Mexican leading Gaming and Entertainment operator, Logrand Entertainment Group, currently operating 14 casinos in Mexico, focused on customer orientation, state-of-the-art technology, a strict adherence to laws and a world-class executive team, considers the online market a key in its vertical integration strategy and has chosen BtoBet as technological partner to launch its new interactive division […]

Mexican leading Gaming and Entertainment operator, Logrand Entertainment Group, currently operating 14 casinos in Mexico, focused on customer orientation, state-of-the-art technology, a strict adherence to laws and a world-class executive team, considers the online market a key in its vertical integration strategy and has chosen BtoBet as technological partner to launch its new interactive division “Strendus”, which is an essential complement to its growth.

Commenting on the partnership with BtoBet, Logrand Entertainment Group’s Chief Operating Online Officer Lenin Castillo stated:

“Logrand Entertainment Group, as a reputable Mexican company, has high expectations in terms of service providers and has always required the highest standards to be able to compete with international operations in the region and create long-term partnerships with all its business associates. Our group and BtoBet share the same vision to anticipate future needs of global audiences listening to their customers instead of seeing what competitors are doing. For these reasons, to launch our new interactive division, we opted for a very complete and detailed RFP process that scrutinizes all bidders profoundly.”

Castillo added: “BtoBet is a technology leader in the online gambling industry, with multiple nominations and awards and counting on a very professional and skilled team. All these factors allow companies, like ours, to develop a trustworthy relationship with them, in a very short time. If you add all this with their top of the line products and services, the decision to choose them, becomes easy. Our high expectation will continue in the years to come and we are sure with our new partner we will continue being the successful company we have shown to be for all this years.”

Alessandro Fried, BtoBet’s Chairman, highlighted:

“We are very proud to support Logrand Entertainment Group as a partner in Mexico. We share the same vision of business and the interactions between our teams is very cooperative. The growing number of online and mobile gamblers in Mexico and LATAM, is indicating the need to adopt a suitable platform and fitting software to have the greatest insight into players’ data and behaviour in order to drive and manage the gaming business in the most efficient way. In this perspective, we firmly believe our technology and solutions will effectively allow Strendus to reach great achievements.”

In the coming weeks Malta is launching the world’s first legal framework for the creation of a body to regulate Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and IOT devices. Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri announced at the Unlock Blockchain conference in Dubai that the government had worked closely with the industry to come up with a legal framework that […]

In the coming weeks Malta is launching the world’s first legal framework for the creation of a body to regulate Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and IOT devices.

Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri announced at the Unlock Blockchain conference in Dubai that the government had worked closely with the industry to come up with a legal framework that satisfies the AML and KYC regulations, without stifling technology innovation.

BitMalta is the responsible alliance for this radical legal framework that is planned to be introduced in Malta.

“This new regulator will help those who wish to invest in this sector to operate within a legal structure and gain the trust of millions of potential customers all over the world who want to make use of new services related to blockchain technology,” he said.

Malta is also planning to cooperate with Dubai, working hand in hand on several projects for the use of blockchain technology in several sectors.

NetShop ISP, your leading data center provider will attend ICE Totally Gaming 2018 which will be held in ExCel London from 6th-8th February 2018. Being active in the iGaming industry for the past 7 years, NetShop ISP is, today, among the top choices for hosting by leading Platform Suppliers, Software Developers and iGaming Startups. ICE […]

NetShop ISP, your leading data center provider will attend ICE Totally Gaming 2018 which will be held in ExCel London from 6th-8th February 2018.

Being active in the iGaming industry for the past 7 years, NetShop ISP is, today, among the top choices for hosting by leading Platform Suppliers, Software Developers and iGaming Startups.

ICE 2017 delivered a record audited total attendance of 30,213, up 6% year-on-year, further increasing the reputation of ICE as the most international business event anywhere in gaming.

Following this link http://srv.to/Gk or call us at +357 2425 0808 to meet with our CTO, George Sarris, and learn how we can help you maximize your IT efficiency while lowering your costs.

R. Franco Digital has agreed a content partnership with Jokerbet.es, the latest online gaming portal of Veramatic Group. Under the deal, Jokerbet.es users will gain access to over 15 games developed by the R. Franco Group’s online gaming division including ‘Treasures of the Seven Seas’, ‘Game of Chronos’ and ‘Big Catch’. R. Franco Digital is […]

R. Franco Digital has agreed a content partnership with Jokerbet.es, the latest online gaming portal of Veramatic Group.

Under the deal, Jokerbet.es users will gain access to over 15 games developed by the R. Franco Group’s online gaming division including ‘Treasures of the Seven Seas’, ‘Game of Chronos’ and ‘Big Catch’.

R. Franco Digital is set to expand its portfolio of content this year and will add more games to Jokerbet.es when they are released.

“At Jokerbet.es we firmly believe that customers look for products similar to the ones they are familiar with, and want to enjoy them at home or elsewhere,” Veramatic online gaming manager Jorge Justicia said.

“The decision to choose R. Franco Digital was very simple, taking into account their origin, and their expertise on the online channel as another important piece in the puzzle.”

Alejandro Casanova, managing director of R. Franco Digital, added: “We have more than 50 years’ experience developing games and, therefore, are well acquainted with land-based and online players, and with their preferences and evolution.

“This positions us as a reference point for the industry in Spain and beyond.”

New lottery game based in on the Bitcoin cryptocurrency launched by Multilotto. Draws will take place every day of the week, apart from Sundays, will give the chance to players to win a jackpot worth 1,000 Bitcoins. The launch comes after Multilotto also recently expanded its offering to include a number of new jackpots, such […]

New lottery game based in on the Bitcoin cryptocurrency launched by Multilotto.

Draws will take place every day of the week, apart from Sundays, will give the chance to players to win a jackpot worth 1,000 Bitcoins.

The launch comes after Multilotto also recently expanded its offering to include a number of new jackpots, such as Irish Lotto and Cash4Life.

Thomas Biro, chief executive of Multilotto, said: “Bitcoin has been one of the buzzwords of the last 12 months and we felt it only right that with so much interest in it that we offer our players the chance to get a piece of the action.

“Bitcoin’s popularity has soared to the point that in some places you can even buy items as common as pizza with it.

“With six draws taking place every week our customers now have plenty of chances to hit the jackpot and become major players in the cryptocurrency revolution.”

The new Casino Resort in Cyprus operated and majority owned by Melco is to be called “City of Dreams – Mediterranean” following Chairman Lawrence Ho’s announcement on Tuesday. “Cyprus’ first integrated resort which will place Cyprus on the world tourism map and attract visitors not just from the surrounding region but also from the whole […]

The new Casino Resort in Cyprus operated and majority owned by Melco is to be called “City of Dreams – Mediterranean” following Chairman Lawrence Ho’s announcement on Tuesday.

“Cyprus’ first integrated resort which will place Cyprus on the world tourism map and attract visitors not just from the surrounding region but also from the whole of Europe and around the world,” Ho said.

It is expected to be operational by 2021 and estimates are that it will attract some 300,000 tourists per year.

Melco has a majority 70.74% stake in the resort with local partners GNS holding the remaining 29.26% stake.

Once completed the “City of Dreams – Mediterranean” will boast 136 gaming tables, 1,200 slot machines, 500 hotel rooms, 11 restaurants along with retail outlets, a wellness centre and sports facilities.

Predictions on income once fully operational vary but the latest study by PWC says that Cyprus could see an increase of 700 million euros a year to the economy, at the same time creating 2,100 jobs on a permanent basis and 11,000 jobs while in the construction phase.

As part of winning the license which lasts for 30 years and 15 years exclusively Melco while developing the resort can open 4 satellite casinos, one in each of the four major cities on the island but with only slot machines. The only casino with live gaming tables will be Nicosia with a limited number of tables.

The new regulatory framework for gambling resubmitted by Cypriot National Betting Authority for gambling after the European Commission and Malta opposed its original draft. The EU member state’s Betting Law of 2017 was submitted to the EC in June, and contained two amended pieces of legislation aimed at remedying several earlier infringements with the 2012 […]

The new regulatory framework for gambling resubmitted by Cypriot National Betting Authority for gambling after the European Commission and Malta opposed its original draft.

The EU member state’s Betting Law of 2017 was submitted to the EC in June, and contained two amended pieces of legislation aimed at remedying several earlier infringements with the 2012 law identified by the EC, in particular the perceived unequal treatment of OPAP and other gambling operators.

However, Malta and the EC lodged opinions against the 2017 draft in September, with Cyprus given three months to respond.

The new draft law grants to a gambling services provider the exclusive right to provide gambling services, with tax to be collected as a percentage of gross profits.
The state control on the provider and on the services provided will be exercised on an ex-post basis by the National Betting Authority (NBA) and on an ex-ante basis by a three-member control committee.

According to the Cypriot authorities this will be done in “a consistent and systematic way”.

In a statement, Cypriot authorities added: “The draft law also provides for the strict regulation, control and supervision of the operation of betting shops used for the provision of gambling services, as well as for the strict regulation of the organisation, operation and provision of gambling services.

“In addition, the draft law authorises the ΝBA to open disciplinary procedures against the provider in case of non-compliance with the requirements of the draft law and to impose administrative fines; it also includes a number of criminal law provisions regarding offences as defined in the draft law.

“Finally, the draft law includes a number of general provisions relating to the protection of the public.”

Last year the Cypriot regulator the NBA opened a window for betting operators to apply for licences from 3 October to 3 November 2017.

Bet365 is among the eight companies that have since received a full Class B online betting licence.

BtoBet Group, the igaming and sports betting technology provider, has launched two new dedicated divisions for gaming and sports betting following an internal restructure. The Malta-based company has unveiled its new BtoBet Sports and BtoBet Games units after bringing iTrading Solution (ITS) and iGaming Solution (IGS) into the organisational fold. ITS specialises in risk management […]

BtoBet Group, the igaming and sports betting technology provider, has launched two new dedicated divisions for gaming and sports betting following an internal restructure.

The Malta-based company has unveiled its new BtoBet Sports and BtoBet Games units after bringing iTrading Solution (ITS) and iGaming Solution (IGS) into the organisational fold.

ITS specialises in risk management and trading while IGS is an experienced games aggregator.

Both companies will sit alongside the BtoBet service, under the BtoBet Group umbrella, and provide services for BtoBet Sports and BtoBet Games.

ITS’s co-founder and chief executive, Davide Ruggeri, already serves as BtoBet’s head of sportsbook.

According to the group, the divisions will operate “under the same roof” and adopt “the same foremost technology”.

“BtoBet Sports is focused on bookmakers’ needs and sportsbook players’ preferences,” BtoBet chairman Alessandro Fried said.

“A dedicated team ensures the sports-betting brand provides the ultimate betting experience to the bettors.

“Based on BtoBet’s sports platform, Neuron Sport, BtoBet Sports provides a highly customisable frontend for each operator, giving all the tools needed for risk management across all pre-match, live betting and virtual jackpot betting products.”

Regarding the new BtoBet Games division, Fried added: “This new department is aimed at providing the perfect set of products and services needed for today’s igaming business.

“A pull of skilled and dedicated experts assists and satisfies any of operator’s iGaming needs and requirements.”

“The Neuron Casino omnichannel platform, based on artificial intelligence technology, ensures tailored offers to maximise the effort of delivering the perfect games offer.”

Under new legislation unveiled by the government offshore operators in Argentina could face paying Value Added Tax (VAT) of up to 27%. According to Review-Casinos.com , the draft bill sets out plans to impose VAT on offshore digital service providers, such as gambling companies. Other services likely to be hit by the proposed legislation include […]

Under new legislation unveiled by the government offshore operators in Argentina could face paying Value Added Tax (VAT) of up to 27%.

According to Review-Casinos.com , the draft bill sets out plans to impose VAT on offshore digital service providers, such as gambling companies.

Other services likely to be hit by the proposed legislation include downloading or streaming media and games, software provided over the cloud, web hosting, and mobile applications. Argentina’s Senate passed the draft bill on December 27, before state president Mauricio Marci signed off on the legislation just two days later.

Although the bill does not include the exact rate operators will face, it could be as high as 27% – the current rate applied to the supply of telecommunications, water, electricity and gas that are not used exclusively in a dwelling.

Gambling operators in Argentina already face high levels of taxation, with a rate of 41.5% applied to corporate income, in addition to 0.75% on each bet and a 2% tax on each wager place via online gambling channels.

Following a consultation exercise undertaken by the Malta Gaming Authority a new fiscal structure is being introduced by the Government that shall bring into force the Gaming Licence Fees Regulations as of 1st January 2018. This change is part of a stepped approach required in the light of the legal and regulatory overhaul that governs […]

Following a consultation exercise undertaken by the Malta Gaming Authority a new fiscal structure is being introduced by the Government that shall bring into force the Gaming Licence Fees Regulations as of 1st January 2018. This change is part of a stepped approach required in the light of the legal and regulatory overhaul that governs gaming in Malta.

The Gaming Tax Regulations included in the proposed laws accompanying the White Paper proposing major reforms to Malta’s gaming legal framework, are intended to be brought into force together with the remaining new legislation.

In order to facilitate this change, there will be a transitory period of six months, therefore existing licensees shall continue effecting payments due in accordance with the current Remote Gaming Regulations (S.L. 438.04) until the end of June 2018.

As announced by the MGA, the same authority shall reconcile reference months January to June with the provisions of the new regulations by means of a ‘true-up’:

Licensees that shall have overpaid shall receive a credit against future amounts due, equivalent to the excess amount paid and to be distributed over a number of months;
Underpayments relative to the transitory period shall be settled by the 20th October 2018.
The licensees will be subject to making payment in accordance with the new Gaming Licence Fees Regulations as of 1st July 2018.

The respective fees have been published in the Government Gazette dated 22nd December 2017.

Industry experts believe that 2018 is going to be an important year for the gambling industry and they cite certain emerging trends to be the reason for its growth. The gambling industry globally is growing at an unprecedented rate and is estimated to reach a CAGR of 18.84% by the year 2021. To keep up […]

Industry experts believe that 2018 is going to be an important year for the gambling industry and they cite certain emerging trends to be the reason for its growth.
The gambling industry globally is growing at an unprecedented rate and is estimated to reach a CAGR of 18.84% by the year 2021.

To keep up with the times, casino owners and gambling enthusiasts need to keep an eye on these upcoming gambling trends for 2018:

Move from brick and mortar casinos to mobile gambling

The younger, millennial crowd is the most affected by the shift from traditional, physical casinos to online game rooms.
Professional and amateur gamblers alike are using the services of mobile gambling operators more frequently, leading to the huge growth spurt experienced by the industry.

The birth of a younger gambling demographic

Till date, it was the middle-aged, 48+ men and women, with a semblance of savings and a low appetite for risk who were frequent visitors to roulette houses. But, with mobile gambling becoming a reality, the gambling demographic has a new segment with an average age of 32-34 years.
A large group of younger people, especially those in secure and high-paying jobs, are making use of online and mobile gambling facilities.
With a newer demographic comes new opportunities for casino owners.
Now, they can expand their business online, while catering to a group who is more open to risk-taking behavior.

The rise of new foreign markets

Although not a trend in itself, the potential legalization of casino gaming in Japan will open a new and unexplored market for casino and online gaming platform owners. A multi-million dollar virgin market, the Japanese gambling industry will be a goldmine for both homegrown and foreign businessmen.
The Japanese market will also prove to be a great playground for foreign big betters who wish to try their hand at a relatively unknown market. The potential legalization of Japanese casino gaming may also pave the way to legalization of casino gaming in other Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

Establishment of electronic gaming devices in retail stores

With more US states legalizing casinos, the move to introduce the casino culture in non-casino environments is the obvious next step.
The United States may soon pave the way to legalizing gambling in places as small and obscure as truck shops and liquor stores.

As it is reported Melco International Development Ltd. it would be increasing its stake in the casino that’s currently being developed in Cyprus. Melco currently owns a 70% stake in the project and will be increasing it to 75%. The increase in stakeholder ownership will occur via a share subscription agreement with Cyprus Phasouri (Zakaki) […]

As it is reported Melco International Development Ltd. it would be increasing its stake in the casino that’s currently being developed in Cyprus.

Melco currently owns a 70% stake in the project and will be increasing it to 75%. The increase in stakeholder ownership will occur via a share subscription agreement with Cyprus Phasouri (Zakaki) Ltd, a conglomerate based in Cyprus.

According to the shareholder’s agreement, a Melco Resorts subsidiary or Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd. will be responsible for managing the project and offering various additional services to the firm developing the project. The management services mentioned in the filing refer to aspects such as design, construction, development, pre-opening, corporate management, and access to proprietary systems and intellectual property.

The Cyprus project is being labeled as a unique venture by Melco. The casino giant expects it to be a great business opportunity that is in line with Melco’s larger goal of becoming a leading international gaming and entertainment operator. Melco also stated that the Cyprus Phasouri partnership was of great value to the project and its development.

This isn’t the first time Melco has boosted its stake in the project. It had already done so in September by including its purchase of Hard Rock International. Earlier, Melco only owned a 35.37% stake. This was when it formed the consortium to bid for the license. However, by acquiring a stake in Hard Rock and including it in the scheme, it managed to raise its stake to 70.74%.

The license for the casino, granted by the government in Cyprus, is said to be valid for 30 years.