In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Romanian online gambling sector, Evoke, the parent company of renowned betting brand William Hill, has announced the acquisition of New Gambling Solutions (NGS), the operator behind Winner.ro. The deal, revealed on August 25, 2024, positions Evoke to significantly enhance its market share in Romania’s thriving digital gaming landscape.
Merger to Create Fourth-Largest Player
Evoke plans to integrate its existing Romanian operations with Winner.ro, currently the country’s seventh-largest online betting and gaming platform. This fusion is expected to catapult the combined entity to the fourth position in Romania’s competitive betting market, commanding an estimated 7% market share. The London-listed company will invest €10 million for a 51% stake in the merged business, with options to increase its ownership to 57% by 2026, contingent on performance metrics.
Tapping into Romania’s Growth Potential
The acquisition aligns with Evoke’s strategy to capitalize on high-growth markets. Romania’s online betting sector, valued at approximately €1.1 billion in 2023, is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% through 2026. Winner.ro, launched in 2019, has rapidly gained market traction, making it an attractive target for Evoke’s expansion plans.
Technological Synergies and Market Elevation
Post-acquisition, the merged entity will operate on Evoke’s Newton platform, leveraging advanced data management and automation capabilities. This integration elevates Romania to Evoke’s fifth core market, alongside the UK, Italy, Spain, and Denmark. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close in Q3 2024 and contribute to Evoke’s earnings by 2025, without impacting the company’s financial leverage or 2024 fiscal guidance.
Leadership Perspectives
Per Widerström, Evoke’s CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition: “Integrating Winner into our portfolio marks a pivotal moment for Evoke. This move aligns perfectly with our goal of establishing robust, market-leading positions in key regions. It exemplifies our M&A strategy of pursuing high-impact, capital-efficient combinations that accelerate our strategic objectives.”
Widerström emphasized Romania’s potential: “This merger solidifies our leadership in an exciting growth market. I’m eager to collaborate with the Winner team to drive profitable growth and expand our market presence. With our complementary brands, we’re poised for significant value creation.”
Nicklas Zajdel, Winner.ro’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This merger is thrilling, uniting our strong local brand with a global casino leader. Romania’s high-growth market offers immense potential, and this combination positions us for sustainable leadership. We’re excited to leverage our strengths, enhance personalization, and drive market success alongside Evoke.”
This strategic acquisition underscores Evoke’s commitment to strengthening its position in Europe’s dynamic online gambling landscape, setting the stage for continued growth and value creation in the Romanian market.
Australia’s largest gambling operator, Tabcorp, has been hit with a record-breaking $4.6 million fine and has been ordered to undertake significant reforms in its operations. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) imposed these penalties after uncovering numerous regulatory breaches between August 2020 and February 2023, highlighting serious compliance issues within the company.
Systemic Failures and Customer Harm Exposed
VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn revealed that Tabcorp Wagering (Vic) Pty Ltd had consistently violated its Wagering and Betting Licence as well as the Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct. “These breaches demonstrate deep-rooted operational failures within Tabcorp, which resulted in significant harm to customers,” Thorn stated.
The hefty fine, the largest ever levied against Tabcorp, underscores the severity of these violations. Thorn emphasized that the penalty serves as a clear warning to the entire gambling industry: non-compliance with regulations, especially those related to responsible gambling, will not be tolerated.
The VGCCC’s investigation uncovered specific incidents of misconduct, including the sending of direct marketing materials to a customer who had explicitly opted out of such communications. This occurred from October 2022 to February 2023. Additionally, Tabcorp was criticized for its inadequate employee training on responsible gambling practices and its failure to properly support a customer showing clear signs of gambling distress.
One particularly alarming case involved a ‘Responsible Gambling Call’ made by a Tabcorp account manager to a customer flagged for problematic betting behavior. Instead of offering help, the manager ended the call by promoting a $2000 deposit match, further exacerbating the customer’s gambling issues. Thorn pointed to this incident as indicative of a broader disregard for responsible gambling within the company.
A Call for Comprehensive Reforms
In light of these findings, the VGCCC has mandated that Tabcorp undergo a comprehensive transformation program. This overhaul aims to rectify the company’s operations and enhance its harm minimization and player safety initiatives. The required reforms include improving internal systems, strengthening compliance management, and enhancing employee training across Tabcorp’s retail network.
“The Commission’s directives are explicit: Tabcorp must prioritize harm minimization and ensure full compliance with legal standards,” Thorn asserted. The VGCCC will closely monitor the implementation of these reforms to ensure they are effective.
While the VGCCC acknowledged some of Tabcorp’s efforts to cooperate with the investigation and make initial improvements, it stressed that a more extensive transformation is necessary to meet the Commission’s requirements.
Industry-Wide Implications
This case has far-reaching implications for the gambling industry in Australia. The VGCCC’s actions send a strong message that regulatory breaches, particularly those involving customer harm, will be met with severe penalties.
For those seeking to prevent gambling-related harm, resources such as BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, are available. Individuals affected by gambling can also access support through the 24/7 gambling helpline.
As part of its ongoing commitment to reform, Tabcorp has acknowledged its past failures and pledged to enhance its harm minimization strategies. A spokesperson for Tabcorp stated, “We have taken significant steps to improve customer safety, including restructuring our Safer Gambling Team and introducing new technology to detect problematic behavior earlier.”
A Broader Call to Action
The VGCCC’s investigation and subsequent actions against Tabcorp have reignited the debate over gambling advertising in Australia. Thorn has publicly called for a ban on gambling ads on television, citing overwhelming evidence that such ads contribute to gambling harm. Despite the financial reliance of commercial TV networks on gambling ad revenue, Thorn pointed to international examples where broadcasters have thrived without such income.
As the end of 2025 deadline approaches for Tabcorp to implement these mandated reforms, the industry will be closely watching to see if these changes lead to a safer gambling environment in Australia.
In a move to expand its European influence, renowned online gaming developer Wazdan has forged a partnership with Italian operator CasinoMania. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Wazdan’s ongoing efforts to penetrate established gaming markets across the continent.
The alliance will introduce over 40 of Wazdan’s premier games to the Italian market, including fan favorites such as 25 Coins™ and Mighty Wild™: Panther. Players in Italy will now have access to Wazdan’s innovative game mechanics, like the immersive Sun of Fortune™ and Black Horse™ Deluxe, which have garnered acclaim for their ability to boost player engagement.
CasinoMania, a rising star in Italy’s online casino scene since its 2021 launch under the Cristaltec Group, will integrate Wazdan’s offerings into its already diverse game portfolio. This move will bolster CasinoMania’s competitive edge in the bustling Italian iGaming market.
Andrzej Hyla, Wazdan’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Teaming up with CasinoMania aligns perfectly with our European expansion strategy. We’re excited to introduce our cutting-edge software to a new audience in this key region.”
Technological Innovation Driving Growth
At the heart of Wazdan’s expansion strategy lies its commitment to technological innovation. The company has gained recognition for its proprietary Volatility Levels™ feature, which allows players to adjust the volatility of games in real-time, providing a customized gaming experience. This adaptability has proven particularly attractive to operators looking to cater to diverse player preferences. Furthermore, Wazdan’s recent foray into AI-driven personalization has set new industry standards. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, the company can now offer tailored game recommendations and promotional offers, significantly enhancing player retention and lifetime value. These technological advancements not only differentiate Wazdan in crowded markets but also position the company as a forward-thinking leader in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
Wazdan’s Transatlantic Growth
While cementing its position in Europe, Wazdan is simultaneously making waves across the Atlantic. The company has recently expanded its presence in New Jersey, USA, by adding its game catalogue to Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino. This expansion, facilitated by Light & Wonder’s aggregation platform, brings popular titles like 9 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition and Sizzling Kingdom™ Bison to American players.
The introduction of Wazdan’s signature features, including Cash Infinity™ and the Hold the Jackpot™ bonus game, is anticipated to resonate strongly with the New Jersey market. Hyla commented on this development, stating, “We’ve observed a growing appetite for Wazdan games in New Jersey. We’re keen to see how our globally successful features perform with Caesars’ player base.”
By pursuing growth opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic, Wazdan is positioning itself as a global force in the iGaming industry. This dual-market approach underscores the company’s ambition to expand its reach and influence in the evolving landscape of online gaming.
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A Record-Breaking Jackpot
In an extraordinary turn of events, BetMGM has set a new benchmark in the US online casino industry with a record-breaking jackpot win. On the morning of August 19, 2024, a New Jersey player claimed a staggering $6.4 million jackpot, making it the largest online casino jackpot ever won in the United States.
The lucky winner secured the colossal prize by placing a $200 bet on the popular slot game Fruit Blaster, part of BetMGM’s exclusive progressive jackpot network known as “The Big One.” This win marks a historic moment not only for the player but also for BetMGM, further solidifying its position as a leader in the iGaming industry.
Growing Anticipation and a Summer of Excitement
The jackpot, which initially rose to a record high of $4 million in the spring of 2024, continued to swell throughout the summer. As anticipation grew, so did the excitement among players, culminating in this historic win.
Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, commented on the monumental win: “BetMGM and one lucky player made iGaming history. It’s been a summer filled with anticipation watching the progressive jackpot grow quickly to record levels. This win is the latest proof that BetMGM Casino is the premier destination for progressive jackpots and unforgettable experiences.”
The Aftermath: What Comes Next?
With the jackpot now reset to its base level, “The Big One” currently stands at $1.2 million, ready to reward the next fortunate player. In addition to the jackpot prize, the winner will enjoy a luxurious trip to an MGM Resorts International property, a perk reserved for those who win over $500,000 on BetMGM platforms.
Angus Nisbet, Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM, added: “BetMGM congratulates the winner on this historic jackpot. It’s these ‘you never know when’ moments that make progressive jackpots especially thrilling. In addition to the jackpot, we hope the player enjoys their trip to an MGM Resort in the near future.”
BetMGM’s Continuing Success
This record-breaking jackpot is just one of many milestones for BetMGM in 2023 and 2024. The platform has seen a 32% year-over-year increase in progressive jackpot payouts, totaling over $138 million in 2023 alone. The majority of these payouts came from exclusive titles developed by Entain, including Bison Fury and MGM Grand Million Megaways.
As the home to one of the largest state-by-state exclusive jackpot networks in North America, BetMGM continues to lead the way in providing players with thrilling, high-stakes experiences. Recognized as the Casino Operator of the Year by several prestigious organizations, BetMGM’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering as it continues to break records and set new standards in the industry.
Borgata’s Recurring Issues with Promo Credit Reporting
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has imposed a $75,000 fine on Borgata Casino following an audit that uncovered significant discrepancies in the reporting of iGaming promotional gaming credits (PGCs) on the BetMGM platform. The audit, covering the period from October 2023 to May 2024, revealed that Borgata had overstated its PGCs by over $4.5 million, leading to an underpayment of $365,161 in gross revenue taxes.
This fine marks the second time in less than 18 months that Borgata has faced penalties for similar violations, raising concerns over the casino’s compliance with state regulations.
Second Violation in 18 Months
Borgata’s latest infraction echoes a previous issue in March 2023, when the DGE discovered that the casino had overstated its iGaming promo credits by nearly $10 million, resulting in an underpayment of over $787,000 in taxes. The recurrence of such a significant error within a short timeframe has led the DGE to take more stringent action.
In a letter addressed to Borgata’s Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel, Patrick Madamba, DGE Interim Director Mary Jo Flaherty expressed serious concerns over the repeated nature of these violations. “The Division views this matter as serious,” Flaherty wrote, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The DGE’s July 10, 2024, audit report pointed out that the overstatement was due to a software upgrade on the BetMGM platform, which inadvertently allowed for the deduction of promo credits in amounts exceeding the bonuses awarded to players. The DGE stressed that such discrepancies are a clear violation of New Jersey’s gaming laws.
Despite Borgata’s swift correction of the underpayments, the repeated violations have prompted the DGE to consider additional regulatory actions. Flaherty noted that the original violation resulted in the assessment of additional taxes, penalties, and interest totaling over $1.3 million. The DGE’s audit findings make it clear that further violations could lead to more severe penalties.
Wider Enforcement by the DGE
Borgata and its iGaming partner, BetMGM, are not the only operators to have faced penalties from the DGE in recent months. In July 2024, DraftKings was fined $100,000 for significant reporting errors that led to incorrect sports betting tax returns over a three-month period. Additionally, earlier in August 2024, the DGE ordered bet365 to pay over half a million dollars to New Jersey bettors following an investigation that found the sportsbook had been altering odds on events without notifying the DGE.
The DGE’s actions reflect a broader effort to enforce strict compliance with gaming regulations, particularly in the rapidly growing online gambling sector. As the industry continues to expand, operators are under increasing scrutiny to ensure accurate reporting and adherence to state laws.
The recurring issues with Borgata and other operators highlight the challenges the industry faces in maintaining compliance and the significant financial consequences of failing to do so.