Month: September 2022

The indefinite strike, which began on 10 September, is now over.

“All of Loto-Québec’s professional staff will therefore be back at work tomorrow, 14 September 2022,” the union said.  

While the principal agreement is a significant step forward in the negotiations, there is still a possibility that the deal could be rejected in the union ballot. On 25 August, an agreement was announced between the two parties – only for it to be rejected when put to a vote, leading to the initial industrial action.

The lottery subsequently accused the SPGQ of engaging in bad faith tactics due to the breakdown in the negotiations. The union responded in an open letter:

“Regarding the filing of a complaint for bad faith bargaining against your union representatives, the SPGQ reiterates that it did indeed recommend the agreement as agreed at the AGM of 29 August. The employer would benefit from verifying its sources.

“The rejection of the tentative agreement by 72% of voting members with 95% turnout is an expression of their dissatisfaction and their decision must be respected by the employer,” said the SPGQ.   

Lotto 6/49 launch derailed

The strike had derailed the planned Québec launch of the revamped Canadian lottery, Lotto 6/49 – along with causing further disruptions to the working of the lottery, such as consumers being unable to redeem tickets either at retail sites or via the corporation’s smart phone app.

The discussions between the negotiators on both side have been marred by enmity in the past. In one notable incident, Loto-Québec sent a letter on 7 September to staff at the state-owned business, making allegations regarding the union’s role in the negotiations. The SPGQ subsequently responded by accusing the business of obstructing trade union activities and breaking labour law. It states:

“The letter of 7 September 2022 addressed to professional staff by the management of Loto-Québec is an interference in the negotiation process of the collective agreement. The business suggests that the union has created an impasse in the negotiations and that it is up to it to review its demands in order to restore the bond of trust so that the negotiations can resume. It uses thinly veiled threats.

“The employer’s comments undermine the union’s status as the exclusive representative of Loto-Québec employees. This is a serious act of obstruction of trade union activities within the meaning of article 12 of the Labour Code. A complaint to the Administrative Labour Tribunal will be promptly filed to this effect.”

Anthony Albanese was questioned about gambling regulation by reporters after Adam Bell SC’s report, published yesterday (Tuesday), declared Star unsuitable to hold a casino licence in New South Wales due to a catalogue of anti-money laundering and social responsibility failings at The Star Sydney.

Andrew Wilkie, an independent MP and anti-gambling campaigner, led calls for a national inquiry into the sector and its operators. He said the Bell Report’s findings are “no surprise” and point to “deep cultural and systemic problems in the company”.

Star now has 14 days to respond to the report’s findings, with the new NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) – created following the Bergin Report into Crown Sydney – stating in a notice issued to the group that it can revoke or suspend its licence and impose a penalty of up to AUS$100m.

After being asked about calls for a national regulator, PM Albanese said the action taken so far in New South Wales indicates that states can be trusted to oversee the sector.

“I think it’s pretty obvious that the state regulators are doing a pretty good job of holding the casino operators to account,” he said.

“I’m not in favour of regulation for the sake of it. And I think it’s pretty hard for anyone to argue that either Crown or Star are not being held to account at the moment.”

Asked if the regulators are powerful enough in their current form, he responded: “These are state-operated regulators and it’s up to the states to respond to that. But quite clearly, what we’ve seen is regulators taking strong action and foreshadowing further strong action.”

The Bell Report – which launched last year – discovered misconduct ranging from successful attempts to circumvent Chinese capital flight laws by deceptively reclassifying gambling spend as hotel expenses on China Union Pay (CUP) cards and lying to banking institutions regarding these payments. SEG was also found to have allowed an entity with likely links to organised crime to conduct cage operations in its Star casino, as well as lying to and concealing documents from the state’s regulator, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

The newly empowered NICC has been charged with adjudicating on the nature and form of disciplinary actions taken against the casino. The NICC is a recently created statutory authority which took over regulation of the casino trade from the ILGA.

SEG said in a statement that it is currently considering the Bell Report and the matters raised in the NICC notice.

On Tuesday, SEG appointed Nawal Silfani, an experienced lawyer and corporate governance specialist, as an additional company secretary.

Ho Iat-Seng, Macau’s chief executive, announced the public tender process in July. It was introduced as part of a reform of gaming in the special administrative region. A new framework will replace the existing system of three concessionaires and three subconcessionaires with a simpler model of six concessions.

At present Galaxy Entertainment, Las Vegas Sands, Melco, MGM China, SJM and Wynn are the six operators permitted to offer gaming in Macau.

The Committee for Public Tendering of Concessions for the Operation of Casino Games will oversee the entire tender process.

Those that receive concessions will be allowed to operate in Macau for 10 years from the date of enactment.

If granted a concession by the Macau government, the Venetian Macau could begin offering gaming under the new licence on 1 January 2023.

Besides changes to the licence structure, the new Macau gaming law will include rules such as a limit on gaming tables and machines, which is tied to GGR, and new tax rules including potential tax breaks for operators that attract international custom.

Big believer

In its statements announcing the submission, Sands highlighted how invested the company is in Macau.

“The tender submission highlights both the unprecedented level of investment Sands China has made in Macau, specifically in non-gaming tourism amenities and attractions, as well as detailing the organisation’s plans for continuing to help broaden Macau’s appeal as an international tourist destination,” read a joint statement from Sands China and its parent company Las Vegas Sands.

Robert Goldstein, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, emphasised Sands’ commitment to the region and how important the tender would be to its success.

“No one has been a bigger believer in Macau’s long-term success as a leisure and business tourist destination than we have,” said Goldstein.

“Investments in our world-class assets, our team members and the local community are a testament to our overall commitment to Macao and this tender submission reiterates our longstanding strategy of continuous investment in Macau.”

Sands China’s president and executive director, Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, said that Sands’ presence in Macau has benefited the region greatly since its first concession was granted 20 years ago.

“The entrepreneurial vision of our founder, Mr Sheldon G Adelson, combined with the leadership of the government and the dedication of our team members, has helped lead a remarkable transformation of Macao over the past twenty years,” said Wong.

“Over the next decade we hope to play a leading effort in helping Macau attract more tourists from more parts of the world and further its efforts to be recognised as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”

People moves

Sands China also announced a number of proposed changes in senior roles.

If these changes go ahead, Dave Sun Minqi, Sands China’s chief financial officer, could take on the role of managing director of the Venetian Macau Limited “in the future”.

Meanwhile, Grant Chum Kwan Lock, Sands China’s chief operating officer, will become the executive vice-president of Asia operations for Las Vegas Sands, alongside his current role.

In this position, he will also attend to Las Vegas Sands’ properties in Macau and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

The crypto sports betting brand will gain exposure through the 10-over tournament, in which 21 national teams compete in Malaga until the final on 14 October.

The partnership includes significant branding across international TV programme graphics for Stake.com. The operator said that total viewership is expected to be in excess of 40 million per day.

Roger Feiner, chief executive of the European Cricket League, said: “European Cricket is proud to partner with Stake.com, one of the most innovative and engaging companies within this sector, for the European Cricket Championships 2022.

“Like Stake.com we are innovators, and we believe there can be a lot of overlap between our companies when it comes to principles and best practices. We are particularly excited about our new evening matches for Stake.com that will be broadcast primetime into the cricket key markets.”

Stake.com is already partnered with Premier League team Everton FC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Indian Super League team Mumbai City FC.

Dominic Rae, sponsorship manager of Stake.com, said: “We are excited for this partnership with the European Cricket Championship. We have been impressed with the tournament’s growth and cricket is a sport with an enormous and passionate fanbase. We are looking forward to seeing some top-class action across the 120 matches of the tournament.”

LulaBet is set to launch in the market this month, with an aim of being “South Africa’s premium sports betting and entertainment website”.

Amelco head of business development Brandon Walker said he expects the launch of Amelco’s product to have a major impact on the South African market.

“Our launch in South Africa is going to be a true gamechanger – we have the insight on exactly what the market needs, and with our market-leading tech, we’re ready to bring the first true end-to-end tier-one platform and sportsbook to local players,” he said. “Amelco has been servicing the industry’s best for 15 years and, having prepared to enter South Africa for 12 months, we have finally found the right partner in LulaBet to bring local players the best of breed. 

“Together, we genuinely believe we can transform this market and we can’t wait to get started.”

Ian Gutteridge, managing director at LulaBet, said that his business’ product would be a differentiating factor in the South African market.

“At LulaBet, we’re committed to delivering a superior sports betting experience to our players. Our mission is to utilise only the best gaming technology available – and with Amelco, we’re confident that we’re going to do just that. 

“We thrive on the thrill of the win, and with South Africa’s first true tier-one platform and sportsbook, we’re delighted to give our customers access to the country’s premium sports betting and entertainment website. Get ready to experience online gaming like never before.”

Sands China announced its submission earlier today.

The six concession system was announced in July, marking a new age of gambling reform in Macau.

Previously, the model for licences consisted of three concessionaires and three subconcessionaires. Now, once the new framework is implemented, the system will be made up of six concessions in total.

Currently, Galaxy Entertainment, Las Vegas Sands, Melco, MGM China, SJM and Wynn are allowed to operate in Macau.

In a statement, Melco said it had submitted a “detailed proposal” for the tender. Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO of Melco, said that the company’s submission marked a furthering in its commitment to Macau.

“I would like to thank the Macau government for this opportunity,” said Ho. “Our proposal reinforces our commitment to Macau and the further diversification of its economy.”

“We look forward to playing a leadership role in partnering with the Macau government to execute on the government’s vision.”

SJM Resorts, a subsidiary of SJM Holdings, stated that it had also submitted its tender.

If selected, the new concessions would take effect from 1 January 2023. The concessions would span ten years.

Under the terms of the deal, the gaming content and technology provider will have prominent signage throughout the stadium year-round, including in-stadium, on the concourse and in-game branding. Additional features will include in-game promotion and game-day activations.

To read the full article, visit iGB North America.

Consumers in the Canadian province can use My PlayBreak to bar themselves from playing at an Ontario casino, Charitable Gaming Centre, or on OLG.ca.

My PlayBreak offers several new features, including defined, renewable term lengths of three months, six months, and incrementally from one year to five years. My PlayBreak has also introduced a simplified Return to Play process, which provides steps for individuals to return to play or renew their participation when their self-selected term ends.

To read the full article, visit iGB North America.

The gaming group, which operates 41 casinos and employs nearly 3,900 people, said gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the three months to 31 July was up 10.8% year-on-year to €167.9m. This figure was also up slightly on Q3 2019, the most recent year before the pandemic.

However, a 75.3% increase in levies to €92.8m, mainly due to changes to how tax is calculated in France, meant the group’s net gaming revenue figure was down 23.8% to €75.0m.

Total consolidated turnover was at €100.9m, which was down 11.6% compared to Q3 2021 and down slightly on the €104.9m recorded in Q3 2109. Groupe Partouche said its turnover took a hit by €28.1m compared to 2021 because of a number of business developments, including the loss of more than €26m due to the cessation of the operation of online games and bets in Belgium and of the management of the Ostend casino.

Within the total consolidated turnover, casinos accounted for €87.8m, which was down on both 2021 and 2019. The hotel segment was up considerably to €8.3m, compared to just €2.6m in 2021 and €3.0m in 2019.

In France, GGR amounted to €152.9m, which was up 36.2% compared to the previous period, with slot machines and traditional games growing by 29.8% and 67.3% respectively. The GGR of electronic games followed the same trend, rising 36.1%.

In Switzerland and Belgium, GGR rebounded by 35.2% on a like-for-like basis compared to the previous period. This was driven by the ramping up of Swiss online games, whose GGR came to €2.9m compared to €1.6m in Q3 2021.

In June, Groupe Partouche reported a 490.4% year-on-year increase in revenue for the second quarter of its 2021-22 financial year, following the reopening of its casino properties.

TonyBet will be available in Latvia through the TonyBet.lv domain.

TonyBet will offer sports betting, online casino and live casino to residents of Latvia.

The operator will also have special sports betting offers available during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will take place from 20 November to 18 December in Qatar.

“Since the beginning of our operation in Latvia, we have become a member of the Latvian Interactive Gambling Association, or LIAB, and have introduced all the necessary tools for responsible gaming,” said Valters Rozmanis, country manager of TonyBet for Latvia.

“We will take special care to provide players with not only an exciting and innovative gaming experience, but also services that are offered in a responsible manner and environment.”

TonyBet is currently live in a number of countries, including Canada, Spain, Estonia and Malta.

“Currently, the development focus of TonyBet is on the Baltic states, Spain and Great Britain, and we are really pleased to start our operations in Latvia,” said Victors Troicins, CEO of TonyBet. “For players in Latvia, we are committed to providing safe, secure, innovative and exciting online gaming.”

“We will adopt our 11-year international experience and best practices regarding the protection of players from possible risks created by the industry, and we will also implement them in Latvia through Neccton, which is an innovative, digital solution created in Austria to promote customer protection.”