The GI Newswire: 2 October 2023

Flutter Entertainment acquires 51% stake in MaxBet

Flutter Entertainment has acquired an initial 51% stake in MaxBet, Serbia’s omni-channel sports betting and gaming operator. The acquisition involves a cash consideration of €141m ($148m). Additionally, Flutter has an option to acquire the remaining 49% stake in MaxBet in 2029. The transaction is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2024, pending customary regulatory clearances.?Read the full story here.

Other stories from Europe:

• Better Collective announces dual listing of shares on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Read)
• Mindway AI , DSWV collaborate on self-assessment tool (Read)
• Spillemyndigheden introduces ‘Player ID’ for in-store gambling from 1 October (Read)
• Belgian Gaming Commission survey: 13% of participants gamble daily (Read)

BetMGM reveals rising trends in betting on women’s teams

BetMGM has published a range of statistics pertaining to a growing trend of wagers placed on women’s sports and teams. In the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) league alone, the operator has reported an increase of 27% in people betting on the sport, when compared year-on-year. Read the full story here.

Other stories from North America:

• Great Canadian Entertainment launches online registration for rewards scheme (Read)
• NeoGames Studio launches games in Canada through Atlantic Lottery (Read)
• AGS - American Gaming Systems receives licence to supply products to Colorado and Missouri (Read)
• OpenBet announces partnership with 888 and Sports Illustrated Sportsbook (Read)

Australia implements mandatory pre-verification for online gambling

In a significant step towards enhancing responsible gambling, Australians registering for an online wagering account will undergo age and identity verification by operators before being able to transact on their accounts. This replaces the previous 72-hour window for identity verification. Read the full story here.

Other stories from Asia-Pacific:

• Tabcorp fined for violating gambling inducement laws in New South Wales (Read)
• Thailand’s Deputy PM speaks in favour of legalising gambling, especially on football (Read)
• Altenar signs deal with New Zealand’s SpinBet (Read)
• Cashless gaming to be tested across New South Wales (Read)