Kambi signs sportsbook agreement with Wind Creek Hospitality

United States

AGBrief Editorial

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November 26, 2024

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Kambi signs sportsbook agreement with Wind Creek Hospitality

Kambi’s premium Turnkey Sportsbook is set to power the tribal operator’s on-property sportsbook, Wind Creek Hospitality, at its new gaming and entertainment resort in Chicago Southland, with potential for future online expansion.

Kambi Group plc (“Kambi”), has agreed a multi-year sportsbook agreement with Wind Creek Hospitality, an entity of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, to power the operator’s new on-property sportsbook in Chicago Southland, Illinois.

This agreement will see Kambi provide its premium Turnkey Sportsbook solution to the operator’s Wind Creek Chicago Southland resort, including its state-of-the-art betting kiosks, Bring Your Own Device technology and award-winning Bet Builder.

Wind Creek Chicago Southland is a new gaming and entertainment destination which opened on 11 November 2024 in the Chicago region with a 70,000 square foot gaming floor featuring 1,400 slot machines and 56 table games.

Wind Creek Casino Southland — _{Wind Creek Chicago Southland}

The new on-property sportsbook will integrate seamlessly with Wind Creek’s state-of-the-art casino facilities, creating an immersive sports betting experience for customers. The partnership also includes provisions to explore potential online expansion.

Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino — _{Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino floor}

The agreement with Wind Creek Hospitality underscores Kambi’s position as the B2B sportsbook provider of choice for tribal operators across North America, with a proud record of partnering with tribes in launching sports betting to support their communities.

Werner Becher, Kambi Group CEO, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Wind Creek Hospitality to bring our industry-leading sportsbook technology to Wind Creek Chicago Southland. This deal not only showcases the trust tribal operators place in Kambi but also our continued commitment to delivering superior sports betting experiences. We look forward to collaborating closely with Wind Creek to offer an exciting sportsbook at their new venture in Chicago.”

Brent Pinkston, Chief Operating Officer, Wind Creek Hospitality, said: “With the opening of our new Wind Creek Chicago Southland property, it was essential we partnered with a leader in B2B sports betting provision such as Kambi. We are committed to delivering world-class entertainment solutions to our guests and Kambi’s proven track record and innovative technology will help us to deliver a best-in-class sportsbook product.”

Senator Hontiveros inquired about the scale of the operations observed, specifically asking if POGOs in Parañaque are splitting into smaller groups or disguising themselves as BPOs. She questioned whether this phenomenon is limited to Metro Manila or if it has expanded to other regions such as Luzon and the Visayas.

In response, PAOCC Director Winnie Quidato confirmed that this issue extends beyond Luzon, noting that many POGO operators have relocated to areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. He highlighted that these operators are actively establishing new operations in these regions.

Quidato also observed an increase in flights from Luzon to the Visayas, with many passengers being former POGO employees. He explained that some of these individuals have rebranded by changing their company names with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are now posing as BPOs.

He concluded by stressing the importance of a coordinated approach to tackle the problem, mentioning that discussions with other agencies are planned to ensure the effective enforcement of Executive Order 74 and address the ongoing challenges in curbing illegal operations.

PH Senate panel to hold its last POGO hearing next week — Courtesy: PNA

Spread of illegal gaming

The relocation and spread of illegal gaming after the offshore gaming ban was foreseen. Research from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), as reported by AGB, revealed that the POGO ban is having far-reaching consequences, particularly in the exportation of the country’s illegal betting model to new regions.

The study’s author, James Porteous, who is the Head of Research for the IFHA Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and Related Crime, noted a critical concern: organized crime syndicates are taking their operations to new territories, presenting themselves as legitimate businesses while corrupting regulators and officials.

This trend underscores the growing and dangerous nature of illegal betting, which is not an isolated issue but part of a broader criminal network that includes human trafficking, cyber fraud, and corruption.

The research concluded that the Philippines’ decision to shut down its POGO industry has not resolved the issue but has merely pushed operators to seek more conducive environments. Porteous warns that these operators will likely migrate to jurisdictions where they already have established networks or infrastructure. Past disruptions, such as in 2016, saw the rise of illegal betting operations in countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

These regions have become known for cyber-scam activities and organized crime syndicates that continue to operate with little oversight.

To help the winner manage her prize responsibly, DigiPlus Interactive organized a private financial coaching session earlier that day, led by financial expert Armand Bengco. This initiative, arranged through the BingoPlus Foundation, aligns with the platform’s commitment to providing financial guidance to its winners.

DigiPlus Interactive has emerged as one of the fastest-growing eGaming platforms in the Philippines. In addition to being the best-performing stock on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2023, the company has reported significant revenue growth.

According to its third-quarter earnings report, released on November 11th, DigiPlus posted a net income of PHP8.75 billion ($149 million) for the first nine months of 2024, a 314 percent increase year-on-year. Revenues rose 223 percent to PHP51.56 billion ($873.54 million) from PHP15.98 billion ($270.74 million) in the prior year, while EBITDA grew 271 percent to PHP9.34 billion ($158.24 million) from PHP2.52 billion ($42.68 million).

Thunderkick teams up with pioneering streaming provider Livespins

Europe

AGBrief Editorial

-

November 26, 2024

0

Thunderkick teams up with pioneering streaming provider Livespins

Livespins’ first-of-its-kind Bet with Streamers game involves influencers broadcasting live footage of slots from industry-leading providers, allowing players to bet alongside the streamer and receive the same multipliers they generate, all while following them from game to game.

There is also a strong social element to Bet with Streamers, with a chat function enabling viewers to interact with one another as well as the influencer, enhancing engagement and delivering an immersive experience.

Thunderkick’s diverse range of games will now be accessible to streamers, including The Gunman of Goldwood, Eager Beavers, and the iconic Esqueleto Explosivo trilogy.

Livespins will drive brand awareness on behalf of Thunderkick by delivering its games directly to players worldwide, enhancing global exposure as the supplier continues to expand its footprint in emerging markets.

Svante Sahlström, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunderkick, said: “Bet with Streamers is a truly innovative concept, providing a unique way for us to reach prospective players and strengthen our visibility in target markets. Some of Thunderkick’s most popular titles will be made accessible to streamers, ensuring that players associate our brand with distinctive, engaging games that are enjoyed by the most reputable influencers.”

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins, added: “At Livespins, we consistently update our content offering to include the biggest and best titles from those providers that drive the industry forward. The inclusion of Thunderkick’s fan-favourite games will supplement our existing catalogue, ensuring streamers can deliver an optimal viewing experience for players.”

In its Monday filing with the Malaysian bourse, GENM stated that Genting Americas (GAI) ‘seeks dismissal of the Complaint on multiple grounds, including that this is a shareholder dispute and therefore should be dealt with pursuant to the Shareholders’ Agreement between the shareholders of BB Entertainment Ltd in a forum other than the US Court’.

The group furthers that ‘the claims are time-barred’ and that ‘the Complaint fails to adequately allege facts showing that the required elements for each claim have been met’.

Genting Bahamas, Genting Americas — _{Resorts World Bimini}

Reiterating its previous statement, the company states that ‘GAI continues to firmly believe that the Complaint is baseless and without merit, and will continue to defend against these claims’.

RW Bimini is owned and operated by BB Entertainment Ltd (BBE), which GENM indirectly holds a 78 percent interest in via GAI.

Australia’s largest casino operator Crown Resorts announced in a release today that it ‘welcomes’ the announcement’, noting that it has already had some 400,000 guests register for carded play at Crown Melbourne in the past 12 months. The carded play was introduced to Crown Melbourne’s nearly 3,000 EGMs following the results of the 2021 royal commission inquiry into its suitability to retain its casino license in the state.

Crown Resorts, Crown Melbourne, Australia

‘Today’s announcement is an important milestone that will see these safety measures extended across Victoria,’ the company notes.

Speaking of the changes, Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert noted “Crown has led by example, demonstrating that carded play is essential to developing a safer gaming environment.

“Our experience in developing and implementing these reforms means that we are well-placed to assist the government and industry as they work to establish a safer and more sustainable gaming environment throughout Victoria”.

VGCCC implements new standards to better inform wagering account holders

Aside from the limits on cash input, new pokies approved by the state’s gaming regulator, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) after December 1^st, 2025, will also have their spin rate slowed to at least three seconds per game.

This should slow game play by up to 40 percent.

This comes after a September mandate for gaming areas in all Victorian hotels and clubs to close between 4am and 10am, implemented in September of this year. The measure does not apply to Crown.

Authorities say that this aims to reduce the amount of gambling harm, which the state’s Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, says affects 30 percent of Victorians who play gaming machines.

“Gambling harm has consequences, not just for the person gambling but for everyone around them. These reforms provide important protections for people using gaming machines and for their loved ones,” stated the official, as quoted by media.

Good morning. Nothing can last forever. And the pachinko and pachislot industry has been holding on by the skin of its teeth, enduring machine revamps and struggling through the pandemic downturn. New research finds that the situation is unlikely to improve, even with the addition of new “smart” machines. Meanwhile, in Macau, GGR growth is expected not to exceed single-digits for the next two years, as the market continues to focus on premium mass and luxurious hotel offerings. Speaking of, SJM continues to try to increase its attractiveness and could pull a profit this year, leading to dividend payments in 2026.

What you need to know

Pachinko parlors in Japan will decrease to approximately 5,900 by 2028, with pachinko and pachislot machines dropping to around 3.08 million units.
UBS sees low single-digit GGR growth in Macau through 2025 and 2026, with premium mass market expansion and new hotel openings driving demand.
SJM to resume dividend payments only in 2026, despite expectations that the company will return to profitability this year: Morgan Stanley.

On the radar

Hann Resorts breaks ground on a 10-hectare park as part of $4B Hann Reserve.
DigiPlus reiterates no imminent plans to develop Boracay IR.
Australian legislation to limit gambling ads to be pushed back to 2025.
Galaxy Entertainment sets up memorial area to mourn Lui Che Woo.
Dynam Japan sees profits rise 22.3% in recent six-month financial period.
Macau gaming tax reaches $9.11B in first 10 months of the year.
Macau Legend to contest Cape Verde decision to terminate IR pro.

AGB Intelligence

JAPAN

Pachinko parlors on the decline: Research

The pachinko and pachislot industry in Japan is in decline, with the number of parlors and operating companies predicted to shrink in the coming years, continuing a trend which started in the mid-2000s. The weight of regulatory changes requiring machine updates coupled with the pandemic placed a heavy burden on operators already struggling to attract new customers. The sluggish economy has exacerbated the hit to companies’ bottom lines, despite the introduction of “smart” pachislot machines.

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According to the institute, regulatory changes implemented in 2018 required operators to replace older pachinko and pachislot machines with updated models by January 2022. This transition placed a financial burden on operators, and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated industry stagnation.

As of the end of 2023, the number of pachinko parlors had declined by 526 from the previous year, totaling 6,839 parlors. The number of pachinko parlor operators also fell, with a decrease of 228 companies (11.1 percent) to 1,825. Corporate groups operating these parlors decreased by 171, down 10.6 percent to 1,447.

Long-term decline

In 2023, pachinko machines in Japan generated in total JPY8.2 trillion ($53.1 billion), while pachislot machines generated JPY7.5 trillion ($48.71 billion), with the total representing less than half the level from around two decades ago.

This long-term decline was attributed to the sluggish economic environment surrounding the pachinko industry.

The “smart pachislot,” released in November 2022, was said by the institute to have gained popularity, revitalizing a previously stagnant pachislot business, as players in their 20s to 40s are particularly drawn to these machines, especially those featuring anime characters.

Smart pachislot machines utilize digital medals instead of physical ones, while smart pachinko machines circulate balls within the machine, allowing players to play without touching them. Revised regulations have enabled a greater diversity of game designs for these smart machines.

However, despite the introduction of Smart Pachi-Slot machines in November 2022, which allow for play without physical gaming medals, the overall trend indicates a gradual market contraction.

In 2022, parlor closures had increased to 774, significantly higher than the 639 closures in 2021. Although the number of closures lessened in 2023, the pace of decline remained high. Notably, 116 new pachinko parlors opened in 2023, exceeding 100 for the first time in three years, primarily due to strong sales of “smart pachislot” machines.

The research forecasts that the number of pachinko parlors will continue to decline, reflecting the challenges faced by smaller establishments and the ongoing consolidation within the industry.

‘The declining number of parlors, installed machines, and active players suggests continued challenges ahead’, the research added.

The company reported total revenue of JPY63.7 billion ($412.35 million), reflecting a slight decrease of 1 percent compared to the same period last year. However, profit before income taxes rose significantly to JPY3.5 billion ($22.65 million), marking a robust increase of 22.3 percent year-on-year.

The net profit attributable to the owners of the company reached JPY2.1 billion ($13.59 million), reflecting a 16.9 percent increase from the previous year. As of September 30th, Dynam Japan operated 429 pachinko halls, slightly down from 434 halls a year earlier.

Revenue from the pachinko business specifically decreased by JPY2.01 billion ($13 million), or 3.2 percent – from JPY62.19 billion ($402.67 million) for the six months ended September 30th, 2023, to JPY60.18 billion ($389.67 million) for the same period in 2024.

Revenue from high playing cost halls fell by JPY1.43 billion ($9.26 million), or 4.9 percent, while revenue from low playing cost halls decreased by JPY581 million ($3.75 million), or 1.8 percent. The revenue margin for high playing cost halls dropped to 19 percent, while the margin for low playing cost halls increased slightly to 24.8 percent.

The company noted that the Japanese economy has been bolstered by increased inbound demand and improvements in employment and household income. However, uncertainties remain due to potential downturns in overseas markets and fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the company reported.

‘The pachinko industry is undergoing significant restructuring, driven by mergers and acquisitions, while also facing challenges such as declining customer numbers and ongoing closures of pachinko halls’, the company added.

Pachinko market to continue steady decline until 2028: Research

Despite these difficulties, Dynam stated that the pachislot market has shown resilience, particularly among younger players, thanks to the introduction of smart pachislot machines. The company is optimistic about the recovery of the pachinko market, especially with the rollout of new machines featuring innovative gaming functionalities.

Dynam Japan is focusing on enhancing profitability through operational efficiencies. The company has made progress in reducing operating expenses, which decreased by JPY1.51 billion ($9.76 million), or 2.6 percent, to JPY57.70 billion ($372.24 million) for the six months ended September 30th, 2024.

This reduction includes a decrease in expenses for both high and low playing cost halls, with Dynam Japan saying it is actively working to increase the installation of smart pachinko and pachislot machines to attract more customers.

Kambi signs sportsbook agreement with Wind Creek Hospitality

Kambi’s premium Turnkey Sportsbook is set to power the tribal operator’s on-property sportsbook, Wind Creek Hospitality, at its new gaming and entertainment resort in Chicago Southland, with potential for future online expansion.

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