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In a preventative measure to safeguard against the rise of monopolies in the UK online gaming market, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened its latest merger review to public feedback. Latest Merger This comes in response to the proposed merger between rival betting companies Paddy Power and Betfair announced last August. The merger would see the operators combine holdings for a merged worth of new holding worth £6.2 billion (€8.7 billion/$9.4 billion). The proposed split has Paddy Power shareholders owning 52% of the company, and Betfair shareholders taking 48% of the issued share capital. The CMA has requested assistance for its review of the proposed merger, inviting communication from any parties with concerns, setting November 20th as the date for a review of all comments. The CMA is looking for feedback on whether the merger will be be consistent and stay consistent with the provisions of the UK Enterprise Act of 2002, the CMA said in a statement, in order to guard against “a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.” A decision on the merger is expected on January 7th. The Need to Protect Competition The need for public feedback arises from the fact that this deal unites two of the biggest online gaming companies in the UK, and will certainly shift the competitive landscape to no small extent. Ensuring the continued competitiveness of the landscape is the CMA's priority. What is certain is that the new company would form one of the largest online betting and gaming providers not only in the UK but in the world. The need to monitor mergers is increasing in the UK, with mergers in 2015 happening with regularity as an adaptive measure operators have taken to in order to survive and continue earning while minimizing the costs of increased regulation and taxes from the UK gaming authority.
Q3 was good to operators as well, though the numbers need some interpretation. How Mr. Green Jumped Online casino operator Mr. Green's promising year-on-year jump in revenue shown for Q3 2015 has Chief Executive Officer Per Norman raving about the fact that his company has “laid the foundation to continue to outpace the market.” The totals that have spurred this enthusiasm include boosts of SEK 201.6 million (€21.5 million/$23.3 million) for an increase of almost a full fifth--or 19.6%--on the SEK 168.5 million posted in last year's third quarter. Even more importantly for online casino industry watchers and players in general is the fact that Active Customers were well up for Mr Green, from 66,266 last year to 73,689 in Q3 this year, with Mr. Green reporting a commensurate jump in sales of approximately 20%. Regulation Adaptation Costs Interestingly, and a reflection on the costs of adapting to various regulations in new online casino markets, Mr. Green pointed out that Q3 earnings totals before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) excluding items affecting comparability fell from SEK 42.4 million in the third quarter of last year to SEK 40.8 million this year. Also, and no less significant, earnings before interest and tax dropped from SEK positive of 28.4 million last year to a negative of SEK 82.7 million year-on-year in Q3. The disparity between increased patronage and decreased profits was further explained by Norman as “impacted by recognition of an amount corresponding to SEK 25.4 million in tax, compared with SEK 400,000 in the year-earlier period.” Consistent with Strategy Norman attributes these disparities to risks which the company assumed in expanding into newly regulated markets, where despite operating costs increased operations in regulated markets ultimately serve to reduce business risk. Thus the company has taken on greater cost control efforts in the interests of meeting anticipated “increased tax pressure from regulated markets.” The strong overall showing of Q3 brought Mr. Green’s revenue for the year-to-date to SEK 591.5 million, a jump from 22.1% on the same point last year. The success of overall visitorship and play, combined with Mr. Green's adaptation process, would imply that all numbers will smooth out in Mr. Green's favor.
Aside from the Bengals, there are only two other teams still remaining unbeaten in the NFL. Last night the Patriots and the Panthers won their games to go 9-0, while the Bengals must get past the struggling Texans to keep a perfect record. The Texans are still in the hunt for a spot in this year's playoff picture, even with a dismal 3-5 record. They are however in second place of one of the worst AFC South divisions of all time. The Colts are in first place at 4-5 and the Texans could take over that spot if they get back to winning games, but the odds are stacked against them for a win tonight. This is one of the best Bengals team's ever. They have won eight games by over 13 points, and destroyed the Browns last week with a 21-point win. They are in third place in the league for points scored at 28.6 per game, and they could go many more games with much of the same. If the Bengals want to make like easier on themselves, they will need to get the ball away fast. Unless of course they want J.J. Watt all over their rushers and receivers. Watt is a machine, but the Bengals have been able to avoid offensive losses and turnovers, making them incredibly dynamic this year. NFL Monday Night Betting Markets Bet365 Sports, the famed UK-based sportsbook is offering competitive betting odds for all NFL games this year. Tonight's clash will also be featured in their Live In Play betting feed, with numerous chances for punters to capitalize on attractive bets. The Bengals are outright favorites at 1.18, while the Texans need a prayer at 5.25. If the underdog pulls out the win tonight, it would mean a big payday for anyone taking that bet, but chances are the Bengals will dominate, so play smart.
Microgaming, the world’s leading online gaming software developer, has announced that it will be releasing a new slot game, Serenity, in the month of December. Perfect timing, because as the stress of the holidays approaches, we could all use a little serenity! Serenity will be available to play at Real Deal Bet Casino, Jackpot City Casino and Casino Adrenaline as of December. About the Game Many slot games pride themselves on being fast-paced, suspenseful, and adrenaline-inducing, but Microgaming’s newest slot promises the exact opposite - a calm, peaceful experience, that of course, can lead to a bucketful of winnings. With 5 reels and 15 selectable paylines, Serenity is set in a quiet Asian village, with a river running through it, a bridge, a temple and sprawling gardens. The colors are dark and rich, the background artwork, tranquil, the soundtrack, soothing. But the game has its own brand of appeal, because beneath the placid surface lies a number of special bonuses that keep the game from being boring. These bonuses include scatters, free spins, wilds, bonus symbols, a bonus round and a multiplier. The bonus round is triggered when three or more lantern bonus symbols appear on any active payline. In this round, players will be able to choose up to five paper lanterns, each revealing its own random value bonus prize. The free spins bonus feature is triggered when three or more scatters appear on the reels, and this feature rewards players with a minimum of 10 free spins, which can be retriggered endlessly and all the winnings subject to a 3X multiplier. The maximum jackpot in Serenity is 120,000 coins, an amount that can certainly grant players some peace of mind! About Microgaming Launched in 1994, Microgaming has been at the forefront of the online gaming industry since its inception. Microgaming regularly releases new games, and to date has created over 800 casino games. Microgaming games are known for their smooth interface, quality graphics and big payouts.
The anticipation for the Malta iGaming Seminar has been building for quite a while and the event is finally just a few days away. Scheduled to take place between the 16th and 19th of November, the conference will cover important topics for the industry in one of the most popular jurisdiction for licensing and development for online casinos. Networking at Its Best The MiGS has become one of the major annual events for the online gambling industry and it welcomes representatives of some of the biggest brands in the industry, along with hundreds of attendees from different iGaming sectors. This makes it a great opportunity for networking and making new relations. There are also planned activities which should make it even easier for the people attending to start a chat and discus work as well as other subjects. For example, the action will start with a poker tournament played for fun. It will continue with dinners, snacks, drinks and even a small harbor cruise before concluding with the ABBA Tribute Act at the VIP Closing party on the third day. Notable Speakers on Key Topics Needless to say that the Malta iGaming Seminar is not just about networking and it is also a great opportunity to get more insight on the industry. There will be no shortage of important speakers taking to the stage and this includes representatives of gaming authorities about present and future legislation, private operators for a unique approach on the problems and even CEOs of established brands. One of the biggest names on the list is AJ Thompson, the CEO of B3W, and he will hold a speech about what it takes to build a reliable gaming system that can cover multiple jurisdiction and last for years. Other speakers who will attend the event are Birgitte Sand, the chairman of the Danish Gaming Authority, and Bodog Group Founder Calvin Ayre, who is also known for his gambling news website.
The Macao Slot Academy is an anticipated event for casino management training and it will last for four days in the gambling capital of the world. Starting on the 23rd of November and ending on the 26th November, the exclusive opportunity created for the Asian gaming market features various training and teaching seminars for those attending. The event is already sold out and is expected to be a very successful one for all involved as multiple important topics will be covered in detail. Directed by Lucien Wijsman The Slot Academy takes place a couple of times a year and it was created as a training program to help those in management positions working in the casino industry get better results. The Macao event is even more important since it is tailored for the Asian gaming hub and its particular set of requirements. Lucien Wijsman will once again direct the action and share a lot of his experience to the participants. Considered a casino expert, Wijsman has more than 25 years in the casino industry to back him up and his portfolio includes the title of COO of the German Gauselmann Group for start-up casinos in several countries. What to expect from the course Key topics which will be covered over the four days in Macao include several aspects of operations for casinos. These will feature meters used for slot machines lined up with required SAS protocols, player profiles, management solutions for progressive jackpots, performance analysis for slots, pay table calculations and more. The course also comes with a guarantee that the information made available here can be implemented at established casino businesses or start-up companies looking to get going with the right foot forward. It will be the last Slot Academy of the year, with the next one taking place in the Netherlands in January 2016.
Betsoft has just come out with its newest slot, and it is magical - quite literally. Alkemor’s Tower is part of Betsoft’s blockbuster collection of video slots, Slots3, and as the legendary wizard Alkemor reveals the secrets of his tower, players can become true masters of the elements. Alkemor’s Tower can be played at Betsoft powered online casinos such as Fruity Casa Casino, Real Deal Bet Casino and Mr Green Casino. About the GameAlkemor’s Tower is a 5-reel, any-way-pays 3D video slot whose main character is the mighty wizard, Alkemor. Alkemor’s Tower is centered around the four elements: fire, earth, air and water - but in Alkemor’s case, these natural elements are used for magical purposes. In the game, each individual element has a different effect on the slots’ reels. When the correct combination of symbols occurs on the reels, Alkemor will teleport players to the Magical Conservatory level of the Tower or to the Arcane Observatory level, each of which comes along with its own bonuses, including a generous amount of free spins. Mark McKeown, Betsoft’s VP of Sales and Marketing, commented on this extraordinary game, “Alkemor’s Tower is a stunning example of the magic we at Betsoft can make with a video slot. We are again pushing against the boundaries of what technology can do, in creating this unique game experience.The four distinct elemental magic effects bring untold variety to the gameplay, giving this game tremendous replay value. With an exceptionally strong theme and absolutely gorgeous graphics, Alkemor's Tower is poised to surpass the popularity of many of our games to date.” About Betsoft GamingBetsoft Gaming is a world-renowned developer and provider of complete system online gaming software. Their game library includes over 180 games, including the iconic Slots3 series, many of which are also offered on mobile. Betsoft clients include top gaming operators from around the world.
While states such as Pennsylvania and California have been strongly considering legalizing online gambling, Texas just received a jolting red light from the state’s governor, Greg Abbot. Last week, Abbot wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Texas Gambling Commission that he “wholeheartedly” supports the state’s prohibition on online gambling, and that it is a matter of protecting its citizens. Why Did Abbot Speak Up Now? It had recently come to light that the Texas state regulator had been gathering information on online gambling (particularly sports betting and fantasy sports) to determine whether it could be an option for the Lone Star State. In October, the commission executive director, Gary Smith, went on a fact-finding mission to Delaware to see online gambling operations first-hand. Which is why Abbot also included in his letter than any future staff requests to travel to gather information should be denied. The State of Gambling in Texas Today, the only forms of gambling that are legal in Texas are the state lottery, charitable bingo, raffles, horse racing and one Indian casino. In 2013, Texas lawmakers tried to veto even the lottery, but quickly realized that the income it brings in, to the tune of 2.2 billion dollars every two years, is not something that can easily be made up. This year, a bill was introduced to expand land-based gambling activities, but it was quickly vetoed by the conservative majority of the state legislature. Online Gambling in the States As of now, three states have legalized online gambling in the United States: New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware. At the same time that other states are considering regulating online gambling, Sen. Jason Chaffetz is pushing a bill, the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA), that would make online gambling illegal at a federal level. While it doesn’t seem likely that this bill will pass, a second hearing for it has been scheduled in Congress.
The last time Uruguay met Chile, the match almost ended in a brawl. The severe confrontation between Gonzalo Jara and Edinson Cavani left Jara suspended for the remainder of the Copa tournament and Cavani missing the first two matches of the World Cup Qualifiers. Chilean midfielder Marcelo Diaz has urged his teammates not to let Uruguayan players to influence them on the pitch, but tempers usually flair between these teams. Chile is currently in second place in the hunt for a World Cup berth with 7 points after three games and Uruguay is not far behind with 6, after losing their last match against table-topping Ecuador. Chile though has been much better in its last five games in all competitions winning four and drawing only once. Uruguay, on the other hand has lost two and won three in its last five. Chile is currently ranked number five in the world, the highest the national team has ever been ranked and they won the Copa America for the first time after beating Messi and Argentina in the final. Surprisingly, Chile are not the favorites to win tonight, which could be the ultimate gamble for punters interested in making an underdog bet tonight. World Cup Qualifying Betting and Odds The World Cup is one of the most heavily bet sporting events in the world, so it's no surprise that the qualifiers are punters' favorites. There are dozens of matches on tonight and bet365 Sports has competitive odds and props for each. Uruguay are at home, which is the reason they are slight favorites, listed by bet365 at 2.37. Chile might be the best bet at 3.20, but a draw could also be very much plausible at 3.00. There are Asian Lines, props on Corners, Goals, Players, Half and Full Time result and much more. Bet365 is also offering a huge line of live in play odds for the most interactive gambling experience possible.
The EiG Conference took place on October 20-22 and now that the dust has had a chance to settle, it is time to look at how huge the event actually was. Right from the start it was easy to see that the annual conference will be big but no one expected to be shatter all previous records as a total of 1,669 people came out to the Arena Berlin for the three days of networking, learning and entertainment. Attendees from Around the World In 2014, 61 countries were represented by attendees at the EiG. This year, that number went up to 83 and it perfectly shows how much global attention the conference is getting every year and how much emphasis operators put on such opportunities. The record of people who made it to the conference represents an increase of 13.3% from the previous year. And it wasn’t just quantity that EiG had in spades over the course of three days. Quality was provided by expert speakers like Jason Mills, the head of digital at ITV News, the former chairman of Thanks Cook, John Straw, and the chairman of the board at William Hill, Gareth Davis. They easily managed to pull in large audiences by covering interesting topics in detail and from a precious perspective. Covering the Hard Topics Important sessions made sure to tackle the difficult topics in the iGaming industry as the conference lived up to its reputation with a focus on disruption, consolidation, customer service and mobile gaming across different sectors. On the third day, the Start-Up LaunchPad event took place in front of a filled auditorium. In the end, it was Casino VR which was declared the winner by Melissa Blau. The judge and iGaming capital director also stated that the decision was a very difficult one due to the many high quality submissions for the competition this year. Overall, the bar was set pretty high and the goal is to make the conference even better for 2016.
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