A Potential Shift in Betting Taxation
The government of New South Wales (NSW) is currently evaluating a proposal from Tabcorp to increase the betting tax rate from 15% to 20%. This adjustment could profoundly affect major betting operators such as Sportsbet and Ladbrokes, reshaping the financial landscape of the gambling industry in the region.
The Treasurer’s Perspective: Equity and Public Advantage
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey highlighted the importance of ensuring that gambling operators contribute equitably to the state’s revenue. He remarked, “Gambling companies should always be paying their fair share… the NSW government will apply strict scrutiny to Tabcorp’s proposal. Change will happen if it’s clear the public will be better off.” This statement underscores the government’s intent to align the point of consumption tax (POCT) with those in Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), promoting fairness across the board.
Tabcorp’s Call for Tax Parity
As the holder of the NSW retail betting license and a proponent of thoroughbred racecourse sponsorship exclusivity, Tabcorp has been a vocal advocate for tax reform. The company sees the proposed tax increase as a step towards leveling the playing field with other corporate bookmakers, particularly those registered in more tax-lenient jurisdictions like the Northern Territory. Tabcorp asserts that this change will support the sustainability of the NSW racing industry and help modernize the sector’s retail exclusivity.
Industry Reactions and Broader Implications
The response from other industry stakeholders has been mixed. Barni Evans, CEO of Sportsbet, expressed concerns about the potential for the tax increase to unduly favor Tabcorp, potentially jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of the broader industry. He pointed to the negative impact similar tax hikes have had in Queensland, where they led to a noticeable decline in racing revenue.
Navigating Future Changes
As NSW contemplates this significant tax increase, the potential ripple effects are being closely watched by other states and industry players. The challenge for policymakers will be to strike a balance between generating necessary revenue and maintaining a healthy, competitive betting industry.
This tax proposal is not just a local issue but a bellwether for potential changes across Australia, with possible nationwide implications for taxation and regulation in the gambling sector.
Nolimit City, a slot developer owned by Evolution, has officially made its debut in the American market. The company’s slot games have been released across six states, namely Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This expansion marks the first time Nolimit City has offered its games to the US audience, heralding a significant phase in the company’s growth.
Initial Offerings and Themed Adventures
The launch began with the introduction of “Buffalo Hunter,” a slot game inspired by North American themes. Malcolm Mizzi, COO and Commercial Director of Nolimit City, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s stateside debut, noting the influence of American culture on their game designs over the years. Following “Buffalo Hunter,” the company plans to release “Tombstone,” a game that draws on Wild West motifs and offers players the chance to win up to 11,456 times their bet.
Diverse Themes and High Stakes
Continuing the rollout, Nolimit City will introduce “East Coast vs West Coast,” a game that features old-school hip-hop themes, and “Deadwood xNudge,” another nod to the Wild West. These games are known for their volatile mathematical models and bold content, which have been a hallmark of Nolimit City’s offerings.
A Strategic Move by Evolution
Jacob Claesson, CEO for North America at Evolution, highlighted the strategic importance of this launch. By bringing Nolimit City’s games to the US, Evolution hopes to redefine entertainment standards with innovative gaming experiences. The introduction of Nolimit City’s games aligns with Evolution’s broader goals following its acquisition of the studio in 2022 for €340 million.
Integrating New and Social Gaming Experiences
Evolution has also enhanced the visibility of Nolimit City’s offerings through integration with Livespins, a social casino streaming provider that Evolution acquired earlier this year. This move is part of a broader strategy to leverage contemporary gaming trends and technologies to offer more immersive gaming experiences.
A Milestone for Evolution and Nolimit City
The simultaneous launch across the six states is a milestone for Evolution, marking its first such coordinated release in the US. The rollout includes a rapid introduction of further titles, promising a rich and diverse gaming experience for players across these states.
Market Response and Future Outlook
The market has responded positively to these developments, with shares in Evolution AB slightly up at SEK 1,070.00 in early trading in Stockholm. This expansion not only represents a significant growth opportunity for Nolimit City but also solidifies Evolution’s presence in the competitive US online gaming market. As Nolimit City integrates further into the US market, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the impact of its innovative slots and game mechanics.
Sector Revival Amid Legislative Pressure
Despite calls from some Philippine senators to shut down the offshore gaming industry, Albay Representative Joey Salceda is highlighting the sector’s resurgence due to PAGCOR’s revamped Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) system. As the House Ways and Means Committee chair, Salceda commended PAGCOR’s success, noting a 71% revenue increase from IGLs last year compared to 2022, even with fewer licenses issued.
New Licensing System Boosts Revenue
According to a report by the Philippine News Agency, quoted by Inside Asian Gaming, PAGCOR’s revised approach has transformed the offshore gaming landscape. PAGCOR has cracked down on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), ensuring the sector contributes positively to the economy. Salceda stated, “With Chairman Al Tengco and President and COO Amy Eisma at the helm, PAGCOR’s updated policies have significantly boosted revenue collection, despite a reduction in licensees. We are now more selective and collect more from each licensee.”
Revenue and Employment Growth
Salceda highlighted PAGCOR’s data showing Php5.1 billion collected from 87 licensees in 2023, compared to Php2.99 billion from 158 POGO licensees in 2022. This change followed Tengco’s mandate last year, placing all POGOs on probation and requiring reapplication for new IGL licenses to weed out bad actors.
Salceda addressed recent calls to abolish offshore gaming licenses: “We should phase out the bad and mediocre licensees, not the entire industry. Enforce the law.” He also noted that IGLs employ around 8,500 Chinese workers, a drop from 200,000 workers—both direct and indirect—under POGO. Today, about 25,000 of the 100,000 indirect employees of IGLs are Filipinos.
PAGCOR’s Role in Regulating and Modernizing the Sector
Salceda praised PAGCOR’s proactive stance against illegal operations and emphasized the need for more public awareness of their achievements. “PAGCOR has enforced stricter rules on POGOs, transforming the sector into one that generates more jobs for Filipinos, reducing dependence on Chinese demand or labor.”
Potential Consequences of a Ban
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco warned that banning Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), previously known as POGOs, could drive legitimate operators underground. “This would complicate monitoring efforts and increase illegal operations, posing a greater challenge to law enforcement.”
Tengco stressed the potential revenue loss of over Php20 billion (US$341 million) annually if IGLs were banned, without any assurance that illegal activities would cease. He predicted that legitimate operators might continue their activities underground, increasing the risk of cybercrimes and other illegal activities.
While PAGCOR will respect Congress’s decision on the matter, Tengco reiterated that licensed IGLs are not the problem. “The real issue lies with criminal syndicates posing as POGOs. Addressing this requires intensified law enforcement and cooperation from all sectors.”
By implementing stricter regulations and selective licensing, PAGCOR has effectively modernized and cleaned up the offshore gaming industry. Despite ongoing controversy, these reforms are steering the sector toward a more sustainable and regulated future.
The Rise of Online Bullying: From Schoolyards to Social Media
The digital age has brought with it an insidious form of harassment: cyberbullying. Initially seen as a problem confined to schoolyards and playgrounds, this modern menace has extended its reach far beyond, touching individuals from all walks of life, including celebrities and athletes. Teenagers, particularly vulnerable due to their frequent online presence, find themselves targets of anonymous threats and insults, contributing to a distressing social environment that can impact their mental health and well-being. However, the issue does not stop with adolescents. High-profile individuals, especially sports stars, are increasingly finding themselves at the receiving end of similar online abuse, highlighting a broader cultural problem that spans age and status.
England’s Footballers Confront Online Hate
In the world of professional sports, where players are perpetually under the spotlight, the repercussions of online negativity can be severe. This has been notably evident in the realm of English football, where even celebrated athletes are not spared. The recent experiences of England’s football players, who faced a barrage of online abuse following their performance in key matches, demonstrate the urgent need for intervention. The spotlight on this issue intensified after England’s disappointing loss to Italy in the Euro final, where missed penalties led to unwarranted online attacks on players like Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho.
FA’s Strategic Response to Online Abuse
Recognizing the gravity of these incidents, the Football Association (FA) has taken a proactive step by funding a dedicated police unit to tackle online abuse against its players. This move is designed not just to assist in the immediate aftermath of abusive incidents but also to set a precedent for handling similar issues in the future. By directly financing efforts to identify and prosecute online harassers, the FA aims to deter potential offenders and create a safer digital space for players to engage with fans.
Legal Action and Ongoing Initiatives
Recent legal actions underscore the necessity of such measures. In 2022, significant legal repercussions followed for individuals involved in racially abusing players online, with sentences ranging from six to ten weeks in prison. These cases revealed not only the severe impact of such abuse on players’ mental health but also the previously limited resources available to pursue these offenders legally.
FA’s Commitment Ahead of Euro 2024
As England gears up for its next matches in the European Championship, starting with a challenging game against Serbia, the FA’s commitment to combating online abuse remains strong. Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the FA, highlighted the enhanced approach of the association, noting that the previous strategy of merely compiling data for prosecutions is now bolstered by substantial financial support for law enforcement. This financial commitment, estimated around £25,000, could increase depending on the number of cases pursued, reflecting a dynamic and responsive strategy to tackle an evolving issue.
Looking Forward
The FA’s initiative represents a critical step forward in the fight against online abuse. By providing financial and logistical support to law enforcement, the Football Association not only protects its players but also contributes to a broader cultural shift towards accountability and respect in the digital arena.
Dive into the Action
BGaming has introduced its latest instant game, “Fishing Club,” a first-person fishing simulator that offers players a chance to reel in big wins. Released on June 12th, 2024, this game combines the excitement of fishing with the thrill of gambling, all set to a country music soundtrack.
Gameplay and Features
In “Fishing Club,” players set their bets before casting a line into a virtual lake. Each round offers the possibility of catching nothing or landing fish prizes that range from 1x to 100x the player’s bet. The game features five bet levels, where players can choose risk levels from one to five stars. Higher risk levels increase the minimum stake but also boost potential rewards.
With medium-low volatility and a high RTP of 97.16%, “Fishing Club” offers the potential for wins up to 3,000x the stake. This combination makes for a balanced gameplay experience that can appeal to a wide range of players.
Innovative Features
Mikalai Dzeneladze, Chief Casual Game Producer at BGaming, highlighted the uniqueness of “Fishing Club.” He stated, “Fishing Club is our first fishing simulator, taking BGaming’s portfolio beyond what operators have seen before. We’ve added fish as multipliers and introduced an enjoyable first-person perspective, which is new to the igaming market. Players have never felt more immersed in a release, with each spin controlling the rod.”
One of the standout features is the snapshot functionality. Two snapshots appear on the game screen when players achieve their highest prize yet. One shows the player’s largest win, and the other displays the highest multiplier received. This adds a personal touch to the game, making each big catch feel like a real achievement.
A Fresh Addition to BGaming’s Portfolio
Dzeneladze added, “We also celebrate their achievements with a snapshot feature that displays their best win and best catch, just as proud anglers do in real life. I’m sure that this casual and dynamic game will help operators diversify their portfolio.”
Try It Out
Players interested in testing “Fishing Club” can try the demo version here. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest slots and innovative games in the industry.
