KSA chair apologises for early problems in Dutch market launch

In a blog post, Jansen explained that self-exclusion platform Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (Cruks), which was set to launch alongside the gaming market, became unavailable at the time of launch due to a fault. As a result, operators were not permitted to go live until the next day, while Cruks was unavailable until 4 October.

“I am really sorry that it turned out this way and I am of course very aware of my administrative responsibility for these start-up problems,” said Jansen.

“We have pulled out all the stops to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.” 

Jansen went on to explain that problems also occurred for operators after the launch.

“We have received complaints from players that the customer service of some providers is not easily accessible and that the deposits are not always successful,” continued Jansen.

“As a supervisory authority, we are keeping a finger on the pulse of this in order to allow license holders to make adjustments if necessary.”

Jansen also addressed criticism that the decision to issue 10 licences meant the market was limited, and said that further market expansion was on the way.

“The first licensed providers have a wide range, and all game types are represented, but we are not there yet,” he explained.

“It is good if the market is further expanded to make the choice for the player broad and attractive. That is a means to ensure that, if the Dutch want to play, they do so with legal providers so that they are as well protected as possible.”

On the subject of gambling advertising, Jansen spoke on striking a delicate balance.

“On the one hand, you don’t want people to come into extensive contact with a risky service, but on the other hand, gambling is also a fact of life.”

He added that a significant number of Dutch players are gambling illegally, and that advertising is a way to offer legal services- where protection measures are in place- to players.

In addition, Jansen revealed that the outlook on the market will be clearer by July 2022 and that more licence applications are currently being processed.

Videoslots appoints Anne Muscat Scerri as chief people officer

Muscat Scerri has over 10 years of experience in the gaming industry, including senior positions at Betsson and Bethard.

Most recently, she held the role of head of HR at iSoftBet.

“Anne’s dedication to fostering positive relationships within energetic work environments makes her the perfect addition to the Videoslots team,” said Ulle Skottling, deputy CEO of Videoslots.

“Her enthusiasm for the role is apparent and we are thrilled to welcome her to the company. It will be a real benefit to the recruitment and retention of staff, as well as our great work culture.”

In her new role, Anne will lead a team of HR professionals. Her main focus will be attending to company culture and the overall work environment.

“My career thus far has allowed me to gain real expertise in strategic senior management roles, as well as hands on, independent project management tasks,” said Muscat Scerri.

“A dynamic company like Videoslots is the perfect place for me to develop my skills further, and I can’t wait to get started.”

AYX scores regional deal with Inter Milan

Under the deal, the length of which was not disclosed, AYX will become an official regional partner of the team in Asia.

The agreement comes after AYX signed a similar deal with Serie A club AS Roma in February this year.

“We are very happy to welcome this new important international partner to the Inter family, reflecting the ever-growing attractiveness of the Inter brand on the global scene,” Inter Milan chief marketing officer Luca Danovaro said.

“We are delighted to partner with AYX, the leading brand in the sports and entertainment market in Asia, and we sincerely believe that, together, we will achieve great results over the next few seasons.”

Inter Milan currently sit third in Serie A after winning five out of nine league games so far in the 2021-22 season.

Under the country’s Dignity Decree laws introduced in 2019, gambling advertising – including sponsorship – is banned within Italy. However, clubs are able to partner with overseas operators for deals targeting markets abroad.

Betway scores 76ers as latest NBA partner

Under the multi-year deal, Super Group-owned Betway will become an official partner of the Pennsylvania-based team.

Betway signage will feature on a range of surfaces throughout the team’s The Center arena during locally televised 76ers regular-season home games.

This will include visibility on team bench aprons, courtside LEDs and basket stanchion LEDs, as well as TV-visible signage alongside the scorers’ table.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

Tab NZ records monthly turnover increase despite lockdown effect

The figure did however come in NZ$9.4m below budget and NZ$18.8m lower than the same period last year.

Total gross betting revenue for the month was NZ$33.7m, NZ$1.5m above budget at a margin of 17.6%.

Reported profit for the month came to NZ$13.8m, NZ$1.6m above budget and a 58.6% increase on the previous month. Operating expenses amounted to NZ$9.1m, which was NZ$0.8m below budget.

The Tarzino Trophy event at Hastings was the most lucrative racing event of the month, generating NZ$635,000. The Sir Rupert Clarke stakes at Caulfield was next with NZ$508,000, followed by the War Decree 1200 at Te Rapa which brought in NZ$439,000.

In terms of sporting events, New Zealand’s rugby union matches against South Africa and Australia proved to be the most popular, raising NZ$933,000 and NZ$800,000 respectively. The rugby league fixture between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles followed with NZ$664,000.

Tab NZ’s operations have been hampered by novel coronavirus restrictions placed on the country, with many areas operating at alert level 3.

A Tab NZ statement said: “Notwithstanding these challenges, the TAB and industry is maintaining a much more robust position financially than during last year’s nationwide lockdown. However, as the Government response to Covid-19 continues to adapt and evolve, TAB NZ will continue to act with caution when assessing future potential trading conditions and how this will flow on to profit distribution. 

“Although betting performance has been relatively strong through the first half of October, continued closure of Auckland retail and gaming in particular present material challenges for the business and will require continued monitoring and further assessment at the appropriate time.”

DraftKings terminates Entain talks

The business said it made the decision after further talks with Entain’s board.

Chief executive Jason Robins said his business was confident in its own technology and brand.

“After several discussions with Entain leadership, DraftKings has decided that it will not make a firm offer for Entain at this time,” Robins said. “Based on our vertically-integrated technology stack, best-in-class product and technology capabilities and leading brand, we are highly confident in our ability to maintain a leadership position and achieve our long-term growth plans in the rapidly growing North America market.”

The US-based operator had made two proposals to acquire Entain last month. The first, a £25.00 per share offer, comprising cash and stock, had been rejected by its board.

DraftKings had then returned with a new proposal of £28.00 per share on 19 September.

Based on the 585,591,361 Entain shares in issue as of 30 June 2021, this would value the business at £16.40bn (€19.23/$22.40bn).

Neither was considered a firm bid though, with DraftKings initially having until 19 October to submit such an offer. This deadline was then extended last week.

DraftKings said it may ultimately opt to make a bid again under certain conditions, such as a “material change of circumstances”.

Cluster Tumble by Relax Gaming

Upon hearing that her husband has transmitted an emergency signal, our adventurer immediately abandons her current expedition and circles the globe to mount the audacious rescue!

You can play a demo of Cluster Tumble here!You can download the First Look Games affiliate pack here!

Go Live Date (expected):03/11/2021Game special features:Lightning win, fire transform, special stone blocks, free spins, buy bonusNumber of paylines:Cluster (4+ adjacent symbols)Number of reels:8×8RTP% (recorded/theoretical):96.40%Variance/volatility:HighNumber of symbols to trigger feature/bonus?:3Can feature be retriggered?:YesNumber of free spins awarded?:5Stacked or expanding wilds in normal play?:SingleStacked or expanding wilds in feature play?:SingleNumber of jackpot tiers?:N/AAuto-play function?:Yes

Book of Blood by NetGaming

Catapult your way into free spins with the help of the ‘buy bonus’.

Free spin mode creates an extra reel, which increases the player’s chance of landing the special expanding symbols for potentially massive wins.

Additional free spins are triggered if three or more scatters land on the reels when the mode is activated.

You can play a demo of Book of Blood here!You can download the First Look Games affiliate pack here!

Go Live Date (expected):28/10/2021Game special features:Free spins, buy bonusNumber of paylines:10Number of reels:5RTP% (recorded/theoretical):95.58%Variance/volatility:HighNumber of symbols to trigger feature/bonus?:3+Can feature be retriggered?:YesNumber of free spins awarded?:10Stacked or expanding wilds in normal play?:N/AStacked or expanding wilds in feature play?:N/ANumber of jackpot tiers?:N/AAuto-play function?:Yes

Book of the East by Swintt

This 5×3 video slot with 243 ways to win takes you to the Far East to the times of boat battles and brave warriors.

You can play a demo of Book of the East hereYou can download the First Look Games affiliate pack here

Go Live Date (expected):26/10/2021Game special features:Buy Feature, Free Spins, Expanding SymbolsNumber of paylines:10Number of reels:5RTP% (recorded/theoretical):92.24% – 96.18%Variance/volatility:HighNumber of symbols to trigger feature/bonus?:3+Can feature be retriggered?:YesNumber of free spins awarded?:8Stacked or expanding wilds in normal play?:ExpandingStacked or expanding wilds in feature play?:ExpandingNumber of jackpot tiers?:N/AAuto-play function?:Yes

Hurricane Horse Coin Combo by SG Digital

Above the reels you will find our Fu Pots that fill up as the Coin symbols appear on the reels. The Green and Blue Fu Pots can trigger the Free Spins Bonus Game, and the red Fu Pot will help players find their way into the Jackpot Pick round where they collect Fu babies to trigger the corresponding Jackpot. Trigger all three Fu Pots for the ultimate free spins and Jackpot reward.

You can download the First Look Games affiliate pack for Hurricane Horse here

Go Live Date (expected):27/10/2021Game special features:Coin Combo Free Spins, Jackpot Bonus, Red Envelope BonusNumber of paylines:243Number of reels:8RTP% (recorded/theoretical):96.36%Variance/volatility:Medium-HighNumber of symbols to trigger feature/bonus?:N/ACan feature be retriggered?:NoNumber of free spins awarded?:6Stacked or expanding wilds in normal play?:SingleStacked or expanding wilds in feature play?:SingleNumber of jackpot tiers?:4Auto-play function?:Yes