Monthly Archives: March 2020

Sports betting bill dies in Wyoming House, but regulation passes

On February 28, a bill that would have legalized sports betting in Wyoming died on the state House floor. The bill, which was sponsored by Representative Tom Walters, was defeated by a narrow 32-27 vote. But gambling progressed as a whole, as new regulations were agreed on and sent to the Senate.

According to Walters, this was simply a vote against any form of gambling within the state. “They felt that by providing a regulatory opportunity it was legalizing it,” Walters explained. “I somewhat disagree in saying it’s not illegal but it operates in an underground world because we don’t have a regulatory framework in place. With no regulatory framework, it will continue to not be monitored.”

The bill proposed a 16% tax rate and an initial license fee of $20,000, renewed annually at a cost of $10,000. The bill also set a minimum gambling age of 18 years of age and would have allowed for betting to begin in 2021, just in time for the NFL playoffs.

A unique provision of the bill was that it did not set a limitation on the number of applicants who could bid for a sports betting license. This would’ve allowed several of the big-name sportsbooks, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, to make a bid, but also opened the door for smaller or lesser-known operations.

Illinois approves new sports gambling licenses as launch approaches

Illinois now has six licensed sports gambling operators ready to get things rolling in the state. After the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) approved three licenses in January, it would take about another month for three more to be accepted, but at least progress is being made. The newest recipients hoping to see their sportsbooks go live ahead of March Madness this month include Boyd Gaming and Penn National Gaming.

Penn National will now be able to put up sports wagers at its Hollywood Casino properties in Aurora and Joliet, and Boyd will add odds boards to its Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino in Peoria, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Another venue, the Fairmount Park racetrack located in Collinsville, has yet to find out whether or not the IGB plans on approving its sports gambling license request.

Just like was the case when regulators issued licenses to Rivers Casino, Grand Victoria Casino and Argosy Casino Alton in January, there is still no specific date when sports wagers will start to legally be placed in the state. However, the race is on to try to get the market up and running before March Madness, the NCAA men’s basketball championship games, in order to capture one of the larger gambling events in the country.

It seems that getting things in place ahead of the games is expected, at least by one of the newly-licensed entities. The Argosy Casino Alton has been advertising the launch of its sportsbook ahead of March Madness, and Rivers Casino brass are “hopeful” everything will be ready by the start of the games on March 17.

Michigan should see sports gambling before March Madness

March Madness, the NCAA men’s basketball championship tournament, is only weeks away. A number of states in the US already have their sports gambling markets open to bettors, while a few more are putting the final touches on their programs. Michigan falls in the latter category but, with a little bit of luck, sports fans in the state will be able to get in on the action and place their bets in the upcoming collegiate tournament.

Local media outlet WILX points out that the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and sportsbooks are finalizing details for licenses at three commercial casinos in the state. As soon as the licenses are approved, the venues will be able to set up shop, and MGCB Executive Director Rick Kalm states, “Right now the only thing they’re waiting for us to approve the couple licenses still outstanding for some of their vendors and the internal control. We’ve been going back and forth with them making sure that the internal controls that they have in place are adequate enough to ensure the integrity of gaming and we’re really close.”

If, for any reason, the licenses aren’t approved ahead of March Madness, there are still other options. Tribal casinos in the state can begin their own operations at any time, giving gamblers 24 locations in the state where they can find some action. Kalm adds, “They have their own gaming boards and they have their own approval process and I believe several of them are working with suppliers for their [sportsbook].”

Eventually, both physical and virtual sportsbooks will be allowed, but, like other states, Michigan is taking baby steps toward legalization. Retail venues will launch first, with online sportsbooks possibly coming several months down the road or even sometime next year. The MGCB is currently setting up the rules for online wagers and is going to launch a public commenting period before finalizing the framework for virtual sportsbooks.

Nevada has a new state program for problem gamblers

Nevada has always been known as the gambling capital of the world. Its entire existence is owed to gambling, with casinos and gaming parlors in the state attracting millions of visitors each year. However, as gambling addiction has become the focus of attention around the world, the Silver State is launching a new program to make it easier for problem gamblers to find help. Project Worth has been created to connect those who feel that gambling is controlling their lives with state and local resources designed to help put the control back in their hands.

According to a press release from Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Services, Project Worth is an online initiative that will help locals with gambling problems locate state-funded treatment resources, including “treatment centers in northern and southern Nevada and call, text or chat helplines.” Those who feel they have an ongoing issue or even just a one-time problem can take advantage of the program.

The chair of the Advisory Committee of Problem Gambling, Alan Feldman, asserts, “Project Worth was created to help people in the state of Nevada learn that everyone is worthy of support if they find themselves experiencing any of a range of harms from gambling — from mild to moderate to severe. We want Nevadans to know that if they struggle with any kind of a gambling problem, there are treatment resources available on both the state and national levels to help them redefine their personal worth. And these resources are free or very low cost.”

Nevada has six state-funded treatment centers. Three are located in the southern part of the state and three in the northern region. Those in the south, which are all in Las Vegas, include the International Problem Gambling Center, Mental Health Counseling and Consulting and Finding Hope Therapy; the northern centers are Bristlecone Family Resources in Reno, Reno Problem Gambling Center and New Frontier Treatment Center in Fallon.

Puerto Rico opens request for proposal process for sports gambling

The Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF) announced that they have issued a request for proposal (RFP) for a firm to help provide consulting services.  This comes seven months after the legislation was passed that legalized sports betting in the American territory. Those interested in submitting an RFP have until March 13.

“We understand that there are different companies that can contribute the knowledge they have acquired in other jurisdictions and bring that knowledge to Puerto Rico, where we are facing the challenges of a new industry, which is quite complicated,” José Maymó Azize, executive director of the Gaming Commission explained. “It is not to write it, but to give us the recommendations and work hand in hand with the commission for the formulation of that regulation and of any other regulation that is required.”

Last July, the legislature passed a resolution that legalized sports betting within the territory. This allowed customers to bet on sporting events both in person and by using online sportsbooks.

The move is an attempt by Puerto Rican officials to gain greater economic from the U.S. Sports gambling should help with that goal by providing a new source of revenue. The measure calls for a 7% tax on all land-based operations and a 12% tax on all online wagers.

Macau may not recover until Q3, 2020: Analysts

The coronavirus has had a significant impact on Macau. With gaming revenues plummeting in February, everyone has to be wondering when the territory’s luck will change.

Right now, everything depends on when travel restrictions are lifted. This, of course, depends upon how quickly the Chinese government is able to slow down the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak. But even with that, it may take some time before tourists are comfortable in taveling again. Analysts are now suggesting it may not be until later in 2020 that confidence returns.

“Assuming the epidemic peaks in the next two months, we might see a recovery in Q3/4,“ IGamiX Management & Consulting’s Ben Lee told the Macau News Agency. “The underlying manufacturing sector in Guangdong province is fragile and will need to recover before we can start to see the players returning to play over more.”

Others point out that it will be the degree of tourism and transportation that is the biggest indicator of success. Once people feel more comfortable about returning to Macau, and with traveling in general, then there should be a dramatic upswing in revenue. Sanford C. Bernstein predicted a “solid recovery in Macau,” driven by pent up demand.

Oregon casino forced to close over coronavirus concerns

A casino in Pendleton, Oregon has found itself obligated to shut its doors in the interest of public health. The Wildhorse Resort and Casino, which is operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla and located on the tribes’ reservation, took the decision to temporarily halt activity after one of its employees was diagnosed with the coronavirus, Covid-19. As a result, all those who had come into contact with the individual were requested to put themselves in self-isolation for 14 days in an effort to determine whether or not they had been infected.

According to local media outlet KTVZ, the unidentified employee worked in a “confined area” in the casino and didn’t have much contact with the general public. It isn’t clear how he became infected with the virus that has already killed at least six people in the US, mostly in the northwest region of the country, and more than 3,000 around the world, and the individual’s case is being viewed as a case of “community transmission.” It is believed that the man had not traveled to any area that has shown signs of the coronavirus prior to his diagnosis.

In addition to having possibly exposed others at the casino, the man also attended a youth basketball game at an area school this past Saturday, forcing the gym to be temporarily closed while work is performed to clean it. Authorities don’t believe his presence at the game may be a concern, saying that he only represented a “low-risk” of exposure.

The native tribes have taken extra precautions to try to ensure that the virus doesn’t spread across the more than 172,000 acres of the reservation. They shut down virtually all community facilities, explaining on their Facebook page, “The Board of Trustees has ordered that Nixyaawii Community School, Head Start, Daycare and Senior Center to be closed until all facilities have been fully sanitized.”

Harald Neumann resigns as CEO of Novomatic

In a press release issued by Novomatic on February 28, the supervisory board of announced that they had accepted the resignation of CEO Harald Neumann. The resignation took effect on February 29.

Dr. Bernd Oswald, chairman of the supervisory board, commented, “On behalf of company founder Prof. Johann Graf and the supervisory board of NOVOMATIC AG, I would like to thank Mr. Neumann for his great commitment as chairman of the management board over the past six years. Mr. Neumann made a significant contribution to the successful expansion of the group. His personal wish to resign from his position at the end of the month was granted with regret.”

Neumann is stepping down from the position for family reasons, as per the release. He will continue to remain with the supervisory board and will advise the company on international projects.

Until a permanent replacement is found, Ryszard Presch and Johannes Gratzl will take over the management board responsibilities and will lead the management team of the company. Presch serves as the company COO while Gratzl is the CFO at Novomatic.

Calgary online gambling platform delayed until 2021

It looks like the provincial government of Alberta, the United Conservative Party (UCP), still plans to allow for a locally licensed online gambling platform, according to the 2020-21 budget released on February 27. But it doesn’t look like that will likely occur until at least the middle of 2021.

This new delay was revealed by an email from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) spokeswoman Heather Holmen. “The expectation is the operator for the AGLC’s online gambling solution will be chosen by mid-2020, with an anticipated launch of the platform in mid-2021.”

In January 2019, the AGLC had hoped to have chosen an operator by June, 2019. They had quietly requested proposals for technology suppliers that would be able to provide the digital gaming platform. This would have allowed the casino to be operational this year. It would also have been the culmination of a plan to offer online gambling which had been considered for more than five years.

Legalizing online gambling within the province would be a big revenue source for Alberta. AGLC senior communications officer Chara Goodings explained that over C$358 million ($270 million) was spent by Albertans on online gambling operators with internationally licensed operators.

AFC bans two Laotians for match fixing

On February 26, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) passed down a lifetime ban on two players of the Laos national team who were found guilty of fixing matches. The two players, Khampheng Sayavutthi and Lembo Saysana, were found in violation of article 66.1 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code.

“Both players were found guilty of conspiring to manipulate the result of an international match between the Hong Kong and Laos national teams on October 5, 2017,” the AFC’s stated. Hong Kong won that match, defeating Laos by a final score of 4-0.

In assigning the lifetime ban, the AFC restated its firm committment to combat corruption in sports. “The latest sanction demonstrates that the AFC is fully committed to its zero-tolerance policy on match-fixing and that its regulations provide for tough sanctions for match manipulation.”

The AFC also stated that they had informed the Lao Football Federation (LFF) and the international football governing body, FIFA, of the lifetime ban. No word was provided as to whether the two had any recourse to appeal the lifetime suspensions.

Lottomart Partners with FAST TRACK CRM to Power Their Player Engagement

26  February 2020, MALTA (Press Release) – Lottomart, the app-based lottery operator, have partnered with FAST TRACK to further their impressive player engagement offering.

Lottomart is a UK-facing lottery brand with a big focus on the player experience. The lotto betting app puts user experience at the forefront, and offers some revolutionary features such as a ‘boost’ function for lottery purchases.

Ashley Lang, CEO of Lottomart, said: “We are a technology-led company with ambitious plans for how we can really offer a different experience to our players. FT CRM will allow us to achieve everything we need, in an efficient way.”

FT CRM is a real-time player engagement platform that allows operators to streamline working processes across their organisation while providing exceptional customer engagement.

NetEnt games live with Betfred

NetEnt increases its UK footprint via an agreement with Betfred. A wide range of award-winning games has already been launched and are now available to Betfred’s large player base.

After a successful direct integration, a wide range of NetEnt games has been launched with Betfred in the UK regulated market.

“We are obviously delighted to partner up with one of the leading UK operators with their large base of dedicated players. I’m certain that the Betfred players will enjoy our games with unique features and that our tools will help Betfred grow their business within online gaming,” says Andy Whitworth, Managing Director, NetEnt UK Ltd.

“NetEnt is and has always been known for the quality of their games. I think the upcoming roadmap looks very interesting and we look forward to offering both the classics and exciting new titles at Betfred,” says Andrew Horne, Head of eGaming, Betfred.

Digitain continues global expansion with Portugal and Romania debuts

Global platform provider strengthens European footprint

27th February 2020 – Leading platform provider Digitain has launched its award-winning product offering in Romania and Portugal.

After receiving dual certifications from one of the UK’s most reputable laboratories, Gaming Associates Europe Limited, Digitain can now provide Portuguese and Romanian partners with its market-leading sportsbook and casino platform.

The move further boosts Digitain’s extensive international reach, with the double bill of Gaming Associates accreditations enabling the company to supply its sportsbook across markets where EU-based regulators do not mandate individual compliance checks. 

Gaming innovation Group: Notices from Written Resolution

Reference is made to the announcement published by Gaming Innovation Group Inc. on 14 February 2020 regarding divesting its B2C vertical to Betsson Group and the notices of Written Resolutions from Gaming Innovation Group Plc. to the bondholders relating to each of GIGLTD01 (ISIN NO0010787120) and GIGPLC02 (ISIN NO0010858400) published 14 February 2020.

The proposed resolutions were today adopted with the requisite majority, see attached notices from Nordic Trustee AS. The written resolutions approve to use the proceeds from the divestment to repay the 2017 – 2020 bond and to extend the repayment from the maturity date in March 2020 until 22 April 2020.

Expected completion of the divestment of the B2C vertical to Betsson is mid April 2020, due to the necessary time to finalize the ongoing compulsory regulatory approvals from merger control authorities.

For further questions to the Bond Trustee, please contact Ellen Søiland, [email protected].

Donaco settles multi-year dispute with Star Vegas casino vendor

Asian casino operator Donaco International has resolved its multi-year dispute with a former vendor at its flagship Cambodian gambling venue.

On Tuesday, the Australia-listed Donaco announced the conclusion of negotiations and settlement of its longstanding financial dispute with the so-called Thai Vendors, who can now be publicly identified as Somboon Sukcharoenkraisri, Lee Bug Tong, Lee Bug Huy, Lee Hoe Property Co Ltd, Paramax Co Ltd and related persons.

The dispute dates back to 2015, when Donaco purchased the Star Vegas casino in Poipet from the Thai vendors, but kept them on to manage gaming operations for two years. The following year, the vendors built an adjacent casino, Star Paradise, leading Donaco to accuse the vendors of violating a non-compete clause.

Then followed several seesaw years of court fights and injunctions in various jurisdictions. A month ago, Donaco announced that it had convinced the vendors to return to the negotiating table. On Tuesday, the company revealed the terms to which the parties had agreed.

Scout Gaming publishes Q4 2019: Revenues increased 117% to mSEK 10.0

”I’m happy to once again report a quarter undergoing solid growth, revenues increased by 117% to mSEK 10.0. We are experiencing an accelerating global demand for Scout Gaming’s products, which has resulted in an increased client activity both in terms of number of clients and number of products launched on each client.

Scout Gaming Operator Trading Index which illustrates the underlying client activity amounted to 1035, which is more than a tenfold increase since initiation and compared to the corresponding quarter previous year an increase amounting to 66%. The current growth is a result of previous signed agreements and proves that we are starting to experience results from previous investments in product and organization.

EBITDA improved from mSEK -15.8 to mSEK -8.1. Cash flows from operating activities improved from mSEK -11.2 to mSEK -2.6 during the current fourth quarter. We have a situation where we both have positive operational cash flow and EBITDA result within reach but also facing great growth possibilities.”

Extract from CEO Andreas Ternstrom’s commentary to the Year-end Report.

Codere loses €61.7m in 2019 as LatAm gambling markets struggle

Spanish gambling operator Codere reported falling revenue and earnings in the final quarter of 2019 as growth in its modest online operations was offset by Latin American pressures.

Official figures show Codere generated revenue of €344m in the last three months of 2019, down 4.7% year-on-year but only 0.2% off Q3 2019’s total. Adjusted earnings were down 18.3% year-on-year to €64.7m, although this was 3.4% on a sequential basis.

For the year as a whole, revenue was off 5.9% to €1.39b, mostly due to a €90.5m decrease in Argentina. Adjusted earnings fell 12% to €249m while the company booked a net loss of €61.7m

Codere’s earnings underwent a geographic shakeup in Q4, with Mexico’s share falling from 38% in Q418 to 24% in the most recent quarter. Argentina’s share increased four points to 28%, Spain grew by eight points to 18%, Italy dipped one point to 11% and Uruguay gained two points to 9%. Online gambling’s share doubled to an admittedly minuscule 2%.

Ben Dobson wins GUKT Manchester for £75,510

After 317 players entered for £1,000 at the GUKPT Manchester Main Event, the tournament concluded late on Sunday night with a deal, a pair of Bens and one huge coinflip to see Ben Dobson walk away with £75,510 and the GUKPT trophy.

[Image credit: Grosvenor Poker via Twitter]

The final day began with just 20 players remaining, all of them already in the money, but everyone had their eyes on the final table where the really big money could be won. By the time the final nine had made it, there was a very clear chip leader:

Final table chipcounts:

Online Sportsbook and Casino BETZEST goes live with payment provider Pay4Fun

Malta, 27th February 2020 – Online Casino and Sportsbook Betzest announced a new partnership with leading payment provider Pay4Fun offering instant, safe transactions for online iGaming industry In Brazilian market.

Pay4Fun are already available on Betzest cashier for both deposits and the withdrawal of winnings, offering real-time payments for players.

Online sportsbook and Casino Betzest continues increasing its operations since its launch in July 2018. Betzest is quickly becoming one of world’s leading online gambling company offering best sports betting and casino games.

Marius Filip, Founder/CMO at Betzest, said: We are thrilled to conclude another new partnership with Pay4Fun. This innovative and safe payment provider will play a vital part in helping Betzest to facilitate transactions in Brazilian market. A big thank you to our Betzest team for this great achievement and to Pay4Fun Team for their constant support during the process. We’ve had a tremendously pro-active start to 2020 with a remarkable collection of world-class payment and casino providers on the way. I’m certain the best is yet to come.”