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Compliance Updates

Parimatch became the first company in Ukraine to receive permission for a betting license

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After signing a law on the legalization of gambling, Ukraine moved closer to regulation’s European gambling market standards. Parimatch received the first official Ukrainian permission for a license for betting activities in Ukraine.

On August 13, the law on the legalization of the gambling market came into force – one of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s promises to the people of Ukraine. After 11 years, the gambling business emerged from the shadows, and the state finally brought the country’s betting industry regulations in line with those of Europe.

Parimatch became the first licensed operator in Ukraine. The license allows the company to legally provide betting services, casinos, and poker, which will generate tax revenues to the state budget. The Ukrainian license became the 5th for the international holding Parimatch.

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Restarting the gambling market according to European standards will catalyze the inflow of international investments into the country. Parliamentarians have already stated that in 2021 alone, the budget of Ukraine expects about 255 million euros in revenues from the gambling industry. The state will direct the money received from the sale of licenses to support socially significant areas such as medicine, culture, and sports. The influx of foreign investors also contributes to developing of technologies that will give Ukraine the impetus to compete in the international entertainment market.

“Work still remains to be done on reforming tax legislation before the Ukrainian market becomes attractive to foreign investors. Taxation should be transparent and logical so that it doesn’t create additional obstacles for foreign investors. At this stage, the cost of licenses for various types of gambling activities is so high that, together with taxation, it does not make investments in the nascent Ukrainian market attractive. So Ukraine could lose the competition in terms of investment to other countries. Under favorable legal conditions, specialist market capacity and qualifications will allow Ukraine to become a gaming hub for the Eastern Europe region. Like Malta and Manila, Ukraine now has the potential to become a center of expertise for gambling entertainment.” – Managing Partner of Parimatch Holding Maksym Liashko

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ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario

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ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.

ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.

ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.

Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”

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*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)

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Bruce Smith Enterprise

Petersburg, Virginia Residents Vote Yes! for Live! Casino Resort

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The citizens of Petersburg have spoken, and the historic casino referendum has passed with overwhelming support of over 80% of Petersburg residents voting in favor of the $1.4 billion Live! Casino Resort project, marking the highest support for a casino referendum in Virginia history. This marks a monumental step forward for the Petersburg community, as the approval paves the way for the development of a world-class casino and entertainment destination that promises to revitalize the local economy, create jobs, and invest in much-needed community services.

Live! Casino Resort, which will be codeveloped by The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise, is projected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. This development will include not only gaming and entertainment options but also restaurants, hotels, and event spaces, making Petersburg a destination for tourism and entertainment in Virginia. Construction will commence after the vote is certified and all required approvals are received, with an anticipated opening date of the initial first phase casino in 2026.

“We are deeply gratified by the community’s affirmation of this project and very hopeful about the meaningful impact it will have on the city’s future. The casino will not only create good-paying jobs for our residents but will also attract visitors statewide and beyond, stimulating local businesses and in turn producing an overall ripple effect of economic growth. Now that the voters have spoken, we look forward to working with the City of Petersburg and the Virginia Lottery to secure all of the necessary permitting, licensing and regulatory approvals for this project to move forward,” said Bruce Smith, Owner of Bruce Smith Enterprise, Pro Football Hall of Fame Member, Developer and Community Leader, and codeveloper of the planned Live! Casino Resort in Petersburg.

The casino project is part of a larger revitalization plan for Petersburg, which has faced economic challenges in recent years. This initiative, alongside other investments in infrastructure and local businesses, will position the city for long-term growth and success.

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“The approval of the destination resort and casino in Petersburg marks a significant milestone for our City. Voter approval follows a three-year journey on this transformative project that will bring positive change to Petersburg for generations. This destination resort, casino, retail, and residential development will be the largest economic and tourism project in Petersburg’s history. City Council and administration look forward to working with The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise to positively impact our community and its prosperity,” said Mayor Sam Parham, City of Petersburg, VA.

Live! Casino Resort will be a catalyst for change and significant urban development, transforming the City through the creation of a thriving entertainment and hospitality destination. The project will set a new standard for gaming, hotels, and entertainment in the Commonwealth, and serve as a new world-class attraction for Petersburg and the greater Central Virginia region. The project site, ideally situated at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95, has easy access on and off the East Coast’s major north-south interstate.

“Today is a new day for residents of Petersburg. This community has waited a long time for an economic development project of this size and scale, which will provide a huge boost for the City and the entire region. We cannot wait to start hiring local residents and partnering with local businesses and entrepreneurs. Thank you, Petersburg, for placing your trust and confidence in our team. We look forward to delivering results for you and being a part of this great community for decades to come,” said Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer of The Cordish Companies.

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Compliance Updates

Comtrade Gaming Receives UKGC Approval to Distribute Gaming Content

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Comtrade Gaming has obtained a supplier license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Players in the UK can now enjoy a variety of games from Comtrade Gaming’s portfolio, including the latest Witch Crash’d, Pilot Piggy, Sweet Treasures, Wild Minner, Diamond King, Diamonds in the Sky, White Elephant and many more.

“This is a significant achievement for Comtrade Gaming. The UK market is a core part of our growth strategy, and this license allows us to bring our games to more operators and players. We’re excited to work with all operators in the UK market and provide a unique gaming experience for their audiences,” said Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer.

This milestone marks a pivotal step for Comtrade Gaming as it continues to grow within regulated markets and reach new players globally.

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The post Comtrade Gaming Receives UKGC Approval to Distribute Gaming Content appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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