Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has made its debut in the Czech Republic through an exclusive collaboration with leading operator Fortuna.
As part of the agreement, 39 of Evoplay’s top-performing games, including popular titles likePenaltyShoot-out and The Greatest Catch, are now available to Fortuna customers in the Central European country.
The collaboration not only introduces Evoplay’s diverse portfolio to the Czech market but also solidifies the company’s commitment to expanding in key territories.
Fortuna, a Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG) brand, is a prominent online casino operator in the Czech market, and the partnership offers Evoplay a solid platform to reach more local players, supporting both companies’ growth objectives.
The strategic move marks a significant milestone for Evoplay, as it becomes the studio’s inaugural partnership in the market with plans for further expansion.
Ihor Zarechnyi, CBDO at Evoplay, said: “Breaking into the Czech market with an exclusive partner like Fortuna underscores our strategic vision for regulated markets. We’re thrilled to bring our diverse content offering to Czech players and are confident this collaboration will yield outstanding results.”
Myke Foster, Group Head of Commercial Gaming Operations at FEG, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering best-in-class entertainment and exceptional gaming experiences to all FEG customers, with Evoplay providing a broad content portfolio proven with players around the globe. We are thrilled to be the first operator to take Evoplay’s titles live in the Czech market, and we anticipate a new level of engagement among our local audience.”
Aviatrix, the acclaimed crash game, has been certified in the Netherlands, allowing Dutch players to experience the popular title for the first time.
The certification in the Netherlands opens up yet another important regulated market for Aviatrix, which was recently named ‘Game of the Year’ at the EGR Operator Awards 2024.
Gross gaming revenue in the Netherlands hit €1.39 billion in 2023 and is expected to continue to grow over the coming years.
Dutch operators will now be able to capture this growth via Aviatrix’s innovative title, which is proving hugely popular in regulated markets worldwide.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “The Netherlands has been on our radar for some time, so this is a big day for us here at Aviatrix. We can’t wait to see Dutch players enjoying the title, and we will be working closely with some very special partners in the Netherlands to ensure this game is widely available very soon.”
Part of what makes Aviatrix so successful is the constant updates to the game, which keeps it fresh and exciting for players.
This has included a full redesign with new, 3D assets, as well as a first-of-its-kind free bets function via in-game promo codes.
The Philippines’ president has officially issued Executive Order 74, banning the operation of Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, with all operations to be wound up by December 31st.
The decree was signed on November 5th but only publicized today by Malcañang Palace.
It follows the order to ban POGOs in the country issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address back in July.
The Presidential Communications Office issued a release today, citing the President as saying, “The State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation”.
POGOs have been widely in focus due to a rise in criminal activities associated with offshore gaming, both with licensed and unlicensed operations.
What’s covered?
Under Executive Order 74, the ban includes a wide range of offshore gaming entities, which it defines.
POGO Gaming Agents (representatives in the Philippines of offshore-based licensees);
POGO service providers (BPOs).
This last element also includes ‘Business corporations organized in the Philippines which provide components of offshore gaming operations to POGOs such as strategic support provider, IT support provider, live studio and streaming provider, and gaming software provider’.
The offshore gaming operations and services covered are ‘online games of chance, limited to live-streamed electronic casino (e-casino) games, online random number generator (RNG) games, and online sports betting, exclusively and directly offered to foreign players, located outside of the Philippines, via the internet or online means’.
IGLs (internet gaming licensees – the newer definition used for POGOs) are equally covered – under the same definition, while also including local gaming agents – ‘a duly constituted business enterprise of good repute […] who represents a Foreign-based IGL licensee’, as well as ‘authorized gaming content provider or authorized support provider’ – ‘a duly constituted corporation organized in the Philippines providing the components of internet gaming operations’.
Ban target
The ban also immediately targets all POGO or IGL ‘and other offshore gaming operators without the necessary license, permit, or authorization, classifying them as illegal gambling entities’ and subject to the ‘ongoing and intensified crackdown on illegal gambling activities’.
License applications were similarly halted for any ‘licenses, permits or authorizations of POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming applications’.
The ban further includes authorizations for ‘related/auxiliary/ancillary services’. This is both for entities ‘under the authority of PAGCOR’ as well as ‘other government licensing authorities and within the jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines’.
License renewals are similarly canceled and all licensed or permitted operations have to wind up their affairs by December 31st or earlier, as previously outlined.
The Executive Order also covers employment recovery and reintegration, aiming to help displaced workers find replacement jobs ‘at the soonest possible time’.
Aside from setting up working groups to both crack down on offshore gaming operations before the deadline and help displaced workers, the Executive Order empowers local governments to ‘effectively implement the foregoing ban on offshore gaming services and operations within their respective jurisdictions’, providing a reporting mechanism to report on suspect activities.
Support for the private sector
The Executive Order does provide a measure of restraint, with the private sector ‘strongly urged to waive interests, penalties, fees, and other charges attendant to the termination of ancillary contracts or services, such as […] lease of premises, janitorial services, security, internet, and electricity’ of licensed offshore gaming operators.
Deterrent of foreign investment and tourism
The Executive Order justifies the ban as being due to ‘the high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination’.
It highlights how POGOs and offshore gaming have brought about ‘increased crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with them.’
FBM has expanded its journey in the United States with a new distribution agreement signed with Delta Gaming Solutions. This deal will allow FBM to accelerate the introduction of its gaming product lines across Oklahoma, the second-largest gaming market in the USA.
FBM’s pragmatic growth approach in the US enters a new chapter. The global gaming company has just signed a distribution agreement with Delta Gaming Solutions to install its slots in casinos operating throughout Oklahoma. The agreement, celebrated during G2E Las Vegas, will enable FBM to explore all segments of the tribal gaming market within the state.
By joining forces with Delta Gaming Solutions, FBM will have the opportunity to install its products in several tribal gaming facilities and analyze player feedback across different sectors. In addition to the current offering in the US market, headlined by Jí Hǎo Link™, the agreement outlines a steady rollout of new slot products, such as Jí Hǎo Link™ Spirits and Xing Fú Fortune™ Money Trees, using the Galaxy II and Auria casino cabinets.
For Renato Almeida, Director at FBM, this agreement marks a new consolidation milestone in the strategic plan defined by the FBM Group for the US market, opening positive prospects. “We are very happy with the agreement and are confident that this new partnership will lead to the successful expansion of FBM’s slots in numerous tribal casinos throughout the great state of Oklahoma,” he said.
FBM entered the US market last year and has been progressively introducing its slot gaming offer. Recently, the brand reinforced its commitment to the American operation by opening a new office in Oklahoma, enhancing its ability to provide top-quality games and cabinets to casino operators. This new agreement strengthens FBM’s position in the United States, facilitating the rapid deployment of its gaming portfolio in one of the most significant states in the gaming industry.
FBM and Delta Gaming Solutions signed the distribution agreement during G2E Las Vegas.
Delta Gaming Solutions is a trusted full-service electronic gaming device distributor in Oklahoma. Since 2015, Delta has installed and maintained slot machines and electronic table games in multiple casinos across Oklahoma and continues to expand its footprint by building mutually beneficial long-term relationships with casino operators throughout the state.
Global sports technology company Sportradar has further raised its FY24 outlook after seeing a significant increase in profits, driven by strong revenue and adjusted EBITDA rises in the third quarter.
According to results released on Thursday, the group generated a profit of €37 million (nearly $40 million) during the quarter, up from just €5 million ($5.4 million) in 3Q23.
Revenue was up by 27 percent yearly to €255.17 million ($275 million), with revenue from its Betting & Gaming Content segment up by 27 percent, to €162.77 million ($175.4 million).
The group noted that the segment benefited ‘from existing and new customer uptake of our products and premium pricing, as well as from the strong US growth market’.
Managed betting services revenue was up 18 percent, to €47.29 million ($51 million), contributing to a rise in Betting Technology & Solutions segment revenue of 32 percent yearly, to €210.06 million ($226.4 million).
Sports Content, Technology & Services brought in some €45 million ($48.5 million), up 8 percent yearly, with its strongest contributor being Marketing & Media Services, up by 10 percent yearly, to €32.94 million ($35.5 million) ‘with strong growth in both European and North America ads revenue as several sportsbooks launched marketing campaigns’.
The group’s revenue continued to be concentrated outside of the United States, with the Rest of the World contributing €204.07 million ($219.9 million) – a yearly increase of 23 percent.
The US market saw strong growth, however, up 46 percent yearly, to €51.09 million ($55 million). The group increased its share of total company revenue from the US market to 20 percent, from 17 percent in the same quarter of last year.
Adjusted EBITDA group-wide rose by €15 million ($16.17 million), to €66 million ($71.1 million), due to the growth in revenue but offset by increased sport rights costs ‘primarily related to the ATP partnership deal, higher purchased services driven by investments in developing our product portfolio, increased personnel expenses due to headcount growth and a higher bonus accrual in the current year’.
Looking at the annual outlook, the group is projecting a 24 percent yearly rise in revenue, to ‘at least’ €1.09 billion ($1.17 billion), with adjusted EBITDA expected to rise 29 percent yearly, to €216 million ($232.8 million).
Gaming equipment and services provider Light & Wonder has inked a seven-year Platform as a Service (PaaS) systems deal with New Zealand and Australia gaming operator SkyCity to ‘transform its casino floor and enhance player experience’.
According to a release on Thursday, the ‘collaboration includes software, hardware, and custom development services’.
In addition, SkyCity plans to use the L&W Engage platform – which utilizes AI to provide operators with player habit insights, preferences on offerings, and real-time marketing to customers -to both strengthen responsible gaming measures and customer engagement.
In its release, Light & Wonder noted that L&W Engage ‘technology includes loyalty features and tools that support safe, enjoyable gaming while fostering long-term, positive customer relationships’.
Speaking of the implementation, Group Manager Product Performance & Analysis for Skycity, Judd Hallas noted “SkyCity is transforming the customer experience with the introduction of 100 percent carded play at our casinos. The PaaS collaboration with Light & Wonder is the foundation of how we will deliver best-in-class entertainment that prioritizes customer care.”
Aside from L&W Engage, SkyCity is going to upgrade its casino floors using Light & Wonder’s iVISTA technology platform at gaming machines ‘via multi-touch displays, offering immediate response with vibrant animations and videos’.
This is also aimed at enhancing the customer experience while focusing on responsible gaming.
The groups did not disclose the value of the seven-year agreement.
Good morning. Results, results, and more results. Looking at Macau, Galaxy Entertainment Group saw strong revenue growth, rising to $1.38 billion in 3Q24. This was boosted by steady hotel occupancy, which helped boost the group’s financial performance. Moving to Singapore, Genting Singapore saw its net profit plunge by 63 percent, with less visitation and more competition from MBS. In the Philippines, Belle Corp’s share of gaming revenue from City of Dreams Manila dropped during the first nine months of the year, but its leasing revenue from the property increased.
Galaxy Entertainment Group delivered a strong financial performance in the third quarter, increasing group revenue by 11 percent yearly to $1.38 billion. Adjusted EBITDA was also up yearly, as Galaxy’s flagship property on the Cotai Strip saw strong hotel occupancy, leading to increases in revenue. The group’s peninsula property also fared well during the quarter, helping boost the group’s bottom line.
Asia is the most populated continent on the planet and Football is the No. 1 sport in most countries. The World Cup qualifying matches are traditionally watched by billions of fans in the region, but FIFA has decided to reward Asia with a significant representation at the tournament only now.
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.
Global sports betting and gaming group Entain has announced the appointment of Dafne Guisard as Chief Operations Officer, effective from January 13th, 2025.
Dafne joins Entain following her role as Chief Strategy, Transformation and Digital Officer for The Kraft Heinz Company.
Speaking of the appointment, Guisard noted “To everyone across Entain—our teams, partners, and customers—I’m ready to embrace this transformative journey together, elevate customer experiences, and make the extraordinary possible.”
Dafne had also previously held roles with AB InBev and worked with Goldman Sachs and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
She holds a Master of Business Administration from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Gavin Isaacs, CEO of Entain
Entain indicates that Guisard ‘will drive operational excellence, leading global strategic planning, the customer service organization, and M&A integration’.
Speaking of the appointment, Gavin Isaacs, CEO of Entain, noted “Dafne brings a wealth of experience in driving strategic growth and delivering transformation on a global scale. Her appointment will help place Entain at the leading edge of innovation, as well as strengthen the executive management team as we build on a period of stronger-than-expected revenue growth and key market expansion”.
Australia-based Jumbo Interactive has announced a revenue drop of 8.1 percent during the four months to October 31st, ‘mainly due to the subdued jackpot environment’.
In results released on Friday morning, the group indicated that the large jackpot environment in the first four months of the group’s fiscal was ‘subdued’, with 14 large jackpots of AU$15 million ($10 million) or above, an aggregate division 1 prize value of AU$440 million ($294 million). This is equivalent to an average value per jackpot of AU$31.4 million ($21 million), a 9.4 percent drop. Also, there were only two large jackpots greater than or equal to AU$50 million ($33.4 million) during the period, compared to three in the previous period.
This caused a drop in lottery retailing total transaction value (TTV) of 11.8 percent and a segment revenue drop of 10.3 percent.
Mike Veverka, CEO of Jumbo Interactive
‘Despite the unfavorable run of jackpots, player health metrics remain robust, with average TTV per draw for like-for-like jackpots continuing to trend positively for Powerball and stable for OzLotto,’ indicated CEO and founder Mike Veverka.
The results come after Jumbo Interactive posted its ‘most successful’ fiscal year to date, posting over AU$1 billion ($670 million) in annual ticket sales.
The group on Friday reaffirmed its Outlook for the 2025 fiscal year, assuming a ‘return to the historical number of large jackpots’ and a ‘flat/slightly higher lottery retailing revenue margin’ compared to fiscal FY24 of 22.7 percent.
Belle Corp, the Philippine-listed parent company of Premium Leisure Corp (PLC) saw a 17 percent contraction in its share of gaming revenue from City of Dreams Manila during the first nine months of the year.
According to results published on Thursday, gaming revenue for the group amounted to PHP1.49 billion ($25.67 million), amounting to 37 percent of the group’s total revenues, down from 42 percent in the same period of 2023.
However, the group saw an increase in its revenues from leasing City of Dreams Manila to a Melco Resorts subsidiary, with revenue up 16 percent yearly, to PHP1.74 billion ($29.83 million).
While total revenues of the group fell by just 5 percent yearly, to PHP4.1 billion ($70.34 million), net income fell by some 22 percent, to nearly PHP1.53 billion ($26.22 million), which the group notes ‘is mainly attributed to lower revenues from the gaming units’.
The group also has a 50 percent joint venture with Pacific Online Systems Corporation (POSC) through which it leases online betting equipment to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for their lottery operations.
During the nine months, the segment generated revenues of PHP398 million ($6.83 million), a 21 percent drop from the same period in 2023.
Belle Corp also operates real estate and property management operations. The group’s segment revenue fell by some 7 percent yearly during the period, to PHP464.2 million ($7.96 million).
