Baltics
Baltic regulators panel discussion and round table confirmed at MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit (Tallinn, Estonia)
Baltic regulators gather this August in Tallinn at the 3rd edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit (live conference).
The Baltic online and land-based gambling industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdowns and tax revenues of the Baltic states have fallen drastically during the first semester of 2020.
In Estonia, the restrictions imposed due to coronavirus are having a significant impact on gambling tax receipts, to the extent they are paralyzing many activities, including those related to social welfare, financed by the tax and under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the ministry says.
Lithuania’s gambling revenue for Q1 2020 has fallen 2.8% year-on-year to €25.9m, with an increased online contribution not enough to offset land-based declines caused by Covid-19.
Despite the decline in revenue, turnover across all licensees was up 13.8% to €296.5m in the three months to March 31. This was due to a significant jump in the contribution from online betting and gaming, which climbed 54.2% to €201.2m, meaning the channel accounted for 67.9% of market turnover in Q1. With Lithuania’s land-based venues closed from 16 March, turnover for the channel was down 20.8% to €94.3m.
The Latvian parliament (Saeima) has passed a bill on June 5 that effectively allows the return of gaming. Under the bill, both online and land-based gaming operations can return to business. As a result, the gambling industry in Latvia is planning to return as of June 9.
All gaming operations in Latvia were banned after a bill introduced on March 22. This was a direct result of the country’s government aiming at reducing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Back in April, the Latvian government updated the bill, effectively banning online gaming with an instant effect.
At the live edition of MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit that will be held on the 6th of August in Tallinn at Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia Tallinn, the Baltic regulators are joining a unique panel discussion and round table discussion to bring the latest information about the outcome of the lockdowns, but also to discuss together with the industry the way forward.
The panel discussion will be moderated by the MARE BALTICUM Gaming Summit Ambassador, Andrius Gabnys (Attorney At Law – Gabnys Law Firm) and will be joined by Sören Meius (Estonian Ministry of Finance), Lolita Sumskaite (Ministry of Finance Lithuania) and Signe Birne (Director of Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of the Republic of Latvia). More names from the Baltic regulatory bodies will be added in the upcoming weeks.
Make sure to book as fast as possible as the seating is limited! You can choose one of the packages that include either delegate pass or delegate pass and accommodation combo (VIP Package)!
As mentioned in earlier press releases, the conference is going ahead as planned and based on official sources, Estonia has allowed from June 1 for citizens from EU and EEA countries with a slow current spread of COVID-19 to enter the country without the requirement of a 14-day self-isolation period.
You can consult the list that is updated weekly on the following link.
As in earlier years, the conference will also feature the next edition of the Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Awards (BSG Awards). Read more here…
MARE BALTICUM – The Baltic and Scandinavian Gaming Summit will once again bring together the leading companies in the Baltic and Scandinavian region for a full day of quality learning and networking with local regulators and industry experts.
You can find more details about the Agenda here or you can register here!
Browse the official event website here: www.marebalticumgaming.com
You can view the photo gallery from the inaugural event on the following link.
Browse the video archives of the panel discussions which were recorded on the 7th of May at the virtual edition of the conference.
For further inquiries about the 2020 live edition of MBGS and BSG Awards (6 August – Tallinn, Estonia), speaking/attending/sponsoring options, make sure to send an e-mail to Andrada Bota (B2B Sales Executive at Hipther Agency) or subscribe to the weekly newsletter on the following link.
Visit www.marebalticumgaming.com for more details!
For media-related inquiries, please contact Alexandru Marginean (Marketing Specialist at Hipther Agency).
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Swintt – the award-winning software provider behind recent slot sensations Big Max Pot Hunter and Big Fish – has announced it has formed a new partnership with established Lithuanian betting brand, TOPsport, that will see the studio further raise its profile in the country.
With the new deal now in place, Swintt is already live with 36 Premium releases on the TOPsport platform, with these giving players access to a roster of classically-themed games that combine the design elements of traditional land-based slots with exciting mechanics and bonus features.
Established in 2002, TOPsport is Lithuania’s first and largest gambling operator, boasting a strong bricks-and-mortar presence that includes 50 casino slot saloons spread across 26 towns in addition to its online enterprise. Given the brand’s rich land-based heritage, the SwinttPremium range seems to be ideally suited for its customers, who will enjoy the slots’ familiar look and feel.
Among the Premium options now available at TOPsport.lt, players will be particularly keen to try the acclaimed Extra Win X, which adds an innovative Bonus Wheel to the iconic fruit machine format, and Max The Winner, which features a unique gathering mechanic that sees the titular cartoon squirrel appear on the reels during the bonus feature to collect acorns and award prizes.
With these just being two of the standout examples from the new collection of Swintt slots that are now available at TOPsport.lt, the brand will be able to further cement its reputation as the country’s leading operator while Swintt continues to reach more players in the Lithuanian market.
David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, said: “With TOPsport being Lithuania’s oldest and most-trusted betting brand, we’re delighted to be able to introduce our Premium releases to players on the platform. With all of these games offering themes and features that are inspired by traditional land-based slot machines, we’re sure they’ll prove a popular addition to their line-up.”
Linas Dargenavičius, Chief Commercial Officer at TOPsport, said: “With a diverse library of over 3,000 slot titles, TOPsport offers the most extensive selection of online casino games in Lithuania. The addition of SwinttPremium titles further strengthens our portfolio, bringing in games that resonate with players familiar with classic land-based machines. Their engaging mechanics make them a valuable extension of the experience we aim to provide.”
The post Swintt Joins Forces with TOPsport to Capitalize on Lithuanian Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Baltics
Betsson Lithuania Extends Sponsorships with FK Žalgiris and Lithuanian Basketball Federation Until 2027
Following its recent rebrand from Betsafe to Betsson, Betsson Lithuania has announced the extension of two long-standing sports partnerships – with FK Žalgiris, one of the country’s most iconic football clubs, and the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) – until the end of 2027.
These renewed agreements reinforce Betsson’s commitment to supporting sport in Lithuania and underline the Group’s continued focus on building strong local brands with international recognition.
Betsson Lithuania will remain the main sponsor of FK Žalgiris, a partnership that began in 2022 and coincided with the club’s historic qualification for the UEFA Conference League group stage – the first ever by a Lithuanian football team.
The renewed sponsorship sees the Betsson logo continue to feature prominently on the front of the club’s kit as the team enters a new era, having recently acquired its own home stadium in Vilnius.
“With such loyal partners as Betsson, we can grow and reach our goals,” said Vilma Venslovaitienė, Chairwoman of FK Žalgiris.
The partnership aims to enhance brand exposure within football audiences, further strengthening Betsson’s presence in this passionate sporting market.
Betsson Lithuania has also extended its long-term cooperation with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, with whom it has partnered since 2016. The sponsorship supports both the federation and the national basketball team – one of the most recognisable sports brands in the region.
Aurimas Šilys, Managing Director of Betsson Lithuania, said: “Since 2016, Betsafe has been part of the international Betsson Group. In order to achieve greater synergy and increase international brand value, we are now unifying under the Betsson name. Collaborations with high-visibility partners such as the Lithuanian Basketball Federation are key to strengthening our global presence.”
Mindaugas Balčiūnas, President of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, added: “We are pleased with the continued cooperation with Betsson – a long-term and extremely important partner who helps us grow and improve across the board. We appreciate their trust and believe that together we can achieve more victories – both on and off the court.”
The post Betsson Lithuania Extends Sponsorships with FK Žalgiris and Lithuanian Basketball Federation Until 2027 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Lithuania has implemented new stricter restrictions on gambling advertising.
According to the Gaming Control Authority, the changes are transitional before a full ban on gambling advertising comes into force in 2028. Until then, gambling advertising will be restricted but allowed.
“The aim of the amendments to the Gaming Law is to reduce the accessibility of gambling and the harm it causes to society,” Sandra Vitkevičiūtę, an advisor at the Authority, said.
From July 1, gambling organisers will be able to advertise their names and brands only on their headquarters or gambling venues, while other external advertising is banned. Companies will also be able to advertise their name and trademark on their website.
Only publications dedicated to the gambling business will be allowed to publish information about gambling.
Only betting commercials will be allowed on TV, radio and the internet, but they will be limited to 15 seconds and aired no more than three times an hour between 06:00 and 18:00 and no more than twice an hour between 18:00 and midnight.
Moreover, online betting ads must not be linked to betting websites.
From July, gambling operators can still sponsor sporting events, organisations, sports broadcasts and athletes, as well as cultural or artistic events and their broadcasts.
However, the names of gambling companies can no longer be used in the names of sports clubs or leagues, but they will still be allowed to appear next to the sponsored club or athlete.
The post Lithuania Implements New Restrictions on Gambling Advertising appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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