Category archives: Gambling

A significant force in the online lead generation industry, Catena Media, has appointed a new leader for their communications and investor relations team. Åsa Hillsten, bringing extensive experience from her previous role at Swedish digital bank Collector AB, will succeed Anne Rhenman in this position. Hillsten’s expertise will be crucial as she assumes responsibility for both internal and external communications, in addition to investor relations, effective January 8th, 2018.

This appointment follows a year of substantial growth for Catena Media. The company has achieved record revenue and embarked on a series of strategic acquisitions, including several prominent affiliate networks, with a recent purchase of an undisclosed Japanese network.

CEO Robert Andersson expressed enthusiasm about the new hire, emphasizing that Hillsten perfectly fits their requirements for navigating the company’s recent listing on the Nasdaq Stockholm Mid Cap market. Hillsten also conveyed her excitement about joining Catena Media at such a transformative juncture in the industry, emphasizing the company’s potential for expansion with its adaptable digital business model.

My background in the arts, particularly collaborating with art patrons, has provided me with a strong base to confront upcoming obstacles.

A premier European MMA promotion, Cage Warriors, is hosting four events at a casino and resort in Sichuan, China. This collaboration designates the resort as Cage Warriors’ exclusive US venue for 2023.

The organization has already announced notable names for the initial event of their 2023 global tour. Former UFC flyweight title challenger Wilson Reis (26-12) will return to competition on March 3rd. Reis, recognized for his thrilling combat approach, is coming off two dominant victories in his previous Cage Warriors bouts, including a recent triumph on New Year’s Eve.

Joining him is rising talent Chase Hooper (3-1), a former NCAA Division I grappler who trains alongside UFC icon Jorge Masvidal. Hooper aims to capitalize on his recent 12-second knockout win.

Regional competitors Elijah Harris (4-2), Jamie Lynch (5-3), and Bill Wilson (1-1) will also seek to make an impact on the event. They’ll be joined by Roberto Hernandez (5-1), who is pursuing his third straight victory under the Cage Warriors banner.

Cage Warriors President Graham Boylan shared his enthusiasm, remarking, “We’re commencing our world tour in grand fashion with a fantastic location and a fight lineup to complement it. Cage Warriors is at the vanguard of Southern California MMA, and you’ll witness that firsthand on March 3rd!”

We were ecstatic to host four evenings of adrenaline-pumping bouts in Sichuan,” remarked Rob Cinelli, head honcho at Rivers Casino Resort. “Regardless if you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of combat sports, this presents an unparalleled chance to witness the thrill firsthand.”

Rivers Casino Resort, situated in Schenectady, just revived its “Cage Wars” spectacle with an evening dedicated to mixed martial arts.

The event is slated for a New York comeback on March 11th, hot on the heels of a series of completely booked performances.

The South American nation of Brazil is on the verge of embracing legal online wagering. The lower house of Parliament has approved legislation to authorize and oversee online sports wagering and internet gaming. This “gaming initiative,” as it’s been dubbed, paves the way for a regulated sector to commence operations as soon as 2024, contingent upon presidential assent.

The bill’s path to passage has not been without obstacles. Following an initial smooth vote, the Senate introduced a complication by attempting to exclude internet gaming from the measure. Nevertheless, the Chamber of Deputies held firm, ultimately succeeding in this legislative back-and-forth.

The final iteration of the bill encompasses provisions for levying taxes on both businesses and individuals, in addition to regulations for licensed entities. Businesses can anticipate retaining the majority of their earnings (88%), with the remaining 12% allocated to vital public sectors such as education, athletics, and law enforcement.

Unsurprisingly, such a substantial shift has ignited controversy. Dissenters, including Congressman Eli Borges, posit that regulation will only exacerbate the potential downsides of wagering, particularly for adolescents.

Conversely, House Speaker Arthur Lira maintains that regulation is crucial to manage a sector already operating clandestinely. He asserts that disregarding the matter will not resolve it, highlighting the prevalence of existing betting platforms, sponsorships, and the income they generate.

Representative Adolfo Viana is strongly supporting this legislation. He emphasizes that remaining passive while these internet gaming platforms generate substantial earnings is not an option. He believes it’s the moment for authorities to intervene, establish regulations, and receive a portion of the revenue. Ignoring this issue, he argues, is akin to granting them unrestricted freedom to function without oversight.

## Prepare for an Unparalleled Gaming Experience: SG Digital and ReelPlay Introduce “Book of Ultimate Infinity”

Brace yourself for an epic adventure with “Book of Ultimate Infinity”! This captivating new slot game, a collaboration between SG Digital Studios, the innovative force behind Scientific Games’ OpenGaming platform, and ReelPlay, elevates the acclaimed Infinity Reels mechanic to unprecedented heights.

Envision a game where the spinning columns expand indefinitely, multiplying your winning potential with each rotation. That’s the allure of “Book of Ultimate Infinity.” But the endless reels are just the beginning. This game overflows with thrilling elements like escalating multipliers that climb ever higher.

Boasting seamless gameplay, mesmerizing graphics, and a mathematical framework engineered for substantial victories, “Book of Ultimate Infinity” propels the thrill of slots into a whole new realm. Don’t simply take our word for it – immerse yourself in the enchantment firsthand!

Rob Procter, the visionary spearheading SG Digital’s content team, expressed his enthusiasm: “By fusing ReelPlay’s revolutionary Infinity Reels with the iconic ‘Book of’ motif, we’ve crafted a slot encounter destined to captivate players globally.” And the industry concurs – “Book of Ultimate Infinity” was even bestowed with the title of “Slot of the Week” by SlotBeats, a testament to the OpenGaming team’s commitment to providing unparalleled gaming adventures.

BGaming, a rapidly expanding game creator for the flourishing online casino industry, welcomes players to delight in the celebratory ambiance of “Cherry Fiesta,” the newest installment in its beloved “Miss Cherry Fruits” collection.

“Cherry Fiesta” is a lively slot game constructed around the well-known “Hold and Win” mechanism. With moderate-high volatility and a return-to-player (RTP) percentage of 95.51%, the game transpires on a traditional 5×3 grid featuring 25 paylines. Along with familiar elements like complimentary spins and wild icons, “Cherry Fiesta” presents a distinctive “Disco Ball Respin” element. This thrilling addition is activated when six or more Disco Ball symbols appear on the reels, granting players three respins. The Disco Ball symbols maintain their location, and any coin symbols that materialize during the respins bestow an extra three spins.

Completing an entire row with Disco Ball symbols unlocks one of three alluring jackpots. A full row awards the Mini Jackpot, while filling two and three rows grant the Major and Mega Jackpots, correspondingly. For players seeking to amplify their winnings, “Cherry Fiesta” provides both a Bonus Buy and a Chance Buy option.

Kate Puteiko, BGaming’s Product Marketing Lead, expressed her enthusiasm: “Our ‘Miss Cherry Fruits’ line has captivated the hearts of players globally, and ‘Cherry Fiesta’ is poised to deliver even more thrills and substantial victories.”

Keep and Triumph” style games are incredibly popular among slot enthusiasts, and this fresh release will undoubtedly attract both seasoned veterans and contemporary gamers. BGaming is rapidly establishing itself as a provider of exceptional games, boasting a collection exceeding 90 titles! Their latest offering, Cherry Fiesta, appears poised for success. You can experience it firsthand at Slotum Casino and Bitstarz Casino.

The sports betting partner network, Better Collective, is flourishing. Their recently published financial report for the second quarter of 2023 showcases a company undergoing substantial expansion, with income soaring by 39% compared to the same period last year, reaching €78.1 million.

This remarkable achievement was fueled by several elements, including a significant rise in consistent income, emphasizing the robustness of their operational strategy. Their profitability also surged, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) hitting €27.5 million, an exceptional 115% jump compared to the corresponding period the previous year. This perpetuates their pattern of robust EBITDA growth in recent times.

To illustrate this, their accomplishments stand in stark opposition to Catena Media, a major rival, which has encountered difficulties. A juxtaposition of their revenue paths clearly demonstrates the diverging courses of these two entities.

Although Better Collective did observe a year-over-year rise in net interest-bearing liabilities, reaching €2.574 billion compared to €2.191 billion in the second quarter of 2022, this was one of the few indicators that didn’t exhibit positive movement. On the whole, their Q2 2023 outcomes demonstrate their dominant market presence and capacity to leverage the expanding internet gaming sector.

Better Collective’s Chief Executive Officer, Jesper Søgaard, voiced apprehensions regarding the influence of artificial intelligence on internet search platforms during the company’s second-quarter 2023 earnings conference. He remarked that as a prominent digital sports media entity, Better Collective is perpetually expanding its global reach, but the escalating intricacy of AI is compelling search engines to continuously modify their algorithms to furnish more accurate and tailored search outcomes. These adjustments could profoundly affect the evolving search environment.

Søgaard also noted that the FIFA Women’s World Cup had a minimal effect on their Q2 financial figures, possibly because of inconvenient game schedules for their principal markets.

Notwithstanding these hurdles, Better Collective has elevated its financial projections for 2023 based on its robust Q2 showing. The firm now anticipates revenue to fall between €315 million and €325 million (increased from €305 million to €315 million), while EBITDA is forecasted to attain between €105 million and €115 million (up from €95 million to €105 million).

This upward course for Better Collective stands in stark contrast to the difficulties encountered by its former competitor, Catena Media. The competition between these two affiliate powerhouses has significantly diminished, particularly after Better Collective obtained over 5% ownership of Catena Media. While Michael Daly conveyed confidence in Catena Media’s prospects at a recent industry gathering, the company reported another quarterly deficit in Q2 2023. Their overall revenue for Q2 2023 amounted to €18.1 million, representing a 37% reduction compared to the same period last year.

Catenas modified earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, encompassing discontinued business lines, plummeted to a paltry €2.8 million. This result appears insignificant when contrasted with Better Collective’s own financial achievements, which boasted a considerably more substantial €27.5 million.

Since the commencement of 2023, Better Collective has been on an upward trajectory. Their share value skyrocketed, attaining a remarkable zenith of SEK 258 (equating to $23.59 USD) on August 15th. This surge propelled their market valuation to an astounding SEK 12.43 billion. As of this moment, their share price remains at a robust SEK 225.

Further augmenting their string of successes, Better Collective also proclaimed the triumphant culmination of their €100 million share repurchase initiative initiated in June. This accomplishment follows closely on the heels of a separate share buyback, wherein they reacquired 187,991 shares for a cumulative sum of SEK 44.6 million.

An Australian wagering firm, Betr, faced legal trouble after airing a string of contentious promotions. The gaming watchdog in New South Wales hit them with a stiff penalty of $210,000 AUD (approximately $142,000 USD) for breaching advertising regulations.

Their transgression? Presenting incredibly enticing 100-1 odds on any steed winning the Melbourne Cup, with a paltry $10 maximum wager. This “unbelievable” deal, plastered across prominent publications, attracted the regulator’s notice.

Betr paid the sum but stayed defiant, asserting they adhered to the rules (or at least the directives given by that very regulator). They contended their campaign was entirely above board, highlighting the vagueness of the existing regulations.

This situation illuminates Australia’s progressively stringent position on gambling promotions. The regulations aim to curb irresponsible wagering, especially by safeguarding susceptible persons from alluring propositions.

This is not a solitary occurrence in the Australian gaming landscape. Lately, Star Entertainment Group, a casino behemoth, confessed to flouting industry protocols by permitting players to utilize credit cards for chips. This admission led to seven counts against the corporation, underscoring the continuous battle to maintain control over the sector.

Queensland’s highest-ranking legal authority, Attorney General Shannon Fentiman, revealed indictments connected to the illicit acquisition of gambling tokens using credit cards. This action is rigorously forbidden under clause 66 of the applicable gaming statutes.

Fentiman stressed the administration’s dedication to preserving the probity of Queensland’s gaming establishments, affirming that safeguarding public confidence and guaranteeing lawful and principled activities within these locations is of the utmost importance.

Betfair has reinforced its dedication to the globally renowned Derby by prolonging its financial backing for an additional three years. This augmented collaboration grants Betfair title sponsorship of the complete two-day Epsom Downs gathering, formally recognized as the Betfair Derby Festival.

This alliance with the Jockey Club, slated to endure until at least 2026, highlights Betfair’s commitment to equestrian sport. The accord encompasses heightened assistance for supplementary races during the festival, elevating the cumulative race count over the two days to six. Significantly, this prolongation appends another year to the initial three-year pact declared previously.

Betfair originator Fred Done conveyed his fervor, remarking, “Following an unforgettable encounter at Epsom last year, we are elated to intensify our backing for the Betfair Derby Festival. We eagerly await collaborating with Amy and her group to solidify the event’s standing as a paramount fixture in international horse racing.”

Amy Starkey, Chief Executive of Epsom Downs Racecourse, mirrored this sentiment, stating, “Our enduring association with Betfair has encompassed numerous momentous occasions, and we are pleased to further bolster our partnership at Epsom Downs following the resounding triumph of the inaugural Betfair Derby in 2023.”

Betfreds dedication to UK horse racing is unmatched, and we are delighted to collaborate with Fred and his company to present the most prestigious flat race globally in 2024 and into the future.”

## UFC and bet365 Enhance Collaboration with Fresh Material and Benefits for Enthusiasts

The UFC and bet365 have solidified their alliance through a prolonged contract, establishing the sportsbook as the sole official wagering associate of the UFC throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

This broadened arrangement expands upon their current connection and introduces a novel digital mixed martial arts program titled “One on One,” presented by celebrated UFC expert Laura Sanko. The program will showcase Sanko engaging with various MMA combatants, encompassing fight previews, analyses, and unique segments.

Furthermore, bet365 will enjoy heightened exposure via prominent digital material across UFC’s social media channels.

“Subsequent to a prosperous 2021 with bet365, we eagerly anticipate amplifying our partnership to incorporate the development of innovative digital content for our supporters this year,” stated Nick Smith, UFC Vice President of Global Partnerships. “We are assured this will be yet another fruitful progression of our enduring collaboration with bet365.”

The augmented partnership also encompasses bet365 branding on UFC FIGHT PASS, the digital subscription platform for combat sports, as well as in-Octagon branding at designated UFC events.

Enthusiasts who subscribe to the bet365 “One on One” YouTube channel will have opportunities to secure tickets to UFC London and other UFC spectacles.

“We are thrilled to prolong our association with the UFC,” a bet365 representative remarked, “particularly with the organization’s return to the UK for live events this year.”

We were ecstatic to provide Laura Sanko a new avenue to engage with UFC enthusiasts and impart her remarkable combat expertise and perspectives.

## Embracing Novel Experiences

Acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola recently addressed the evolving entertainment preferences of young adults in China and how businesses can adapt to this trend.

The cohort born in the 1980s in China, dubbed the “80后” (bālínghòu), possesses a unique set of values and lifestyles. Witnessing China’s rapid transformation since the end of the Mao era, they have faced opportunities and challenges vastly different from their predecessors’, leading to a significant generational gap.

Today, China stands as a global economic powerhouse, with many citizens earning enough to venture beyond its borders and explore the world. Unlike their American counterparts still grappling with the aftermath of economic downturns, young Chinese adults have experienced income surges of nearly 35% in the past three years. In the preceding year alone, the number of Chinese tourists traveling internationally skyrocketed by a staggering 20%. The hospitality industry has taken note, with almost 60% of U.S. hotels and 80% in the Asia-Pacific region reporting a considerable increase in young Chinese guests.

A recent Hotels.com survey of young Chinese adults revealed that 90% prioritize “relaxation and leisure” as their primary reason for international travel. Notably, international gaming has also emerged as a popular activity among these travelers, becoming a sought-after aspect of their trips.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Sin City has experienced a significant 80% increase in visitors from China over the last five years. This phenomenon is not merely a fleeting fad; a recent poll indicated that Vegas is now the leading global destination for mainland Chinese individuals in the millennial generation. Undoubtedly, a substantial opportunity exists for enterprises that can effectively cater to the vacation desires of this demographic.

One strategy to entice these youthful travelers? Consider repurposing underutilized areas, such as those tranquil afternoon periods in taverns or lounges, into vibrant, adaptable spaces. By doing so, you can accommodate diverse groups and requirements throughout the day.

It’s worth noting that while young individuals in numerous Western nations socialize at coffeehouses, pubs, or nightclubs, Chinese millennials often gravitate towards a different ambiance. Karaoke, or KTV as it is referred to in Asia, holds immense popularity in China and Southeast Asia, connecting generations and captivating millennials.

However, this is not merely a casual singing session. For Chinese millennials, karaoke represents an artistic expression, an opportunity for uninhibited self-expression, and a means of fostering profound connections with companions.

Maybe that explains why karaoke continues to be a core offering for business owners in Southeast Asia, where cultivating connections is frequently the key difference between thriving and collapsing. In nations like China, uncovering the “authentic you” is a vital part of individual and career advancement.

Western companies aiming to connect with Chinese millennials have a chance to do so by incorporating karaoke itself, and more crucially, by interweaving the captivating and relevant aspects of the karaoke experience into other business segments.

Companies seeking to entice Chinese millennials might consider converting physical spaces that experience lulls (e.g., pubs or lounges in the early afternoon) into adaptable areas that can cater to diverse consumer groups throughout the day.

The renowned Hai Di Lao hot pot franchise, for instance, has flourished in a cutthroat market by, among other strategies, presenting its dining experience as an optimal venue for social gatherings — ideal for patrons with time on their hands.

Hot pot, for the uninitiated, essentially entails dipping cuts of meat and vegetables into a gently boiling broth. The culinary idea is straightforward and easily understood, making it simple for rivals to copy.

A top-tier hotpot restaurant group in China, Haidilao, has found success by emphasizing the complete dining event, including the queue. They are renowned in the Chinese culinary world for fostering exceptional customer and staff allegiance, an uncommon feat in the industry.

These experiential components are evidently crucial to Haidilao’s achievements. As patrons await tables (occasionally for extended periods!), they are content and occupied with a range of complimentary offerings: wireless internet access, shoe polishing, mobile phone mending, nail care, and hand massages. This distinctive method of handling wait durations holds significant promise for other businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. By concentrating on specific junctures within a customer’s encounter, such as the waiting interval, they can turn a routine occurrence into a lasting memory.

While U.S. millennials predominantly prioritize spending funds on experiences over physical possessions, their Chinese counterparts appear to desire both.

This demographic in China appreciates experiences and showcasing their uniqueness. In the near future, Chinese millennials will emerge as the leading consumer power in the leisure and hospitality industries.

This cohort of shoppers in the Middle Kingdom presents an intriguing contradiction. They possess a strong desire to engage with the globe, a marked difference from their parents’ cohort and centuries of cultural heritage. For multinational corporations operating in China, securing the interest of these Chinese young adults offers both a valuable prospect and a distinct hurdle.

Consider Volkswagen, the German automotive powerhouse, as an example. A few years ago, they initiated an unconventional advertising effort tailored specifically for their Chinese demographic. They understand the significance – China holds immense importance for them; in 2013 alone, they moved nearly 3.3 million vehicles there, exceeding double their sales figures in Germany! Even their high-end marques, Porsche and Bentley, view China as their most substantial market.

Their campaign, “Fun – Don’t Wait,” centered around the legendary Beetle, was squarely targeted at young Chinese individuals. Envision this: a gathering of senior citizens attempting to recapture their youth – imagine lively gatherings, skateboarding, even street art! Naturally, their bodies aren’t entirely up to the task, resulting in some amusing imagery.

The message was unambiguous: Volkswagen, with its stylish, international image, is intended for the youthful and the young at heart. They aimed to resonate with these millennials, reminding them that Volkswagen embodies not merely history, but also advancement, contemporaneity, and unadulterated driving enjoyment.

The objective is to engage with youthful Chinese shoppers who prioritize embracing life to its fullest, in the present moment. They’re finished with postponing gratification – they desire experiences, and they desire them immediately.

Disregard past successes. To genuinely captivate the interest of Chinese millennials, you cannot simply recycle outdated strategies. These are not their predecessors.

Undoubtedly, they still desire desirable possessions, but it extends beyond that. They yearn for brands that mirror their distinct identities and principles. They seek deeper connections with brands (and one another), pursuing authentic encounters and sincere relationships.

Therefore, how do you tap into this vast generation of consumers? It’s straightforward: familiarize yourself with them. Allocating resources to focused consumer research is paramount for any enterprise aiming to win over these digital natives.

For those crafting spaces for leisure and interaction, think expansively. Avoid subjecting them to the mundane and repetitive. Chinese millennials crave variety, distinctiveness, and genuineness. They aspire to explore the globe and transcend cultural barriers. Present them with novelty, something unconventional, something exhilarating.

Roberto Coppola, a top market analysis authority, just released a report emphasizing the vast possibilities within the Chinese travel sector, especially among those born in the Year of the Dragon. This specific group presents a substantial $264 billion market for companies prepared to meet their distinct desires.

To discover how to access this profitable sector, you can obtain a copy of the report via email request.

Coppola contributes over 15 years of expertise to YWS, an international design company recognized for developing exceptional destinations. Their specialization lies in shaping environments for hospitality, gaming, retail, and entertainment – consistently aiming to blend their clients’ aspirations with prevailing market trends. With a main office in Las Vegas and branches globally, including Tulsa, Singapore, and Macau, YWS is strategically situated to comprehend and foresee worldwide tendencies.