Founded in 2015 as a Facebook Fan Page, Fanáticos now has over 4.5 million fans across its social media channels, delivering a range of football news content.
The acquisition officially went through on June 11 and Fanáticos will now join Playmaker’s wider operations in Brazil.
“This acquisition is immediately accretive to Playmaker; Fanáticos adds over 4.5 million new social media followers with nearly one million on Instagram alone, altogether generating more than 33 million interactions every month, with market leading interaction rates,” Playmaker chief executive Jordan Gnat said.
“They are profitable and our team is passionate about Fanáticos and their fans. We are very excited to have them join the Playmaker family.”
Meanwhile, Playmaker has also announced the launch of its new Somos Fanáticos (We Are Fans) brand in Brazil, via its Futbol Sites subsidiary.
Playmaker said the site will publish hundreds of additional articles per week in an effort to build fan loyalty and create additional opportunities to engage with advertisers and sports betting operators in the country.
“With sports betting soon to be regulated in Brazil, growing our loyal fan base is very important and will allow us to remain a key partner to sports betting companies in Brazil,” Futbol Sites chief executive and Playmaker executive vice president, Federico Grinberg, said.
Why is latency so important to the success of the esports market? Are operators paying this aspect enough attention considering the potential impact it can have on player engagement and retention?
The issue of latency is a key aspect for sports betting across the board. Regardless of whether it’s esports or traditional sports, having even a two second time advantage is enough to give a significant edge and put other punters or the bookmakers themselves at a disadvantage.
Where esports differs from traditional sports is with the aspect of delay. Latency is when a video stream is slower than the real time gameplay, which is almost impossible to completely eradicate. But delay is more of an intentional feature in betting that has a big impact on the esports industry.
Tournament organisers purposely add delay to video streams for a few reasons but mainly to manage betting integrity and for broadcast quality. I believe most operators in the industry are approaching latency in the right way – just like in traditional sports, every second matters. When it comes to delay though, most operators are not looking at this at all. It’s not a matter of just a few seconds either, in most cases the delay can be 5–10 minutes, which is a completely different scale. This will naturally have a huge impact on player engagement when betting on a match and it’s an aspect I feel needs a lot more attention from the industry.
Flavien Guillocheau, CEO of Pandascore
What is the current state of latency in the sector? Do you think it’s at an acceptable level that’s conducive for a truly competitive market?
I believe the current 5-10 minute delay is too high and definitely needs to be improved.
This current level of means that punters will be looking at a stream that is at a completely different stage in the game compared to what’s actually happening on the tournament or match server. The situation has been made worse because of the pandemic as matches can no longer be played in a physical venue but instead, it’s all happening online without onsite referees, making it easier to cheat.
Esports typically has an asymmetrical level of data, meaning that one team does not have full visibility of their opponent’s match activity which stops them from being able to spy on what each other is doing, ensuring a fair match. This is why a delay is usually added, as a way to stop ‘stream snipers’. These are players that hack into an opponent’s stream while playing, giving them an unfair advantage as they’re able to see aspects of the game that they wouldn’t usually have visibility on. Adding a delay to the stream stops them from being able to take advantage in this way, which is good for game integrity but inadvertently detracts from the punter’s gaming experience. Betting on a stream that is 10 minutes old is not as fun or engaging for punters, forcing them to bet on the fixed pre-match odds or perhaps not betting at all because nothing is more exciting than being able to interact with the game in real time.
Although the intentional delay is done for good reason, I still think this aspect could be improved through relatively simple solutions. One simple way could be by delaying the data feed as well as the video stream to make it completely fair, as early odds can also give an unfair snapshot to more seasoned and experienced esports players who know how to interpret these data items to predict the future of the game.
Are some gaming titles or genres more dependent than others on latency levels? Why?
The impact of latency levels on esports is mostly influenced by the tier of the tournament or match. Lower-tier esports and less popular titles typically don’t have official data rights which means that there is no mass feed for everyone to access. In these sorts of situations, punters, operators, players and spectators are all getting their info from the same place – the online stream – so there can be no unfair advantage in regard to data speed compared to stream speed. Nobody has an advantage in these cases, making issues of delay or latency less problematic.
Higher-tier esports is usually where the biggest risks to integrity are. Top level games that are broadcast across the globe and have official data feeds are where the issues arise. The delay between video feed and odds feed can be so disparate, especially with MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games such as League of Legends or Dota 2.
These sorts of games usually consist of continuous gameplay for 40–50 minutes with no pauses or rounds. Even with delays of up to five minutes, a lot can happen that will change the dynamic of the game and moreover, change the general outcome of the final result. This puts the operator at a hugely increased risk and makes it unfair for punters using the stream content to make bets.
With round-based games, where gameplay is fragmented such as Counter-Strike or Valorant, a similar five-minute delay will only put the viewer one or two rounds behind at most. Typically, this not enough time to impact the outcome of a whole match and punters can only bet on one round at a time so the opportunity to benefit from the time delay is significantly reduced.
What impact does this have on betting integrity, particularly for bettors at an information disadvantage?
There are two sides to this answer: latency and delay.
In esports, latency is very important for the general viewing experience and currently, most data providers are using advanced technology that keeps latency to a minimum by optimising every part of the streaming process. This is actually something most providers in our sector are making great progress with and isn’t too much of an issue.
The main issue is with delay. I personally have also heard from multiple bookmakers that there is a major problem with unfair betting in esports, all due to the fact that players are being forced to bet on old information.
There was recently a case in North America where an esports operator was severely penalised because they displayed a scoreboard that was delayed by just a few seconds. Add this to an already delayed video stream and it’s easy to see why this is such a big problem. If the punter is looking at the stream while betting, which is what most prefer to do, and they notice that the odds do not accurately reflect the gameplay they’re seeing on screen, they will of course be discouraged from betting and their level of engagement can drop significantly.
The issue of delay is not just about sports integrity and fairness but also about creating exciting experiences for the punters, enabling them to interact with gameplay in real time.
It’s been proven that matches with the biggest delays usually have the lowest betting volume, so it’s heavily in our interests as industry stakeholders to improve this as soon as possible. Latency itself is not a problem, the current industry level is under 10 seconds which is not perfect but is not problematic as most people don’t have the means or knowledge to be able to exploit that level of latency.
What role does AI play in improving data communication speeds? Does this new tech go hand in hand with improving latency?
AI’s biggest advantage is not necessarily in its overall data communication speed but more to do with its ability to process large amounts of data in a split second.
One of the ways we use AI-based models is in recognising and transforming images or video into useful statistics. It can also be used to recognise key points of a game such as whether a player is dead or not via colour recognition. When it comes to data items such as this, AI is no faster than traditional data gathering models. Where AI excels is in its ability to take information like this, plus up to 300 other data points and create a plethora of game predictions and betting opportunities in hundredths of a second. Resulting in a much more interactive and engaging experience for bettors.
What options do operators have for improving latency levels? Is it as simple as finding the right partner or is investment needed in their internal systems?
Improving the delays and latency levels is not the responsibility of the operator or their internal systems, they are only able to work within the set parameters that they’ve been given.
I truly believe the key drivers for these industry wide improvements should be spearheaded by the data providers, service providers and regulators.
To really make an improvement, there needs to be some changes in regard to the way the intentional delays are made. Surprisingly, the solutions are really quite simple. This can be done in offline tournaments by simply removing the delay, so everyone is receiving info at the same time.
For online tournaments where there is an increased risk of stream sniping, organisers can align the delay of the video stream with the delay of the data feed, blocking the possibility of any unfair advantages. I think this will be most conducive to creating a competitive and fair betting environment that everyone can enjoy. Even with no perceived delay, operators will still be able to price markets efficiently and most importantly, ensure the players betting experience is maximised.
The solutions are available to us as an industry, it’s just about making changes so that we can better ensure a more equitable, sustainable betting ecosystem for all stakeholders.
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Stefan Löfven, announced today that he would be stepping down from his post after the Riksdag declared a motion of no confidence in his government.
Speaking for BOS, secretary general Gustaf Hoffstedt stated that the news could be a beneficial development from a gambling regulation perspective, as there may be personnel changes at the ministry responsible for gambling regulation. Hoffstedt said that incumbent Minister for Social protection Aradalan Shekarabi does not have much concern for a healthy gambling market.
“The possibility to pick political points by criticizing and make life miserable for the privately owned and international gambling industry always comes first, hand in hand with his willingness to offer state owned and/or state governed gambling operators special treatment,” commented Hoffstedt.
Hoffstedt further explained that since the Swedish government is currently a “caretaker government” following Löfven’s resignation, the process to impose new regulations has been slowed.
In addition, Hoffstedt said that another positive aspect is that the vote of no confidence proved the Swedish government “acts without support from the Parliament” in issues including those of gambling regulation.
“Almost all political parties agreed on the agenda regarding gambling regulation five to ten years ago,” Hoffstedt added. “Nowadays the opposition often criticizes the Minister for his action in areas related to gambling, claiming that he has abandoned the agenda that jointly was decided prior to the reregulation in 2019.”
Although, according to BOS, this could be a constructive development, Hofstedt outlined a number of gambling-related initiatives that could be affected.
“It will be difficult for the government to extend [the temporary Covid-19 measures] beyond November 14 as long as the government is a caretaker government. It will also be difficult to end them early for the same reason.”
According to Hoffstedt, BOS believes that the government had intended to introduce an encompassing gambling bill to the Riksdag before the next Swedish general election in September 2022. He said this bill may include more restrictions for the industry.
“It is however impossible for the government to propose such bill at the moment. Preparations may continue, but it is likely that the process is slowing down. This is positive.”
Laying out possible future scenarios, BOS said it was possible Löfven returns to his position and creates a new center-left government, with Shekarabi overseeing gambling regulation. Alternatively, opposition leader Ulf Kristersson may form a center-right government, that would likely include ministers with a “relatively positive” view of the gambling industry, but this – he said – could be tempered by socially conservative views on gambling within the governing parties.
The operator will execute an early redemption of its outstanding notes – due in December of this year – which it will finance by issuing new notes with a redemption date three years later.
The value of the early redemption amounts to $118.0m (£84.9m/€98.9m) of existing notes, which were privately placed outside Japan and had been due to mature in December this year but will instead now be redeemed in or around August.
To pay for this, the operator has announced details of plans to issue additional notes outside of Japan. The maximum value of these notes will be $143.0m and will mature on 11 December 2024. The notes carry an 8.5% interest rate per year and will be issued for 102.0% of the principal amount.
Universal Entertainment intends to appoint Union Gaming Securities as marketing agent for the additional notes.
“The early redemption is intended to improve the company’s cash flow and secure its liquidity and assumes issuance of additional notes,” Universal Entertainment said.
“While the company will promptly commence negotiation on the terms of the additional notes with potential investors, the company considers that there will be no major obstacles to the issuance of the additional notes in the current market environment.”
In February, Universal Entertainment reported a 27.3% year-on-year decline in revenue to JPY90.87bn in 2020 after the temporary closure of its Okada Manila resort outweighed growth in the machine sales segment.
Governments in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia tightened measures due to an increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks.
As such, land-based casino operators in the states will have to reduce or cease their gaming operations until such restrictions are lifted.
In New South Wales, an extended stay-at-home order issued on 26 June will mean Crown Resorts’ Crown Sydney casino will remain closed until at least 9 July. This will also apply to the site’s food and beverage and conferencing facilities.
Star Entertainment’s Star Sydney will also be closed until 9 July, though the on-site hotel will continue to operate on a limited basis.
The Western Australia government yesterday (27 June) also imposed new restrictions across the Perth and Peel regions, whereby casino operators in the state will have to suspend all gaming activities for at least three days.
Crown Perth’s casino will close, but the on-site hotel and food and beverage facilities will continue to operate during the period.
Queensland’s government also announced new restrictions, whereby access to casinos will be limited with effect from 29 June.
As such, Star’s Queensland properties will be permitted to continue operating, but with a limited capacity of one person per four square metres indoors. Customers will have to wear masks while on site and remain seated while eating or drinking.
However, Victoria’s government has proceeded with a planned relaxation of rules that will mean Crown Melbourne can operate its casino with certain restrictions.
As of 25 June, there is a limit of 300 guests per indoor space, electronic gaming machines must be spaced 1.5m apart – either by every second gaming machine being turned off or physical spacing between machines – and table games must operate at 1.5m apart with seated service only.
Crown Melbourne’s hotels, restaurants and bars will also continue to operate in accordance with Victorian government directions.
Sport betting revenue rocketed 1,500.7% year-on-year from $946,641 record during the first month of legal wagering in May of last year. However, this figure was 13.6% lower than the $17.6m in revenue generated in April of this year.
Of the $15.2m generated in revenue in May, $14.9m was attributed to online betting, while the remaining $210,494 came from retail activities.
Turning to player spending and the $249.0m wagered on sports in May was up 872.7% year-on-year from $25.6m in May 2020 and also 1.2% higher than the $244.4m spent by players in April this year.
Consumers bet a total of $246.5m online during May, compared to $16.8m at retail sites across the state.
Basketball was by far the most popular sport to bet on in Colorado during May, accounting for 34.9% of all wagers placed in the month.
Revenue in May amounted to $3.1m, which was significantly higher than $424,947 in the same month last year, though all retail sportsbooks in the state were closed in May 2020 due to novel coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions.
However, the monthly amount was down 5.7% from $3.3m in April this year, which itself was 23.3% down from $4.3 in March.
Mobile betting accounted for $2.2m of all sports wagering revenue generated during May, compared to $874,260 from retail sportsbook facilities across the state.
It was a similar story for player spending, with the state’s handle rocketing 488.9% year-on-year to $42.4m, though this was the lowest monthly total since September 2020 and was down 9.2% from the $46.7m wagered during April.
Entain will use its brands Party Poker and Party Casino, and their partnership with McLaren Racing, to promote the importance of staying in control when gambling, which it likened to staying in control behind the wheel of an F1 car.
The campaign features a mini-film, titled “Time to Pit”, which features McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo speaking on the importance of considering limits and remaining in control.
At last week’s Styrian Grand Prix McLaren’s F1 cars featured the “Party Responsibly” messaging instead of product branding. This will appear again at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix,
The campaign will also feature the launch of an internet hub, Partyresponsibly.net, which will allow players to check how in control they feel of their betting and provide resources for responsible play.
“We believe there are lots to learn from the importance McLaren and Daniel attach to managing risk and staying in control,” said Grainne Hurst, director of corporate affairs at Entain.
“That’s why we think Party Responsibly is a great way to use the partnership to promote safer betting and gaming, to ensure our players respect their limits and enjoy a great entertainment experience with us.”
Earlier this month, Entain’s non-profit The Entain Foundation US launched a responsible betting app, which provides supportive and educational tools for those seeking responsible gambling advice.
The ban means Sepúlveda Navarro, who had a highest ATP singles ranking of 1,579, will not be able to play in, coach at or attend any tennis event sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis until 8 June 2024.
The offences took place between 2015 and 2020 and included a breach of Section D.1.a. of the TACP, which states that a player cannot bet or conspire to wager on the outcome or any aspect of a tennis event.
Sepúlveda Navarro was also found to have breached Section D.1.d., whereby players must not contrive or attempt to engineer the outcome or any other aspect of an event.
The ITIA also charged Sepúlveda Navarro in relation to Section D.1.f., which related to any covered individual accepting money or other benefits to negatively influence a player’s performance, as well as Section D.2.a(i), whereby a player should report any such approach.
In addition, Sepúlveda Navarro was ruled to have breached Section D.2.c., which states that any failure to comply with reporting obligations in Section D or the duty to cooperate under Section F.2.shall constitute a corruption offence.
Sepúlveda Navarro will now serve the ban and was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 (£7,177/€8,373), $8,000 of which was suspended.
The partnership was signed by Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, and Julien Morel D’Arleux, director of the OFDT, and aims to improve the prevention of excessive or pathological gambling, as well as increasing the protection of minors.
The agreement covers three particular areas; to ensure donations are made by gambling companies to the financing of scientific studies on gambling and addiction, to share experience between the organisations in order to provide studies and research around recreational gambling, and to share data and knowledge relating to ADHD and the mechanisms associated with addiction.
These objectives will serve to provide ANJ with a clearer understanding of the different elements of problem gambling, in order to help it develop a sustainable market of recreational players.
The framework agreement also aims to define an action plan shared between the two organisations for the fiscal years 2021 and 2022, which will allow high-priority work to be carried out to strengthen gambling regulation and the robustness of ANJ’s decisions, the regulator said.
ANJ said it may where necessary involve the OFDT in its work and, in particular, invite it to participate in the work of the advisory committee on the prevention of excessive gambling.
In December last year, the ANJ formed a partnership with l’Union nationale des associations familiales (UNAF), with a view to helping protect children and young people in the country from gambling-related harm.
