Industry News

Dutch Legal Protection Minister Seeks to Ease Tensions Over Gaming Addiction

Published

5 years ago

July 3, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sander Dekker, the Netherlands’ Minister for Legal Protection, has spoken out against a ban on online games over the potential risk for addiction among young people. Instead, he explained that the Dutch authorities will focus on prevention and treatment.

Responding to a question from Socialist Party politician Michael van Nipsen on how gambling legislation is enforced in relation to video games, Dekker looked to highlight the distinction between video games and games of chance.

He explained that gaming was a popular and generally accepted leisure activity for young people, pointing out that players used games to socialise online, and noted the products could even help minors develop skills. However, Dekker acknowledged that these games, especially free-to-play online titles, could be designed in a way that encouraged continuous play.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

He said a changing revenue model meant that rather than purchasing the titles outright, online games were often offered for free, with players purchasing in-game items to enhance the gameplay. Microtransactions could build up, meaning users spent significantly more than they intended, and some elements where blind boxed items such as loot boxes were purchased for cash could – and have – been classed as gambling.

He admitted that some young people developed problems, to the point that it could be classed as an addiction.

This was not enough to justify a total ban on these games, Dekker said, noting there was no “one size fits all” approach to preventing gaming addiction.

“Prevention and education are, in the case of (online) gaming, a task shared by the national government and the gaming industry itself,” he explained.

Dekker pointed out that he has asked the Ministry of Justice and Security’s research centre, the Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek- en Documentatiecentrum (WODC) to investigate links between gaming and gambling addiction, as well as identifying gaps in current and incoming regulations.

Industry News

SUZOHAPP Appoints Geoff McDowell as New President

Published

23 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Niji Narayan

suzohapp-appoints-geoff-mcdowell-as-new-president

Reading Time: < 1 minute

SUZOHAPP has announced the appointment of Geoff McDowell as its new President, effective October 1, 2024.

McDowell previously worked at SUZOHAPP from 2010 to 2017, successfully leading the gaming business in Australia and Asia. He rejoins the company from Coinflip, a global digital currency platform, where he was SVP/GM of US Kiosks. Prior to that, he held the position of CEO of Atlas Gaming Pty Ltd, an Australian developer of proprietary gaming content and products.

“We are thrilled to welcome Geoff back to our global leadership team to lead one of our core divisions. His proven track record in growth and strategy execution will be invaluable as we continue to serve our customers and achieve strong results. We also extend our gratitude to Sim Bielak for his years of dedicated service and leadership at SUZOHAPP,” said Drew Scielzo, ACON Partner.

Geoff McDowell is excited about his return and the opportunity to drive SUZOHAPP’s success. “SUZOHAPP is an exciting company with tremendous growth potential and a strong team. I look forward to embracing this new challenge in an industry I am passionate about,” he said.

The post SUZOHAPP Appoints Geoff McDowell as New President appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

Amusnet Releases Showtime Roulette 500x

Published

5 days ago

January 17, 2025

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Amusnet has released Showtime Roulette 500x, where entertainment meets innovation. This fast-paced European roulette reinvents the classics, featuring a host who presents, entertains and spins the wheel for a seamless, engaging experience. With every spin, a random multiplier can increase the payouts by 50x, 100x, 150x, 200x, 250x and 500x for a thrilling experience. Showtime Roulette 500x offers a fantastic gaming experience that is sure to entertain and captivate players.

What truly sets this game apart is its groundbreaking customisation capabilities. Leveraging advanced chroma technology, operators can transform the game environment to reflect their unique brand identity. The possibilities are endless, from integrating their logos to designing bespoke background themes. This level of personalisation enhances brand visibility and delivers a tailored, immersive gaming experience that resonates with players, making every session feel distinctively crafted.

Dynamic Paytable

Up to five numbers and a win multiplier of between 50x and 500x are selected at random for bigger rewards!

Instant Re-bet function

Pick again the lucky numbers for the last 15 spins!

Statistics for Hot & Cold

Make your strategy with statistics for the last 500 spins!

Jackpot Cards with scheduling option

Once the Jackpot Cards Bonus game is triggered, impressive Jackpots are revealed!

The post Amusnet Releases Showtime Roulette 500x appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

GROUPE PARTOUCHE: Acquisition of a Building at the Foot of the Arc De Triomphe to House its Parisian Gaming Club and its Head Office

Published

5 days ago

January 17, 2025

Niji Narayan

groupe-partouche:-acquisition-of-a-building-at-the-foot-of-the-arc-de-triomphe-to-house-its-parisian-gaming-club-and-its-head-office

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Groupe Partouche has acquired a building, strategically located at Place de l’Etoile in Paris, at 10 avenue de la Grande Armée.

With a surface area of over 8000 m² spread over seven levels, this building will undergo development work to accommodate its Parisian gaming club currently located on rue de Berri.

This building will also house the headquarters of Groupe Partouche.

The post GROUPE PARTOUCHE: Acquisition of a Building at the Foot of the Arc De Triomphe to House its Parisian Gaming Club and its Head Office appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.