Month: March 2022

New Yo-k listed Light and Wonder – previously known as Scientific Games – has been granted a supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which will allow the company to enter the newly regulated Ontario igaming market on April 4.

Ontario is set to become the sixth jurisdiction in North America to regulate online casino gaming. AGCO has already issued licences to a number of operators including Bet365, FanDuel and Unibet in preparation for the market to launch next week, while suppliers such as Inspired, Kambi and Play’n Go are also licensed.

Light and Wonder’s portfolio of games will now be open to Ontario-licenced operators, where they will have access to the OpenGaming ecosystem’s in-house developed games.

The supplier will be able to deliver more than 2,500 games to operators, including titles such as Dancing Drums Explosion, 88 Fortunes and Marvelous Mouse Coin Combo.

“We can’t begin to overstate how excited we are to be operating in Ontario, this is a market where our games have resonated with players for years and now to expand to the private sector is an incredible opportunity and fantastic milestone for the company,” said Light & Wonder Americas managing director Robert Hays.

Single-event sports betting officially launched in Canada on August 27, but is currently only offered by provincial lotteries. The process to regulate both betting and gaming in Ontario began in April 2019, with the legislative processes passed in 2021.

Based in New York City, Ahn will oversee FuboTV’s content strategy and licensing, as well as business development. He will report directly to FuboTV co-founder and chief executive David Gandler.

Ahn will transition from his current role on FuboTV board of directors in order to take on the new position. He has been a member of the FuboTV board since July 2020.

Ahn previously spent more than two-and-a-half years as president of distribution and content partnerships at Univision Communications, while he also spent almost seven years as president of content distribution and marketing for Scripps Network Interactive.

His other roles have included executive vice president of TV networks distribution for NBC Universal, senior vice president of affiliates sales at NBCU Cable Networks and director finance and administration at NBC Cable.

“I am thrilled to be working with David and the entire FuboTV team even more closely going forward,” Ahn said. “Ever since my involvement with FuboTV, which goes back even before I joined the board in 2020, I was impressed by David and his team, who have consistently out-delivered results in the fast-growing streaming business. 

“I look forward to working constructively with media companies, other content providers and distribution companies to continue to bring great sports and entertainment programming in an affordable manner to our FuboTV customers.”

Gandler added: “At Fubo, Henry’s focus will be on managing our content licensing strategy and costs, working with Ben and Len who have done a great job leading our partnerships, in an effort to maximise value for our customers and shareholders as we scale our subscriber base.”

Meanwhile, FuboTV has also appointed former National Football League (NFL) executive Julie Haddon to its board of directors. 

Haddon, who is an owner of the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), will also join the board’s audit committee with immediate effect.

“Julie is an incredibly respected sports, media and tech business leader who has built global audiences for some of the world’s biggest leagues and brands,” Gandler said.

“I have no doubt Julie will bring a valuable perspective to FuboTV as we aim to transform the TV space for consumers while providing value to our shareholders. I’m looking forward to working closely with Julie and welcoming her to FuboTV’s board of directors.”

The double appointment comes after FuboTV last month became the subject of a class action lawsuit in New York over claims it misled investors concerning its acquisition of Balto Sports and prospects of achieving success as an online sportsbook operator.

The case against the New York-listed business was filed at the Southern District of New York on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired common stock of Fubo from 23 March 2020 to 4 January 2021.

Being developed in partnership with CQ Holding Company, the sportsbook will be located at Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge, which recently broke ground on a project to relocate its casino operations to land.

DraftKings and CQ will first construct a temporary sports betting facility at the casino, with the aim of opening a permanent sportsbook at the site next year. 

The initial temporary venue will feature 20 self-service kiosks and three over-the-counter sports betting ticket cages. 

This project marks the second collaboration between DraftKings and CQ, following the launch of a DraftKings sportsbook at Casino Queen in Illinois.

“The temporary DraftKings Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge will provide customers with new, exciting ways to enjoy this historic property, and we’re thrilled our expanded DraftKings partnership will offer guests their premier sports betting technology,” CQ president and chief executive Terry Downey said. 

“We believe this temporary DraftKings Sportsbook space will lay the foundation for one of the most engaging sports viewing environments, which will be further elevated upon the opening of the proposed permanent DraftKings Sportsbook next year.”

DraftKings, senior director of retail sportsbooks Michael Kibort added: “Through our collaboration with CQ Holding Company, Inc. and Hollywood Casino, we look forward to revolutionising the sports betting experience while providing sports fans with an outstanding entertainment facility in Baton Rouge.”

Work to transform the venue into Horseshoe Black Hawk will begin this summer, with the aim of completing the transformation before the end of the year.

The casino, which will remain open throughout the project, will receive Horseshoe exterior signage, refreshed rooms and a reimagined casino floor.

In addition, Caesars Sportsbook will partner with Brew Brothers to introduce a new sports betting experience for customers at the casino. 

“Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk is the premier choice for gaming, dining and nightlife and the transformation into the iconic Horseshoe brand will only enhance the experience for our guests,” Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk senior vice president and general manager Norris Hamilton said. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this legendary brand to Colorado and continue to offer unparalleled and elevated experiences.”

The announcement comes after Caesars last month reported $9.57bn (£7.25bn/€8.68bn) in revenue for its 2021 financial, a rise of 168.7% from 2020, with revenue from every division more than doubling.

Run by the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), the Bacta Charitable Trust launched in 1991 and has raised more than £2.25m for good causes across the UK including the Princes Youth Business Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Merkur UK made its donation as part of the wider the Merkur Initiative programme, which was introduced to help support smaller community-based good causes.

The Merkur Initiative has helped over 40 groups including an animal sanctuary, a foodbank in Manchester, a hospice roof appeal, a homelessness organisation, the Gurkha Welfare Trust and an organisation that provides entertainment for children while they are receiving treatment in hospital.

“This sum is hugely appreciated by everyone connected with the Bacta Charitable Trust and extends Merkur UK’s tremendous support for community focused worthy causes,” Bacta Charitable Trust chairman Jimmy Thomas said.

“The last two years have been extremely difficult for everyone in society not least the charity sector which saw its revenue streams run dry virtually over-night as a result of Covid-19. Contributions such as the one made by Merkur UK serve as a lifeline.”

Merkur UK general manager Sascha Blodau added: “Merkur Initiative is all about providing financial assistance to those smaller charities that don’t receive the level of publicity and support enjoyed by bigger and better-known organisations.”

“What I hope we are demonstrating is that it’s possible to be a successful commercial organisation at the same time as being a responsible, progressive and positive corporate citizen. I am delighted that we have been able to support the UK trade association and help it to continue its fantastic work in the community.”

The black-tie award ceremony will be held at the Troxy, a music venue in East London. The event will also include a three-course dinner and an after party.

“The iGB Affiliate Awards are back bigger and better than ever before and taking place in a stunning Art Deco venue and with a new judging process,” Naomi Barton, portfolio director responsible for the iGB brand, said. “The enhancements to the evening, which is recognised as being one of the key social and networking events in the igaming affiliate calendar, have been undertaken in conjunction with the affiliate community and are designed to deliver an amazing experience and high-profile celebration of the personalities and brands that make the sector so special.

“ Not only will the iGB Affiliate Awards serve as a celebration of everything that’s positive about the business but it will also mark a highly symbolic return of in-person events after a two-year absence.”

In total, awards will be handed out in 14 categories. The categories are Affiliate Employer of the Year; Best Affiliate Manager; Best Affiliate Program; Best Bingo Affiliate; Best Casino Affiliate; Best Sports Betting Affiliate; Best Tech Affiliate; Best Tech: Affiliate Program; Best Digital Agency; Innovation Award; Marketing Campaign of the Year; Best Newcomer, Rising Star and  Game of the Year.

While most award winners will be selected by an expert panel, Game of the Year will be a public vote.

“The Awards categories cover all aspects of the business including innovation, creativity, integrity and talent,” Barton said. “I am hugely grateful to our illustrious judging panel which reads like a ‘who’s who’ of the industry as well as our iGB Affiliate Awards sponsors which number brands including Chilli Partners (out headline sponsor), Safe Affiliate Programs (photobooth and VIP table sponsor) as well as Bet365 Partners, ComeOn! Connect, Partners.io, William Hill and Leadstar Media, all of whom are VIP Table sponsors.”

The announcement comes soon after event organiser Clarion Gaming announced that iGB Affiliate London 2022 has received registrations from industry professionals based in 76 countries, making the show “the most international and diverse edition of the event on record”. Barton said that all the signs point to the 2022 show being a resounding success.

“All of the metrics are pointing towards a successful exhibition with registrations received from industry professionals based in a total of 76 countries making it one of the most international gambling industry events in the world, ranking alongside sister events ICE London and iGB Live!,” she said. “The volume of registrations is tracking well ahead of 2020 with 73% classifying themselves as C-Level decision-makers, and nearly a third (28.7%) set to attend iGB Affiliate London for the first time.”

To register for iGB Affiliate London 2022, click here.

Gross gaming revenue is calculated after promotions are deducted. Before these deductions, revenue was $21.6m, down 3.6%.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation – which operates Foxwoods Casino and partnered with DraftKings for online betting and gaming – continued to lead the way in gross online casino revenue, bringing in $13.7m. The tribe made a further $46,953 in revenue from mobile-on-reservation gaming, with its own Foxwoods-branded app.

Meanwhile, the Mohegan Tribe – which partnered with FanDuel – brought in $7.8m in gross revenue.

The combined online casino revenue came on $743.9m worth of stakes, with $493.6m staked with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and $249.5m with Mohegan.

In addition, players staked $17.2m worth of promotional credits with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and $1.0m with Mohegan.

After taking these promotions into account, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s net revenue was $10.3m, while for the Mohegan Tribe it was $6.8m.

Each operator then paid 18% of this total to the state, meaning that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe paid $1.9m and the Mohegan Tribe $1.2m.

Turning to sports wagering, combined online and retail revenue before deductions was $5.0m, slightly less than half of the total recorded in January and the lowest total since October, which included only 20 days of legal betting. Of this total, $4.7m came from online bets. 

After deductions, revenue was $3.6m.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe took in the most revenue, with $3.2m, while Mohegan took in $1.1m, with both tribes generating all of their revenue from online betting.

The Connecticut Lottery – which partnered with Rush Street Interactive – brought in an additional $443,848 in online betting revenue, plus $358,165 from retail betting.

The $5.0m in revenue came on bets worth $115.6m. This included $108.8m wagered online. Players wagered $48.8m with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and $47.3m with Mohegan, plus $12.6m with the lottery’s online product and $6.8m in retail bets with the lottery.

After excise taxes and promo deductions, the state received $313,199 from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, $98,897 from the Mohegan Tribe, $42,522 from the lottery’s online operations and $46,898 from its retail operations.

Under the deal, the PointsBet Canada logo will feature on all Redblacks jerseys during the 2022 CFL season, which is due to begin on June 9, while prominent branding will also appear throughout the team’s TD Place stadium.

PointsBet Canada will also become the new presenting sponsor of the PointsBet Sideline Club at TD Place.

The partnership comes after PointsBet secured approval to launch in the newly regulated Ontario online gambling market, which is due to open on April 4.

PointsBet will go live alongside a host of other licensed operators such as Bet365, FanDuel, Unibet and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

LeoVegas, Rush Street Interactive, BetMGM, Rivalry, theScoreBet and 888 are also set to go live.

“It is hard to imagine anything more Canadian than the Canadian Football League (CFL) in Ottawa,” PointsBet Canada chief executive Scott Vanderwel said. “We are excited to be working with one of the premier franchises in the CFL and can’t wait to bring a new, unrivalled form of entertainment to Redblacks fans.”

Mark Goudie, president and chief executive of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, which owns the Redblacks, added: “We proudly wave the Canadian and CFL flag in the Nation’s Capital and it was important to us that that this partnership be with a Canadian operator who not only knows the City of Ottawa, but also loves the CFL and appreciates our Redblacks fans and the passion they have for our team and our league.

“We proudly welcome PointsBet Canada to RNation and look forward to an exciting, innovative relationship and an exceptional game experience in the PointsBet Sideline Club.”

Lindahl has over ten years experience in the industry, having previously worked at Mr Green, William Hill and ComeOn.

He also held the role of head of development at Evoke Gaming before the company was acquired by Mr Green in 2017.

Dirk Camilleri, chief product and technology office at Green Jade Games, said: “We are thrilled to have Mattias on board. He will bring a wealth of industry experience and a focus on execution.”

“His experience comes at a pivotal time as we go to the market with an innovative and game-changing product. I really look forward to the incredible games and experiences we will build together.”

He joins Green Jade Games ahead of the launch of its full lobby of skill-based arcade games later this year.

“I am super excited to join this extraordinary team and bring my experience to the table,” said Lindahl. “Green Jade is offering a great product, and I know it has a bright future in the igaming industry.”

Earlier this week Green Jade Games signed a new partnership with Microgame. Microgame will now be able to add exclusive new titles to its online casino as a result of the deal.

Prior to his appointment Cooke worked for Evolution’s Red Tiger and Estonia-based All41 Studios.

In his new role with SlotMatrix he will lead the commercial development of titles from over 175 studios.

Mathias Larsson, CEO of SlotMatrix, says: “We are happy to bring Carlo Cooke on board in a management role for our newest division. SlotMatrix successfully covers the market’s need for a pure B2B product that gives operators content from multiple gaming providers at no extra cost.”

“We plan to capitalise on its existing success, and Carlo will have a crucial role in further expanding our footprint and accelerating our commercial growth.”

SlotMatrix enables operators to ‘get instant revenues, improve operations, and boost their game offering’, with no solution platform fees.

“Joining a tier-one igaming platform provider such as EveryMatrix is a pleasure, and I’m looking forward to working closely with my colleagues to drive forward this innovative solution,” said Cooke.

“SlotMatrix is the largest casino aggregator in the world, and I’m positive that, together with its talented team, we will bring the product to new heights.”

This comes after SlotMatrix RGS partnered with mobileFX earlier this year.