Archives November 2024

TexBet Fined $33,000 for Violating Self-Exclusion Request and Sending Ads

O’Shea Bookmaking Pty Ltd, operating under the brand TexBet, has faced legal repercussions, being fined $33,000 for violations related to its handling of a customer’s request to cease gambling activitiesCome from 291jili. The judgment was passed in the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, September 25, marking a precedent in New South Wales (NSW) for offenses that involve direct marketing without consent and the failure to close a betting account upon request, following regulations established in 2019.

Legal and regulatory challenges in online betting:

The case emerged from a complaint by a former customer of TexBet who, in May 2022, withdrew their consent for receiving gambling advertisements and requested the closure of their betting account. Contrary to the customer’s demands, TexBet proceeded to send four gambling-related text messages and accepted 75 new bets from the customer past the requested closure date.Come from lodigamecasino

This behavior led to a significant fine imposed by the state regulator, Liquor & Gaming NSW, which has underscored the seriousness of the breach. Jane Lin, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, stated the importance of such regulations, noting in a press release:“By engaging in this behaviour TexBet has broken a law that was put in place to protect vulnerable people who are trying to exclude themselves from gambling.”

Jane Lin further emphasized the dangers associated with unsolicited gambling promotions, explaining that “These laws were specifically developed to reduce the risk of gambling harm by requiring online betting businesses to make it simple for people experiencing harm to self-exclude and opt not to receive ads about gambling products.” She highlighted the increased risk of gambling harm due to TexBet’s actions, pointing out the direct link between targeted gambling ads and increases in betting, expenditure, and associated harms.

The repercussions for TexBet reflect a broader enforcement action by Liquor & Gaming NSW, which aims to ensure that all online gambling entities within the state adhere to strict guidelines preventing direct advertising to individuals who have opted out of such communications.

Strengthening enforcement and compliance:

The recent ruling against TexBet coincides with a broader compliance effort across NSW. Over recent months, state inspectors conducted checks at 528 venues, including hotels and clubs with gaming machines, to confirm adherence to new legislative requirements that took effect on September 1 under the revised Gaming and Liquor Administration Act of 2016. Among the enforced regulations were the establishment of a responsible gaming officer and the creation of a gambling incident register at each venue, as well as the removal of gambling-related signage from areas near ATMs.

Liquor & Gaming NSW reported that approximately 93% of venues are now in compliance with the new regulations, indicating a positive response to the enhanced enforcement efforts.

Under-construction Incheon casino resort project granted one-year extension

In South Korea and the Chinese firm building an $800 million integrated casino resort near the port city of Incheon has reportedly been granted an official one-year extension to its construction deadline.

According to a Thursday report from Inside Asian Gaming, Guangzhou R&F Properties Company Limited was granted a license in 2014 that required it to have opened the first stage of the 1,087-acre facility near Incheon International Airport by the end of this month. However, the source detailed that the firm’s timeline was subsequently scuppered owing to delays linked with the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing departure of its American operating partner, Caesars Entertainment Incorporated.

Hopeful request:

The Hong Kong-listed developer reportedly responded to these difficulties by asking the country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for a three-year postponement that would have given it until the spring of 2024 to complete work on a Yeongjong Island complex that is eventually set to feature a 1,250-room hotel as well as a casino offering 700 slots and 150 gaming tables. But the government department has now purportedly responded by agreeing to extend this deadline by just twelve months to March of next year despite the fact that all construction activities have been shut down since February of 2020.

Continuing allegiance:

Guangzhou R&F Properties Company Limited is reportedly nevertheless remaining committed to the South Korean endeavor and last month paid an undisclosed amount of cash so as to acquire the 50% stake Las Vegas-headquartered Caesars Entertainment Incorporated held in the development. The firm is now purportedly hoping resume construction over the course of the next few weeks so as to be able to begin welcoming guests to the project once destined to be known as Caesars Korea sometime early next year.

Analogous application:Come from ace291-gaming

This decision to apply for an extension is not unique as American tribal casino operator Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment was recently reportedly obliged to ask for a similar deferment concerning its $1.6 billion Inspire Entertainment Resort project, which is taking shape on 1,079 acres of land at the other end of Yeongjong Island. The firm behind the giant Mohegan Sun development in eastern Connecticut is purportedly now awaiting news on whether its own six-month delay request will be granted so as to push the five-star project’s envisioned opening date to November of next year.

Purchase consent:

In related news and GGRAsia reported that the South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism moreover recently sanctioned the agreement that saw Guangzhou R&F Properties Company Limited buy the 50% stake in the envisioned Incheon scheme, which is also known as the Midan City Resort Complex, previously held by Caesars Entertainment IncorporatedCome from shubbet. This source explained that the company will now nonetheless be required to find a new foreign operating partner for a development that is to furthermore offer a 15,00-seat area and a 205,500 sq ft conference center alongside an indoor climate-controlled dome housing retail, family amusement and dining establishments.

Which is Better for Your Gambling Budget – Slots or Lotto Slips- Odds, Expenses, Tips

The allure of winning a life-changing lottery jackpot is powerful, but the reality is that it’s not likely to happen. A person would have to beat staggering odds to win Mega Millions or Powerball’s biggest prize. According to the two biggest lotteries in the world, the odds of winning a grand prize are one in 302.6 million and one in 292.2 million, respectively.  Yet, during fiscal year 2022, in North America, U.S. lottery sales totaled more than $107.9 billion, and in Canada, sales approached C$8.9 billion (not including Loto-Québec, which reports gross gaming revenue).

In Europe, Camelot UK Lotteries announced in November that National Lottery sales reached an all-time high of £4.06bn (€4.67bn/$4.83bn) during the first six months of its 2022-23 financial year. Driven by a record digital performance, it was the first time sales surpassed the £4.00bn mark since the state-franchised national lottery was established in 1994.

Meanwhile, the popularity of slots can not be understated, which is why they make up the majority of the games at most online casinos. To drive that point home, all you need to do is peruse the lobby of your favorite virtual casino, like the ones you can find at KingCasinoBonus slot sites list, and you’ll likely see that nearly three-quarters of the content is slots, with classic slots (three-reel), video slots (five-reel), and progressive slots being the most prominent.

Another reason online slots are among the most popular casino games is that many feature huge jackpots, exciting bonus rounds, and a high return to player (RTP). And, just like the lottery, online slots are easily accessible. For instance, in the US, as long as you are physically located in a state that has regulated gaming and you’re 21 or older, you can play real money casino games via mobile devices and desktop computers. Meanwhile, in the UK, all forms of gambling are licensed by the Gambling Commission and the majority are permitted for those 18 years and over.

Slots aren’t only popular online either, these days slot machines generate approximately 70% of most land-based casino operator’s overall revenue and typically command more floor space than any other gambling game.

As far as commonalities, chance plays a key role in both lottery and slots, both are games with rules, and to play you have to pay. The main differences between the two are in lottery, players compete against other players whereas with slots/gambling, players compete individually against the house or gambling operator. And, a lottery’s prize fund is set in advance and the lottery operator, which is usually the state, does not participate in the game. However, that does not mean they don’t “benefit” by huge jackpots. Bigger prizes bring more free publicity and increase public interest and therefore sales. As for slots, it is in the house/gambling operator’s interest to get the “W” against players.

While it’s been established that the odds of hitting a lottery jackpot are slim to none, we can still take a look at some key factors to consider when deciding which option is better for your gambling budget.

Odds, Expenses & Tips 

We’ve already stated that there really is no comparing the odds between lottery and slots, with the latter being much more favorable to the player. However, that’s not to say the odds are in your favor of winning a maximum bet with slots either. Depending on the slot machine, the chance of winning the top prize when playing the max bet, range from one in 5,000 to one-in-about-34,000,000.

In order to determine which slots have the best odds, you’ll want to determine the theoretical Return To Player, which can usually be found in the game’s paytable. If you can’t find it there, a quick online search should produce the rate.

RTP refers to the amount of money/payout percentage that a player can expect to win back from a game over a long period of time. The concept is an important one as it measures fairness and predictability and allows players to compare the RTP of different games and choose those that offer the best chances of winning over time. Generally speaking, the higher the RTP percentage the better chance a player has of winning compared to games with a lower RTP.

For example, a casino game that has an RTP rate of 95% will on average return to the player £95 for every £100 wagered. This does not mean this will be the outcome of an individual games session. Remember, RTP is a long-term prediction, meaning it’s possible for a player to win or lose more that the RTP in a single session.

The RTP percentage is not a guide as to how much a slot will pay out each time you play. It is a guide of how much the slot will pay out over its lifetime.

  • Keep in mind that by selecting games with a higher RTP, a player can expect to get the biggest bang from their buck. Players can also expect to win back more money over time, which can help them play longer with the funds they have.
  • In addition to choosing games, having a good understanding of RTP can also help a player to know when to play a max bet or when it’s time to find a different game.
  • Additionally, RTP can help a player evaluate casino promotions and bonuses. Determining which bonuses are the most generous, and which games to use them on. As a matter of fact, KingCasinoBonus, a slot site index and review company for UK online casinos, has brought us some of the best picks of the last few months.

Finally, it is important to know why you’re playing. If you’re playing strictly for entertainment, having a strategy isn’t really important, although finding slots with a higher RTP might just allow you to have more fun for longer! But, if you’re playing to make money by potentially hitting slots jackpots, be sure to plan accordingly, and by all means, set a limit on how much money you can afford to gamble and stick to it.

1X2 Network Creates Customized Slots for ComeOn Group Casinos

Meet Tomb of Snabbare and the Tomb of Hajper! 

UK-based 1X2 Network is now providing Swedish-language online operators with the above titles, which are fully customized slot games. These casinos belong to ComeOn Group, the latest top-tier operator to leverage 1X2’s unique branded content to drive enhanced player engagement.  

Combo of Popular Game and Customized Elements:

1X2 Network‘s slot games are entirely customized and tailored to meet Snabbare’s and Najper’s needs and expectations.   

Tomb of Snabbare and Tomb of Hajper, and they are based on the hit game Book of Ba’al, which was created by the award-winning 1X2 subsidiary, Iron Dog Studio. Although some elements of the game are taken from the Book of Ba’al, some are completely customized. So, we can see graphics, logos, fonts, counters, reel symbols, and other elements that are prone to customization reflect own brand identity of the casinos.  

The game contains a 5×3-reel and 10-paylines. The point of a game is to collect “books” to trigger bonus games. The popular “book of” mechanic ensures the inclusion of sticky expanding symbols and free spins.   

Customized Games – Games of the Future?

But what is all fuss about? The most exciting part is that the 1X2 Network allows operators to combine the popular game with their specific brand and their brand mark.

ComeOn Group x 1X2 Network Collaboration

“Tomb of” and “Book of” aren’t the first customized games from 1X2. We’ve already seen something similar first premiere in its most famous game – Branded Coin Vault. Branded Megaways™ has taken the industry, winning the Game of the Year award at the EGR Awards in 2020. 

Should We Expect More Games in the Future?

Ivalina Petrova, Account Manager at 1X2 Network, said that many operators were exploring the idea of bespoke, branded game content because of the success of Branded Megaways™. Both new titles were designed for two of the biggest casino brands in Sweden, so 1X2 hopes to get the opportunity to create more games for ComeOn brands.   

Jason Bradbury, the Head of Exclusive Games at ComeOn Group, said that the idea to take the core elements of a popular game and build something quite different is fascinating. He pointed out the fact that this game is unique to their identity, over the top of it. They’re delighted with how the games look, and they’re sure Tomb of Snabbare and Tomb of Hajper will be very popular among the players.   

He added that working with 1X2 on the branded “Tomb of” games had been a pleasure. Since Snabbare & Hajper are the most prominent themes made by ComeOn, games like these can be precious in terms of acquisition and retention. They’ll keep evaluating the data and look to roll it out across more brands if feasible.  

Since both games went live earlier this month, players are free to enjoy them. Let us know what you think about them! 

YG Masters partner ReelPlay’s new video slot Age of Beasts Infinity Reels offers huge payout potential

Yggdrasil has launched the latest online slot title from YG Masters partner ReelPlay, with Age of Beasts Infinity Reels transporting players to a fantasy world where a battle for the ages is going on between gods, beasts and demons and a €197,650 max win is up for grabs via exciting bonus features, with frequent triggers. 

This high volatility, GATI powered video slot, which has a 95.57 percent RTP and can be played on any device combines the Australian developer‘s trademarked Infinity Reels mechanic with a potentially lucrative Bonus Wheel feature. The mash up offers players endless possibilities as well as instant win prizes of up to 1,000x.

Bonus Wheel feature:

A key driver in the powerful Infinity Reels experience, with each spin of the Bonus Wheel either increasing a starting win multiplier or the number of Infinity Reels extra spins.

Players will find Age of Beasts Infinity Reels jam-packed with a range of 12 symbols, including six low value magical objects and the high value treasure chest, Wild, golden eagle god, purple demon, dragon, and the hunter, that payout for landing winning combinations.

Players can also win a bonus prize of 888 times their bet in addition to other wins when the game’s reels are expanded to a total of 13 or more.

A winner:

Commenting on the new game, David Johnson, Chief Executive Officer for ReelPlay, explained that combining Infinity Reels with a Bonus Wheel “extends the IP and was a natural design progression that will attract an even wider field of players.”

The CEO adds, “With best in class art & animation complementing the rich soundscape, we’re excited to unleash Age Of Beasts Infinity Reels across the Yggdrasil network, and indeed mankind.”

For its part, Yggdrasil Head of Product and Programs, Stuart McCarthy, said they have bee “truly fortunate” to be able to offers their partners a number of “fantastic” Infinity Reels games, and Age of Beasts “is set to be another huge hit.”

McCarthy goes on to declare via the company news release…

“From the moment we laid eyes on this game we knew we had a winner on our hands with the engaging mechanics and fantastic mythology inspired design. We know players will enjoy it just as much as we do.”

GATI powered slots:

The fantasy-themed title, which is powered by GATI, Yggdrasil’s advanced,  language agnostic, preconfigured, regulation-ready development toolkit that enables partners to build and deploy faster globally, fuels both YG Franchise and the YG Masters program.

Age of Beasts Infinity Reels is the latest game from ReelPlay following partner developer Boomerang‘s magical title Lady Merlin Lightning Chase and Hypernova 10K Ways, both of which further strengthen Yggdrasil’s fast-growing portfolio of slots courtesy of the successful YG Masters program.

Zhuhai COVID-19 outbreak causes revenues to drop in Macau

COVID-19 continues to rear its ugly head in Macau, this time causing revenues to drop once again. Last week, a huge dip in revenues was seen after border restrictions were tightened after an outbreak of the virus was detected in nearby Zhuhai. The gross gaming revenues came in at 53% less than the previous seven-day period.

Visitation Affects Revenue Totals Again

Brokerage Bernstein is reporting within its weekly check that gross gaming revenues for January 17-23 came in at MOP$244 million ($30.5 million) when compared to the week before. Just prior to the outbreak and restriction changes, Macau was bringing in MOP$114 million ($14.2 million).

According to Inside Asian Gaming, the brokerage blamed the dip on lower visitation due to tighter border controls, with a 24-hour COVID negative test required, plus travel advisories. So far, the Zhuhai outbreak of COVID-19 seems to be contained, and no new cases were reported on Sunday.

However, positive COVID cases in Hong Kong may be an issue. As the numbers increase there, Macau will most likely continue to keep its borders closed to the region. With players unable to visit from nearby regions, the revenue totals will only continue to decrease in Macau.

Along with overall earnings declining, Macau is also seeing a decrease in VIP gaming. In December, VIP options dropped more than 50% due to the dismantling of the junket industry. Analysts predict that the overall gross gaming revenues in Macau will continue to drop with January totals.

Maintaining Gaming Concessionaires at Six

The poor revenue report comes just a short time after the government of Macau announces that the number of its gaming concessionaires will remain at six. The decision was made after the current set of operators is set to see their 20-year authorization expire this June.

This time, the license holders will operate for 10-year time frames. The operators can bid to extend current licensing through 2032. However, details on how to complete the new tendering process have yet to be revealed.

As the news of the decision broke, the shares of companies invested in the market skyrocketed. Wynn Macau Limited jumped by around 9% while MGM China Holdings Limited moved up 11%. Sands China Limited increase even further at 14.6%.

It will be interesting to see if shares continue to remain steady or if the drop in revenues continues, resulting in a lower share price due to the continual struggle of the market connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.