Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
ihrb-and-bha-confirm-new-equine-anti-doping-&-medication-control-initiative ihrb-and-bha-confirm-new-equine-anti-doping-&-medication-control-initiative

Latest News

IHRB and BHA Confirm New Equine Anti-Doping & Medication Control Initiative

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced a new equine anti-doping & medication control initiative, underpinning their common commitment to the regulation of medicine use and zero tolerance of doping in horseracing on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Out of Competition Testing (OOCT) is a critical component of an effective, modern anti-doping strategy in sport. Both jurisdictions have increased OOCT in recent years, increasing access to and testing of Thoroughbreds at all stages of their careers. Building on this and reflecting their shared focus on participant safety and wellbeing, and the integrity of horseracing, the IHRB and BHA are now formally conducting joint OOCT operations across both jurisdictions. The inspections commenced last week with almost 250 samples taken from more than 120 horses that are entered for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival in an operation across 14 training premises in Ireland over the last two days, which saw the Head of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare and a Senior Veterinary Officer from the BHA join forces with the IHRB’s Deputy Heads of Veterinary Operations and Policy and other IHRB Authorised Officers.

The IHRB and BHA have agreed that when working jointly in Ireland, they will be operating under IHRB Standard Operating Procedures, and all samples will be considered as IHRB samples. When IHRB Veterinary Officers operate in Britain, it will be under BHA protocols and BHA jurisdiction. In both instances, there will be transparent exchange of any adverse results or screening findings that arise from these tests, with all samples being tested by LGC Laboratory, one of six laboratories worldwide which is recognised as a referenced laboratory by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

Dr Lynn Hillyer, Chief Veterinary Officer for the IHRB, said: “The IHRB Strategy 2024-2027 commits us to close engagement with international horseracing bodies and benchmarking ourselves against best international practice. This new venture shows stakeholders and the racing public that we collaborate as professionals across both sides of the Irish Sea, sharing best practice and resources and demonstrating equally stringent regulatory processes and standards to the extent that our anti-doping and medication control programmes are interoperable.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with our BHA colleagues in this way and see it as a positive step forward that reinforces the point that there is no room for anything other than the highest standards of integrity and welfare in either jurisdiction.”

James Given, Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare said: “The BHA welcomes the collaboration with the IHRB to demonstrate to stakeholders and the public that horses running from either side of the Irish sea in each other’s races do so under the same level of scrutiny.

“Not only will our Medication Control and Anti-Doping (MCAD) team have access to more information about visiting horses, but there will be opportunities for our wider team to share ideas and best practice in other areas of our work.

“Like the IHRB, this is aligned with our aims around international collaboration, the response to racecourse accidents and the overall improvement of equine safety and welfare.”

Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino

Workers at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Authorize Strike

Published

on

workers-at-caesars-southern-indiana-casino-authorize-strike

 

More than 140 workers at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino, represented by Teamsters Local 89 and Operating Engineers Local 399, have voted by a 98% margin to authorize a strike. The overwhelming vote is a direct response to management’s refusal to offer a fair contract.

“Our members are united and ready to fight for the strongest possible agreement. This vote sends a clear message — we will not back down. If management won’t negotiate in good faith, we’re prepared to take action,” said Avral Thompson, President of Local 89.

Caesars Southern Indiana, owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), pulled in more than $240 million in revenue last year, making it one of the most profitable casinos in the state. Workers are demanding a contract that reflects their essential contributions to that success.

“I’ve worked at Caesars for over seven years, and we deserve a contract that values our hard work and dedication. No one wants to strike, but if management keeps disrespecting us at the bargaining table, we’re ready to demand what we’ve earned,” said Sandra Ramirez, a slot attendant at Caesars Southern Indiana and a member of Local 89.

After months of negotiations, management at Caesars Southern Indiana continues to refuse to offer fair retirement benefits and remains far apart on other key economic issues.

“At this point, the ball is entirely in management’s court. If Caesars faces a strike, management will have no one to blame but themselves for the fallout. We stand ready to back our members every step of the way,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman.

The post Workers at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Authorize Strike appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Fennica Gaming Continues Expansion with Integration of Veikkaus Game Studio

Published

on

fennica-gaming-continues-expansion-with-integration-of-veikkaus-game-studio
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Fennica Gaming is set to challenge the gaming industry with its latest strategic business transfer. The company has integrated a renowned Finnish game studio, bringing onboard +200 game IP’s and 50 creative game development professionals. This move intensifies Fennica’s position as a strong Games as a Service content provider within regulated markets.

The integration of Veikkaus Game Studio to Fennica Gaming significantly enhances Fennica Gaming’s existing game development network, Game Family, renowned for its exceptional combination of mobile gaming and money gaming expertise. With this new addition of decades-long experience in money gaming, Fennica Gaming is specialising stronger in localising international gaming experiences to international customers. This strategic expansion supports customer-centric game development, boosts competitiveness in both Finnish and international markets, and promotes efficient scaling.

“This integration of a renowned Game Studio is a strategic move to meet the increasing demand for localized content. We are now merging a fantastic heritage of creating localized content across different gaming verticals, which has dominated the market share in Finland. This positions us for international success and strengthens our ability to deliver tailored gaming experiences to diverse markets. This move is also a continuum of the work initiated with our new advisor to the board of directors, Mr. Simon Hammon, further solidifying our commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Jonas Reuter, Chairman of the Fennica Gaming Board of Directors.

“This opens up even better opportunities for Fennica’s organic growth and long-term development. With this change, we incorporate over 200 game IP’s and we grow from 20 to 70 Fennicans, maximizing the value for all customers across all markets on three continents where our games are currently live. This expansion is a genuine possibility to create great games in our Gaming Universe and to meet the diverse needs of different players in various markets better than ever before. This also enables us to meet various regulatory requirements and become an even better business partner internationally,” said Timo Kiiskinen, Managing Director of Fennica Gaming.

The post Fennica Gaming Continues Expansion with Integration of Veikkaus Game Studio appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Ladbrokes Announces Support for LFC Foundation’s Fundraising Drive

Published

on

ladbrokes-announces-support-for-lfc-foundation’s-fundraising-drive
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

LFC Foundation plans to further increase its fundraising efforts and support 500,000 people a season by 2030. Now, Liverpool FC’s official betting partner Ladbrokes has announced its support for the foundation’s fundraising drive.

Ladbrokes, owned by Entain, will place a £100 accumulator charity bet for every remaining Premier League round of fixtures in 2024-25 – with a view to continue next season – starting with the Merseyside derby at Anfield on April 2.

All winnings from Ladbrokes’ charity bets will be donated to LFC Foundation at the end of the season, helping fund important programmes across several areas of impact, including health, learning and employability. On the occasions that the accumulator bets are unsuccessful, LFC Foundation will receive the value of the £100 stake as a donation.

In 2023-24, the Reds’ official charity supported more than 127,000 people and generated £92 million of social value to the Liverpool City Region, taking the total over the last four years to an impressive £284.48 million, including just under £30 million directly into the local economy. Last season for every £1 invested, LFC Foundation was able to generate a return of £13.70 back into the community.

Earlier this year, LFC Foundation launched its new long-term strategy, with the target of doubling funding and supporting more than half a million people across the Liverpool City Region and beyond by 2030.

Matt Parish, chief executive of LFC Foundation, said: “We are grateful to Ladbrokes for their support. These proceeds will go towards supporting vital programmes that help hundreds of thousands across the Liverpool City Region.

“The foundation recently launched an ambitious new strategy with the aim of supporting 500,000 people by 2030. The support of our partners is integral to the work we do and in achieving these ambitious targets, and every contribution will help us make a meaningful difference.

“With Ladbrokes’ support, we can continue to tackle social inequalities facing our communities and deliver measurable, life-changing programmes in our local communities and beyond.”

Gemma Bell, head of sponsorship at Ladbrokes, said: “We’re really happy to support LFC Foundation’s drive to double their donations. By placing these charity bets on our own behalf, we’re combining our passion for football with a meaningful commitment to give back and contributing to the foundation’s efforts to increase its impact and support more people.”

The post Ladbrokes Announces Support for LFC Foundation’s Fundraising Drive appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending