statement on the matter:

  We will now analyse the inquiry's proposal together with SPER's members and will return with our views in connection with the government's review of the inquiry's proposal.

A long time coming There have been numerous past pleas from gambling stakeholders in Sweden, aside from Svenska Spel, demanding further protections for gamblers by introducing more stringent and holistic measures. Such measures that have been discussed in length include the inauguration of a national debt register and the allocation of the ability to ban loans to already indebted individuals. Unfortunately, however, these have failed to gain any traction, at least prior to the Finance Ministry’s report. SiGMA Europe SiGMA Europe will return this November, promising to be bigger and better than ever. Bringing a wildly diverse wealth of knowledge, industry leading innovations and insights along with a phenomena of premium networking opportunities. https://youtu.be/7zzScAToCeY

Melco Resorts & Entertainment said it has delayed the opening of its new integrated resort on Cyprus due to issues with its contractor. Chairman Lawrence Ho said the opening is now expected to be in 2Q23, as opposed to this year. He was speaking during an analysts call following the release of 2Q22 results. The contractor for the City of Dreams Mediterranean project has struggled to resource the project and was not able to achieve some of the pre-agreed completion dates, he said. For Q22, Macau-based Melco posted a net loss of $215.5 million, compared with a loss of $185.7 million in the year earlier period. Revenue fell 48 percent to $296.1 million. The company’s operations were hard hit by the continuing Covid restrictions in Macau and China, while Ho said that its business in Cyprus and the Philippines has been gradually improving. Melco operates the City of Dreams Manila, which has been running at full capacity since March 1st and has seen a swift recovery in domestic business. It also runs four small casinos across Cyprus. Melco ex-Macau recovery on track "In contrast to the challenges we have been facing in Macau, our businesses in the Philippines and Cyprus have been improving with volumes gradually recovering toward pre-COVID levels," Ho said. "City of Dreams Manila has been operating at 100 percent capacity since March 1, 2022 and saw a fairly quick recovery in domestic business. International visitation continues to ramp up, and we expect to see further growth as more of the travel restrictions around Asia are lifted and travel returns to normal." Cyprus also saw a pick-up in volumes and profitability with a relaxation in COVID-19 related restrictions, he said. In terms of recovery in Macau, its largest market, Ho said he is hopeful that the key Golden Week holiday in October will be a good month. All eyes at present are on the Communist Party Congress in October, which may provide further impetus for recovery. China watchers have said they expect no relaxation in zero-Covid until after the Congress. Executives on the call also discussed Melco’s efforts to resolve an auditing problem that may force the company to delist from the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. In January the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted final rules relating to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which deem that a company’s audit report must be issued by a public accounting firm that can be inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Melco is audited by Ernst & Young Hong Kong and the PCAOB has said it cannot conduct inspections in Hong Kong. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Geoff Davis said the company had moved its audit office to Singapore, which is not affected by the Act. He also said the company had been potentially looking at listing elsewhere and had been in talks with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange from where it delisted about seven years ago. Interested now? Join us in Belgrade Renowned for its beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, rich culture, and penchant for parties, the Balkans have been sought after by both tasteful tourists and entrepreneurs with an eye on the growing iGaming ecosystem calling the region home. As the home to the global gaming community, the SiGMA Conference is known far and wide for its enlightening panels, inspiring speeches, ample opportunities to invest and network, and the ability to do it all while having the time of your life. Join us in Belgrade for the best the industry has to offer and for a window into the future of worldwide gambling. To learn more about sponsorship and speaking opportunities or to inquire about attending the event, please contact Sophie at [email protected]. https://youtu.be/ez6zSLWCBaA

SiGMA Summits are no strangers to talent, attracting the highest level of iGaming expertise year in, year out. With such an incredible portfolio of speakers and panellists over the years, it's crucial to keep the spotlight on the very best. Read on for insights from 10 of the best speakers from SiGMA Summits over the years. Dr Joerg Hofmann, Former President of IMGL - Malta Week 2021

It is hard to enforce regulation against black market operators on the internet. Regulation needs to make you competitive, so operators are tempted to apply for a license.

Dr Joerg Hofmann is a major gaming and gambling thought leader, and among the best German lawyers involved in gaming law. He is head of the Betting and Gaming Group at Melchers law firm and a past president of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). Last year, he joined Trudy Kerr for an interview during Malta Week, discussing black market operators and regulation for iGaming in this young, yet rapidly growing industry. https://youtu.be/vd4RrI_qmZE Andrea D. Domingo, former chair and CEO of PAGCOR - SiGMA Digital 2020 The COVID-19 Pandemic has shaken up the world, with iGaming being one of the many industries impacted. In 2020, countless businesses had to rethink their strategies or risk collapse. One of the many ways SiGMA Group adapted to the changes brought about by the pandemic was by going digital, a move that was applauded by none other than PAGCOR's Andrea Domingo. Andrea D. Domingo is the former chair and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). She is a pioneer when it comes to iGaming, with the Philippines leading the way in Asia. In this special digital conference, she gave a keynote on iGaming policy, employment and harmonisation between the law and the industry. Nolan Bushnell, Co-Founder of Atari, Inc. - Malta Week 2021

I often looked at the world as people that want to have fun and governments that want to keep you from having fun. So, all of a sudden, if you enfranchise the former and disenfranchise the latter, that's going to be the Metaverse.

Giving the platform to big names like Atari's own Nolan Bushnell is what the SiGMA conferences are all about. He established Atari, Inc. in 1972 and many in the video gaming industry regard him as a primary innovator and pioneer. He gave a talk on the future of Esports and competitive gaming in the 2021 iteration of Malta Week. https://youtu.be/TWHx3K7gIVg Hon. Silvio Schembri, the Government of Malta's Minister for the Economy, EU Funds and Lands - Malta Week 2019 Hon. Silvio Schembri is a familiar face at SiGMA Events, often noting SiGMA Group's crucial contributions to the island's economy. One of Malta's youngest politicians, Schembri was elected to Parliament for the first time at the age of 27. He is primarily responsible for Malta's move towards becoming the Blockchain island, with the implementation of Malta's Blockchain Strategy. Prior to that, he served as chairman of Malta's Responsible Gaming Foundation. Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Socios.com and Chiliz - SiGMA Digital 2020 The sports industry is yet another sector hit by the 2019 pandemic. Alexandre Dreyfus joined Jessica Walker in this digital interview covering innovation and recovery in the sports industry post COVID-19. Alexandre Dreyfus has an extensive repertoire of fields he is knowledgeable about. As CEO of Socios.com and Chiliz, he is a leading sports betting and Esports expert. He has also ventured into Blockchain and token technologies. Overall, Dreyfus is a passionate leader with a firm belief in innovation bringing the planet forward. Marc Ellinger, President of the International Masters of Gaming Law - Malta Week 2021

We want to teach folks what the regulatory world's like... the laws, the regulations, how the regulators operate and what the best practices are. Good lawyers and regulators advising clients is ultimately how we strengthen the industry in the long run.

Marc Ellinger is yet another major thought leader in regulation. He has received many honourable mentions as a top-tier attorney on account of his extensive regulatory expertise. Under Marc as president, the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) entered into a strategic partnership with SiGMA to provide regulatory content at SiGMA's events. This was discussed further in an interview with Trudy Kerr as part of Malta Week 2021. https://youtu.be/bfatIlMDhTk   Susan Breen, Partner with Mischon De Reya - SiGMA Americas Digital 2020 Susan Breen has an expansive portfolio, carrying weight in both corporate and M&A as well as regulation and commercial advice. With over 20 years of experience as a partner in Mischon De Reya's Betting and Gaming Group, Susan blends knowledge she accumulated exceptionally well. In this panel moderated by Eman Pulis in 2020, Susan joined fellow experts Andre Gelfi and Cristina Romero. They discussed investment in the Latin American market, focusing on problems faced by external operators opting to enter the market. Ivan Filetti, Head of Operations and Business Development of the Gaming Malta Foundation - SiGMA 2019 Ivan Filletti is a major name for Malta's gaming industry. As Head of Operations and Business Development for the Gaming Malta Foundation, he ensures gaming on the island remains synonymous with excellence. In this interview from SiGMA's 2019 summit, Ivan gave us an insight into Malta's growing eSports industry, industry challenges and the changing face of regulations. https://youtu.be/nArcm_LFSGY Juan Perez Hidalgo, Former President of Coljuegos - SiGMA Americas 2020 Juan Perez Hidalgo is a leading figure in the South American iGaming sector. Under his leadership, Coljuegos oversaw the debut of Colombia's regulated online gambling marketplace, recording yearly growth and licensing expansions by foreign and domestic enterprises. In this digital interview from the SiGMA Americas 2020 edition, Perez Hidalgo discussed approaching Latin America from a local perspective, whilst evaluating every country and considering their distinctive cultures. https://youtu.be/PZRp5sgugEc Todd Haushalter, CPO of Evolution Gaming - SiGMA Digital 2020 Todd Haushalter has expertise in both the iGaming and land-based industries, with major insights to share on gaming operators, suppliers and live dealers. At Evolution Gaming, he continued to embrace the digitalisation of gambling, seeing it as the next evolutionary step. Todd has honoured SiGMA Group with a number of speaking opportunities across the years. In this particular example from SiGMA Asia Digital 2020, he discusses Evolution Gaming's strategy, internal goals and newest releases. 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

Internet Vikings will conduct their new webinar 'The new era of transferring data’ on April 28 at 15:30 CET

The keynote speaker of the event - privacy activist Mr.Max Schrems. The webinar will be conducted together with Holm Security.

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In the wake of the Titan exploration’s disaster, it has been discovered that over $300,000 was wagered over the mini submarine’s fate. When the Titan submarine suffered a presumed water pressure-induced implosion, bets soon flooded in against numerous variables related to the submersible’s re-discovery or survival. Winners and losers Unfortunately, those who bet against the finding of the Titan sub and the passenger's survival were far better off once the extensive search mission yielded debris from the vessel 1,600ft from the wreckage of RMS Titanic, the exploration’s subject. This halted rescue efforts as in addition to this debris, the estimated available oxygen supply was believed to have run out on the 23rd of June, prior to the discovery. Polymarket The wagers in question were placed on the cryptocurrency platform, Polymarket, with many obscenely betting on instances such as the submersible never being found and the mortality of those on board. Criticisms and condemnations This wagering activity unsurprising drew heavy critical attention, particularly on the social media platform Twitter, where users condemned the gamblers for in no uncertain terms profiting off tragedy. One such tweet read, 'what stage of capitalism is investing in someone's death,” and another 'actually insane. Imagine making money off if someone is gonna die or not.' Even a gambler who partook in the market claiming to have profited $3,250, had this to say on the matter:

The markets are fundamentally immoral. There's no ethical consumption under capitalism.

Defences and rebuttals Digressing from his earlier statements, the gambler in question also took the view that, unlike markets that are consistently accepted be immoral, such as buying defence or oil stocks, betting on the submersible had no effect on the outcome. Polymarket also made this statement against the backlash:

If the families were privy to Polymarket, they could use the market as a way to obtain real-time, unbiased probability of the submarine being recovered.

The crypto market would go on to explain how this was a far more valuable service to the victim’s families than the media coverage that followed the submersible, invasively describing it as “sensationalist”. Arguing that Polymarket itself was proving true probabilities. SiGMA Europe SiGMA Europe will return this November, promising to be bigger and better than ever. Bringing a wildly diverse wealth of knowledge, industry leading innovations and insights along with a phenomena of premium networking opportunities. https://youtu.be/7zzScAToCeY

Playtika Holdings said it will cut 15 percent of its global staff and close down three projects to position the Israel-based gaming company for the future. At the same time, CEO Robert Antokol requested a cut in his base salary next year and for 2024 to the minimum level under Israeli law. The board’s remuneration committeee accepted the proposal, the company said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Antokol gave news of the job cuts in an email to employees, filed with the SEC.  “The news I share with you today is difficult,” he wrote. “After intense deliberation, we have decided to reduce our workforce by about 15 percent, saying goodbye to wonderful and talented colleagues and friends. This decision has not come easy, yet we think it necessary to best position Playtika for the future.” Antokol said the company will wind down non-core initiatives and consolidate studios for greater efficiency. It will also centralise the evaluation of new game concepts through its creative team at Wooga. Three current titles have been removed from the pipeline, it said.  In total just over 600 staff have been affected by the cuts.  For 3Q22, the company posted revenue of $647.8 million, just slightly higher than the $635.9 million reported the prior year.  Adjusted EBITDA fell to $230.7 million, down from $247.8 million the prior year.  Last month, Playtika announced it would buy a $25 million minority stake in Turkey’s Ace Games as part of a strategy to invest in high-growth potential games in a cost-effective way. 

Spanish Minister for Consumer Affaira Alberto Garzon has stated his support for Barcelona's initiatives for halting the opening of new land-based establishments In a recent press conference with Barcelona's mayor Ada Colau, Spain's Minister for Consumer Affairs Alberto Garzon has showed his support for the city's 2019 regulations that stopped the opening of new brick and mortar gaming establishments and encouraged other municipalities to do the same. The Minister said that the decision was a sign of the municipality's dedication to the health and well being of its residents, saying that this is an exmaple that others should definitely follow. He then also stated (more…)

Bookmakers have opened betting on a variety of options for the Coronation of King Charles III taking place on Saturday. The crowning ceremony of King Charles and Queen Camilla marks the beginning of a new era for British royalty. It reign of King Charles III represents a modernised and scaled down monarchy. The King has recognised today's tough economic climate and as a start, the ceremony at Westminster Abbey will be much simpler than the last one in 1953 when his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II,  ascended to the British throne. The King has already started to implement his action plan to streamline the Royal Family and adapt it to modern times. During the last coronation, Westminster Abbey was crammed with just over 8000 guests. However the King's efforts to be more economical and appear more sensitive to the citizens of the UK, many of whom are struggling to pay basic bills and battle with the cost of living - he has invited 2000 guests to a shorter and less expensive ceremony.  

 The coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look toward the future, while being rooted in long-standing traditions and pageantry.” Official statement from Buckingham Palace

It is interesting to note that many people did not own a tv in 1953, but there were 20 million viewers who watched the Coronation ceremony. 70 years later, it is estimated that up to 27 million viewers will watch the ceremony.   A recent poll for BBC Panorama was carried out to give a picture of people's opinion of the monarch. The conclusion was that  "58 percent of people asked said they wanted to keep the monarchy while 26 percent said they wanted an elected leader instead, and 16 percent said they did not really care." What will they be wearing? The ceremony promises a colourful and vibrant spectacle. The dress code is formal day wear. The choice of clothes is a guarded secret, although the Palace offered a peek of the embroidery on Queen Camilla's gown. Literally, the day will be a big burden on the King's shoulders. King Charles will wear layers of glittering, golden robes, many of which were created for his royal ancestors. Prince William will assist his father with the robes during the ceremony. When he is crowned, he will wear the Supertunica. It is made of gold and weighs around 2 kgs. The Imperial Mantle will be worn over the Supertunica. It weighs 4 kg. His crown weighs over 2 kilos. The Sword of Offering will be clipped to his waist and symbolises wisdom to make decisions between good and evil.  He will hold a sceptre during the crowning. On leaving Westminster Abbey, the King will wear the purple 'Robe of Estate'. Bookies are giving odds on what the main protagonists are likely to be wearing. Here is what is most likely: King Charles - clothes likely to be tailored by Ede & Ravenscroft

SiGMA Europe and AIBC Virtual Expos launch with record breaking attendance, providing a cure to the industry's events sector

In the light of this year's changes in our everyday lives, SiGMA was close to having to stop doing what it does best; creating networks for people through the company's iconic physical events, but luckily, the ambition of the team swiftly enabled it to adapt to the situation and instead shift the events online. 

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iSoftbet is gearing up to enter its 20th regulated market after acquiring a distribution license in the newly regulating Greek market by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). (more…)

Good morning and welcome to the Virtual Expo live blog! {% module 'module_1606203455360263' path='/6M Sigma Template/Modules/DB - Blog live comments', label='DB - Blog live comments' %} (more…)

Following a pandemic gambling surge in Portugal, the current executive vows to eliminate 'Wild West' ad environment

Since online gambling and betting in Portugal was legalized in 2014, advertising the adult pass-time was not subject to particularly harsh restrictions. Left-wing PCP Deputy Paula Santos exclaimed the past legislations to have been “permissive and open to incitement and stimuli”. Action on this environment was also called for in connection to the surge in iGaming during the pandemic. In Q1 2020, about 330.000 new players commenced online bettorship. Now, four bills have been proposed, seeking the same treatment for gambling in advertisement as for alcohol.

Radio and TV broadcasting would no longer feature gambling ads between 07:00 AM and 22:30 PM. Ads of all types, that includes bulletins, would be obliged to features warnings that encourage addicts to seek help and prevent new ones from emerging. On the internet, ads shall comply with tools that enable consumers to self-exclude from gambling-related content.

Certain soft goals were also formulated, as the protection of minors and the improvement of consumer protection.

Currently, Portugal is the top country of per capita expenditure on scratch cards, allegedly due to the previously lax stance of the government on public incentives.

See you at SiGMA Malta in November. Save the dates for Malta Week:

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!

ESA Gaming, an innovative games provider, has secured a supplier licence from the Malta Gaming Authority ESA Gaming has managed to acquire a supplier licence from the Malta Gaming Authority. The newly acquired licence is in line with ESA Gaming's vision to continue to grow in regulated markets globally. (more…)

BGaming and WBC partner with Klitschko Foundation to provide financial support to the people in Ukraine in their current fight for independence and freedom This 100.000$ is the first donation and expect more to come to the charitable organization which focuses on humanitarian activities helping to overcome the war crisis in the country, especially the needs of children.  BGaming along with WBC shares democratic values and stands in solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom against the Russian invaders. “All of us are devastated and deeply disappointed by the war that has shaken such a beautiful country as Ukraine. Of course, we cannot stand detached from this horrible situation. Along with our partner World Boxing Council, we decided to make our contribution and send the revenue coming from our projects to Ukraine. We believe that joint efforts will help thousands of people!” commented Ivan Montik, Founder of BGaming. "We stand for Peace. We pray for Peace", adds Mauricio Sulaiman, President of WBC. "We love without borders or political affiliation. We are families and friends, united by the principles of our sport and our belief in the goodness of humanity. May God and the goodness of people lead us to a peaceful solution." BGaming and WBC strive to help the citizens of Ukraine and invite its partners and sports amateurs all over the world to join the initiative and make a contribution! The WBC has always had a special connection with the people in Ukraine. In 2018, the boxing world came together in Kyiv for the 56th Annual WBC Convention hosted by the mayor, former World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko. The Future Kyiv/Klitschko Foundation, run by Vitali and his brother Wladimir, has been supporting children in Ukraine for almost 20 years. For more information, please follow the link. "I am very thankful to President Sulaiman, my WBC family, and to our friends of BGaming", says Wladimir Klitschko. "We have received tremendous support from all over the world and it is great to see that the boxing world hasn't forgotten us or given up on us. We have seen attacks on schools, orphanages, children's hospitals. Please be assured that we will use the donations wisely to help the children who are suffering most from this terrible war unleashed by Russia. Children are our future. We are fighting for their future and we will never give up this fight." BGaming has been involved in charitable work since 2021 providing support to various sports initiatives and environmental projects. Since February 2022, the studio has suspended marketing activities including participation in ICE London to focus on providing aid to Ukraine.   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].

Based on the high security IT technology from Tangany, TEN31 Bank will in future offer crypto custody for its customers

German WEG Bank AG operates its innovative Fintech division under the brand name “TEN31 Bank”. Now the bank is taking the next logical step and is expanding its product portfolio with a crypto custody solution.

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Swedish gaming operators filing money laundering reports increased by 14.8% in 2020 compared to 2019 Swedish operators filed 705 cases of presumed money laundering to the financial police in 2020, an 14.8% increase from 2019. This was assumed to be the result of the increased activity in online gambling as the COVID-19 pandemic forced land-based venues to shut down. (more…)

Online casino company Evolution has announced that it is cancelling the EGM today at 14.00 CET being held at Strandvägen 7A in Stockholm. Evolution has also contacted shareholders regarding the proposed incentive programme by the board of directors. The company announced that the incentive programme does not have "the requisite support among the shareholders." It is for this reason that the EGM has been cancelled. Background Evolution Gaming develops and licenses fully-integrated B2B live casino solutions to gaming operators. Award winning products include Dreamcatcher and Lightning Roulette. The company delivers live games such as roulette, blackjack, casino, poker and baccarat in real time with live game presenters. Evolution is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority under license MGA/B2B/187/2010. Evolution is also licensed and regulated in many other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Romania, South Africa. Related articles Mobinc enhances gaming suite with Evolution titles (sigma.world)  

Enteractive, the leader in player reactivation and retention for the iGaming industry, has announced a new partnership with Twin Enteractive, the leader in player reactivation and retention for the iGaming industry, has announced a new partnership with Twin to activate NRCs to NDCs across markets including Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Finland and Germany.  The collaboration completes a 360 degree CRM technology integration to optimise player activations and retention, now with Enteractive’s personalised one-2-one voice calls, as well as Fast Track’s digital CRM solutions.  (more…)

The SoftSwiss Game Aggregator is thrilled to announce its integration with Gamzix, a young gaming studio

According to the terms of the newly-signed agreement, Gamzix’s gaming content of almost 20 diverse slot games will become available for SoftSwiss White Label operators and Game Aggregator clients operating under the Curacao license.

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SiGMA Group welcomed 25,000 delegates as part of its Malta Week event this November. An impact assessment report carried out by E-Cubed Consultants has revealed that the SiGMA Group’s Malta-based summit generates significant economic activity on the island - contributing to sustainable growth and development of the Maltese economy through job creation, leisure and retail activity, and tourist attraction. The report looked at revenue data from 2016 to 2019 and for the year 2022, the number of visitors arriving for the event and their expenditure - including accommodation and travel. The years 2020 and 2021 were excluded from the report due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Boosting Employment generation and economic value The report revealed that the Group’s November event generates enough economic activity to sustain the equivalent of 950 jobs for one year. The jobs occur across a wide range of sectors - extending across the gaming industries to retail, manufacturing, and leisure.  Firms with sectors associated with the Malta Week event (gaming, esports, emerging technology, ICT, corporate services, medical technology and digital/affiliate marketing) in 2019 directly generated €194 million in value added to Malta economy, equivalent to 7% of the direct value-added of the relevant sectors. These economic sectors are currently generating 38,000 jobs in Malta  - equivalent to 33% of the total employment sector in the country. Attracting visitors in a cold shoulder month International visitors to the event in November will occupy over 60% of 4 and 5 star hotels in Malta during their stay. This influx of guests offers a significant boost to a sector that would otherwise see an average occupancy of 40% during this cold shoulder month.  SiGMA Malta 2019 generated from both event and tourist expenditure: €6 million in value added, equivalent to 0.05% of the total value added to the economy of the country.   2022 welcomes 50,000 delegates Over the years, SiGMA has seen strong continuous growth. From a single event in 2014 hosting 1,500 people, SiGMA has expanded to host four events in 2022 - welcoming over 50,000 people. Over 25,000 participants attended the Malta Week event this November. 2023 - A calendar of events The SiGMA Group prides itself on its broad horizons, drawing on some of the most vibrant, entrepreneurial and fast-growing industries in the global economy.  The Group has announced that is will hold six world class, bi-monthly summits next year - with events taking place across 5 continents: Nairobi, Dubai, Sao Paulo, Manila, Limassol, and Malta.  Coming up, SiGMA Group will launch their inaugural event in Africa, with Nairobi 2023 set to take place next January.

iGaming supplier EveryMatrix is proud to announce its acceptance by the World Lottery Association (WLA) as an associate member

The WLA is an international, member-based organization of state-authorized lotteries, sports betting operators, and suppliers to the global lottery industry.

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SoftSwiss announces the official launch of a B2B Sportsbook solution, the company’s brand-new innovative platform designed for sports betting

As such, the company is extending its product portfolio with another exciting solution set to provide limitless business growth opportunities for its clients, as well as a secure and smooth experience for all sports fans.

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As an iGaming provider focusing on a player-driven approach, BGaming regularly learns the audience preferences to find intriguing industry insights

This time the team shares the results of the latest corporate report, and a poll conducted recently in a few reputable casinos. Analyzing the fresh data, BGaming highlighted interesting facts that characterize the iGaming market in Q2.

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True Lab continues to explore the land of Pharaohs, in a new myth-inspired slot

High quality graphics, unique Scatter collection progress mechanics, and potential max win of up to x10,000 are waiting on the path to the realm of the dead.

According to legend, mighty rulers Akhenaten and Nefertiti are guarding the abode of the dead, where dazzling treasures are waiting to be revealed by a braveheart. The atmosphere of Egyptian tales surrounds players through the game, conveyed by deep colours, and suspenseful features. Skillfully designed, Scatter collection progress mechanics sustains gamers' involvement as they approach Free Spins.

Inspired by historical characters, Akhenaten and Nefertiti Scatter-Wilds are the all powerful icons, that replace other symbols on the reels, increase the Scatter collection progress, and initiate Free Spins. 14 Scatter-Wilds accumulated in the base game, trigger Akhenaten Free Spins with an expanding symbol by choice, or Nefertiti Free Spins with a random expanding symbol. The dedicated Free Spins granted by immortals, will unleash the unlimited power of ancient civilization.

[caption id="attachment_419563" align="alignright" width="161"] Igor Samardziski, CEO of True Lab.[/caption]

Igor Samardziski, CEO of True Lab, said: “Egypt-themed slots have been enjoying popularity since the early days of iGaming, and the trend is showing sustained development. The project has been created to meet the needs of an original product within the theme.”

Crypts of Fortune is the third Egypt-influenced slot in True Lab’s portfolio, in line with the adventure Book of Truth, and Day and Night’s eternal dispute on the field. The latest release develops the idea from a new side, bringing magic and mysticism to the story of Pharaohs.

Next up: Malta Week

Don’t miss out on amazing networking opportunities and exclusive industry insights at Malta Week. Four leading shows will bring the best of the business back-to-back to a first-class meeting point. Malta Week will consist of SiGMA, AIBC, Med-Tech World and AGS, each presenting the top developments of their focal industries.

The cross-collaboration of each brand makes Malta Week the number one destination for leading think-tanks of the gaming sector, emerging tech, digital health, and digital marketing. The middle of the Mediterranean is the perfect place for multi-faceted business deals and face-to-face conversations with leading affiliates, policymakers, and thought leaders.

Altenar, a sportsbook software provider, has partnered with Betti.com, an online casino and sports betting start-up, with the initial focus to be on the Nordics and Germany.  The partnership melds Betti’s secure payment methods, a tailor-made casino promotion tool, and player promotions with Altenar’s risk management systems, several data feed providers, a plethora of sports content and 24/7 customer support. A spokesperson from Betti said: “We ended up with Altenar as our Sportsbook provider after months of comparison. What it came down to was the current feature offering within their product but also, most importantly, we felt Altenar’s ambition and future plans are in-line with where we want to see Betti Sportsbook in the future.”  Industry veterans The people behind Betti.com have been in the industry since 2004-6 coming from major players such as Bet365, Betsson and Comeon in roles ranging from brand manager, to head of casino and head of sportsbook.  The spokesperson said the team is a close group of friends that felt ready to take the step to run their own business and in the summer of 2021 started the journey towards going live.  Now finally we are live and slowly finding our way forward. Betti.com says its core expertise is in knowing what the player wants and when and delivering it in an innovative way.  “I see our partnership as a close relationship where we at Betti will trust the work on developments and risk monitoring to have the right decisions and priorities. And at the same time as Betti grows, Altenar will evaluate any feature requests or change requests coming in from our side. Bottom line you could say, we feel safe with making sure that if we bring in the traffic, Altenar's traders and their system will make sure we both see great ROI.” “At Betti we offer several ongoing campaigns for our sportsbetting players. All because of Altenar's excellent product. Some of the offerings are; Free bets, Risk Free Bets, Predictor challenge, Early Payout, Bore Draw and Bet Builder. 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

Gambling Commission of Great Britain reveals surprising  survey results on gambling advertising efficiency The survey among 6,258 participants published by the UK Gambling Commission revealed detailed numbers on the high efficiency of gambling ads, as listed in the following: (more…)

Games such as Book of Gods, Stunning Hot or Crystal Mania are now available on iGaming Platform's Gamehub

Creative development studio BF Games has extensively expanded its footprint across several markets after taking its entire slots portfolio live with iGamingPlatform (iGP).

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