Monthly Archives: October 2016

Macau tourists lifts “lucky” Galaxy profit in Q3

Recreational bettors and tourists, coupled with good luck, pushed Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.’s (GEG) profit higher in the third quarter of 2016.

GEG’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 28 percent to HK$2.7 billion ($348 million) in the July to September 2016 period from a year earlier, the company said in a filing before the HongKong Stock Exchange.

The company credited “good luck” for posting an increased adjusted EBITDA, which grew by HK$240 million (US$30.94 million).

Much of GEG’s revenue, according to the casino operator, came from Galaxy Macau. During Q3 2016, Galaxy saw its revenue rise by 8 percent year-on-year to HK$9.4 billion (US$1.21 billion) while its adjusted EBITDA was up 31 percent year-on-year to HK$2.2 billion (US$283.66 million).

South Korea pushes for full-scale commercialization of digital currency

South Korea refuses to stay behind in the race to adopt digital currency.

This week, the South Korean government announced that it will offer KRW3 trillion (USD2.65 billion) in financial support over the next three years to develop and promote the financial technology sector in the country. This included the system expansion of digital currency like bitcoin.

“The government will push for the systemization of digital currency on a full scale in tandem with a global trend in the U.S., Japan and other countries,” said Financial Services Commission chairman Yim Jong-yong, according to the Korea Herald.

However, this isn’t the first time the country and local institutions have ventured to adopt bitcoin and its underlying technology, the blockchain.

ICE 2017 expands to accommodate growing number of first time exhibitors

ICE organisers have announced the introduction of a new feature for 2017, developed to help first time and returning exhibitors maximise the benefits of participating in the world’s largest international gaming technology event.

The ICE organising team has secured an additional hall at the ExCeL Centre, enabling new exhibitors to have their own designated home and identity. The new hall will be supported by a dedicated pre-show and in-venue marketing and promotional programme.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative, Kate Chambers, Managing Director of Clarion’s Gaming Division, said: “Despite the continued programme of mergers and acquisitions taking place in the industry, ICE continues to grow both in terms of the net floor space it occupies and the number of exhibiting companies which choose London as the place to launch products and services to an international audience, which in 2016 comprised over 28,000 visitors drawn from 150 nations.

“We know from our research that one of the most popular features of ICE is the opportunity the show delivers for visitors to meet new, fledgling suppliers with fresh and invigorating ideas.

Galaxy Group acquires VitalBet and sponsors Balkan CS:GO Pro League

Galaxy Group is proud to announce its new deal –  the acquisition of the online gambling website VitalBet and other eSports brands from Vital Media.

VitalBet, the high end official betting website of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, was launched in April 2015. Currently VitalBet is among the leading eSports websites and having that in mind Galaxy Group hopes to strengthen its strategic position within the eSports audience.

To celebrate this deal, Galaxy Group is proud to form and sponsor the new Balkan CS:GO Pro League which will be operated under the patronage of VitalBet. Eight of the best teams from the Balkan region will have the chance to participate in a 1 month long tournament, with LAN finals. Between the teams are OUTLAWS (Bulgaria), Dark Passage (Turkey) and Pixel (Hungary).

The idea of the tournament is for the uprising teams to be given the chance to get some spotlight and gain higher exposure on the professional eSports scene, as well as further strengthen the VitalBet positions as a brand.

Ikibu Launches Affiliate Programme with Income Access

Affiliate programme for story-driven online casino integrates Income Access’ affiliate software

Montreal, QC. October 2016 – Ikibu, the Madrid, Spain-based online casino with a fictional narrative focus operated by MT SecureTrade Limited, has announced the launch of a new affiliate programme for the brand in partnership with Income Access, the iGaming-focused marketing technology company and part of Paysafe Group. The Ikibu affiliate programme will be powered by Income Access’ award-winning affiliate management software.

Ikibu was launched earlier in Q4 2016 as the first ever ‘strategy casino’, offering players a story-driven iGaming experience set on the fictional volcanic island of Ikibu, with players becoming Ikkis, islanders, when they register. Heavily influenced by video games and social apps, the brand, which is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority as well as the UK Gambling Commission, features cutting-edge online slots from NetEnt, Microgaming and other top-tier software providers. Games include Lost Vegas, Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, Super Flip, Hugo, and Bugs Party.

Ikibu offers players an innovative loyalty system revolving around deposits, play-time, wagering and other factors. The brand supports a number of trusted payment methods including NETELLER and Skrill.

Ikibu Launches Affiliate Programme with Income Access

Affiliate programme for story-driven online casino integrates Income Access’ affiliate software

Montreal, QC. October 2016 – Ikibu, the Madrid, Spain-based online casino with a fictional narrative focus operated by MT SecureTrade Limited, has announced the launch of a new affiliate programme for the brand in partnership with Income Access, the iGaming-focused marketing technology company and part of Paysafe Group. The Ikibu affiliate programme will be powered by Income Access’ award-winning affiliate management software.

Ikibu was launched earlier in Q4 2016 as the first ever ‘strategy casino’, offering players a story-driven iGaming experience set on the fictional volcanic island of Ikibu, with players becoming Ikkis, islanders, when they register. Heavily influenced by video games and social apps, the brand, which is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority as well as the UK Gambling Commission, features cutting-edge online slots from NetEnt, Microgaming and other top-tier software providers. Games include Lost Vegas, Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, Super Flip, Hugo, and Bugs Party.

Ikibu offers players an innovative loyalty system revolving around deposits, play-time, wagering and other factors. The brand supports a number of trusted payment methods including NETELLER and Skrill.

Ikibu Launches Affiliate Programme with Income Access

Affiliate programme for story-driven online casino integrates Income Access’ affiliate software

Montreal, QC. October 2016 – Ikibu, the Madrid, Spain-based online casino with a fictional narrative focus operated by MT SecureTrade Limited, has announced the launch of a new affiliate programme for the brand in partnership with Income Access, the iGaming-focused marketing technology company and part of Paysafe Group. The Ikibu affiliate programme will be powered by Income Access’ award-winning affiliate management software.

Ikibu was launched earlier in Q4 2016 as the first ever ‘strategy casino’, offering players a story-driven iGaming experience set on the fictional volcanic island of Ikibu, with players becoming Ikkis, islanders, when they register. Heavily influenced by video games and social apps, the brand, which is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority as well as the UK Gambling Commission, features cutting-edge online slots from NetEnt, Microgaming and other top-tier software providers. Games include Lost Vegas, Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, Super Flip, Hugo, and Bugs Party.

Ikibu offers players an innovative loyalty system revolving around deposits, play-time, wagering and other factors. The brand supports a number of trusted payment methods including NETELLER and Skrill.

888Live London is a Resounding Success; Ka Him Li Wins The Main Event

The inaugural 888Live London event was a resounding success as players of the ilk of Antonio Esfandiari, Michael Mizrachi and Martin Jacobson joined the 888Poker Ambassadors for an 11-event blockbuster in Aspers, Stratford.

In September, the bods at 888Poker announced plans to widen the scope of their live tournament interactions by creating the 888Live Festival Series and the first of a planned trio of events is already in the books.

This past weekend, punters from all over the UK flocked to Aspers Casino in Stratford to compete in 888Live London, and there were even a few special guests flown in from across the pond.

The former Big One for One Drop winner, Antonio Esfandiari, and Michael ‘The Grinder’ Mizrachi arrived to add a little razzmatazz to proceedings. The 2014 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event Champion, Martin Jacobson, also made an appearance, as did the former Manchester United and England footballer, Teddy Sheringham.

3-Barrels: Stu Ungar Documentary; Hallaert 888 Deal; Peters All Smiles

3-Barrels of pure value including a brilliant documentary on the life and times of Stu Ungar from the crew at PokerListings, Kenny Hallaert set to wear the 888Poker patch at the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table, and David Peters wins the Sunday Million.

Who is the greatest card player who ever lived?

Modern day folk would say Phil Ivey, but those with memories that go back a little further might well say the name of Stu Ungar.

If you discount Johnny Moss’s 1970 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event victory – as it was only via peer vote – only one player has ever won the title three times.