Evolution Gaming Group Scoops Casino Content Supplier of the Year

EGR Nordics Awards take place to showcase the best in the gambling industry. This year Evolution Gaming Group, the live online casino gaming solutions provider was voted the #1 Casino Content Supplier.

This is a celebration of the greatest innovative and successful internet gaming establishments operating in the Nordic region. The 2018 EGR Nordics Awards took place on the 18th of January at St. George’s Bay, Malta.

The event was at the Corinthia Hotel. The gaming solution provider was in Competition with candidates from all gaming/gambling verticals. Evolution managed to beat all nine competitors shortlisted.

EGR Nordics Awards

Evolution Gaming Group – Winning the Award

Marcus Huber who’s the Evolution Head of Key Account Management said it has been an outstanding year for them at Evolution. Their extraordinary innovations and also product rollout. The award means a lot to the gaming solution provider. It has put them on the top list of the best rated in the world.  The gaming solution is famous to give only the best. Moreover, players are extremely happy with them.

Evolution Gaming – Gaming Solution Provider

These awards identify the operators and service providers with strong working ethics over the past year in a very extensive competitive market. For Evolution Gaming Group to win the award for inclusive Casino Content Provider of the Year category in a very tough race against the whole gambling market is a great achievement. Evolution offers a rich and varied portfolio of content solutions. This includes many limited titles for land-based casinos and online operators. Evolution Gaming ranks with the best in the industry and also produces top of the range content.

Evolution Gaming Group

The Latvia based company beat the nine shortlist companies in the past year when it was awarded the Digital Product for the Dream Catcher Lucky Wheel. This was at the 2017 Global Gaming Awards. Read more about Evolution Gaming here!

Casino Cosmopol is now working with Playtech’s IGS

The Swedish casino operator, Casino Cosmopol chose Intelligent Gaming Systems (IGS). It is a Playtech company and delivers a complete casino suite such as slots, poker, tables, visitor registration, and business intelligence capabilities cash desk. Intelligent Gaming Systems was granted a contract for being the top in their class for approaching data protection regulations and Anti-money Laundering.

Casino Cosmopol is now working with Playtech’s IGS

Casino Cosmopol

Casino Cosmopol is a subsidiary of AB Svenska Spel which operates four gambling venues in Sweden. Profits from Casino Cosmopol go straight to the government’s treasury and distributed to charities.

Casino Cosmopol and Playtech

The CEO of Cosmopol, Per Jaldung says IGS got the contract of System Partner after a modest tender process.  Since it is a public sector establishment, Cosmopol smears the Public Procurement Act. Major investments are a focus on an inexpensive procurement process. Detailed aspects for a system to be able to connect gaming, compliance operations, and business with the focus on GDPR and AML were specified.

IGS –Leading System Supplier

Intelligent Gaming Systems is a supplier that met the requirements and was the one to take the contract. This company is into a framework contract and the system that applies in several stages across 2018 and 2019.

This contract promises to be a good one and also great success to follow. Managing Director, IGS Martin Sykes added that the success underlines their position as one of the leading system suppliers to the European gambling industry. Cosmopol is the best in responsible gaming operators across the globe.

Novomatic AG going forward with Australian acquisition

Novomatic AG recently announced that it is moving forward with the plan to obtain 52% of Aussies rival Ainsworth Game Technology Limited, after getting the necessary international regulatory approvals.

Gumpoldskirchen-based Novomatic AG specified that they are spending $354.5 million to acquire the regulatory stake at Ainsworth Game Technology Limited.  If approved, the deal will mark as the biggest investment ever made in Australian history. The deal is expected to close on 5 January 2018.

Novomatic AG

The Approval Process

Novomatic AG said the approval process involves scrutiny from the gaming board officials in numerous jurisdictions across Australia and the United States. It also included the Nevada Gaming Control Board, meaning that it will become the first Australian firm to hold a license in Nevada.

Novomatic AG – About

Novomatic AG is one of the leading gaming technology companies across the world. They are famous for the great quality games they offer to casinos for casino players.  The company was founded in 1980 and to date it has made a great name for itself.

Novomatic AG – Signing the Deal

Chief Executive Officer for AG, Harald Neumann, described the analysis that looked into every corporate division of the firm, as ‘enormously thorough’ also declaring the company as one of the few worldwide active companies to have passed the strict compliance checks from international authorities.

“A variety of independent licensing boards have said the deal can go ahead,” -said Neumann.

Sydney-based Ainsworth Game Technology first publicised the proposed transaction that involves 172.1 million shares in February 2016. This was before its directors suggested the tender three months later. The stake currently is being with the firm’s founder and Chairman, Len Ainsworth. Ainsworth is to retain a minor number of shares post-sale subject to employee options that is under the Len Ainsworth Option Share Trust.

Shares in Ainsworth Game Technology Limited are intentionally important for AG. Novomatic AG may be the world’s market leader in the gaming technology.

Sun International Exclusive dealfor Bede Gaming SA

Gambling platform and Software Company, Bede Gaming have signed a landmark deal with South African-based leisure and entertainment giant, Sun International. The result will be Bede’s first entry into the South African gambling market.

Under the terms of the deal, Bede Gaming will become Sun International’s go-to internet gaming technology partner and will also license its flexible gambling platform to the group. The gambling company will provide sports betting exclusively to players in South Africa.

Sun International

Sun International – Inks a Deal with Bede Gaming

Sun International will influence Bede’s platform to support the company’s desires for its digital growth in the gambling market. Moreover, it will include its leading Sunbet brand and online sports betting website.

Bede Gaming, which is based in the UK maintain its status as the first optimal choice for operators that are looking to advance growth within the digital arena. A supplier sceptical and flexible platform helped Bede in demonstrating its ability to participate expeditiously. It also gave operators a substantial choice of suppliers.

Sun International CE Speaks

Sun International CE, Anthony Leeming, said, “To leverage in the digital environment we require a flexible platform that will allow us to deliver the world-class experience which our customers expect.  For this reason, it was an easy decision to partner with Bede Gaming, which has enjoyed significant success in other markets. The team has been a pleasure to work with and we are excited to continue working in partnership.”

Bede Gaming CEO Michael Brady said: “To enter the South African market with such a respected name as Sun International. It really underlines our commitment to growing Bede’s footprint in global regulated markets. We have been selected by Sun International because we offer a flexible platform. And also lightning fast integrations that have proven successful in multiple jurisdictions. Operators are demanding greater speed and flexibility, which is something we are able to deliver. We look forward to building a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Sun International. Furthermore will continue to build upon our market-leading offer.”-he added

Tatts Group Limited merge with Tabcorp Holdings Limited

$8.3 billion was proposed for the great merger deal of bookmaker, the Tatts Group Limited and Horse-race betting giant, Tabcorp Holdings Limited in Australia. The mega-deal could be finalized by December after the local rival CrownBet dropped its long-running competitor for the deal.

The union was announced in October 2016 and is said that it will create a new entity and offer a wide range of sports betting, keno, lotto, and gaming services. There have been a lot of disapproval before the deal was confirmed. The disapproval was from CrownBet and Racing Victoria Limited, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Racing.com. However, the deal supposedly received its final approval from the Australian Competition Tribunal and is going to be put to a vote before the Tatts Group Limited shareholders in December.

Tatts Group Limited

Tatts Group Limited – CrownBet against the Deal

CrownBet feared being taken out of the local horseracing market. The bookmaker also threatened to take its competition of the planned merger to federal court for a judicial review. However, it later decided that a merger might be the best.  The deal means that there is an agreement that will see it gaining access. This is to the live horseracing streams broadcast by Tabcorp Holdings Limited Sky Racing television channel.

CrownBet is not against the merger of Tabcorp Holdings Limited and Tatts Group Limited. The bookmaker will also not interfere with any implementation of the merger.

The live stream deal is anticipated to give CrownBet access. Acess to pedigree and harness horseracing action, more than any Australian corporate bookmaker. Although, it does not cover the New South Wales state of Australia.

Tabcorp Holdings Limited and Tatts Group Limited plan to complete their merger on the 22nd of December, subject to shareholders approval and a favorable reaction from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Macau Regulators Play Cards for Renewal of Casino License

Macau casino operators will have to start reapplying for their gaming licenses in the next couple of years. However, they shouldn’t expect any hints of what the conditions for those renewals are going to be. The news comes from Lionel Leong Vai Tac, Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance. He goes on to say that the competitive nature of the gambling industry means the territory will have to keep its cards close.

On Thursday Leong addressed the upcoming expiration of franchises granted to the six existing casino operators in the Chinese gambling territory. The casino licenses will end on different dates between 2020 and 2022. Leong went on to say that the increased competition through Asia means that casino regulators in the gaming market will need to be careful when they reveal their information when it is not necessary.

macau regulators and hong kong

Regional Competition Prompts Discretion

The main concern seems to be the possible reaction from other authorities in the region. Should Macau decide to change their policy, regulators around the jurisdiction will have time to adjust their policies as well. This is also used to increase competitive burden in China.

Current license receptacles might also want information about the standards and franchises. Executive director at SJM Holdings Angela Leong on Kei urged Macau officials to broadcast their objectives so that the process could move smoothly for the interested parties.

Macau Regulators Laws

Under the gaming laws of Macau, the government has the capability to renew the franchise for five years.

Macau Casino 2.0 Regulation

There is a lot of excitement for the gaming revenues increasing in Macau and Asia. Top news in Macau include the impending licensing renewals. Moreover with the government and gambling sites making preparations for the application. For some casino operators, this means more money is coming in the territory.  A month ago, Las Vegas Sands made an announcement about their plans to spend about $1.1 billion with renovations and rebranding the Sands Cotai Central.

Tasmania wants to ban lottery betting

The Tasmanian Government will have a new law passed that will help ban lottery betting in Tasmania. The Australian territory has now joined Western Australia and New South Wales and all want to make sure that lottery betting in the states is banned. South Australia is by far the first Australian state to have taken a step into making sure that the lottery gets banned.

lottery

Lottery Betting

Lottery betting is a casino game that appeals to many players. Games along with the likes of bingo and scratch cards have lottery-like qualities. It requires players to match numbers on their lotto tickets to those that are drawn by the lottery machine. With the lottery game, players select numbers, between 1 and 45.  Players can also choose lines that they want to play. It is an easy and fun game to play.

The Tasmanian Government

The Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, Roger Jaesnch said, “It could prove difficult to control on a state level, but South Australia has done it. We will start technical and legal work straight away. There is a difference between buying a ticket in the lottery and online gambling where consumer protections do not apply. This form of the product is not welcome here.”

The disapproval for lottery betting in Tasmania is also seen as a loss for small businesses. It is also believed that it may be an attack on the shop revenues.

lottery betting -Tasmania

The Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association’s Tasmanian General Manager, Ben Kearney, said: “We can certainly find solutions and I applaud the Government’s decisive actions.”

Nigel Birrell, Lottoland CEO, exposed that there is no indication that supports the claim that the lotto has a major impact on sales in Australia and Europe. An example will be the Australian Lottoland which is known to account for less than 1% of Tatts’ general revenue.

Overall, it looks as if the Australian government want to ban gambling. Moreover, lottery gambling seems like it will be banned within the country within the near future.

IGT attains Responsible Gaming Certificate

International Gaming Technology (IGT) has become the first game software developer and supplier to achieve responsible gaming certification. The gaming software is based in the UK and really made a mark in the gaming industry. IGT attained the certificate for its lotto games along with its brick and mortar casino sections.  They received the certificate from the Global Gambling Guidance Group known as G4.

Responsible gaming and problem gambling experts want to lessen the effect of problem gambling. The group G4 manages to fight off the effect of problem gambling by promoting accreditation programs. The certification strengthens its commitments as a responsible dealer and lightens success of responsible gaming technology results. The company provides their services to gaming operators all over the world.

igt

IGT  – Who Are They?

IGT is one of the leading gaming software providers across the globe. It provides quality games to casinos online and also land-based casinos. Players can also access their favorite IGT games on their mobile devices.  Games featured include; slots, baccarat, roulette, poker, blackjack and more.

“IGT has successfully proven its commitment to responsible gaming by integrating effective features in its products. It assists operators with minimizing harm and preventing problem gambling,” said- Pieter Remmers, G4 Board of Directors Member.

IGT CEO Renato Ascoli, said- “IGT partners with gaming operators around the world to provide innovative technology and services. And it’s our responsibility to create solutions that help our customers protect their players.” Ascoli added, “ It prides itself as an industry pioneer. And the G4 certification allows us to transparently demonstrate our leadership on this important topic.”

igt slots

The gaming company autonomously assessed by the Global Gambling Guidance Group for it to obtain the certification. This is also a great way to create awareness about problem gambling. Try their casinos and enjoy gaming and more at casinos.

Irish National Lottery success on record sales for 2016

The Irish National Lottery has reportedly made an excellent turnover of 12% for the year 2016. They have made sales that total €750m, reported by Irish Times.

Premier Lotteries Ireland, national lottery operators, credited the success of Irish National Lottery turnover. The success means an increase of investments and better use of sales openings. The quantity of outlets and merchants in the Premier Lotteries network went up from 4,002 to 5,290 in the past year.

Irish National Lottery

Online Lotto

The lottery is almost like a bingo game. Players select numbers that will be drawn from the machine. The only way to win is when the numbers that are drawn are the same as the players.

The CEO of Premier Lotteries, Dermot Griffin said: “Several important initiatives were activated during the year, including the continued refresh of our game portfolio, major investment in our online and retail channels and the launch of the new National Lottery App”.

Irish National Lottery

Premier Lotteries Ireland was given a 20-year license to run the National Lottery. They were given the license in November 2014 by the Irish Government. Their biggest jackpot to date was €13,793,435 and was recently won on the 23rd of January 2016.  This jackpot helped to raise the national lotteries profile and the turnover.

The modernization of the game is the reason for the growth by using various internet platforms on smartphones as well as tablets. The reputation of the games and their convenience meant that 2.1million Irish residents frequently took part in the lottery game.

irish lotto

Some of the money was donated to Charities and some of the great causes. And more than €422m was awarded in forms of prizes. Irish National Lotteries will celebrate its 30th birthday soon; players should watch out for special prizes and events that will be taking place!

Macau Government Releases New Smoking Lounge Rules for VIP gamers

Macau government announced the details for VIP smoking lounges within the gambling institution of Macau. This follows by the approved legislation in July by Legislative Assembly. The new legislation states that venues have to conform to the new law on smoking in public areas. This law will prohibit smoking in the VIP gambling spaces. However, casino operators may install free of gaming smoking lounges in the high-roller gambling areas.

macau health bereau

Macau – More on the New VIP smoking Law

Slot machines and gaming tables must be three meters away from the entrance to smoking lounges. The distance can be condensed to two meters should there be a wall that separates the smoking lounge from the casino. Gamblers can play games such as poker, baccarat, roulette, slots and other gambling games’

Under the new rules, every smoking area should have a single entrance. The casino can add sliding doors with an automated system that opens and closes. Installation of smoke alarms will have to be installed. Smoking will be suspended when they have to clean the areas. Cleaning staff will wear masks that protect them to make sure that they are safe from any hazardous tobacco.

Macau Health Bureau

The Health Bureau will be regulating and authorizing smoking lounges in casinos. Casino operators will have to include data that explains the dangers of smoking.  This will be more of promoting healthy lifestyle between players. Over three years ago the government of Macau had banned smoking from the mass market gambling areas. The Cotai District administration managed to tighten up their smoking regulations. They have introduced a new policy on tobacco prevention from authorized lounges only.

macau - no smoking

Responsible Gambling in Macau

Gamblers should always remember to gamble safely and make sure that they don’t chase after their losses. Gambling is supposed to be fun and entertaining. Always remember to gamble responsibly.