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A new discussion paper released by the UK Gambling Commission UKGC has specifically cautioned e-gaming Operators to be more proactive in seeking licensing. Contemporary Grey Areas The paper was released by the UKGC to address concerns regarding potential grey areas of licensing jurisdiction as applied to virtual currencies, e-sports and social gaming. Integration Breeds Confusion The UKGC announced the necessity in specific response to what it called “the blurring of lines” between social gaming products, gambling activity, continuous technological advances and the expansion of digital or virtual currencies. Recent Cryptocurrency Update This updated stance comes on the heels of the recent addition of a clause in its licence conditions and codes of practice permitting the use of digital currencies such as Bitcoin as a valid method of payment for patrons playing on the sites of UKGC-licensed operators. Skins in e-Sports The focus on e-sports has picked up specifically due to concerns over skins betting and its appeal to minors. The UKGC concerns about e-gaming are likely the result of a highly publicized $7.4 billion (€6.7 billion) illegal (unlicensed) gambling lawsuit filed in the US against Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) creator Valve as a result of untoward activity on the leading games developer Steam´s platform. The Violation The allegations were attached to the skins Valve sold being accepted by some betting operators as collateral for wagers. The aftermath saw Valve ban skins betting operators such as CSGO Lounge from Steam. UKGC Stance Explained UKGC general counsel Neil McArthur explained his organization´s priority as ensuring that “consumers are protected and that children and other vulnerable people are not harmed or exploited by gambling.” Key Concerns McArthur identified further key concerns regarding the use of virtual currencies and ‘in-game’ items for gaming, apparently as ways in which players might tend to lose control of their betting activity in the heat of the moment. Outlook This comes off as a gentle reminder by the UKGC that all virtual gaming operators are responsible for preventing betting activity on their sites or partner platforms unless they have licenses. Further, unlicensed partner betting activity can come back on UK virtual gaming operators not licensed for wagering as well.
Mega Moolah is one of the biggest progressive jackpots slots in the world and it's main prize has just crossed over the $10 million level. Developed by Microgaming, a small portion of every bet made on this game, across all online casinos where it's featured, is put aside into a 'pot', waiting for one player to line up the perfect combination of symbols and trigger a bonus round to scoop the jackpot. Recent payouts include NZ$10,144,395 won in June 2016 by New Zealand fast food worker Rawiri Paul, and a record-breaking £13.2 million claimed by British ex-soldier Johnathan Heywood in October 2015. Other significant wins include CA$7.5 million paid in April 2015 and £5.9 million claimed in December 2012. This latest figure may not hold the record yet, but time will tell if it's going to keep on climbing, or be awarded to one lucky player anywhere in the world. About Mega Moolah Originally launched in 2006, Mega Moolah features an African wildlife theme over 5 reels and 25 paylines. Apart from the jackpot, players will find a wild symbol that doubles the value of any combinations that it completes, along with a free spins round where all winnings are tripled. To win any of the four-level jackpots, players will need to spin a wheel of fortune and should it come to rest on a Jackpot segment they are immediately paid out the corresponding prize. More recently, a linked jackpot has been introduced, with Mega Moolah being adapted to an ancient Egyptian theme, a driving theme, there's Mega Moolah Summertime and now it's a part of the Batman movie-themed The Dark Knight. Spreading the appeal into different genres has sped up the rate at which the jackpot grows, leading to these bigger payouts. Mega Moolah is available to play at Microgaming-powered casinos the likes of Royal Vegas Casino, All Slots Casino and Jackpot City Casino.
Tonight will be the very first time that Stan Wawrinka and Jared Donaldson have met on the court. Wawrinka is seeded second in the rankings for the Cincinnati Masters, as Djokovic, Murray and Federer are not playing in the event. Federer was the champion of this event for the last two years, but the field is open for Wawrinka to win a major tournament in his absence. Wawrinka was one of the top male tennis players to have missed the Olympics, won by Andy Murray. The Swiss star has had a minor back problem for the last 10 days, but he comes to Cincinnati after a good break and making it to the Semi Finals in Toronto earlier in August. Wawrinka's best finish at the Cincinnati Masters was in 2012, when he made it to the Semi Final's but was knocked out at that stage. 2016 has been quite a disappointing year for Wawrinka, as in previous years he actually won a couple of major's. The only high-ranked player in this year's tournament is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Wawrinka wouldn't need to face him until the Semi-Finals. After last year's loss in the Quarter Finals to Djokovic, Wawrinka could easily take top prize this year. Jared Donaldson has won a total of nine career matches on the ATP. Five of those nine wins have come in the last month and critics think that he is on the verge of breaking out as a leader of men's tennis for the near future. He has the whole package. A deadly serve, excellent returns and he covers the court quickly. Coached by Taylor Dent, Donaldson wants to become the best player in the world and will most likely move up in the rankings from his 122 spot today. By the end of the year Donaldson should have broke into the top 100 and it is only a matter of time until he continues his progress. ATP Cincinnati Betting Donaldson is one of the most ambitious players we have seen in the last few years, but I don't think he has the skill yet to beat Wawrinka tonight. Donaldson at 6.00, as posted by bet365 Sports is well-behind Wawrinka's 1.12, but there is still a chance. Set Betting is also available, as well as live in play betting available throughout the match.
GVC Holdings acquired bwin.party on February 1, 2016, further increasing its collection of leading brands. It covers all popular gambling genres such as sports, bingo, poker and casino and has a global presence. This caught the eye of the Swedish supplier Play’n GO and the two ventures signed an agreement. The software developer will be able to promote its games over new major gaming labels such as partypoker, partycasino, Foxy Bingo, Gioco Digitale and CasinoClub. A Landmark Deal for Play'n GO Johan Tornqvist, Play’n GO’s Chief Executive Officer was the one to make the announcement. The company had an excellent year so far and this is the most important milestones set in 2016. The partnership with GVC Holdings will allow them to share their full suite of games with players from regulated markets worldwide. The company is famous for developing award-winning games such as Wizard of Gems, Fire Joker, Grim Muerto and Gemix. These are great looking, mobile friendly games. Play’n GO goes beyond casino games and is a leading developer of smart systems for websites and gaming terminals. Their content has the particularity of being highly customizable, therefore easier to integrate by any brand or casino. The Swedish company runs the celebrated Gaming Account Toolkit e-gaming platform that hosts nearly 100 games and covers more than 30 languages. Enthusiasm on Both Sides of the Aisle GVC Holdings has grown into a major player in the online gambling industry and is on a constant expansion. They continue their string of major deals in 2016, with the one signed with Play’n GO. Liron Snir, GVC Holding’s Chief Product Officer expressed his enthusiasm for reaching this agreement. The Swedish software developer already provides more than 100 operators with top-quality casino games. Now their suite of premium games will be made available to those who play at GVC Holdings brands.
Just For The Win is a new game studio, but one that has an immensely experienced team behind it. All they needed was a chance to promote their games and opportunity presented itself this August. The company has signed an agreement with Microgaming that will allow the development studio to promote its content across the Quickfire platform. An Important Milestone for Both Companies The agreement was celebrated by the representatives of both ventures, as it promises to be mutually lucrative. Johan Persson, CEO and co-founder of JFTW Game Development highlighted the opportunities that this agreement presents to its venture. Microgaming’s Quickfire network is used by dozens of respectable casinos and will act as a springboard for their software. At the same time, Tom Chamberlain, Head of Quickfire at Microgaming notes the quality of Just For the Win games. Their content will go live on the Quickfire platform as soon as 2017, augmenting the already impressive collection of games. These games will complement the other titles provided by Microgaming and its development partners on the celebrated network. Fun and Immersive Content This is how Just For The Win describes its games and those using the Microgaming-powered Quickfire platform will get the chance to try them out soon enough. The Swedish game development studio is yet to release content, but diligently works on top-quality slots. This is what caught the eye of the major software developer in the first place and encouraged them to pursue this agreement. Players are the ultimate winners of this deal, as they are get the chance to play truly new and original titles. The smooth integration on the Quickfire platform is another advantage, as they have the best games available at their fingertips. Microgaming is a promoter of slots that are compatible with mobile devices and it’s only fair to assume that Just For The Win games will also run on tablets and smartphones.
The Summit of iGaming in Malta (SiGMA) this year will also serve as a careers convention for those seeking jobs in the ever-growing industry of iGaming. According to a message released by the organizers, the second day of SiGMA 2016 will be dedicated to a careers convention with doors open for all ICT / Law / Accountancy and other student organizations graduates, from 2pm to 6pm. Jobs Will Come from Malta Speaking about the new initiative, SiGMA’s Eman Pulis said: “It is well-known that recruitment remains one of the trickiest aspects, often leaving developers in short supply and an increasing number of graduates looking to form part of the gaming industry. This is where SiGMA can provide an excellent platform on Maltese shores.” HR Departments, Be Ready SiGMA has partnered with different universities and institutions including the MCAST College and a number of private ICT institutions, so it is highly recommended for HR departments of the exhibiting gaming companies to be present on the ground event floor on the second day of the convention – new talent will be available. A Bridge between Students and the iGaming World Apart from the conference, networking activities and exhibitor stands, SiGMA will now also serve as a bridge or perhaps even a door for students to enter the fruitful industry of iGaming. James Cassar, Managing Partner at Event Planner, had this to say about the partnership with SiGMA: “I’ve worked on various events with SiGMA for a long time and this partnership should pave the way for some great opportunities for graduates who are seeking a career in igaming. Through this event we want to create a bridge between students and the betting company world where great employment opportunities exist.”
The Champions League first playoff round began last night with five action-packed matches including a 5-0 performance by Manchester City over Steaua. Tonight features the remaining first playoff round matches and among them is a match by an underdog squad from Israel that is making history already in the qualifying rounds. Hapoel Be'er Sheva is enroute to their first ever chance at making the Champions League. The little known team won its first Israeli Premier League Championship in forty years just a couple of months ago and they have followed that up with a huge victory against Greek powerhouse Olympiacos 1-0 a couple of weeks ago. The team was doubtful to make it this far, but they have shocked naysayers from around the world and are now just a few wins away from their first ever Champions League. There is however one team that stands in their way and they will have to face Celtic tonight at Celtic Park in Glasgow. The match has been in headlines for weeks now, both for the incredible feat that Hapoel has taken to make it this far with speculation as to whether or not they have a chance against Celtic. For the Scottish side, Brendan Rodgers is confident that his team will walk off the pitch with the win tonight, but don't count Hapoel out just yet. This is the same side that tied with Olympiacos in Greece in the first leg and actually beat them 1-0 two weeks ago. No one thought it would happen but after a beautiful goal by Shir Tzedek, Be'er Sheva made it through. Hapoel will be without their Captain Elianiv Barda tonight but they have some amazing players that regularly find the back of the net so Celtic should be weary of the attack. bet365 Odds and Prediction The odds are once again against Be'er Sheva to win and even a draw is unlikely according to UK sportsbook bet365 Sports. Hapoel are at 5.50 to win, while Celtic are at 1.72. A draw could be the best bet and I think it will end in a draw at 3.75.
Today will put the Republic of Georgia in the iGaming spotlight. The Event On August 18th, the Batumi Casino is set to bring together the brightest minds in the gambling industry for a specialty conference in Ajara. Investors, businesspeople, managers and casino owners will converge from all over the world to discuss the development of gambling in the Georgian province. Government Participation The participation of local government makes this event a true milestone for iGaming with world-class event organizer Smile Expo securing the sponsorship of the Ajara Ministry of Finance and Economy, with Ajara´s Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy scheduled as the event´s keynote speaker. Keynote Points Minister Bolkvadze will discuss the positive impact of iGaming in his opening speech, while mapping this impact within the Batumi regional economy. He will also tackle the topic of barriers to the expansion of regulated gambling in Georgia. Additional Opportunities The Batumi Casino Forum will further offer unique supplemental networking opportunities as well, including the business dinner scheduled immediateoly after the event at the Hilton Batumi hotel. At the dinner, participants will be able to interact directly with speakers to adapt their strategies for effective operation in Georgia and the surrounding economic area, distinguished at this point for its favourable investment climate, liberal legislation and competent visa policy. Slotegrator in the Spotlight One main participant this year is premier iGaming product and service provider Slotegrator. Offering products ranging from online casino platforms to games to gaming solutions to Bitcoin solutions and more, the company´s leading sales managers Nikolaj Tugolukov and Vlad Potapenko will be presenting company products in the Batumi Conference demo zone. Complements to Georgia Tugolukov said his company is fascinated by the large scale of the event taking place in Georgia, a province he lauded for already proving itself “a reliable player of the world gambling market.” Topics The one day Casino Forum Batumi conference will offer speaker presentations on topics ranging from performance and successes in the Batumi gambling zone; to new world gambling trends specifically related to the emerging role of Bitcoin and Blockchain technologies; analytics for gambling business taxation: entertainment marketing in the gambling industry, and the latest tools of promotion and audience engagement in iGaming, set to leave all attendees with as well-rounded a new knowledge base as possible.
The full conference schedule for the Berlin Affiliate Conference 2016 has been released. The Event Taking place from the 20th to the 23rd of October 2016 at Messe Berlin, the BAC 2016 will attract over 3,000 delegates. Attendees will be empowered with two full days of specialist content along with countless diverse networking opportunities. Areas of Focus The Conference focusing on how the German market has changed over the past year, in comparison to the innovation that has taken place in the iGaming industry in general over the same time. The conference will also take a critical look at the potential of the USA market for affiliates. Organizer Enthusiasm Head of Operations for iGaming Business Shona O´Donnell emphasized the wealth of new speakers at this year´s event, which she promises will offer particularly “fascinating and educational sessions.” Vital Web-building Insights A key presentation at the conference will address rapid web-building, providing vital new insights into how to make a website quickly. The BAC is set to provide insights into site speed optimisation and other advanced topics and vital tools provided for full proof web building and enlightened strategy. What Disruptive Technologies Mean Another presentation will take a critical look at disruptive technologies as the way for innovation in gaming, showing how the as yet potentially unfamiliar term of disruptive technologies has already come to touch every aspect of our lives, with the proliferation of technical breakthroughs today driving innovation. German SEO Panel Another key session will be the German SEO panel. This cant-miss session offers attendees with the chance to hear from some of the most exciting SEO's in the German market, who will provide a long list of new tricks and techniques for web positioning. Key Speaker Speakers include Peak Ace AG Managing Director Bastian Grimm, who called BAC “the must-attend-show in Europe for anyone involved in iGaming.” Grimm likes the show´s “unparalleled networking opportunities” and “great speaker line-up,” offering opportunities not just for affiliates but all areas of online marketing and web development. Overview The affiliate component of a web marketing and iGaming is a valuable dimension offering enhanced enterprising opportunities. BAC appears a rare opportunity to harness the benefits of online revenue and advanced insights into web-building expertise.
Popular online casino Video Slots has been confirmed as the Headline Sponsor of a prestigious new iGaming industry award. The iGaming Idol Quest The iGaming Idol awards campaign was recently launched in Malta at the Hilton Hotel St. Julian’s. Self-styled as the first fully “employee-centric” recognition of outstanding employees working within the iGaming industry, the award is set to debut November 8, 2016 at a Gala dinner at the Malta iGaming Seminar. Video Slots Glee Videoslots.com CEO Alexander Stevendahl lauded the award as "one that will recognize the true talents behind the iGaming industry´s success," saying his company "didn´t need to think twice" when presented with the opportunity to be Headline Sponsor. About Video Slots Founded in 2011, Malta-based Video Slots Casino has established itself as a leading casino online brand building its reputation on technical excellence, exceptional customer service and leading game play innovation offering over 350 different games to date. An MGA Welcome As award endorser, Malta Gaming Authority Executive Chairman Joseph Cuschieri called iGaming Idol ”a great addition to the calendar of gaming events here in Malta,” saying his jurisdiction was happy to host an award which not only “recognises outstanding individuals from within the gaming industry but also supports charity.” Pillars of iGaming Idol The integrity-based award has three ethical pillars: Recognition of the employee; Charity for those in need; and Entertainment, with an Oscar-Like atmosphere planned for the award event proceedings. The Award Procedure Winners will be chosen from an exhaustive review of a full ten categories, ranging from Marketing to Tech to Finance, Compliance and Regulated markets; HR; Design; Data and Business Intelligence; Fraud and Risk; Live Casino and Customer care. Audited through prestigious consultancy firm BDO Malta, three finalists from each category will comprise the final short list invited to the Gala Dinner. Industry Impact The emergence of a new type of award embracing “employee-centric” recognition could usher in a welcome new era of organizational integrity in the iGaming industry, and render iGaming a global leader in corporate culture.
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