Pragmatic Play, a leading content provider in the iGaming sector, has announced two major developments that will significantly expand its market presence. These developments will enhance Pragmatic Play’s brand visibility and engagement with audiences in the UK and globally.
Pragmatic Play Partners with Flutter
Pragmatic Play has entered a strategic partnership with Flutter Entertainment, becoming the exclusive provider of dedicated live casino tables for Flutter’s UK and Irish-facing brands. This collaboration involves supplying a variety of live casino content, including table games and bespoke live casino tables to well-known Flutter brands such as Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Vegas.
Smart Studio Solution Enhances Branding
As part of the agreement, Pragmatic Play will also deploy its innovative Smart Studio solution, allowing Flutter brands to customize network titles to align closely with their branding. This move is expected to revolutionize player experience by integrating Flutter’s extensive intellectual property into unique game offerings.
Irina Cornides, COO of Pragmatic Play, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We share a commitment with Flutter to delivering exceptional player experiences. It’s thrilling to become the exclusive supplier of dedicated live casino tables for such reputable brands.”
Roisin Hogan, Commercial Director at Flutter, commented on the strategic alignment: “Pragmatic Play’s Smart Studio solution perfectly matches our focus on innovation in customer experience. We’re excited about this partnership as it allows us to offer new live products and experiences.”
Pragmatic Play Becomes Main Sponsor of MotoGP Team Aprilia Racing
Expanding its reach into the world of motorsports, Pragmatic Play has also announced its sponsorship of the MotoGP team, Aprilia Racing, for the 2025 season. This sponsorship will see Pragmatic Play’s branding featured prominently on the team’s bikes, gear, and promotional materials.
Connecting with Global Fans
The sponsorship aligns with Pragmatic Play’s strategy to connect with new global audiences, providing immersive experiences both on and off the track. Aprilia Racing is known for its rich racing pedigree and represents a dynamic synergy with Pragmatic Play’s values of innovation and entertainment.
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, highlighted the shared values: “We are excited to partner with Pragmatic Play, a brand that embodies the pursuit of excellence and innovation, mirroring our own aspirations in the racing world.”
Looking Forward
These strategic moves are expected to not only enhance Pragmatic Play’s brand recognition across diverse platforms but also deepen its market penetration in the competitive iGaming landscape. With these initiatives, Pragmatic Play continues to build on its reputation as a leader in creating engaging and innovative content for its global audience.
Reflex Gaming has embarked on a strategic partnership with Bragg Gaming Group, aimed at enhancing its global reach and solidifying its footprint in pivotal markets such as the US, UK, and the Netherlands. This collaboration will enable Reflex Gaming to leverage Bragg’s extensive operator network to distribute both existing and future gaming titles worldwide through Bragg’s advanced remote gaming server (RGS).
Market Expansion and Exclusive Titles
The partnership is set to amplify Reflex Gaming’s presence in significant European markets, particularly the Netherlands and the UK, and paves the way for its introduction into the lucrative US market. The agreement also emphasizes the development of exclusive, market-specific games, which are expected to cater uniquely to local tastes and gaming preferences, thereby enhancing player engagement and satisfaction.
Mat Ingram, Chief Product Officer at Reflex Gaming, noted the importance of this partnership in expanding their market influence, “With Bragg’s support, our innovative gaming solutions will reach more than 30 regulated jurisdictions globally, marking significant growth on our home continent and beyond.”
Technological Synergies and Game Innovation
This partnership not only extends Reflex Gaming’s geographical reach but also combines the technological prowess and creative energies of both companies to push the boundaries of game development. The collaborative effort includes the release of customized titles designed to meet distinct market needs, ensuring a diverse and engaging gaming portfolio is available to operators.
Niklas Mravlje, Director of Product Marketing at Bragg Gaming Group, highlighted the strategic benefits of the collaboration, saying, “Reflex Gaming’s robust presence in European markets and innovative approach to iGaming perfectly complement our expertise and ambitions. This alliance not only facilitates Reflex’s entry into the US market but also strengthens our role as a pivotal distributor of top-tier gaming content.”
Launch of Thor’s Hammer Time
In conjunction with the strategic partnership, Reflex Gaming, in collaboration with Yggdrasil’s YGG Masters program, has launched a new game titled Thor’s Hammer Time. This game draws on Norse mythology with exciting features like the Storm Link bonus and Red Lightning bonus, offering players numerous ways to win big, including a chance to secure up to 10,000 times their stake.
Zoe Bird, from Yggdrasil, praised the new release, “Thor’s Hammer Time combines a visually captivating theme with dynamic and engaging gameplay. It’s designed to provide an exhilarating experience that keeps players returning for more.”
Conclusion
Reflex Gaming’s partnership with Bragg Gaming Group represents a strategic endeavor to enhance its global distribution capabilities and develop unique gaming experiences tailored to diverse player preferences. With a strong focus on technology integration and market expansion, Reflex Gaming is set to further cement its position in the global gaming market, driving forward innovation and player satisfaction.
China has announced a commitment to enhance cooperation with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address the increasing threats of online gambling and telecom fraud. This pledge was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a crucial meeting with representatives from the 10 ASEAN nations on January 16, in Beijing.
The Escalation of Online Crimes
Recent incidents across the Myanmar-Thailand border have intensified worries concerning these crimes, which affect not only China but also its neighbors. Reports from China Daily highlight the significant rise in cases where individuals are deceived by offers of lucrative jobs abroad, only to find themselves caught in scams. The Bangkok Post conveyed Wang Yi’s view that these criminal activities pose a serious risk to both public safety and economic stability, stressing the need for collective action to tackle these threats.
China’s Proactive Measures and Collaboration Initiatives
Wang Yi’s discussions emphasized China’s readiness to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral law enforcement collaborations with ASEAN nations. The focus is on dismantling the intricate networks of fraud that span across borders, targeting vulnerable individuals under the guise of employment or travel opportunities. Through increased law enforcement cooperation, China and ASEAN are working to secure the region against these scams.
Rescue Operations and Crackdown on Fraud Networks
China has also committed to aiding victims of these frauds. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security has actively coordinated rescues for nationals trapped in Southeast Asia’s fraud dens. In July 2023, China launched a nationwide initiative, resulting in significant crackdowns on telecom fraud networks in northern Myanmar, in partnership with local authorities. However, as these criminal groups adapt and relocate, the challenge to completely eradicate their operations persists.
Highlighting the Urgency: A High-Profile Abduction Case
The abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Myanmar, who was later found to be a victim of human trafficking, underscored the ongoing risks in the region. This incident has heightened awareness and prompted Chinese authorities to advise the public to be exceedingly cautious with seemingly lucrative overseas offers.
ASEAN’s Response and Ongoing Challenges
ASEAN, acknowledging the gravity of these issues, has intensified its efforts, particularly through Thailand’s initiatives to enhance its image as a safe tourism destination and to better handle cross-border crime. Thailand and Myanmar have been instrumental in the repatriation of fraud suspects to China, demonstrating a firm commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
Despite these efforts, the complexity of cross-border criminal activities necessitates persistent vigilance and enhanced cooperation between China and ASEAN member states. By solidifying law enforcement ties and intelligence sharing, they aim to curb the continuing threats of telecom fraud and human trafficking, ensuring a safer environment for all residents in the region.
In a landmark decision on 10 January 2025, the Supreme Court of India temporarily stayed ₹1.12 lakh crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) show-cause notices issued to online gaming companies. This decision, which halts proceedings until a conclusive resolution is reached, provides much-needed relief to an industry already grappling with regulatory uncertainties. The Court has consolidated all related cases for a final hearing scheduled on 18 March 2025.
Core Issue: Taxing Games of Skill vs Gambling
The crux of the debate revolves around the interpretation of GST’s applicability to online gaming. While the government argues for a 28% GST on the full contest entry fees—including prize pools—gaming companies maintain that the tax should be applied only to platform commissions, particularly for skill-based games. The industry contends that equating games of skill with gambling or betting is unjustified and stifles innovation.
Impact of 28% GST: A Sector at Risk
The GST Council’s reclassification of all online games under the 28% tax slab in October 2023 has drawn sharp criticism from industry stakeholders. Previously, skill-based games were taxed at a lower rate of 18%. The retrospective application of this higher rate, going back to 2018, has further exacerbated concerns.
Tax experts have voiced their concerns. Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner at EY, described the upcoming March hearing as pivotal for shaping the regulatory framework. “A balanced taxation system is crucial to nurture this rapidly growing sector,” he noted.
Industry Reactions: Hope Amidst Uncertainty
The Supreme Court’s stay has sparked optimism across the online gaming industry. Abhishek Rastogi, legal counsel for several gaming companies, highlighted the significance of the decision. “This stay prevents coercive action by tax authorities and safeguards procedural fairness,” he stated.
Anuraag Saxena, CEO of the E-Gaming Federation, welcomed the ruling as a “win-win” for both operators and the government. He expressed confidence that a fair resolution could catalyse investment, job creation, and sector growth. The market mirrored this optimism, with Delta Corp’s stock surging by 17% following the announcement.
Challenges Ahead: Legal and Financial Hurdles
The Supreme Court’s intervention comes amidst a broader crackdown on alleged GST evasion. Between 2022 and mid-2023, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence issued 71 show-cause notices to online gaming firms. The government claims that these companies exploited ambiguities in taxation laws to underreport liabilities.
The industry’s challenges are compounded by the mandatory registration of overseas gaming firms in India, a policy introduced in October 2023. Gaming platforms have also criticised the government for taxing the total value of bets instead of the gross gaming revenue, arguing that this approach undermines the viability of their operations.
A Defining Moment for Online Gaming
The March 2025 hearing will be a turning point for India’s online gaming landscape. A decision to tax skill-based games differently from gambling could pave the way for regulatory clarity, fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Conversely, maintaining the current approach may jeopardise the industry’s growth, with several firms warning of potential closures.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Growth and Governance
The resolution of this GST dispute will not only shape the future of online gaming in India but also set a precedent for balancing taxation with innovation. As India aspires to become a global hub for digital gaming, the industry hopes for a regulatory environment that supports its potential while addressing legitimate governance concerns.
Delta Air Lines has embarked on an ambitious journey into the world of gaming, partnering with DraftKings in a collaboration that has aviation and gambling enthusiasts buzzing. The announcement came during Delta CEO Ed Bastian’s keynote at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. While the details remain scarce, the move signals Delta’s determination to redefine inflight entertainment with its innovative Delta Sync experience.
“Gaming has become a daily staple for many of our customers,” said Bastian. “They shouldn’t have to hit pause just because they’re in the sky.” The announcement, made fittingly in the gaming capital of the world, hints at a future where passengers might enjoy a more interactive and engaging inflight experience.
Gaming in the Sky: A Dream Deferred by Legislation
Despite the excitement, Delta’s vision faces a significant hurdle: the Gambling Devices Act of 1962, which prohibits gambling on U.S. commercial flights. This federal regulation applies to all U.S. carriers and flights beginning or ending in the United States, effectively grounding any hopes of real-money betting onboard—at least for now.
Yet, the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in various states has reignited discussions about revisiting these regulations. Analysts speculate that Delta’s partnership with DraftKings may be laying the groundwork for a potential future where inflight gambling is legal. Until then, the collaboration is likely to focus on gamified experiences like fantasy sports or play-money games, allowing Delta to sidestep legal restrictions while offering passengers a taste of what could be.
What Could This Partnership Look Like?
Delta and DraftKings have been tight-lipped about the specifics, but several possibilities have been floated. Passengers might soon be able to enjoy interactive games, fantasy sports competitions, or even earn rewards like SkyMiles through DraftKings. The idea of integrating gaming into seatback screens could mark a turning point for inflight entertainment, pushing boundaries beyond movies and music.
“Delta is excited to collaborate with DraftKings as we expand our gaming portfolio,” the airline stated. “Details on how DraftKings will be incorporated into Delta Sync will be revealed in due time.”
Aviation and Gaming: The Next Frontier?
Delta’s move mirrors efforts by other airlines to monetize entertainment. In 2024, EasyJet’s parent company launched easyBet.net, a peer-to-peer betting platform, while UK budget airlines have long sold scratchcards onboard. These ventures underscore the growing synergy between aviation and gaming.
Historically, inflight gambling has faced challenges. Singapore Airlines’ 1980s experiment with onboard slot machines ended due to logistical issues, while concerns about passenger behavior have kept other airlines from adopting gambling. Nevertheless, studies suggest inflight gambling could generate significant revenue, with past estimates projecting up to $1.3 billion annually for large carriers.
Will Delta Lead a Regulatory Shift?
With the potential for lucrative returns, could Delta and DraftKings spearhead efforts to revisit inflight gambling laws? Industry experts believe it’s possible. By aligning with a major player like DraftKings, Delta positions itself to be at the forefront of this potential transformation. If the legal landscape shifts, Delta could roll out inflight gambling faster than its competitors.
For now, the partnership represents a bold step into uncharted territory. Whether it leads to legislative change or simply enhances inflight entertainment, Delta is making it clear that it’s ready to soar into the future of gaming.