Monthly Archives: September 2017

Sky Betting & Gaming scrap UK affiliate program on risk concerns

Online gambling operator Sky Betting & Gaming (SB&G) is scrapping its UK affiliate program, just days after local media ran scathing articles on affiliates’ allegedly predatory behavior.

On Monday, SB&G’s UK-facing affiliates reported receiving communication from the company informing them that their services will no longer be required as of October 2. The company claimed the decision came following “a comprehensive strategic review” that focused on “changing regulatory requirements” in its home market. While the Affiliate Hub portal will cease to exist as of October 2, SB&G’s notice made no mention of any forthcoming changes to its Oddschecker and Sportinglife affiliate platforms.

The notice said UK online operators were “experiencing increased obligations regarding their regulatory responsibilities and level of compliance.” SB&G’s opinion is that its UK program “is no longer viable and managing the output of affiliates presents a significant risk to our business from a regulatory perspective.”

In June, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced that it had teamed with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate several online licensees for “potential breaches of consumer law,” including misleading promotions with excessive rollover requirements. An update on this investigation has been promised for October.

Fedor Holz Brings Star Power to Partypoker’s Online Presence, as Site Jockeys with PokerStars for Players

Fedor Holz, Germany’s top-ranked poker pro, announced on Twitter he’s “partnering” with partypoker. The move helps raise the profile of the poker site in its quest to overtake top performer […]

The post Fedor Holz Brings Star Power to Partypoker’s Online Presence, as Site Jockeys with PokerStars for Players appeared first on .

Casino Kings refreshes its site with HTML5 Renovation

Casino Kings, the UK’s forefront online casino house, has revamped its site with a HTML5 makeover in its lobby.

Casino Kings players will be instantly aware of the refresh when they log into their accounts. The new lobby sees even more high-resolution images run through a slide show in the main banner, while recent winners scroll across the bottom of the banner in constantly rolling fashion.

“Cashier”, “Account”, “Promotions” and “Support” access now appears above the main banner – with quick links to contact and promotional activity also available via a sidebar. A greater variety of games categories now features beneath the banner. With more categories now to choose from – including “Featured”, “New” and “Favourites” tabs – players have greater access to the various kinds of games Casino Kings has to offer. All text in the lobby has also been augmented, while 25 vibrant-looking game thumbnails per page give the lobby a distinctive visual quality.

Nathan Howes, Casino Kings Marketing Manager, states the importance of these kinds of refreshes for the site as well as its customers. “We see it in every industry that is public facing,” says Howes. “Retailers renovate their establishments so these environments don’t become stale for their customers. But, with HTML5, the benefits reach far more than just aesthetics. The latest version furnishes designers with better tools to make the websites even more visual and user friendly. The benefits for the end-user, in this case Casino Kings players, are clearer information, better navigation and a refreshed, stylish environment.”

UK prepares for fixed odds betting terminal clampdown

Operators of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) are now bracing for a possible government clampdown after Chancellor Philip Hammond backed down over the issue.

The issue of clampdown, however, caused a division between the Treasure and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), according to The Guardian, after the former warned that the move will financially cripple the government.

Hammond had been a known ally of the gambling industry on the FOBTs – or so what the gaming operators thought.

In supposed letter to the Bishop of St. Albans, Hammond made a 180-degree turn on his earlier position that FOBTs are not responsible for debt, ruined homes, and rising levels of violence in the country.

Shortlisted companies for the CEEG Awards 2017 categories announced

The 2nd edition of the Central and Eastern European Gaming Conference is just around the corner and as related by the organizers, the event will surpass all expectations. With 25% more registration already accounted by the organizers, the event will once again be a sellout and many well-known names already appear on the delegates and speakers list. The same goes for the CEEG Awards, which has seen an approximate 800% climb and reach among the industry peers, with over 90,000 online votes recorded during the online voting phase.

CEEGC Budapest has become the most successful boutique C-level gaming conference and it seems that more and more operators are looking forward to catch this yearly opportunity to get the latest regulatory briefings in “EEGEvents style”.

Announcing the shortlisted companies for CEEG Awards 2017

Operators side:

NYX Gaming Group grows talent investment with senior appointment

Monday September 4, 2017 –  LAS VEGAS, NYX Gaming Group Limited (TSXV: NYX), a market-leading supplier to casino, sportsbook, lottery and bingo operators across the globe, has strengthened its investment in people with the appointment of Charles St Aubyn as Group Director, Talent Acquisition.

St Aubyn joins from US software solutions business JDA Software, where he most recently held the position of Director of Talent Management for EMEA. He brings a wealth of experience in hiring top talent, and has successfully led in-house international recruitment teams in periods of high growth.

In his new role, St Aubyn will deliver the NYX Gaming Group’s talent acquisition strategy to meet the demands of our customers and support our continued growth.

Doreena Ross, Chief Human Resources Officer at NYX Gaming Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Charles to NYX Gaming Group. He will be responsible for attracting and retaining key talent to drive our competitive advantage, and Charles’ appointment will support our aggressive growth model.”

Pragmatic Play joins forces with Gameiom

Malta, 4th September 2017: Multi-award winning slot developer Pragmatic Play has put pen to paper on a landmark partnership with leading software provider GAMEIOM.

Pragmatic Play’s portfolio of more than 80 proven slot titles will be made available to GAMEIOM’s operating partners, under the terms of a deal that significantly expands the provider’s market reach.

The agreement will see GAMEIOM offer Pragmatic Play’s comprehensive selection of online games to a growing array of tier one operators, with BetVictor, Ladbrokes Coral and William Hill amongst the provider’s clients.

The two companies took the agreement live with the games now available under two months from their first meeting. The deal underlines the strength and efficiency of the pair’s respective commercial and technical teams.

Ex-Ladbrokes Australia boss to roll-out new online lottery

The grass must probably be greener in the online lottery business that former Ladbrokes’ Australia chief executive officer Dean Shannon is willing to spend almost AUD10 million (US$7.95 million) to advertise his new venture at the peak of horseracing spring carnival next month.

According to The Australian Financial Review, Shannon is now just awaiting for the Aussie regulators to give him the thumbs up in order for his new online lottery and gambling business, Neds to operate.

Shannon is perhaps the second big name to test the water in the Australian online lottery business in the past few weeks. Just six days ago, Australian casino operator Crown Resorts’ digital arm plans to launch an online lottery betting product to compete with Lottoland’s expanding Aussie presence.

His re-entry to the Australian market also raised so many eyebrows, especially at a time when there are strong regulatory headwinds. These headwinds include the point of consumption tax on online betting in South Australia, the banning of credit betting and the pending restriction on betting ads on television during some live sports events.

Kiron Interactive awarded Romanian licence

London, September 2017 – Specialist virtuals provider Kiron Interactive has expanded its global reach with the award of a Class II licence by the Romanian regulator, Oficiul Naţional pentru Jocuri de Noroc (ONJN).

The multi-year licence grants Kiron the right to distribute its premium suite of 20 virtual sports and number games to the Romanian regulated market.

The ONJN is the regulatory body responsible for all forms of gambling in Romania, both online and land-based, having announced the reform of the country’s gambling laws in 2015.

Steven Spartinos, CEO of Kiron, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded a permanent licence by the regulator, and it is fantastic news that our suite of virtual sports and number games will now be available to Romanian customers.

AfroMillions woos Nigerians with $2.8M lottery jackpot

UK-based gaming provider Ofertas365 has dangled a historic NGN1 billion (US$2.8 million) jackpot to lottery players in Nigeria to mark their expansion in African continent.

The British company announced on Monday that will formally launch AfroMillionsLotto this month, in support of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Football is said to be the most popular sport in the African continent.

James Leppard, chief executive officer of Ofertas365, said AfroMillionsLotto was supposed to be launched last month but they decided to move it to September in order to give all the clubs the same chance to market to their fans.

All 20 NPFL clubs are to be branded with their own page on the Afro millions website where people can buy tickets online for the twice-weekly draws, as well as enjoy a range of Instant Win games.

Booming Games release Booming Bananas

Dive into the jungle to engage in some serious monkey business.

Creative software provider Booming Games, known for their engaging features and appealing graphics, release Booming Bananas.

A treasure trove of graphical delights, Booming Bananas possesses a visual vibrancy rarely seen in other slots. Set amongst the canopy, a welcoming gameboard of dazzling symbols awaits. A selection of rather dapper apes, bars and of course bananas constitute the symbols and the concise 3×3 grid allows players to spot those lucky matches. If this was not enough, they have incorporated some of their most beloved features such as the x7 Multiplier, resulting in a thrilling gaming experience. Tribal drumming helps build and maintain the atmosphere, increasing in pace with the features to help create a fully immersive experience.

Max Niehusen, CEO at Booming Games said, ‘We can’t wait for our players to get their hands on our latest release. Exhilarating gameplay, charming styling and innovative features make Booming Bananas destined to become a firm favourite amongst both casual and professional players.’

Realistic Games launches four new instant win titles

State-of-the-art pull tab games now live with operators

Reading, 4th September 2017: Award-winning casino content provider Realistic Games has boosted its portfolio of instant win games with the release of four new pull tab titles.

Among the games putting a colourful spin on the familiar formula are Sunset Reels and Shore Thing, which allow players to test their luck against bright beach-themed backdrops.

The Snakes & Ladders pull tab draws on the classic board game to give players a fresh and yet familiar experience, while the animal-themed adventure Go Wild on Safari completes the collection.

Coinbase hit by surge of customer complaints in 2017: report

Before it scales any further, Coinbase first needs to overcome one major obstacle: the rising number of consumer complaints.

2017 has been a banner year for the San Francisco-based startup, which recently attained the “unicorn” status after raising $100 million in a Series D funding round. But the popular digital currency exchange has also seen an increase in customer complaints this year, according to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Data from the CFPB website showed that the U.S. regulator has received at least 332 complaints about Coinbase as of Aug. 30. This is compared to the six complaints lodged against Coinbase for all of 2016, according to CFPB.

The complaints ranged from transaction problems and service problems to “money was not available when promised,” “unexpected or other fees,” and even fraud or scam. In June, one customer told the CFPB that he/she fears he/she “may have scammed into investing money into something that either does not work or is purposely trying to deceive me, while a customer complaint lodged in July reported that the “site magically goes down for ‘maintenance’ every time it’s an opportunity to buy.”

WrB London 2017 sets the tone for responsible gambling agenda

World Regulatory Briefing (WrB) is back in London on September 12 not only to address issues affecting the gaming industry, but also to discuss responsible gambling politics, commercial and technology strategies.

The 2017 edition, which will be held at the OXO2 in London, will explore market developments in the gaming sector and how the industry and its stakeholders can live in harmony with responsible gambling.

Minimizing digital addiction is one of the many topics that will be tackled at the WrB London. The first session will address the growing concern with generalized digital addiction and how the gambling industry can become a leader in sustainability. The panel that will discuss the benefits of indexing, transparency and reporting sustainability is composed of MP MP Philip Davies, Bournemouth University Professor Rainan Ali, and Gambling Therapy head of therapy Pedro Romero.

Another topic that will be discussed at the event is how to build a responsible and transparent culture within an organization. Hillevi Stuhrenberg, manager for responsible gaming and CSR at Betsson Matla Ltd., will talk about the complexities of building a responsible strategy as it crosses the paths of different departments within an organization—from technology, compliance and data to CSR, government and stakeholder relations.

Bensimoun is Rotterdam’s rampant rabbit; comes first

News of a rampant rabbit winning the World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event in Rotterdam, and John Hesp secures a movie deal.

When someone comes to work wearing a pink rabbit hat, they are either blind or like a good laugh.

Ben Bensimoun isn’t blind.

The 33-year-old Swiss poker player and Country Manager for 888Poker is a man caught up with the heartbeat of the second largest online poker room in the world.

3: Barrels: Jacobson in Sweden PHoF; Hellmuth close; Winter is here

Three short stories par excellence including a young Swede inducted into the Swedish Poker Hall of Fame, the latest Raw Deal host coming close to his first World Poker Tour title, and more news from the Aria High Rollers.

It was a cockroach in Barcelona.

A mouse stuck in the radiator in Amsterdam.

Airbnb is a more exciting living experience than Premier Inn because of these immune system busting novelties, but there is one constant in all of the rooms, that gives you the sense that you are living in a hotel chain – the IKEA BOLMEN waste bin.

AskGamblers enhance CasinoRank algorithm

As the iGaming industry is constantly changing, AskGamblers decided it was time to improve the CasinoRank system, in order to keep up with the latest trends. As a result, after a certain period of hard work, AskGamblers proudly present the new and improved CasinoRank algorithm. From now on, this dynamic online casino rating system will take more parameters into consideration, when it comes to rating an online casino.

The Improved Rating System is Ready

Most players are familiar with AskGamblers’ CasinoRank rating system, which serves as an objective data that also gives current players feedback. Most importantly, its powerful algorithm is used to determine which casino sites are the best. Thanks to CasinoRank, players can get updated information about the casino in question, by getting the experiences of other players at the casino, as well as the quality of the casino’s customer care.

Among the most important changes in CasinoRank system are parameters, such as volume of player complaints and how fast they are being resolved, as well as how efficient the casino’s representatives are. Other factors include whether the casino offers an instant-play version, live casino section, mobile version, different deposit methods and international accessibility, among many other features. Also, what matters is for a casino to have sleek and modern design, easy navigation, as well as to offer numerous games from the leading software suppliers.