Press Releases
Sweden urged to rethink restrictions as searches for ‘unlicensed casino’ surges 700%
New BonusFinder data shows 54 unlicensed operators already targeting Sweden and warns new proposals will put players at greater risk
BonusFinder.com has urged the Swedish government to reconsider its proposals to introduce further restrictions on online gambling as a result of the pandemic or risk long-term consequences of a sharp increase in black market activity.
In a formal response to a consultation on the government’s proposals, BonusFinder warned that introducing stricter measures would lead to a long-lasting diversion of players to unlicensed sites and pose a greater risk to Swedish consumers, legal licensees and the licensed market in the future.
BonusFinder has identified more than 54 unlicensed sites targeting Sweden compared to the 65 licensed operators, with the majority offering online casino. The research conducted by using Google Trends also found the number of searches for unlicensed casino brands targeting Sweden to have risen by 305% in the last 12 months.
The study also discovered that in the last 12 months searches for ‘casino utan licens’ (and other similar terms), saw a 710% growth compared to a 173% increase in ‘online casino’.
In March this year, initial BonusFinder research found that almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching online for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations, introduced in January 2019.
The Swedish government’s new plans include the introduction of stricter bonus limits of SEK100 (€8), as well as mandatory weekly deposit limits of SEK5,000 (€458) that would be in place for an initial six-month period from June 1.
Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “We understand the Swedish government has put forward its proposals with the best intentions to protect its citizens, but as our research has shown, the existing restrictive measures have resulted in a large number of players turning to unlicensed operators outside of the legal framework and without any protection. Channelisation rates are falling and unlicensed brands are booming.
“Our message to the government is to seriously reconsider its proposals. More stringent measures would only serve to further fuel the existing black market. The consequences of these actions would be felt for a long period of time as players lost to the illegal offering would not easily return to regulated sites once measures are lifted.”
Central Europe
IGT Modernizes Central Lottery System for LOTTO Thüringen in Germany via Seven-Year Contract Extension
International Game Technology PLC announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Services Limited, has signed a seven-year contract with the Thuringian State Lottery (“LOTTO Thüringen”) in Germany to deploy its retail central system technology, Aurora™, and related software upgrades. The contract term will begin upon go-live of the new platform, planned for March 2026.
An integral part of OMNIA™, IGT’s player-centric, omnichannel solution for lotteries, Aurora helps drive lottery innovation and profitability. The platform will provide intuitive, user-friendly applications, tools and reporting capabilities which will handle all of LOTTO Thüringen’s transaction processing, game management and back-office operations.
“LOTTO Thüringen has relied on IGT’s versatile and strong-performing central system technology throughout the course of our decades-long relationship,” said Jochen Staschewski, LOTTO Thüringen Chief Executive Officer. “Upgrading our central retail system to IGT’s advanced platform and back-end software will enable us to streamline our business processes and continue operating with the highest levels of efficiency.”
“IGT’s retail central system incorporates a suite of flexible solutions designed to help manage, transform and further grow LOTTO Thüringen’s business,” said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Global Lottery. “With this long-term contract extension, LOTTO Thüringen is well-positioned to continue benefiting from IGT’s secure, responsible and modernized technology and software. Leveraging these best-in-class solutions will aid in the Lottery’s goals of supporting good causes throughout the state.”
The post IGT Modernizes Central Lottery System for LOTTO Thüringen in Germany via Seven-Year Contract Extension appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider, today announced the launch of its new crash game, Velocity, with bet365 in Brazil.
This marks a significant milestone for Incentive Games as it represents their first Pay-to-Play Crash game developed in partnership with bet365. The bespoke game has been meticulously designed by Incentive Games’ expert developers to ensure maximum player engagement.
Seamlessly integrated with bet365’s platform, the game leverages the expertise of Incentive Labs – a powerhouse of data and AI specialists. The Incentive Labs team will continuously analyse player interactions to refine the game and deliver an ever-evolving experience, turning millions of user touchpoints into unique solutions that enhance player satisfaction.
John Gordon, CEO of Incentive Games, said, “While the market is saturated with crash games, Velocity stands out from the crowd. It is the first in a series of exciting crash game offerings and we’re so proud to be launching this groundbreaking game with bet365. With their global reach, there’s no better partner to introduce ‘Velocity’ to the Brazilian market.”
A bet365 spokesperson said of the launch, “We’re delighted to yet again partner with Incentive Games in what promises to be an amazing gaming experience for our players.”
The post INCENTIVE GAMES LAUNCHES CRASH GAME WITH BET365 IN BRAZIL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The new title from leading Spanish e-Gaming provider MGA Games is an innovative game with a truly original theme: a journey through carnival festivities filled with legendary creatures. Its design combines the excitement of street parties with the richness of mythological creatures from around the world, providing a totally unique experience.
This new casino slot features 25 paylines, with winning combinations paid from left to right. By landing 3 or more Scatter symbols, players gain access to the Free Spins screen, which includes an innovative prize system. Players can enjoy an accumulator feature and a final Super Respin spin that awards the accumulated winnings. It also includes Money and Collect symbols, which when combined offer an additional bonus prize.
Global Audience
By showcasing mythologies from all over the world, the game is set to appeal to a global audience, enhancing its market potential and attracting players from various countries. Its visual and auditory elements, featuring vibrant graphics and immersive music, will captivate players and deliver a fully immersive experience in a fantastic world.
In this new release, every spin of the reels will surprise players with its themed symbols. As if that weren’t enough, the game features an optional Buy Free Spins button, speeding up the path to big rewards. Mythical Legends Carnival will be available in all of Spain’s best online casinos starting February 3rd and across .com markets from January 27th.
The post Prepare to be Amazed in Mythical Legends Carnival, a Mythic Video Slot! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
IGT Modernizes Central Lottery System for LOTTO Thüringen in Germany via Seven-Year Contract Extension
INCENTIVE GAMES LAUNCHES CRASH GAME WITH BET365 IN BRAZIL
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