Gaming for Africa Magazine - Issue 166 by Gaming for Africa

GAMING for AFRICA Africa’s Leading Gambling Trade Publication

Issue 166 ZAR50 | US$3.85 | Euro 3.30

Responsible Gambling Gets Powerful Automated Tool for Operators & Regulators

PROVINCIAL GAMBLING TAX INCREASES UNCONSTITUTIONAL SAYS CONCOURT

WESTERN CAPE GAMBLING AND RACING BOARD HOSTS RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING SUMMIT

Exclusive: We Interview Botswana Gambling Authority’s New CEO

CAPE RACING ENTERS NEW ERA AS KENILWORTH IS SOLD

Sun International in Secret Acquisition Talks

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FROM THE PUBLISHER & EDITOR

GAMING for AFRICA Publisher & Editor Roy Bannister

Executive Publisher Ingrid Keulder

Editor-at-Large Bill Healey

ACCOUNTS & Administration Fax: 086 648 1634 Email: afrogame@mweb.co.za

PUBLISHER & Advertising Headstart Productions P.O.Box 607 Langebaan 7357 Fax: 086 648 1634 Cell: 082-468-8622 e-mail: afrogame@mweb.co.za

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Nicole Cook Email: nicole.graphicd@gmail.com

PRINTED BY Headstart Productions GAMING FOR AFRICA is a bi-monthly magazine focused on casino operators and the manufacturing sector of the African gaming industry. We publish informed comment, and cover developments in legislation, new products, marketing and sales, promotions and general casino resort tourism trends in Africa Information published in GAMING FOR AFRICA or views or opinions expressed by writers are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the owner, publisher or editor of GAMING FOR AFRICA. While reasonable care is taken to report on events and occurrences in an accurate manner, we cannot accept any responsibility for inconveniences arising from misinformation. We welcome unsolicited articles and photographs but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. Press releases are published in good faith and the publishers assume that information provided is correct. Gaming for Africa is a trade publication aimed at the b2b casino and gaming industry in South Africa and across the African continent where legalized gambling is permitted. As such all advertising and editorial in this publication is aimed at professionals within the gambling industry, and not the general gambling public. Gaming for Africa endorses and promotes responsible gambling and proudly subscribes to the aims and initiatives of the legalized gambling industry thorugh the National Responsible Gambling Programme. National Responsible Gambling Counselling Line – 0800 006 008

From the Editor

n this month’s edition, we delve into pivotal developments reshaping the gambling landscape in South Africa and beyond. The Constitutional Court’s landmark ruling deeming provincial gambling tax increases as unconstitutional has set the stage for a profound shift in taxation policies, prompting provinces to reassess their gambling regimes. Sun International, a key industry player, remains in the spotlight with undisclosed acquisition talks, adding an air of intrigue to the unfolding narrative of industry dynamics. The inaugural Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board Responsible Gambling Summit emerges as a pivotal event, bringing together regulators and operators to confront the escalating challenges of gambling addiction. Insights from this groundbreaking initiative shed light on collaborative efforts to address the surge in gambling activity and its correlated societal impacts. Cape Racing undergoes a transformative phase following the approval of its acquisition by Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings. This strategic move not only marks a significant shift in ownership but also heralds substantial investments in infrastructure and facilities across prominent racecourses. Our exclusive interview with Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, the newly-appointed CEO of the Botswana Gambling Authority, provides a unique perspective on Botswana’s evolving regulatory landscape. As the country undergoes a legislative revamp, it positions itself as a leading regulated gambling jurisdiction in Africa, opening new avenues for gambling opportunities. Amidst growing concerns about responsible gambling, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) takes a proactive stance during Responsible Gambling Month. The launch of a groundbreaking Full-Cycle Verification and Anti-fraud Solution for the Gaming Industry, discussed in collaboration with Sumsub, marks a significant technological stride. This tool empowers gaming operators and platforms to ensure full compliance throughout the player lifecycle. This issue of Gaming for Africa explores the multifaceted dimensions of the gambling industry, from legal intricacies to transformative acquisitions, responsible gambling initiatives, and the evolving regulatory landscapes of South Africa and Botswana.

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Provincial Gambling Tax Increases Unconstitutional says ConCourt Sun International in Secret Acquisition Talks Sumsub Launches First Full-CycleVerification, Responsible Gambling and Anti-fraud Solution for the Gaming Industry Responsible Gambling Gets Powerful Automated Tool for Operators & Regulators Cape Racing Enters New Era as Kenilworth is Sold Botswana Gambling Authority Appoints Visionary New CEO Light & Wonder Predicts Big Future in South African Market Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board hosts Responsible Gambling Summit EGT Completes Large-Scale Install in New Grand Palace Casino in Cameroon Light Up Your Gaming Floor with Blaze GrandWest Casino Expands its Grand Hotel Sibaya Casino gets Refreshing African Glamour Refurb Hollywoodbets and Pragmatic Play Team Up for Festive Season Promotion Exclusive: We Interview Botswana Gambling Authority’s New CEO Sportingtech scoops Platform Provider of the Year award at SBC Summit Latinoamérica S49’s Continues to Lead the Way in Live Number Draw Space across Africa Megan O. Basson Named Executive Director of the International Center for Gaming Regulation Habanero takes players on a Winter Wonderland adventure with latest release Santa’s Inn African Gaming Regulators & Associations Licensed African Gaming Suppliers

gfamagazine.com / Gaming for Africa /

INDUSTRY NEWS

Sun International in Potential Acquisition Talks South African casino operator Sun International has released a ‘cautionary announcement’ to shareholders, disclosing ongoing discussions and negotiations surrounding a potential acquisition.

hile the outcome of the Proposed Transaction is currently uncertain, and there is no assurance of its conclusion or subsequent implementation, the company emphasises that if the transaction does proceed, it may exert a significant impact on the price of Sun International’s securities. Shareholders and investors are strongly advised to exercise caution when engaging in any transactions related to the company’s securities until further details are disclosed through subsequent announcements. The cautionary announcement underscores the importance of prudence and careful consideration, urging stakeholders to await further guidance from Sun International regarding the potential acquisition. This move aligns with best corporate governance practices, ensuring that investors are well-informed and capable of making educated decisions amid the evolving circumstances. The announcement identifies Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, a division of Nedbank Limited, as the Transaction Sponsor. This signals the involvement of reputable financial experts, indicating a meticulous approach to navigating the complexities of the potential acquisition. Investors and market analysts will be closely monitoring Sun International’s subsequent disclosures for insights into the progress and implications of the ‘proposed transaction.’ The cautionary announcement sets the stage for a period of heightened attention and anticipation as stakeholders await further clarity on the potential acquisition’s details, and its impact on Sun International’s future. While information is scarce, scuttlebutt among analysts has it that a major online operator is courting one of South Africa’s top land-based and online casino operators. Other recent developments involving Sun International have seen retired investment banker Greg Bortz and GMB Liquidity Corporation acquire a majority shareholding in Grand Parade Investments, Sun International’s black empowerment partner.

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Provincial Gambling Tax Increases Unconstitutional, says ConCourt Provincial authorities will be forced to examine their respective gambling taxation regimes in light of a recent ruling from South Africa’s highest court that has ruled increases in provincial gambling levies as unconstitutional. At the heart of the matter was a substantial increase in levies for casino operators in the NorthWest province as authorised by the provincial MEC; a ruling that may impact other provinces.

he Constitutional Court of South Africa (the Apex Court) delivered an erudite and unanimous judgment in which the Court confirmed the unconstitutionality and invalidity of certain provisions in the North West Gambling Act, 2001 (as amended) that purported to authorise the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation & Tourism in the North West Province, to impose gambling levies/ taxes on gambling licence holders in the North West as a tax contemplated in Section 228 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (“the Constitution”). Section 228 of the Constitution gives the provincial legislature the legislative power to impose a provincial tax/levy subject to compliance with certain requirements including the Provincial Tax Regulation Process Act, 2001. In the main, the Apex Court held that

in the context of the South African constitutional and statutory framework; firstly, the MEC may not introduce a provincial tax by way of a Regulation (i.e., the impugned amended Regulation 73(1) in this case); and secondly, a provincial Act (i.e., the NW Gambling Act in this case) may not purport to empower the MEC to do so. Notwithstanding the above judgment; firstly, casino licence holders in the North West are not absolved from their obligation to pay gambling levies/taxes in terms of Regulation 73(1) that applied prior to the January 2020 amendments. This is because this case concerned itself with the constitutionality and validity of the amended Regulation 73(1) which took effect in January 2020. Put differently, the Court was not requested to pronounce on the constitutionality and validity of the pre-January 2020 Regulation 73(1). Secondly, save for the invalidated amended Regulation 73(1), the remaining provisions of the January 2020 Regulations continue to apply and have legal effect. Again, this is because the Court was not requested to pronounce on their constitutionality and validity. The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and the MEC for Provincial Treasury were ordered to pay the two operators the difference between the gambling levies they paid in terms of a regulation of the North West Gambling Regulations 2002 from 23 January 2020 to the date of the judgment, and the gambling levies that would have been payable during this period had this regulation not been amended. They were also ordered to pay interest at the prescribed rate on the gambling levy amounts already paid by the two companies. Continued on Page 6

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Responsible Gambling Gets Powerful Automated Tool for Operators & Regulators

ovember is Responsible Gambling Month in South Africa, and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is at the forefront of advocating for responsible gambling. Now, with the assistance of technology, responsible gambling can add a powerful tool to its arsenal with the recent launch of the First Full-Cycle Verification and Anti-fraud Solution for the Gaming Industry. The new solution enables gaming operators and platforms to cover the whole player lifecycle in full compliance. Sumsub and SARGF discussed these developments along with responsible gambling in general during a recent eNCA television interview. The SARGF is a public-private initiative between the government gambling regulators and the gambling industry in South Africa, and as such is funded by contributions from the South African gambling industry – which includes the casino, sports betting, bingo and limited pay-out machine (LPM) industries. The contribution is pegged at 0.1% of the industry’s Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) (i.e. money staked less money paid out in winnings). In addition, the SARGF receives certain public grants for defined special projects and provincial responsible gambling interventions and programmes. Hannes Bezuidenhout, Sumsub Vice President for Sales, Africa Region and SARGF Executive Director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana discussed these developments along with responsible gambling in general during a recent eNCA television interview. Watch the interview here: https://www.gate5.co.za/read/130388/ qv/104795429/18574306/140190/p

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Sumsub Launches First Full-Cycle Verification, Responsible Gambling and Anti-fraud Solution for the Gaming Industry New solution enables gaming operators and platforms to cover the whole player lifecycle in full compliance

umsub, a full-cycle verification platform, today announces the first integrated solution for user verification, anti-fraud and compliance in gaming enabling both platforms and operators to seamlessly cover the entire player lifecycle and maximize revenue while staying compliant with all regulations and guidelines. With this launch, Sumsub is the first vendor to provide a holistic verification solution covering player onboarding, gaming-specific fraud prevention, and compliance. The solution’s four pillars to ensure fullcycle verification include: 1. Fast and secure Player Onboarding in full compliance with 220+ jurisdictions worldwide. It allows gaming platforms to onboard users in less than 30 seconds leveraging KYC/AML, age verification, and proof of address (PoA) checks. Additionally, Sumsub’s Non-Doc Verification provides swift onboarding in selected countries enabling users to only need to enter an ID card number, without scanning any documents. 2. Fraud Prevention to fight scams such as bonus abuse, affiliate fraud, and account takeover in real-time based on specific rules preventing fraudsters and all suspicious users from making deceitful action, thus reducing reputation risks and fraud-related losses.

3. Player Risk Profiling and Analytics module, aimed at catching at-risk behavior fast with dynamic scores that flag suspicious activities through ‘play and spend’ behavioral patterns (like deposit frequency or average bet amount) and customizable rules. 4. Responsible Gaming (RG) Compliance, a firstin-the-market automated solution based on Sumsub’s Transaction Monitoring system and global compliance expertise, offers a set of rules to help gaming operations detect potential addictions and stay compliant with RG requirements. “Gaming operators are overwhelmed with the need for separate solutions such as verification, bonus abuse prevention and player risk analysis. Often verification and anti-fraud vendors offer solutions initially developed for other industries like fintech. But they do not correspond to gaming companies’ specific needs as they are not tailored to the user profile which is completely different in gaming. So platforms are left with no choice but to develop these solutions in-house,” comments Hannes Bezuidenhout Vice President of Sales, Africa Region for Sumsub. “Now Sumsub launches the first full-cycle verification platform for Continued on Page 6

INDUSTRY NEWS

Cape Racing Enters New Era as Kenilworth is Sold Fourteen months after the gates were sprung on South African horseracing’s largest corporate financial transaction, the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board recently approved the acquisition of Kenilworth Racing by Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings.

ollywoodbets proudly announced this week that Cape Racing is now a wholly owned subsidiary of South Africa’s leading sportsbook operator, and that innovation and changes in personnel, philosophy, policy and bricks and mortar, have advanced at a rapid pace following the approval of the underlying transaction by the Competition Commission in April of this year.” Hollywoodbets has injected substantial investment into the infrastructure and facilities at the flagship Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racecourse, the Hollywoodbets Durbanville country course, and in the engine room of the sport in the region, the Milnerton Training Centre on the West Coast. Hollywoodbets’ CEO, Suren Rampersadh said that they were delighted that this very strategic acquisition for the South African horseracing and breeding industry has been given the green light. “It is well documented that Cape Racing has

been in the doldrums for years. Thousands of jobs have been at risk. Stakeholders have been neglected and had become disillusioned. The renaissance of horseracing, not only in the Western Cape, but also in KwaZulu-Natal has begun. Hollywoodbets is taking this opportunity seriously and we are investing accordingly,” he added. Mr Rampersadh continued that under the dynamic leadership of Hollywoodbets’ partner, Greg Bortz, the transformation towards a brighter future is unfolding at warp speed, and there are encouraging signs that the confidence of all participants in this great

Provincial Gambling Tax Increases Unconstitutional, says ConCourt Continued from Page 2 The two MECs and the North West Gambling Board were further ordered to pay the court costs of the Casino Association of South Africa, Peermont

Global and Sun International, which brought the application contesting the lawfulness of the increased levies. “Finally, whilst the above matter concerned the NW Gambling Act and the North West, other provinces

sport has been revived. “Horseracing remains an important component of our business. Hopefully, the acquisition of Gold Circle will be successfully completed in 2024,” he concluded. The concept of a ‘coastal racing’ operator is on the cards after the Members of Gold Circle Racing Club approved the sale of Gold Circle to Hollywoodbets on 19 September 2023. That transaction will now be subject to approval of the Competition Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming & Betting Board. While Hollywoodbets Durbanville has fulfilled a vital role as a support venue in the build-up to the Cape’s high-class summer racing season, the return to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday 26 November has caused waves of excitement and unprecedented anticipation throughout the local racing community. Once the improvements have been completed, plans are well advanced to hopefully elevate Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to rank amongst the top racecourses internationally. are advised to consider their respective provincial gambling taxation regimes against this judgment,” says Adv. Themba Ngobese, South African legal gambling expert and Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. “The biggest challenge for those provinces whose gambling taxation regimes do not comply with South African constitutional and statutory framework is that they will not be able to successfully review and/or increase the rates of gambling levies/taxes payable by licensed operators.”

Sumsub Launches First Full-Cycle Verification, Responsible Gambling and Anti-fraud Solution for the Gaming Industry Continued from Page 4 gaming, providing sets of rules that are fully customized to the industry, player geographies and user profiles in gaming. Player Risk Profiling and Analytics module is incorporated into the solution, further reinforcing our support for gaming operators’ and platforms’ needs in reducing risk. Previously, we launched our

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automated Responsible Gaming solution to help gaming companies stay fully compliant with RG regulations.” Sumsub customers success stories prove the claimed efficiency of the company’s solutions for the gaming industry: Kaizen Gaming significantly boosted onboarding automation - from 15% to 70%, and increased its overall verification performance by 350%; Yolo Group grew users’ pass rates by 142%; and CopyBet decreased players’ time to value from 24 hours to less than 10 minutes. To learn more about Sumsub’s full-cycle gaming solution, please go to https://sumsub.com/gambling/

About Sumsub Sumsub is a full-cycle verification platform that secures the whole user journey. With Sumsub’s customizable KYC, KYB, transaction monitoring and fraud prevention solutions, you can orchestrate your verification process, welcome more customers worldwide, meet compliance requirements, reduce costs and protect your business. Sumsub has over 2,000 clients across the gaming, fintech, crypto, transportation, trading and e-commerce industries including 10bet, Yolo Group, CopyBet, Unlimint, Kaizen Gaming and Chilli Partners. In 2023, Sumsub was recognized as KYC Solution of the Year at SiGMA Balkans Gaming Awards and as the best Software-as-a-Service provider at SiGMA Eurasia Gaming in Dubai.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Light & Wonder predicts big future in South African market Late last year, Gaming for Africa sat down with James Bustin, Commercial Director at Light & Wonder, to discuss the opportunities that awaited the global games company as it prepared to enter South Africa’s fledgling iGaming market.

ne year on, just days after the company made its long-awaited market debut in the Rainbow Nation with multiple operators, James returned to talk to us once more. “This is a landmark moment for both Light & Wonder and the South African iGaming landscape,” he said. “It’s fair to say this has been a long time coming. As such, we have been preparing for this moment for many months and there are high expectations that our content will perform sensationally over here.” After a long and robust vetting process, both the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) and the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) gave Light & Wonder the goahead to offer both its own proprietary content and that of its subsidiary Lightning Box to players in South Africa. “Entering the market with leading operators Hollywoodbets and Betway shows the demand for our content. It is a pivotal part of our longterm strategy as these operators are innovators

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in the space and know exactly how to navigate the market. Having them on hand is hugely beneficial when it comes to making sure we’re putting the right games in front of the right people.” James pointed towards the fast-growing US market and Light & Wonder’s unprecedented success in multiple states as a benchmark for its operations in South Africa. This is in part due to the fact that the company closely monitored trends on the ground in land-based casinos across the country, later emulating what works online within each individual US state as and when they opened up. The tried and tested omni-channel approach is an essential part of Light & Wonder’s DNA following the rebrand from SG Digital in early 2021. “Before entering the South African online market, we took a long hard look at player preferences within land-based casinos across the country. What we found hardly surprised us, but it did help us take those first steps. “Player preferences in South Africa mimic those of both the United States and Canada. There is a lot of love for classic high volatility content, jackpot slots and of course our Asianthemed games, which are a staple of both our land-based and online portfolios. “We will be offering players well-known titles such as 88 Fortunes, 5 Treasures and Jin Ji Bao Xi Endless Treasure as we know there’s a healthy appetite for these games having rigorously assessed gameplay trends in casinos across all nine provinces throughout South Africa. “There’s a good level of familiarity amongst players when it comes to these games. This not only means they’ll be keen to sink their teeth into them upon finding them at their favourite casinos, but also that operators will have no reservations about taking them on either. The same goes for branded games that are known and loved from the land-based sector, TV, movies and generational favourites.

“Other key areas that we are excited to showcase in 2024 are our suite of game services along with player engagement tools including marketing jackpots, daily free games, tournaments and the world’s first multiplayer slot! “We are constantly innovating and are excited to start rolling out these major acquisition and retention tools to our operators across South Africa.” Whilst Light & Wonder’s finger is firmly on the pulse when it comes to proprietary content, the company also has ambitions to bring South Africans a host of thrilling new content from its studio partners via Light & Wonder’s online ecosystem. Titles from no fewer than 15 studios will go live in South Africa over the course of the upcoming months through the leading content aggregation platform. Major Industry players such as Blueprint Gaming, ReelPlay, Big Time Gaming, Fantasma, Inspired, Greentube, ELK Studios, Relax, G Games and Playzido all feature amongst the upcoming entrants. James believes there’s good reason for bullish optimism when it comes to Light & Wonder’s fortunes in South Africa, despite having only just made its debut in the region. “I mean it when I say that there’s a strong belief throughout the entire company that South Africa can jump-start our growing presence on the continent, especially as new jurisdictions begin opening up to iGaming,” he added. “Naturally there’s a lot of hype around the introduction of regulated gaming in Europe and the Americas, but I urge people to take a look at what’s happening here in South Africa. Suppliers and operators are investing heavily in what is an incredibly enthusiastic market. “iGaming is going to be a huge part of the betting landscape here in South Africa. Light & Wonder fully intends to take its place at the top of the tree as the region’s number one supplier and aggregator, as it is in other key markets around the world.”

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In a groundbreaking initiative, South African Gambling Regulators and Operators gathered for the inaugural Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board Responsible Gambling Summit at Grandwest Casino. The primary focus of the summit was the alarming surge in gambling activity and the subsequent rise in problem gambling, and what operators and regulators could do to counteract this trend.

Gaming Stakeholders Gather in Cape Town to Tackle Responsible Gambling

he National Gambling Board presented sobering statistics that stirred intense discussions throughout the conference. The landscape of gambling has evolved significantly, marked by a shift from land-based to online gambling, leading to a notable increase in gambling prevalence. Amanda Musandiwa, Acting Economic Researcher at the National Gambling Board, emphasized the need for updated legislation that aligns with the current state of the industry. “The gambling landscape has changed,

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problem gambling is on the rise, and preferences have shifted from land-based to online gambling. Our responsible gambling legislation was drafted at a time when the gambling landscape looked very different. The picture has changed, but the laws haven’t changed… they haven’t kept pace. In thinking about new legislation, we really need to contextualize it to capture what is happening on the ground,” remarked Musandiwa. Key takeaways from the summit included a significant increase in gambling prevalence,

a sharp rise in problem gambling, a shift in preferences from casinos to betting, and the substantial move from land-based to online gambling. The implications of these changes were discussed in relation to the responsible gambling initiatives and laws that have remained unchanged despite the evolving landscape. Highlighting the post-COVID-19 scenario, the summit revealed a staggering 29.4% average increase in problem gambling. Gauteng emerged with the highest number of problem gamblers,

comprising 33% of the sampled population, while the Western Cape reported the lowest incidence of problem gambling. Examining gambling prevalence for the years 2020 to 2023, a sharp increase in gambling incidence was observed postCOVID-19, with an average of 64.88% across five provinces. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest gambling incidence at 78.6%, while Mpumalanga and the Western Cape demonstrated relatively lower incidence compared to surveyed provinces. Vee Moodley, Chief Executive of the National Horseracing Authority (NHRA), further contributed to the discourse by sharing alarming statistics on the prevalence of illegal betting, shedding light on the complex

challenges faced by the industry in the realm of responsible gambling by revealing the results of a multinational study that involved Interpol. Among the alarming statistics here showed that of the 520 websites examined frequented by South African gamblers, 478 sites (92%) were not licensed by any South African regulatory authority, leading to massive illegal gambling activity, compounding the responsible gambling issue exponentially. Hannes Bezuidenhout, Sumsub’s VP Sales for Africa, shed light on a hopeful path forward for regulators and operators by unveiling innovative technological solutions poised to assist the industry. “In the face of the relentless pace of technological innovation within the gambling

sectors, regulators find themselves confronted with the daunting task of not only understanding these advancements but also effectively regulating and managing their impact on a public increasingly drawn to the allure of gambling. Operators, who bear the responsibility to identify and restrict problem gamblers, are urged to embark on a journey of embracing technological innovations and integrating responsible gambling interventions into their platforms. By adopting these technological interventions, the industry can take a significant stride in mitigating the risks associated with problem gambling, thereby ensuring that the evolving landscape serves as a benefit not only to operators but, most crucially, to problem gamblers themselves,” he said.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

EGT Completes Large-Scale Install in New Grand Palace Casino in Cameroon EGT (Euro Games Technology) has successfully concluded a large-scale installation in Cameroon. The brand-new ultra-modern Grand Palace Casino in Douala City, which was officially opened in the beginning of October, is supplied entirely with gaming equipment from the Bulgarian manufacturer.

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e are beyond happy that we have finally been able to realize this long-awaited project and Grand Palace Casino is now a fact,” stated Lilia Georgieva, CEO of EGT Tanzania. “We are flattered that Gaming IQ placed their trust in us and I believe that this is just the beginning of a long-term fruitful partnership that will provide African players with access to first-class service and high-quality gaming products to fully satisfy their tastes and requirements.” 60 slot cabinets of the G 27-27 St, G 32-32 VIP, P 24-24 Up, P 42V St Curved and Vega Vision models are available to the guests of the gaming facility. The casino floor features EGT’s Premier and Collection Series multigames, as well as the Premium Link and Lady’s Cards jackpots, which are very popular among local gaming audience. The absolute bestseller Bell Link, as well as the General Series mixes, are presented for the first time in the country, complementing the casino’s variety of gaming products. The visitors to the casino can also try their luck with the Premier Automated Roulette, equipped with Jackpot Cards. EGT’s casino management system Spider also made its debut in the gaming establishment and now is assisting for the easy and efficient management of its daily activities. Terry Smith and Delcho Petrov from Gaming IQ also expressed their positive expectations about the collaboration: “We are very proud to launch Grand Palace Casino in Cameroon with

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the entire gaming floor dedicated to EGT’s equipment. We believe that the automated roulette and the slot machines will reap great success among our customers, who will also highly appreciate the casino management system Spider with our attractive loyalty program. Our company has signed multiple agreements with different countries across Africa to help them modernize and change the vision of gaming industry and casino business and raise customer experience to the international level. Grand Palace Casino is the first of those gaming establishments. We intend to continue to work closely with EGT and support and promote its products. Our ambition is to place 300 to 500 machines of the Bulgarian manufacturer by the end of 2024 in few African countries.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

GrandWest Casino Expands its Grand Hotel A fresh new start for Cape Town’s grand old Victorian lady as demand outstrips 99% occupancy rates

s construction of the long-awaited expansion of GrandWest’s Grand Hotel nears completion, staff are busying themselves in preparation for the public opening on 1 December. Behind the hoarding board there is a flurry of activity as contractors and designers add the finishing touches, and final snags are carried out before the final reveal. Since opening the flagship GrandWest property in December 2000, this extension is the first new hotel investment in Cape Town for JSE-listed hospitality group, Sun International. The group’s other hotel property in Cape Town is the 5-star Table Bay hotel in the V&A Waterfront which opened in 1997. Sun International’s R133-million investment has now added 68 additional keys to the Grand Hotel, bringing the total number of rooms to 103 (for clarity, four of the original 39 rooms were demolished and reconfigured). The GrandWest casino and leisure complex is the largest in the country so demand to stay at the original hotel was always extremely high. For over 23 years the 4-star boutique hotel operated at a 99% occupancy, with its rooms booked long in advance. GrandWest General Manager Mervyn Naidoo is looking forward to the opening, “For many years The Grand Hotel was the busiest hotel in the group. Having a 99% occupancy would be a happy problem for any hotel, but in our case it prevented us from marketing ourselves to new audiences. It also prevented locals from making a night of it when we host big events.” The new three-story hotel extension consists of two new wings connecting the existing hotel on the north and south corners, and the new offering includes presidential suites, ordinary suites, double and twin

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rooms, and inter-leading family rooms. A gym, spa and swimming pool have been built on the ground floor of the southern wing. In addition to its private dining facilities the hotel also houses the elegant Salon Prive. The 57-hectare GrandWest complex is set in landscaped gardens and wetlands, while the interior boasts two casino floors, several restaurants and fast food facilities, an arena capable of hosting world-class events, an intimate theatre, a nightclub, an ice-rink and extensive family entertainment area. An alternative energy supply takes the sting out of load shedding.

History and construction challenges The Grand Hotel is a recreation of an older hotel that used to grace the corner of Adderley and Strand Street. Originally built in 1894, the popular hotel was upgraded several times until it was eventually demolished in 1952. When the hotel was reconstructed in 2000, architects used a scaled down version of the first Grand Hotel’s 100-year old plans. Naidoo said one of the challenges that architects experienced was to keep the extension consistent with the original architectural plan and style. “Uniquely, all of GrandWest’s facades are scaled down recreations of old landmark buildings in Cape Town such as

the much-loved Tivoli Music Hall (demolished in the 1930s), the Alhambra Theatre (demolished in 1970s), the Old Railway Station (1905 – 1968), Cartwright’s Corner and many memorable buildings in District Six. Peter Stokes, partner at dhk Architects says, “To respect the existing architectural style the design was based on developing two identical three-story wings positioned symmetrically on either side of the existing entrance and Porte Cochere, which we left largely unchanged, to form an appropriately proportioned entrance court consistent with the period architecture. A new access road gives visitors direct access to the hotel. Besides crafting and recreating the decorative façade details, challenges faced by the development team included adding a spa and indoor heated pool and constructing within an active environment as operations in the Salon Prive and existing 39 rooms were ongoing.

Fresh new interiors Inside, the hotel’s new wings still pay homage to the original Grand Hotel through touches such as the neoclassical mouldings and skirting boards. The lights are also a take on the light fittings that would have been found in the original Grand Hotel. In each room the colour palette has been refreshed for a bolder, more contemporary style which is a departure from the traditional cherry wood interior throughout the rest of the hotel. For high rollers, the hotel has four signature suites which make up the luxurious presidential suite. The interiors in these suites are more opulent, while the deep gold and blue pallet sets them apart from other rooms in the hotel.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Sibaya Casino gets Refreshing African Glamour Refurb Royal Sibaya Hotel offering 5-star accommodation and service following the refurbishment.

he interiors of Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom offer a cool respite from the KwaZuluNatal heat this summer, after a R44million décor refurbishment has added a sense of African glamour to the North Coast playground. The architecture of the property, with its casino, two hotels and entertainment area, pays contemporary homage to the proud heritage of the Zulu kingdom and its brave warriors. Sibaya’s world class accommodation for business and holiday travel has been updated at both the three-star 118-room Sibaya Lodge and the five-star, 36-room boutique Royal Sibaya ahead of the property’s 19th birthday in December. All rooms have either sea, pool or garden facing views, set in subtropical vegetation.

The luxurious and spacious newly refurbished five-star Executive Suite at the Royal Sibaya hotel. Cool tones are a key design feature across the entire hotel and casino complex, said interior designer David Muirhead, of David Muirhead & Associates. “The climate is humid, so we have created an environment of refreshing spaces.” Every room at The Royal Sibaya is fit for royalty, with clean, bold accents of colour creating a mood which is “modern, upbeat, and proudly African,” Muirhead said.

Cool tones of the newly refurbished three-star of the Sibaya Lodge. “These spacious and practical rooms offer true value for money for our many repeat guests as well as tourists, and we are thrilled at how magnificently they have turned out,” said Sibaya Casino’s General Manager, Virath Gobrie. “Loyal casino punters will enjoy the upgrades to the Salon Privé bar and lounge area, which has a twinkling gold African tree – named the ‘Tree of Life” – as its main focal point that exudes a sense of African glamour”, said Muirhead. “The bar is designed around the concept of love and light within a deeply-rooted African foundation,” he said. “The onyx marble bar, backlit for the ultimate effect of a mood uplifting setting, is a circular space that allows for intimate conversations.”

The Salon Privé bar and lounge area, which has the twinkling Tree of Life as its main focal point. For the business guest, Sibaya’s Imbizo Conference Centre has been newly refurbished, with padded neutral walls in the main hall and a Versace wall clad entrance creating a comfortable and hospitable space. Adding to Sibaya’s “must visit” factor is a number of new restaurants, including Beira Alta which offers traditional Portuguese fare, Steers, Fishaways, Debonairs and Spur. Sibaya is conveniently located between Umdloti and Umhlanga, nearby to the Durban CBD and 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.

Hollywoodbets and Pragmatic Play Team Up for Festive Season Promotion Hollywoodbets and Pragmatic Play are offering customers a chance to win over R4 Million in prizes through a four-phase promotion.

hase 1 involves cash prize drops, Phase 2 offers Pick n Pay vouchers, Phase 3 features tournaments with chances to win a Toyota Hilux and Starlets, and Phase 4 includes more cash prize drops. The promotion runs from November 2 to December 28, 2023, with various games and minimum qualifying bets for each phase. Winners receive cash prizes, vouchers, or the opportunity to win vehicles. We are giving away 4 Toyota Starlits, a Toyota Hilux and much more. The first car winner was announced recently and she received her prize during a handover.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Botswana Leads the Regulatory Way in Africa Botswana is currently undergoing a legislative revamp and after having recently hosted the IAGR (International Association of Gambling Regulators, has positioned itself firmly as one of the leading regulated gambling jurisdiction in Africa. A slew of new gambling opportunities also await South Africa’s neighbour. Gaming for Africa talks exclusively to Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, newly-appointed CEO of the Botswana Gambling Authority, on the country’s gambling future. Q: What is the current status of legal gambling in Botswana, and how has the regulated industry in your country evolved over the past few years? A: Currently, the sole legally sanctioned gambling activities in Botswana are confined to casinos. Traditionally, casinos were the primary licensees under the outdated legislation, regulated by the Casino Control Board—a unit within the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Over the years, these casinos, some with decades of existence, operated under the antiquated Casino Act (1971) and the Lotteries

and Betting Act (1962). However, these laws proved limited in scope and were rendered obsolete by industry advancements and technological progress. To modernize and broaden the regulatory framework, both Acts were subsequently repealed and replaced by the Gambling Act of 2012, leading to the establishment of the Gambling Authority. The core objective of this legislation is to diversify the gambling industry, introducing new license types and activities such as bookmakers, totalisators, bingo, national lottery, limited payout machines, among others. Following the enactment of the Gambling Act, the Authority embarked on an initiative to diversify the industry by issuing a Request for Applications for the National Lottery. Unfortunately, due to legal challenges, this process faced delays. This year, however, the Authority has proactively undertaken an assertive plan to issue new licenses for various gambling activities, including bookmakers, totalisators, limited payout machines, and bingo. This strategic move aligns with the overarching goal of fostering innovation and variety within the country’s gambling sector. Q: Can you shed light on the overall size and scope of the gambling market in Botswana, including the challenges that the industry is currently facing? A: Presently, there are eight (8) licensed casinos situated predominantly in the eastern part of Botswana. The combined annual Gross Gambling Revenue for these eight establishments averages BWP297,000,000.00 or USD22,000,000. 00. Anticipations are high for a substantial increase in the annual Gross Gambling Revenue with the imminent introduction of new license types, namely totalisator, bookmaker, bingo, and gambling establishment (limited payout machines) licenses. Like the global trend, Botswana’s

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casinos were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, post-pandemic, most of them have successfully navigated the challenges and are on the path to recovery. In addition to pandemicrelated challenges, casinos also face ongoing hurdles presented by rapid technological advancements, necessitating continuous adaptation to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Q: Are there plans to introduce new forms of gambling activities, such as totes and LPM’s (Limited Payout Machines), bookmaker licenses and how might these additions contribute to the overall market diversity and increased tax revenue? A: As mentioned earlier, the Authority has initiated the issuance process for new license types, which include totes, Limited Payout Machines (LPMs), and bookmaker licenses. The introduction of these licenses is anticipated to enrich market diversity, offer additional entertainment options, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to an augmented tax revenue for the Government. Currently, the Authority has received applications for bookmaker and totalisator licenses and is poised to enter the Investigations and Evaluation stage shortly. The acceptance of applications for Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) is slated for January 2024. This proactive step aligns with our commitment to fostering a dynamic and thriving gambling industry. Q: Could you provide details on the implementation of a Centralized Electronic Monitoring System (CEMS) for slots, how it is expected to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure fair play within the gambling sector? A: The implementation of a Centralized Electronic Monitoring System (CEMS) for slots aims to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure fair play within the gambling sector. CEMS will monitor and analyze gaming machine data in real-time, allowing for more effective regulatory control and quick response to any irregularities. Continued on Page 26

REGULATORY NEWS

Sportingtech scoops Platform Provider of the Year award at SBC Summit Latinoamérica Turnkey provider enjoys sustained industry recognition after impressive 2023

ull-service betting and gaming platform provider Sportingtech has cemented its status across Latin America with another notable appearance at this year’s SBC Summit Latinoamérica. The full power of Sportingtech’s solutions for casino, sportsbook and retail were on display throughout the Miami event as the brand highlighted its standing across LatAm. The provider’s comprehensive and nuanced platform is recognised as the leading provider across the entire LatAm region, with continued growth expected in 2024 as planned regulation comes into effect. The event was rounded off in memorable fashion as Sportingtech scooped another industry

award, taking gold for Platform Provider of the Year. This win quickly follows a triumph at this year’s SBC Awards, winning the award for MultiChannel Supplier, further highlighting the trust placed in the brand’s products and solutions by the industry’s leading operators. The past 12 months have seen Sportingtech’s platform become more enhanced thanks to several product roll-outs. New features include the integration of additional markets to its Bet Builder feature and the roll-out of Share-a-Bet,which capitalises on the growing rise of influencer marketing in sports betting. Dan Stone, Marketing Director at

Sportingtech, said: “We are undoubtedly at the head of the table in the LatAm market, thanks to our outstanding products and solutions, as well as our vast knowledge on the complex regulatory scene, meaning that operators in the region can rely on us to deliver unrivalled experiences. “Winning Platform Provider of the Year caps off 2023 in the best possible way, and it is a credit to every person in our company who all contribute to our continued success. I’m sure 2024 will bring yet more exciting opportunities for us to further showcase our ability to make a significant impact for our customers and take their businesses to the next level.”

Botswana Leads the Regulatory Way in Africa Continued from Page 24 Q: What responsible gambling initiatives is the Gambling Authority currently undertaking to address concerns related to addiction and ensure the wellbeing of gamblers? A: The Authority is committed to promoting responsible gambling. Initiatives include public awareness campaigns, education programs for both players and operators, and the establishment of support services for individuals facing gambling-related issues, such as self and thirdparty exclusion, treatment, the establishment of a self-help portal, and the national toll-free line. The objective of these initiatives is to address concerns related to addiction, prioritizing the well-being of gamblers. These efforts are backed by continuous research endeavors.

adapting to advancements in online and mobile gambling while maintaining regulatory control and addressing issues of addiction and problem gambling are likely to arise. Additionally, ensuring the integrity of gaming operations, preventing fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling are ongoing concerns. Balancing innovation with responsible gambling practices remains a challenge for regulators.

Q: What are the biggest technological and gambling challenges gambling regulators are facing now and will face in the future?

Q: Will Botswana legalize online gambling at some stage in the future? A: Botswana does not prohibit licensed and responsible online gambling. A lot of research still has to go into the regulatory aspect in this space and the challenges encountered. The regulatory framework will also have to be thoroughly evaluated to ensure responsible gaming practices, consumer protection, and the prevention of illegal activities. Public consultations and stakeholder engagement will be part of the decision-making process when that time comes.

A: In my view, technological challenges including

Q: As the newly appointed CEO, what is your

26 / Gaming for Africa / gfamagazine.com

vision for the future of the gambling industry in Botswana? Are there key strategic objectives or goals you plan to pursue to further develop and sustain the sector? A: As the incoming CEO, my vision for the future of the gambling industry in Botswana is to foster a sustainable and innovative sector. Key strategic objectives include enhancing consumer protection, promoting responsible gambling, embracing technological advancements, and collaborating with stakeholders to create a dynamic, sustainable and competitive market. Q: Any other points of interest in terms of gambling in Botswana? A: Beyond the mentioned topics, it’s crucial to highlight ongoing efforts in collaboration with the government, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that the gambling sector in Botswana operates transparently, and responsibly, and contributes positively to the country’s economic development. Regular reviews of regulations and continuous engagement with the community will remain a priority.

INDUSTRY NEWS

49’s Continues to Lead the Way in Live Number Draw Space across Africa Jessica Mills, Head of Product Proposition at SIS, discusses what makes the SIS owned 49’s brand so popular across Africa.

ich with history and heritage, 49’s is a product that brings credibility and integrity to betting on fixed odds live numbers draws. We have seen in various regions across the globe, not least in Africa, that 49’s is a hugely trusted brand. In its 27 years, the product has had to evolve not only to meet the needs of operators but also the demands of players, especially when there are so many forms of entertainment vying for their attention.

A natural evolution The two daily 49’s draws are filmed live from the UK, where the talented team of six presenters tailor their scripts every day, highlighting any key events or mentioning anything newsworthy. The ability to incorporate current affairs and provide an engaging, real-time experience for viewers enhances and refreshes the overall experience, keeping players coming back for more. Off the back of the popularity of 49’s, a loyal community has been created online. People engage with one another on social media platforms, as well as the presenters, and talk about their favourite numbers, personal wins, and more, providing a great deal of user generated content. This showcases the power of the 49’s brand and how the product elicits conversation among its core audience. We found that there are many markets where live number draws are the most significant part of the product mix. With only two daily draws, we saw an initial opportunity to deliver more content and a need to refresh the brand, which would help ramp up excitement and engagement levels for players. From improving the brand’s look and feel to an upgrade of the 49’s website, which brings over 7 million daily visits, to introducing fresh products, we continue to evolve the brand. We created 39’s to deliver high-frequency

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events that run every three minutes. We ensured players could see a link with 49’, utilising that strong reputation to give 39’s instant credibility and as with 49’s it’s about the chance to win big from a small stake. Fast 15’s also runs every three minutes (designed to be the higher churn product, giving players more of an opportunity to win smaller amounts on a more consistent basis and provides the ability to reinvest should they choose to do so. Fast 15’s provides the chance to win more frequently, albeit smaller sums, while 39’s, even with the higher frequency of draws, still offers the opportunity to win significant sums. When you add 49’s to the mix, , you have a multifaceted live draw proposition, meeting the needs and preferences of everyone. Anywhere you travel in the world, be it in the UK, Africa, or Europe, the idea of winning a larger amount from a smaller stake is very attractive. Certainly, when you are considering Live Number Draws, it’s one of the most important aspects.

Expansion across Africa In many of the territories we are now moving into across Africa, there’s a gap in the market for a product like 49’s. The UK-based draws adds significant weight to the offering in generating trust among players in the region. The idea of winning a larger amount from a smaller stake is very attractive and drives activity. SIS recently joined forces with Kiron to launch an all-new UK 49’s Numbers channel specifically for African markets. Featuring round-the-clock action, the bespoke channel features a mix of formats, including the 49’s live draws.

Kiron is embedded in the African market thanks to its reputation as one of the leading suppliers of virtual sports and numbers games. The brand innately understands the preferences of bettors across the continent and has a comprehensive virtual sports portfolio. We are complementing its content with our live number draws, and the partnership is proving to be strategic and beneficial for both parties. While we enhance Kiron’s content offering, the company provides us with vast distribution platforms across Africa. The aim for the bespoke channel was to combine our products for markets and shops where perhaps screens aren’t in huge supply and space is at a premium in some betting shops. This was a move on our part designed to combine our offerings into one customer viewing opportunity. Despite a positive launch in Africa, there is still work to do to ensure the products become embedded in the region. There are always learnings to take when it comes to getting a handle on player preferences. We need to ensure features are enhanced to meet these desires and expectations and differentiate from other 49’s products we have live in other markets. It goes without saying that people have a choice of what they play. With our heritage and experience, we always make sure that our products are the most engaging to drive repeat loyalty.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Megan O. Basson Named Executive Director of the International Center for Gaming Regulation Megan O. Basson has been named executive director for the UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation (ICGR). The center is the world’s only organization dedicated to the study of regulatory imperatives as aligned to their development for the dynamic and innovative gaming industry.

“I

am honored to join the team seeing as the International Center for Gaming Regulation is a truly world renowned and one-of-a-kind center,” said Basson. “It was almost as if my educational background and experience over the past 20 years spoke directly to the requirements of this position, from having a legal background, being an admitted attorney, engaging with various government entities, and working within a gambling regulatory authority environment, it’s as if it was all meant for a position such as this, and for a time such as this.” “Megan is a brilliant, well-respected leader in global gambling regulation,” said Brett Abarbanel, executive director at UNLV’s

International Gaming Institute. “We are thrilled to have her on board, bringing her voice and vision to ICGR’s internationally-respected work across education, research, and innovation.” Basson served more than 14 years as the head of the Licensing Department for the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, where she directed all activities relating to the licensing of gambling operations in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Basson previously worked as a legal advisor and mediator at a legal advisory company and served as a deputy director: chief financial analyst for the Western Cape Provincial Treasury. She earned both her B.Proc and LLB degrees from the University of the Western Cape.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Megan’s experience and energy to lead the ICGR,” said Leah Chan Grinvald, Dean and Richard J. Morgan professor of law at the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law. “Megan has a strong vision for the positive impact ICGR can have on UNLV and on the future of gaming regulation research.” ICGR, a partnership between UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) and the Boyd School of Law, launched in 2016 to serve as a resource for global gaming regulators, providing world-class educational programs, research and consultancy. For more information on the center, visit the ICGR website.

Habanero takes players on a Winter Wonderland adventure with latest release Santa’s Inn Premium slots and table games provider, Habanero, has released its latest Christmas-themed title, Santa’s Inn.

he game sees Santa and Rudolph swap the sleigh for a motorcycle as they arrive at a festive motel, where a 3x3 grid greets players in this feature-filled Winter escapade. With a host of yuletide favourites making up the game’s icons, each symbol can split by either two or three at random, massively boosting reward potential. A multiplier train can also appear, adding 3x to winnings each time it is visible. In the spirit of the season, gifts come in the form of the Free Spins round, which is triggered by landing at least three star symbols with three games being awarded for each star. During the Free Games round, all features can

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appear and used in conjunction with one another, offering lucrative win potential for 11,340x the base bet. Santa’s Inn follows a slew of recent releases, including the likes of Zeus Deluxe and Fruity Halloween as the provider continues to release two new high-quality slots a month. Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications at Habanero, said: “As our players and partners are aware, Christmas is one of our favourite times of the year at Habanero and how better to celebrate than with the jolly man himself in our latest festive slot, Santa’s Inn. “The game is a perfect demonstration of our smart technology and captivating graphics

harmoniously working together to create the ultimate player experience.” Following a highly successful 12 months, Habanero has signed multiple deals with major European operators, including Betsson, Snaitech and Betway. The studio has also further reinforced its leading position as a tier-one supplier with the consistent delivery of award-winning content, with Santa’s Inn primed to be another huge hit.

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