Press Releases
Swedish online casino shutter would cause instant ‘black-market boom’, says BonusFinder MD
Government considers ‘extreme measures’ as activity rises amid COVID-19 restrictions but closures would drive more players to unlicensed sites instead of protecting them
9th April, 2020 – The Swedish government’s threat to temporarily shut down licensed online casinos would have a disastrous effect on the industry and drive thousands more players to the black market, BonusFinder.com has warned.
The minister in charge of gambling policy, Ardalan Shekarabi, this week warned that “extraordinary measures” would be implemented if operators do not take action to slow the increase in igaming activity seen in the last two weeks, as people are told to stay at home because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to new data from Sweden’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, there has been a 33% increase in registrations and logins to play online casino games with 17 of the 60 licensed operators in the country in the last 14 days.
Last month, Swedish market research carried out by BonusFinder.com found that almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations, introduced in January 2019.
Instead of protecting players, a shutdown of online casino brands, however, is likely to lead to thousands more players searching for and depositing funds on unlicensed sites, as well as causing further financial damage to licensed operators, according to BonusFinder.com.
Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “The Swedish government will make a colossal mistake if it chooses to temporarily close down online casino sites in an attempt to protect players. As our research has shown, almost a third of online casino players are already looking to the black market for a more attractive offering since restrictive rules were imposed in January 2019. These latest plans would create an immediate black-market boom.
“Swedish legislation requires operators to have strict responsible gambling procedures in place, therefore the right measures are already there. The focus should instead be on ensuring these are adhered to rather than taking a knee jerk reaction to close down all legitimate brands and forcing even more players to unprotected sites.”
Collinge joins as Executive Vice President – Group Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, bringing 20+ years across retail and online gaming.
Soft2Bet has appointed Ryan Collinge as Executive Vice President – Group Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, adding him to its senior leadership team.
In the role, Collinge will focus on supporting Soft2Bet’s growth plans and strengthening relationships with operators and entertainment brands, the company said.
Andrew Cochrane, Chief Commercial Officer at Soft2Bet, said: “Ryan brings the commercial judgement, industry relationships and operational experience needed to support Soft2Bet’s growth. His appointment strengthens our executive team as we expand our work with leading operators and global entertainment brands.”
Soft2Bet said Collinge brings more than 20 years of commercial, product and operational experience across retail and online gaming, including work with private equity-backed start-ups and multinational gaming groups. The company added that his background includes global sales, commercial strategy and business development, along with iGaming content, product development and studio management.
Soft2Bet also pointed to Collinge’s experience in the casino content vertical, which it said will support client needs analysis and solution optimization.
The post Soft2Bet hires Ryan Collinge as EVP for business development and partnerships appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Caesars Rewards member Pam W. from Colorado hit a seven-card straight flush on the Las Vegas Strip property.
The Vanderpump Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has reported an $813,553 jackpot win on Pai Gow Poker, just weeks after the property officially opened.
According to the company, Caesars Rewards member Pam W., visiting from Littleton, Colorado, won the payout after hitting a seven-card straight flush while playing Pai Gow Poker at The Vanderpump Hotel. The release said Pam was on a weeklong vacation with her husband and plans to use the winnings toward a European river cruise.
The Vanderpump Hotel is Lisa Vanderpump’s first hotel, developed in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. The property has 188 guest rooms, including 21 suites, and a 40,000-square-foot casino, the company said.
The venue’s food, beverage and nightlife lineup includes GIADA by Giada De Laurentiis, rooftop pool and event space Soleia, and Drai’s After Hours in its original location beneath the hotel. The property also hosts Caesars Sportsbook in a lounge-style format, alongside lounges including Gigolo and The Bar at The Vanderpump Hotel.
The post Vanderpump Hotel reports $813,553 Pai Gow Poker jackpot weeks after opening appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Vanderpump Hotel – Lisa Vanderpump’s first-ever hotel in partnership with Caesars Entertainment – is dealing out big wins on the Las Vegas Strip, celebrating a dazzling $813,553 payout just weeks after officially opening its doors.
Caesars Rewards® member Pam W., visiting from Littleton, Colorado, hit the jackpot with a seven-card straight flush on Pai Gow Poker at The Vanderpump Hotel. Pam, who is in town enjoying a weeklong vacation with her husband, is already planning her next adventure – turning her Vegas luck into a dream European river cruise.
Blending elevated design with a distinct sense of personality, The Vanderpump Hotel introduces a boutique, lifestyle-driven hospitality experience in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. The hotel offers an intimate footprint with 188 guest rooms, including 21 suites.
The property also features a 40,000-square-foot casino; Gigolo, a sexy, sultry lounge and The Bar at The Vanderpump Hotel, an inviting destination in the center of the casino – all curated to deliver a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere.
Culinary and nightlife offerings are anchored by GIADA, the award-winning flagship restaurant from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis; Soleia, a 65,000-square-foot rooftop pool and event space with open-air, panoramic views from 11 stories above the Las Vegas skyline; and Drai’s After Hours, located in its original home beneath the hotel. Caesars Sportsbook at The Vanderpump Hotel provides a boutique, lounge-style setting for sports fans and gaming enthusiasts alike. Guests can book stays at The Vanderpump Hotel via the Caesars Rewards app or online at caesars.com/thevanderpumphotel.
The post Raise a Glass: The Vanderpump Hotel Celebrates $813,553 Jackpot Win appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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