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EGBA: Swedish Government Risks Driving Online Gambling into the Black Market
The Gambling Market Inquiry, established to consider additional measures to those set out in Sweden’s Gambling Act which re-regulated the country’s online gambling market in 2019, has presented its long-anticipated report to the Ministry of Social Security.
The report proposes, among other things, further restrictions and limitations for Sweden’s licensed online gambling companies, including a new customer risk classification and additional marketing restrictions.
While there are proposals in the report which are welcome, including the introduction of gaming supplier licenses for game developers and suppliers, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is concerned that the frequency and scope of regulatory changes in Sweden jeopardises the overall success of the country’s online gambling regulation and its ability to provide Swedes with a safe, attractive and regulated online environment where they can bet.
EGBA supports well-regulated online gambling markets but the constant proposals to change Sweden’s regulation, which was established less than two years ago, is creating policy instability for the country’s licensed companies. EGBA has previously outlined its concerns about the government’s introduction of temporary deposit limits for online casino in Q2 this year, which are now set to be prolonged until next summer. Generically imposed deposit limits, despite being well-intentioned, encourage many customers, including those experiencing problematic gambling behaviour, to exit the regulated market and play on black market websites which allow them to circumvent the limits.
The risks to consumer protection from black market gambling are very real, particularly for vulnerable customers: these websites are readily available, easy to access and do not apply any limits or responsible gambling measures, e.g. self-exclusion registers such as Sweden’s Spelpaus scheme. According to a recent study, 40% of Sweden’s online casino customers, and 34% of sports betting customers, already gamble on unlicensed and black market websites or would consider doing so in future. Given the risk of black market gambling, EGBA, therefore, encourages Swedish policy makers to consider the need for a delicate regulatory balance and the potential cause and effects of further restrictions on the licensed and regulated market in Sweden.
“EGBA members, including BOS, accept their shared responsibility to protect customers, and we are continuously considering what we can do more, but, fundamentally, the best way to protect customers is to ensure they play inside the regulated market with companies who are licensed in and apply the consumer protection laws in Sweden. The cumulative effect of more restrictions on the Swedish market will be less channelling and more unregulated black market gambling. Despite being well-intentioned, this would be clearly counter-productive and will damage the safety of the consumer,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of EGBA, said.
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THE MONEYMAKER TOUR RETURNS TO HARD ROCK CINCINNATI WITH MORE THAN $1 MILLION UP FOR GRABS
Following a hugely successful first event in Cincinnati, Ohio in September 2023, the Moneymaker Tour is returning to the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati on September 17 – 30, 2024 with a packed schedule that will guarantee more than $1 million across 15 trophy events.
In September 2023’s inaugural stop at Hard Rock Cincinnati, the $1,500 Main Event was contested by 788 players and won by Joseph Bakun for $208,034. He was joined at the final table by Chris Moneymaker himself and WSOP Champion Joseph McKeehen and as well as the top cash prize, he also took home a crystal Moneymaker Tour trophy and a guitar trophy.
The Moneymaker Tour was created in 2023 by 2003 WSOP Champion and ACR Team Pro, Chris Moneymaker and Moneymaker Tour Executive Manager, Tony Burns. The Tour was conceived as a way for Moneymaker to give poker players opportunities to have their own ordinary to extraordinary moments as he did.
Despite its relative newcomer status, the Moneymaker Tour has made a name for itself, recently being voted the third most popular live poker tournament series behind only the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour, in a State of Poker survey. Since its inception, there have been eight events throughout Florida, Cincinnati and Houston.
The Tour has also recently announced new venues including a first visit to the birthplace of the Moneymaker boom with an event in Las Vegas from June 28 – July 6 at MGM Grand and its first international Main Event at Casino Aruba in October.
“Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati will team up with the Moneymaker Tour for a return in 2024” said Christopher Herbert, Hard Rock Cincinnati Manger of Poker & Sportsbook. “Hard Rock Cincinnati is grateful to be a part of the fastest growing poker tour in 2023. Chris Moneymaker, Tony Burns and their staff delivered an incredible experience for our guests during the 2023 Moneymaker Tour stop. There’s no better place to be in September 2024 than Cincinnati Ohio!”
“After an amazing series last September, we are excited to return to Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati”, said Tony Burns, Executive Manager of the Moneymaker Tour. “Continuing to partner with one of the most recognisable brands in the world amplifies our reach, resonates with our audience, and rocks our business to a whole other level.”
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
ELA Games is thrilled to announce the release of its latest slot machine game, Big Wave Delight. This new game features an advanced design, original mechanics, and a unique “Bonus Purchase” feature, setting a new standard in the gaming industry. Players can also hit the waves with Free Spins, scoring 10 thrilling spins with random multipliers (up to 10x) on each whirl. With up to 3 Wild Surfboards on every spin, players can expect epic wins!
Habanero, invites players for an icy adventure in its new title Arctic Hunt, offering expanding wilds with multipliers of up to 50x. Set against a snowy forest, this 5×3 game hosts a variety of wildlife such as fish, rabbits, deer and beavers as its symbols. Arctic foxes can also appear as wilds and substitute other icons to help form wins. Regular symbols can land with crystal gems attached which are accumulated in a counter at the top of the board.
Yggdrasil has released Boomerang Games’ (under license to ReelPlay) newest game Goblin’s Bargain MultiMax™, a vault packed with features ready to tempt those looking for the biggest of wins. The glittering gold belonging to the nefarious mythical creatures is under lock and key unless players can make the most of MultiMax. The popular Game Engagement Mechanic (GEM) sees a multiplier build up on each reel which can be multiplied together, leading to exponentially large wins.
R. Franco Digital is inviting players to double their winnings in its latest mythical-themed release, Game of Chronos Unicorn. Immersing players in a fantasy universe, a 5×3 grid is filled with a host of mythical symbols which create matching combinations across the slot’s 40 paylines. Helping to form wins are Witch wilds, which substitute other symbols on the board, while three or more unicorn Scatters pay out an instant reward.
Play’n GO pits Woodrow and Jačova against one another in a race against bolts in Spark of Genius. In this dynamic 6×6 grid slot, players are transported to the dawn of the 20th century, where the clash between industry pioneers Maynard Woodrow and Tess Jačova ignites. Players will harness the power of Resonant Energy and Manifest Energy as these characters vie for dominance over the grid.
Spinomenal has unveiled its hotly anticipated game, Quest to the Underworld. This game is part of the popular Spinomenal Adventure series. Quest to the Underworld lures players in with its macabre setting that’s underscored with a chilling soundtrack. Medium symbols are made up of a vial, crossbow, goblet, and scroll. Two Wild symbols, a glamorous lady and black gear, will substitute for any symbol except the Free Spins and Bonus symbols, hitting five Wild symbols on a winning line gives players a x1000 multiplier.
Yggdrasil and YGG Masters partner Bang Bang Games have combined to deliver thrilling gameplay in toxic new release Mutant Trawlers. Players must navigate a contaminated nuclear lake to fish up wins worth a maximum of 3,000x by way of Trawler Respins, Mutant Cash and Meltdown Free Spins. Trawler respins can be triggered whenever a boat lands on the same reel as a Mutant Cash symbol, automatically igniting a chain of respins where multipliers increase after every successful spin.
Wizard Games is ready to deliver magic and mystery in its enchanted new release, Wynmor’s Tales – The Rise. Players are faced with a 5×4 matrix, situated within an eerie mansion, looking to land mystic items across the slots 40 paylines. If a spellbook lands on the fifth reel, then all Cash Symbols are collected, paying out magical rewards.
Games Global’s exclusive studio OROS Gaming, has unveiled Magnificent Power Wolf Fire Spirit™, its latest slot utilising the popular Magnificent Power mechanic that promises captivating gameplay and 4,096 ways to win on a 5×4 grid. Adorned with bear, eagle and dreamcatcher symbols, this Native American-inspired slot immerses players with every spin of the expanding reels, providing ample opportunity to discover the hidden riches with two or more adjacent high-paying symbols awarding a win.
The post Week 20/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Casino Guru, the world’s premier independent online casino resource, proudly announces the launch of its new webinar series, “Safer Gambling Talks.” This innovative series aims to delve into the critical aspects of safer gambling within the industry, addressing jurisdictional nuances and universal consumer protection standards.
“Safer Gambling Talks” is dedicated to fostering a highly responsible gambling environment by engaging with experts and industry leaders. The series will explore various topics, focusing on creating a more sustainable and commercially viable gambling industry that prioritizes player protection.
In the premiere episode, Šimon Vincze, Casino Guru’s Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Margaret Carran, Associate Professor in Law and Associate Dean (Education) at The City Law School of City, University of London. The conversation centers on improving self-exclusion practices within the gambling industry, aiming to enhance player protection across different markets. The episode is available on Casino Guru News YouTube channel.
Šimon Vincze, a staunch advocate for responsible gambling, leads Casino Guru’s efforts in sustainable and safer gambling. He spearheads the Global Self-Exclusion Initiative, driving forward best practices in player protection and operator responsibility. Recognizing gaps in existing tools, Šimon is committed to ensuring a safer gambling environment for all.
The post Casino Guru Launches “Safer Gambling Talks” Webinar Series with Šimon Vincze appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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