SBC CIS Editorial Team is back this week with another portion of the news compilation, something that rocked the world of sports betting and iGaming last week and something that needs to be properly integrated into your business life this week. Lots of talking points, important regulatory updates, some earnings figures for you to discuss and aspire to, innovation, product launches and new sponsorship deals — all that in our today’s selection of the gambling news digest. Let’s jump right in!
Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), the global anti-money laundering body, announced that the Russian Federation will be expelled from the organization. The FATF statement said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing attacks «are unacceptably contrary to the core principles of the FATF, which are aimed at ensuring the security, stability and integrity of the global financial system.» In this regard, the FATF decided to suspend the membership of the Russian Federation. The FATF will continue to monitor the situation and consider at each General Assembly whether it is appropriate to continue the regulation.
The Czech Ministry of Finance notified the national media of its intention to introduce changes to the gambling taxation. Savings target is needed as the Ministry of Finance aims to keep the Czech budget deficit at 295 billion crowns (12.6 bn Euro) and prevent the debt-to-GDP ratio from reaching +46%, the highest in Central Europe. In 2020, after three years of debate, the Czech ANO (civil) administration approved the decision of the Ministry of Finance to introduce a new graduated tax of 23-35% on all licensed products (lotteries, sports betting, sweepstakes, bingo, live games, slot machines). and lotteries) permitted by Czech gambling law. As a result, the Czech gambling business came under the control of local companies Fortuna Entertinament and TipSport, which retained most of the sports betting and gambling market and, together with SAZKA, operated the Czech National Lottery.
In February of 2023, Macau Casinos’ GGR reached the MOP 10.32 billion (USD 1.27 billion) mark. According to a report released by the Bureau of Gambling Inspection and Coordination of the Special Administrative Region of China (DICJ), Macau casinos’ revenue increased by 33.1% compared to the same period in 2022, when it reached MOP 7.76 billion. In the first two months of 2023, Macau casinos’ revenues already amounted to MOP 21.9 billion, an increase of 55.3% compared to the previous year.
Neccton and Betsson agreed to cooperate in order to prevent possible cases of money laundering and inspire responsible gambling. As part of the agreement, the group’s customers will be protected by an AI-based solution that analyzes player behavior in real time and prevents problematic gaming habits from developing. The software works to recognize possible problematic behavior and helps both players and operators identify and resolve issues.
Bede Gaming’s Chief Strategy Officer — Alistair Boston-Smith — reflected on different industrial topics crucial for the SBC audience in a recent podcast hosted by SBC News’ editor Ted Orme-Claye. Bede Gaming is an open tech platform for both lottery and gaming companies operating across four continents — North America, Africa, Europe, and South America.
“Lotteries are different because, in many cases, their ownership structure is linked to the government, so they have a different group of stakeholders, and their role and their focuses are quite different.” — shared Mr. Boston-Smith.
Aristocrat Gaming signed a multi-year deal with Formula 1 to become a sponsor of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. As part of the deal, Aristocrat would become the official supplier of slot machines for racing. The first Grand Prix will be held on the Las Vegas Strip from November 16 to 18.
Pragmatic Play released many fresh updates for Mega Sic Bo, one of their most popular live casino games. Update package includes a redesigned user interface (UI), better user experience, and a brand new state-of-the-art studio specifically designed to provide fast gaming with unparalleled quality. The bet board and chip selector have been redesigned to improve usability, and the bet panel has been moved for better navigation.
This wasn’t the only news coming from the Industry-leading iGaming content provider last week.
Pragmatic Play expanded its partnership with UK-based operator MrQ for live casinos. MrQ gained access to an exciting collection of live casino games from Pragmatic Play. In addition to classic games like roulette and blackjack, guests can also enjoy exciting game shows like Sweet Bonanza CandyLand™ and PowerUP Roulette™.
Guild Esports, the esports organization co-owned by David Beckham, opened a new in-house production and creative studio to run bespoke campaigns for sponsors, independent brands and media owners.
BetBoom signed a new sponsorship agreement with FC Dynamo Moscow. The commercial contract is reported to last for 3.5 years until the end of the 2025/2026 season. The total value of the contract is more than 3.5 billion rubles. The BetBoom logo will be placed in the center of the front of the Dynamo T-shirt.
SOFTSWISS announced a series of jackpot promo campaigns for the Cleopatra Group. This is the first time that a jackpot aggregator developed by SOFTSWISS supports an entire group consisting of six casinos. With the launch of the jackpot campaign in collaboration with jackpot aggregator SOFTSWISS, the Cleopatra group is using progressive solutions to offer users a new gaming experience and increase player retention. The jackpot promotion applies to all slots, live games and table games at the six Cleopatra casinos.
Betby announced the appointment of Sergey Tsukanov as their new Chief Product Officer. Mr. Tsukanov will expand his position and influence within the group and will be responsible for risk management and day-to-day control of the trading team. «I am excited to take on new challenges and drive even greater success for our organization. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in an expanded capacity and look forward to working with everyone to build on our past successes and drive future growth», — shared Mr. Tsukanov.
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