ClientScan Introduces AI-Powered Facial Recognition to Monitor Self-Excluded Gamblers

CustomerTrack has engineered facial identification technology to assist companies in monitoring persons who have opted for self-quarantine. This economical program operates on any typical Windows PC equipped with a camera.

Crafted with guidance from visual geometry specialists at Oxford University, CustomerTrack safely archives data about self-quarantining individuals, including their images, in secure online storage. The program can then pinpoint these individuals with 99% precision rapidly using any standard camera.

When a person on the self-quarantine roster enters a location, the system immediately detects them and notifies personnel via the application, WhatsApp, or electronic mail. The notification comprises the individual’s identity, their remaining self-quarantine duration, and other pertinent details.

This innovation enables businesses to prioritize the health and security of their workforce and patrons while guaranteeing adherence to self-quarantine protocols.

Laura Bedborough, a key figure in ClientScan’s inception and head of outreach, expressed enthusiasm for their latest offering, deeming it revolutionary for the online gambling sector. She stressed that ClientScan is among the pioneering AI-driven platforms dedicated to safeguarding self-excluded players. This marks a crucial stride in responsible gaming, guaranteeing that individuals requiring a gambling hiatus can do so securely and efficiently.

Bedborough underscored the company’s dedication to employing state-of-the-art technology, elaborating on how their system leverages bespoke convolutional neural networks. This facilitates exceptionally swift and precise identification, all the while upholding the utmost levels of data protection and user confidentiality.

ClientScan is purpose-built to address the distinct obstacles confronting the UK’s gambling industry, operating within the UK Gambling Commission’s framework to cultivate a secure and responsible gaming landscape for everyone.

Century Gaming Divests Canadian Assets in $162.4 Million Deal with Vici Properties

Century Gaming concluded the divestiture of its Canadian assets for $162.4 million. This agreement sees Century Gaming divesting its property interests in Edmonton and Calgary to a Vici Properties affiliate. The aggregate cash influx reached CA$221.7 million, equivalent to US$162.4 million. After deducting diverse costs and levies, Century Gaming realized roughly CA$154.5 million. This sum encompasses a portion designated for minority stakeholders in Century Downs.

This arrangement bolsters Century Gaming’s existing collaboration with Vici Properties. The Canadian holdings will now be governed by their overarching lease accord, yielding an annual rental escalation of CA$17.3 million. This pact incorporates a ceiling on yearly rental hikes at 2.5% and prolongs the initial lease duration to 15 years, accompanied by four supplementary five-year renewal possibilities.

Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger, Co-CEOs of Century Gaming, conveyed their contentment with the transaction, emphasizing its contribution to fortifying their alliance with VICI and affording enhanced financial adaptability as they pursue their expansion strategy.

Century Gaming also recently unveiled its financial performance for the second quarter of 2023.

The firms Q2 earnings were undeniably remarkable. Their income reached a substantial $1.37 billion, marking a significant 23% surge in contrast to the corresponding quarter in the preceding year.

Alberta Offers 3 Million in Vaccine Lottery to Boost Uptake

In an effort to increase sluggish immunization uptake, the Canadian province of Alberta is turning to a substantial motivator: a raffle with a sizable $3 million prize fund. Called the “Open for Summer Lottery,” the program will grant three fortunate inhabitants who have gotten at least a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine a cool $1 million apiece.

This action comes as Alberta contends with a leveling-off immunization pace amid the proliferation of new strains. Although the province has dispensed millions of doses, the daily figures have plateaued. To qualify for the initial drawing, 70% of eligible Albertans (those aged 12 and above) must be inoculated.

Employing raffles to stimulate vaccinations is not a new idea. Numerous nations, including the United States and China, have enacted comparable schemes to urge individuals to receive their initial shot. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney recognized this, noting that such lotteries have proven successful in other global regions.

Nevertheless, not everyone is persuaded of the efficacy of this strategy. Certain specialists, such as behavioral economist Robert Oxoby from the University of Calgary, contend that monetary inducements have constraints in swaying firmly held convictions and inclinations. Only time will reveal how enticing a million-dollar reward will be for reluctant Albertans.

Dr. Timothy Caulfield, affiliated with the University of Alberta, stresses that receiving a vaccine is not merely an individual decision. He posits that undergoing immunization is a civic duty as it safeguards not solely the recipient, but also their surrounding community.

BtoBet Extends Partnership with PremierBet to Drive Growth in African Sports Betting Market

A top sports betting technology firm, BtoBet, has extended its collaboration with PremierBet, a major pan-African gaming company. This long-term deal strengthens a fruitful partnership initiated in 2017.

Through this renewed agreement, BtoBet, a NeoGames subsidiary, will continue to bolster PremierBet’s operations with its advanced platform and state-of-the-art sports wagering solutions.

A spokesperson for PremierBet conveyed their excitement, remarking, “This continuation demonstrates the immense success we’ve achieved jointly in solidifying our footprint across Africa. BtoBet’s technology and offerings have significantly elevated our competitive edge, and this agreement is crucial to our long-term vision of providing an unmatched user experience.”

This partnership extension coincides with BtoBet’s strategic global expansion, making significant inroads in regions such as Latin America and Europe. Notably, this deal represents BtoBet’s first significant agreement in Africa since its 2022 collaboration with Sojogo in Mozambique.

Dima Reiderman, BtoBet’s Managing Director, expressed his positive outlook, stating, “We are delighted to continue supporting PremierBet’s growth path as they cement their status as a premier operator in Africa.”

We were excited that a significant operator like PremierBet relies on us to fuel their sports wagering. This agreement demonstrates that our technology is first-rate and can be customized for any company to achieve genuine success.”

This announcement follows closely on BtoBet receiving approval from Ontario regulators in January, permitting them to provide their services in this promising emerging market.

Swedish Online Gambling Trade Group Supports Stricter Lending Rules

The Swedish Online Gambling Trade Group (BOS) has expressed its backing for stricter lending rules within the internet gaming sector. These suggested measures are principally designed to enhance safeguards for individuals participating in online wagering.

Representing a substantial segment of licensed gaming providers in Sweden, BOS contends that these regulatory modifications will establish a more resilient consumer protection system tailored specifically for the gambling industry.

Crucial suggestions encompass prohibiting external promotion of gambling loans and instituting a nationwide debt registry in Sweden. Gustaf Hoffstedt, the Chief Executive of BOS, has conveyed his endorsement for all the propositions presented in the recent investigation, particularly those directly affecting the gaming sector.

One noteworthy suggestion entails broadening the current prohibition on credit within the Gambling Act to include outside lending entities. The inquiry also examined the feasibility of outlawing the utilization of credit cards for wagering. However, BOS concurs with the recommendation against this ban, asserting that it would be unfeasible and potentially stimulate the expansion of illicit gambling activities.

Another significant proposition involves the establishment of a debt and loan repository, referred to as the Skri Register. This repository would furnish lenders with more thorough knowledge of a borrower’s financial standing, empowering them to make more judicious lending determinations.

The Swedish Online Gambling Trade Group, also called BOS, has expressed its backing for allowing licensed gaming companies to utilize information from the nation’s self-exclusion database, Spelpaus.se. They contend that this access will aid operators in more effectively tackling financial crimes and fostering responsible gaming practices.

Nevertheless, BOS stresses the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation before granting this access. This evaluation should prioritize the safeguarding of consumers and individual confidentiality to guarantee equilibrium between these vital elements.

BOS has been quite outspoken regarding its position on anti-money laundering protocols. They maintain that breaches of these regulations should carry equivalent weight to gambling infractions. They further suggest that sanctions for these breaches should be determined based on a company’s overall gaming income.

Notably, BOS reveals that Sweden’s online gambling channeling rate, which reflects the proportion of online gambling activity occurring with licensed providers, currently stands at 77%. This figure falls short of the government’s 90% objective.

Moreover, BOS advises against a proposed elevation of the gambling levy from 18% to 22% of gross gaming earnings. They assert that this increase could adversely affect channeling, potentially resulting in a resurgence of the difficulties encountered prior to the restructuring of the Swedish gambling sector in 2019.

Serbian Consortium Wins Bid to Operate Kyrgyzstan’s National Lottery

A group from Serbia has won the right to manage a nationwide lottery in Kyrgyzstan. This alliance, consisting of Serbian firms Elbet d.o.o and Axel Capital, was selected through a competitive tender procedure.

Kyrgyzstan’s government-run lottery organization began seeking a private collaborator in October 2021. A roster of qualified businesses was compiled by November, with the Serbian group ultimately chosen.

It’s important to mention that while the group has been chosen, the final contract is still pending. The state lottery organization is anticipated to complete the agreement soon, after which the group will establish operations in Kyrgyzstan.

Founded in 2002, Elbet d.o.o is a tech company specializing in software for the gaming and lottery industries. They have a worldwide footprint, collaborating with over 80 operators, including partnerships with four national lotteries. Their offerings encompass a variety of digital, virtual sports, and casino-type games.

Established in 2002 by Anna Nikolayevsky, Axel Capital Management brings significant expertise in investment management to the collaboration. As a hedge fund, they utilize a comprehensive strategy to pinpoint and leverage investment prospects across various global sectors.

Prior to this role, Mr. Nikolaevskiy developed his analytical abilities at Zweig-Dimenna Associates and Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Betway Serves Up New Sponsorship Deal with European Open

Betway has recently become the newest tennis backer to collaborate with the European Open. They unite with a distinguished collection of companies already endorsing this well-liked competition. As a component of the agreement, Betway’s sports wagering branch will receive prominent visibility at the event, which holds the distinction of being the sole ATP tournament in Belgium.

Betway Chief Executive Officer Anthony Werkman stated: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with the European Open, Belgium’s only ATP tournament. Despite its comparatively brief existence, the tournament has already witnessed some legendary champions’ names engraved on the trophy.”

“We’re eager to bolster the tournament as it progresses to mature into a premier event on the ATP tour.”

Betway already provides sponsorship for numerous other tennis competitions, including the Generali Open, the Miami Open, and the Mercedes Cup. This recent accord is simply one more illustration of Betway’s dedication to backing some of the most significant athletic events globally.

Since its start in 2016, we’ve dedicated ourselves to improving every part of the European Open,” shared Juan de Dios Aguirre, a partner at Tennium, the tournament’s proprietor and manager. “This ambition to craft a genuinely remarkable encounter for spectators and boost the worth we provide our backers is incredibly significant to us. This fresh collaboration, with a genuine frontrunner in their sector, mirrors that dedication and upholds the most stringent industry benchmarks.”

Scheduled from October 19th to 25th in Antwerp, the competition unfolds on hard courts and showcases a lineup of past victors, encompassing prominent figures such as Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Kyle Edmund, all contending for the championship throughout the six-day tournament.

Betsson Scores Big: Becomes Primary Sponsor of Copa América 2021

Betsson is heavily investing in South American soccer! They just secured a partnership with CONMEBOL to become a primary sponsor for the iconic Copa América competition in 2021. This is a major development, placing Betsson directly within one of the most enthusiastic football communities globally.

Lately, Betsson has been making significant strides in Latin America. They’ve broadened their reach into key markets such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico. This Copa América agreement elevates their presence considerably, providing them with extensive visibility through stadium advertisements, digital displays, and numerous online campaigns. They even have the privilege of sponsoring the highly coveted “Best Player of the Week” award, which sends fans into a frenzy!

Betsson’s CEO, Jesper Svensson, stated that they are “ardent about football,” and this collaboration perfectly embodies that passion. Their objective is clearly to become a recognizable brand among South American supporters.

Additionally, there’s a neat detail: Betsson’s Colombian branch, Colbet, is authorized to utilize certain Copa América branding elements during Colombia’s games. It’s all about incorporating that regional flair!

CONMEBOL is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. Their commercial director described it as a “significant achievement” for the Copa América. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved, particularly the supporters who make this tournament so extraordinary.

The tournament fostered a sense of camaraderie among supporters, drawn together by their shared passion for the sport and the excitement of witnessing their country vie for victory in the globe’s most historic international soccer competition.

Taking place from June 13th to July 10th, 2021, the 47th iteration of this remarkable event featured South American powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay vying for continental dominance. Alongside them were other fervent footballing countries: Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela, each aspiring to secure their place in the annals of the sport.

TonyBet Gallops Ahead with BetMakers for Enhanced Horse Racing Experience

Wagering giant, BetMakers, has partnered with renowned digital gaming hub, TonyBet, to deliver an unparalleled horse racing experience to TonyBet’s clientele. This alliance grants TonyBet users seamless access to BetMakers’ extensive and immersive horse racing suite, directly incorporated into the TonyBet platform.

This joint effort presents a comprehensive offering, enabling users to explore a diverse array of wagering choices, from classic fixed odds to the exhilaration of pool betting.

A prominent figure at TonyBet, Alex Haig, underscored their dedication to delivering a premium gaming experience. He views the inclusion of BetMakers’ horse racing product as a substantial move towards enriching their platform while upholding their high benchmarks for quality and user contentment.

This goes beyond mere wagering; it’s about transporting the excitement of the track directly to the players. The incorporated system will allow users to fully engage with the action through features such as real-time race broadcasts.

On behalf of BetMakers, Joey Carroll conveyed their satisfaction in being selected by TonyBet for this endeavor, emphasizing the international reach of this collaboration.

TonyBet has significantly enhanced its online sports wagering and gaming platform by incorporating a novel horse racing feature. This addition provides their clientele with access to races globally, essentially around the clock, marking a substantial advantage. Undeniably, equestrian competitions hold immense significance for any reputable sportsbook, offering unparalleled excitement. Beyond simply accepting wagers, this new agreement encompasses risk management provisions, crucial for TonyBet’s operations. Their efforts extend beyond merely introducing a new element; they are actively bolstering the horse racing sector as a whole, a commendable endeavor. Furthermore, this is not their sole recent collaboration. They have also extended their existing partnership with Dabble in the Australian market. The future appears promising for TonyBet!

Betby Secures MGA Authorization to Expand Esports Betting Solutions Reach

Esports betting solutions provider, Betby, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining authorization from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This enables Betby to extend its esports odds and data offerings to a broader spectrum of operators, particularly those holding licenses from the MGA.

The authorized solution is all-encompassing, encompassing pre-game and in-play odds, material, and a dedicated statistics hub. Operators have the flexibility to integrate this as an independent esports data feed or as a component of the broader Betby Sportsbook platform. Risk mitigation instruments, administrative functionalities, and esports broadcasting via Twitch are also incorporated.

This endorsement from the MGA followed a rigorous evaluation process, confirming that Betby’s solution satisfied all mandatory regulatory benchmarks. Notably, this was among the final approvals overseen by departing CEO Carl Brincat, with Charles Mizzi assuming leadership on January 26th. Mizzi contributes over two and a half decades of expertise in finance, investments, and Maltese commerce to the MGA.

For Betby, this represents a substantial advancement, as emphasized by COO Eva Berkova. The MGA’s standing for stringent supervision and enforcement, evident in recent instances involving Rush Gaming and Super7plus, further emphasizes the weight of this approval for Betby.

Betby has been investing heavily in its platform for wagering on competitive gaming recently… and the results are evident! They’ve formed alliances with some of the most prominent providers of esports information, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.

Ilze Ramolina, Chief Legal Officer at Betby, expressed their enthusiasm, “Receiving approval from the Malta Gaming Authority is a major victory. We prioritize regulatory adherence at Betby – it’s fundamental to our operations.”

She continued, “This significantly enhances our offerings, but our ambitions extend further. This is merely one milestone on our path to introducing Betby’s products to regulated markets globally.”