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DSWV Urges German Government to Restart Sportsbook Licensing Process

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Deutsche Sportwettenverband (DSWV), the German association of sports betting providers, has called on the German government to restart the stalled sportsbook licensing process after the country’s sports betting sector saw sales fall 16.1% in 2020 following the disruption caused by Covid-19.

DSWV president Mathias Dahms also warned that the strict controls for the online casino had already prompted a mass migration of players to unlicensed sites, and urged a rethink on how the vertical is regulated.

Tax figures from the Federal Ministry of Finance reveal that industry turnover declined from 2019’s record €9.3bn to €7.8bn (£6.9bn/$9.4bn). Tax revenue for the year fell 16.2% year-on-year to €389m.

The industry association noted that if January and February’s figures were taken out, to cover the impact of Covid-19 from March onwards, turnover would have been down more than 20% compared to the prior year.

In April and May, DSWV president Dahms noted, the market “collapsed completely.” With betting shops closed and sporting events suspended, turnover plummeted 90% year-on-year for April, then fell 75% in May.

Amid accusations that the gambling industry was profiting from the crisis, Dahms said, “the exact opposite is true.”

It was only in late summer, when the sporting calendar was packed as postponed events took place, that staking stabilised, the DSWV explained. The economic situation, however, remained “extremely tense,” it added.

“During the current lockdown, all 5,000 to 6,000 betting shops nationwide are closed or have been [offering a reduced service]. Approximately 25,000 employees are mostly on short-time work and in fear for their jobs, while the operators fear for their businesses’ futures,” Dahms explained.

He said that with betting shops denied state aid, the government must set out a roadmap towards reopening, including the social distancing and sanitisation measures required of operators.

This financial crisis, the DSWV continued, had been exacerbated by the transitional regulations for online casino that came into force as of 15 October. This has been followed by “massive” migration of consumers to black market operators, mostly based in Asia and the Caribbean.

A survey of DSWV members claims each operator has seen igaming turnover fall by an average of 54% in the wake of the transitional regime beginning. This requires operators to cap online slot stakes at €1 per spin, with spin speeds to average 5 seconds.

“It is clear that the strict regulations for virtual slot machines have channeled the market away almost overnight – unfortunately in the wrong direction. It is unrealistic to believe that German customers will get used to the excessive restrictions of the State Treaty and come back to licensed providers as long as they can play with competitors who offer them much better conditions,” Dahms said.

“We urgently need improvements to the regulations and a functioning enforcement against illegal offers. Otherwise, established providers willing to regulate will withdraw from the German gaming market,” Dahms added.

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Andrzej Hyla Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan

Wazdan ready to exhibit as gain-focused partner and exhibitor at SiGMA Central Europe

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Wazdan, the leading gain-focused developer, is ready to make its mark at the upcoming SiGMA Central Europe summit in Rome, taking place from 4th to 6th November at the Fiera Roma.

Italy represents one of Europe’s largest untapped online gambling markets, with total gambling revenue currently standing at an estimated €16 billion. Currently, only 25% of the market operates online, leaving €12 billion in offline revenue waiting to be unlocked.

Situated at stand 4040, Wazdan will be on hand to showcase the company’s Online gaining™ formula, featuring its captivating portfolio with over 250 certified games translated in more than 30 languages across 25 regulated markets.

Attendees will have the chance to experience the highly anticipated Mighty Wild™: Gorilla release, while the recently launched Cash Grotto™, 16 Coins™ x5000 and Mighty Crown™: Legacy of Mars will also be on show, with all experiencing impressive early performances with the studio’s operator partners globally.

Turning attention to Wazdan’s industry-renowned network promotions, those in Rome will also benefit from invaluable insight into the upcoming multi-stage €6,000,000 Network Promotion, which has been built to secure long-term player retention rates during the busy festive period.

Beyond the product showcasing and prize giveaways, Wazdan views the summit as a key opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and deepen its engagement with Italy’s thriving iGaming sector.

The event’s prominence on the global industry calendar makes it a natural fit for Wazdan’s ambitions to lead the way in compelling slot innovation and partner-focused growth.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “SiGMA Central Europe is a fantastic opportunity to connect with partners and share how our Online gaining™ formula continues to drive measurable growth.

“We are delighted to be acting as a partner throughout the three-day summit, and look forward to shedding light on how our powerful game mechanics and retention tools can help partners accelerate their success in this dynamic market.”

The post Wazdan ready to exhibit as gain-focused partner and exhibitor at SiGMA Central Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Central Europe

TaDa to Round Off Exceptional Year at SiGMA Central Europe 2025

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TaDa Gaming is anticipating its final show of 2025 at the SiGMA Central Europe Expo this 4-6 November. Taking place for the first time at Fiera, Rome, Stand 4062 will host the innovative provider’s full teams from Account Management, Business Development and Marketing.

With a 200+ portfolio of innovative games including TaDa’s unique fish-shooting titles, the team’s focus at SiGMA will be on regulated European markets and slots.

Successful licence applications include MGA; Hellenic Gaming Authority; Romania’s ONJN; Sweden’s Spelinspektionen; and the UKGC. With certification for multiple markets now including Portugal, TaDa’s signature localisation, innovation and future-proof approach to iGaming is paying dividends.

Multiple new integrations are ongoing across Europe, enhanced by TaDa’s most recent distribution agreement with Light & Wonder Inc. With an existing presence in Italy, Belgium and Portugal, TaDa’s reputation for engagement and retention has been reinforced with its new trademarked series Hit the Cash.

The interplay of Multipliers, Lock & Respin and Jackpots as the Hit the Cash signature, added to the random triggering of the jackpots and additional multipliers including Wilds, has meant players cannot get enough of these titles.

Visitors to the TaDa’s Experience Zone at Stand 4062 are guaranteed a winning experience. Hit releases Joker Coins and Fortune Coins 2 will be the headline slots, alongside the industry changing fish-shooting games such as the vampire rock’n’roll led Ocean King Jackpot and new release Fortune Zombie 2.

Ray Lee, Director of Business Development at TaDa Gaming, said: “SiGMA Rome is looking to be a fantastic final show in a year full of highly professional and profitable exhibitions for us. As we continue to build our name for safe, immersive and innovative gaming across Europe, we’re excited to reconnect and connect with clients and future clients to show how we deliver significant differentiation for their operations.”

The post TaDa to Round Off Exceptional Year at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Belatra

Belatra set to unearth ancient treasures at SiGMA Central Europe

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Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is thrilled to announce its participation at the SiGMA Central Europe Expo in Rome, Italy. The event is being held at the Fiera Roma from November 3rd to November 6th, providing Belatra with the perfect chance to showcase its latest legendary slots and front-line solutions.

Belatra’s beloved Mummy will be visiting Rome as the character continues to strike a chord with audiences worldwide. Its unique blend of humour, mystery, and quirky antics has transcended cultures. The character made its debut in 2022 for the release of Mummyland Treasures and has since grown into an extensive multiverse encompassing various formats, special features, and spin-offs, which form the core of our very own flagship game universe.

At SiGMA Central Europe, visitors to Belatra’s Booth #4071 will be able to immerse themselves at the heart of the Mummy Universe. There will be a themed experience that brings the magic and the mystery of our beloved multiverse to life. Special prizes are also on offer from the Mummy’s own treasure vault.

Kateryna Goi, Belatra CMO said:  “SiGMA Europe provides the perfect platform to connect with existing and potential collaborators. Our team is more than ready to present custom solutions, our robust technical infrastructure, and game designs to ensure player involvement and operator success.”

The post Belatra set to unearth ancient treasures at SiGMA Central Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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