Industry News
SAZKA Group: COVID-19 update
SAZKA Group wishes to give an update to its stakeholders regarding the measures our companies and retail partners have taken with regard to the COVID-19 virus outbreak.
First and foremost, in order to protect the health and safety of our customers, employees, partners and the public, all our companies have fully complied with all the decisions and recommendations of the public authorities in the countries of their operations. We have successfully implemented contingency and business continuity plans with no significant impact to our business processes, and almost all our employees are currently working from home.
While all our digital channels continue to operate without interruption, our physical retail networks have adopted various measures to safeguard public health and the health of our employees.
We anticipate that these developments will impact our financial performance. The extent of the impact will depend on factors including the duration of the outbreak, how longer current restrictions remain in place, further measures taken by governments, and the extent of economic disruption.
Robert Chvatal, CEO commented: “Management are working on mitigating steps to minimise the financial impact for our companies, our employees, and our partners. SAZKA Group is in daily contact with its local operating companies to coordinate timely response to the developments in individual markets.”
Below is a brief overview of the current situation in our markets:
Greece
On Friday 13 March 2020, the Greek government published its decision to impose a temporary ban on the operation of a wide range of shops, indoor venues and other locations. As a result, all of the OPAP stores and PLAY gaming halls in Greece will be closed for two weeks, from Saturday 14 March until Friday 27 March 2020 inclusive. The horseracing facility at Markopoulo Park will also be closed.
Consequently, during this period, the company’s gaming activities will only be operating through its online platforms, which offer sports betting and certain other lottery games, and via the street vendor network of Hellenic Lotteries, which offers scratch cards and passive lotteries.
OPAP’s stores in Cyprus have been temporarily closed as of.
Austria
On Friday 13 March 2020, the Austrian government published its decision to impose a temporary ban on the operation of a wide range of shops, excluding those providing basic services such as food retail, pharmacies, post offices, banks, petrol stations and tobacco stores. The decision went into force on Monday 16 March 2020. The ban has so far had only a limited impact on the availability of Austrian lotteries products through its main retail channels, as more than 90% of all point-of-sales are excluded from the ban.
Austrian Lotteries’ online gaming activities remain available to the public during the entire period. They include draw based games (including Austrian Lotteries’ major products Lotto and Euromillions), instant scratch cards, online casino, poker, bingo and sports betting.
In coordination with the authorities, Casinos Austria has decided to close all its casinos in Austria and its subsidiary Austrian Lotteries has decided to close all its 19 gaming halls on March 13, 2020. The casinos and gaming halls will be closed at least until April 13, 2020. The Austrian government is introducing measures to support part time work, which may allow reduce Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries to reduce the financial impact of the closure
Casinos Austria International, which operates casinos and VLT businesses in multiple countries, is closely monitoring the situation and acting in accordance with the instructions of local governmental bodies.
Czech Republic
As of Monday 16 March, the State Security Council of the Czech Republic has decided to severely limit free movement in the Czech Republic in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic. Citizens are allowed going to work and shop for supplies limited to food, vital supplies, fuel and medicine, as well as use of necessary financial and postal services. We estimate that 70% of SAZKA’s Czech retail network, including newsstands and post offices, continues providing their services to the public.
At the same time, we are actively promoting the use of online platforms for lottery products as well as digital-only offerings. In recent weeks we have seen a 25-30% increase in sales via digital channels compared to previous weeks.
Italy
Most shops, restaurants and cafes in Italy are currently closed as a result of a number of recent measures. Tobacconists, which are a key channel for LOTTOITALIA, are allowed to remain open, however traffic has declined.
About SAZKA Group:
We are one of the largest pan-European lottery operators. Our businesses operate lotteries in all the major continental European countries where lotteries are privately operated, including the Czech Republic, Greece, Austria and Italy, and in Cyprus. Our businesses focus on the lottery segment, including numerical lotteries (draw-based games) and instant lotteries (scratch cards), and also provide complementary products, including sports-betting and digital-only games. They sell their products both through various retail networks and through digital platforms.
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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Jackpot Digital Inc. has announced that it has been granted a Manufacturer and Distributor License by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This approval authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply gaming equipment to licensed casino operators throughout Mississippi. This marks the Company’s second state-level manufacturer’s license in the US. Additional licensing applications are currently pending in other jurisdictions as part of the Company’s ongoing growth strategy. Mississippi is one of the nation’s premier destination gaming markets, generating over $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2023. The state’s Gulf Coast and Biloxi regions are particularly well known for their vibrant casino tourism and established gaming brands.
iDEA (iDevelopment and Economic Association), the leading trade association representing the U.S. online gaming industry, launched the definitive online destination for all things online gambling: ideagrowth.org. The new website provides the media, and U.S. legislators and regulators, a comprehensive resource for data-driven research, policy insights, and responsible gaming resources. The new website provides the industry’s most vital statistics and research — from consumer protections to economic development — in an engaging, accessible format designed for maximum impact.
CT Interactive has further strengthened its international presence by expanding its certified game portfolio on the regulated Peruvian market with 20 new titles. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming content tailored specifically to regional markets. The newly certified portfolio features titles from CT Interactive’s popular Buy Bonus product line, including fan favorites such as Duck of Luck, Fruits & Sweets, Doctor Winstein, and Nanook the White Ghost. These enhanced editions deliver dynamic gameplay with one- or three-level Buy Bonus options, giving players new tools for diverse strategies and greater control over the game’s pace and excitement. A highlight of the newly certified titles is the launch of Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the acclaimed Clover-themed series.
Partnerships
CT Interactive has entered a new phase of its Latin American growth by launching its complete portfolio of games on Rushbet in Mexico and Peru. This collaboration with Rush Street Interactive—one of the region’s leading online casino and sportsbook operators—marks a significant step in the company’s international expansion. Players on Rushbet now have access to proven favorites like Lucky Clover, 40 Treasures, Win Storm and Big Chilli, along with the engaging Hot Luck three-level jackpot, designed to enhance player excitement and retention. This partnership underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to long-term collaboration and delivering tailored gaming solutions across diverse Latin American markets.
Hard Rock International has announced its 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign in partnership with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ahead of this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a global entertainment and hospitality brand guided by the principle “All is One,” Hard Rock is leveraging every touchpoint to support the cause throughout October, from a limited-edition retail collection to special menu items and events. A portion of proceeds from PINKTOBER sales each year are donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, to support breast cancer awareness and research worldwide. The program has raised over $13 million for breast cancer research since its inception.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 29-October 5 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Amusnet’s latest Live Casino portfolio addition, Candy Wheel, invites players on an unforgettable journey where every spin bursts with excitement. Candy Wheel dazzles with its vibrant gameplay centered around a colourful wheel divided into 50 dynamic sectors, each packed with unique payout possibilities. Players can jump into the action by placing their bets on six exciting sectors — also known as tickets — and predicting where the wheel will land next.
Led by a charismatic live presenter, every moment unfolds in real time with crystal-clear video streaming and multiple camera angles that capture each thrilling spin. The host keeps the energy sky-high — announcing results, chatting with players and turning every round into a full-on celebration.
And just when you think it can’t get any sweeter, Candy Wheel introduces a couple of special features to spice things up even more:
Candy Ticket
The Candy Ticket feature appears randomly during gameplay and rewards players with a free re-bet on one of the six tickets available. If you’ve placed a bet on the chosen ticket, you’ll automatically receive a free bet for the next round – same ticket, same value. Watch as your chip transforms into a candy-themed version and slides to the side, leaving you free to place new bets and double the fun.
Dynamic Multipliers
Dynamic Multipliers is a thrilling feature that can boost players’ payout up to 25x. Similar to the Candy Ticket feature, a multiplier and а sector are randomly selected and revealed on the circular screen. If you’ve placed a bet on that sector, your winnings will be multiplied by 2x, 5x, 10x or 25x. An electrifying twist that adds a whole new layer of suspense – and serious reward potential brought to every spin.
Jackpot Cards
The Jackpot Cards Bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive Jackpots.
The post Amusnet Releases Candy Wheel appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Amusnet has released Golden Goal Roulette, the latest title in its new generation of virtual roulette games. Blending the elegance of classic roulette with the electrifying energy of football, this release transforms the iconic casino experience into a matchday celebration.
Set against the backdrop of a vividly designed football stadium, Golden Goal Roulette creates an immersive environment that transports players right into the heart of the game. From the realistic ambient sounds of cheering crowds to the sleek design of the roulette wheel, every detail is crafted to heighten the atmosphere and capture the excitement of sport.
What sets Golden Goal Roulette apart is its interactive gameplay mechanics. Unlike traditional versions, this virtual roulette allows players to control the start of each spin, introducing a fresh and dynamic twist to the experience. The result is a modernised game that blends tradition with innovation while keeping the familiar structure of European-style roulette.
Golden Goal Roulette supports a wide variety of betting options to suit every preference:
Inside Bets: Straight up, Split, Street, Corner, Line bet
Outside Bets: Column, Dozen, Low/High, Even/Odd, Red/Black.
With its authentic football theme, versatility and interactive features, Golden Goal Roulette adds a new layer of energy and entertainment to Amusnet’s growing Live Casino portfolio. It’s a title designed for both roulette enthusiasts and football fans alike — an engaging blend of two worlds that never fails to capture attention.
Auto Rebet
The Auto Rebet function allows players to repeat a selected bet. When enabled, the game enters automatic mode, where bets are placed automatically for a set number of games.
Favourite Bets
This function allows players to save up to 10 personally tailored bets or bet combinations for quick access during gameplay.
Jackpot Cards
The Jackpot Cards Bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive Jackpots.
The post Golden Goal Roulette – Where Football Meets the Thrill of the Wheel appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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