Australia

Inspired to create the inaugural Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams to be Televised across Australia

Published

4 years ago

September 8, 2020

Commemorating 160 years of Australia’s greatest race, Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (“Inspired”) (NASDAQ: INSE) announced today that it has created ‘Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams’, a thrilling virtual race pitting 24 past champions of the Cup against each other, for the Victoria Racing Club (“VRC”). Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams will be shown live across Australia on Network 10 on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Viewers will get to experience the magic with a computer-simulated version of the Lexus Melbourne Cup incorporating a stunning, fully accurate re-creation of the Flemington Racecourse and the atmosphere of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

During the broadcast, Lexus Melbourne Cup fans will witness Inspired’s ultra-realistic 3D CGI representation of the Cup featuring 24 past champions as selected by a panel of experts from more than 100 past Cup stars. Historical information about these horses and their racing records has been built into the software, which helps to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions. This probability is based on their past form and performance in other races. With the outcome already known in advance by a select few creating the race, punters will not be able to place a bet on the great race.

VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott said the virtual race will unite and excite Australians in the lead-up to the 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup. “Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams will reignite time-old debates about Australia’s greatest stayer. We want everyone to embrace the concept, whether that be running a traditional Cup Day sweep with family and friends for the virtual race, or posting who you think will win on social media tagging @FlemingtonVRC, which will ensure bragging rights are yours should your tip take out Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams.”

As the pioneer of Virtual Sports, Inspired has re-created the action of the world’s most popular sports for more than a decade. Inspired has famously created virtual versions of the Kentucky Derby in the U.S. and the Grand National in the UK. Both of these were broadcast on national television with millions of viewers, proving Virtual Sports are realistic enough to take center stage.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“We could not be more excited about working with the VRC and its media partners to create this celebration of Australian racing history,” said Steve Rogers, Inspired Chief Commercial Officer for Virtual Sports. “The Lexus Melbourne Cup is one of the world’s greatest horse races, and its winners include a roll call of some of the sport’s biggest icons. Bringing 24 of those icons back to the turf is every racing fan’s dream come true. It’s an honor to have this role in Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, and we can’t wait to show Australia the quality of our state-of-art virtual sports.”

Inspired’s award-winning Virtual Sports are popular worldwide, appealing to a wide variety of players through more than 40,000 retail channels and 100+ websites in 35 countries. Trailers and demos of the latest Virtual Sports offerings are available at www.inseinc.com/virtuals/.

Australia

Regulating the Game Announces Dr Bo Bernhard as 2025 Conference Speaker

Published

7 days ago

September 3, 2024

Niji Narayan

regulating-the-game-announces-dr-bo-bernhard-as-2025-conference-speaker

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Leading gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced Dr Bo Bernhard, Vice President of Economic Development at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, as a headline speaker at its 2025 edition, to be held in Sydney from 10 to 13 March.

A well-known industry figure, Bernhard is also a fifth-generation Nevadan whose global work has taken him from the glitz of Las Vegas to South Africa, Europe, Japan, Singapore and beyond. A Harvard graduate with a double major in sociology and psychology, his groundbreaking research on the socio-economic impacts of the Las Vegas Strip set the stage for a distinguished international career.

Paul Newson, Principal at event organizer Vanguard Overwatch, said: “Having Dr Bo Bernhard share his insights at Regulating the Game 2025 will be electrifying. His unique global perspective is sure to enlighten, provoke thinking and inspire. This conference continues to set the bar high with unmatched speaker line-ups and content that tackles the sector’s most pressing issues.”

By 30, Dr Bernhard had delivered key research addresses on six continents. He later took on the role of Executive Director at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, where he expanded the organization to include four centers of excellence. In 2021, he became UNLV’s Vice President of Economic Development, spearheading projects at the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, Black Fire Innovation hub and UNLV Incubator.

“We find ourselves at a fascinating moment in the global economy, as industries like gaming, tourism, sports, and entertainment are blending, growing, and converging like never before,” said Dr Bernhard.

“This conference convenes the leading thinkers in gaming and adjacent sectors, and never has it been more timely or more important to gather leading experts in an effort to tackle some of the most challenging issues in our fast-developing world.”

The Regulating the Game conference is a flagship event that bridges the gap between regulators, industry professionals and stakeholders. The conference is dedicated to introducing expert content, inspiring discussion and debate about policy and sector issues, and driving innovation to support efficient and effective gambling regulation.

Now in its fifth year, Regulating the Game continues to attract speakers and attendees from around the world, solidifying its status as a pivotal event for those shaping the future of the industry.

The post Regulating the Game Announces Dr Bo Bernhard as 2025 Conference Speaker appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Australia

ACMA: Young Australians Embrace National Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Register

Published

2 weeks ago

August 30, 2024

Niji Narayan

acma:-young-australians-embrace-national-online-gambling-self-exclusion-register

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More than 28,000 Australians have made the decision to self-exclude from all licensed online and phone wagering services since BetStop – The National Self-Exclusion Register was launched by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in August 2023.

The register allows people to self-exclude for a minimum of three months up to a lifetime and of the 28,000 registrants who to date have chosen to self-exclude:

• Almost half were aged 30 and under, and around 80% were aged 40 and under.
• Around 40% have decided to self-exclude for life.
• Fewer than 20% of registrants chose the minimum period of three months.
• More than 14% have already extended or reactivated their self-exclusion period.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that the register’s first year of operation has shown that Australians want help in managing their gambling behaviour.

“Online gambling can cause a great deal of harm to individuals, their families and friends, so it’s encouraging that so many people have decided to take the step and register to self-exclude.

‘Younger Australians in particular are making early decisions about the role that online gambling will play in their lives.

“Many people are also choosing to nominate someone to support them. Stopping online gambling can be a difficult decision to make – having someone to support you can make the decision much easier.

“And many people are committing to long-term change, with a high percentage of people choosing to exclude for life,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

Australians can register to self-exclude from online and phone wagering at www.betstop.gov.au. All you need is access to your phone, your email address and an identity document such as a driver’s licence, Medicare card or passport. Registering is quick and easy – with most people able to register in less than 5 minutes.

The post ACMA: Young Australians Embrace National Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Register appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Australia

Golden Matrix Enters Into Definitive Agreement to Acquire a Controlling Interest in Australian-Based Classics for a Cause

Published

3 weeks ago

August 20, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

golden-matrix-enters-into-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-a-controlling-interest-in-australian-based-classics-for-a-cause

Golden Matrix Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMGI) (“GMGI” or the “Company”), a developer and licensor of online gaming platforms, systems and gaming content, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an indirect 80% controlling interest in Classics for a Cause Pty Ltd (“CFAC”), a leading independent online discount platform in Australia.

This strategic acquisition marks GMGI’s entry into the consumer loyalty and rewards industry, complementing its existing operations in the gaming and sports betting sectors and solidifying its position as a premier tournament operator. Moreover, it provides a significant opportunity to scale CFAC’s business and expand the firm’s operations globally.

CFAC operates a well-established business-to-consumer (B2C) platform that offers paid members access to a wide range of discounts from retailers across Australia. The company rewards its members with free entries into promotional giveaways, which feature luxury, high-end American and Australian classic cars, caravans and campers as well as cash and vacation giveaways.

Business Highlights:

CFAC generated over $10 million in revenue and more than $1.9 million in operating profit before tax* for the 12-month fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
CFAC has generated considerable free cash flow over the last two fiscal years.
The company boasts a social media following exceeding 50,000 and a customer base of more than 300,000, with over 10,000 active monthly subscribers.
Recurring monthly subscribers contribute over 30% of CFAC’s total revenue.

*Net operating income before tax calculated for the 12-month period ending June 30th 2024. Financials presented in Australian Dollars and written on a cash basis. With cash basis accounting, revenue and expenses are recorded when cash is received or paid out. Post transaction financials will be presented in terms of GAAP and presented on an accrual basis.

Under the terms of the agreement, GMGI will acquire its 80% stake in the entity which owns CFAC at a purchase price representing a multiple of roughly 5x profits before tax, declared for fiscal year ending June 30th 2024, totalling approximately $8.4 million inclusive of the earnout component. Of this amount, 70% will be paid in cash, with the remaining 30% settled through the issuance of restricted shares of GMGI common stock. The agreement includes provisions for a holdback amount and an earnout, contingent upon CFAC meeting certain post-closing profit targets. Additionally, GMGI will inherit a call option to acquire the remaining 20% minority interest.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, expected to be fulfilled within the next several days, with an effective date of August 1, 2024.

Commenting on the acquisition, Brian Goodman, CEO of Golden Matrix, said, “We are thrilled to proceed with this acquisition as it aligns perfectly with our strategy of acquiring profitable and accretive businesses. Our previous acquisition of RKings Competitions has been a phenomenal success, significantly contributing to our revenues and profits, and we anticipate similar results with CFAC. CFAC will provide a strong foundation to build on, as was the case with RKings, and we expect this acquisition will not only enhance our revenue and cash flow but will also add to our bottom-line profitability. We are confident in our ability to scale CFAC, implement cost efficiencies, upgrade its technology and further strengthen its free cash flow.”

Thomas Bailey, founder of CFAC, added, “We are incredibly excited to join forces with GMGI and contribute to their ongoing success. This partnership offers a significant opportunity to expand CFAC into new markets and elevate the company to new heights.”

Thomas Bailey will continue in an executive role with CFAC, where he will oversee the company’s growth and lead the roadmap for its planned expansion into the U.S. Tom co-founded CFAC in 2019 to support Australian veteran charity programs. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in successfully establishing over 14 start-ups and has a strong background in marketing and implementing growth strategies.

According to Research and Markets, the consumer loyalty and rewards market will continue to grow and is forecasted to record a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024-2028, as well as an increase from $3.64 billion in 2023 to $5.79 billion by 2028.

For full details of the purchase agreement and related terms, please refer to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.