InfinityGaming www.gaming-awards.com | ISSUE JANUARY 2016
HAPPY NEW YEAR FRONT COVER - SARAH SCULPHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - LUKE ALVAREZ WIG NETWORKING DETAILS REVEALED
GAMING + ARTICLES + BUSINESS+ GLOBAL+ ONLINE + NEWS+ APPS + AWARDS + etc
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JANUARY 2016
08 IGA9 FINALISTS All the finalists announced
24 BRUSSELS SPROUTING Festivities by Christina Thakor-Rankin
46 42 REALISTIC RESOLUTIONS Liz Karter
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in all external articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Infinity Gaming Magazine Any content provided by our feature writers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
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JANUARY 2016
4 EDITOR NOTES Lana welcomes you to the December edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.
6 OUR WRITERS Meet our feature writers, the superb writers on our rosta.
19 BITCOIN CREATOR Has he been found?
21 BYE BYE PENNSYLVANIA
30
Online gambling maybe next year
24 BRUSSELS SPROUTING Christina Thakor-Rankin
LET’S MAKE IT A H’APPY’ CHRISTMAS Paul Swaddle
29 SBTECH JOINS Latest company to sponsor IGA9
SAVING MACAU Desmond Lam
39 ROBOT DEALER Is this the future of casinos?
51 LES AMBASSADEURS SOLD London VIP Club has new owners
+ ALL THE LATEST NEWS & Opinions
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JANUARY 2016
A note from the editor CONTACT US Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK Tel: +44(0)1543 478 889 PRODUCTION Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK
It’s Winter and time for Expo season with Infinity Gaming Magazine
PUBLISHING Infinity Gaming Magazine is operated by © Clever Duck Media Ltd ®
Lana Thompson - Editor
Welcome to the January edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine and what an exciting part of the year this is. Welcome to the latest edition of Infin-
International Gaming Awards (IGA). I
ity Gaming Magazine and as we near
have to say this year was the most com-
a very busy period for the entire gam-
petitive ever and it really is special just
bling industry let us all take a little time
reaching the finals, there were some sad
off around this festive period to reflect.
companies out there but remember it covers 12 months and next year could
Ok that done, as always an amazing edi-
be your year.
tion in store for you while you put your feet up for a well deserved rest before
I want to however congratulate all the
the madness of the New Year starts.
finalists and amazingly we are already sold out for the 1st February awards
We have the superb Christina Thakor-
ceremony so I hope you got your tickets
Rankin with her festive treat, Liz Karter
already.
on resolutions and The App Man himself Paul Swaddle on what Apps you
Finally with the first Women in Gaming
really do need this time of year. Also
Networking Event taking place on the
as a special treat we have the lovely
1st February in London at the Savoy Ho-
Desmond Lam talking about Macau
tel we are excited and cannot wait to be
and what a time that region has had in
totally inspired.
2015. Enjoy the magazine. As always we have the very latest news from around the world and yes inside
So, “To Infinity and Beyond!”
are all the finalists for the 9th Annual Regards, Lana The Editor
INFINITY GAMING
Company Reg. No. 687 1018 (Registered in England) V.A.T reg. no 972 6372 91
Sponsorship Opportunities Colin@cleverduckmedia.com Business Partnerships Svetlana@gaming-awards.com Marketing & Advertising claire@cleverduckmedia.com Editorial Content & PR media@cleverduckmedia.com
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JANUARY 2016
Infinity Gaming Magazine Contributing Writers A magazine is only as good as the content inside and with some of the leading specialists within the gaming industry. With specialised articles covering customer service, the gaming law, new prducts, technology and current affairs with the sector the Infinity Gaming Magazine is delighted to showcase our superb line-up of contributing writers.
Christina Thakor-Rankin Christina is Principal Consultant at 1710 Gaming Ltd, a specialist betting and gaming consultancy, delivering a range of services including licensing and compliance (incl. regulation, money laundering and social responsibility), business start-up, training and strategic reengineering, project management, research, business analysis and development, to start-ups and established multi-national operators and providers, gambling regu-
lators, law enforcement and government agencies, media, and specialist interest groups and associations within the sector, in both established and emerging markets across the world.
www.1710gaming.com
Liz Karter – Psychotherapist specializing in women and problem gambling Liz Karter is a specialist in gambling and women and has worked as a therapist in gambling addiction since 2001. Liz is also author of the book “Women and Problem Gambling” published in March 2013. In January 2010 having worked with all leading UK problem gambling treatment agencies, and having successfully established the first UK groups for women with gambling addiction, Liz launched Level Ground Therapy. A treatment service in the City of London, Level Ground specialises in meeting the individual needs of women with gambling addiction.
Throughout her career Liz has been regularly consulted by the media regarding her specialisation and has made frequent national TV and radio broadcasts including This Morning, Radio 4 You and Yours and Women’s Hour and given numerous national newspaper and magazine interviews.
Paul Swaddle - CEO Pocket App A self-confessed ‘gadget geek, Paul Swaddle has been working at the leading edge of mobile technology for the past 15 years. He co-founded Pocket App in 2011 to bring the creative and technical development elements of mobile technology together under one roof. This unique approach continues to differentiate Pocket App in today’s increasingly competitive landscape.
INFINITY GAMING
Working across a range of communications disciplines such as acquisition, loyalty, retention and customer development, Paul understands the importance of a strategic and coordinated marketing approach, particularly between on and off-line communications. In the past decade he has enabled brands as diverse as Kellogg’s Fruit Winders, Barclays and Loaded magazine to get the best out of mobile.
JANUARY 2016
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INTERNATIONAL G
FINAL
1st February 2016 Best User Experience Mobile Betsson IGT LeoVegas Mecca Bingo Mr Green Unibet
Casino/Integrated Resort Crown Melbourne Limited Galaxy Entertainment Group Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Solaire Resort and Casino Studio City – Macau Venetian Macao Resort
Casino Operator Americas Caesars Entertainment Isle of Capri Las Vegas Sands Corp MGM Resorts Wynn Las Vegas
Casino Operator Asia/Australia Crown Resorts Galaxy Entertainment Group Marina Bay Sands Melco Crown Entertainment Sky City, Australia
GAMING AWARDS
LISTS
Savoy London Casino Operator Europe Aspers Group Caesars Entertainment UK Casinos Austria International Casino Poland Grosvenor Casinos Ltd
Casino VIP Room City of Dreams Crown Perth Galaxy Entertainment Group Studio City – Macau The Ritz Club
Casino Equipment Supplier Cammegh Limited IGT Playtech Scientific Games TCSJOHNHUXLEY
Corporate Services Supplier All In Translations Bit8 IGT Microgaming PaySafe Play’n GO Playtech
INTERNATIONAL G
FINAL
1st February 2016 iGaming Software Supplier Betconstruct Evolution Gaming IGT Microgaming Playtech Yggdrasil
Innovator Betconstruct CORE Gaming Limited IGT Lottoland Microgaming NetEnt Playtech Scientific Games Interactive
In-Play Sports Operator Betsson Paddy Power Sky Betting & Gaming Unibet William Hill
Lottery Operator Camelot EuroLotto Health Lottery ELM Limited IGT Lottoland
GAMING AWARDS
LISTS
Savoy London Mobile Operator Betsafe Cherry AB LeoVegas Mecca Bingo Mr Green Unibet William Hill Online
Mobile Product CORE Gaming Limited IGT Microgaming NetEnt Play’n GO SafeCharge International Group Ltd Scientific Games Interactive
Online Bingo Operator GalaBingo Mecca Bingo Playtech SkyBingo Tombola Bingo Unibet
Online Casino Operator Betsafe LeoVegas Mr Green Sky Betting & Gaming Unibet William Hill Online
INTERNATIONAL G
FINAL
1st February 2016 Online Gaming Operator Akamon Entertainment Cherry AB Gala Coral Interactive LeoVegas Unibet
Online Poker Operator 888Poker Full Tilt PokerStars Sky Betting & Gaming Unibet WSOP (Caesars)
Technology Provider/Supplier
Online Sportsbook Operator Bet365 Coral Interactive Paddy Power Sky Betting & Gaming Unibet William Hill Online
Payment Solutions Provider ECommPay PayPal Paysafe SafeCharge International Group Worldpay
Betconstruct Bit8 Continent 8 Technologies CORE Gaming Limited
Microgaming NetEnt Playtech Scientific Games
GAMING AWARDS
LISTS
Savoy London Socially Responsible Land Aspers Caesars Entertainment UK Clubs New South Wales Crown Resorts Galaxy Entertainment Group Genting UK
Socially Responsible Online Amaya Gaming Betsson Group Sky Betting & Gaming Unibet William Hill
Slot Provider/Supplier IGT Iforium Microgaming NetEnt NYX Gaming Group Play’n GO Scientific Games
Slots Operator LeoVegas Mr Green Sky Betting & Gaming Unibet Videoslots.com William Hill Online
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JANUARY 2016
THE IGA9 JUDGES 01
03
05
02
04
06
01
03
05
02
04
Andrew Cammegh- Sales Director Cammegh Limited
Alison Digges – Brand Director Gala Coral Interactive
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Desmond Lam Ph.D – Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Macau
Prof. Dietmar Hoscher – Deputy Chariman of the Supervisory Board of Casinos Austria International Holding
Emma Loveday – Head of Marketing for Gaming and Betting at The Sun
06
Heikki Rinta-Panttila – International Gaming Consultant
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07
09
11
08
10
12
07
09
11
Janet Viipola – Executive Coordinator Interactive Gaming Council
08
Liz Karter – Psychotherapist specializing in women and problem gambling
Marek Milewski- Operations Manager Casinos Poland
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Michael SilberlingCEO Affinity Gaming
Ohad NarkisCEO BGO Entertainment
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Onika Russell – Head of Gambling , Airlines & Travel Strategic Services, PayPal
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JANUARY 2016
THE IGA9 JUDGES 13
15
17
14
16
18
13
15
17
14
16
18
Professor I. Nelson RoseSpeaker & Gaming Law expert
Paul Armitage – Operations Director Grosvenor Casinos
INFINITY GAMING
Peter Hoetzinger – CoCEO & President, Vice Chairman Century Casinos
Richard Noble – Chief Operating Officer of the Aspers Group
Roger Marris – CEO at The Ritz Club
Roger Raatgever – CEO Microgaming
JANUARY 2016
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21
23
20
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Stella Dalton – Head of Business Development at GamCare
22
21
Sylvia Dietz –Vice President Global Gaming Marketing IGT
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Stephanie Cheung – Chief Legal Officer at Melco Crown Entertainment
22 Tristan Sjoberg –
Vahe Baloulian – CEO BetConstruct
Executive Chairman at TCS John Huxley
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iGaming, Land based, Marketing and Media specialists – We are currently working with a number of the major players across the globe, all are looking to add talent to this resurgent market before the new financial year, attractive packages and options on offer, if you are looking for a new opportunity contact us in confidence: colin@empirecasinorecruitment.com
www.empirecasinorecruitment.com +44(0) 1543 478 889
GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Bitcoin creator named in new investigation
H
as the man behind inventing Bitcoin been found? According to two major technology magazines the answer is yes, for years “Satoshi Nakamoto”, a pseudonym used by Bitcoin’s creator was the mysterious man behind the cryptocurrency but both Wired and Gizmodo magazines have named 44 year old Australian Brian Wright as the man who invented Bitcoin. Australian Federal police searched Craig Steven Wright’s properties, but said the raid was about tax, not Bitcoin. But the raid came only a few hours after both tech magazines named Wright following what they say is huge evidence to support their accusation. Whether the raid is to do with tax or the fact that the founder of Bitcoin holds over a million of the coins which at today’s value is worth $400 million only time will tell once
authorities possibly charge Wright. In supporting their findings the magazine sites say Mr Wright said in an email: “I did my best to try and hide the fact that I’ve been running Bitcoin since 2009. By the end of this I think half the world is going to bloody know.” However it is not the first time someone was named as the creator of Bitcoin, last year Newsweek said that Satoshi Nakamoto was a 64-year-old Japanese-American living near Los Angeles was the creator, however it turned out to be false and the man did not even know anything about Bitcoins. Newsweek were sued by Satoshi Nakamoto for stress and the huge disruption the article had on his life.
Macau November revenues fall by over a third November revenues for Macau fell again making it the 18th consecutive fall in revenues for the world’s largest gambling zone. Gross gaming revenues fell by 32.3% in the month to $2.1 billion. The Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported that the fall was larger than expected most analyst’s had expected it to be around 31%. Numbers also showed that the city’s economy shrank by 24.2% year-on-year during three months to September, the city’s Statistics and Census Service said. “Economic contraction in the third quarter was attributable to the continuous decline in exports of services, of which exports of gaming services decreased by 37.4%
year-on-year and exports of other tourism services dropped by 15.3%,” it added.
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Pennsylvania to kick online gambling out of budget
T
he good news for supporters of online gambling in Pennsylvania is that the House Appropriations Committee voted to have online gambling included in the states 2015/2016 budget plan. Inside the plan was an estimated $120 million in revenues derived from internet gambling and some $24 million from licensing fees. However the Pennsylvania Senate passed their own budget plan or at least their budget on spending in the state and not revenues, with no mention of online gambling in the plan at all. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman said, “We don’t have the votes for that, I mean, that’s just plain and simple that won’t happen.” The budget dispute has been rattling on for 5 months now but this could be set to finish with a possible full vote happening this week and expectation are that internet gambling will not be on the budget.
gambling bill HB 649 may now have to try again in 2016 after it seems the Senate and the governor are in agreement that this time around online gambling is not to be included.
Rep. John Payne who is the sponsor of the online
Betfair Paddy Power merger could cut jobs The Sunday Times is reporting that Paddy Power and Betfair through their proposed merger are looking at the possibility of cutting jobs within both their businesses in order to save some £50 million. With the merger announced back in August which analyst’s believe will make a £5.8 billion giant betting company, it looks like job losses are almost certain as both companies look at cost cutting and with both firms having similar jobs combining those roles and losing jobs would make financial sense. According to the newspaper a circular from the companies say that they are looking at saving some £50
million a year in cost cutting and cutting jobs between a combined workforce of almost 7,000 staff would save the merged companies £25 million a year and go a huge way of reaching the target of reducing annual expenditure.
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Australia should not ask tech firms to block illegal gambling sites
A
s the Australian government look at ways of blocking illegal online gambling sites offering their services to Australians, many of the leading online companies say it is impossible to block those sites. Twitter, Facebook and Google all said to wagering review chairman Barry O’Farrell it is impossible to block offshore online gambling sites and the government should not burden the online tech companies to help to do this. “We consider there to be fundamental flaws and significant practical difficulties with any attempts to filter the Internet such that it may not be possible to automatically block content,” the companies said in a joint submission to the government under their Digital Industry Group association. “Who would determine whether a service is illegal and would entire websites be blocked if there are both legal and illegal services on the website?”.
billion a year and it is estimate $1 billion is to offshore illegal gambling sites that the government want to stop. The government want tech companies to install web filtering to block these sites but in a joint statement to the review board the companies say it is unworkable. Those tech giants also have big concerns around its own legal liability should it move to cut access to commercial websites. “We have concerns around legal liability in preventing access to commercial websites and question what safe harbours would be provided. In addition, internet filters can be easily circumnavigated and information about how to use virtual private networks (VPNs) is widely available. There is no existing legal precedent in Australia requiring Internet companies that are not ISPs to filter access to websites,” the note to the review board says.
Figures show that Australian nationals gamble some $24
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JANUARY 2016
The EU Co-operation Arrangement Brussels sprouting common-sense or just turkeys voting for Christmas By Christina Thakor-Rankin
5
years after the Council of the Eu-
include some of Europe’s more promi
of the EU Council that:
regarding the framework for gambling
nent regulated markets, such as France
‘Cooperation between the Member
and betting in the EU member states
and Ireland. It would be foolhardy to try
States seems required to assess the
and the need for member states to work
and read anything into this so early on
scope, possibilities and mechanisms, in
more closely together in order to ad-
in the process other than to simply ob-
order:
dress cross-border challenges and is-
serve that they did not sign the docu-
sues, Europe took what could be viewed
ment on the same day their peers did.
ropean Union reached its conclusions
as it’s very first baby step towards that utopian goal of ‘harmonisation’.
Equally it is probably too early to speculate as to exactly how this sharing of data
Equally it is probably
November 27, 2015 saw the signing
and information will work in practice
of a landmark Co-operation Arrange-
given the multitude of member states
ment between the gambling regulatory
specific data protection and money
authorities of the European Economic
laundering laws which sit beneath the
Area. Of the 29 member states, 21 - Aus-
higher level European directives, im-
tria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
minent newer versions seeking to add
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fin-
greater consistency notwithstanding.
information will work in
uania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway,
Consequently, the only sensible discus-
practice given the mul-
Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United
sion at this stage seems to look at the
Kingdom all appear as signatories.
spirit of the agreement, what it aims to
land, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lith-
achieve, the participants and its impact Interestingly, those whose signatures
within the world as we know it today.
do not appear on the document or are not included in the Appendices relating
So what exactly is it that the Co-opera-
to the ‘Gateways’ or protocols surround-
tion Arrangement hopes to do. The doc-
ing the sharing of data and information
ument opens with the 2010 conclusion
INFINITY GAMING
too early to speculate as to exactly how this sharing of data and
titude of member states specific data protection and money laundering laws
JANUARY 2016
(a) to share information on gambling
within an EEA member state as listed
operators
within the agreement. For the greater
ing for Christmas.
part an operator regulated by any of
The first issue is that co-operation is
(b) to protect consumers, minors and
the signatories who currently offer
voluntary and caveated by Clause 1.3
ensure the integrity of game
regulated betting and gambling within
which states that: ‘This Arrangement
their jurisdiction is already subject to
does not amend or supersede any law
(c) to minimize, where possible, any un-
full disclosure of its operations, there
or regulation within the jurisdiction of
necessary administrative burdens
is already a baseline of consistency and
the Authorities, nor does it affect other
shared principles in respect of social
existing or future administrative coop-
(d) to identify and share best practices
responsibility, customer protection and
eration arrangements between the Au-
in relation to for example player protec-
integrity, and any initiative which aims
thorities.’
tion, technological tools for effective
to reduce administrative burdens, or
regulation and responsible gambling
share common practices and technol-
This is exactly as one would expect.
measures
ogy across territories will come as mu-
Let us not forget that the Co-operation
sic to the ears of those operators and
Arrangement which is founded upon
And further as part of the scope out-
suppliers juggling the challenges of
the findings of the EU Council are first
lined within the Arrangement:
administering multiple licence applica-
cousins to the other EU institutions
tions and varying technical standards.
which determined that the betting and
2.1. Cooperation under this Arrange-
gambling sector was exempted from
ment covers the organisation of gam-
The reality however, is that whilst the
the founding principles of the Common
bling, its supervision, enforcement and
objectives and principles underlying
Market and that each sovereign mem-
compliance with applicable laws and
the Arrangement are laudable and a
ber state could apply its own specific
regulations within respective jurisdic-
clear case of Brussels trying to take the
betting and gambling regulations, free-
tions, including the protection of con-
initiative and enforce some form of con-
dom of movement of goods and ser-
sumers and players, the prevention of
sistency across its borders, the frame-
vices notwithstanding, thereby causing
money laundering and fraud, and the
work within which the aims and scope
the inconsistency and fragmentation
integrity of bets.
will be implemented suggest that this
which this latest Arrangement seeks to
could be less a case of Brussels sprout-
remedy.
In theory none of the above should
ing common sense and something more
cause any undue concern for any op-
akin to a well-intentioned but funda-
erator currently licensed and regulated
mentally flawed concept of turkey’s vot-
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JANUARY 2016
The EU Co-operation Arrangement To now enforce any other position would
of technology to support not just the
be untenable, and sadly also restricts
existing variable landscape of prod-
the extent to which the signatories
ucts, channels and jurisdictions, but a
The fourth (and possibly a technical
might be able to co-operate, because all
new requirement which is applicable
moot point) relating to EU protocols. It
data sharing will be: ‘in accordance with
only to this new super pan-European
does not take an EU law expert to see
their respective data protection laws
‘jurisdiction’ and specific only to those
that this Co-operation Agreement whilst
and frameworks. Directive 95/46/EC2
products or principals which are com-
covering all EEA states both with and
with regard to processing of personal
mon to all or the majority and local
without active regulations, seems to
data as well as the national implement-
rules and laws. Ironically, achieving a
exclude some of wider ‘Europe’s’ most
ing measures apply to the processing of
common standard for online only may
experienced and established online
personal data in the framework of this
result in more not less fragmentation.
betting and gambling regulators, and
Arrangement.’
the IMF and Money Val.
those who over the last decade or so The third issue is that the one of the
have done more in establishing com-
One assumes that these
mon
various regulatory bodies
across the sector. It
already share and discuss
seems strange that an
approaches to best prac-
Arrangement aimed at
tice, player responsibility
better cooperation in
and technology solutions
the area of online gam-
- and if they didn’t one
bling does not include
assumes that it would be
any obvious provision
relatively simple to openly
for the extension of this
access
regulations,
co-operation to those
consultations and direc-
jurisdictions which form
tives to operators without
a part of the wider Euro-
crossing swords with any
pean landscape, and at
data protection gate-keep-
the very least Gibraltar
any
ers.
basic
standards
– unless this is assumed key areas relates to the ‘prevention of
under the auspices of the UK.
Any information which is not currently
money laundering and fraud’. If com-
shared as a result of local data laws
mon or garden data and information
Finally, and perhaps the most pertinent
and regulations will continue to not be
sharing might cause issues, the more
points: ‘The Authorities undertake to
shared. As such this Arrangement does
exotic sharing of any data or informa-
share information with each other on a
not appear to open any new opportu-
tion which relates to money laundering
voluntary and proactive basis on mat-
nity for information sharing over and
and criminal investigations is going to
ters of mutual interest such as market
above that which already exists.
be an even greater challenge unless the
data, new games, results of studies and
Arrangement is extended or assumes a
surveys, and international issues’ and
The second issue is that the Arrange-
similar arrangement with the relevant
‘The Authorities may review or revoke
ment’ is ‘concerning online gambling
law enforcement authorities in each ju-
their participation in this Arrangement’.
services’. Today’s world however is
risdiction.
all about unified multi-channel cus-
There appears to be nothing in this doc-
tomer experiences. By restricting the
In view of the current practices of sub-
ument which seeks to do anything over
Co-operation Arrangement to just on-
mission of disclosures to various enti-
and above adding a touch of formality
line gambling, we could see a new set
ties, one imagines that at best the shar-
to an informal process which already
of requirements which are specific to
ing of data and information in respect of
exists, but on a wider and so arguably
online gambling as driven by this par-
money laundering will be no more than
more valuable basis. And if this is the
ticular initiative, but which unwittingly
numbers of reports made, and practices
case, then the anticipated outcome of
either completely undermine or are
consistent with no more than adher-
the new Co-operation Arrangement is
in conflict with the newly emerging
ence to each state’s respective AML
likely to be as predictable as asking tur-
multi-channel experience. This could
regulations, and directives and advice
keys to vote for Christmas.
potentially lead to even more juggling
from international bodies such as FATF,
INFINITY GAMING
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JANUARY 2016
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INFINITY GAMING
GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
SBTech sponsors 9th International Gaming Awards
T
he 9th International Gaming Awards (IGA) has announced SBTech as a Silver sponsor.
The 9th International Gaming Awards annual chic event is taking place in London’s Savoy Hotel, on the 1 February 2016. The IGA will unite industry professionals from across the world and allow them to network with talented insiders from across the industry. Colin Thompson organizer of The IGA commented:” We are delighted to welcome SBTech to join IGA ceremony. SBTech offers cutting edge technologies to the industry and the IGA is about awarding the best in technology and entertainment. Technology is incredibly important to this industry as it showcasing new ways for people to interact and connect. The IGA celebrates success, rewards achievement and raises the profile of the UK gaming industry and it would not be possible without support of our Sponsors and participants” The 9th International Gaming Awards will provide first opportunity to showcase your product to the receptive audience of industry connoisseurs and as always will welcome the most successful operators from around the globe, outstanding leaders and charity supporters. The International Gaming Awards the most memorable evening of the year with its main focus to support truly deserving charities: Care International, Children with Cancer and Responsible Gambling Trust.
IGA9 Finalists announced Clever Duck Media the hosts and organisers of the International Gaming Awards (IGA) have announced the finalists for the 9th annual awards ceremony. News has it that the total number of nominations this year have passed the previous record and more information on this will be announced later in January 2016. The 23 International Gaming professionals that make up the list of judgrs have made their final deliberations and have announced the lucky few that make the finals. Only on the evening of the awards ceremony to be held on the 1st February at the historic Savoy Hotel in London will the winners be announced. Clever Duck Media have indicated that seats for the evening will be sold out before the new year, so if you still want to be where the most powerful gaming executives will be, then book your place very soon.
INFINITY GAMING
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JANUARY 2015
12 Apps of Christmas
Let’s make it a H’Appy’ Christmas By Paul Swaddle - CEO Pocket App
C
hristmas is almost upon us, and chanc-
years. Lots of fun watching the big
your handwriting (and even sketch-
es are you haven’t even made a dent in
man make his way around the world.
es
your shopping list yet. Fortunately, there’s
too!)
Available
inside on
your Android
chosen
card.
and
iOS.
a bunch of apps designed to help you.
2. Inkly: Create and send Christmas cards
Counting down the days until the 25th
in under three minutes this year with app,
3. Fire Place 3D lite: Fireplace 3D Lite
won’t just help you get in the spirit, it could
Inkly. There are hundreds of designs to
from iTunes will make you feel cosy this
help you organise yourself a little better.
choose from or you can even create your
Christmas. If you don’t have your own
own by uploading your favourite fam-
fireplace, there’s no need to worry as this
1. NORAD Santa Tracker: There are lots
ily photos. To give a personal touch, Inkly
app will make you feel like you’re sitting
of these now, but NORAD (Yes really the
uses handwriting technology. Write your
in front of a lovely, and warm wood fire in
North American Aerospace Defense Com-
message on a piece of paper, take a pic-
the comfort of your own home. There are
mand) has been tracking Santa for 60
ture of it with your phone and transfer
three different fireplaces to choose from:
rustic, traditional and Victorian, each of which have realistic images to make you feel warm and festive. This app is free and available for Apple iPhones and tablets. 4. Manage Christmas – Christmas Gift List manager: There’s no need to worry with this Manage Christmas app, which helps you stick to your budget, keep track of what you’ve already purchased and log any gift ideas that might spring to mind. Create your own shopping list by adding in your family and friends, setting a budget for each and adding in the gifts that you’ve bought or intend to buy. There is also a continuously updated gift ideas section, so if you’re out of ideas, you might find one of the recommendations useful. This app is free and available for both Apple and Android.
JANUARY 2015
Paul Swaddle is CEO of Pocket App a leading design company in the App Construction world
5. Price Spy: A price comparison app that helps you find the best shopping bargains available online and on the high street. Users can search for a product, filter by categories, and create lists of items to monitor their prices. It also features a barcode scanner, which will instantly display product information, reviews, and the best web price. Perfect for the ‘oh God, I haven’t finished my Christmas shopping’ phase of the month. 6. StreetLink: Christmas is the season of good will and as the cold weather kicks in, StreetLink provides a way for members of the public to inform local authorities
about rough sleepers in their area and help get them off the streets. Over the last year there have been almost 11,000 alerts to local services, and StreetLink has directly helped 4,000 rough sleepers in the first year since its launch. 7. Good Food Festive Recipes: The BBC’s Festive Recipes app features a collection of over 180 tried-andtested recipes to get you through Christmas and New Year’s. There’s something for every course, plus drinks and canapés and a diverse selection of vegetarian options. All recipes have clear instructions and photographs to help you get the best results. There is also a
selection of videos to help you improve basic skills, like chopping onions and making mayonnaise. 8. Ruffl: It’s Boxing Day and after all those frantic Christmas preparations you simply can’t face cooking another meal. With the Ruffl app you are only three ‘taps’ away from finding a local restaurant with a free table. You can choose your price range, and the app will even provide a map with directions to your selected restaurant. Some establishments even offer extra incentives to entice you through the door…
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JANUARY 2016
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12 Apps of Christmas
9. Deliveries - A package tracker: Terrified of the one troublesome gift which is unavoidably going to be delivered too late for Christmas? Never again! Deliveries keeps a watchful eye on all of your packages ordered from multiple retailers within the single app, spelling the end of accidentally missing a delivery time. 10. Hello Fresh: If it’s the supermarket assault course that’s getting you down, apps like Hello Fresh will send weighed measurements of all necessary ingredients as well as handy recipe cards, promising a Christmas dinner with minimal fuss. 11. GoFantastic: Fantastic Services is offering a helping hand to stressed out workers by introducing a new service – Fantastic Elves, a team of helpers bookable by the hour to take care of Christmas chores such as cleaning, shopping, wrapping and decorating. 12. Top10: If you’ve decided to get away from it all this year, hotel app Top10 offers a stress-free way to book a bespoke Christmas getaway, using your preferences to recommend ten stunning hotels at the best available price.
JANUARY 2016
Download Pauls 12 Christmas Apps here 1. 1.
NORAD Santa Tracker (Android) NORAD Santa Tracker
2. 2.
Inkly (Android) Inkly
3.
Fire Place 3D lite
4. 4.
Manage Christmas – Christmas Gift List manager (Android) Manage Christmas – Christmas Gift List manager
5. 5.
Price Spy (Android) Price Spy
6. 6.
StreetLink (Android) StreetLink
7.
Good Food Festive Recipes
8. 8.
Ruffl (Android) Ruffl
9. 9.
Deliveries - A package tracker (Android) Deliveries - A package tracker
10.
Hello Fresh
11.
GoFantastic
12.
Top10
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JANUARY 2016
Bookmakers to install new FOBT warning software
UK bookmakers are taking another ma-
lem, if they do not have a registered
lating to FOBTs more than 9,000 times
jor step in combating problem gambling
account the program will alert betting
to betting shops between January and
related to Fixed Odds Betting Terminals
shop staff.
September of this year.
in the terminals to inform players when
With FOBTs dubbed the “crack cocaine”
But leading bookmakers rely heavily on
the system believes their play is becom-
of the betting industry but generating
FOBTs now with William Hill and Lad-
ing compulsive and erratic in amounts
£1.86 billion in revenues for the bet-
brokes receiving more than half their
spent.
ting business companies are looking
revenues from FOBTs and so any way
(FOBTs) by now installing software with-
for ways to alleviate the pressure from
to protect their revenues and at the
The new software called “Player Aware-
anti-FOBT groups who are calling for
same time increase the protection of
ness System” needs to have each cus-
their removal.
problem gambling to customers is a
tomer to hold an account so the system
welcome move.
can email them or send a text message
According to the Gambling Commission
warning them of their gambling prob-
police were called out for problems re-
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JANUARY 2016
Caesars bankrupt division turns a profit in October It may be in Chapter 11 bankrupt-
requirements” of the bankruptcy court.
cy but Caesars Entertainment has filed
their
monthly
re-
In the report the bankrupt part of the
port for October showing it made a
gaming company said it has $19.7 billion
profit of $23.1 million for the month
in debts and is asking the court to allow
on
it to convert the division into a real es-
revenues
of
operating
$321.7
million.
tate investment trust which would then The company because of its bankruptcy
see $10 billion of its debts wiped out.
state is required to file monthly revenue reports, in the report the gaming firm
As a whole group the company car-
said that it held assets of $11.5 billion,
ries $22.6 billion in long term debt
however Caesars cautioned that the fi-
and many of the smaller creditors are
nancial statement was unaudited and
fighting this move in the courts say-
was prepared “solely for the purpose of
ing they would not see a penny should
complying with the monthly reporting
the court rule in favour of Caesars.
Florida governor and tribe reach gaming deal Florida Governor Rick Scott and the
Scott said in his proposal to the legis-
discussion,” Scott wrote. “This compact
Seminole Tribe have finally reached
lature that the agreement would lead
represents an unprecedented level of
an agreement that will ensure the
to a “stable and predictable gaming
cooperation between the state of Florida
state receive billions in revenues and
environment” for the state. The state
and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, includ-
the tribe will see them keep black-
and Seminoles had been battling in
ing the largest revenue share guarantee in
jack in their casinos and indeed be
court over the deal for several months.
history at $3 billion, which is three times
allowed to also have roulette and
“I have executed this compact after
the prior compact guarantee of $1 billion.”
craps in other casinos in the state.
months of collaboration, negotiation and
The new seven year deal which will start in 2017 will generate $3 billion in tax revenues for the state over the period said the governor although the deal has yet to be ratified by the state legislature. Other inclusions in the deal will see slot machines at a Palm Beach county dog track and also leaves an opportunity for another casino to be developed in Miami-Dade.
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JANUARY 2016
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Betfred looking at 500 betting shop sale off
W
ith the Ladbrokes and Coral deal moving forward with the £2.3 billion merger, Betfred are looking to possibly snap up some 500 betting shops from the newly combined betting firm that Betfred believe will have to be sold to allow the deal through the Competitions Commission. Currently Ladbrokes and Coral have a combined estate of 4,000 sites and to get the deal through the competition commission the business believes it will have to shed some 500 betting shops and that’s where Betfred hope to profit. Fred Done, who founded the business with his brother Peter 48 years ago, told The Sunday Telegraph he would “absolutely” be willing to talk to the bookmakers about buying sites offloaded to gain regulatory approval for the deal. “We operate just short of 1,400 shops, another 400 or 500 shops wouldn’t be a problem to run,” he said. “If somebody knocks at my door and says: ‘Fred, do you want to buy some of these shops?’, I’d like to sit down with Coral and Ladbrokes and have a discussion with them.”
Most analyst’s say that with the merged company having some 45% share of the market by the number of betting shops and 47% share of total revenues in betting shops in the UK many say that a sale of some 500 shops will have to happen to reduce that share percentage. However Betfred think there will be competition for those shops from Paddy Power, private equity firms and foreign buyers.
Gala Coral year results show strong online performance UK betting form Gala Coral who are soon to be merged with Ladbrokes have posted their full year results to September 26 showing a rise in profits. Net revenues rose 6% reaching almost £1 billion for the year which is impressive given that 2014 had the boost of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Most impressive was the companies online arm which saw revenues there rise £65.2 million to £247.8 million and the main reason for Ladbrokes merger is to benefit from the success of Gala Coral’s online success.
on revenues at £675.9 million while Eurobet Retail lost revenue of £6.2 million to £77.3 million. Profits for the firm rose by £14.1 million to £699.5 million Chief executive Carl Leaver said the group’s unique multi-channel capability in the UK and Italy continues to be a key driver of value. “Connect customers are contributing over 40% of Coral.co.uk gross win, while in Italy, multichannel acquisition helped propel Eurobet.it to the number 2 position in the online sports market.”
But like Ladbrokes the retail division saw a flat line
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37
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
39
Casino robots the future? Meet
S
he has an hourglass figure, an unflappable manner and a friendly face. Meet “Min,” the robot
whose creators say could revolutionise card-dealing in the world’s casinos. The svelte brunette is a prototype of a human-like electronic croupier, which Paradise Entertainment, a Hong Kongbased gaming machine manufacturer and supplier, says could cut labor costs and open up new markets for casino operators. While her function is currently limited to dealing cards, planned enhancements could have her recognising customers’ faces and speaking to them in multiple languages, Chairman Jay Chun said. novice customers may seek out robotic
ment, preferring to banter with dealers
After making her debut at a gaming show
tables to avoid embarrassment if they
and fellow gamblers than sit in front
in Macau last month, Min and her clones
make a mistake, he said.
of a machine that provides little or no
will initially be introduced in the US,
engagement, Mr Siu said.
where labour costs in casinos are propor-
While relatively novel in the US, robots
tionally higher than in Asia and where
will be viewed similarly to virtual dealers
“Gamblers often slam the table and shout
humans, but not machines, are prohibited
by regulators, Mr Jones said.
loudly to pump up the mood,” he said.
in some states from working as croupiers.
“I’m not sure if robotic dealers can tap
Paradise is talking to potential overseas
Robots can be a good solution in gam-
into the gamblers’ psychology correctly
buyers, Mr Chun said, declining to say
bling jurisdictions where real dealers
and give an appropriate response.”
how much the robots will cost.
are banned, said Carlos Siu, an associate professor at the gaming teaching and
On top of that, a slowdown in Macau’s
“We are the first gambling equipment
research centre of the Macao Polytech-
gaming industry may result in an over-
manufacturer in the world that produces
nic Institute. Genting Malaysia’s Resorts
supply of croupiers in the territory, Mr
the human-like robotic dealer,” he said.
World Casino in New York state uses elec-
Siu said. Paradise wouldn’t comment on
tronic table games to get around state
whether it plans to sell robot dealers to
Automated table games are a growing
gambling laws that bar human dealers, Mr
the city’s operators. Any roll-out in the
segment of the North American gaming
Jones said.
Chinese territory could spark opposition
industry, according to Christopher Jones,
from a labour union that has urged the
an analyst with Union Gaming Group
In Macau, the world’s largest gambling
Macanese government to keep barring
in New York. Installing electronic table
hub, machines are less likely to appeal.
foreign workers from dealer jobs. Under
games can help casino operators reduce
Asian customers are more inclined to
Macau law, only local residents can be
their labor exposure on low-denomina-
gamble in a noisy and crowded environ-
hired for such positions.
tion games and during slow periods. Also
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GAMING NEWS
Packer & De Niro want to build island casino resort
JANUARY 2016
Prague to close down gambling arcades
J
ames Packer and Robert de Niro and teaming up to convert a once luxurious destination now in disrepair back to its former glory. The K-Club luxury beach resort in Barbuda was once home to the rich and famous along with royalty but those days are long gone however the Australian billionaire along with his Hollywood friend want to bring a new resort to the island. Following a vote by the islands government to approve incentives for a development of the once luxury resort along with a 25 year tax break has now brought the two together to develop a resort worth $225 million. In the agreement drawn up by the government agreement the offer comprises of a five-star boutique hotel, a ‘high-end eco-lodge’, a marina with jetties for superyachts, licences for a casino and air service, and a new airport for executive jets. But many are alarmed by the scale of De Niro’s ambitions for a 198-year lease to include nearly 400 acres of the low-lying natural paradise, noted for its frigate bird sanctuary, for a mere US$ 6.2 million. However many locals are not happy with the plans which will be decided at a local meeting on Monday 30th November as they will possibly impact on the local wildlife. But business leaders on the island point to the fact that at present there is a derelict resort that needs to be brought back to life and in the process will create hundreds of jobs for local people. “I can’t understand why they don’t see the obvious benefits,” one island businessman told the Sunday Telegraph. “Truly? This is a no-brainer.” So Monday will see if the dream of de Niro and Packer will become a reality and work on the new resort can start as early as next year.
The Prague City Assembly has voted to close all the 212 gambling sites that are overtaking the cities streets say lawmakers. The new legislation does not affect the 101 casinos within the city but the cafe or slot arcade style gaming centres. The new law will take effect in January 2016 with a gradual closure of the gambling sites which some say could take a year or even more to happen. “The operation of gambling is connected with a number of sociological and pathological phenomena,” Mayor Adriana Krnacova said. Proposals were put forward back in 2008 to draw back the number of slot machines in the city from 8,358 to 2,724 however this did not happen and the new legislation hopes to address this.
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JANUARY 2016
Realistic Resolutions for a Happier New Year! By Liz Karter To find out more about Liz Karter and her work visit these links: www.levelgroundtherapy.uk - www.lizkarter.com & Liz Karters Books
A
lready had enough Christmas cheer to last a lifetime? Looking forward to a New Year and a brand new start? Maybe with the pressures of Christmas and all those festive parties you found yourself having a glass too many, or wondering if those stairs might feel easier without quite so many cigarettes? My area of specialisation is treating gambling addiction, but my clients often find they want to get back on track with smoking and
INFINITY GAMING
drinking patterns, too. I find many of my clients are particularly vulnerable over Christmas as opportunities for over indulgence rise, along with the stress levels, which can of course accompany this season. At Christmas we have time to reflect on the past year and see stuck patterns we wish to change. We make resolutions and it is a great time to include resolving to reduce or give up any addictive patterns – yes, sadly chocolate can be included... We all
know, of course, the downside is that New Year’s resolutions are notoriously hard to keep. One reason is that we make them using the words ‘always’ and ‘never’; we start with unrealistic expectations, fail a few times and give up. It is so much easier when we make realistic resolutions when giving up anything, and a part of that is giving ourselves something in exchange. Especially at this time of the year when it is cold and dark and we all crave comfort. So, start by working out what it is that you feel has been helpful to you about the behaviour you are resolving to give up and then give yourself a healthier alternative. For example, if cigarettes help you to lower stress levels then ask yourself what you can do instead of smoke the next time you feel stressed. Without a healthy alternative coping strategy next time you are stressed your default strategy ‘smoke’ will kick in and you will have a hard time tackling cravings.
JANUARY 2016
Six Ways to Make Realistic Resolutions. 1. Prioritise: if you ultimately want to give up more than one behaviour, it will generally be easier to focus on just one at first. 2. Aim for 4 weeks free of whatever it is that you want to stop doing. Telling yourself “never again” is off putting and unrealistic. It is normal to slip along the path of adjusting any behaviour. Tell yourself “just for today I will not eat cake” feels easier and those days soon add up to your four week goal. 3. Buy a diary to note significant daily events and your thoughts and feelings about them. You will soon start to notice patterns. Maybe a day when you found it hard not to smoke you had an argument and were feeling angry, or sad. Maybe a day when you hardly thought about smoking you spent time talking with a friend. 4. Alternative coping strategies give you what you were getting from the behaviour you want to stop, but in a healthier more rewarding way. If your diary shows that the behaviour you are giving up is about escaping stress, can you make life adjustments? Can you watch a movie, talk to a friend, or walk the dog when stressed?
5. Tell someone that you are trying to give up that behaviour. It helps to be accountable to someone who will speak out as they see you reach for the cake you are trying to cut down. Once you get to four weeks free of whatever you want to give up, you truly will notice far fewer cravings for the old behaviour. You will have a great sense of achievement, too! Of course, your New Year’s resolution might not be to stop something, but to start something. Starting and maintaining a new behaviour can be every bit as hard as giving one up. A reason we have often give up on our New Year’s resolutions to bring in a positive change is because, again, we are unrealistic. We promise ourselves we will go to the gym every day after work, when of course we fail to keep to our Herculean task we are disheartened and so give up. Or, often, we know we want life to feel better, but we do not take the time to work out what ‘better’ would really mean to us. Changing behaviour is hard work and we are much more likely to keep going with the work it requires, if we can clearly imagine what that change will look like and the benefits it will bring to our life.
Before rushing off to sign up for yet another improving Pilates class, take a little time to ask yourself these questions to work out what your goal for change really is. You might surprise yourself at what it is you truly do want for a happier New Year. “What would a happier life in 2016 look like for me...?” Being healthier? Finding love? Improving my relationship with family and friends? Improving my finances? Developing my career? Becoming more creative? The list is endless and it is personal to you, so do please add to it as you please. Once you have your detailed goal in mind then ask yourself: “What steps to I need to take to reach my goal by this time next year?” I wish you all you wish for yourself from Christmas and the New Year. Whether your resolution is to rid yourself of a troubling ghost from Christmas past, or to bring in a positive behavioural change to become a much happier new you.
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Shay Segev to join GVC Holdings well from his time at Playtech. “Shay is recognised in the industry as one of the leading figures in online gaming. His knowledge & experience of integrating technology businesses across all product verticals, from casino to sportsbook products, will be central to the success of the enlarged GVC/bwin.party group which we expect to complete in early February 2016, Kenny Alexander , chief executive officer of GVC Holdings said.
I
ndustry professional Shay Segev will be joining GVC Holdings as Chief Operating Officer at the beginning of March 2016 and will be responsible for leading the integration of GVC and Bwin.Party’s respective technology platforms following the completion of the merger between the two, expected in February 2016. Segev who was formerly COO of Playtech before departing to Gala Coral as Chief Strategy Officer, however with Gala and Ladbrokes in the midst of their own merger Segev has decided to take up the demanding role he knows
“Everyone at GVC & bwin.party are excited to be working with Shay & we are confident he will be a key player in the success of one the largest online gaming operators in the world following completion of the bwin.party acquisition.” “I am looking forward to working with Kenny & his team to deliver world class services & products to an ever increasing audience. My experience at Playtech & Gala Coral is highly transferable & I am confident will deliver for the enlarged GVC & bwin.party group’s shareholders, Segev concluded.
Dutch online gambling could be worth 1 billion euros
A
new survey in Holland has found that some 1.5 million residents either have gambled or gamble regularly on the internet. Indeed the total gambled online each year using online gambling sites have topped 500 million euros. The study carried out by Motivaction on seventeen thousand Dutch people which was commissioned by Holland Casino, the survey found that 15% or 1.5 million Dutch residents played online bingo, poker roulette and blackjack and of that number 800,000 played at least four times a year or more. It also showed that Dutch residents spent on average 26 euros a month leading Motivaction to estimate the Dutch
INFINITY GAMING
market is worth a minimum of 500 million euros per year. With online gambling currently illegal in the Netherlands, the treasury is losing out on about 100 million euros a year in taxes that could have been collected. However Holland Casino who commissioned the survey thinks that Motivaction’s estimation is very conservative, pointing to Denmark, where online gambling is legal. There Danish gamblers whose population is 5.6 million gamble on average 338 million euros online in the first 9 months of this year alone. With Holland having nearly 17 million resident, the Dutch online gambling market could be worth over a billion euros say Holland Casino.
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JANUARY 2016
Drilling Through the Wall of Woes to Save Macau By Desmond Lam
T
ing Macau’s market base but yet cater
brought in created a vibrate casino VIP
he year 2015 will be best remem-
many of its offerings to its Mainland
gaming market and fueled business
bered as the year of woes for many casi-
Chinese visitors, who have spending
booms in other areas of the economy.
no gaming executives working in Macau.
power beyond those from other seg-
Casino gross gaming revenue in 2015 is
ments. Mainland Chinese visitors made
Then in 2014, their numbers dwin-
expected to fall by as much as a third
up about 67% of visitorship to Macau in
dled as anti-corruption drive in Main-
from 2014, or approximately US$ 28-
the first 10 months of 2015, with Hong
land Chinese took a serious note.
30 billion. The impact of a slowdown in
Kong and Taiwan visitors contributing
gross gaming revenue can be felt across
another 25%. Macau still, predomi-
all facets of this tiny society, a region
nately, relies on its Chinese market.
south of China. Non-gaming businesses like retail and F&B are slowing down as
Many difficulty tasks lie ahead; among
visitors to Macau spent less this year.
all, the long term goal of market and
Many come to Macau for vacation and
product
not just gaming, according to major sur-
take time and continuous efforts by,
veys. Retrospectively, by all accounts,
not only the Macau Government Tour-
Macau has already exceeded the ex-
ist Office, but also the collective ef-
pectations of many since it was handed
forts of all six casino concessionaires.
back to Mainland China in 1999. From
After all, the main reason for a ticket
a tiny village, it has now transformed
into this market is to help transform
into an “international� center for many
Macau into a world tourism and lei-
leisure travelers. It is still the biggest
sure center for the many, not just a
casino gaming market in the world.
privileged few. This wish seemed to
diversification.
These
will
have been forgotten during boom-time But wait! Despite some effort to diver-
Macau. In the past, there was an over-
sify, Macau is still essentially servic-
emphasis on recruiting and servicing
ing the leisure and gaming appetite
the VIP gaming guests. Amenities were
of tens of thousands of Chinese out-
often built or modified and services
bound tourists from across its border.
bundled to cater to the needs of these
For many years, executives and gov-
big spenders on the gaming tables.
ernment officials talk about diversify-
Their existence and the guests that they
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Many difficulty tasks lie ahead; among all, the long term goal of market and product diversification. These will take time and continuous efforts by, not only the Macau Government Tourist Office, but also the collective efforts of all six casino concessionaires.
JANUARY 2016
This dramatic fall said a lot about the
in Macau are now told to accept the new
values in their visits to Macau. Recent
types of VIP gaming customers that Ma-
“norm” that, in my own opinion, what
studies found that Mainland Chinese
cau has. Are they the type of visitors that
it should have been in the first place;
outbound tourists are, among others,
Macau hopes to have? Monetarily, abso-
thus, an old hope turns into new norm.
increasingly interested in cultural and
lutely yes! But, socially and politically, I
The next three years will be critical for
shopping tours. Future initiatives by the
think big brother has a different opinion
Macau and a testing time for its busi-
government and individual property
(all along). A relentless and exhaustive
ness executives, who have been through
can use these studies as guidance for
anti-corruption drive exacerbated the
boom time and unused to the kind of
further innovation. Macau’s casino con-
speed of an economic slowdown in
“sluggish” business performances amid
cessionaires need to create new non-
Mainland Chinese. Some Mainland Chi-
the renewal of casino concessionaire.
gaming offerings that can support its
nese gamblers are deliberately avoiding
These executives have set such high
gaming products; not standalone non-
Macau, while others simply withhold
expectations (and difficult targets) for
gaming offerings that some created for
their travel plans and spending over-
themselves in the past, which seem log-
the sake of diversification or, perhaps
seas. In some ways, Macau is haunted
ical in boom time Macau but ridiculous
more appropriately, demonstration of
by its own business model; that is, an
by any measures elsewhere. Moving
diversification. The idea is an integrated
overemphasis on gaming and on the
forward, Macau’s executive first need to
resort with elements supporting each
Mainland Chinese market, VIP in par-
genuinely lower their expectations and
other and it all has to make sense. Exec-
ticular. VIP businesses and the junket
get back down to earth with their stra-
utives need to find a formula that con-
operators are badly affected in current
tegic options. On a positive note, so far,
nects non-gaming offerings to gaming
market and, poor market conditions,
visitorship has not really plummeted;
revenue. Currently, this is missing. Some
have spilled into and are taking its toll
although each visitor is spending less
of the huge investment in non-gaming
on the mass gaming market. Unless the
on average and less valuable compared
attractions just does not make business
Chinese central government takes a dra-
to previous years.
sense, not even towards brand building.
matic turn to open the tap that allows
Continuous and relevant innovation has
Chinese gamblers to flood back into
Macau needs to innovate to target a dif-
to be the prime driver of growth and
Macau, we are unlikely to see upturn
ferent segment of customers. Visitors
visitorship.
any time soon. Casino concessionaires
who gamble less but demand greater
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JANUARY 2016
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Drilling Through the Wall of Woes to Save Macau
JANUARY 2016
By Desmond Lam It does seem like the Macau government has to play a greater role in the whole industry to help push it forward. After all, Macau has more historical and cultural “wonders” than each individual property. Typically strategies in an increasingly matured market is to grab market/customer share from competitors, entice existing players to gamble more, and bring in new players to the market. There is a need to do all three here. But, in this case, it is paramount to promote greater co-opetition, rather than competition between properties. After all, no single property or the Macau government has it all. Macau’s visitors are increasingly seeing Macau as a single destination, offering multiple customer values. Macau needs to remove its stigma to bring back the crowd and build confidence. It is often seen to be a city of vice, where Chinese gamblers with dubious background gamble with money from dubious sources. It is perceived by some to be a home of a “morally- and socially-dirty” industry, which exports “problems” to its neighbors. For the industry to move forward, it has to work together (junkets, casino operators, and government) to remove this stigma. More stringent regulations are needed; more checks must be in place, and with greater emphasis on “responsible” gaming. Then, with the genuine support of its residents, Macau needs to educate the world on what it means, with a focus on its positive side. Macau’s casino gaming industry has survived for centuries. But the world has changed and, so, Macau needs to change with it. In conclusion, the sustainable development of Macau’s casino gaming industry needs the support from all stakeholders. The industry should answer to all their stakeholders and not just to their shareholders.
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Les Ambassadeurs sold to Landing International
L
anding International Development the Hong Kong listed gaming company is spreading its wings after agreeing the purchase of London casino Les Ambassadeurs. The deal worth £137 million to acquire the business from Twinwood Ltd is the first step in for the company outside of Asia. Les Ambassadeurs is well known as a high end gambling club which was previously owned by London Clubs before selling it in 2006 to Indonesian tobacco tycoon Putera Sampoerna who had used the Twinwood vehicle to purchase the club for £115-million. In the companies recent annual report Twinwood said of Les Ambassadeurs, Gaming revenue in the first 10 months of 2015 was nearly £16.44 million. With revenue for full-year 2014 was £104.88 million.
club will be hoping that the new owners will ensure that the venue is a success in what is a highly competitive market in London. In other news from Landing International it said the district where its planned Jeju scheme – known as the Myth-History Park project – is to be built, had been designated a Foreign Investment Zone by Jeju Island’s semi-autonomous government. The firm said this would allow “100 percent exemption according to foreign investment ratio for five years,” on corporation income tax, with a 50 percent reduction on such tax for a subsequent two years; a 100 percent exemption from customs duties, individual consumption tax and value added tax – as applied to capital goods – for five years; and a 100 percent exemption from acquisition tax and property tax for a period of 15 years.
“The gaming revenue for fiscal year 2014 achieved a year over year increase of approximately 167% due mainly to a few substantial losses by long term players in July and August 2014,” said Landing International’s filing.
Genting Singapore is Landing partner in the project which is said to cost $1.8 billion to develop when they broke ground on the resort back in February this year.
The casino in the West End of London in Mayfair has now seen several owners over recent times but with the casino offering 45 gaming tables from roulette, baccarat, blackjack and three card poker the staff of the exclusive
Landing International said that the Jeju resort would be modelled after Genting Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa and would open in stages from 2017, with completion due by 2019.
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
BetConstruct and DataCenter new collaboration
B
etconstruct, the betting and
Gasparian, BetConstruct’s
gaming software provider
Chief Technology Officer.
(betconstruct.com), is proud
“Datacenter Luxembourg
to announce its recent collabora-
and its hosting offering
tion with Datacenter Luxembourg,
answered all our needs,
the European IT Provider based in
their Tier IV datacentre
Luxembourg.
provides the highest level of security and its loca-
BetConstruct recently chose Datacen-
tion in Luxembourg, at the
ter.eu to host its IT infrastructure in a
heart of Europe, provides
Tier IV datacentre in Luxembourg.
excellent connectivity to the entire world.”
BetConstruct’s innovative and proven offerings include an extensive range
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has been at the fore-
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including Sportsbook, Odds Feed,
front of the industry for more than
try, BetConstruct have experienced
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twenty years, with a unique offering
continued growth in an increasingly
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of multi-tier datacentres, from Tier
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II to Tier IV and cloud solutions. The
within our colocation facilities is a
ers the operations of more than 140
company provides highly secured co-
clear endorsement of Luxembourg
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location facilities, which was a must
as the safe hub of Europe. Their in-
global offices.
in BetConstruct’s choice of provider.
dustry is highly specialised and has a
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range of requirements that we could
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plies data security and e-commerce,
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able and secure hosting solution;
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our industry and partners require all these attributes,” explained David
“We are proud to welcome BetCon-
Massachusetts lawmaker wants online gambling in state
M
assa chusetts which is
sion to take a review on internet
and Wynn Resorts not quite so sure
considering to allow for
gambling also to help casinos drive
about it observers believe it is a fifty-
two new casino resort style
in more revenues and in turn increase
fifty chance that the state will join
revenue taxes for the state.
Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey in
casinos operated by Wynn Resorts and MGM also wants to consider online gambling.
online gambling. Many believe that It is expected that Massachusetts
Pennsylvania will be the next to join
will allow for two resort casinos in
the fledgling industry.
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr
the next couple of years but with
wants the state Gambling Commis-
MGM supporting online gambling
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Malaysia to tighten laws on internet gambling
I
t seems the Malaysian government want to get tough on illegal online gambling within their country after the country’s deputy home minister said that the current legislation prevents the police from prosecuting operators and needs changes. “The police are facing constraints in prosecuting those responsible. They have proposed amendments to the laws on gambling to allow them to better deal with the problem,” Mr Nur Jazlan said at the country’s House of Representatives. At present the only piece of legislation that covers
gambling was constructed in 1953 and although has received several amendments since then none have covered online gambling. The legislation makes it illegal for all forms of unlicensed gambling but contains no mention of “online” or “internet” or even “remote gambling” so makes no power for police to arrest those running gambling online illegal at present. However plans are now being considered to make amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act, Lotteries Act, Common Gaming House Act, as well as the Betting Act to ensure online gambling will be
Betfair surprise analyst’s with H1 results Betfair surprised many analyst’s with exceeding expectations for the first half year results with a 15% increase in revenues. The betting exchange firm chief executive Breon Corcoran said: Betfair traded strongly in its key markets throughout the first half of FY16. “These results, which came against a tough comparative period featuring last year’s football World Cup, are ahead of our original expectations and demonstrate the Group’s continued strong momentum. “Our strategy of focusing investment in markets with good regulatory visibility continues to pay off.
Betfair’s relatively low exposure to unregulated jurisdictions meant that even though revenue decline in these markets accelerated, primarily due to the impact of suspending operations in Portugal, it was more than offset by growth in sustainable markets.” Total revenues for H1 ending October 31 stood at £274.4 million compared to £237.6 million in 2014. Profits were up 9% from £67.2 million last year to £80.5 million in 2015. Betfair and Paddy Power who have agreed a merger of the two companies which is still Subject to shareholder and regulatory approval expect the deal to go through in the first quarter of 2016.
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
Ladbrokes Coral deal approved but Desmond fights on
T
he Ladbrokes Coral merger has been agreed by shareholders on Tuesday paving the way for the completion of the £2.3 billion deal. However Irish billionaire Ladbrokes investor Dermot Desmond has vowed to fight on against the deal. Approximately 96% of Ladbrokes shareholders voted in favour of the tie up with two of the UK’s largest bookmakers but Desmond who has a 2.8% stake in Ladbrokes has threatened to convene another shareholder meeting to reverse the decision. He said: ‘This is only the first of 15 rounds, or ten rounds or even seven rounds. ‘There’s a long way to go.’ He went on to say the deal was ‘abysmal’ and has contacted the Takeover Panel with concerns Ladbrokes had not been transparent about some details connected to the deal. The enraged billionaire said that current chairman Peter Erskine and in-coming chairman John Kelly has brought about ‘the death of Ladbrokes as an independent company’.
Playtech win Sun Bingo deal over Gamesys Playtech has scored a coup by signing up News UK and its Sun Bingo & Fabulous Bingo to its Virtue Fusion Bingo platforms in a five year deal. Announcing the deal Playtech said the sites will launch in August 2016 after it migrates all existing players to its network. “The Playtech-powered Sun Bingo will use cuttingedge technology to offer best-performing and highly innovative bingo and side games, with fantastic promotions and prizes and the industry’s largest jackpots,” said Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer. Sun Bingo, established in 2005, is regarded as one of the UK’s largest bingo sites and was previously using the Gamesys platform which will now cease on the third quarter of 2016.
Desmond would need a minimum of 5% of investors to support a call for another meeting, saying: ‘The company’s total debt burden will increase by four times to £1.2billion.’
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PR NEWS
JANUARY 2016
NetEnt sets new mobile jackpot record with Mega Fortune Touch instant. Today’s news comes hot on the heels of a €4.5m jackpot which fell on Mega Fortune Dreams with Unibet late in November. Alexander, 30, from Stockholm, said: “I was totally speechless and couldn’t believe what was happening. It was late and my wife had already gone to bed, but I had to wake her up and celebrate.
N
etEnt has made history on its Mega Fortune Touch slot by awarding an €8.6m jackpot – the largest ever via mobile.
The huge prize was won on ComeOn Casino’s mobile website from a bet of less than €1.50, turning one lucky 30-year-old from Sweden into a multi-millionaire in an
“I’m going to lay low to begin with, but I’ll make sure my mortgage is paid and treat myself to some exciting holidays. It will probably be difficult to avoid buying a new car!” Simon Hammon, Chief Product Officer of NetEnt, said: “NetEnt’s games excite, entertain and reward our players and it’s fantastic to break another record with this jackpot won via mobile. Our games have paid out over €13m in jackpots in just over a week – the perfect early Christmas present.”
That’s the Bullseye! Microgaming announce new branded slot
M
icrogaming is delivering a ‘super, smashing, great’ online slot to its operators this December.
The classic TV game show ‘Bullseye’, was presented by stand-up comedian Jim Bowen and was a huge hit. Based on the game of darts, Bullseye involved three pairs of contestants competing against one another to win prizes. Bully, the darts playing bull was the show’s mascot, making appearances throughout the programme. You can’t beat a bit of Bully! And the popular game show is presented in this 5×3 reel, 243 ways to win online slot, with reels based on the programme’s notorious star
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prizes, including a speedboat, caravan and car. It’s game on during Bully’s special bonus round, triggered by the prize board symbol on reels one and five. The bonus round lets the player step up to the oche for some real darts action. Players throw darts at the board for the chance to win cash prizes depicted by such vintage items as a VCR or carriage clock, worth up to 15x the total bet for each dart thrown! Furthermore, three or more scatter symbols on the reels takes players to the retriggerable free spins bonus. 15 free spins are presented, during which all wins are doubled, and additional scatter pays between 5x and a ton (100x) can be awarded.
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GAMING NEWS
JANUARY 2016
61
Atlantic City to see more casinos close
C
redit rating firm Moody’s latest
their business and face additional com-
expect increased competition will keep
report warns that Atlantic City
petition,” said Moody’s Investors Service,
the heat on incumbents, and that number
could still lose more casinos
in a report on the gaming industry.
of casinos in Atlantic City will likely con-
because of increased competition from neighbouring states.
tinue to shrink.” With Caesar’s, Bally’s and Trump Taj Mahal all currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Competition from new casinos opening
The famed Atlantic City boardwalk on the
protection the ratings firm say they are
up in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsyl-
Jersey Shore has seen four casinos close
“already on the brink” of following those
vania and Maryland by the end of 2018
in the last twelve months with over 8,000
closed already suffering falling revenues
will put even more pressure on those
jobs gone but others could go the same
as the whole of the industry in the state
struggling already say Moody’s.
way according to this recent report with
did last year by 8%.
only eight remaining at present.
It seems the question now is not whether “As the number of casinos shrink, some of
more casinos will close in the state but
“We expect more casino closures to occur
the remaining casinos have seen rev-
which one will be first and then who fol-
in Atlantic City as some struggle to grow
enues increase,” said Moody’s. “But we
lows?
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