Category archives: Gambling

## Developing Gaming Sectors in Africa: An Uneven Path to Expansion

Lorien Pilling, a Director at Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, recently examined the African online gambling sector. Although boasting a population of over a billion people, Africa trails other areas in gaming, with digital betting representing under 2% of the worldwide market.

Nevertheless, there are encouraging indicators. Numerous African markets have demonstrated promising expansion in recent years, suggesting a possible surge. This development, however, is not without its obstacles. As with any region, governmental control and supervision play a vital role in shaping the industry’s course, and Africa is no different.

South Africa, for instance, exemplifies the sluggish pace of regulatory change. The National Gambling Act of 2004 incorporated stipulations for the National Gambling Board to evaluate and potentially enact legislation for online gambling. Yet, more than ten years later, advancement has been painfully slow.

At first, there were flickers of optimism. In 2007, the National Assembly’s Trade and Industry Committee ratified the National Gambling Amendment Act, clearing the path for licensing and overseeing remote gambling. Providers eagerly awaited the opportunity to apply for licenses. However, political deadlock brought the procedure to a halt, and the bill never became law.

Another effort was undertaken in 2014 with the Remote Gambling Bill, but this too seems improbable to be implemented. The route to a flourishing online gaming market in Africa is filled with both potential and regulatory barriers.

Its a disgrace that South Africa is trailing in internet gaming. They’ve permitted online sports wagering, but other gambling forms, such as internet casinos and poker, remain in a state of uncertainty. This absence of defined regulations is depriving South Africa of significant investment and employment prospects.

Major companies like Playtech have acknowledged South Africa’s promise. In 2014, they were keen to enter the market and even collaborated with a domestic casino operator. However, their efforts are hampered without modifications to the gambling legislation.

Meanwhile, other African nations, like Tanzania, are far ahead. They welcomed online gambling in 1999 and have been reaping the rewards ever since. They even have operational licensed online casinos! To compete in the global online gambling market, South Africa must modernize its legislation.

Global Finance Holdings Limited, trading as iplay8casino.com, opted for Microgaming’s rapid deployment system for its collection of games upon its debut in late 2013.

Notably, the Tanzanian-authorized Iplay8 system is accessible in both English and Mandarin. This underscores the substantial financial sway China maintains in Africa, with ventures ushering in a considerable wave of Chinese laborers.

In the realm of sports wagering, both M-Bet and MeridianBet.co.tz have obtained permits from the Gaming Commission of Tanzania. MeridianBet.co.tz is held by Gaming Africa (T) Ltd, an organization that also manages physical betting venues nationwide. Both of these platforms strongly emphasize soccer wagering, mirroring the prevailing betting inclination within the area.

## Eastern Africa: A Unified Sphere for Gaming

Tanzania belongs to a broader East African network that has adopted internet gaming regulations, encompassing Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Top Bet, as an illustration, functions in both Kenya and Uganda, possessing licenses from both the Wagering Regulation and Permitting Authority (WRPA) of Kenya and the National Lottery Commission of Uganda. This enterprise, with a core concentration on soccer wagering, has adjusted to the hurdles of limited internet availability and payment systems by providing mobile-focused services. Patrons can place wagers through text communications, and payments are made in cash via M-Pesa, a widespread mobile monetary exchange service.

Kenya ventured into the realm of regulated internet wagering in 2011, collaborating with Amaya Gaming Group for an initial test. This resulted in the debut of BetKenya.com, the country’s inaugural authorized internet casino, in October of that year. Nevertheless, BetKenya’s moment in the spotlight was fleeting. By 2012, reaching the website grew progressively challenging, and the domain itself appeared to disappear. Amaya’s own documentation provides a straightforward reason: they redirected their attention to more lucrative regions such as North America and Europe, abandoning the African market.

Nigeria, with a citizenry surpassing 175 million, possesses a thriving internet gambling landscape. Lagos State, inhabited by 21 million individuals, serves as the central hub for this pursuit. Football and simulated sports wagering prevail, constituting the primary offerings of most providers.

Intriguingly, Lagos mandates that gambling enterprises maintain both a physical and digital footprint. This “physical storefront” strategy tackles a significant hurdle for African online gambling: payment handling. The presence of wagering establishments permits patrons to deposit funds and retrieve winnings in cash. One inventive enterprise, 1960Bet, even empowers customers to formulate their wagers online, produce a distinct code, and subsequently place the bet at a physical location utilizing that code.

## Interactive Entertainment’s Ascent in Africa

Over the last half-decade, the interactive entertainment sector has experienced a boom across Africa. This expansion coincides with the continent’s general economic upswing, progress in mobile technology, and the emergence of mobile payment platforms. Nevertheless, several elements will shape the ongoing prosperity and evolution of this industry within Africa:

**Crucial Role of Stability:** Enterprises flourish in areas characterized by political and societal tranquility. Political turmoil, social instability, and the specter of conflict deter investments from the private sector.

**Wealth Dispersion:** As economic gains filter down to the broader populace, a larger segment will possess discretionary funds for leisure activities, including gaming. However, this process unfolds gradually. Presently, newly generated wealth remains concentrated among a burgeoning African elite.

**A Continent of Youth and Connectivity:** Africa’s youthful demographic represents a highly desirable market for the gaming industry. This tech-savvy generation not only embraces gaming but also propels the adoption of internet and mobile technologies.

**Urban Growth:** Intricately linked to the expanding youth population is Africa’s swift urbanization. This concentration of individuals within urban hubs facilitates access to a substantial and engaged audience.

Large metropolitan areas, characterized by dependable power grids, robust internet connectivity, and extensive mobile phone adoption, provide a fertile environment for the wagering sector to flourish. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that the industry’s expansion is fueled by increasing urbanization.

A tangible enthusiasm for soccer, wagering, and gaming is evident across various African markets. Nevertheless, Daniel Kustelski, the Head of Trading at SunBet, advises that “Africa is not suitable for those lacking courage. It demands meticulous planning, investigation, and a profound comprehension of your intended nation.” He continues, “East Africa, with its largely Anglophone populace, presents a more seamless entry compared to West Africa.”

This perspective is mirrored by Lorien Pilling, a Director at Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC), a prominent gaming advisory firm situated on the Isle of Man. Pilling, who also serves as the editor of GBGC’s esteemed Global Gambling Report, currently in its tenth iteration, emphasizes the intricacies of navigating the African market.

The global gaming giant, Allwyn, has formally assumed control of the UK National Lottery, succeeding Camelot. This transition follows Allwyn’s successful purchase of Camelot Lottery Solutions (LS) Group from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board.

Despite the shift in ownership, Allwyn has assured the continuation of the current leadership team at Camelot LS Group. They will be incorporated into Allwyn’s wider UK lottery operations.

This acquisition concludes a protracted and very public contest between Allwyn and Camelot. Camelot, the steward of the UK National Lottery since its 1994 launch, vigorously resisted relinquishing control. They initially disputed Allwyn’s winning proposal for the fourth National Lottery license and even initiated legal proceedings against the Gambling Commission’s determination. Nevertheless, these endeavors ultimately fell short.

The handover to Allwyn represents the first instance of another entity managing the UK National Lottery since its origin. Although Camelot sought to impede the transfer through legal actions, Allwyn emerged victorious. Furthermore, Camelot’s technology associate, IGT, entered the dispute by filing a lawsuit against the Gambling Commission, alleging reputational harm. However, this too proved ineffective. Allwyn’s tenure has commenced.

The global lottery landscape experienced a seismic shift when emerging player, Allwyn, declared its plan to purchase Camelot LS Group, the established manager of the UK National Lottery. This unexpected move surprised many, particularly because Camelot had been competing to maintain its hold on the lottery with a proposal for the upcoming license term.

Further fueling the intrigue, the UK Gambling Commission had previously granted approval for Allwyn’s acquisition earlier in the year. Allwyn’s chief executive, Robert Chvátal, stressed that this merger would guarantee a smooth handover from the current to the subsequent license period, uniting the knowledge of two veteran lottery powerhouses.

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888 Holdings experienced a considerable revenue surge in the initial six months of 2020, fueled primarily by robust results in their poker and casino sectors. This online gaming upswing generated $379.1 million for the business, a 37% leap from the corresponding period the year prior.

Poker emerged as the top earner, bringing in $361 million, a remarkable 56% rise. Casino games followed closely, garnering $260 million, a 48% climb. Although sports wagering saw a minor decline due to pandemic-induced cancellations, 888 noted a significant June recovery with a 59% boost compared to June 2019.

In summary, it proved to be a lucrative period for 888, with adjusted EBITDA hitting $70.1 million, a 56% increase, and pre-tax profit exceeding double to reach $50.9 million. The company’s chief executive, Itai Pazner, conveyed immense contentment with these figures, emphasizing the “extraordinary performance” of 888 in managing the unprecedented obstacles of 2020. He also indicated a positive start to the third quarter, with daily earnings continuing to surpass the previous year’s levels.

The teams act is steadily improving. One factor is their remarkable success in drawing in fresh clientele. Additionally, remember how everyone was confined to their homes during those shutdowns? Well, that period significantly boosted people’s reliance on digital platforms, which greatly benefited the enterprise. Furthermore, 888 consistently strives for excellence, perpetually introducing innovative offerings.

FBMDS™ experienced a phenomenal 2022, yet their aspirations are firmly fixed on what lies ahead.

Serving as the internet casino entertainment branch of the celebrated FBM® Group, FBMDS™ attained noteworthy achievements throughout the preceding year. Their ambitious growth plan, centered on localized collaborations and inventive, bespoke games, propelled impressive expansion all through 2022. Their engaged participation in significant industry gatherings further cemented their standing, garnering them numerous award nominations. However, FBMDS™ isn’t content to rest. Following 12 months of dedicated effort, they are poised to attain even loftier heights in 2023. Anticipate witnessing them broaden their worldwide reach with fresh game launches, stimulating alliances, and a prominent presence at major iGaming functions.

Latin America surfaced as a pivotal growth catalyst for FBMDS™ in 2022. They secured significant collaborations over the year, establishing a robust base for swift expansion within the territory. Capitalizing on FBM®’s existing connections with leading land-based operators in Latin America, FBMDS™’s digital sector strengthened these bonds by providing customized solutions to address specific market demands. As an illustration, Brazilian players now relish an array of video bingo, slots, and table games crafted specifically for them, prominently showcased in agreements and special initiatives with major online casino providers.

Latin American aficionados of digital entertainment are enjoying a surge in online amusement due to tactical alliances and customized incentives. Interactive experiences reflecting their rich heritage are now readily accessible.

This triumph is reaching Peru, where fresh accords are broadening the enterprise’s presence. This endeavor is part of a wider international initiative, emphasizing expansion within regulated sectors through robust collaborations.

Beyond the Andean region, a joint effort with a Lusitanian internet gaming platform underscores the firm’s dedication to cultural sensitivity. This yielded the immensely popular Portuguese-inspired slot game Virá Festa™️ and a twenty-one tournament, both mutually beneficial for all participants.

**An Ever-Expanding Repertoire of Games**

To maintain momentum with the dynamic realm of digital gaming, FBMDS™️ introduced 26 novel offerings in 2022. This encompasses captivating slot titles such as Virá Festa™️, Viking Journey™️, and Royal Trucks™️. Also included is the sought-after Bonus VIP collection of video bingo games, showcasing a complimentary-games perk that has resonated with Brazilian players.

During the year 2022, FBMDS™️ witnessed an extraordinary surge in demand, with the player base experiencing an astounding 284% increase from the preceding year. This impressive expansion speaks volumes about the brand’s escalating prominence within the realm of online casino gaming. It also underscores how their commitment to developing bespoke solutions for each customer translates into exceptional levels of player contentment.

FBMDS™️ maintained a strong presence throughout the year, exhibiting its offerings at prominent industry gatherings across Europe and beyond. From the bustling crowds at ICE London to the energetic ambiance of G2E Las Vegas, the brand engaged with a multitude of attendees, solidifying its position within the global gaming sphere.

Their diligent efforts have not gone unnoticed. FBMDS™️ garnered accolades and recognition from both industry counterparts and players. Notably, they secured the coveted “Bingo Supplier of the Year” accolade at the 2022 5 Star & Co Starlet Awards. Furthermore, they received nominations in several prestigious categories at the SBC Awards, further solidifying their standing as an emerging leader.

Looking towards the future, FBMDS™️ exhibits no indication of slowing down. Roberto Regianini, the Chief Executive Officer of FBMDS™️, stressed their dedication to innovation: “Our mission is to furnish casino operators with cutting-edge, tailored, and lucrative products capable of effectively captivating players globally.” With this progressive mindset, FBMDS™️ is well-positioned for even greater achievements in 2023 and the years to come.

A new report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has uncovered a troubling pattern: more than one in ten Australians have engaged in online gambling within the last half-year. This signifies a growth from 2020, when the number was at 8%. Alarmingly, the research also indicated an uptick in wagering on sports and races, with 8% of Australians confessing to placing a bet in the previous six months, contrasted with a mere 5% in 2020. The COVID-19 crisis seems to have worsened the problem, as 16% of respondents noted a heightened regularity in their gambling habits since the pandemic’s onset. The ACMA further voiced apprehensions regarding the influence of partner marketing strategies in publicizing internet gambling, especially on platforms such as social media and Twitch, which hold increasing appeal for younger demographics. The ACMA stressed its dedication to safeguarding Australians from the detrimental effects linked to online gambling.

From 2017 onward, officials in Australia have taken significant action against illicit internet wagering. They’ve closed numerous websites providing these services to Australians, deemed unlawful by the Interactive Gambling Act. They’ve even pursued sites that were advertising these prohibited betting platforms!

A burgeoning force in the internet casino realm, 7777 Gaming, has teamed up with Virtualsoft to introduce its captivating games to the South American continent! This collaboration signifies that gamers in more than 15 Latin American nations will soon have access to 7777 Gaming’s collection, which features over 100 incredible options.

Prepare for exhilarating escapades with titles such as “Golden Scarab,” “Jinn,” “Greenhats’ Jackpot,” “Rome’s Fortune,” “Knights & Magic,” and “Pinup Dolls,” all heading to countries like Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Ecuador.

A prominent figure at 7777 Gaming, Elena Shaterova, conveyed her enthusiasm, noting that this venture into Latin America represents a significant stride for the company and brings them nearer to their ambition of becoming a leading name in the worldwide online casino industry. She expressed excitement about collaborating with Virtualsoft, a firm recognized for its pioneering methodology.

A key individual at Virtualsoft, Pedro Olano, also voiced his assurance in the alliance. He holds the belief that 7777 Gaming’s distinctive fusion of traditional casino games with novel, engaging components will strike a chord with Latin American players.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of 7777 Gaming obtaining a prestigious mark of endorsement from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), further cementing their standing as a dependable and premium game developer.

Shaterova declared a significant company achievement with pride, underscoring their commitment to developing a safe and reliable framework for collaborators and participants alike. She stressed that this accomplishment was directly attributable to the exceptional commitment of their staff, whose tireless efforts are a constant source of pride.

David Koechner reprises his role as the face of Harrah’s newest advertising endeavor.

The promotion, using the slogan “Don Your Festive Headwear,” showcases the performer truly relishing a delectable burger.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos extended its collaboration with Koechner, who persists in lending his comedic flair to a collection of advertisements for the establishment. In this recent iteration, Koechner, sporting Harrah’s trademark violet and the designation of “Chief Fun Officer,” urges audiences to embrace the enjoyable experiences available at Harrah’s Cherokee.

“Our fresh commercials persist in highlighting all of the incredible conveniences we provide our patrons, and who better to present it all than our Chief Fun Officer?” remarked Brian Saunooke, regional marketing head for Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, regarding the campaign and Koechner. Greg Carson, head of 62Above, the firm behind the campaign, appended, “We were able to genuinely seize and embody the thrill of the Harrah’s Cherokee visitor encounter by displaying David reveling in all the amusement that the casino provides.”

Koechner is most recognized for his portrayal of Todd Packer on the comedic program “The Office.”

He portrays an endearing, silly character in the series who maintains a close bond with Steve Carell’s Michael Scott, even though Michael frequently exhibits boorish behavior and faces disapproval from their colleagues. Another notable performance of his is Champ Kind, the flamboyant sports announcer from the Anchorman films, known for his enthusiastic exclamations of “Whammy!”

The Crown Resorts company recently declared that the New South Wales Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) has issued three provisional alcohol permits for their Barangaroo location. This enables Crown Sydney to continue providing beverages in its dining and bar areas, separate from the casino, as the company strives to regain its complete gaming authorization.

Helen Coonan, Crown’s Chief Executive, highlighted their full transparency with the ILGA to prove their dedication to ethical business practices. She embraced the new permits as a favorable development that permits patrons to continue experiencing the non-gaming facets of Crown Sydney.

ILGA Chair, Philip Crawford, explained that while these permits are valid until October 31, 2021, the ILGA is still meticulously evaluating Crown’s response to the concerns raised by the Bergin Inquiry, which examined their fitness to hold a casino license. He emphasized that Crown faces significant tasks to persuade the Authority of their readiness to manage a casino responsibly.

The prominent gaming corporation, Crown Resorts, encounters a hurdle in Perth just as its Sydney establishment experiences a revival. A sudden, short-term lockdown impacting Perth and Peel, commencing on April 27th, necessitates the company to briefly shutter its Perth casino for the duration. Although the lodging accommodations will remain accessible with limitations, all gaming operations, dining venues, the performance hall, and supplementary event areas will be inaccessible.

The Cordish Gaming Group has designated Jamie Williams to head sales for the forthcoming Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana.

Williams will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for the new 550-key hotel and its adjacent 25,000 square-foot event complex. Her responsibilities encompass managing reservations for conferences, gatherings, and other functions. The cutting-edge event center will boast a spacious ballroom, breakout spaces, a pre-function zone, a boardroom, and a performance platform.

This $270 million development is projected to be a significant economic catalyst for the Shreveport-Bossier region, yielding substantial tax income for both the municipality and the state. It will also generate hundreds of employment opportunities during both its construction phase and following its grand debut in early 2025.

This will be the inaugural land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market and the first Live!-branded establishment in the state. Williams will spearhead a team of sales and event planning specialists in her new capacity.

Seasoned hospitality expert, Jamie Williams, boasting more than two and a half decades of experience, will helm the team at the forthcoming Live! Casino & Hotel in Louisiana. Her noteworthy history encompasses management positions at renowned venues such as the Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino, the Shreveport Convention Center, and the Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino.

Williams’ proficiency will be paramount in guaranteeing a seamless opening and management of the new establishment, specifically in overseeing the food and beverage provisions for functions. John Chaszar, General Manager of Live! Louisiana Casino & Hotel, conveyed certainty in Williams’ aptitude to guide a varied group in providing the extraordinary encounters synonymous with the Live! brand.

This endeavor originates from The Cordish Companies’ purchase of Diamond Jacks Casino in the fourth month of 2023, a calculated action to strengthen their standing in the South-Central and Southeastern United States. The Live! Louisiana Casino & Hotel assures a vast gaming area, showcasing in excess of 1,000 slot machines, electronic table games, live dealer tables, and a designated sports wagering area. Beyond gaming, the property will present a 30,000 square foot zone allocated for dining and amusement.