Month: December 2021

The €1.91bn acquisition cost will be paid in cash, and includes full repayment of Sisal’s debt. The deal will be financed through Flutter’s debt facilities. Following regulatory approvals, it is expected to close in Q2 of 2022.

Sisal is the licensee for the Italian national lottery, as well as those of Morocco and Turkey, the last of these being run through a joint venture with local business Demirören Holding. 

The business – which is currently owned by private equity group CVC Capital Partners – is also among the bidders for the UK’s National Lottery.

Aside from its lottery activities, it is a leading betting and gaming operator in its native Italy, and has expanded into Spain in partnership with Sportnco, which was acquired by Gaming Innovation Group earlier this week.

Futter said the deal would secure a “gold medal position” in Italy, where Sisal consistently reports market share of more than 12% in sports betting and close to 10% in online casino. 

“I am delighted to add Sisal, Italy’s leading gaming brand, to the group as we look to attain a gold medal position in the Italian market,” chief executive Peter Jackson said. “For some time we have wanted to pursue this market opportunity via an omni-channel strategy and this acquisition will ideally position us to do so. 

The operator added that, if Sisal and its existing Betfair and Sky Bet brands were combined, its online market share would exceed 20%. This combined position, it said, would also be boosted by Sisal’s retail offering, offering further diversification and protection against Italy’s ban on gambling advertisements.

In addition, Flutter noted that Italy’s online gaming market is continuing to grow quickly, with Sisal’s online revenue growing by an average of 34% per year since 2016.

“Sisal has grown its online presence significantly in recent years, aided by its proprietary platform and commitment to innovation,” Jackson added. I’m excited to see how Flutter can complement these capabilities through our scale, differentiated products and operational capabilities.”

Flutter also said the deal would further increase the portion of its revenue that comes from regulated markets.

For 2021, Sisal expects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to come to €248m (£211m/$283m), from net gaming revenue of €694m.

Sisal chief executive Francesco Durante paid tribute to the sellers CVC, saying that with its support the operator had been transformed into a leading digital and international gaming business.

“Through our commitment to digital innovation, international expansion and safer gambling, we have achieved a leadership position in Italy’s online gaming market and developed our global footprint by winning lottery tenders in Morocco and Turkey.”

“We are delighted to join Flutter and are convinced that through its scale and operational capabilities, we will be able to further strengthen our leadership in the markets we operate in,” Durante added. “I look forward to working with Peter and the team on the next chapter of Sisal history.” 

CVC Italy managing partner Giampiero Mazza said the private equity giant was very proud of Sisal’s success since its 2016 acquisition of the business.

“Through heavy investment in its digital competencies, Sisal has become Italy’s leader in online gaming while also growing its international operations. 

“Furthermore, the company is leading the Italian industry in ensuring responsible and safe gaming. 

“We want to thank Francesco and the whole management team for their incredible dedication, focus and ambition, and for leading this successful journey in spite of regulatory challenges and the pandemic. Flutter is a fantastic new partner for Sisal and we wish them the very best.”

Discussions are to be announced early in 2022, once due diligence potential dates have been carried out. 

In a communication to exhibitors Clarion Gaming managing director Stuart Hunter said the business had been working closely with ExCeL London to secure new dates in April next year. 

“We have seen good progress over the last few days and now have a preferred date we are working towards, but we will require some additional time to iron out some operational challenges prior to confirming the final dates with you and the wider gaming industry,” Hunter explained. 

“This work needs to continue through the Christmas period and we will then be in a position to confirm the selected date during the first week of January.”

He said that following the announcement on Friday (17 December) that each show would move from the originally scheduled dates, Clarion had hoped to confirm the new dates today (22 December). ICE was due to take place from 1 to 3 February, with iGB Affiliate London following from 2 to 5 February. 

However, the migration of events of ICE and iGB Affiliate London’s size and scale was “hugely challenging” and required dialogue with each show’s contractor base, and other UK organisers with a tenancy at the ExCeL. This, Hunter explained, would ensure the international gaming industry can meet with minimal disruption. 

“I would like to thank you for your continued support and patience, it is hugely appreciated and I look forward to working with you closely in the new year towards ICE in April 2022.”

The decision to push the dates back from the originally scheduled timelines, amid an evolving situation caused by the Omicron variant of Covid-19, was welcomed by leading industry associations. 

Marcus Prater, executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), said the supplier body appreciated “the thoughtful consideration Clarion Events put into the decision to postpone ICE”.

“Global gaming suppliers are anxious to gather at a better time and in particular want to welcome back the international community and especially those based in Europe to ExCeL and the ICE exhibition,” Prater added. 

The UK’s Gambling Business Group (GBG), a cross sector strategic body whose members include many of the leading brands represented on the show floor, also endorsed the decision.

“The industry needs positive and successful editions of ICE London and iGB Affiliate London more than ever before,” GBGB chief executive Peter Hannibal said. “Clarion has shown itself to be progressive custodians of the brands and excellent partners to everyone involved in the gambling space. 

“Businesses seek certainty and moving the shows into Spring 2022 represents the best possible option. A difficult decision but the right outcome in my opinion,” he continued. “The Gambling Business Group and its members look forward with great enthusiasm to being part of the international celebration of the gambling industry in all of its forms.”

Hunter concluded by thanking the industry for its continued support and patience. 

“[It] is hugely appreciated and I look forward to working with you closely in the new year towards ICE and iGB Affiliate London in April 2022.”

Sportnco, which earlier this week rebranded from France Pari to reflect its B2B focus, provides turnkey betting and gaming solutions to operators in regulated markets, with proprietary sportsbook and player account management solutions. 

It has a strong presence in its native France, and has also expanded into markets such as Peru, Spain, and Greece. It is partnered with high profile brands such as Betway, NetBet, Casino Gran Madrid, Casino Barcelona, and Peru’s Casino Atlantic City and Olimpo. 

It expects to generate revenue in excess of €9m for 2021, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of around €5m. 

GiG said the combined company would strengthen its position as a leading platform and media providers, with an “unparalleled” geographical footprint. Once the deal closes, GiG and Sportnco will be licensed in 25 markets, with around 55 clients. 

“Sportnco’s tier one sportsbook product is strong, and the acquisition is expected to create attractive commercial, operational, and technological synergies, as well as enable cost savings and accelerated growth,” GiG noted. 

The supplier will pay an initial consideration of €50.8m, of which €23.5m will be paid in new GiG shares, and the remaining €27.3m to be paid in cash. GiG will also assume Sportnco’s existing debt of €19.2m, and could pay an earn-out of up to €23m, based on the supplier’s performance in 2022 and 2023. 

“We are tremendously excited to welcome Sportnco into Gaming Innovation Group’s product offering,” GiG chief executive Richard Brown commented. “The transaction accelerates our long-term vision to become a global leader in the provision of platform, sportsbook and media services to the igaming industry. 

“The hugely complimentary regulatory profile and high-quality sportsbook that Sportnco have, rapidly expands both companies’ short- and long-term addressable market,” he continued. “Hervé and the team at Sportnco have built a fantastic company over the last decade, creating a great product and working in a range of competitive regulated markets and have a proven track record of success. We are very excited to combine the two companies’ offerings and accelerate our growth potential.”

Sportnco CEO and founder Hervé Schlosser said the two companies were a “perfect match”, both in terms of product and areas of business, but also through sharing the same corporate values. 

“I am excited by the sales potential of our combined offerings,” Schlosser added. “[The] Sportnco sportsbook will add strength and attractiveness to the offer of GIG and our mutual PAM solutions will enable us to cover European and American regulated markets for all our existing and future clients.”

To fund the cash consideration of the deal, GiG has entered into an agreement with SkyCity Entertainment Group that will see the New Zealand casino operator invest €25m into the business through a directed share issue. 

SkyCity CEO Michael Ahearne said he was excited to expand the operator’s strategic partnership with GiG, which has been in place since 2019, when they paired up to launch an online casino product. 

“The partnership has provided SkyCity with access to a complementary and high-growth gaming category and has enabled us to pursue an omnichannel strategy,” Ahearne explained. “The combined GiG/Sportncoo business will be licensed or certified in over 20 jurisdictions, including growth markets such as the US, Canada and Latin America. 

“We are delighted to support GiG in the financing of the transaction, becoming a major shareholder and helping GiG execute on its strategic vision through representation on the board. Importantly, the equity investment builds our digital capability and strengthens our strategic alignment with GiG.” 

Brown said he was delighted to welcome SkyCity as a new shareholder.

“Both companies’ outlook and focus around the ever-evolving digitalisation of gambling is expected to enable strategic gains, with GiG benefiting from decades of retail experience to finetune our offering and SkyCity benefiting from first-hand digital experience that GiG holds, and new opportunities brought about by the transaction with Sportnco.” 

The acquisition is expected to close in February 2022, subject to approvals from relevant gaming authorities, shareholder approval to increase GiG’s authorised shares, bondholder approval on the rollover of Sportnco’s loans, and final approval by the GiG board of directors. 

By C.J. Fisher and Harry Jackson, Fox Rothschild

At one time, the only way to gamble was to walk into a casino, withdraw cash from an ATM and sit down at a slot machine or table game to place a bet, or place a wager at the casino’s sportsbook. 

Those days are long gone, and the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of every part of our lives. 

From ordering groceries to attending meetings, from making payments to calling a cab, from shopping to cashing a check, our lives are increasingly digital, and the gaming industry has not been spared this digital transformation. 

While the rapid spread of mobile sports betting across the US is perhaps the most well-known and publicised aspect of this evolution, it is also evident in other areas. These include internet gaming, cashless wagering, esports betting and wagering activities involving blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. 

Mobile Sports Betting

Following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), states were free to legalise and regulate sports betting, and it is no secret that many have rushed to do so. 

Further, most states legalising and regulating sports betting have permitted mobile sports betting. Importantly, in the states that allow mobile sports betting, the vast majority of sports wagering is occurring via mobile devices, as opposed to at brick-and-mortar sports books. 

For example, New Jersey tallied $1.3bn of sports betting handle in October 2021, and over 90% of that amount was wagered online. This translated to approximately $10m in mobile sports betting tax revenue for the State of New Jersey. 

These trends support the ongoing digital transformation in that customers are accustomed to having instantaneous access to goods and services via their mobile devices, and sports betting is no exception. States opting to forgo legalising mobile sports betting risk missing out on tax revenue from residents who are unwilling to travel to retail locations and/or continue to wager via unregulated channels (such as bookies and offshore websites). 

This can also frustrate the legislative purposes behind legalising sports betting to begin with, such as combating unregulated wagering, ensuring consumer and responsible gambling protections are in place protect residents, and generating tax revenue. In short, while some states will not include mobile sports betting in their legislation, the majority that legalise sports betting in 2022 and beyond will. 

Internet gaming

While the market for sports betting expansion in the US since 2018 has been red hot, the market for internet gaming expansion in the US can only be described as lukewarm. 

Internet gaming or igaming generally refers to internet casino games, such as blackjack, roulette, poker and slots. While a few states allow full scale igaming, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan, most jurisdictions in the US do not currently allow it, including many that have legalised and regulated mobile sports betting. 

There may be a number of reasons for this discrepancy, such as more widespread public support and familiarity with sports betting as opposed to igaming. But it is only a matter of time until additional states allow full-scale igaming, primarily due to its revenue potential. 

For example, despite significantly less igaming handle in October 2021 (as compared to sports betting), New Jersey received approximately $19m of tax revenue from the vertical during the month. 

Simply, as the hold or win from igaming is significantly higher than the historical 5-6% hold for sports betting, operators generate higher revenue, which in turn translates into more tax revenue. 

Further, igaming has paid dividends during the pandemic as casino gamers could continue to wager despite widespread casino closures. For example, igaming win in New Jersey from March to October 2019 (prior to the pandemic) totaled $384m, compared to $779m from March to October 2020 at the height of the pandemic. 

In short, the revenue potential, in light of the continued impact of the pandemic, will likely drive additional states to legalise and regulate igaming in 2022 and beyond. Some jurisdictions, such as Indiana, have continued to focus on the vertical as a legislative priority. 

Cashless

With the rise of PayPal, Venmo and Apple Pay, along with good old-fashioned debit and credit cards, many of us now go weeks or months without visiting an ATM or even seeing cash. This trend was accelerated by the pandemic as individuals sought to minimise direct interactions and contact, and extends to the gaming industry. 

The industry is deploying a variety of cashless technologies such as devices allowing table game customers to obtain chips using their debit cards, wireless wallets that allow patrons to scan their phones with dealers to obtain chips, and systems allowing winnings to be disbursed directly to bank accounts. 

Regardless of the ongoing effects of the pandemic, this trend will likely continue and even accelerate as customers increasingly seek frictionless, seamless and efficient payment and gaming experiences, similar to what they are now accustomed to in other areas.

Esports betting

As additional jurisdictions continue to legalise and regulate sports betting in 2022, esports or video game wagering should continue to expand. 

The past year featured many states such as Arizona, Wyoming, and Nebraska including esports under the definition of permissible wagers in underlying legislation allowing sports betting, while Ohio recently included esports wagering in its sports betting legislation. 

Other jurisdictions that are finalising sports betting, such as New York, may also add esports betting to the list of available offerings. In addition, jurisdictions that have already enacted esports wagering legislation may make changes to open the market to encourage further investment by esports companies. 

For example, New Jersey amended its sports wagering law in 2021 to clarify the types of permissible esports competitions that could feature wagering. As more esports wagering platforms and service providers obtain licensure in the US, the number of esports offerings should continue to increase, along with the level of investment in this growing industry.

NFTs, blockchain and cryptocurrency

While the term Non-Fungible Token, or NFT, is rarely spoken in the gaming industry, that will not be the case for long. For those unfamiliar with NFTs, these digital assets can range from original artwork, skins for video game characters, virtual clothing that can only be viewed with special glasses or headsets and virtual homes. 

Each asset contains a unique identifier that is stored on a digital ledger secured by blockchain technology so it cannot be copied, hacked or duplicated. While NFTs sound like science fiction, they are being utilised for real-world transactions, such as music artists releasing albums as NFTs, allowing customers to acquire an animated album cover, limited-edition vinyl, and an entry into a lottery for VIP concert seats. 

The entry of NFTs and blockchain-based offerings into the gaming industry appears to be inevitable. For example, professional sports league player associations have already agreed to licensing deals with sports betting operators, including to create digital collectible files featuring the names, likenesses and images of active professional players which can be bought, sold and traded among collectors. 

Platforms may also pursue allowing their users to risk NFTs or other cryptocurrencies as a means of entry for a chance to win rarer NFTs of higher value, or simply to participate in other forms of gaming. 

Wyoming’s sports betting legislation and regulations expressly allow users to fund their sports wagering accounts with digital, crypto or virtual currencies.

Widespread adoption of NFTs, blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the gaming industry, however, will not be without obstacles, given technical challenges and perceived regulatory concerns, particularly in the areas of responsible gambling, KYC, AML and geolocation. 

Outlook for 2022 and beyond

The digital transformation of the gaming industry is readily apparent in the rapid expansion of mobile sports betting in the US, as well as the steady growth in igaming and cashless wagering, and esports betting and the adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies in the gaming industry are waiting in the wings. 

Many of you are probably reading this article on a cell phone — one more indication that this transformation will continue in 2022 and beyond.

C.J. Fisher and Harry Jackson are partners in the Gaming Practice Group of Fox Rothschild LLP. They concentrate their practice on all aspects of gaming law, including licensing, regulatory and compliance matters, and have been at the forefront of the expansion of legalised and regulated igaming and sports betting in the US.

Join Clarion Gaming for a webinar as Stuart Hunter, managing director and Richard Logan, head of operations, discuss hosting ICE and iGB Affiliate London in a Covid-19 safe environment.

Discover what measures Clarion will be putting in place to create a safe and comfortable experience, and understand what attendees need to do to access the show.

There will also be the opportunity for you to ask questions as Stuart and Richard open up the floor to the audience.

Attendees, exhibitors and contractors are all invited to join. 

Register here

This webinar has been POSTPONED to 16th December 2021:

In this webinar, our host Plaid will explore the potential of open banking to revolutionise landscape for igaming payments in Europe, by not only seamlessly initiating instant payments for players but also supporting enhanced player protection for operators.

In this webinar, Plaid’s Head of Product for Europe Albert Malikov will:

Provide an introduction to open bankingAnalyse the problems igaming companies are currently facing, from needing to provide a safer gaming environment to seamless customer experiencesDemonstrate how open banking can solve these pain pointsProvide a case study of Plaid’s payment solution in action

Speakers

Albert Malikov, Head of Product for Europe, Plaid

Webinar details
Thu, Dec 16, 2021
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM GMT

Currently Government guidelines advise limiting unnecessary contacts, as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 continues to spread.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, noted that casinos are an essential part of the hospitality industry and called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to deliver a economic package for businesses, particularly hospitality, similar to those offered during lockdowns.

“Casinos are a major economic contributor to the UK, as well as an integral part of the hospitality industry,” said Dugher.

Dugher added that if any restrictions were brought in, these would have a “significant impact” on casinos.

“After a gruelling 18 months, they have started to recover from the various impositions, including prolonged closures and travel bans, but they are now understandably concerned that further restrictions over Christmas and into the New Year will have a significant impact on their recovery.”

The BGC reports that an estimated 11,600 people are currently employed in the 120 casinos in the UK, paying £600m in tax and £1.2bn to the economy.

Dugher stated that casinos simply want “reassurances” in the event of further restrictions.

“Casinos, like many others in the hospitality industry, are simply seeking reassurances that if the pandemic requires yet more severe restrictions, that they will be adequately supported by government.”

Earlier today, members of the BGC outlined targets for corporate social responsibility, which include engaging with the local community and minimising environmental impact, as part of its 2021 CSR report.

Reforms in the act include the introduction of payment blocking for any operators other than monopoly Veikkaus.
In addition, mandatory identification – already introduced to Veikkaus slots earlier this year – will also extend to all forms of gambling. This is expected to be implemented no later than 2024.

Marketing regulations would also change with the revised Lottery Act. The advertising of gambling games deemed particularly harmful, such as slot machines, would be banned.

However, the payment blocking provisions proved controversial, as Finland’s Constitutional Committee argued that this aspect of the bill was unconstitutional. 

Meanwhile, the Administrative Committee argued the bill should have included an inquiry into what it called the “practically broken” monopoly system.
The committee also recommended payment blocking only be applied for payments to operators, rather than for player transactions. It also proposed shifting Veikkaus’ contribution to the state into Finland’s general budget pool, rather than earmarking it for certain causes.

After these amendments, the bill was approved at first reading. It will now need to be approved in the second reading before it can be sent to the country’s president to become law.

Maarten Haijer, secretary general of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), was largely critical of the bill. He criticised payment blocking as an effort to prop up Veikkaus’ monopoly, despite consumers looking for other options elsewhere.

“The introduction of PSP blockings is an implicit admission that many of Finland’s gamblers prefer to bet on other websites rather than that of the state-run monopoly,” he said. “There are many reasons why they do so: the availability of better betting odds, and better diversity and expertise in the products offered, are to name a few.

“In the online world, consumers vote with their feet and that is why we will continue to encourage the government to rethink, rather than reinforce, the country’s online gambling monopoly model and advocate for the benefits of establishing a well-regulated, multi-licensing model for online gambling in Finland.”

A man walks into the White Lion. He is asked for his ID and, although he looks well over 40, it doesn’t seem that unusual a request – especially these days. They then want to scan his ID, so he pulls out his QR code and is allowed in. So far so normal, at least in the post-Covid era.

When he approaches the bar, he notices a new sign saying “3 drinks max per person” and sighs. Maybe he’ll be able to grab another in The Farmers Arms next door, he thinks, ‘cos they can’t possibly know I’ve had a couple in here already…can they?’

They serve him a bottle of Budweiser but he spots a new red label on it: “2% by volume”. Jeez, what happened to the regular stuff? He scans the backbar and the whisky shelf reads “Max proof 20%”.

“Bunch of killjoys”, he mutters to himself, only half accepting that it’s not the landlord’s fault. He’s seen the news but still didn’t believe it would really happen down here at his local. He gives half a thought to the new “beersky” or whisky-plus-beer cocktail they have on offer, but decides to stick with his slightly more familiar bottle of 2% Bud.

Then comes the bill: £10 for the bottle.

“Surely not!?”, he shouts, “It was only £6 last week”? “Sign of the times,” says the landlord. “Not our choice to introduce the new liquor tax”.

He scans his card at the till but – oh no – it sets off a warning beep and a message comes up on screen: “Proof of funds not found: please see staff”.

10 minutes later, once he’s managed to show bank statements with his salary details, he’s finally allowed to take his beer. 

“Tables are over there,” says the barman, pointing to the corner and adding, just to confirm his fears, “seating only, except when ordering drinks”.

A second man meanwhile takes his first trip to the new Speakeasy in town. It’s not been easy to find as his friend’s directions weren’t clear and there were no signs outside. It was a bit of a trek too, he admits to himself, but at least he knows how to get here for next time. 

His friend had mentioned they don’t take cash so he had to drop by the newsagent on the way and purchased a pocketful of those funny speakytokens. A passing police car had made him a little nervous at the time, but he told himself ‘I’m not breaking the law as such’ and shrugged it off.

A bit apprehensive, he descends the steps into the dimly lit basement. On the way in, the toilets looked a bit dirty, but that’s probably because it sounds busy, he thought. A pounding bass drum and the distant buzz of a crowd had started to penetrate the walls as he approached. At least the beer will be good, he reassured himself again – well according to his friend, that is.

Rounding the corner downstairs, the music, heat, light and vibe all hit him in 4D. He pauses to take it all in: the place is crammed and it’s rocking! Uplifted by the mood, he heads straight to the bar and, no questions asked, orders his usual beer, for £6 worth of speakytokens. They even hand him a ‘Bogof voucher’ for mid-week too. He takes his first sip and, sure enough, it really is the genuine article…

The level of ‘channelisation’ will depend on the perceived ratio of cost/risk/time/hassle to reward of both the legal and illegal market offerings.

Kevin Dale is the co-founder of Egamingmonitor. He was previously CEO of Gameaccount (now GAN plc) and CMO at Eurobet, Sportingbet and Betfair. Egamingmonitor.com is an advisory firm to the gambling industry, with proprietary data covering 36,000 games from 1,200 suppliers across 1,100 operator sites. It publishes a monthly dashboard on iGB, with December’s edition live now.

Together with the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the Crime Commission has established that players staked AUS$85.0bn (£45.7bn/€53.7bn/US$60.9bn) at poker machines in pubs and clubs during 2020.

However, Michael Barnes, commissioner for the NSW Crime Commission, said it is unclear how much of this was the proceeds of crime being laundered by or on behalf of criminal syndicates.

Barnes added that due to the amount of money involved, it is reasonable to suspect some level of criminal activity.

As such, the Commission is inviting members of the public, academics with an interest in the area, current or past employees of pubs or clubs to make submissions to the inquiry. This process will remain open until 28 January 2022.

“We aren’t starting with any preconceptions about the extent of that criminal activity,” Barnes said. “We know pubs and clubs deliver valuable community services and are assured ClubsNSW, the peak body for the industry, is committed to stamping out illegality.

“However, we expect the expert investigators, data analysts, lawyers and intelligence officers working on this project to uncover activities not previously known to operators or regulators that will assist to ensure pubs and clubs stay profitable while the community is protected.”

The call for submissions comes after Liquor and Gaming NSW this month fined bookmaker Rob Waterhouse AUS$4,500 for illegal gambling advertising in the state.

Liquor and Gaming NSW said that it responded to reports Rob Waterhouse was offering a ‘five daily boosts promotion’, in which players could receive improved odds on up to five bets per day, on his website RobWaterhouse.com and Twitter account.

Waterhouse was charged with offences under the Betting and Racing Act 1998 relating to publishing prohibited gambling-related advertisements.