October 2016 Infinity Gaming Magazine by Clever Duck Media

InfinityGaming www.gaming-awards.com | ISSUE OCTOBER 2016

NEWS VIEWS INTERVIEWS

Nigel Birrell CEO Lottoland Interview RICK LIN - BBIN coming to the party

MARK BLANDFORD EXCLUSIVE

GAMING + ARTICLES + BUSINESS+ GLOBAL+ ONLINE + NEWS+ INTERVIEWS + APPS + AWARDS

OCTOBER 2016

08 MEET THE IGA 10 JUDGES Line-up announced

28 12

MARK BLANDFORD Exclusive Interview

26 TECH TAKING OVER GAMBLING Paul Swaddle Article

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.

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 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.

08 HERE COME THE JUDGES IGA10 Line-up revealed

18 RICK LIN

18 RICK LIN INTERVIEW The man from BBIN

Speaks to the Infinity Magazine

27 MOBILE ON GAMBLING 28 MARK BLANDFORD Interview

BIG SAM QUESTION Christin Thakor-Rankin

34 TECHNOLOGY Paul Swaddle article

40 SELF-EXCLUSION & BREACHES Teresa Tunstall article

+ ALL THE LATEST NEWS & Opinions

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 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

Business time of the year

PUBLISHING Infinity Gaming Magazine is operated by © Clever Duck Media Ltd ®

Lana Thompson - Editor

Welcome to the October edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine and a busy time for sports book operators.

Company Reg. No. 687 1018 (Registered in England) V.A.T reg. no 972 6372 91

Sponsorship Opportunities Colin@cleverduckmedia.com Welcome to the latest edition of In-

tributor, who looks at self exclusion.

finity Gaming Magazine and we have

Business Partnerships Svetlana@gaming-awards. com

come back from the summer break

Christina Thakor-Rankin takes her ex-

with a bang! What a super publication

pert eye to football this month, yes I

we have for you, a wonderful interview

said football.

Marketing & Advertising claire@cleverduckmedia.com

he gives us tips on being an entrepre-

We are delighted to announce our judg-

Editorial Content & PR media@cleverduckmedia.

neur and the very latest on his recent

es line-up for the 10th International

com

acquisition the Football Pools.

Gaming Awards, nominations are open

with the legend that is Mark Blandford,

so get nominating for one of the most Not just one interview but two, we wel-

coveted awards in the business.

come BBIN to our list of sponsors for the 10th International Gaming Awards

Enjoy the magazine.

and speak to Rick Lin the companies International Business Manager.

So, “To Infinity and Beyond!”

As always we have our team of superb

Regards,

writers and Paul Swaddle keeps us up to the latest developments this time

Lana

looking at technology taking over the gambling space. We welcome Teresa Tunstall this month as our latest con

INFINITY GAMING

The Editor

Pocket Betshop Live Odds Display

OCTOBER 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 - Gaming Consultant 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

Teresa Tunstall – Independent Gaming Consultant After many years of working in casinos in the UK and on USA ships as a croupier and inspector, Teresa turned from ‘poacher to gamekeeper,’ spending 16 years with GamCare, who offer help and support to those who develop problems with their gambling.

Teresa now works independently consulting on all issues relating to Social Responsibility and Problem Gambling.

Working closely with the betting and gaming industry, She developed strong links delivering Social Responsibility and Problem Gambling training around the world, from Antigua to Moscow, and Auditing in the UK.

To contact Teresa regarding consulting please email: Teresatunstall1@gmail.com

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.

OCTOBER 2016

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

MEET THE IGA10 JUDGES 01

Christina Thakor-Rankin Gaming Consultant

Desmond Lam Ph.D - Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Macau

INFINITY GAMING

Gavin Isaacs - Vice Chairman of the Board at Scientific Games Corporation

Gemma Strath - Group Head of Marketing at Betfred

Isabelle Andres - Chief Executive Officer of the BetClic Everest Group

Janet Viippola - Gaming Consultant

OCTOBER 2016

Liz Karter - Specialist in Gambling Addiction in Women

Marek Milewski- Operations Manager Casinos Poland

Mor Weizer - CEO Play-

tech

Paul Armitage - Operations Director Grosvenor Casinos

Onika Russell - Head of Gambling , Airlines & Travel Strategic Services, PayPal

Paul Swaddle - Founder and Chairman Pocket App

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

MEET THE IGA10 JUDGES 13

Peter Hoetzinger - CoCEO & President, Vice Chairman Century Casinos

Prof. Dietmar Hoscher Deputy Chariman of the Supervisory Board of Casinos Austria

INFINITY GAMING

Professor I. Nelson RoseSpeaker & Gaming Law expert

Richard Noble – Chief Operating Officer of the Aspers Group

Roger Marris – CEO at The Ritz Club

Roger Raatgever – CEO Microgaming

OCTOBER 2016

Sebastiรกn Salat - CEO

Zitro

Stella Dalton - Head of Business Development at GamCare

20 HAPP

Sim Bialk - CMO SUZO-

22 Stephanie Cheung - Chief Legal Officer at Melco Crown Entertainment

Tristan Sjoberg -Executive Chairman at TCS John Huxley

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

Big Sam, England and the Club v Country Conundrum

By Christina Thakor-Rankin

policy of appointing safe ‘yes men’

irstly , a few words of warning. This

rather than fired-up, passion fuelled

piece is about football. It does discuss

hot-heads to the post, to the lack of an

In view of that, the FA might have been

the England team and their future pros-

English manager, to the imbalance of

forgiven for looking overseas for a third-

pects, so does swing between an over-

foreign players to national players in

time lucky punt, but decided in the end

whelming sense of doom and wild opti-

the top flight, to the lack of commitment

to go with an Englishman. Finding an

mism. It is written by what one of the nice

of players whose lucrative pay-checks

English manager for the England team

chaps at one of the Gambling Commis-

and desire for longevity force a deeper

is not however as easy as it sounds.

sions, astutely observed to be ‘a bird’.

loyalty to club than country.

For a long time now, football pundits

How much of this is valid, fair or justi-

and back-page sports hacks have been

fied? For so long, the FA have shied

lamenting the performances of the Eng-

away from appointing an Englishman to

land national football team – from the

the role - and been widely criticised for

lack of back-bone in the FA and their

it. The reality is though that there have only ever been two non-Englishmen appointed (Eriksson and Capello) and they have both done better, and certainly no worse than their English counter-parts. In fact two of England’s worst ever performances in tournaments came under the last English manager ‘Uncle’ Roy Hodgson, where the World Cup saw England eliminated at the group stage for the first time since 1958, and the Euros where England’s defeat at the hands of Iceland, a team of quite literally amateur players, was

INFINITY GAMING

seen by many as one of the worst ever.

For so long, the FA have shied away from appointing an Englishman to the role and been widely criticised for it. The reality is though that there have only ever been two non-Englishmen appointed (Eriksson and Capello)

OCTOBER 2016

The full list of possible candidates

this really the case however.

is of itself no more than a short-list.

but is less about numbers of layers as numbers of managers.

Apart from ‘Big Sam’, who else is there?

Of all the top European domestic

Pardew, Pulis, Bruce, at a push Eddie

leagues, the English Premiership does

This Premiership season has been re-

Howe, and had he not made the school-

indeed have the highest percentage of

ferred to as the ‘golden age of foreign

boy error of letting his cat complete his

foreign players at 67%. This is followed

managers’. This is the fundamental dif-

tax return, probably Harry Redknapp. All

by Belgium at 59%, Italy and Turkey at

ference between the EPL and the other

great individuals who have all done well

57%, Portugal (Euro 2016 winners) at

European leagues. The total percentage

in their own way - but which of them, if

55%, and Germany (World Cup 2014

of clubs managed by foreign managers

any, would have made it onto the short

winners) at 50%. So yes, higher than

in the Premiership is 75%. That means

list of any of the Premiership’s top flight

some of the others, but not exceptional-

the total number of English managers is

clubs? The unpalatable reality is that

ly so, given the profile of the EPL, and if

a mere 15%, compared to home-grown

when it comes to England, an individual

Portugal and Germany can bag a couple

talent manging top flight clubs else-

who might be considered good enough

of trophies based on their ratio of foreign

where: 90% in Serie A, 85% in France,

to manage the national team, would

players in leagues which are well below

75% in Spain, and 72% in Germany.

fall well short of meeting the standard

the standard of the Premiership, surely

for managing at some of the domestic

the 166 English Premiership footballers

Whilst this has made the Premiership

leagues most successful clubs.

from which a squad might be selected

the most lucrative and popular league

screams quality rather than quantity.

in the world, the cost of global success

This is where the national team’s woes

of English club has been the demise of

start and finish - the role played by the

Personally, I do not believe the accu-

the national side. Whilst Europe can’t

Premiership in the dwindling fortunes

sation levelled at players of cash and

boast international managers, it can

of the national side cannot be under-

cache of playing at club level is more

boast home grown coaches that al-

estimated. The complaint for so long

important than commitment to the na-

low for the development of a ‘national

has been that the increasing number

tional cause England’s is fair. Just one

game’ a shared style of play across the

of foreign players in the world’s most

look at the faces of the players after

clubs which allows players to find their

popular league has reduced the num-

the Iceland game showed that. There is

place and transfer skill and style from

ber of spots filed by English players, so

something, however, that is stopping

club to national level; and a swathe of

reducing the size of the talent pool to

what looks like a pretty decent team on

managers t club level who are as invest-

the point that England managers need

paper from performing in an England,

ed in seeing the national team succeed

to start looking to the lower leagues. Is

and it does link back to the Premiership,

as they are their own team, and are so

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

Big Sam, England and the Club v Country Conundrum

more likely to want their club to act as a

teract with each other and perform in

feeder for the national side.

different positions. How does one even

should play, might be slightly different.

begin to build a national side in a situ-

This is the challenge that any England

Compare this to the EPL where manag-

ation where the choice of which player

manager needs to overcome. A player

ers come and go on the whim of an own-

plays where, for how long, and for how

at club level has to adapt to a style of

er and longevity and security is driven

many games, is made by a foreign man-

play designed to accommodate other

by delivering instant and immediate

ager with little or no interest in the for-

players, and one manager; a manager at

success. As the experience of Pellegrini

tunes of the national side?

national level has to find a way of creat-

made very clear, having the fifth high-

ing a style of play that works for a whole

est win percentage in Premier League

The challenges of building a national

squad of players all of whom are used to

history counts for nothing if the end of

side based upon such a club versus

playing a style specific to their club and

the season doesn’t bring in the silver-

country paradox was abundantly clear

manager. Given the way the Premiership

ware. As a result, each manager with

in England’s first match under Allardyce.

is going, and is likely to continue to go,

the exception of a notable few such as

When asked about Rooney before the

one assumes the gulf between club and

Wenger, seems focused purely on short

game he said: “If Jose says he is not go-

country is not going to get any smaller,

term immediate success.

ing to play him in centre midfield and

making Big Sam’s dream job an almost

he is playing up front and scoring goals

impossible dream.

As a result, instead of developing an

for Manchester United then it would be

English style of play, there are compet-

pointless me bringing him into England

Football is a funny old game. Leicester’s

ing styles of management, each with

and playing him in centre midfield.”

performance last season proved that

their own style of play, often designed

the impossible is possible and dreams

around the need to show-case (or shoe-

After the match, this changed to: “can’t

can come true. Big Sam more than any-

horn in) the talents of the expensive

stop” Rooney from dropping into mid-

one else has a knack of snatching vic-

signing, with the other players having to

field, as he has a “lot more experi-

tory from the jaws of what often seems

adapt and play outside of their natural

ence at international football”.

“It’s

like certain and inevitable defeat. If his

position and comfort zone in order to

not for me to say where he’s going to

first game in charge is a divine sign of

fit in.

play. It’s up to me to ask whether he’s

things to come however – a winner in

doing well in that position and con-

the final seconds of the last minute -

This is a difficult situation to manage at

tributing.” - suggesting that Jose’s

there is every reason to be positive.

club level with daily training sessions

view of where Rooney should play,

and close scrutiny of how players in-

and Rooney’s view of where Rooney

INFINITY GAMING

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Macau’s Gambling Industry Posts YOY Revenue Growth in August

fter two years of falling revenue, gambling paradise Macau is back in form. The autonomous region – where gambling has been legal since the 1850s – registered a 1.1 per cent rise in revenue last month. It marks the first year-on-year growth in over two years.

The number of junket promoters, who bring high rollers to casinos in return for a percentage of their play (limited to 1.25 per cent), fell from 235 in 2014 to 142 in 2016. VIP revenue also sank from US$29 billion in 2014 to US$14 billion last year.

Revenue stood at $US2.4 billion, slightly surpassing analysts’ expectations, some of whom had predicted a 3 per cent drop while others had forecasted a 1 per cent growth.

So, it was comforting for the industry to report an uptick last month, possibly a ray of hope at a time of despair.

Macau’s gambling industry has bled money since 2014. Revenue plummeted by 34 per cent last year – marking a five-year low – due to China’s anti-graft campaign that has stemmed VIP revenue. The slow growth of pace in the world’s second largest economy and new bookkeeping and operating regulations imposed by the Macau government have also contributed to the fall. The slowdown has had a ripple effect on the economy, which is largely dependent on the casino industry, and to a lesser extent on the retail and hospitality sectors.

The rise has been attributed to an improvement in visitor traffic during the summer, which counterbalanced the scarcity of VIP punters. Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia (CLSA) forecasts that VIP revenue will keep falling this year, but remains optimistic about growth from mass market segments. However, analysts have also cautioned that new casino resorts – including the $US4 billion Wynn Macau that opened its doors this month - may have to contend with slow growth in the light of the weak economic climate.

New Sands Parisian allocated 150 tables Sands China the Macau based international casino division of Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands Corporation have announced the Macau Government have allocate 150 new gaming tables to the new resort “Sands’ Parisian.”

The new resort opens on a positive note as Macau posted its first positive increase in revenues for the first time in two years.

Wynn Palace that opened just recently was allocated the exact same number and the allocation was closely watched by executives at Wynn to see if Sands received a great number. However the new $3 billion resort by Sands China that is due to open on the 13th September will only receive 100 gaming tables this year with 25 tables each year following, so Sands China will have to move their other allocations around to accommodate player numbers.

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

Interview with Rick Lin

International Business Manager BBIN

Rick many thanks for speaking to us today, firstly can you tell our global readers who may not know of BBIN exactly what the company does?

iGaming products. And we are also

30000 games of Sports. You also can

providing

part-

see many unique elements that fit local

nership White

more programs

Label

industry-specific

complete like

Solution

Game and

services

API,

preference and culture in our product

other

serious. Complete payment interaction

now.

tech and stable server that support huge back system mode operating, make us

BBIN is a company that aims to steadily innovate in technology and service supported, providing multiple solu-

Why should a company looking to enter the Asian market come to BBIN?

tions to operators in iGaming indus-

own the biggest market share in Asia.

What are the main challenges for any company wanting to work in the Asian market?

try. We are the first iGaming software

Because of our extensive experience in

supplier in Asia, established in 1999.

the local market management for these

With 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of support-

years, BBIN has the leading game vari-

Asia is a mosaic of different markets,

ing over 500 clients, makes us be-

ants and the most powerful resource in

cultures, languages and market op-

come the most suitable partner in East.

Asia. We offer multiple local payment

portunities. So we think lack of un-

methods and management system with

derstanding in the local culture, cus-

24 hrs client services, and supply 12

toms, and business etiquette is the

styles of Live Casino, 30 types of BB

main challenges for those companies

Luck over 100 kinds of Casino Game and

wanting to enter the Asia market.

BBIN says they are the leading iGaming software supplier in Asia with some 500 clients, what countries are their clients from? BBIN supports over 500 clients through our gaming platform in Asia alone. Clients are most from Eastern Asia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

How long has the company been operating? Since founded in 1999, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about 20 years. With more than 1,000 professionals all over the world, BBIN constantly creates, researches and develops

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

BBIN offers online live casino, where is this based and can you explain how it works?

since 2014. And of course this is the

BBIN has developed mobile devices

best way to interact with the profession-

since 2012. In order to satisfy the

als closely in this field from the world.

constantly changing needs of players, BBIN CASINO APP was officially

We also utilize the strength of G2E Asia

launched in 2015. Our gaming prod-

Our online casino studio for Live Ca-

to showcase how BBIN dedicates to the

ucts are all collected and provided with

sino products producing is located

potential Asia operators and the West-

the best entertaining service through

in Clark Special Economic Zone, the

ern igaming content providers, as well

user-friendly interface. More functions

Philippines. It is operated by a lo-

as our white labels. We reflect with the

are offered such as Online Payment,

cal professional live casino studio.

success of G2E Asia, we gain many com-

Bank Transfer, Trans Credit, Online

paniesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trust and provide a solid refer-

Service and Member Centre. It is the

ence point by being a regular exhibitor.

most powerful app in the field so far.

BBIN are coming to London next year, is that to reach a broader customer base for the Asian market?

How fast is the business growing for BBIN in Asia?

Are all the games built and designed in-house? The most of our products are built and design in-house, but we also introduce some products from those brands with

BBIN has adapted a new and efficient

good reputations like Microgaming,

Yes, BBIN definitely would be a great

system to filter our white labels in

Allbet, Gold Deluxe, ORIENTAL GAME,

help for the business development

the recent years. We have aimed to

Genesis, SB Tech and SA Gaming to our

in Asia. Basically, we expect to be

maintain existed platforms to ensure

clients via the platform. Provide our

the best portal choice for the com-

the quality in operation and services.

clients more flexible package choices.

panies from the world that want to

This system actually adds up values in

enter the Asia market. We have ad-

our long-term business development.

BBIN has exhibited as G2E Asia for a few years now, how important is that show for BBIN? G2E Asia is an iconic international trade show in Asia where we are based. BBIN has been attending the show every year

vantages of advanced technology and valuable knowhow from experience.

The company now also works in the App business, how successful has that been?

BBIN says that it wants to expand into Europe, what is the plan and timeline for this new adventure? BBIN is currently planning to attend ICE, as we aim to promote our brand.

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

Interview with Rik Lin

Over the years, we have heard voices

bine resources to make the market larg-

going to be the bridge for the gaming

that many companies struggle to come

er together. So it is better to see BBIN as

market between the East and West.

to the Asia igaming events. Therefore,

the best collaborator of Asia in the field.

How does the future look like for BBIN?

BBIN have sponsored the 10th Annual International Gaming Awards, what was the reasoning for this?

to share our secrets behind our suc-

We are currently in talks with a few

International Gaming Awards is the

cess, and providing consultation to

of the top operators about includ-

icon award in igaming industry. After all

any party who wishes to step into Asia.

ing their products on our platform.

these years developing, we consider it is

And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep hard on improving and

good to introduce BBIN to the East offi-

evaluating the system services. Our

cially by sponsoring IGA and joining the

they have found it difficult to approach BBIN. So now, by going to ICE, BBIN is opening a door for many international companies to reach us. We wish

Some may say that Europe is a very competitive market already with some very advanced companies, how would BBIN compete with that?

ICE 2017 at the same time.

Finally and for all our male readers where do you find those beautiful girls for live casino, BBIN must be the envy of all your competitors?

That might be the wrong message. BBIN is trying to be a good gateway for the companies from Europe to be successful in Asia instead of competing with them.

Well~ I believe there are

Being a new and trying to put

many beautiful girls in dif-

themselves on the map in Asia is

ferent countries. We just do

something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really difficult.

our best to offer the best.

We are experienced with complete resource, no matter in product,

long-term goal is to create a com-

technology or market management, we

plete betting network in Asia, so at the

are willing to learn from those advanced

same time we are developing more

company in Europe and trying to com-

games and innovative solutions, and

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

INFINITY GAMING

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Brazil could legalise casino resorts this year

razil has taken an important step towards legalising gambling in the country after a 70-year hiatus. Back in 1946 Brazil passed laws prohibiting any casinos in the country following widespread unrest, now 70 years later the Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill allowing casino resorts to be built in the country along also with an online lottery.

the resorts.

There is a long way to go following a year-long review by the Chamber of Deputies but it marks the possibility of the bill moving to the main floor and a vote to place the bill into law that could allow for up to 34 casino resorts to be built in the country.

However opposition to the casinos has said it would cause money laundering and social problems with gambling addictions, but supporters say the casino resorts would spur economic growth and remedy the country’s fiscal problems. Part of the bill calls for increased funding to the Federal Police to investigate money laundering along with funding state run programs to help with gambling related issues.

Deputy Elmer Nascimento, president of the commission said that the vote may very well take place this year and help the country with much needed tax revenues from

Anyone looking to operate a casino resort in Brazil would needed extensive experience already in the casino resort business, must come from a strong financial standing. In granting a license the successful operators would receive a license to operate for 30 years.

Casinos Austria announce positive results Casino Operator and management company Casinos Austria International (CAI) have announced their half yearly results showing a profit for the first time since 2009, the Vienna based gaming firm said that for the first six months of 2016 it showed a profit of €19 million Revenues also showed a healthy rise to €65.1 million, the company said that the more positive result was helped mainly by its business interests in Canada and Switzerland.

INFINITY GAMING

Build Your Brand, Business & Social Responsibility

THE 10th INTERNATIONAL GAMING AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN

Categories for both Online & Land Based Gambling Industry CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 28TH SEPTEMBER

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Las Vegas Prepping for Chinese Gamblers

t’s all going good for Las Vegas, which recorded a revenue of US$6.3 billion last year, just a couple of millions short of the record high of $6.8 billion in 2007. The healthy growth, in part, has been spurred by interest from Chinese punters. Chinese tourists and Chinese-Americans have been patrons for decades now, and they continue flocking to casinos. In fact, the Chinese have been moving their wealth into the American real estate market. Between 2010 and 2015, Chinese investors purchased US$93 billion in residential real estate, $17 billion of commercial real estate, and $208 billion of mortgage-backed securities. Overall Chinese investment in the country has surpassed $300 billion. One thing is clear – the Chinese love to gamble. With restricted access to gambling in their home country, they cherish the opportunities they get in western countries, particularly in the United States.

Steve Wynn has his own take on this phenomenon. He connects it to the post World War II opportunities and expansions that immigrants to the US seized to better their life and enjoy it to the fullest. Wynn believes that Chinese families demonstrate the same entrepreneurial spirit, working hard to build their wealth and disposable income, and spending it in any way they see fit, including at gaming tables. To capitalize on the increasing patronage from Chinese gamblers, two Chinese-themed casinos will open near the Strip. One is Resorts World, which is scheduled for a 2019 opening, and worth a whopping $7 billion. Sitting on an 88 acre site with 100,0o0 square feet dedicated to gambling, the resort casino will have 3,100 rooms, a 4,000 seat theater, a panda habitat, and a convention center. The other is Lucky Dragon, which is slated to have 200 hotel rooms and a casino encompassing 27,000 square feet.

Rank announce casino closure & results Rank Group who operate the Grosvenor Casino brand is to close its casino in Leeds Merrion Way after the landlord decided not to renew the lease deal with the company. The casino will close in September and staff from there will be deployed in other casinos within the group, however the companies other casino in Leeds the Westgate site will have a refurbishment.

Grosvenor are also closing a casino in Glasgow but renovations to its Nottingham venue and Leeds will total expenditure of £6.2 million. Following Rank and 888 Holdings failed attempt at acquiring William Hill Rank did have good news in the form of its annual results showing a pre-tax profit of £85.5m for the 12 months to 30 June 2016, an increase of 15% from £74.5m for the same period a year earlier.

INFINITY GAMING

join our team and work

WITH US NetEnt is a premium, world-leading B2B supplier of digitally distributed casino systems and games, used by many of the industry’s most successful operators. The cornerstones of NetEnt’s success are relationships built on trust and solutions built on innovation. Continued innovation is intrinsic in the Company’s ethos, which is realized in the delivery of ﬁrst-class gaming products and services.

For more information please check our our website

netent.com

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Mobile Advertisers Have Online Gambling in Their Sights

usiness Insider’s research service BI Intelligence recently released a report on the state of the mobile gaming market, particularly in view of the move to free-to-play (F2P) monetization. The report noted how this transition will impact developers, such as increasing their marketing costs, and the pressure to acquire users with an open-mind towards in-app purchases, as well as the potential consequences from gamers who don’t spend in-app.

Data suggests that mobile casino gaming apps are a huge hit with smartphone users. As of February 2016, downloads of casino apps from the App Store grew by a massive 286 per cent year-on-year. At the same time, casino apps that don’t use real money were also one of the categories that performed well in terms of cost per install (CPI). In 2015, the combined revenue generated by the top four mobile casino apps stood at over $645 million.

Having said that, the online gambling market, especially mobile gaming apps, hold great revenue potential for developers. Mobile advertisers too can benefit immensely, an opportunity they have recognized as they accelerate their investment in mobile and online gambling.

In this regard, it is safe to assume that the return on gambling apps – including those that don’t use real money – is high enough to accommodate the escalating installation costs. Developers, for their part, seem gung-ho about creating exciting new mobile apps. With the availability of faster processors and the ability for larger screens and more compelling graphics, the potential to deliver memorable online gaming experiences has never been higher.

Mobile Advertising Watch forecasts that the online gambling market will grow by 11 per cent through 2020. In 2014 alone, it generated a revenue of approximately $US37 billion, including revenue from casino gaming apps on mobile devices, laptops and PCs.

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

EXCLUSIVE Interview with Mark Blandford Investor & Entrepreneur

Mark many thanks for speaking to us today, you have been involved in the gaming industry for nearly twenty years and one of the pioneers of internet gambling with Sportingbet. Could you tell our readers what it was like back then starting an online business?

out there in 1997?

sure of making the proposition work.

In the UK there was a company based

How do you think the industry has changed over your time?

out of Oxford who had a basic sports and horse race offering, however sadly they did not survive. In Europe Inter-

Enormously!

tops had been in business for a couple

years it has developed from a brand

of years and really led the way while

new sector to becoming mature to

there was a fledgling offshore US indus-

the point that it is now consolidating

It was very different back then, there

try based in jurisdictions that included

quickly and has several public compa-

was no real online gaming B2B in-

Grenada, Belize and Dominica.

nies who count their market capitalisa-

frastrture. For example when we began we had to design and build our own sports betting platform as there was nothing on the market to license. Also

Basically in the last 20

tions in billions. There have been many

Did you think the online gambling industry was going to be a big as it is now?

as soon as you mentioned to a bank that

steps along the way meaning that the change has been evolution rather than a single revolution. The change has encompassed all strands of industry and

you wanted to acquire funds from credit

With a background in internation-

includes but is not limited to; payments,

cards for online bookmaking they could

al marketing I knew it would be big

technology,

not get you out of the office fast enough!

without

taxation and product development.

big.

Was there any other online betting

INFINITY GAMING

really

knowing

just

how

Thus the focus quickly moved

onto the practical challenges to be

marketing,

regulation,

OCTOBER 2016

MARK BLANDFORD

What is your opinion on the US online gaming market, back when it all started many said companies made more then than they do now. Is it correct that the US goes back to regulating their online sector and when is the right time to allow international gambling in? It’s certainly true that lots of money was made out of the US market pre UIGEA. At Sportingbet in our previous full year to UIGEA we had made a net operating profit of £106m and about 70% of that was coming from the US. The US regulate gambling at state level and based on only 3 states regulating in the first 20 years of the industry I don’t hold up much hope of a substantial opening up of the market any time soon, even though it should. In my opinion without US regulation the end result is that the industry continues to operate but in a private and largely unregulated way.

This is a

shame as it denies responsible operators the chance to participate, and for the US to get safety nets in place for the vulnerable as well as benefiting many good causes via the tax revenues that would flow following regulation.

Since Sportingbet when you left the company in 2007 you have been involved in several other ventures which ones have given you the most fulfilment?

come from physical gambling into the online branch but for me I’ve enjoyed the challenge in reverse.

Is it just gaming companies you invest in Mark or other sectors?

I’ve diversified and thus I have a couple

Is there any advice as a successful investor you can offer to potential new and young people entering the investment world? MB: Well I suppose I’m an accidental investor having found it thrust upon me

of non gaming investments that I have

No I do other sectors, simply to diver-

as a result of good fortune with Sport-

really enjoyed. In the wider gambling

sify. Our family portfolio includes, real

ingbet. I’ve had to learn investing the

industry I am Chairman of Double Dia-

estate (Condor Properties) agriculture,

hard way and thus to a young entrant I’d

mond Gaming who operate 5 casinos

online wine retail (Virgin Wines) go kart-

say get some practical operational man-

in the UK under the Rainbow Casinos

ing tracks (Teamsport) and trade finance

agement experience before you move

brand. I realise that many people have

(Pay4) to name but a few.

into investing.

INFINITY GAMING

Interview with Mark Blandford

OCTOBER 2016

more consolidation will happen? Yes the drivers for more consolidation are compelling so there will be more. But it remains an entrepreneurial industry in my view and thus the sector will also continue to evolve. Themes that will continue to develop in my view are omnichannel, AI, technology and frictionless payments. I also think we will continue to see more regulation in new jurisdictions as governments see the benefits of greater tax revenues while putting safety nets in place for those who need them.

To understand the nuts and bolts of how business works as well as managing people is invaluable experience when your making investment deci-

Does the Rainbow Casinos that are operated and owned by Double Diamond Gaming have any online gaming interests?

sions based on business plans, or sitting

Mark your investment firm Burlywood Capital only recently acquired the Football Pools, a business with a long history but struggling over recent years against the Lottery, you still see a good business model there thou?

around the boardroom table. Common

No we don’t. It’s always on the radar

sense,

screen but I think the usual challenges

Actually we are at the point of having

for a bricks and mortar business moving

agreed exclusively to buy the Football

into the digital world would apply and

Pools. We see a big opportunity which is

we have other bricks and mortar oppor-

focused on updating product and tech-

tunities open to us so we are focusing

nology so I’d regard it as updating the

on the team’s core strengths for now.

business model and making it more rel-

hard work and determination

also help.

Interestingly your are an investor and Chairman of Double Diamond Gaming that operates 5 land based casinos, how did you become involved in the bricks and mortar gaming industry?

evant to the market today. We see the

Does the land based gaming industry have anything to fear from online gambling?

lottery as only being a part of the com-

In fact I began in the industry in 1984

It shouldn’t but I realise there are still

as a UK betting shop operator so I’m

those, especially in the US, that do fear

not totally new to physical gambling

online. They’re wrong of course and in

operations and thus was not daunted

fact the explosion of poker rooms is a

when another successful online opera-

good example of a game that had a huge

In its heyday the Football Pools had over 10 million customers, now sadly somewhere in the region of 300,000 how can you turn this great old institution around?

tor approached me to buy the first ca-

revival due to its success online.

sino in Birmingham. Having looked at

future is omnichannel and the experi-

I think the products need to be updated

the situation it was clear that a tired old

ences are complimentary in my view.

to become more appealing in today’s

petitive landscape in the which we plan to position the Football Pools.

Well I’ve touched on Double Diamond.

The

casino could be revitalised with some new management and investment, thus we decided to proceed and today I’m pleased to say it’s a great success.

market. There will be a complete focus

Would you be able to offer any predictions or thoughts on how the online gaming sector will evolve in the coming few years, do you think

on the digital operations. Cross selling other gaming products such as casino will also be part of the strategy.

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

INFINITY GAMING

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

PAGCOR Reveals New Licensing Plans for Online Gambling

he gaming regulator of the Philippines has made a new release regarding their plans for licensing online gambling. Calling them ‘offshore’ gaming, the information released so far is unlikely to go down well with game operators. Only last month, the PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) made the announcement that it is going to start the licensing process for online gaming. While that news was taken in well by the industry, there are a number of caveats that were published earlier this week just as the PAGCOR started accepting letters of intent and applications for these licences. The application will be for an offshore betting license. Applicants and those who are likely to get them are still prohibited from accepting gamers and customers from the country. That means, even if an operator does become a member of the POGO (Philippine offshore gaming opera-

tors), they are not allowed to take in customers from the Philippines itself. That also includes Filipino citizens travelling abroad as well as foreign nationals in the Philippines on vacation or work. While that seems restrictive, the real kicker is that a POGO licensed company cannot also accept any gamers from countries that have banned their citizens from participating in online gambling. That rules out almost all of the Asian continent. CEZA is another issue that will have to be dealt with. Under the CEZA (Cagayan Economic Zone Authority), stands a large volume of the online gambling industry in Asia. Now that POGO has been introduced, it remains to be seen whether or not CEZA sites will also have to apply for and register under POGO. As of now the main intentions behind the PAGCOR move seems to be that it does in fact want to centralize and integrate all gaming and licensing under one body, making it easier to regulate.

Caesars Bankruptcy mediator steps down The long running saga of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company (CEOC) bankruptcy hearings which began in January 2015 has now seen the departure of its mediator Judge Joseph Farnan stepping down un-expectantly. CEOC is fighting creditors in an $18 billion bankruptcy hearing, with CEOC offering $4 billion while creditors

want $12 billion, however Farnan who was accused by US Bankruptcy Judge Benjamin Goldgar of making slow progress on the negotiations said in his statement to shareholders, “I’m convinced that I can’t continue and possibly a new mediator will be able to establish a workable process,” Farnan said.

INFINITY GAMING

SEPTEMBER 2016

Is Tech replacing the physical space of gambling? By Paul Swaddle - CEO Pocket App

creasingly growing. The gambling world

and gaming are becoming increasingly

n 1990 Donald Trump hailed it as the

in the last few years has been heav-

blurred. Since more and more people are

eighth wonder of the world. But in Octo-

ily investing in new technologies to ap-

accessing news and information on their

ber, the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City,

peal to a younger generation. These

mobile communications devices it only

New Jersey, will finally close. Several fac-

exploit the sensory cues which lure

makes sense this industry would also

tors have played a part in the demise of

people into apps by increasing the vis-

change. The benefits provided by mobile

this iconic casino, neighbouring compe-

ual, auditory, and tactile stimulation.

gaming are two fold both from the con-

tition, change in state laws and change in consumer behaviour are all factors.

sumer and provider standpoint. These New generation of gamblers are typically

include convenience, accessibility, instant

younger and technology savvy. This rep-

betting options, consumer experience,

With mobile gambling industry now said

resent the future growth of electronic,

branding and lastly monetary.

to be worth $90bn this year (2016), the

online and mobile gambling and the tra-

momentum towards technology is in-

ditional distinctions between gambling

With such an explosion of mobile gam-

bling into the iGaming industry, it is obvious that betting on your own smartphone is so much easier to do than waiting to get home in order to place bets on your desktop. The growing preference of players for in-play sporting events, which require a series of bets to take place in a short period of time. With results that are delivered instantly and brief intervals of time between bets, live sporting events are strongly supported and endorsed by the latest advances in mobile technology. Player having immediate access to betting options means new gaming experiences conveyed by live sports and live casino environments allow the possibility to have access to their favourite game and obtain instant satisfaction from their betting sessions. User experience will see continuous development of competitive features and more marketing incentives brought to mobile, in order to provide a smoother, more interactive experience to users and keep up with the

SEPTEMBER 2016

Paul Swaddle is CEO of Pocket App a leading design company in the App Construction world latest trends.

than ever.

Increased focus on mobile branding by developers helping to maximizing each user has been an important step into this space. The congestion of new mobile games hitting the app store every day, we’ll see fewer games come out per publisher; instead, the focus will be on expandable and upgradable mobile games. To help the process of acquiring new users, we’ll also see an increase in celebrity endorsed simulator games like Kim Kardashian: Hollywood & Diner Dash, and the recently announced Taylor Swift mobile gaming experience. These games not only bring powerful existing brands to the table, but have an easy initial target for advertising through social media channels where fans of these celebrities reach the multi-millions.

Mobile gambling is expected to grow at double-digit rates and to reach over 40 per cent of the total online gambling market by 2018, as the number of mobile gambling users increases by a hundred million. In 2015, 40 per cent of mobile users had mobile apps to place bets and, by 2018, the mobile gambling industry is expected to be worth $100bn.

From a financial point of view, mobile gamers spend more money than traditional desktop players. Since there are more and more people that use mobile devices, it is easier than ever for players to access online gambling options through their mobile devices, and it is normal to see mobile gamers converting faster than traditional casino players. Online gambling operators are now taking advantage of the golden opportunity hidden in the recent mobile connectivity explosion – 80 per cent of adults now own a smartphone and most people keep their smartphones turned on and nearby constantly, so the monetisation potential is higher

In short, here at Pocket App, we are big believers that mobile gambling is here to stay. The ball is rolling and we expect to see a flood of in-

creasingly sophisticated offerings making a mark on every mobile development in industry over the next few years, including online gambling. So position yourself comfortably in your armchair, put on your headset and pick out your sharpest virtual suit. The mobile gambling is open, are you ready to be dealt in? If you’re looking for some expert help, or would like to hear more about how your business can benefit from mobile gambling, don’t hesitate to contact us at Pocket App, on paul@pocketapp.co.uk

VS LostVegas.co.uk

#October2016

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Sheldon Adelson New Macau Casino & Plans in Asia

arlier last week, Macau, the only

there has grown to a peak $45 billion

point with not much in terms of growth

place in China where gambling is

and then shrunk to a $30 billion market

potential here.

legal, saw another large casino

whichis where it is now. Macau, in spite

open its doors. The casino called the

of all those ups and downs, still rakes

Adelson, who spoke on the occasion also

Parisian - Macau, is the fifth on the list of

in well over three times as much as the

was heard saying that the move to build

properties that Las Vegas based casino

entire state of Nevada does in a year.

more and in various other parts of Asia

Mogul Sheldon Adelson has opened in

That includes Las Vegas. While the fall

are strong and the lobbying is aggressive.

the region. The grand opening of the

of Macau has been sudden and steep, it

A good portion of the Asian markets re-

Parisian also comes in just a little over

still rakes in over $2 billion every month.

main untapped in terms of large casinos.

a year since Adelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first venture in

That is only a little less than a third of

Markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Korea,

Macau under his Chinese wing of casinos-

the amount of winnings Las Vegas takes

and Japan are still untouched by casinos.

Sands China.

in throughout a whole year. Macau finally

In all, over the 26 month slump, a little

broke out of a slump over the last month,

over $20 billion has been injected into

Macau has had its ups and downs. In

halting a 26 month downward spiral.

Macau. Experts and analysts predict that

fact, since the time Adelson built his

Despite the uptick, Adelson still thinks

the growth will resume, but only after a

first casino to present day, the industry

that the market is quite mature at this

slow 2017.

INFINITY GAMING

join our team and work

For more information please check our our website

netent.com INFINITY GAMING

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Sports Betting Revenues Surge After Euro 2016 & Rio Unibet show strong H1 results for 2016 European online gaming company Unibet showed a clean pair if heels in the first half of 2016 after announcing their Q2 and H1 results ending June 30 with revenues for Q2 of £126 million compared to £80 million for the same period last year.

eports for the second quarter this year from the DGOJ (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego)the Spanish gaming regulator, and ARJEL (Autorité de Régulation des Jeux En Ligne)- the french regulatory body have shown massive spikes in online sports betting over the last quarter. Both reports show that there have been record numbers in terms of players as well as the total revenue that was earned in this time. Operators who are part of this market can also expect a high revenue stream in the coming Q3 as well, according to the reports. The main reason for all this excess in revenues have been attributed to two major sporting events that saw massive participation from both those countries. The Olympics and the Euro cup. Spain was a major gainer. When compared to the same period last year, the YOY revenue was up by nearly 70%. The sports betting market which is greatly regulated in Spain, saw a 69.7% growth in Q2 2016 when compared to Q2 2015. The total amount was at €1.35 billion that amounts to $1.52 billion. The turnover was at €53.5 million in profits for operators, that is around $60.3 billion. France on the other hand was at an all time high. It is right now at its peak since the introduction of regiulated online gaming in the year 2010. As far as YOY earnings go, France is on an upswing in excess of 73% (Q2 2015 v Q2 2016). Earnings in the quarter went up from €63 million to €91 million, that is $71 to $102.5 million; a revenue gain of over 45%. To put into perspective how much the online betting industry has grown- the betting on Rio 2016 was 77% higher than London 2012.

Half yearly results (H1) showed revenues of £249 million for the gambling firm compared to £156 million for the same H1 in 2015. Unibet said that they had gained over 1 million new active customers through increased advertising on their platforms iGame, Stan James Online and their own brand Unibet. Unibet Group’s CEO Henrik Tjärnström said in his H1 report: “The quarter was characterised by the Euro 2016 which provided a new all-time high in customer activity and continued strong growth. Margins in the tournament were significantly higher in July than in June. If the margins had been consistent across the tournament, then Gross winnings revenue for the second quarter would have been around GBP 3 million higher.” “As in previous tournament years, we invested heavily in marketing both for new customer acquisition and reactivation of existing customers. While this has a short term effect in reducing profits, we are confident that this as proven previously will drive sustained growth in Gross winnings revenue and profits. For the quarter, marketing was 30% of Gross winnings revenue, but for the full year we still expect it to average a few percentage points below 30%.” “In the period from 1 to 24 July 2016, average daily Gross winnings revenue in GBP has more than doubled compared to the same period in 2015. Adjusting for the unusually high margin on the final stages of the Euros, the impact of exchange rate changes and acquisitions, the organic constant currency growth is close to 50%.

INFINITY GAMING

OCTOBER 2016

Self-exclusion & Breaches By Teresa Tunstall Infinity Gaming Magazine welcomes Teresa Tunstall to our family of contributing writers

emote and non-remote operators have displayed help and support information for players over the last 9 years, yet numbers for self-exclusion and breaches have continued to grow.

Many examples spring to mind; the 21 year old living in a student house was emphatic that his self-exclusion didn’t work he returned to the casino a week later and walked straight back in.

According to the UK Gambling Commission statistics;

Non-remote casino: 7,430 Self-excluded + Breaches – 1,366 Remote betting, bingo & casino: 417,176 Self-excluded + Breaches – 22,795

I’ve always had a real interest in ‘SelfExclusion Breaches,’ and throughout the years I have heard a multitude of reason’s as to why players breached self-exclusion.

INFINITY GAMING

Putting the onus back on student shoulders I questioned had he sourced any help? He replied that he wanted to ‘do it himself,’ I pointed out he had proved he couldn’t manage his gambling he reluctantly accepted that he required professional help.

Non-remote betting: 29,946 Selfexcluded + Breaches – 19,635

This is not necessarily the number of individuals, rather separate incidents of breaching however, one would hope there weren’t too many times the same player would attempt to continue playing in the same vicinity.

to the casino. This was referred this back to the casino concerned who immediately addressed the issue and alerted their door staff.

He was the only car owner in the house the other students wanted a lift to the casino he agreed if he could borrow a membership card. They agreed, all males the same age, flashing their memberships late on a Saturday night everyone gained access

Are players not taking self-exclusion seriously if they believe they can heal themselves? Some really do take self-exclusion very seriously, although they might see if it as a badge of shame failing to control their own gambling. As a consequence completing or submitting a self-exclusion form should be open to variation with the least embarrassment. Many players find it difficult to speak to theirs families, friends or others about gambling problems, However, the situation is improving with the greater understand of problem

OCTOBER 2016 gambling and vulnerable people. Multi self-exclusion and sharing of information will help to change the landscape of betting and gambling in the UK, however this is no easy feat, having spoken to a gambler who drove 50 miles to escape her areas of chosen self-exclusion. Nevertheless, it’s the right step forward. Unfortunately, until the actual gambler admits they have a problem, they are often in denial or resistant there is little anyone can do in fact they may well retaliate with anger making suggestive accusations that the casino just doesn’t want them to win their money back. To analyze and understand their situation gamblers might search for replicas and comparisons of their own problem gambling through online help-sites and self- help books, feeling unable to address their problem with anyone face-to-face. It may be that those who self-exclude do find a resolution to their problem by themselves however we do not know whether without professional help they may find themselves in trouble again within a very short period of time. Do players see self-exclusion as a ‘magic wand,’ the end all cure for their gambling problem? The 30 year old Remote gambler with a 6 month old baby, who continually repeated, “ I should have known better,” because he was a psychotherapy nurse went on to say he didn’t set a limit on his gambling as he would just have gone to one of the other 26 gaming sites he signed up to. His grandmother had bailed him out by paying off his Payday loans as a result he didn’t feel it necessary to follow up self-excluding with professional help. Are some problem gamblers manipu-

ative people who just believe they deserve their money back from the casino? There will always be the aggrieved gambler who just wants their money back believing they are owed it from the betting or gaming establishment. with their gambling however, encouraging them to address their problem should be part of signing up for self-exclusion. Once a self-exclusion form is endorsed and responsible gambling leaflet information is given the only commitment left to gaming staff is to ensure the person cannot access gaming for the time requested minimum 6 months in some cases 1 year. This is the period of time considered necessary to address the player’s problem gambling issues. There are now various different treatments and help for those problem gamblers who can’t access help because of their location, have no child care or even because of their inability to communicate face-to-face, Online support offers an answer to their problems. Are some problem gamblers manipulative people who just believe they deserve their money back from the casino? There will always be the aggrieved gambler who just wants their money back believing they are owed it from the betting or gaming establishment. This accounts for many of those who attempt to re-enter the same betting shop or casino that they self-excluded from including those who manage to get back in and see it as being the ‘winner,’ and the gaming place as the ‘loser.’ It’s not so much about the money it’s about getting ‘one up,’ on the betting or gaming operator. Gaming and betting staff who find they have a problem with their own gambling can be a major concern but

still require support as long as there are no security issues and they are receiving help. Many counselors working with problem gamblers would act upon a written request from the gambler to confirm attendance at counseling treatment. Can we help gaming staff to gain more confidence when dealing with a problem gambler? It is part of the job for gaming staff to address any issues of problem gambling. Betting and gaming staff are best suited for this as often they will often know the customer consequently they would be best placed to address this with players. Finally, UK Regulators and Operators should be very proud seeing it as a badge of honour that the UK leads the way in social responsibility and customer care worldwide!

INFINITY GAMING

The Ritz Club 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BS +44 (0)20 7499 1818 www.theritzclub.com @TheRitzClub

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Pennsylvania waits for senate vote

line gambling supporters in Pennsylvania will be anxiously waiting for

September 26 to come around as that is the date the Senate returns and could possible vote to legalise online gambling in the state. However the session only lasts for nine days and some observers worry that it is not long enough to get a vote done, especially as the bill HB 2150 has some controversial elements in it such as VGTs at airports along with horse racing betting allowed off the track. But if they are removed quickly the Senate could well pass the bill and send it over to Governor Tom Wolf to sign, which he is almost certain to do as he has indicated already. There are of course other elements that could stop the bill including obstruction methods by anti-gambling supporters such as Sheldon Adelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sands company pressurising the Sen

ate to delay the bill.

of business is decided on, if bill HB 2150 gets a mention then it is

The consensus is that the chances are

looking good for all supporters of

50/50 at this point that the bill will

internet gambling, if not there will

pass the vote, the main pointer will

be a lot of nervous looking people

be the first couple of days when the

counting down the days.

Senate reconvene and the order

Cyprus casino resort likely to have just one applicant

he competition for the first

Bloomberry-Solaire is losing inter-

acquired a land deal the most likely

and only Casino Resort

est in the bid as costs are spiralling

to win the contest and even be the

license in Greek controlled

out of their budget. Both casino

last one remaining after October

Cyprus looks likely to become a

operators asked for an extension

5th.

one horse race after the two main

to 5th October to present their

competitors Bloomberry-Solaire of

detailed plans for the casino resort

Commerce minister Yiorgos Lak-

the Philippines and Naga of Cambo-

which must contain land acquired,

kotrypis would not comment on

dia are both finding it increasingly

both seem unlikely to manage that.

press reports that the government

difficult to secure the land for the

would not grant another extension,

resort as land owners are asking

This leaves the other bidder Melco

however he say that a parliamen-

exorbitant prices for the sale.

International Development Limited

tary committee will still award the

of Macau, Lawrence Hoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interna-

license to the successful bidder

tional casino arm who has already

before the end of 2016.

Indeed it is rumoured that

INFINITY GAMING

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

NHL Commissioner Feels that Hockey is Not Suited for Gambling

ary Bettman- commissioner of the NHL feels that professional hockey is simply not the kind of sport that ‘lends itself’ to betting and gambling like the other sporting events do. The statement comes after the NHL opened a new franchise in Las Vegas a few months back. He said that the center’s success will be dependent on the NHL’s loyal fan base and not just the tourists passing by. In August, the NHL made a second deal with SportRadar, a data company. They specialize in running large volumes of data and doing big data analysis to find out whether or not there is some form of fraud prevalent in the betting scene. Fantasy sports is another thing; and there is a lot of talk around the country, not just in Las Vegas about whether or not it can be considered gambling. Bettman thinks

that fantasy sports and daily fantasy are not something that is strictly gambling as there is a certain element of skill involved. There are also states that have outright banned DFS and teams from those states are still a part of the DFS network. Companies like Draftkings are still active and have even signed contracts with the Rangers and Blackhawks, they belong to states where DFS is illegal. NHL walks the line on gambling and Bettman made it clear that only about 1% of the books even focus on NHL. The game is not as betting friendly as football or basketball, according to him. He is of the opinion that the integrity of the game is still intact, so it’s more about the environment in the arena than the actual players. Earlier this year, Bettman was found saying that fans are beginning to focus on their bets over the actual game and that some of them were disappointed when their team won because they lost their bets.

INFINITY GAMING

Build Your Brand, Business & Social Responsibility

THE 10th INTERNATIONAL GAMING AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN

Categories for both Online & Land Based Gambling Industry CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 28TH SEPTEMBER

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

A Casino in Long Beach May be in the Works

James Packer sells controlling stake in Crown Resorts

asino developers are looking to push for a center in Long Beach. They are now seeing the Long beach Yacht Club as a potential site. A representative from the Harbor Resort said earlier this week that as of now nothing has been finalized and that things are still under discussion. There was a meeting of all the members of the club recently where there was a discussion of whether or not the property in question, a waterfront piece of land that can potentially serve as a site where a casino can be developed. The price that was mentioned was at around $1.5 million. Mayor of Long Beach, Billy Skellie said that there are about 60 years of time left on the lease with the club. For a casino to be built in this mentioned property, there is no need for transferring or selling, or even relocating from there. The mayor pointed out that the proposal can be brought to the table with or without the Yacht Club’s involvement. He added that it would make for a cleaner looking property on the waterfront rather than going for a building on the US 90. While the town started buzzing about the possibility of a casino in the region, the mayor reminded businesses and people that it is still a proposal and nothing is set in stone. The Mayor has taken a neutral stand on the subject and is seemingly not pro or anti casino right now. After having seen both possibilities, one on the highway and one on the waterfront, he added that there has been no official presentation to the city on either. Gambling was made legal in the region in the year 1990, but Long Beach is yet to get a full fledged casino and both the city as well as local residents have been wrestling with the idea since.

James Packer the Australian billionaire has sold his controlling stake in Crown Resorts and now becomes a major shareholder instead following the release of 4.8% of equity for AUS $448 million (£257 million). Consolidated Press Holdings the investment company owned by Packer put the 35 million shares up for sale and it is believed that the funds generated will go to settle a pay down debt following a Packer Family asset settlement with his sister Gretel. Although the sale removes Packer from control of the company a Consolidated Press Holdings spokesperson said that Mr Packer “remains deeply committed to Crown Resorts”.

INFINITY GAMING

THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL

COMING 6th FEBRUARY 2017 LONDON

NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Malta Gaming Authority Exempts DFS from Gambling License

he Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has recognized that fantasy sports (DFS) is a game of knowledge and skill as opposed to a game of chance. In view of this, it has announced that daily fantasy sports will be exempt from requiring a gambling license. Instead, a suitable licensing framework around the skill aspect of the game will be created and implemented. Plans to deploy a licensing framework for skill-based games were set in motion many months ago. The gaming regulator will also establish rules that differentiate between a ‘skill game’ and a ‘controlled skill game’. The latest announcement marks a

first for a European country, and the expectation is that it will occupy prime position in the European DFS market at large. The proactive steps taken by MGA reflect the ability of the jurisdiction to keep pace with the developments, disruptions and innovations in the gambling industry. There is also optimism that the skill-based licensing framework will capture the attention of new operators and give them a compelling reason to explore opportunities on the island. Fantasy sports have come of age. Before, fantasy sports paid jackpots once a year. Participants had to wait till the end of the season to see who gained the most points after consider-

ing the full season’s statistics. Today, with the advent of mobile phones, broadband and advanced computers, fantasy games can be computed online each day. Websites offering DFS use sophisticated software with e-commerce capabilities and secure payment platforms. They also have real-time connections with the sports leagues. DFS has been seen to impact live sports viewership in a positive way. Participants see results as they happen and stay hooked to live games till the end. This gives advertisement and television viewership a boost, which is only good news for TV rights contracts.

INFINITY GAMING

VS LostVegas.co.uk

#October2016

GAMING NEWS

OCTOBER 2016

Natchez Hopes Casino May Help The City’s Bills

fficials from the City of Natchez have approached the management of the Mag-

nolia Bluffs Casino for an advance on their lease to help with council work. The city of Natchez has been ailing for sometime now and it is known that they are lacking in fulfilling a number of bills and completing their payroll. It was brought up in an aldermen board meeting earlier this week. The main issue here is that funds are scarce. The city’s cash flow problems have been identified as stemming from funds that are locked

Magnolia Bluffs casino to pay their

In fact, the city will not even have

up in reimbursable grants. The loans

lease dues in advance, or to take

to make an appeal to them for the

that have so far been taken out and

out a short term, three month loan

full amount as the September lease

applied for are based on these funds

to manage the bills and payroll. The

amount of $83,333 has just been re-

that are yet to be reimbursed. The

remaining lease amount that the

ceived. That however, may not cover

economy of the city seems to have

city will have to get from the casino

the required cash deficiencies and

taken a wrong turn. They are already

amounts to $250,000. The plans

the city will still have to look to the

looking at taking a loan amounting to

were presented through a city council

casino for more cash. If the casino is

about $166,000 for this.

budget meeting last week.

unable, or not in a position to help

The emergency loan is actually a de-

The casino, on the other hand has

viation from the plan to approach

been making its payments as always.

the city, they are left with no choice but to take out an additional loan.

Caesars Bankruptcy mediator steps down

he long running saga of Cae-

by US Bankruptcy Judge Benjamin

sars Entertainment Operating

Goldgar of making

Company (CEOC) bankruptcy

slow progress on the

hearings which began in January

negotiations said in his

2015 has now seen the departure

statement to share-

of its mediator Judge Joseph Farnan

holders, “I’m convinced

stepping down un-expectantly.

that I can’t continue and possibly a new

CEOC is fighting creditors in an

mediator will be able

$18 billion bankruptcy hearing,

to establish a workable

with CEOC offering $4 billion

process,” Farnan said.

while creditors want $12 billion, however Farnan who was accused

INFINITY GAMING