Latest News
Brazil and Malta Announced as New Locations for 2025 SiGMA Poker Tour
Speaking during a press conference for the official launch of the SiGMA Poker Tour, Operations Manager, Ivonne Montealgre, announced the launch of two official tour locations for 2025 – Brazil and Malta.
She also shared that the first-ever edition of the Hendon Mob Latam Championships (THMC Latam) will take place during the Brazil leg of the tour.
“I´ve been a fan of this company for 10 years, to now be part of that Group is thrilling. We’re bringing the tour to the next level and putting it on the poker map,” Ivonne explained.
Roland Boothby, Head of Partnerships at GPI/The Hendon Mob, offered further insights into the strategic partnerships between SiGMA and the Hendon Mob – a recognised industry standard for ranking poker players. Commenting on his excitement to venture into new territory with the SiGMA tour, Bootby noted that, “One place we’ve never entered in terms of the live event realm is South America. Brazil is booming when it comes to poker, Brazilian players are known for being the most fun to play with. The market is at the start of its journey and SiGMA has unique potential to connect events and networking to the poker community.
“The 2025 Hendon Mob championships will take place across 5 different continents and we are very proud to join the SiGMA team to explore the Latam market. Poker is in a position where it needs to attract new players to the game. SiGMA has already proved itself in the B2B space and the launch of the Poker Tour will be a great opportunity to prove themselves in the B2C world.”
Designed to bring a fresh, global edge to the world of competitive poker, the tour aims to attract players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to high-stakes tournaments in major cities around the world.
Eman Pulis, the founder of SiGMA Group, spoke to the broader vision of the event, explaining how the Poker Tour complements SiGMA’s mission to connect the gaming industry worldwide – a venture that has charity at the heart of its mission.
“We have set the bar very high for this mission. We have, from the beginning, done this with charity in mind. Surrounded by a hyper successful industry in the B2B industry, we have tried to merge the two – connecting charity outreach with our exhibitors. We now want to replicate this formula on the B2C side of things,” he explained.
“We want to elevate poker. Poker players are pro consumers – giving them access to the SiGMA platform is something that every player has been craving. Combining poker with business and pleasure should pave the way for a dynamite tour,” noted CEO of SiGMA Group Emily Micallef.
The SiGMA Poker Tour will align with the SiGMA Foundation to make a meaningful impact in the communities it visits. For each main tour stop, a percentage from every buy-in at a designated side event will be donated to support local SiGMA Foundation projects. This initiative not only enhances the tour’s commitment to responsible gaming but also ensures that each event leaves a positive legacy in the host locality, connecting the excitement of poker with the spirit of giving back.
The event wrapped up with a networking coffee, offering guests a chance to connect with the speakers and learn more about the SiGMA Poker Tour.
The post Brazil and Malta Announced as New Locations for 2025 SiGMA Poker Tour appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
GamCare releases Annual Report following record breaking year of support on the National Gambling Helpline
GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline received a record 55,228 calls and online chats from people experiencing gambling harm in 2023-24 – a 25% increase from the previous year – according to the charity’s Annual Report.
In a year marked by uncertainty over the future shape and structure of the gambling harms treatment sector following the previous government’s white paper on gambling reform, the charity continued to prioritise those at-risk of, or currently experiencing, gambling harm.
Of all calls and online chats that were responded to on GamCare’s Helpline in 2023/24, 41,070 (74%) were classed as supportive interventions. This includes supporting people with initial guidance and advice as well as delivering a seamless entry point into structured treatment services, with individuals completing treatment reporting a significant reduction in gambling-related distress and financial harm.
In March 2024, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published an assessment of the gambling treatment system, highlighting that 57% of individuals engaging in treatment were referred by the National Gambling Helpline. This underscores the Helpline’s critical role in connecting people to the support they need. Over 9,100 free treatment sessions were delivered in the year to April 2024, with an average of just 2.1 days’ wait from point of referral.
GamCare’s targeted programmes aimed at young people, women, and the criminal justice system provided training on how to spot the signs of harms and where to signpost into support for 10,344 professionals, and education for 53,324 young people, children and parents. The Women’s Programme, in partnership with organisations such as Refuge, trained 3,813 professionals to recognise and address gambling-related harm among women.
Margot Daly, Executive Chair of GamCare’s Board, says: “Throughout a challenging year and with heightened demand for our services, GamCare’s staff have got on with the job of preventing harm where possible and treating harm where necessary. While we expect important changes in the gambling harms landscape, we have been determined not to let this uncertainty affect our relentless focus on the people who really matter – those at-risk of or currently experiencing gambling harms.
“I would like to thank and pay tribute to our frontline staff who provide 24/7 support for all those at risk or in distress. I also want to thank GamCare’s senior executive team who have steered GamCare through a period of sustained change, and to my fellow trustees for their guidance, unwavering support and the time each has dedicated to ensuring that the charity stays on course and on mission.
“As we look ahead to how the future of the gambling harms sector is shaped, we are committed to working proactively with the NHS and other partners and commissioners to ensure that people are continually able to receive the right support at the right time.”
The post GamCare releases Annual Report following record breaking year of support on the National Gambling Helpline appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Kambi Group plc (“Kambi”) has during the period 18 December to 23 December 2024 (the “Buyback Period”) repurchased a total of 40,000 ordinary B shares (ISIN: MT0000780107) as part of the share buyback programme, within the mandate approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 20 June 2024 (the “Programme”).
The objective of the Programme is to achieve added value for Kambi´s shareholders and to give the Board increased flexibility with Kambi´s capital structure by reducing the capital. The Programme is being carried out in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act, EU Market Abuse Regulation No 596/2014 (“MAR”) and other applicable rules.
During the Buyback Period, Kambi repurchased a total of 40,000 ordinary B shares at a volume-weighted average price of 99.13 SEK. From the beginning of the Programme, which started on 6 November, until and including 23 December 2024, Kambi has repurchased a total of 344,000 ordinary B shares at a volume-weighted average price of 104.94 SEK per share.
During the Buyback Period, Kambi has repurchased shares as follows:
| Date | Aggregated daily volume (number of ordinary B shares) |
Weighted average share price per day (SEK) |
Total daily transaction value (SEK) |
| 18 December 2024 | 10,000 | 100.00 | 999,967 |
| 19 December 2024 | 10,000 | 99.39 | 993,929 |
| 20 December 2024 | 10,000 | 98.86 | 988,588 |
| 23 December 2024 | 10,000 | 98.26 | 982,562 |
All acquisitions have been carried out on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm by Carnegie Investment Bank AB on behalf of Kambi. Following the acquisitions and as of 23 December 2024, Kambi’s holding of its own shares amounted to 344,000 and the total number of issued shares in Kambi is 29,903,619 ordinary B shares. Under the Programme Kambi is authorised to repurchase a maximum of 3,127,830 ordinary B shares, up to a maximum amount of €12.0 million.
A full breakdown of all transactions carried out during the Buyback Period is attached to this announcement.
Information on the Programme is available on Kambi’s website, https://www.kambi.com/investors/share-information/
The post Kambi Group plc repurchase of shares during 18 December – 23 December 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
North American Expansion Kicks Off Through Strategic Partnership with Moozi
Golden Matrix Group’s game development division, Expanse Studios, has officially entered the U.S. sweepstakes market, marking a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy. This move is powered by a strategic content partnership with Moozi, one of the most dynamic sweepstakes social casino platforms in the region.
With Moozi now featuring over 50 of Expanse Studios’ top-performing games—including immersive slots, crash games, and table games—this partnership positions GMGI to capture a share of the $5.6 billion U.S. sweepstakes market, projected to more than double to $11 billion by 2025 (Eilers).
Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, commented:
“This partnership signifies our formal entry into the U.S. market, showcasing the innovation and player-first experiences that define Expanse Studios. Collaborating with Moozi enables us to deliver advanced gaming content to a growing audience in North America, a key region for our global growth.”
James Anderson, Moozi’s CCO, added:
“Expanse Studios has set a high bar for engaging and innovative gaming experiences. Their addition to our platform elevates Moozi’s offerings and strengthens our mission to lead the U.S. sweepstakes social casino space.”
This launch underscores Expanse Studios’ commitment to innovation and its long-term growth trajectory in regulated markets. By entering the North American sweepstakes market, Expanse Studios takes a bold step in expanding its footprint while delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences.
-
Australia6 days agoAUSTRAC Takes Ladbrokes and Neds’ Operator – Entain – to Federal Court Over Serious Non-compliance with Australia’s Money Laundering Laws
-
Latest News6 days ago
Join the Danish Problem Gambling Committee’s Online Conference: A Critical Conversation on Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment
-
FreezeNova4 days ago
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
-
Asia6 days ago
Former Thai Police Chief Torsak Faces Investigation for Bribery
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
JCM Global Receives Approval to Operate in West Virginia
-
Baltics5 days ago
Evoplay expands Baltic presence with new Optibet collaboration
-
Delaware North6 days ago
Industry veteran joins North American operator as chief interactive gaming officer to drive growth in iCasino states and efficiencies in its online sportsbook
-
Latest News6 days ago
Review Published Assessing the Interventions for the Treatment of Gambling Harms
