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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.
The GB Gambling Commission initiated its regulatory review of Lindar Media, the operator of online bingo and igaming platform MrQ, after conducting a compliance assessment in September 2022. The review revealed several weaknesses in the operator's implementation of AML policies and responsible gambling measures. Detailed Findings of the Assessment The Commission outlined specific shortcomings in Lindar Media's AML policies, including the company's practice of automatically assigning a low money laundering risk to new customers. It also found an overreliance on financial triggers to identify and manage these risks. This resulted in customers being able to deposit and lose more than £10,000, which the regulator termed as "not sufficiently risk-based." Regarding social responsibility, Lindar Media failed to notify the Commission when its head of regulatory compliance left the position in June 2022. The company also failed to effectively identify customers at risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. Violations in Advertising Practices The Commission also criticized Lindar Media for irresponsible advertising that used cartoon imagery with appeal to children, including images of Spiderman and King Kong. Although Lindar Media removed these ads upon discovering them, the damage was already done. Lindar Media's Response In response to the regulatory settlement, Lindar Media acknowledged that the breaches occurred during a period of growth for the business. CEO Savvas Fellas emphasized that the company has since improved its safer gambling policies and built "technology-driven models that underpin compliance and safer gambling promises to our players." Allocation of Fines The Commission has decided that the £690,947 fine will be directed towards socially responsible causes, ensuring that the penalty serves a greater good. Comprehensive Regulatory Review Uncovers Failings The hefty fine is a cautionary tale for online gaming operators, emphasizing the need for robust AML and social responsibility measures. With the rapidly growing online gambling sector, regulatory bodies like the GB Gambling Commission are increasingly vigilant in ensuring operators adhere to all license conditions and codes of practice. Lindar Media's case highlights the consequences of non-compliance and serves as a lesson for the broader industry.
Bet365 Embraces Enhanced Opta-Powered Data for Enriched Betting In response to bettors' ever-evolving demands, bet365 Sportsbook & Racebook has announced its partnership with Stats Perform to enhance its statistical betting reach. This collaboration brings to the forefront Opta-powered player and team statistics from even more elite football competitions spanning Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This expanded coverage has been enabled by the extension of Stats Perform's acclaimed Opta data feed. Explicitly designed for dependable player and team statistical betting, the feed now encompasses an additional 19 elite competitions, translating to coverage of over 3,000 more matches annually. This amplification allows licensed sportsbooks to offer statistics-driven markets for close to 7,000+ matches each year. Such an offering will bolster their growth trajectory and engage bettors with every football action on the field. Over the years, statistical markets have invigorated football betting, with a significant impetus from Opta's dedicated investment and unparalleled brand reputation. These markets are now integral to much-favored betting experiences like same-game multis. Regarding this enhancement, Andrew Ashenden, Chief Betting Officer at Stats Perform, mentioned, "This significant inclusion of data for 3,000 new matches showcases months of meticulous work by our specialized teams." He further accentuated Stats Perform's dedication to aiding operators in pioneering and crafting compelling, customized products that resonate with bettors. "Our collaboration with bet365, who have swiftly integrated these new competitions, reflects our shared ambition," Ashenden added. Supplementary Tools for a Seamless Experience In addition to the broader Opta data feed coverage, Stats Perform has introduced pivotal tools: The Opta Trading Viewer: This facilitates sportsbook trading teams in refining their trading, pricing and settling workflows for statistical markets, consequently elevating the customer experience. The Same Game Multi Assistant: Housed within Stats Perform's Content Player Pro, this tool aids bettors in identifying high-performing players across over 15+ statistical categories from 250+ global leagues. Such insights empower bettors to make informed decisions, especially in statistical markets linked to same-game multis, bet builders, and pre-defined multis. Elaborating on the transformative power of Opta data, Ashenden stated, Our unparalleled Opta data has redefined the football betting experience, unlocking new client segments and boosting entertainment. He emphasized that globally recognized sportsbooks prefer Opta data for its reliability and the resulting enriched bettor experience. He concluded, We take immense pride in pioneering such innovations. Our collaboration with esteemed partners like bet365 epitomizes our shared vision. And, this is merely a glimpse of our larger aspirations in this realm. Stats Perform's Opta data is a trusted resource for numerous global entities, from sports teams to broadcasters. It serves as a beacon, enhancing the sporting experience and forging deeper connections between fans and the games they love. With an array of tools and platforms, such as Opta Voice, ProVision, ISF, PressBox Live, and PressBox Graphics, it remains an unparalleled asset in the sporting world.
A Stepping Stone to Growth: The acquisition by LeoVentures, a part of the eminent MGM Resort International, marks a new era of growth for Push Gaming. This move encapsulates a significant vote of confidence in Push Gaming's innovative approach towards slot development that emphasizes a player-first ethos. Titles like Razor Shark, Jammin' Jars, and Big Bamboo have made a mark in regulated markets globally, bolstering Push Gaming's reputation as a player-centric developer. A Testament to Past Successes: Push Gaming's journey to prominence has been fueled by a series of successful game titles that resonate with a global audience. The acquisition is not just a business deal; it's a testament to the relentless effort, skill, and industry insight demonstrated by the team at Push Gaming. James Marshall, the CEO, expressed immense pride in the work that has brought them to this juncture. The acquisition acts as a nod to the quality and potential of the gaming content that Push Gaming has been delivering. Continued Independent Operation: Despite the change in ownership, Push Gaming will continue its operations independently, retaining its existing leadership. The commitment towards crafting superior gaming experiences remains staunch. Marshall emphasized that the acquisition augments their resolve to create enduring and engaging gambling games that stand the test of time and drive significant traffic for their operator partners. New Horizons of Opportunities: With the backing of industry giants like MGMRI and LeoVegas Group, Push Gaming is now poised to explore a broader spectrum of opportunities on a global scale. The acquisition opens doors to place their content in front of a wider audience across numerous places worldwide, significantly expanding their reach. It's a new chapter that promises greater visibility and expansion, adding a fresh zest to Push Gaming's journey. Maintaining a Strong Market Presence: Push Gaming has a solid footprint across many of Europe's key regulated markets, partnering with prominent platforms like Bet365, Entain, Tipico, Betway, Betsson, Svenska Spel, and Sky Bet. The acquisition will likely fortify these existing relationships while paving the way for new alliances, further entrenching Push Gaming's position in the iGaming market. About Push Gaming: Established as a reliable B2B supplier, Push Gaming specializes in crafting high-quality HTML5 game content for online and mobile casinos. Its team, comprised of seasoned professionals from various gaming sectors, is dedicated to creating engaging games that players love. Being a part of the LeoVegas Group now, Push Gaming aims to extend its growth trajectory across new and existing regulated markets worldwide, capitalizing on its unique mobile game experiences and innovative gameplay features. The acquisition by LeoVentures heralds a period of enriched potential and heightened expectations as Push Gaming navigates through this exciting phase of growth and exploration.
Star-Led Campaigns: In a move to garner widespread attention, BetMGM has launched a series of marketing campaigns featuring Chris Rock. The first of these campaigns is already live, with Rock spotlighting the assorted special offers to mark the brand’s UK launch. Prospective customers can look forward to bonuses, price boosts, and a sneak peek into exclusive content accessible through BetMGM. Additionally, a responsible gambling advertisement tailored for the UK audience is part of BetMGM’s promotional activities, with campaigns spreading across live sports, TV, outdoor mediums, digital platforms, radio, and social channels. MGM Resorts' Bold Entry: BetMGM UK Director Sam Behar expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s UK launch, highlighting that the campaign melds MGM Resorts’ reputable Las Vegas entertainment heritage to present a distinctive proposition for the UK market. According to Behar, the involvement of Chris Rock accentuates BetMGM’s intent of offering a fresh and delightful approach to the market. Transition without Entain: The news of BetMGM's foray into the UK surfaced last month, revealing a shift from the established partnership with Entain, which shared a 50% joint venture with MGM. Instead, MGM has allied with LeoVegas, utilizing its technology and platform for the new international venture, following MGM's acquisition of LeoVegas last year at $604 million. This development pits BetMGM UK directly against Entain's UK brands, which command a strong presence with names like Ladbrokes, Gala, and Coral. Competitive Offerings: BetMGM is opening the doors to a vast array of online casino content and sports betting options for UK players. It's a competitive move aimed at carving a niche in a market dominated by seasoned players. Ready for the Challenge: Earlier this month, LeoVegas CEO, Gustaf Hagman, shared his optimism about partnering with BetMGM for its UK launch in a conversation with iGB. He asserted that LeoVegas is well-prepared for the challenge ahead, indicating a solid backing for BetMGM's endeavor to establish its footprint in the UK's thriving gaming landscape. The amalgam of MGM’s strategic shift, star-powered campaigns, and robust offerings highlight an aggressive and well-thought-out entry into the UK market, setting the stage for an intriguing competitive scenario in the online gaming and sports betting sphere. LeoVegas Partners with BetMGM for UK Launch: As we reported earlier this month, LeoVegas, instead of the anticipated Entain, has been unveiled as BetMGM's partner for its UK debut, surprising the industry. LeoVegas CEO Gustaf Hagman is optimistic about thriving in the competitive UK market following this development.
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