Month: November 2023

The extension will see Global Tote continue to provide pari-mutuel betting technology to the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey and Winners Bayonne Off-Track Wagering. This includes its SaaS solution for pari-mutuel wagering, consisting of the Quantum tote engine and cloud-based hosting.

The SaaS solution also includes system operations and operational support on-site. The systems operations are managed by Global Tote’s operations centre in New Jersey.

The extension means that the Meadowlands will receive Global Tote’s newest BetLine Series wagering terminals. These are the BetLine TSST, which are for teller point of sale and self-service betting and the BetLine SST for full-service betting. The Meadowlands will also receive the BetLine Compact Teller terminal.

Raj Sanjanwala, chief operating officer for Global Tote said it would roll out more developments over the next decade.

“Global Tote is delighted to extend our valued partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack and Winners Bayonne OTW,” said Sanjanwala. “The fact that such a long-standing client and respected leader in the racing industry has elected to enter into a ten-year agreement with Global Tote… is testament to the strength of our partnership and a powerful endorsement of Global Tote’s work in New Jersey.

“We are excited to deliver more advancements over the next ten years to help enhance the experience of their customers and drive growth for their business.”

Latest terminal technology

BetMakers announced a restructuring of its business in May this year, which involved its Global Tote division. This was preceded by a restructuring of its senior management team in January.

In BetMaker’s Q1 results last month, it said that the Global Tote restructuring had finished. This saw 430 full-time employees remain in Global Tote, below the projected 440 target.

Jason Settlemoir, chief operating officer and general manager of Meadowlands said the racing facility was looking ahead to working with Global Tote in the years ahead.

“We are pleased to be adopting Global Tote’s new BetLine wagering terminals, to offer both our team members and our customers the very latest technologies for terminal wagering,” said Settlemoir. “Global Tote has demonstrated its commitment to offering betting solutions that help us deliver that unparalleled experience and we look forward to a very productive ten years.”

In Q4, BetMakers confirmed that it would continue with the cost reduction strategy after seeing a positive impact.

The approval of the bill text by the CAE greenlights the bill to go to the Senate plenary. The Senate plenary vote will take place on 28 November, during which sports betting – alongside igaming – could be given the all-clear in Brazil.

If the Senate alters the bill text, it will go back to the Chamber of Deputies for review. The lower chamber approved Bill 3,626/2023 in September.

However it faced opposition from senators including Eduardo Girão and Carlos Portinho. Attempts to remove igaming from the legislation also failed during today’s session, after online casino was unexpectedly added to the sports betting bill in September.

The vote was set to take place yesterday before it was postponed by the CAE. According to the Senate agency on Senado Noticias, one of the requests to postpone was put forward by Senator Girão.

“It is an extremely serious issue, which impacts less privileged people,” said Girão. “We need to be very careful when legislating. It’s not in a rushed way.”

How will the tax be distributed?

In total, 88% of the revenue will be kept by the operator, while 12% will go to the Brazilian government.

Of the taxed revenue, 36% will go to sports. This comprises several associations and clubs, including the Ministry of Sports and the Brazilian Olympic Committee. 

The second-highest percentage will go to tourism, at 28%. This will be distributed to the Ministry of Tourism and the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion. Public safety initiatives will receive 14%, while education and social security will each receive 10%.

The Ministry of Health will be given 1%. A total of 0.5% will be distributed across civil society entities, and another 0.5% will go to the Fund for the Equipment and Operationalisation of Core Activities of the Federal Police.

What does this mean for Brazil’s future regulation?

The bill as approved by the CAE reveals much about the future of sports betting in Brazil. Alongside reducing tax on GGR, the taxation on bettors is reduced from 30% to 15%.

The licence fee is set at R$30m (£4.8m/€5.6m). Licence terms will also be longer, spanning five years.

The value of inspection fees has also changed. It will no longer be calculated based on the amount of premium paid – rather, it will be based on lower levels of GGR.

Budding operators must receive approval from the Ministry of Finance in order to operate in Brazil. To qualify for a licence, operators must have a Brazilian partner who holds a minimum of 20% of the company’s capital in the country. They also must have the appropriate cybersecurity systems in place.

The bill outlines that operators will have to implement identification processes. It stipulates facial recognition technology as a potential method.

“We understand that the proposed measures provide greater security in access to betting and can be an important tool to prevent fraud and, especially in the case of facial recognition, prevent betting by minors, especially children,” the bill text reads.

Unlicensed operators will not be allowed to advertise in Brazil. In addition, B2B partners will be prohibited from providing technology to unlicensed B2C companies. Bonuses will also be banned.

Positive reactions to amendments

Hugo Baungartner, VP for global markets at Aposta Ganha said he was “surprised and happy” at the bill being approved by the CAE, “as a Brazilian and being on the market for more than 25 years.”

“Finally we can see some advance on the gambling market regulation as we all know that the online sports betting market is a reality,” he added.

On the attempt to remove igaming from the bill being rebuffed, Baungartner said he “knew” that “similar attempts” would be made on this front – adding that he believes “some more will be attempted”.

The reactions to the bill have been “all positive”, he added. “I have heard from locals and foreigners. There is still a way to go, but I am confident.”

What are the next steps for Bill 3,626/2023?

Assuming the Senate plenary approves Bill 3,626/2023, it will head back to the chamber for further scrutiny.

After a positive vote there, it heads to President Lula da Silva, paving the way for the market to launch.

Brazil’s sports betting saga

It has been a long and winding road for sports betting in Brazil. In May, the Brazilian government launched a provisional measure (PM) for sports betting, which was adopted by the country’s president. PM No 1,182 was signed into law by da Silva in July.

This meant that Brazil’s 2018 sports betting measures, which had been approved in Law No 13,756, were passed into law. However, the signing of the PM was criticised by the gaming industry, particularly due to the high tax rate on gross gaming revenue (GGR) and restrictions on marketing.

Bill 3,626/2023 was introduced later in the year and amended PM No 1,182. The main difference was the inclusion of online casino in the bill text. However, before it was amended itself, Bill 3,626 kept the controversial 18% tax rate.

Brazil’s ministry of finance published the general conditions for sports betting in October. Those that wish to obtain a sports betting licence in Brazil will only be allowed to operate if they have a subsidiary in the country.

iGB is running a special webinar on 28 November in partnership with IDNow, so we’ll be updating live on the Senate plenary vote as it happens. Register now to secure your place.

Samuels is banned from taking part in any professional cricket events for the next six years. The ICC-approved ban officially came into effect on 11 November. 

While Samuels is now retired from cricket, the ICC said the offences took place while he was still playing professionally. Samuels’ playing career stretched across two decades and saw him play hundreds of times for the West Indies.  

The ICC charged Samuels in September 2021 for breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code. The ECB Code names the ICC as its designated anti-corruption official.

An independent anti-corruption tribunal in August this year found Samuels guilty of four offences.

ICC flags corruption offences

Specific breaches include Article 2.4.2. This relates to the failure to disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit made in circumstances that could bring either the participant or the sport into disrepute.

The ICC also flagged Article 2.4.3, which covers failing to disclose receipt of hospitality with a value over $750 (£599/€687).

Samuels was also deemed to have breached Article 2.4.6 of the code. This related to failing to cooperate with the designated anti-corruption official’s investigation.

In addition, Samuels was found in breach of Article 2.4.7, which refers to obstructing or delaying an investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant.

“Samuels played international cricket for close to two decades, during which he participated in numerous anti-corruption sessions and knew exactly what his obligations were under the anti-corruption codes,” ICC general manager Alex Marshall said.

“Though he is retired now, Samuels was a participant when the offences were committed. The ban of six years will act as a strong deterrent to any participant who intends to break the rules.”

Samuels has history of corruption offences in cricket

The six-year ban casts further shadow over a long and successful cricket career for Samuels. This included 71 Test matches for the West Indies, 204 One-Day Internationals, 67 Twenty20 Internationals and 122 first-class cricket matches.

Samuels featured in the West Indies’ middle order and racked up more than 11,000 runs over the course of his career. Some 5,606 runs came in One-Day Internationals and a further 3,917 in Test matches.

However, Samuels’ career did not come without controversy, with the six-year ban following on from other corruption cases. In May 2008, he was banned for two years after being found guilty of “receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute”.

Samuels retired from professional cricket in November 2020 having played his last match for the West Indies two year earlier.

Under the arrangement, GREF and NAGRA will work closely together to exchange knowledge and information on regulatory matters. The partnership brings together approximately 100 regulating organisations from across Europe and North America.

The collaboration includes GREF and NAGRA holding joint meetings of their relevant interest groups. Both organisations will support each other’s annual conferences, while the bodies will host seminars for members on emerging regulatory risks.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, chair of French regulator Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) and also chair of GREF, welcomed the partnership. She said collaborations such as this are key in supporting gambling regulators.

“With a public opinion across the globe more and more concerned about the risks related to excessive gambling offer and with the increase of gambling markets and innovations, exchange between regulators worldwide is crucial,” Falque-Pierrotin said.

“Regulators of GREF and NAGRA face the same issues and I believe that this collaboration will improve the protection of our consumers.”

NAGRA and GREF to help regulator organisations address evolving gambling landscape

NAGRA president Ryan Winfield also welcomed the partnership. Winfield, from the Arizona Department of Gaming, said the link-up will benefit people in markets around the world.

“The power of partnership and collaboration between GREF and NAGRA is important in this ever-evolving industry,” Winfield said. “The changing landscape and the future of gaming makes it imperative that we reach out to other organisations in the industry in order to remain informed as we tirelessly serve our communities.

“This commitment to collaboration and communication will serve people across the globe.”

NAGRA comprises federal, state, local, tribal and provincial government agencies responsible primarily for regulating gambling in North American markets.

GREF brings together gambling regulators from across Europe to exchange views on issues relating to gambling. This includes regulation, supervision and control of operators and upon the gambling industry as a whole.

NSW players will be able to consult with those with lived experience of gambling harm from next year. This will be added to a suite of support already available in the Australian state that includes counselling, online chat and education.

The new service aims to build the capacity of NSW GambleAware providers to deliver safe and effective peer support services. It will also seek to both recruit and retain peer support workers in local areas.

Key functions of the new offering include providing expert input to support the recruitment and retention of peer support workers. It will also look to develop peer support resources for GambleAware providers.

In addition, the service will facilitate ongoing professional development and training for peer support workers. This, the Office of Responsible Gambling said, will help to ensure they get the support and development opportunities they need to perform their roles effectively.

Office of Responsible Gambling director Alison Parkinson said peer support is a non-clinical option for people seeking help to address gambling harm. She added it is a key component of the stepped care approach of the GambleAware treatment and support model.

“This service will provide an additional option for people experiencing gambling harm,” Parkinson said. “It makes sure people across NSW can access support that meets their needs and circumstances.

“The service will work with GambleAware providers so they are ready and able to offer peer support from early 2024. This will include helping them to recruit and train peer support workers.”

Ongoing commitment to reducing gambling harm in NSW

The new service comes after the NSW government in September also announced a funding injection to reduce gambling harm. A further AU$100.0m (£52.5m/€60.2m/US$65.7m) is being made available to support a range of harm minimisation initiatives and projects.

Some $10.0m will go to the Responsible Gambling Fund in 2023-24. This will be used to help support GambleAware support services, awareness and education campaigns and initiatives and research.

A further $6.4m will be used to improve self-exclusion schemes such as introducing third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs. Another $3.4m is being used to support an independent panel set up to oversee gambling reform in NSW. 

In addition, $21.7m will be spent each year, for three years beginning from 2024-25, to fund other gambling harm minimisation initiatives and reforms. 

The funds have been redirected from a $100.0m fine imposed on Star Entertainment Group last year.

Star was declared unsuitable to hold a casino licence in NSW after Adam Bell SC’s report outlined anti-money laundering and social responsibility failings at Star Sydney stretching back for years. This ultimately led to the fine being issued by the NSW Independent Casino Commission.

Hunt made the announcement during the Autumn Statement. The Autumn Statement is a government document featuring economic forecasts and tax and spending proposals.

Hunt’s plan is that the government will consult “shortly” on proposals to change the structure of remote gambling taxation. It defines remote gambling as being “gambling offered over the internet, telephone, TV and radio”.

The consultation would discuss getting rid of the three-tax structure, which is made up of remote gaming duty, general betting duty and pool betting duty.

For the 2022-2023 tax year, remote gaming duty sits at 21% of remote gaming profits. General betting duty is 15% of net stake receipts, which is comparable to the gross profits from bookmaking. Pool betting duty is 15% of pool betting receipts.

Land-based duties not under threat

As the consultation is set to focus on remote gambling, land-based operators and their tax structure are safe – for now.

This upcoming consultation has been announced amid the backdrop of the Gambling Act review white paper fallout. The document – which came out in April – outlined how gambling will be regulated in the UK in the digital age.

The white paper proposals are being considered by the GB Gambling Commission. The Commission opened its consultation process on the proposals in July.

This first round looked at financial risk and vulnerability, online games design, enhancing consumer choice on direct marketing and improving age verification at land-based venues. It closed in October. Earlier this month, Mandy Gill, director of compliance at the Commission, said that over 3,000 submissions were made in total.

The next round of consultations will consider seven topics over 12 weeks. It is set to close in February or March, according to Tim Miller, executive director of policy at the Commission.

The next round will consider the possibility of opting in for online bonuses and other offers, as well as how penalties are worked out.

Research commissioned by Lottoland shows that 75% back plans to introduce greater regulation through the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022.

However, Lottoland says the restrictive proposals such as win and wager limits go too far for some. The survey found that two thirds of respondents believe people should be free to gamble responsibly. Of those that currently bet, 19% would seek alternative methods of gambling in the event that it is restricted in Ireland. Meanwhile, less than a third were aware of the new legislation by government to regulate gambling.

The government is set to complete the legislative process to regulate the gambling sector in the coming months. The bill would introduce an advertising ban throughout much of the day and end inducements such as free bets. Some games would be restricted by maximum win limits of €3,000 or maximum bet limits of €10. A new regulatory body would also be created, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).

Lottoland calls for greater engagement

Mike Kirwan, vice-president of Lottoland, said the group backs the overarching objectives of the bill, such as the establishment of the GRAI. However, Lottoland fears that the new laws suffer from an absence of clear and robust definitions. If passed, these would have “a range of unintended consequences stemming from a range of legal issues”.

Kirwan has urged minister James Browne and the regulator-designate to re-engage with industry experts and listen to their concerns.

“Lottoland remain firmly committed to the development and adoption of a comprehensive, evidence-based legislative framework for the gambling, betting and lotteries sector in Ireland,” Kirwan said.

“But we also believe that what is set in legislation now will be vital to ensuring an effective, agile, and sustainable framework in the longer term – while still providing for an enjoyable yet safer gambling experience for all customers.

“The results of this poll demonstrate that the Irish public are in favour of a sensible approach to the regulation of our sector, which sees increased regulation and harm reduction, without coming at the cost of an individual’s ability to bet responsibly.”

The research was undertaken by Ireland Thinks on behalf of Lottoland, on a representative sample of 1,387 individuals in Ireland.

Gambling bill would ban ads before 9pm

The Gambling Regulation Bill was first approved in November 2022, with the most recent version published in July. Controversial proposals, such as the ad ban, remain in the text despite strong opposition from some. The bill proposes a watershed ban on gambling advertising for radio and television between 5.30am and 9pm. This effectively wipes viewable hours for advertising from broadcaster’s rosters.

Another reform included in the bill is the ban on free bets. This formed part of the effort to de-influence children and vulnerable groups from gambling.

Last month, it was revealed that one in 30 adults in Ireland experience some form of problem gambling. This was according to a report published by the country’s Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

The road to ICE is a special series rounding up the biggest developments since ICE London 2023, starting with the Gambling Act white paper and a new German gambling regulator taking charge.

GB Gambling Act white paper heralds slot stake limits

The UK government’s white paper setting out reforms to the 2005 Gambling Act was a milestone moment for the industry when it appeared in April this year.

After multiple delays, three prime ministers, five culture secretaries and six gambling ministers, the final document landed with something of a whimper. The industry had long priced in many of the measures expected to be included and it brought few shocks.

But what did this blueprint to replace “analogue legislation for the digital age” have in store for igaming? 

In the short term, not very much. The government is working through the white paper’s measures through a series of consultations, but this is where things could get knotty.

Gambling Act review could bring slot stake limits in GB

Among the measures that will be explored are stake limits for online slots, with a consultation launching in July this year. It sets out a range of options, from £2 per spin to £15 per spin.

The government explained it is pursuing a blanket limit, rather than a tiered or “smart” limit based on player activity, as this will be quicker to implement. However it goes deeper, with specific limits for 18- to 24-year-olds as the government sees this demographic as especially vulnerable. 

For these players, there are three options on the table. First there’s the prospect of a £2 to £4 limit, or for additional due diligence on the cohort, but no special limit. Data collated over the past two decades by Public Health England found problem gambling prevalence of 8.7% within online slots, casino and bingo games and a 44.2% prevalence of at-risk gamblers within those products.

The risk from slots – and the risk from offshore

Why pick out online slots in particular? That’s down to stats from the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), which show the percentage of slot players seeking treatment jumping from 16.5% in 2015-16 to 38.1% in 2021-22. So, what sort of impact can the industry expect?

Government estimates put the total reduction in gross gaming yield anywhere between £16.1m for a £15 limit and no additional controls for under-25s, to a £413.5m hit for a blanket £2 limit. This will also add significant costs to operators’ bottom lines, of between £5m to £10m per company. 

Considering the vast number of slots on the market, with thousands available through each operator, it changes the game significantly. In Germany, a market where a €1 per spin stake limit is enforced, operators tend to offer much fewer titles.

While this rationalises the offering for players, German licensees pay a hefty price – Rootz, for example, estimates revenue is tracking around 20% of pre-regulation levels. At a time when black market risks are talked down in Great Britain, could this lead to a rude awakening?

ICE VOX brings you a special session digging into a post-white paper Great Britain on 6 February.

German operators count the cost of strict regulation

Yes, 2023 marked the first year German gambling regulator Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder took full control of Germany’s regulated sports betting and igaming market, only to find itself grappling with a host of issues. 

Slots and online poker stakes are taxed at 5.3%, while slots are subject to a €1 per spin stake limit. It took until March for cracks to appear. The Deutscher Sportwettenverband warned of a boom in black market activity, pointing out players could access 840 illegal sites and open an account with 723 of 1,500 assessed in a February study. 

How big?

This meant when then-GGL president Ronald Benter claimed the regulator was “well on the way to creating an attractive legal market”, few believed it.

This descended into a war of words between the German gambling regulator and the DSWV, especially when the authority argued 95% of handle was staked via legal sites. The total was based on estimates of the German black market’s size, estimated at between €300m and €500m. Industry stakeholders suggest it could be far larger. 

The scale of the issue was laid bare by Rootz CEO Sam Brown, at Behörden Spiegel’s Bundeskonferenz zum Glücksspielwesen in October. 

Brown told delegates Rootz’s player deposits averaged €350 prior to the toleration period in the run-up to the State Treaty’s terms being implemented, with gross revenue per player standing at around €141. By August 2023, average deposits fell 80% to €150, while GGR halved to €73.

“And they haven’t stopped gambling and found another hobby,” he added. 

Is harmful gambling on the rise in Germany?

It comes as warnings over harmful gambling are on the rise. For example, the Federal Drug Commissioner suggested four out of ten slot players are at risk of gambling-related harm. Whether these players are gambling via regulated sites, or shifting to unlicensed offerings, was left unclear. 

Further evidence of the black market’s rise was laid bare in a University of Leipzig study, commissioned by the Deutscher Online Casinoverband. This discovered the channelisation rate of players towards the regulated online space was 50.7% in March 2023. For black market sites, 28.9% of traffic was to unlicensed EU providers and 19.9% was to unlicensed offshore providers.

In short, Germany’s new era is off to a tricky start – there’s demand from players for igaming, but there are enough obstacles to mean the offshore brands are the ones to profit. 

ICE London takes place over 6-8 February 2024, with ICE VOX running from 6-8 February. Register now to confirm your place!

As we begin our road to ICE 2024, Brazil remained a prominent market this year for LatAm, particularly after sports betting was finally legalised in July after the president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signed Provisional Measure (PM) No 1,182.

This brought an end to years (and years) of delays. However, uncertainty remained as the PM still needed to be okayed by Brazil’s National Congress within 120 days.

The PM itself came mired in controversy. Its signing meant that the 2018 sports betting measures implemented in Law No 13,756 were also passed – but with a number of amendments.

Naturally, the industry wasn’t too pleased with these developments. Luiz Felipe Maia, founding partner of Brazilian law firm Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados, told iGB that reactions to the PM were “99% negative”, due to “the taxation, because of the restrictions – but mostly because of the taxation”.

In August, iGB partnered with Sportingtech to host a webinar on Brazil’s sports betting journey throughout the years.

Twists and turns

Another twist came in September, when Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved Bill 3,626/2023. This bill amended the PM signed by da Silva in July. However, it kept the 18% tax rate on revenue. But the most important difference between the PM and Bill 3,626/2023 was the legalisation of online casino alongside sports betting.

In October, Brazil’s ministry of finance published the general conditions for sports betting operations in Decree 1330. The decree outlined what operators must do to gain a sports betting licence in Brazil.

It clarified that foreign businesses would be allowed to operate in the country if they establish a subsidiary in Brazil. It also outlined that operators must create a local customer service centre that provides 24/7 assistance in Portuguese.

These included an increase in revenue tax from 16% to 18% and strict rules for marketing. That was struck down however, when a reduced 12% tax rate was confirmed by the country’s Economic Affairs Commission (CAE) on 22 November.

In approving Bill 3,626/2023 with a fresh round of amendments, we’ll now see sports betting, alongside igaming, go to the Senate for approval on the week of 27 November.

Covering Brazil: iGB dedicated to keeping you updated

With final regulatory approval now approaching, we’ve documented the progression of sports betting well on iGB and it will no doubt be a key topic at ICE 2024.

The topic was discussed at length on our World Series of Politics podcast throughout the year. In May, hosts Brandt Iden and Brendan Bussman were joined by Hugo Baungartner to discuss how Brazil had gotten to the point of almost passing sports betting.

The following month, the hosts dissected the format of the legislation. In August, Baungartner rejoined the podcast alongside Neil Montgomery to get into the nitty gritty of what Brazil’s sports betting market has in store.

In addition, the first edition of iGB and EveryMatrix’s Slot Trumps player behaviour report focused on Brazil.

The road to ICE 2024: a wider look at LatAm

Naturally, thanks to the myriad of developments in the region, LatAm attracted the attention of operators worldwide throughout 2023. During the presentation for Entain’s Q2 and H1 results, CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen said the company was “ready” for Brazil to go live.

Off the back of this, she added that Entain was “well placed to drive further growth in newly regulated markets”. Entain acquired local sports media leader 365scores in April.

In October, Peru’s ministry of foreign trade and tourism approved sports betting and igaming regulations in the country. The regulations are set to go into effect on 9 February 2024. Those operating in Peru’s market will have one month to apply for a licence.

Over in Colombia, gaming regulator Coljuegos launched a bid to become the country’s advertising regulator. This took the form of a bill, which was submitted to Colombia’s federal government. If passed, Coljuegos would allow operators to have relationships with sports teams, but only if the operator’s advertising investment is not exceeded.

Sports teams would only be allowed to partner with operators regulated by Coljuegos.

Developments continued in Colombia after Stake.com acquired Betfair Colombia in November. Brais Pena, chief strategy officer at Easygo – the founder of Stake.com – said he saw the Colombian market as a “pivotal entry point” for LatAm expansion.

GR8 Tech elevates igaming with GR8 Sportsbook

GR8 Tech celebrated a standout year with the launch of the GR8 Sportsbook offer, a major development in the igaming industry. This innovative sportsbook platform features an extensive selection of sports, esports and 24/7 fantasy sports, providing an unparalleled non-stop betting experience. Boasting the capacity to handle over 25,000 daily events, managed by an in-house trading team, it ensures a dynamic and engaging betting environment. Discover the future of online betting with GR8 Sportsbook!

Payments and tech will undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories of the year as we approach ICE 2024. This year has seen the industry rocked by crippling cyberattacks rolled out on two of the biggest players on the Las Vegas Strip.

Cyberattacks

MGM confirmed it had suffered a cyberattack in September, after it was forced to shut down systems across its US properties. Reports on social media suggested issues with retail slot machines and access to hotel rooms.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, MGM said it was being assisted by cybersecurity experts in investigating the incident. It also confirmed that law enforcement had been notified.

In October, MGM estimated that the attack would have an impact of $100m on adjusted property EBITDAR for Q3.

In its Q3 results, CEO Bill Hornbuckle said MGM had been to “hell and back” as a result of the attack.

Hacker group Scatter Spider took responsibility for the hack. The group threatened more attacks if MGM didn’t meet payment demands.

MGM later confirmed that social security numbers and passport numbers had been compromised for a limited number of players. However, it said it didn’t believe bank account numbers or payment card information was affected.

In the days following the attack on MGM, Caesars Entertainment fell foul to a cyberattack of its own. The attackers gained access to customer data, which included driver’s licences and social security numbers, through Caesars’ loyalty programme database.

The operator also confirmed that there was no evidence of bank account information or PIN numbers being compromised. It’s no exaggeration to say both MGM and Caesars were lucky in this regard.

Unlike MGM, unnamed sources cited in media reports said Caesars had paid tens of millions of dollars in ransom to the attackers.

Artificial intelligence at ICE 2024: how did we get here?

The year was transformative for artificial intelligence (AI) – in more ways than one. Across the industry, operators and businesses alike tested the boundaries of AI and shared those findings with us.

Thomas Holland, product director at Genius Sports wrote a piece for iGB discussing how automation and machine learning are influencing predictive liability-driven pricing. He wrote that operators currently have less control over dynamic price adjustment in relation to betting activity. The answers to solving it will be found in automation.

Russel Karp, senior vice-president of DataArt penned a two-part series about the relationship between AI and sports betting. Part one focused on the challenges AI could pose to sports betting. Part two looked at how the industry can harness the power of AI to enhance sports betting offerings.

Karp highlighted three different types of AI – generative AI, analytical AI and closed options. Generative AI involves creating new content autonomously, while analytical AI identifies patterns in existing data. For a closed option, however, the algorithm is private.

In August, Jean-Pierre Houareau, CEO at Live Solutions spoke to iGB about how the gambling industry can incorporate the best of what AI has to offer. For Live Solutions, this meant producing AI presenters for their casino games. Houareau explained that the AI presenters exist alongside the live hosts, offering operators a different way of communicating with players.

GR8 Tech elevates igaming with GR8 Sportsbook

GR8 Tech celebrated a standout year with the launch of GR8 Sportsbook offer, a major development in the igaming industry. This innovative sportsbook platform features an extensive selection of sports, esports and 24/7 fantasy sports, providing an unparalleled non-stop betting experience. Boasting the capacity to handle over 25,000 daily events, managed by an in-house trading team, it ensures a dynamic and engaging betting environment. Discover the future of online betting with GR8 Sportsbook!