Las Vegas Welcomes a Younger, Tech-Savvy Audience
The gaming industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, as highlighted in Bill Miller’s keynote address at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. The President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA) shed light on the shifting demographics of casino patrons and the integration of sports and online platforms, which are steering the industry into a new era.
In his speech, Miller emphasized a critical trend: the average age of casino visitors has significantly dropped from 50 in 2019 to 42 today. This shift, largely attributed to Millennials and Gen Zers, signals a turning point for the gaming industry. Younger generations, driven by technological advances and the appeal of online gaming, are transforming the casino experience.
“Engaging with this new demographic is vital for the future of the industry,” Miller said, pointing to the pandemic as a catalyst that pushed younger adults to explore casinos as a form of entertainment during lockdowns. With this audience comes a demand for more digital and integrated experiences, sparking the rise of mobile apps and online gaming.
Sports and Gaming: A Winning Partnership
Las Vegas, once known solely for its casinos, is evolving into a sports hub, with the relocation of major teams such as the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights. This trend has enhanced fan engagement and provided a significant boost to the city’s younger demographic of visitors. Sports betting has also become a major driver in this transition, blending the thrill of sports with the entertainment of gaming.
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle echoed Miller’s remarks, noting that sports are not only bringing new audiences to Las Vegas but also contributing to the city’s rising appeal among younger visitors. This integration of sports and gaming is a key development, creating new opportunities for casinos to engage with fans and capitalize on the growing popularity of sports betting.
Miller added that the convergence of sports and gaming is also bolstering broadcast rights and revenues, benefiting both the gaming industry and professional sports teams.
The Role of Online Platforms in the Future of Gambling
One of the most prominent changes shaping the gaming landscape is the rise of online platforms. The AGA is at the forefront of this shift, promoting an omnichannel approach that combines physical casino experiences with digital platforms. According to Miller, the average age of online players has now dropped to 34, making online gaming a key growth area for casinos.
Operators are not just offering traditional games in an online format but are innovating to create tailored experiences that resonate with younger players. Online platforms allow players to earn rewards digitally, which can be redeemed at physical casinos, enhancing the overall customer experience and driving engagement.
Responsible Gaming and the Fight Against Illegal Gambling
As the industry continues to grow, responsible gaming has become a top priority for the AGA. Miller stressed the importance of maintaining strict responsible gaming protocols, particularly as the industry attracts more public scrutiny. At the same time, the AGA remains committed to combating illegal gambling operations, which pose a significant threat to the safety of consumers.
In collaboration with the European Casino Association (ECA) and the U.K. Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), the AGA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at addressing key challenges in the global gaming industry. One of the first initiatives under the MOU will be a roundtable focused on combating illegal gambling, scheduled for January 2025.
Miller noted, “By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, we are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry.” This collaboration is poised to tackle issues such as illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation, and security on a global scale.
As Brazil moves closer to fully regulating its gambling market, the government is introducing significant changes to how online gambling and sports betting are managed. Under President Lula’s administration, these changes are aimed at addressing social concerns, financial oversight, and illegal operations. The effects of these reforms will shape the country’s growing gambling industry, which has seen an explosive rise in popularity, along with associated risks.
Strengthening Oversight and Payment Restrictions
The Brazilian government’s new policies focus primarily on restricting payment methods in online gambling, a move aimed at controlling the funds flowing into both legal and illegal betting activities. Starting this week, payments for gambling activities will face tighter regulations, with discussions between the Ministry of Finance and legal sports betting operators being crucial to the process. While the details are still under review, the government has already approved limitations on the use of state-issued welfare cards, particularly Bolsa Família, to curb excessive gambling by vulnerable groups.
This regulatory push comes at a critical time. Brazil’s gambling market is on track to be fully legalized in January 2025, but the government’s proactive measures—such as the ban on credit card payments for gambling—demonstrate an urgency to mitigate risks. The preemptive move by credit card companies to block payments even before government mandates take effect signals a broad industry collaboration in bringing these reforms into reality.
Addressing Social and Economic Concerns
Brazil’s decision to reform its gambling laws is as much a social intervention as it is an economic one. Gambling addiction and financial irresponsibility, particularly among low-income populations, have raised alarms within the government. Data from the Central Bank revealed that Brazilians spend around BRL20 billion per month on gambling, with a concerning BRL3 billion attributed to welfare recipients from the Bolsa Família program. President Lula has pointed out the social costs of gambling, including debt and addiction, which have prompted swift action to protect those most vulnerable.
Furthermore, the Senate’s upcoming inquiry into the impact of online gambling reflects the growing concern about its influence on Brazilian society. The inquiry will explore gambling’s impact on family budgets, potential links to criminal organizations, and the role of online influencers in promoting these activities. With high-profile scandals like the recent arrest of influencer Deolane Bezerra for money laundering, the government’s crackdown on illegal and unethical gambling practices is gaining momentum.
Combating Illegal Gambling and Enhancing Regulation
In parallel with social protection measures, the Brazilian government is preparing to shut down unauthorized betting websites. Over 2,000 illegal sites are expected to be taken down in the coming days, an effort spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance. The government has also introduced a “negative list” of operators that violate Brazilian law, in collaboration with other regulatory bodies such as Anatel (the National Telecommunications Agency). This coordinated effort reflects a multi-faceted approach to cleansing the gambling industry of bad actors.
As the launch of Brazil’s regulated gambling market approaches, these moves to weed out illegal operators will create a cleaner, more transparent industry. The government’s focus on fair play, certification, and financial oversight will provide a safer gambling environment for consumers and reduce the risk of activities like money laundering.
Online Casino Growth Drives Revenue Surge in August
Denmark’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) for August 2024 reached DKK571m (£64.2m/€76.6m/$84.1m), marking a 4.3% increase from the same period last year, according to data from the Danish gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden. This increase was largely driven by the substantial growth in the online casino sector, which posted a 20.8% year-on-year rise to DKK299m. This performance was also 5.3% higher than July, falling just short of the all-time monthly record of DKK309m set in March 2024.
In contrast, other sectors of Denmark’s gambling market saw declines. Sports betting revenue dropped by 14% year-on-year to DKK147m, which was also down by 1.3% from July. Meanwhile, land-based gambling continued to struggle, with physical slot machine revenue dipping by 0.2% to DKK96m. However, this was slightly better than the previous month. Land-based casino revenue also fell, down by 12% to DKK29m, a figure unchanged from July.
Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Intensifies
As Denmark’s licensed gambling sector faces both growth and challenges, efforts to combat illegal gambling operations have intensified. On August 22, 2024, a Danish court approved the blocking of 79 unlicensed websites offering illegal gambling services, following a request from Spillemyndigheden. This brings the total number of blocked sites to 162 in 2024, making it a record year for enforcement.
The move is part of an ongoing effort to protect consumers, particularly minors, from unlicensed gambling platforms that fail to meet Denmark’s strict regulatory standards. The court order included the blocking of several skin betting websites, which allow users, particularly younger audiences, to gamble using virtual items and currencies like “Robux” from the popular game Roblox. Spillemyndigheden’s Director, Anders Dorph, expressed relief over the shutdown of these platforms, underscoring the need to shield children from gambling-related risks.
Self-Exclusion Scheme Grows, Targets Vulnerable Users
August also saw the continued rise of participants in Denmark’s national self-exclusion scheme, ROFUS, which reached 51,893 registrants, an increase of 12.4% year-on-year. Of those registered, 66.6% have opted for permanent exclusion, while the rest have chosen temporary exclusions. The scheme aims to provide a safety net for those at risk of gambling addiction, offering individuals a pathway to limit or stop their gambling activities.
In addition, data from Spillemyndigheden reveals that younger individuals are increasingly using Denmark’s StopSpillet support service. Since its launch in 2019, the service has received 3,200 inquiries, with 37% of those coming from people aged 18 to 25—indicating a growing awareness of gambling risks among the youth.
Looking Forward: Balancing Growth and Regulation
As Denmark’s gaming industry navigates growth in online sectors and challenges in land-based operations, the country’s regulatory efforts to curb illegal gambling continue to expand. With Spillemyndigheden blocking more websites and telecom providers joining the initiative, the aim is clear: maintaining a fair, regulated gambling environment that protects consumers, particularly vulnerable groups like minors, from the dangers of unlicensed platforms.
The future of Denmark’s gaming sector will likely hinge on this delicate balance between fostering growth in the legal market and effectively regulating the industry to safeguard its users.
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe has joined forces with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in a legal dispute with the state of Colorado. Both tribes claim they have been unfairly denied access to the online sports betting market, an economic opportunity they argue was guaranteed under long-standing agreements with the state. They are now seeking legal recourse to ensure their rights are upheld.
Tribal Leaders Call for Justice
Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe expressed deep frustration with the state’s actions, emphasizing, “The state must fulfill its obligations to our Tribes as outlined in agreements and federal law. This injustice leaves us no choice but to pursue legal action.” He highlighted the economic setbacks this exclusion has caused for the tribes.
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker echoed this sentiment, stating, “Enough is enough. This unfair treatment has persisted for too long. We demand that the state correct this situation immediately.”
Blocked from the Online Sports Betting Market
The crux of the issue lies in the tribes’ exclusion from Colorado’s online sports betting market, despite federal and state agreements allowing them to engage in gaming activities. These agreements, which have been in place for decades, explicitly permit the tribes to conduct the same types of gaming that are available to others in the state.
When Colorado voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, online sports betting became legal, opening up new economic opportunities. However, both tribes argue that despite these legal allowances, they have been unjustly blocked from entering the market, while private operators have benefited since 2020.
Taxation Dispute at the Center
A major sticking point in the conflict is the state’s inability to tax tribal gaming revenue, which is exempt under federal law. Tribal gaming profits must be used to support government functions and the welfare of tribal members. This has caused tension, as Colorado has continued to prevent the tribes from fully participating in online sports betting, citing concerns about taxation.
While the state has had opportunities to address this issue, such as introducing a ballot measure in 2024, it has failed to take action. This contrasts with states like Kansas, which quickly amended its laws to allow tribal participation in online sports betting after initially excluding them.
Seeking a Legal Resolution
After years of unsuccessful negotiations, the Ute tribes are now turning to the federal courts. They are asking for an injunction that will allow them to access the online sports betting market, as promised under their agreements with the state. Both tribes remain hopeful that the court will side with them, ensuring that they receive the economic opportunities they are legally entitled to.
WA.Technology, a leading provider of B2B iGaming solutions, has revealed its acquisition of Onseo, a global technology firm known for its work in the iGaming sector. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for WA.Technology, allowing the company to enhance its in-house capabilities in game production, sportsbook development, and platform expansion.
By integrating Onseo’s expertise, WA.Technology is set to strengthen its suite of products, including:
- WA.Platform
- WA.Sports
- WA.Casino
- WA.Affiliates
- WA.Lottery
- WA.Fantasy
This acquisition empowers WA.Technology’s network of operators with a broader range of innovative solutions, promising greater flexibility and faster product delivery.
Onseo’s Role and Impact
Onseo, with over 700 developers, has built a strong reputation in the iGaming industry, developing key technologies for major players in the sector. The partnership enables WA.Technology to offer rapid customization and scalable features to its clients, furthering its mission to deliver cutting-edge iGaming solutions.
WA.Technology’s CEO, Tim Scoffham, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome Onseo to the WA.Technology family. Their ability to deliver top-quality technology quickly is impressive, and this acquisition brings huge capacity in-house. Onseo’s expertise will enable us to enhance our portfolio and deliver new experiences for our partners globally.”
WA.Technology Partners with Miracl for Enhanced Security
In a move to bolster security across its platform, WA.Technology has entered into a new partnership with Miracl, a leading provider of passwordless multi-factor authentication (MFA). This collaboration aims to enhance both account and payment security, significantly reducing fraud risk for iGaming operators and their players.
Enhanced User Experience and Security
WA.Technology, already renowned for its wide array of game providers and payment options, will now offer Miracl’s cutting-edge MFA solution to streamline the login process for users. The partnership seeks to protect players while simultaneously enhancing their gaming experience.
Tim Scoffham, CEO of WA.Technology, commented: “Security is paramount in the iGaming industry. Our partnership with Miracl allows us to provide a state-of-the-art, passwordless authentication solution that both safeguards players and improves their overall experience.”
Rob Griffin, CEO of Miracl, added: “We are excited to collaborate with WA.Technology to bring our secure, single-step login to their platform. This integration not only boosts security but also increases operator revenue by driving more traffic and improving conversion rates.”
A Growing Ecosystem
This announcement follows WA.Technology’s acquisition of Onseo, further solidifying its position as a major player in the iGaming industry. The addition of Onseo’s expertise and Miracl’s advanced security measures positions WA.Technology to continue delivering innovative, secure, and scalable solutions to its global network of operators.
