Weekly iGaming News

Greetings, iGaming Enthusiasts!

Welcome to our latest edition of the newsletter, bringing you the most significant updates from the iGaming industry. Here are the top stories making waves this week.

NetBet Casino Partners with Octoplay to Expand Game Offering in Mexico

NetBet Casino has announced a new partnership with Octoplay, bringing an exciting range of slot games to its Mexican audience. This collaboration will make Octoplay’s games accessible to NetBet Mexico customers, aiming to provide a greater range of slot options.

Key Highlights:

• Featured Games: Octoplay’s flagship titles, including Lollicat, Eternal Clash, and Shaolin Panda Chaos Reels, will be available to NetBet Mexico users.
• Strategic Partnership: Claudia Georgevici, PR Manager at NetBet Mexico, emphasized the importance of selective partnering to enhance their gaming portfolio with creative and enjoyable titles.

Octoplay continues to expand its reach with similar partnerships, such as its recent agreement with ComeOn Group, highlighting its commitment to providing enjoyable and safe entertainment experiences globally.

Gambling Commission Enforces New Quarterly Reporting Requirements

Starting July 1, 2024, the Gambling Commission requires all license holders to submit regulatory returns quarterly. This new mandate aims to ensure timely and accurate reporting from licensees.

Reporting Schedule:

• Initial Returns: Due between July 28 and August 11, 2024, depending on the specific operating license.
• First New Reporting Period: From 1 July to 30 September 2024, with returns due by October 28, 2024.

Felix Faulkner, a solicitor at Poppleston Allen, advised all license holders to prepare for these new obligations to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Gambling Commission, along with the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has introduced measures to reduce gambling-related financial harm, including financial vulnerability checks and stricter age verification processes.

Alvin Chau’s Appeal Rejected by Macau Court of Final Appeal

The Macau Court of Final Appeal has upheld the 18-year jail term for former Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau. This decision follows a ruling in 2023 that found Chau and eight other defendants guilty of criminal association, illegal gambling, and money laundering.

Court Decision:

• Fines: The defendants are required to pay a fine of HKD 24.87 billion ($3.18 billion) to the Macao Special Administrative Region.
• Rejection of Appeals: Appeals from both the defendants for reduced sentences and the prosecutor for harsher penalties were rejected.

Macau continues to crack down on illegal gambling and money laundering, with recent police operations dismantling a cross-border illegal gambling syndicate and recovering significant sums.

Finland Releases Licence System Law Draft for New Gambling Act

The Ministry of the Interior in Finland has proposed draft legislation to end Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly on betting, online slot machines, and casino games. This move aims to open these sectors to competition through a new licensing system.

Proposed Changes:

• Licensing System: Gambling companies can apply for licenses from the Finnish Supervisory Agency.
• Regulatory Framework: The new agency will have extensive enforcement powers, including fines, license revocations, and network barring for unlicensed activities.
• Exclusive License: Veikkaus Oy will retain a monopoly on certain games like lotteries and scratch cards.

The legislation also introduces strict advertising rules and measures to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable individuals, along with establishing a centralized register for self-imposed gambling bans.

Pragmatic Play Brings Live Casino Offerings to OneCasino in the Netherlands

Pragmatic Play has expanded its partnership with OneCasino, now providing its live casino games to the Dutch market. This collaboration includes popular titles like VIP Blackjack, Lucky 6 Roulette, and the newly released Blackjack X.

Partnership Details:

• Localized Games: Dutch Roulette and Dutch One Blackjack, tailored for the Dutch market.
• Smart Studio Integration: Allows OneCasino to customize live casino game elements, creating bespoke branded environments.

Irina Cornides, COO at Pragmatic Play, highlighted the commitment to extending the reach of their live casino range. Mark Schram, CEO at OneCasino, expressed enthusiasm for introducing these new games to their players, enhancing their gaming experiences.

Last month, Pragmatic Play also partnered with Betera to provide slots, live casino games, and virtual sports, further expanding their market presence.

That wraps up this edition of our newsletter. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the world of iGaming. Until next time!

Best regards,

CrunchEquation’s Team