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Budget 2023 boosts digitisation and formalisation of gaming sector: AVGC sector experts

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Experts and industry leaders in the AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming and comic) industry praised the Union Budget 2023-24 as beneficial for the industry. Measures such as the clarification in the applicability of TDS only on the “net winnings”, and that too at the end of the year or during withdrawal, were particularly hailed as significant for the industry.

Bharat Patel, Chairman and Director, Yudiz Solutions Ltd, said, “Considering how fast India’s economy is adapting to modern technologies, the budget surely emphasizes the ‘Amrit Kaal’, mentioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister. We at Yudiz are particularly thrilled that the government has recognised the potential of the gaming industry, and has taken steps in this budget towards fairer recognition of incomes from gaming. It is a positive move that the government has clarified that taxes will be applicable on net winnings, and not on aggregate winnings. We’re also grateful that Hon’ble Finance Minister FM Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the government will issue more clarity on the taxability of online gaming, and ease the tax burden. Proactive measures such as these can unleash the brimming gaming potential of India.”

Jay Sayta, technology and gaming lawyer, struck a more cautious note and said that while the measures are appreciated, more clarity was awaited on the calculation of net winnings.

“The budget and Finance Bill, 2023 has provided important clarity on applicability of TDS for winnings on online gaming platforms that the industry was seeking. It is a welcome step that the concept of ‘net winnings’ has been recognised in the Income Tax Act for online games and TDS only has to be deducted at the end of the financial year or at the time of withdrawal from the user account,” said Mr. Sayta. “However, the manner in which net winnings are supposed to be calculated and the set-offs that may be permitted before calculating such net winnings are left to be clarified by the CBDT through rules/guidelines. Hopefully, the CBDT will soon provide guidance on the manner in which net winnings have to be calculated.”

The new rules also bring parity between online gaming avenues such as apps and offline gaming avenues such as casinos.

Other measures such as the relief in customs duty for import of critical smartphone parts such as lenses and batteries will help stabilize smartphone prices, and help more Indians access mobile technologies and games. The raising of the minimum taxable slab from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.7 lakh under the new tax regime will also indirectly help the industry, as it increases disposable income available to consumers.

Experts also praised the overall support given to the startups in the form of the proposed National Data Governance Policy which will help start-ups access anonymised data, and providing the benefit of carry forward of losses on change of shareholding of start-ups from seven years of incorporation to ten years.

Suraj Chokani, Founder, Ability Games, said, “It is an excellent budget from every aspect, from our point of view. The FM spoke about 7 major thrusts in the budget, calling it Saptrishi, out of which the 6th pointer spoke about new-age technologies. Recognizing such new age tech in itself is a big boost to the industry as a whole and shows the forward looking character of the Government. Focus on MSME and Startups is also a welcome step from our perspective and will help us go a long way. Overall we are very happy and satisfied with such an inclusive Budget.”

Globally, the AVGC industry was valued at $168 billion in 2021, while the Indian AVGC industry was valued at $1.1 billion, a 28% growth over the previous year, according a report by the AVGC task force. The sector has plenty of room for growth, and the government’s recent decisions such as the proposed self-regulation of the online gaming industry and appointment of MeITY as the nodal Ministry will help boost the sector’s growth.

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BC.GAME Unveils New Logo, Embraces Crypto Elements to Reflect Future Vision

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BC.GAME, a global leader in Web3 gaming, has officially launched its refreshed brand identity—marking a significant step towards building a more diverse and globally integrated Web3 entertainment ecosystem. The brand upgrade includes a redesigned logo, updated colour palette and the introduction of a new slogan, “Stay Untamed”. This move also highlights the platform’s deepening presence in the crypto space, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the Web3 and crypto entertainment industry.

BC.GAME’s new logo combines a classic lowercase “b” with an embedded “c,” creating a sleek and instantly recognisable visual. The “c” not only connects to the platform’s name but also symbolises its deep-rooted connection to the crypto world. Representing both “bc” and “coin,” the logo reflects the platform’s strong foundation in cryptocurrency and signals its ambitious vision to build a thriving ecosystem centered around the $BC token.

The platform’s signature green has also been refreshed to a deeper, more tech-forward tone, enhancing its professional presence within the blockchain and Web3 entertainment space while boosting visual impact and recognition.

BC.GAME’s new slogan, “Stay Untamed,” embodies its spirit of freedom, openness and innovation. As a Web3 advocate, BC.GAME encourages players to break boundaries and explore new possibilities, reflecting the decentralisation, community-driven ethos and ongoing innovation that define Web3.

BC.GAME’s journey in the crypto space began long before cryptocurrency payments became mainstream. From the early days, the platform has explored and implemented crypto-based technologies. Through the launch of its $BC token and a suite of crypto features, BC.GAME continues to deliver seamless and innovative digital entertainment to users worldwide.

BC.GAME supports payments in hundreds of cryptocurrencies, catering to players across the globe. On the technical front, the platform was among the earliest adopters of Bitcoin Lightning Network technology, significantly improving transaction speed and providing users with a lightning-fast payment experience.

BC.GAME offers “Provably Fair” verification to ensure that every game result is both fair and verifiable. Leveraging blockchain technology, players can view and verify the generation process of each game round in real time on the betting page, ensuring that outcomes are free from human interference or manipulation.

The post BC.GAME Unveils New Logo, Embraces Crypto Elements to Reflect Future Vision appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 5-11

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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Bragg Gaming Group confirmed that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results prior to the opening of the financial markets on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The release will be followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by Bragg Chief Executive Officer, Matevž Mazij and Chief Financial Officer, Robbie Bressler, to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. During the call, management will review a presentation that will be available on the day of the call.

Context Networks Inc, the first programmatic advertising platform engineered for the gaming industry, has announced the rollout of its groundbreaking Deep Intelligence Marketing strategy, redefining how brands engage consumers in bars, taverns and on-premise slot route operations. Leveraging the power of AI-driven data analytics, machine learning and context-aware digital couponing, Context Networks is turning local venues into the next frontier of high-impact retail media. Through its Contextual Promotions Media Network (CPMN), Context is converting digital screens—such as slot machines in bars—into dynamic, smart advertising surfaces. These systems use advanced data signals to deliver highly targeted promotions based on real-time factors like venue type, consumer behaviour, time of day, and even emotional context, moving far beyond traditional static or cyclic Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising.

ACR Poker’s Blitz Bonus Boost promotion is back by popular demand to supercharger players’ bankrolls, offering a 50% bonus up to a sizzling $500. To take advantage, players need to deposit $25 or more by 11:59 pm ET on Saturday, May 31 using bonus code: BLITZ and ACR Poker will match 50% of it, up to $500.

Partnerships

International Game Technology PLC announced that IGT PlaySports technology is now powering retail sports betting at Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale, Wash. This technology agreement builds on IGT PlaySports’ leadership in the region, marking the 11th casino in Washington State to deploy the Company’s award-winning sports betting platform, and the 10th casino in the State to leverage its trading advisory services.

Playtech and Hard Rock Digital (HRD) have launched New Jersey’s first-ever dedicated trivia experience on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform. This milestone establishes Hard Rock Bet as the first operator to launch a dedicated Live Trivia Game Show in the state. Since the announcement of their strategic partnership in 2024, Playtech has provided a wide range of gaming content through Hard Rock Bet, including slots, card & table games, and live dealer games.

Everi Holdings Inc. announced the Company’s digital CashClub Wallet technology is powering Penn Entertainment Inc’s (PENN) “PENN Wallet” at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, NV. The “PENN Wallet” offers M Resort guests the ability to access cashless payments throughout the gaming floor via integrations with existing loyalty and payments systems. PENN currently utilises CashClub Wallet technology across 22 properties in 11 jurisdictions. CashClub Wallet elevates patron engagement with frictionless, omni-channel payments. Everi’s industry-leading cashless payments solutions drive additional volume, improve operational efficiencies and transform the traditional casino cash-centric environment into a modern, seamless experience for an enhanced player journey.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 5-11 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Amusnet Unveils Live Casino Strategy for 2025

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Amusnet’s Live Casino 2025 strategy is to empower operators and differentiate their offerings with bespoke game environments, exciting gameplay and enhanced winning potential through special features and significant multipliers integrated into a variety of new releases planned for the year.

“2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for our Live Casino division. We are introducing a diverse range of standout games that blend entertainment, technology, and interactivity in new ways,” said Marin Dimitrov, Head of Live Casino.

One of the key highlights is Showtime Roulette 500x, a fresh take on the classic roulette experience.

“What sets Showtime Roulette 500x apart is its unparalleled customization capabilities. Operators can fully tailor the game environment to reflect their brand identity,” Dimitrov said.

This fast-paced European roulette reinvents the classics, featuring a host who presents, entertains and spins the wheel for a seamless, engaging experience. Thanks to advanced chroma technology, operators can uniquely brand the game, showcasing their logo and any bespoke background theme they desire. This creates a tailored and immersive experience that feels truly one of a kind for each operator and their players. Further enhancing player engagement, the thrill of potential rewards is heightened through random multipliers on every spin, with payouts amplified up to 500x, creating a truly exceptional gaming experience that elevates player excitement and satisfaction.

Another highlight of the year is Extra Crown Deluxe Live, which is “inspired by our slot top performer Extra Crown and offers an engaging blend of traditional slot excitement and the dynamic atmosphere of live casinos,” added Dimitrov.

This innovative live slot game retains the charm of the original while introducing upgraded mechanics and captivating gameplay. A dynamic studio setting, complete with a charismatic host, fosters a strong sense of community, bringing players together 24/7 to share in the excitement of every spin. With ten traditional symbols across 5 reels and 20 paylines, players can enjoy this classic slot action enhanced by features like Free Spins (with retrigger potential), Respins with expanding symbols and lucrative Cash Prizes (multipliers). The innovative Dynamic Reel Prizes and real-time Statistics further enhance the immersive gaming experience, topped off by the ever-popular Jackpot Cards bonus game and the chance to multiply wins via the Gamble Feature.

The latest release is Football Thrill, a high-speed live casino game that brings the excitement of football to the casino floor with instant, easy-to-play mechanics. With its simple gameplay and dynamic pacing, this Live Casino addition is designed to captivate both sports fans and casino enthusiasts. Fast, intuitive and built for excitement, this Live Casino game is the perfect addition to any live casino looking to attract players who crave action-packed, easy-to-play games.

Amusnet’s Live Casino strategy for the upcoming year centers on delivering innovative and immersive gaming experiences. This will be achieved through the introduction of enhanced roulette variations featuring captivating gameshow elements and significantly larger multipliers, boosting excitement and winning potential. The company is set to expand its offerings with a diverse selection of card games that blend classic gameplay with modern twists to appeal to both traditional and modern players. Further enhancing player engagement will be the range of interactive wheel-based games and gameshows incorporating thrilling new mechanics.

The post Amusnet Unveils Live Casino Strategy for 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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