The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) published today 19/3 a list of recommendations to support the government with its review of fixed-odd betting terminals (FOBTs). According to the national regulatory body that the recommendations have the aim to reduce the risks “consumers, especially those that are vulnerable, face from gambling”. The UKGC it self as well […]

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) published today 19/3 a list of recommendations to support the government with its review of fixed-odd betting terminals (FOBTs).

According to the national regulatory body that the recommendations have the aim to reduce the risks “consumers, especially those that are vulnerable, face from gambling”.

The UKGC it self as well as the operators said its advice also make its clear that action from the government is required.

While non-slot games such as roulette should have a maximum stake of £30 one of the key points from the recommendations include FOBT slot stakes to be limited to £2 (€2.27).

Furthermore the UKGC said these limits should have a “significant effect on the potential for players to lose large amounts of money in a short space of time”.

Neil McArthur, chief executive of the UKGC, said: “We’ve put consumers at the heart of our advice – advice which is based on the best available evidence and is focussed on reducing the risk of gambling-related harm.

“In our judgement, a stake cut for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals alone doesn’t go far enough to protect vulnerable people; that is why we have recommended a stake cut plus a comprehensive package of other measures to protect consumers.

“We have proposed actions that will tackle both the risk of harm and provide solutions that are sustainable in the longer term.”

By the end of the month the televised live sporting matches will not look the same as before as the gambling ads take effect. The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) will implement new advertising rules on March 30, including the prohibition of all gambling ads during live sport coverage between 5 a.m. and […]

By the end of the month the televised live sporting matches will not look the same as before as the gambling ads take effect.

The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) will implement new advertising rules on March 30, including the prohibition of all gambling ads during live sport coverage between 5 a.m. and 8.30 p.m.

According to the new ASTRA rules approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the ban takes effect five minutes before the start of play and extends to five minutes after the game ends.

On a regular day, gambling commercials will be allowed to air subject to the pre-existing gambling advertising rules. Except for any Fox Sports channel, ASTRA has exempted all sports channels with an audience share of below 0.5 percent from the new rules.

The federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield confirmed that his office was preparing new restrictions of gambling advertisements. Fifield explained that the restrictions were meant to protect the welfare of children and vulnerable young men. Fifield said further legislation would ensure similar rules apply to online content.

For many, the restriction was a continuation of the persecution that the government has launched against Australia’s betting industry.

Commercial Radio Australia said the new rules give online media operators undue advantage. The group lamented that similar restrictions for online platforms had seen delays, causing an uneven playing field.

CRA CEO, Joan Warner, stated: “We are concerned that similar restrictions for online platforms have not yet been put in place.”

“In fact, the legislation that will underpin rules to be developed by the ACMA has not yet been passed by the Parliament. Even after the legislation is passed there will be a period of development by the ACMA and then a period of public consultation. This creates a real risk that gambling advertising will simply be shifted online for the time, possibly some months, during which no rules apply.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s Coalition for Major Professional and Participation Sports had earlier expressed its support for a compromise that would enable radio and television stations to broadcast a gambling ad once every two hours during long-form sports or multi-sport competitions.

The sports coalition warned the Australian government of a possible dip in sports revenues since wagering companies have been major contributors to the sector.

For you, like for many professionals, backup is time-consuming, and very often, simply a boring task. Backup should be simple, right? Take your data and create a copy somewhere else in case you lose the original. Yet, you have to spend time and effort to find the best solution, implement it, manage and monitor it, […]

For you, like for many professionals, backup is time-consuming, and very often, simply a boring task. Backup should be simple, right? Take your data and create a copy somewhere else in case you lose the original. Yet, you have to spend time and effort to find the best solution, implement it, manage and monitor it, report to your manager – and do numerous other things with backup storage, hardware and the network – all just to backup.

You think to yourself: “All of this effort just so I can restore a file or a system some day?”

Well, there is more to it than that!

So, why do you really back up?

Today, most people understand cloud applications and cloud computing, but some still question the differences between a cloud backup solution, like Acronis, and cloud storage services, such as iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. In some cases, the providers of the latter three products advertise their services as a backup solution. In other cases, consumers believe that anytime they store data in the cloud, it’s always protected in the event of loss. Let’s set the record straight when it comes to online backup vs. cloud storage services!

Why we are Different from iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive

To start, take a look at the definitions of the different types of cloud storage services available today:

1. iCloud is a cloud solution from Apple Computer Inc. that provides cloud storage and apps for Apple desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. It includes the ability to store documents, videos, photos, music and other data online, and users can synchronize it between iOS-powered devices. Here you can also view iCloud Photos shared between different devices.

2. Google Drive is a personal cloud storage service from Google that lets users store and synchronize digital content across computers, laptops and mobile devices, including Android-powered tablet and smartphone devices. If you delete a file — whether intentionally or by accident — it’s gone.

3. Dropbox is a cloud storage service that enables users to store files on remote cloud servers with the ability to share files within a synchronized format.

The bottom line is that iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox are designed for cloud storage with the primary objective of synchronizing data between devices so that documents, videos, photos, and music can be accessed and shared – and they do a good job at this.

For example, you may use your iPhone to take pictures but want to view these pictures on your iPad. You can use iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox, which store the pictures that are on your iPhone in the cloud. Then, you can access and view the pictures that are stored in the cloud using your iPad.

While Google Drive and Dropbox are not advertised as backup solutions, Apple does advertise iCloud as a backup solution. However, iCloud can only back up your mobile device and only some of the data on your Mac computer.

On the other hand, cloud backup software (also called online backup) protects data and systems in the event of file loss or deletion, stolen or lost devices, mishaps and disasters. Unlike public cloud storage services, today’s more complete backup solutions can back up everything to both the cloud and local disks and drives. This includes pictures, videos, documents, contacts, calendars, reminders, even an entire computer. You can restore a new device in a matter of minutes and be totally back up, running, and on the go — something that no public cloud storage service can do.

NetShop ISP in collaboration with Acronis Cloud Backup are ensuring piece of mind to its customers by adopting Acronis backup solutions. Acronis has been backing up computers for millions of people for more than 10 years.

You can find more information here or get in touch with us for more details here.

Five Italian gambling companies are involved, following Malta’s investigation devised by the Malta Gaming Authority on organised crime links. Last month, MGA initiated a scrutiny on every licensee connected to or owned by Italians in order to avoid links with organised crime. The probe resulted in the suspension of a licence, the cancellation of another […]

Five Italian gambling companies are involved, following Malta’s investigation devised by the Malta Gaming Authority on organised crime links. Last month, MGA initiated a scrutiny on every licensee connected to or owned by Italians in order to avoid links with organised crime. The probe resulted in the suspension of a licence, the cancellation of another and with regard to three other companies’ cases, to leave the country.

The Italian “anti-mafia” police arrested several members of crime organisations as part of Palermo’s “Game Over” operation, as it was called and triggered the MGA investigation in order to avoid having that kind of businesses in Malta.

Joseph Cuschieri, the Executive Chairman of the MGA said the authority was now open to collaborating with the Italian anti-mafia commission and any other law enforcement agency “to iron out any concerns or misunderstandings in order to keep gaming free from crime.”

The involved companies are: B2875 (Phoenix Limited), suspended and soon to be revoked due to its owner’s (Benedetto Bacchi) links to the “Game Over” operation; Leaderbet (LB Casino Ltd), cancelled after being named as part of the investigation; and operators Betent.com (Betent Group Ltd), Potterbet (Potter Mrc Ltd) and Giodani (Giodani Limited), which have voluntarily abandoned Malta.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy & Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri this afternoon announced that a motion will be presented in Parliament for the first reading of a new Gaming Bill which will seek to repeal all the existing legislation and replace it with a singular primary Act of Parliament, together with subsidiary […]

The Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy & Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri this afternoon announced that a motion will be presented in Parliament for the first reading of a new Gaming Bill which will seek to repeal all the existing legislation and replace it with a singular primary Act of Parliament, together with subsidiary legislation covering horizontally the main thrusts of gaming regulation as well as a series of technical directives and guidelines currently being consulted on by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) for eventual publication and rollout by the regulator once the Act comes into force.

“This Bill marks a major step in streamlining and encompassing the governance of all gaming services offered in and from Malta and across all channels under the competence of the MGA. The Government wants to ensure that the gaming industry continues to be run responsibly, fairly and free from criminal activity, so that the Maltese jurisdiction provides a safe and well regulated environment where the industry can also develop and innovate”, Hon. Silvio Schembri said.

Through this Bill, Government is ensuring that the MGA has the necessary latitude, resources and powers to regulate effectively the gaming industry and protect consumers, as required, focusing on evidence based methodologies. The Parliamentary Secretary added; “we hope to remove any red tape by increasing efficiency and flexibility for the Regulator, whilst improving the robustness of the current framework and focusing regulation on outcomes”, whilst also adding that the Act elevates the excellent reputation of the Maltese jurisdiction in this sector. Honourable Schembri remarked that thanks to this New Gaming Bill, the industry will grow by another 4%.

The press conference was also addressed by Joseph Cuschieri, Executive Chairman of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), who stated: “This is an important milestone and we welcome this major step forward by the Maltese Government. This Bill contains draft proposals which aim to bridge the regulatory gap between various gaming verticals and channels, including new technologies serving as a platform to future proof gaming regulation, whilst ensuring that consumers enjoy a consistent level of protection.”

The proposed regulatory framework will strengthen the MGA’s compliance and enforcement functions to better achieve its regulatory objectives, in line with concurrent developments on anti-money laundering and funding of terrorism obligations. It also empowers the MGA to be more agile in its decision-making, decreasing unnecessary regulatory burdens whilst strengthening supervision and focusing the regulator’s efforts on the areas which present a higher risk profile.

Other important areas of focus include consumer protection standards, responsible gaming measures, reporting of suspicious sports betting transactions in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions and objective-orientated standards to encourage innovation and development. The motion presented in Parliament is a result of an extensive period of public consultation conducted by the MGA, with various industry stakeholders and the general public, as well as numerous technical studies, economic and financial impact assessments. The consultation was launched in July 2017 and was very well received by the industry resulting into feedback from 53 different parties based both locally and abroad.
Information on these new proposals can be accessed from the draft Bill in the link provided.

Key highlights of the new Gaming Act include:

Replacing the current multi-licence system with a system in which there will be two different types of licences – a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licence and a Business-to-Business (B2B) licence – covering different types of activities across multiple distribution channels;
Moving towards an objective-based rather than excessively prescriptive regulatory approach, to allow for innovation whilst ensuring that the regulatory objectives are attained;
Broadening the regulatory scope to increase MGA oversight and allow for intervention where necessary and in a proportionate manner;
Widening the MGA’s powers under the compliance and enforcement functions to better achieve the regulatory objectives, in line with concurrent developments on anti-money laundering and funding of terrorism obligations;
Segmenting the Key Official role into various key functions within a licensed activity, requiring approval, for direct scrutiny and targeted supervisory controls, thereby raising the bar for persons of responsibility within a gaming operation;
Strengthening the player protection framework by formalising the mediatory role of the MGA’s Player Support Unit, enshrining segregation of player funds at law and moving towards a unified self-exclusion database across both remote and land-based delivery channels;
Introducing new and more effective processes for criminal and administrative justice, including the allocation of appeals from decisions of the Authority to the Administrative Review Tribunal and the introduction of a distinction between administrative and criminal offences;
Introducing the concept of administration to protect an operation in distress and, if necessary, to assist the winding down of an operation, thereby protecting jobs and player funds;
Moving towards automated reporting, facilitating adherence to regulatory obligations and strengthening the Authority’s oversight;
Bolstering the Authority’s role in the fight against manipulation of sports competitions by introducing new obligations on operators to monitor sports betting and report suspicious bets, in line with the efforts being made by the National Anti-Corruption Task Force in which the Authority also actively participates;
Exempting B2B licensees from gaming tax, thus increasing Malta’s competitiveness as a hub for B2B activities.

Source: Malta Gaming Authority

Wazdan has announced details of a content partnership with EvenBet Gaming. Under the deal, EvenBet will have access to Wazdan’s portfolio of more than 100 casino-friendly games. EvenBet already offers its customers a range of online poker, skill games, casino platforms and daily fantasy sports services. Wazdan is licensed in the UK, Malta and Curacao. […]

Wazdan has announced details of a content partnership with EvenBet Gaming.

Under the deal, EvenBet will have access to Wazdan’s portfolio of more than 100 casino-friendly games.

EvenBet already offers its customers a range of online poker, skill games, casino platforms and daily fantasy sports services.

Wazdan is licensed in the UK, Malta and Curacao.

“As the iGaming industry is constantly moving towards cross-platform and mobile-centric solutions, Wazdan’s Unique Gamble Features and innovative HTML5.0 games have built a very popular base already and we’re delighted to be offering that depth of portfolio and technical prowess to our partners and their players,” EvenBet chief executive Dmitry Starostenkov said.

Lauryn Duncan, sales manager at Wazdan, added: “We are passionate to see innovative platforms with such a prestigious portfolio of partner websites offering Wazdan games, and EvenBet Gaming matches that profile precisely.

“EvenBet Gaming has established a strong base of customers over the years by offering a superior technical infrastructure and enhanced user experience, we are happy that experience will be further strengthened with Wazdan’s unique games catalogue.”

IAB Europe today released the draft technical specifications for its GDPR Transparency & Consent Framework (“Framework”) for public comment. First announced in November 2017, the Framework is a cross-industry effort to help publishers, technology vendors, agencies and advertisers meet the transparency and user choice requirements (including consent where necessary) of the GDPR before the regulation […]

IAB Europe today released the draft technical specifications for its GDPR Transparency & Consent Framework (“Framework”) for public comment. First announced in November 2017, the Framework is a cross-industry effort to help publishers, technology vendors, agencies and advertisers meet the transparency and user choice requirements (including consent where necessary) of the GDPR before the regulation comes into effect on May 25 this year. The Framework is a non-commercial, open source initiative. The final version is scheduled for release mid-April, after continued consultation with publishers, advertisers, and other important industry participants.

The GDPR covers a broader scope of “personal data” than the existing EU Data Protection Directive, and companies are expecting to be more constrained in how they can access and process such data for advertising purposes. The Framework is available to companies based in Europe and around the world, and is designed to support various channels and formats, including mobile and desktop environments.

The Framework includes technical specifications that will allow companies and consumers to have greater control over, and dynamic insight into, the parties who access and process the personal data of consumers in the EU. The technical specifications will be maintained by an IAB Tech Lab working group going forward, through a collaboration between IAB Europe and IAB Tech Lab that leverages IAB Europe’s policy and legal expertise and IAB Tech Lab’s technical expertise.

IAB Europe has published the draft specifications for public comment and is working to closely collaborate with key industry stakeholders including publishers, advertisers, agencies, and their important trade organisations. Organisations wishing to meet with stakeholders involved in the framework and provide feedback may do so until April 8, 2018.

View our Roadmap towards GDPR Compliance.

Paddy Power Betfair confirmed on Monday that chief financial officer Alex Gersh is to step down from his position with the bookmaker. The departure of Mr Gersh comes just months after former chief executive Breon Corcoran’s surprise exit from the group. In a statement, Paddy Power Betfair said that Mr Gersh has advised the board […]

Paddy Power Betfair confirmed on Monday that chief financial officer Alex Gersh is to step down from his position with the bookmaker. The departure of Mr Gersh comes just months after former chief executive Breon Corcoran’s surprise exit from the group.

In a statement, Paddy Power Betfair said that Mr Gersh has advised the board that he intends to step down from his position, after six years with the group, once a successor has been appointed. Mr Gersh received annual remuneration of about £1 million.

The group said it has appointed an executive search firm to assist with the process of appointing a successor.

Ahead of the 2016 merger between Paddy Power and Betfair, Mr Gersh was chief financial officer with Betfair since 2012, subsequently assuming the same position with the newly merged company.

Prior to this, he was CFO at NDS Group, Flag Telecom and BT Cellnet.

Malta’s iGaming Excellence Awards have been created as one of the original and most comprehensive awards events organised for the local Gaming industry. Malta’s iGaming Excellence Awards [MiGEA] are held annually in Malta and have already been likened to “the Oscars of gaming”. The awards event brings the entire industry together to reward and celebrate […]

Malta’s iGaming Excellence Awards have been created as one of the original and most comprehensive awards events organised for the local Gaming industry. Malta’s iGaming Excellence Awards [MiGEA] are held annually in Malta and have already been likened to “the Oscars of gaming”. The awards event brings the entire industry together to reward and celebrate the companies and individuals that are constantly working to innovate and improve the standards of the gaming and iGaming industry. The MiGEA philosophy aligns perfectly with major industry key players, regulators, gaming companies and other major participants in this event.

The 2nd edition of the Malta International iGaming Excellence Awards (MiGEA) will reward absolute excellence in the gaming industry and has a crystal clear and transparent vision in giving its over 1000+ interested companies who wish to take part an equal voice, from those playing online poker on their smartphones to those managing luxurious casinos in Malta. Listening carefully to the views of gaming clients and industry professionals, we are able to recognise and celebrate the biggest and best charity event of the year with class. For the 2nd edition, gaming and iGaming companies, casinos, online gaming and other industry players will team up with the organisers and sponsors for the most prestigious and most transparent industry Awards. In a sparkling ceremony being hosted in the majestic and prestigious five star casino ambience and set-up, providers of innovative services and technologies will receive their deserved recognition in no less than 24 categories.

Organised by MBR Publications Limited, together with the Malta Business Review, Malta’s premier business publication, this year will also see the inclusion of Sunday Trends, Malta’s trendiest lifestyle and fashion magazine, as well as the support of the Malta Business Weekly and The Malta Independent on Sunday, making this event the most PR savvy and widely locally covered popular gaming wards. Last year, MBR Publications Ltd set a benchmark and pioneered the first-ever live-streaming of such awards. The company organises this event on its own merit and without any financial aid which is supplied by local gaming authorities to third parties who manage other award events.

This year the organisers are delighted to welcome leading European betting and gaming providers, and they wish to thank all the sponsors and nominees who are participating in this prestigious. The MiGEA organisers are well known for their genuine hard work, great dedication and commitment to support and observes strict guidelines, and provide clear legal regulation standards for such elite awards in the interests of its partners, customers and sponsors. It is an outstanding industry example how Gaming companies and their exceptional role model employees should be duly recognised.

“I would like to formally invite you to consider participating and supporting this event, either as a nominee entrant or as a sponsor. Your company will receive recognition through a host of value added benefits, which are listed on our brochure and which we guarantee 100%. We will include your company’s name and logo on the background banner for the award’s ceremony, on the award certificates and trophies, on the background screen and branding/advertising material during all our marketing campaign spanning over four months, including posters, and will mention your support in the opening and closing announcements, video advertising, branding and other PR related media campaigns. The local TV networks have all been invited and we hope they will attend as various media houses, all of who have an online presence where sponsor and nominee companies will be highlighted. Moreover, your logo will officially appear on all brochure, souvenir programme, tent cards, and other branding material. Furthermore, one table of eight guests each will be also provided complimentary for officials sponsors and their guests, including VIP treatment, personal silver service and champagne being served on the final gala evening. Participating company officials will also be included in the most inter-active award ceremony to hand out major award/s to the winners,” told us a smiling Margaret Brincat, Sales Director and Managing Partner of MBR Publications Ltd, who is solely responsible for all sales of this event.

“For us it was a logical next step to tie our brand and decide to organise such high profile awards. Despite all the difficulties, we have come up with a comprehensive programme, which is widely recognised as the most transparent one when it comes to assess the best of the best in our industry. We have transparent judging and scoring card system, which can be viewed also by outsiders. We are extremely pleased to welcome you and invite you as patrons and members of the elite group of contributors for the second anniversary edition of this great event. We shall be also inviting ministers from the Government responsible for this sector, as well as those from the Opposition side, including MGA officials, who will also be given the opportunity to address the distinguished guests. At this stage, we are also awaiting the MGA’s confirmation of their presence and support, as we have been knocking on their door. We expect to be treated equally and give n the same level playing ground as other companies are given by such authority, and we do not beg for this but deem it as an important equal right and fair treatment should be muted to everyone. We shall address the press during a Press Conference about this event,” explained Ms. Brincat obo of the company.

Ms Brincat continued, “We have been overwhelmed with interest from sponsors, judges and most importantly nominations. Thanks to the support of all these companies, we will be able to ensure the success of this major event. We hope that those who stand for great competition and also want to help in fund raising for a good cause will also join and enjoy the collateral benefits which we are giving out.”

MiGEA offers the perfect stage for employees and companies within the industry to start receiving due recognition for the achievements that they have attained during the course of their careers and an unforgettable reward for their accomplishments.

The awards are being accredited and recognised by the International Gaming Awards and EU Networking Enterprise. Even the sponsors are given important interactive functions close to the company’s stakeholders and the message coming through loud and clear was their desire for a prestigious awards programme that is for the industry, by the industry, and in conjunction with all gaming partners, nominees and sponsors. MiGEA for the 2nd year running, is providing an ideal way to continue launching what is the most comprehensive, transparent and international gaming awards in Malta bringing all key industry players under one umbrella.

The company has issued a detailed brochure with relevant information and sponsor packages is being included for anyone wishing to participate.

For any further information or clarification you may need please contact Ms. Margaret Brincat; margaret@mbrpublications.net / M: 9940 6743 / 9926 0162

The Malta Gaming Authority refers to the Press Release issued by the National Whistleblower Center (https://www.whistleblowersblog.org/2018/02/articles/international/press-release-u-s-ngo-calls-upon-greco-to-monitor-maltas-implementation-of-whistleblower-law-in-valery-atanasov-case/) on 28 February 2018, and rejects the claim that Mr Valery Atanasov, (an ex-employee of the Authority) was subjected to any form of retaliation in connection with allegations he has made with respect to the Authority. Mr. Atanasov’s employment […]

The Malta Gaming Authority refers to the Press Release issued by the National Whistleblower Center (https://www.whistleblowersblog.org/2018/02/articles/international/press-release-u-s-ngo-calls-upon-greco-to-monitor-maltas-implementation-of-whistleblower-law-in-valery-atanasov-case/) on 28 February 2018, and rejects the claim that Mr Valery Atanasov, (an ex-employee of the Authority) was subjected to any form of retaliation in connection with allegations he has made with respect to the Authority.

Mr. Atanasov’s employment as an IT Administrator was terminated in line with the Collective Agreement binding upon the Authority, in connection with charges of incompetence, poor performance and abuse committed by Mr Atanasov which dated back to 2011 and 2012. The termination of his employment was effected following lengthy disciplinary proceedings, presided by external and independent adjudicators, in the course of which various witnesses, independent of the Authority, testified about Mr. Atanasov’s shortcomings. The termination of his employment occurred with effect from 26 February 2015.

Mr Atanasov started making allegations of wrongdoing against the Authority at the end of the disciplinary proceedings. These were duly investigated by the Authority’s Internal Auditor and no irregularities were discovered. The chronology is undisputable: The Authority did not take any retaliatory action against Mr Atanasov for any alleged whistleblower action. Mr Atanasov made allegations about the Authority after he was subjected to disciplinary proceedings. When Mr Atanasov started making serious and false allegations about the Authority (in May 2017), following his termination of employment, the Authority filed judicial proceedings in order to protect its reputation.

It was only on 22 November 2017, two years and eight months after his termination of employment, that Mr Atanasov filed an application in the First Hall of the Civil Court of Malta, claiming whistleblower protection. Such proceedings are sub iudice. The Authority, whilst contesting Mr Atanasov’s claims as factually and legally false and incorrect, declares that it respects Mr Atanasov’s request for whistleblower status and will abide by any final and definitive judicial declarations.

The Authority looks forward to the opportunity to provide all the information, explanations and evidence in the Law Courts, to clear this matter once and for all. The MGA is also willing to cooperate with GRECO and any other independent authority, to show evidence to prove that nothing irregular took place but that the Authority acted in accordance with the principles of natural justice, acting responsibly and transparently throughout the whole process.

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the company behind City of Dreams Mediterranean, the integrated casino resort which is set to open in 2021 in Limassol, announced on Monday some of its first 500 job opportunities. The company said that it is currently recruiting ‘aspiring professionals for the temporary and satellite casinos scheduled to open in 2018, […]

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the company behind City of Dreams Mediterranean, the integrated casino resort which is set to open in 2021 in Limassol, announced on Monday some of its first 500 job opportunities.

The company said that it is currently recruiting ‘aspiring professionals for the temporary and satellite casinos scheduled to open in 2018, leading up to the 2021 opening of City of Dreams Mediterranean’.

Recruitment will take place in phases with the first 500 positions to be posted within the next month on the development’s official website.

The first 20 vacancies announced include a range of positions in finance, construction, information technology, security and casino operations.

The €550m project is expected to create approximately 4,000 jobs each year during the construction period and will contribute an estimated 6,500 direct and indirect full-time positions in Cyprus when the resort is fully operational.

The company hopes that City of Dreams Mediterranean ‘will be a landmark not only for Cyprus but also for the wider region’ and estimated to attract 300,000 tourists per year. The casino resort, according to the company, has been designed to attract visitors year-round.

A temporary casino will operate in Limassol until the casino resort being constructed in Zakaki is completed. The project also includes the operation of four satellite casinos in Nicosia, Larnaca, Famagusta area and Paphos.

The company said that Melco, ‘understands and strives for quality and excellence’ and is looking for proactive and passionate talent to join the team.

For more information: www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy and http://mycareer.melco-resorts.com

Newly-appointed Chief Digital Officer to report directly to chief executive Philip Bowcock. Ulrik Bengtsson, formerly the President and Chief Executive of Betsson, has been announced as Chief Digital Officer for William Hill. In this newly-minted position, Ulrik Bengtsson will oversee the William Hill Online business. This will include management of global data, brand, marketing, and […]

Newly-appointed Chief Digital Officer to report directly to chief executive Philip Bowcock.

Ulrik Bengtsson, formerly the President and Chief Executive of Betsson, has been announced as Chief Digital Officer for William Hill. In this newly-minted position, Ulrik Bengtsson will oversee the William Hill Online business. This will include management of global data, brand, marketing, and customer services.

Ulrik Bengtsson made headlines when he left Betsson in September 2017. He helmed Malta’s largest company in iGaming for less than two years, having served with the same firm for five total years. He joined Betsson from Swedish commercial broadcaster Modern Times Group. His stay at Betsson coincided with a prolonged spell of growth for the iGaming giant, as their presence in Malta increased significantly over that time.

William Hill Online’s management team has undergone a wider reshuffle, and Crispin Nieboer will be taking up a new role of group corporate development director.

Ulrik Bengtsson and Crispin Nieboer will both report directly to chief executive Philip Bowcock. The latter will remain on the group executive committee, but will focus on the identification of strategic growth opportunities worldwide, with potential sports betting regulation in the US looming large on the horizon – and promising to shake up the market.

Grant Williams, currently chief operating officer for the division, will step in for Nieboer as Online managing director. Williams will assume responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business.