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Is too much ever enough? Playtech, the world's largest online gaming software supplier, is now making its play on the casual games sector. Big Step into the Casual Game Sector The resounding message was delivered with the $16 million acquisition of Dundee-based studio YoYo Games, a move that is sure to raise share values even higher on the London Stock Exchange Main Market where the powerhouse wields its prevailing supplier dominance. This is consistent with Playtech's strategy of strong partnerships with licensees, and what type of partnership is stronger than acquisition? GMS Technology The main appeal of the YoYo proprietary offerings is Game Maker: Studio (GMS). The leading mobile-driven technology is perhaps the top casual game development solution in the industry today, enabling developers to create a variety of games using a single programming code publishable across multiple platforms. GMS generated products have already been downloaded over 5 million times on common platforms such as iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox and Windows 8. The acquisition of YoYo will broaden Playtech's already unmatched gaming software reach, with upwards of 750,000 already using the platform on a freemium basis. Playtech stands to increase revenues through the additional services that registered developers pay for, with the GMS sales and capabilities sure to expand considerably with the added investment and marketing built into Playtech's brand. Playtech Integrates YoYo with Internal Development Already a casual game player via internal games development team Plamee, the Playtech diversification to casual gaming now appears complete. The acquisition is part of Playtech's self-described three pronged penetration strategy into the casual gaming market, where Plamee's development of in-house as well as third party games will be integrated with the YoYo gaming technology. YoYo Proceeds Balloon The acquisition holds huge benefits for YoYo as well, as an earn out and retention plan for payment will add an estimated $5.25 million to the price. In this win-win deal, the strongest get stronger, and the fish they swallowed gets expanded value on the closing cost.
Gambling regulation is off the table in Sweden for now. Parliament Has Its Own Priorities In one of the most popular countries for online gambling, Minister for Public Administration Ardalan Shekarabi says Parliamentary re-regulation for gambling in the currently monopolized Swedish market will not take place until completion of general budgetary negotiations in Parliament. Swedish reforms in general will be delayed, pending resolution of the more pressing general Spring Budget hearing which will take place in April. Specific Gambling Issues Remain Too Shekarabi also warned that issues needed to be resolved prior to moving forward with regulation even after the budget. Lingering Swedish Parliamentary concerns about problem gambling and the impact of gambling advertising in the country indicate that a fully regulated market allowing entry of foreign operators into Sweden's large and receptive public market is simply not yet ready to happen. Advertising and Market Size The current presence and positioning of gambling advertising from unlicensed operators has proven problematic to the Swedish regulatory body Lotteriinspektionen, who in one recent case admonished organisers of the Swedish motor racing event rally Sweden for allowing a participant to display a logo from casino operator Leo Vegas on its car. Shekarabi firmly cautioned that caps on the visibility and regularity of gambling-related advertising in Sweden would still have to be devised as a policy initiative before an actual regulation vote can take place in Sweden, as well as the size of the market. Slow Down Unibet et al This will clearly temper if not reverse expansion plans for operators, who understandably have been formulating strategy based on the recent pledge by Sweden to accelerate plans to reform gambling regulation. This pledge was made after the European Commission referred the country to the European Court of Justice in October last year, for non-compliance. In a country where gambling is wildly popular, prominent operators such as Unibet and Paf will have to for all intents and purposes hurry up and wait for the chance to get a slice of the pie now dominated by the Svenska Spel monopoly. And that wait could stretch all the way until 2019. For now, operators need to turn their expansion plans elsewhere. No one said it would be easy.
Chief executive of Net Entertainment Per Eriksson has announced that the leading online gambling software supplier will be looking to market its products to both Mexico and Asia in the upcoming year. This will hopefully help the company expand upon the massive growth that took place in Europe in 2014. According to Eriksson, NetEnt’s profits rose by an extraordinary 46% in the European market over the past year. Eriksson pointed out that North America, specifically Mexico, is just beginning to regulate online gambling, which means that the demand for it is strong. He continued, “We still have a lot to do, but long-term I think we’ll continue to have very strong growth with all these big markets we haven’t touched yet.” NetEnt Scheduled to Open in the US NetEnt is scheduled to launch in New Jersey in the second quarter of this year; they are just waiting for the final approval. Eriksson announced that as soon as agreements are signed with NJ operators, NetEnt will come forth with the news. In preparation of this exciting debut, Bjorn Krantz, Chief of Global Market Operations and Managing Director at Net Entertainment Malta, was made Managing Director and Chief of North America Market Operations and has set up a base in New Jersey. NetEnt Takes Europe NetEnt is also scheduled to launch in Spain within the next few months, since the Spanish regulator recently allowed the regulation of online slots. Eriksson also let on about potential agreements in the United Kingdom, which would allow the game-supplier giant to expand even more. As of now, NetEnt supplies many of Europe’s major online gambling sites with some of the most exciting games on the market. NetEnt's plans for growth in 2015 include focusing on more mid-sized operators while simultaneously strengthening relationships with their major current customers. Players can find NetEnt's arsenal of games at online casinos like BETAT Casino, Winner Casino, and Casino Cruise.
Gelsenkirchen's Veltins-Arena is going to be the center of attention tonight as home team Schalke 04 host Real Madrid for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 (19:45 UK time). The two teams met at the same stage last year, with Real Madrid qualifying to the quarter-finals with 9-2 in aggregate. Will this replay be any different? Revenge for Schalke? Schalke suffered quite the blow against Real Madrid in the round of 16 last year. The first game saw the Spaniards off with a thrashing 6 to 1 win and the second game ended a slightly softer 3 to 1 in favor of Los Blancos. With the home advantage and their recent performance in the Bundesliga, Schalke is more than capable. The team's got good strikers such as Choupo-Moting and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar if he is fit to play – both very good bet candidates for goalscorer. Schalke's defense will also look up to Benedikt Howedes, the Captain who'll have Ronaldo on his mind. If it all ticks well – Schalke could get their revenge tonight. Real Madrid's Missing Line-up Real Madrid is going to miss some key players tonight including Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez; Sami Khedira and Fabio Coentrao are also in question. Los Blancos' midfield will take a hit because of that, but coach Carlo Ancelotti will surely find some kind of cure, perhaps in the image of Toni Kroos. More than everything else, Real will count on the offensive trio – Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. Los Blancos have shown some weariness in their performance as of late and it is up to this strong offense to kick-up to win the game. Live Betting Odds In full time result odds, Winner Sports had Real Madrid as a favorite with 9/20 to win while Schalke was 6/1. Winner will cover the game live with a full suite of in-play betting markets as the game takes place, log-in tonight and spice up your viewing of this intriguing game with a wager.
Realistic Game and NYX Gaming Group signed a partnership that will allow the British casino game developer to supply its collection to the many customers on the OGS distribution platform operated by NYX. The strategic partnership will see Realistic games reach some of the biggest online casinos in the industry and provide players more variety on a secure network. Award-Nominated Games from Realistic According to the statements made by the two iGaming companies, Realistic has already integrated the selection of ReGal games on the NYX platform known as OGS. As a result, Realistic can now supply its entire selection of slots and table games to the customers already signed with NYX gaming, as well as future operators that opt in. The distributed games include the award-nominated slot with five reels and a colorful Japanese theme called Super Graphics Upside Down, the innovative game with a luxurious touch 6 Appeal and many more. Also featured on the list are the table games that helped make Realistic a big brand in the industry as they have great graphics and make for an online experience that looks and feels like the real thing. A Strategic Partnership According to the statement made by the commercial director at Realistic Games, the deal with NYX is a strategically important one and also marks a major milestone for the company right from the beginning of a new year. The two operators share goals and aspirations and the recent partnership should help both of them get closer to them while providing a stable offer for clients. David Flynn of NYX Gaming Group stated that the addition of the portfolio of games from Realistic further solidifies the position of the OGS platform as the market-leading distribution network for casino content. Players should expect to see titles from Realistic Games at the big online casinos using NYX software in the near future.
With the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) in NJ approving wagers on physical skill-based games last week, the world of gambling is facing changes, and hopefully for the better. Contest Approval from the DGE Although some forms of gambling do require an element of skill in understanding and mentally calculating the odds as circumstances change, luck still outweighs skill. However, that will change briefly in March of this year, with the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is scheduled to host a $10,000 basketball free throw contest in Atlantic City. To organise the contest, the Borgata had to seek advance approval from New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). The intention of the contest is to help launch new games as part of a special programme dubbed New Jersey First. Unprecedented Approval for Gambling Eric Weiss, a director with the DGE, has confirmed that the event will “purely be a physical dexterity contest.” And it appears that the DGE will have to consider skill-based contests, as other New Jersey casinos are eager to replicate the publicity success of the Borgata. The decision by the DGE comes in the wake of NBA commissioner Adam Silver calling for legalized sports betting in mid-November 2014, and following the opening of the US online gaming market in late 2013. The debate over what is considered skill-based games and games of chance continues, with it being illegal to bet on the latter in the US. Impact on Sports Betting Will the Borgata basketball contest introduce a new type of betting? We think so, and as long as other casinos can get approval, they are likely to follow suit. Borgata seeks to be the trend setter, and that they have done. While we aren't sure if this will have a big impact on online casinos, it could open up a new realm of online betting events. It will be interesting to see where the DGE decision leads, and the effect it will have on gambling wagers in other US states.
The battle over online gambling regulations in America is not a new one, but it is one that has been heating up over the past two years with the advent of legal internet gambling in three individual states: Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware. Joining the battle are two industry giants, Caesars Entertainment and Amaya Gaming. The two plan to work together to push for online gambling legislation at both state and federal levels. While in the past there had been some conflict between PokerStars and Caesars, since Amaya acquired PokerStars in the summer of 2014 the relationship has been steadily on the mend. The two even teamed up to offer online gambling in New Jersey, but their license has been delayed time and time again. Now the two industry leaders are focusing their attention on the real issue at hand: legalizing online gambling in the US. “We need to focus on where our opposition really lies, and clearly it’s not Amaya and PokerStars. They are a strong ally in the space,” Caesars Entertainment’s Executive Vice President, Jan Jones-Blackhurst, commented. Who is the Behind the Opposition? Amaya and Caesars know who they are up against. It is none-other than casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who, ironically, has been the staunchest, most outspoken opponent to online gambling legislation since the issue came up. “Click your mouse and lose your house,” Sheldon and his anti-gambling lobbyists have taken to saying. But it is precisely because there are such strong (and well-funded) anti-gambling lobbyists that Caesars and Amaya are stepping up to work together in favor of their cause. Online gambling can have many positive benefits; namely, it can create jobs and increase state and federal revenue, which is sorely needed during this time of economic recession. Pro-internet gambling lobbyists hope that the support of these two powerful companies can help push through legislation for the allowance of internet gambling.
The UEFA Europa League continues tonight with games across the board. One of the most important match-ups in the round of 32 first leg is between Tottenham Hotspur FC and ACF Fiorentina at White Hart Lane. Both teams are focused on getting the advantage for the second leg, but Tottenham are ultimately the favorite, which means the Italians will need to overcome in order to prevail. Team Scope Tottenham will be happy to be starting their grueling 17 day, 6 game schedule, which kicks off tonight. Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs Head Coach is confident his team will win tonight and the roster looks to be in good form. Coming off a break over the weekend, Tottenham have had time to relax and get prepared heading into a number of key games over a short span. Even though the Spurs have only won two games out of their last five, Harry Kane looks like he could be the deciding factor tonight. He has scored five times in the last three games and already has another five goals in Europa League play. Currently in fourth place in Serie A, Fiorentina are an excellent squad and continue to surprise odds makers. Unbeaten in their last eight games and on a three-game winning streak in all competitions, Fiorentina poses a real threat to Tottenham. Their coach, Vincenzo Montella wants his team to be a little scared before the match, because he thinks they play better that way. Fiorentina also have a star forward in Mario Gomez who has netted five goals in his last four appearances. bet365 Online Sportsbook Odds The Europa League has been drawing millions of bets from punters eager to get in on the action. bet365 sports is blazing the trail for most brands by offering some of the most attractive markets available. Prior to the action, Tottenham are the favorites at 2.25, while the Italians are at 3.50. A draw is listed at 3.40. In addition to outright winner markets, bet365 has a number of Team Props, Score Props like Correct Score and Half Time result, Player Props and markets available by request.
Ahead of this Friday’s hotly anticipated EuroMillions draw, which is estimated at €56 million, players from throughout Europe are eagerly checking over their numbers and buying their tickets to be ready in time. The nine participating countries for this Friday 20 February will be the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. €56 Million Rollover On Tuesday this week, there were no winners in the EuroMillions draw, ensuring that the jackpot would roll over to be worth €56 million this Friday. No players were able to match the main numbers of 2, 5, 18, 30, and 43, and Lucky Stars of 1 and 10. Historically, EuroMillions draws have previously surpassed the €100 million mark. However, players will be more eager to win the jackpot this week rather than wait any longer. Don’t forget to choose your numbers if you want to enter. Buy EuroMillions Tickets Online The format of EuroMillions is as glitzy as your would expect, with the draw hosted on Tuesday and Friday every week in the picturesque city of Paris. When playing the game, organisers will draw five numbers between 1 and 50. Two additional Lucky Stars numbers between 1 and 11 will be drawn. To win outright or share the overall prize, players have to match all five main numbers along with the two Lucky Stars. An array of additional prizes will also be up for grabs. Players can match at least three numbers by using a combination of either main numbers or Luck Stars. EuroMillions tickets are available online at sites like The Lotter and Lottery Master for Friday’s draw.
The Georgia Gaming Congress kicks off today at Tbilisi, where people from all aspects of the gambling industry will come together for one day to learn about the latest developments in both traditional and online gambling, and to network with local and international managers, foreign investors, manufacturers of gaming equipment, government officials and players. The Congress celebrates the 25th anniversary of legal gambling in Georgia, and participants from all over the world have come to join in the festivities. Two special speakers at the Congress are Giorgi Pertaia, director of the Georgian National Investment Agency and Tornike Zirakishvili, Head of International Relations, National Tourism Administration of Georgia. In addition to these two presentations, over the course of the Congress ten seminars will be given by representatives from leading gambling companies, such as Georgian National Investment Agency, Casino Technology and BetConstruct. Product Showcase Part of the Georgia Gaming Congress includes an impressive showcase of gambling-related products and services from all over the world, featuring companies such as GameART, EveryMatrix, Gambee, Innovative Technology Ltd, Metro Atlas Georgia, One bet and many more. Company Spotlight: Endorphina Endorphina is an online gambling content provider that provides a full suite of quality games, technical solutions and customized service. Earlier this month Endorphina held a display at ICE Totally Gaming in London where they released a number of new slot games; today they are showcasing their products at the Georgia Gaming Congress. Before the start of the Congress, Ruslan Lyulko, Head of Sales Department from Endorphina was quite optimistic.“We have traveled quite a lot these past months but it will be our first time ever in Georgia,” he commented. “We expect a lot of networking and potential business partners.” Endorphina’s new slot games are largely inspired by Greek mythology, such as Minotaurus and Fairy Tales. In all of their games, the graphics are life-like and entertaining, bringing the player an all-around feel-good experience.
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