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Rank Group has unveiled impressive revenue growth of 5.9%, amounting to £681.9 million for the 2022-23 financial year, as reported by IGB News. Despite this notable achievement, the operator faced challenges that culminated in a net loss due to escalated impairment costs. The 12 months leading to June 30 it marked a remarkable year-on-year expansion across all operating sectors for Rank Group. This encompassed its prized land-based ventures, Grosvenor, Mecca, and Enracha, which weathered pandemic-induced hardships to experience a rejuvenated outlook. The digital realm equally contributed, with a 10.4% surge in revenue, reaching £202.9 million. However, the surge in impairment costs and elevated operating expenses overshadow Rank Group's performance. Chief Executive John O'Reilly acknowledged these financial strains while expressing optimism in the face of future growth. O'Reilly stated, "The return of customers to our Grosvenor and Mecca venues continues to pick up...We now expect to deliver good levels of revenue and profit growth as certain costs stabilize and inflation eases." The cornerstone of Rank's revenue remains its Grosvenor land-based casino business, generating a robust net gaming revenue of £306.3 million, up by 3.3% from the previous year. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the slower-than-expected recovery from pandemic-induced disruptions and tightened affordability regulations. Nevertheless, Grosvenor's London casino estate struggled to reclaim pre-pandemic levels due to the gradual return of visitors from the Middle East and East and South-East Asia. Rank's Mecca bingo venues experienced a 1.7% revenue hike, amounting to £136.3 million, marking a year of turnaround post-pandemic challenges. The closure of 15 venues did not deter this upward trend but led to an enhanced appeal for the 56 remaining venues. Enracha, Rank's Spanish-facing entity, witnessed a stellar year, with a 19.9% revenue increase to £36.1 million, propelled by gaming machines and main stage bingo. Despite this growth, a £4.1 million impairment charge was noted due to underperforming venues. The digital domain was equally promising, contributing £202.9 million to Rank's revenue, underpinned by the success of platforms such as Mecca, Grosvenor, Enracha, and Yo. The successful migration of Mecca and Grosvenor online sites to the RIDE platform garnered praise for enhancing the customer experience. While Rank Group's revenue ascent was admirable, the surge in costs, including an impairment charge of £118.9 million, underscored the financial intricacies of the gaming industry. Elevated energy costs, rising employment expenses, and the absence of government support payments during the pandemic contributed to these challenges. These factors, along with net finance charges of £12.9 million, translated to a pre-tax loss of £122.7 million. Rank Group's journey to financial recovery and stability encountered significant challenges despite revenue growth. Impairments and heightened operating expenses served as a reminder of the industry's complexities, highlighting the need for careful navigation in a landscape characterized by evolution and transformation.
bet365, a leading player in the world of online betting, greeted the Premier League's return with a new and captivating global campaign aptly titled 'Never Ordinary.' While the campaign initiated with a TV commercial ahead of the Burnley vs. Manchester City match, the sport of curling takes center stage in this creative initiative. A seemingly average curling throw acts as the catalyst, setting off a chain reaction of cultural phenomena that instantly lift the sport to a remarkable prominence. From stadiums to the streets and even tattoo parlors, the screen becomes filled with exhilarating celebrations, resonating with the essence bet365 aims to convey. This launch heralds the meaning of 'Never Ordinary,' a concept that strives to highlight bet365's unique betting offerings. Chloe Shrubb, Global Head of Brand Marketing at bet365, expressed the philosophy behind the campaign: "The In-Play betting experience is something that bet365 has and always will excel at. The sentiment behind this campaign is essentially a reminder for everyone that bet365 stands out from the crowd. It's unique in so many ways and it's absolutely Never Ordinary." Crafted in collaboration between Drummond Central and bet365, the brand's commercial was meticulously filmed across various locations, including Madrid, Barcelona, and LA, spanning over 21 shoot days. The 60-second cinematic introduction to 'Never Ordinary' was brought to life by director Jack Driscoll from Academy, with Tom Cartwright leading production and Selected Works contributing post-shoot visual effects. The campaign is set to receive global media support through various agencies, with the Republic of Media handling UK distribution. Kevin Lynn, Drummond Central's Creative Director, elaborated on the campaign's intention, "We wanted every sport to feel as epic as the Premier League, NFL or NHL." The 'Never Ordinary' concept stretches beyond the commercial sphere, permeating various touchpoints, including digital channels, the bet365 app, social media platforms, sponsorships, partnerships, customer communications, and television. Moreover, bet365 takes pride in integrating responsible gambling within the 'Never Ordinary' framework. The company will continue to endorse its "PLAY SAFE | bet365" campaign while supplementing it with a standalone advert within the 'Never Ordinary' environment to reinforce its commitment to responsible gambling. Alex Sefton, Chief Marketing Officer at bet365, conveyed his excitement about the campaign's launch, emphasizing how 'Never Ordinary' symbolizes the company's strengths and future trajectory. The 'Never Ordinary' campaign will be prevalent in multiple markets, including the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and Sweden starting from August 11th. The campaign's presence will extend below the line, appearing online, across various communications, and in digital platforms, affirming bet365's commitment to providing a distinctive and engaging betting experience.
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 17, 2023 - MGM Resorts International, a recognized hospitality and entertainment industry name, marks a significant move towards global expansion by introducing the BetMGM iGaming and online sports betting brand in the United Kingdom. This strategic step aligns with MGM Resorts' broader vision of making the BetMGM brand a prominent player in international markets. The launch is made possible through a collaboration with LeoVegas, a Swedish-based gaming company acquired by MGM Resorts last year. Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts expressed excitement about introducing the proven BetMGM brand to international players. "BetMGM is a proven brand in the sports betting and iGaming space, and we look forward to welcoming international players into our platforms designed specifically for them," he stated. This launch represents an essential stride in MGM Resorts' international growth strategy since acquiring LeoVegas. The BetMGM UK online offering comes packed with innovative product features, including large-scale jackpots, frequent rewards, exclusive slots, and compelling sports promotions. This enticing blend of offerings aims to captivate players by delivering a captivating and secure online gaming experience. Leveraging the BetMGM brand and the heritage entertainment legacy of MGM Resorts in Las Vegas, the U.K. platform promises a thrilling casino and sports experience. Available across desktop and mobile web platforms, the BetMGM UK online offering is poised for further enhancements, including the introduction of mobile applications, before a nationwide media launch in mid-September. For more information, visit betmgm.co.uk. Gary Fritz, President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, expressed confidence in the potential of the BetMGM brand in the U.K. "We've had great success in the U.S. and Canada with our BetMGM brand, and we're confident we can duplicate this success in other markets, beginning with the U.K.," he noted. Fritz sees the U.K. as a mature online gaming market, presenting opportunities to engage both sports bettors and iGaming enthusiasts. The BetMGM brand will continue to thrive in the United States and Canada through the joint venture of MGM Resorts and Entain, leveraging Entain's technology and platform. LeoVegas, which is a part of this strategic move, currently operates in nine European and Canadian jurisdictions, showcasing a solid foothold in the gaming industry. Features: Leveraging LeoVegas' technology for seamless online gaming. Offering large-scale and frequent jackpots, loyalty rewards, and exclusive slots. Exciting sports promotions for a comprehensive gaming experience. Enhanced gaming experience with BetMGM brand and MGM Resorts' Las Vegas entertainment. Availability on desktop and mobile web platforms, with mobile applications in the pipeline. MGM Resorts' foray into the U.K.'s iGaming and online sports betting market reflects its commitment to global expansion and innovation in the gaming industry. This strategic collaboration aims to offer U.K. players a distinctive gaming experience under the trusted BetMGM brand. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the press release from MGM Resorts International. Any opinions, conclusions, or recommendations are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of MGM Resorts International or any other mentioned parties.
In a move that is expected to excite online gamers around the globe, bet365 Games has unveiled its latest exclusive title, Apocalypse Riders X. Developed in collaboration with No Limit City, the game introduces innovative features and offers players the chance to win up to 20,000x their initial stake. Marie Deane, the Games Software Production Manager at bet365, expressed enthusiasm about the new launch: We've had great success with our previous titles like Mercenary X and Apocalypse Returns Infectious X, which feature No Limit City's licensed and multi-award-winning xWays™, xNudge™, and xSplit™ mechanics. Now, we're excited to introduce xBomb™ in our newest title, Apocalypse Riders X. The game centers around the theme of four deadly horsemen, each representing unique features that have been meticulously balanced to offer a feature hit frequency within just four spins. This ensures an immersive and potentially rewarding experience for players. Apocalypse Riders X is not just another game in Bet365's portfolio; it's an exclusive title that further solidifies the brand's commitment to providing tailored content. With this launch, Bet365 Games continues its successful partnership with No Limit City, which began in July 2022. No Limit City's popular content has already been a hit on Bet365's Games vertical, and Apocalypse Riders X is expected to follow suit. bet365 is renowned for its extensive offering, including first-class Casino Games, Poker, Bingo, and a market-leading Sportsbook. With a global customer base exceeding 90 million, Bet365's products are available in 22 languages and support transactions in 26 currencies. Marie Deane aptly said, "This is an exclusive title that we believe our customers will truly enjoy." Given Bet365's track record of exceeding customer expectations and its dedication to innovation, Apocalypse Riders X is poised to be a significant milestone in the brand's journey toward gaming excellence. For those interested in responsible gambling, bet365 provides a wide selection of tools to help players stay in control, accessible at bet365's Responsible Gambling page. Additional support can be found at begambleaware.org.
On August 30, 2023, Pragmatic Play, a leading content provider for the iGaming industry, revealed an expanded partnership with Gamesys Group, offering its acclaimed Live Casino portfolio in all of Gamesys Group's active markets. This strategic move enables Pragmatic Play to further its presence in key markets like the UK and Spain. The deal incorporates several of Pragmatic Play's fan-favorite game shows such as Sweet Bonanza CandyLand™, Boom City™, and PowerUP Roulette™. These games feature world-class components and immersive gameplay, which are sure to entice Gamesys Group’s diverse customer base. This partnership supports Pragmatic Play's ongoing efforts to expand its Live Casino portfolio with tier-one operators. Gamesys Group, which is owned by Bally’s Corporation—a global casino and entertainment company—has a growing presence in both land-based and online gambling. Bally's oversees various prominent online brands like Vera&John, Jackpotjoy, and Virgin Games, along with multiple land-based casinos in the United States. Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, Gamesys is a wonderfully creative and collaborative team who shares our commitment to player entertainment and protection. Even more players across their brands will be able to enjoy our growing range of immersive game shows and premium table games. Simon Field, Director of Live Casino Strategy and Development at Bally’s Interactive, also commented, Pragmatic Play has some of the most instantly recognizable Live Casino games on the market. With such an expansive, thrilling portfolio, we couldn’t be happier to provide its content to our players. The agreement is a win-win for both companies, not only extending Pragmatic Play's market reach but also enriching Gamesys Group's online casino offerings. It comes at a time when the demand for interactive and engaging online gaming experiences is at an all-time high, making the partnership timely and mutually beneficial. This expanded partnership solidifies Pragmatic Play's position as a top-tier provider of Live Casino experiences while offering Gamesys Group's customers more diverse and engaging gameplay options. Both parties are optimistic about the opportunities this collaboration presents and are eager to see how their audiences will respond to the enhanced offerings.
As reported in IGB News, the Great Britain Gambling Commission (GBGC) has suspended all three In Touch Games operating licenses in an unprecedented move that underscores the heightened scrutiny of online gambling platforms. The regulator has labeled the company as potentially "unsuitable" for licensed activities, triggering immediate action. This suspension covers In Touch's extensive portfolio, including online casinos, bingo, and gambling software. Popular brands under the company umbrella, such as Bonusboss.co.uk, Cashmo.co.uk, and Slotfactory.com, will be directly impacted by this decision. The regulator has explicitly mentioned several areas of concern that led to this drastic action. These include issues relating to money laundering, the company's fair and transparent terms and practices, and its reporting of critical events. The suspension will remain effective while the Commission thoroughly reviews In Touch and its operations by sections 118 (2) and 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. In an official statement, the Commission emphasized that during the suspension period, the company should focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments that might affect them. Interestingly, the suspension does not prohibit In Touch Games from allowing consumers to access their accounts or withdraw funds. This suspension comes on the heels of another significant setback for In Touch Games: a hefty fine of £6.1 million (€7.1m/$7.7m) levied by the Commission in January of this year. That fine was imposed due to social responsibility and money laundering failures, including an incident where In Touch did not interact with a customer, showing erratic play patterns until seven weeks after being flagged. The company also failed to verify income claims made by a customer flagged for high spending and unusual playtimes. Adding insult to injury, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) also announced the immediate suspension of In Touch Games' membership. The decision aligns with BGC's strict rules concerning membership and standards, further isolating the embattled company within the industry. In Touch Games finds itself in turbulent waters, facing increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies and industry associations. With a comprehensive review underway, the company's future remains uncertain, and the repercussions could have a lasting impact on both the firm and the broader online gaming landscape. Whether or not In Touch Games will be able to navigate these challenges successfully and regain its standing in the industry remains to be seen.
The world of online gambling has produced yet another millionaire. This time, the lucky recipient is a Unibet player from the United Kingdom who won an eye-popping €1.4 million on Relax Gaming's Danger High Voltage Megapays™ slot game. This monumental win was triggered on an 80-cent spin, marking it as a true windfall. The jackpot is part of Relax Gaming's Megapays™ series, initially launched in collaboration with Big Time Gaming in 2021 with the title Bonanza Megapays™. This recent win added another feather to Relax Gaming's cap, just weeks after the company celebrated its tenth millionaire from its Dream Drop Jackpot. Simon Hammon, CEO of Relax Gaming, expressed his delight at the big win, stating, It's always hugely gratifying to see players engage with our games and ultimately win large sums of money. Hammon also highlighted how the original game, Danger High Voltage, has achieved legendary status and how its Megapays™ version heightens the excitement and opportunities for players. Sharing the sentiment, Gareth Jennings, Head of Casino at Unibet, said, Everyone at Unibet is absolutely thrilled to have been able to facilitate this incredible jackpot win. We are delighted for the lucky player and we sincerely hope they enjoy spending their winnings. Big Time Gaming's CEO, Nik Robinson, chimed in by saying, When we took the cult classic Danger High Voltage™ and put it into overdrive with the inclusion of Megapays™ mechanic, we opened DHV to offer players the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime jackpot. This player has done it by winning a staggering amount! Relax Gaming has been a leading player in the iGaming aggregator sector, offering over 4,000 online casino games. Their extensive library includes high-performing proprietary slots and a range of content from third-party studios through various partnerships. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has been committed to streamlining B2B content delivery for the modern iGaming industry. With licenses in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Malta, and Ontario, among others, Relax Gaming continues to expand its reach in regulated markets. This spectacular win showcases the opportunities presented by Relax Gaming's progressive prize pools and the life-changing payouts that online slots can offer. As the industry continues to grow, so too do the winnings, creating millionaires and generating excitement for players around the globe.
We bring you this report according to iGB News. The announcement that BetMGM would enter the UK market was met with keen interest, but the disclosure of LeoVegas as BetMGM's launch partner truly ignited industry conversations. LeoVegas, acquired by MGM Resorts last year for $604 million, is prepared to leverage its "proprietary tech and know-how" to make BetMGM UK a significant player in the British gambling sector. This move will also set the stage for BetMGM to compete directly with Entain's UK brands, such as Ladbrokes, Coral, and Gala. BetMGM's US operations are a collaborative venture between MGM Resorts and Entain. However, in a strategic departure, the UK launch excludes Entain, creating an intriguing dynamic in the market. Gustaf Hagman, the CEO of LeoVegas, remains unfazed by these complexities and is focused on the rich opportunities the UK market presents. Betting and gaming are well-established in the UK, and consumers here know better than anyone what great online experiences are. They are constantly in search of newer, bigger, and better experiences, Hagman remarked. The partnership, combining LeoVegas' technological expertise with MGM's Las Vegas heritage, aims to deliver an "exciting and safe online experience in the UK," according to Hagman. This alliance is part of a broader strategic trajectory. "When MGM acquired us last year, they communicated that they intended to grow internationally in the digital space, with LeoVegas acting as the powerhouse. This launch affirms that we are indeed on a shared growth journey," said Hagman. LeoVegas plans to offer a best-in-class user experience, smooth player onboarding, and optimal payment methods for BetMGM UK, aiming for a quick rollout time for further expansion. Despite facing a well-established competitive landscape, including Entain's brands, Hagman sees ample room for growth. BetMGM UK promises to offer consumers more frequent jackpots and increased loyalty rewards, leveraging MGM Resorts International's heritage to provide an unmatched online experience. In terms of future expansion, Hagman remained reticent. "We are continually looking for new opportunities, both in terms of brands and markets. The UK launch is the first international launch for BetMGM and the first step outside North America. However, we have no specific details to share regarding other markets at this point," he stated. For LeoVegas, the UK launch of BetMGM is more than a new business venture; it's a "key step forward in our international growth strategy," Hagman emphasized. The Swedish-based operator is fully invested in making BetMGM a landmark success in the UK, as they believe it will be a monumental first step in their shared journey with MGM. With the buzz around the partnership showing no signs of diminishing, the industry is closely watching how this unexpected alliance will reshape the UK's online gambling market. Hagman's confidence in the venture suggests that LeoVegas and BetMGM are geared to introduce a fresh, dynamic experience that could shake up the mature UK market.
Casino content developer Realistic Games has released Destination Atlantis as a captivating new addition to its extensive portfolio. The game, which focuses on wild multiplier reels, is inspired by the legendary lost city of Atlantis and launched on September 7, 2023. The title features a 6-reel setup with thematic symbols like diving equipment, scientists, and explorers. Players must align these symbols in matching combinations across an impressive 3,969 ways to win. Wild symbols are substitutes for all base game symbols, elevating the chance of a win. The game also offers two separate ante bets, allowing players to tailor the gameplay according to their preferences. These bets can bring about wild multiplier reels in the base game or heighten the likelihood of landing scatter symbols. Destination Atlantis Screenshot A minimum of three scatter symbols is required to unlock the bonus round. Once in, players can earn up to a maximum of 50 spins and one portal spin. In this round, the gameboard dramatically expands to feature 21,609 pay lines. Multiplier wild reels activated during this bonus become guaranteed multipliers in the final portal spin, substantially augmenting the win potential and enabling up to four multiplier wild reels. "Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, expressed her enthusiasm about the release, stating, "Destination Atlantis stands as an epitome of our commitment to creating transformative experiences. Players are encouraged to engage with the game in numerous ways, from ante bets that enhance replayability to buildable mechanics in the free spins round that escalate the excitement." Destination Atlantis follows on the heels of other noteworthy releases from Realistic Games, such as Shinobi Moon, Catch-22, and Chilli Master. Each game from Realistic Games adds a new layer of innovation and engagement, and Destination Atlantis is no exception. About Realistic Games: Realistic Games is an industry veteran delivering premium iGaming experiences since 2002. Recognized for its pioneering work in mobile slots and HTML5 technology, the company continues to innovate under the leadership of a new team of industry experts. With a portfolio boasting over 100 slots, table games, and instant-win titles, the company has successfully penetrated leading gaming jurisdictions, including the UK, Romania, and Sweden. Their game content has also attracted partnerships with top-tier operators such as Entain, William Hill, and the Flutter Group.
Pragmatic Play, a frontrunner in delivering content to the iGaming industry, has achieved another landmark by completing a group-wide rollout of its Live Casino portfolio in collaboration with William Hill, a part of 888 Holdings plc. Announced on September 7, 2023, the expanded partnership will notably enhance Pragmatic Play's Live gaming audience with William Hill, which has been hosting Pragmatic Play's slot content since 2017. William Hill's customer base will benefit from a rich selection of live dealer games such as Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat. The expanded portfolio will also introduce new game show products, including Sweet Bonanza CandyLand™, Mega Wheel™, and the soon-to-be-released Vegas Ball Bonanza™. This new deal aligns with Pragmatic Play's recent strategic moves to extend its reach in regulated European markets. Over the past few months, the company has inked deals in Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, among others, to broaden its portfolio's reach. Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, expressed her enthusiasm for the extended partnership: William Hill is a significant global brand that needs no introduction. We are thrilled to further our existing relationship by bringing our complete Live Casino portfolio to the UK market. From traditional games to innovative hybrid products, we aim to offer exceptional gaming experiences to William Hill customers. Conversely, Richard Atkinson, Global Head of Live Casino at 888 Holdings plc, also applauded the move: "Pragmatic Play's Live dealer offerings are well-regarded for being innovative and high-quality. We've had a successful partnership for six years, and this new expansion is set to elevate our collaboration even further." Pragmatic Play's extension into the Live Casino sector with William Hill adds another feather in the cap for both companies. For William Hill, this partnership aligns perfectly with its mission to provide unparalleled moments of gaming excitement to its customers. This is an opportunity for Pragmatic Play to showcase its multi-product portfolio of award-winning slots, live casinos, bingo, virtual sports, and more to a broader audience. About Pragmatic Play: Pragmatic Play is a leading game developer providing various award-winning games across multiple verticals to global brands in the iGaming industry. Operating in all major regulated markets, languages, and currencies, Pragmatic Play streamlines gaming experiences through a single API. About 888 Holdings Plc and William Hill: 888 Holdings plc is a global industry leader in betting and gaming, boasting a workforce of approximately 12,000 people worldwide. Acquiring William Hill's international business in 2022, 888 aims to offer customers state-of-the-art technology and content-rich products that assure fun, fairness, and safety globally. William Hill, founded in 1934, became an international, multi-brand business and part of 888 Holdings plc in 2022.
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