IGT
and William Hill Expand Sports Betting at Rhode Island
Casinos
LONDON, U.K. (Dec. 21, 2018) -- IGT
Global Solutions Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Game
Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT), and William Hill U.S., a subsidiary of
William Hill PLC (LON: WMH), announced today the expansion of sports betting to
Twin River Casino Hotels all-new Sportsbook Bar & Grill. The new
venue features more than 100 HD televisions showing live sporting events and
dynamic betting lines. Fans can wager on an expansive selection of pre-game and
InPlay bets for professional and college sports.
The expansion to the new venue
represents a continuation of the successful partnership between IGT and William
Hill to provide sports betting to the Rhode Island Lottery. IGT provides
PlayShot, an end-to-end sports betting platform with touchpoints through
which bets are placed and settled. William Hill provides odds making services
and risk management. IGT and William Hill also provide sports betting at
Tiverton Casino Hotel, which began accepting bets on December 3. Twin River
Casino Hotel started accepting bets from a temporary space on November 26 prior
to the opening of the Sportsbook Bar & Grill.
The seamless experiences
our technology provides to players and operators alike is a tremendous source
of pride, and I believe its a critical factor in why multiple operators
have partnered with us to launch sportsbooks this year, said Enrico
Drago, Senior Vice President of IGT PlayDigital. In 2018 alone,
PlayShot has processed more than $1 billion through multiple locations in five
U.S. states. We look forward to further promoting the advantages of this
innovative digital platform as sports betting continues its expansion across
the country.
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We are excited to partner
with the Rhode Island Lottery and IGT to bring a world-class sports betting
product to Twin River Casino, said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US.
The lines have been out the door in the temporary facility, so we are
glad the permanent sports book is now ready. William Hill is proud to be the
only sports book to operate or provide services in all seven states that have
authorized sports betting, with Rhode Island joining Nevada, Delaware, New
Jersey, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
In August, the Rhode Island Lottery
selected IGT and William Hill to be the sports betting service provider at the
states licensed video lottery and table gaming establishments.
In September, IGT and William Hill
announced a multi-year agreement to offer U.S. lotteries a full-service sports
betting solution aimed at maximizing revenue while ensuring reliable,
attractive, and innovative service for players.
Outside of Rhode Island, PlayShot
powers sports wagers in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, and West Virginia.
About William Hill
William Hill PLC is one of the
world's leading betting and gaming companies, employing over 16,000 people. Its
origins are in the UK where it was founded in 1934, and where it is listed on
the London Stock Exchange. The majority of its $2.1 billion annual revenues are
still derived from the UK, where it has a national presence of licensed betting
offices and one of the leading online betting and gaming services. In 2012, it
established William Hill US with a focus on retail and mobile operations in
Nevada, which is now the largest sports betting business in the USA. William
Hill US (www.williamhill.us) currently operates 108 race and sports books in
Nevada and the state's leading mobile sports betting app. William Hill is
operating in New Jersey at Monmouth Park Racetrack, Ocean Resort Casino,
Tropicana Atlantic City, and online with the William Hill New Jersey sports
betting app. William Hill is a licensed sports betting provider in
numerous casinos in Mississippi, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island
and serves as the exclusive risk manager for the sports lottery in
Delaware. William Hill also has licensed operations in The Bahamas, Italy
and Spain and serves online customers throughout the world from its online
headquarters in Gibraltar.
About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader
in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all
channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Digital
and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial
investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise
and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of
consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local
presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100
countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest
standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has more than 12,000
employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.
CONTACTS:
IGT:
- Robert K. Vincent, Corporate Communications, (401)
392-7452
- James Hurley, Investor Relations, (401)
392-7190
- Simone Cantagallo, (+39) 06 51899030; for Italian
media inquiries
William Hill:
- Michael Grodsky, Vice President of Marketing &
Public Relations: (702) 378-7852
SOURCE: IGT.
Industry Leader Larry Loss to Serve as Interim CEO of Iowa
Lottery
CLIVE, Iowa (December 29, 2018) --
Larry Loss, the Iowa Lotterys executive vice president and an industry
leader who has worked at the lottery since its start, will serve as its interim
CEO beginning Tuesday.
Loss new role will follow the
retirement of Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich, who announced last spring that he
would retire and whose last day at the lottery will be Monday.
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Under Iowa law, in the absence of a
CEO, the lotterys executive vice president will act as the CEO. On
Thursday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Loss to serve in that interim
capacity beginning Tuesday (Jan. 1).
I consider myself lucky to
work in such a fascinating industry, Loss said. Where else
can you have so much fun giving big checks to people while raising proceeds for
such worthy causes? The Iowa Lottery has a talented, experienced staff and
together we will continue to make our organization a success.
Loss, 59, has worked in nearly all
aspects of the lottery business. He began his career at the Iowa Lottery in
1985 as a district sales representative when the organization began. At the
time, he made weekly sales calls to retailers in northwest Iowa, working from
the lotterys regional office in Storm Lake.
His understanding of retail issues,
sales leadership and growing knowledge of the lottery industry led to his
promotion to regional sales manager after four years. In another four years,
Loss became a member of the lotterys senior management team when he was
promoted to its vice president of sales. And in 2012, he became the
lotterys executive vice president.
In 2015, he was awarded the
prestigious PGRI Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Gaming Research
Institute.
For more information CONTACT: Mary
Neubauer, T: 515-725-7906, E: mneubauer@ialottery.com.
SOURCE: Iowa Lottery.
Hoosier Lottery Recognized for Responsible Gaming Efforts by
the World Lottery Association
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (December 21,
2018) -- The World Lottery Association (WLA) has recertified the Hoosier
Lottery to the highest level of its Responsible Gaming Framework. The Hoosier
Lottery demonstrated evidence of a strong responsible gaming program that will
be executed over the next three years. The Hoosier Lottery originally received
this level of certification in 2015 and was the 2nd lottery in the
US to receive this achievement.

The World Lottery Association is an
organization whose principles acknowledge that gaming operators, among others,
play an important role in helping to prevent problem gambling. The organization
is comprised of state-authorized lotteries and gaming organizations from more
than 80 countries on six continents.
Level four, the highest level of
certification, is earned by lotteries that integrate responsible gaming into
day-to-day operations and demonstrate continuous improvement in responsible
gaming programs. Lotteries who apply for this certification must go through a
rigorous application process that includes extensive planning, program
reflection, and evaluation. Submissions are reviewed by an independent
third-party assessor to verify accuracy and then reviewed by the World Lottery
Association's independent assessment panel. The assessment panel is comprised
of international experts in corporate social responsibility.
The Hoosier Lottery is
committed to operating in a socially responsible manner in all facets of our
business, said Sarah M. Taylor, executive director of the Hoosier
Lottery. We base our decisions about game design,
marketing and advertising on the best practices of responsible gaming.
This Level 4 recertification by corporate social responsibility experts is a
welcome recognition of the continuous efforts of our entire team to implement
our comprehensive responsible gaming program.
Bill Zielke, Lottery Commission
Chairman, added, "This certification is evidence of the Hoosier
Lotterys commitment to deliver the highest standards of responsible
gaming as part of its daily operations. It reinforces the passion the team has
for the mission of maximizing revenue to the State of Indiana in a socially
responsible way."
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In the recertification submission,
the Hoosier Lottery highlighted key programs and initiatives that are best
practices in responsible gaming. Among those programs is the Research Grants
Program intended to increase the capacity of responsible gambling research in
Indiana. Disordered gambling treatment professionals can use these funds for
additional training. Grants are also available for students and organizations
pursuing gambling research.
The Lottery evaluates all products
and marketing campaigns for risks to players and implements mitigation
strategies where appropriate. One such strategy is placing a responsible play
message on the front of all Scratch-off tickets. These efforts have garnered
praise from stakeholders and responsible gaming advocates.
"The Hoosier Lottery should be
commended on their process to ensure that their products are designed to appeal
to those over 18 years old," said Christina Gray, executive director for
the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling.
The Hoosier Lottery utilizes several
messaging strategies to ensure responsible gaming is visible to players. This
includes dedicated campaigns for responsible gifting, problem gambling
awareness, financial literacy, and increased messaging at certain jackpot
thresholds.
The Hoosier Lottery is a member of
the World Lottery Association, National Council on Problem Gambling, National
Center for Responsible Gaming, and the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling.
ABOUT THE HOOSIER LOTTERY:
Hoosier Lottery distributions benefit every county throughout Indiana. The
Hoosier Lottery contributes $30 million to local police and firefighters'
pensions and $30 million to the Teachers' Retirement Fund. In fiscal year 2017,
the Hoosier Lottery contributed $228 million to the Build Indiana Fund. To
learn more about the Hoosier Lottery, visit www.hoosierlottery.com/givingback
and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE: Hoosier Lottery press
release.
Texas
Lottery Reaches $100 Million in One Week for Scratch Ticket
Sales
AUSTIN, Texas (December 31, 2018)
Demonstrating its continued strong growth, the Texas Lottery has, for
the first time in its history, sold more than $100 million in scratch ticket
sales in just one week. From Dec. 23, 2018 to Dec. 29, 2018, scratch ticket
sales totalled $100,776,586, shattering the old record of $99,679,358 achieved
in March of 2018.
This is a very special time
for the Texas Lottery as we continue to experience unprecedented growth and we
are especially thrilled to celebrate this tremendous record week of scratch
ticket sales, said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas
Lottery. Revenue generated from these games supports public education
and veterans in Texas, said Grief.
The Texas Lottery has already
generated $1.5 billion in scratch ticket sales thus far in FY 2019 and is on
pace to shatter its previous annual scratch ticket sales record of $4.42
billion for FY 2018.
Our scratch ticket sales
have reached unprecedented levels during the current fiscal year, a testament
to our strategic game planning and the extraordinary teamwork among our staff,
vendors and retailers. As we continue to introduce fun and innovative scratch
ticket games to our players, and our draw games continue to perform, were
on pace for another record-breaking year for total sales and revenue to the
state. Grief said.

About the Texas Lottery
Beginning with the first ticket sold
in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated $28 billion in revenue for the state
and distributed $58 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas
Lottery has contributed $22 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which
supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature,
certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for
Veterans Assistance. Since the first veterans themed scratch ticket
game was launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $103
million for programs supporting Texas veterans.
The Texas Lottery provides several
entertaining games for lottery players including Powerball®, Mega
Millions®, Lotto Texas®, All or Nothing, Texas Two Step®,
Pick 3, Daily 4, Cash Five® and scratch ticket games For more
information visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or at
www.txlottery.org. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.
CONTACT: Media Relations, T:
512-344-5131, E: mediarelations@lottery.state.tx.us.
SOURCE: Texas Lottery Press
release.
New
York State Gaming Commission Earns Industrys Highest Responsible Gaming
Certification
- World Lottery Association Level 4
Certification recognizes the Commissions work to incorporate responsible
gaming programming into its daily operations, and its commitment to continuous
improvement
- Decision marks the first time a North
American Gaming Commission has been granted Level 4 status across multiple
gaming divisions
NEW YORK (December 28, 2018) -- The
World Lottery Association (WLA), a global professional association of state
lottery and gaming organizations, has granted the New York State Gaming
Commission (the Commission) its most prestigious Level 4 Responsible Gaming
Certification. The premier accreditation recognizes the Commissions
ongoing efforts to incorporate Responsible Gaming programming across all four
of its Gaming Divisions - Lottery, Gaming (i.e. Video Lottery Gaming and
Commercial Casino Gaming), Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering, and
Charitable Gaming - and its commitment to continuous improvement.
The Certification marks the first
time a North American Gaming Commission has achieved Level 4 status for
implementing Responsible Gaming programming across a variety of gaming
operations under its regulatory control.
"The Commission is pleased to be
recognized for the consistent work we do to promote transparency and informed
decision making among players and patrons alike. It is satisfying to know the
WLA recognizes the Commission's commitment to continuous improvement in this
area as well," said Commission Acting Executive Director Ron Ochrym.
The Certification recognizes the
Commissions ongoing efforts to apply a strict responsible gaming
framework to its game designs, advertising, player education, and treatment
referral activities. Other factors such as research, reporting and measurement,
and retailer programming were among other program elements reviewed by an
independent assessment panel of international corporate social responsibility
experts working in conjunction with the WLA to review the Commissions
Level 4 submission.
National Council on Problem Gambling
Executive Director Keith Whyte said, The Commissions unified
approach to gambling regulation continues to lead to improved responsible
gambling outcomes. We applaud the Commissions leadership and the hard
work of all staff and licensees that is required to achieve this responsible
gambling verification.
Members of New Yorks
Responsible Play Partnership also voiced their support of the Lottery
Divisions ongoing Responsible Gaming initiatives.
We commend the Gaming
Commission on this recognition, said New York State Office of Alcohol
and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene
González-Sánchez. Implementing strategies that can help
reduce the risk of developing gambling disorders is not only responsible, but
also demonstrates excellent leadership set forth by the
Commission.
New York Council on Problem Gambling
Executive Director James Maney said, The Council is pleased that the
Commission is being recognized for their dedication to addressing the issue of
responsible gambling and working towards efforts to reduce problem
gambling. The WLA Level 4 Certification is a testament to the work that
has been done by the Commission in recent years and we congratulate them on
this designation.
About the World Lottery
Association
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The World Lottery Association is a
global professional association of state lottery and gaming organizations from
more than 80 countries on six continents. All members adhere to the strictest
standards of social responsibility, responsible gaming, security and risk
management.
About the New York State Gaming
Commission
The New York State Gaming Commission
regulates all aspects of gaming activity in the State, including horse racing
and pari-mutuel wagering, class III Indian Gaming, the State lottery (including
video lottery gaming), and charitable gaming. The Commission was created by
Chapter 60 of the Laws of 2012, which merged the New York State Racing and
Wagering Board and the New York State Division of Lottery into a single agency.
The Commission became effective February 1, 2013.
About the New York State
Responsible Play Partnership
In 2013 the Commission, State Office
of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and New York Council on Problem
Gambling formed the Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) to address problem
gambling in New York State. The RPP has undertaken several initiatives related
to problem gambling, including reviewing problem gambling plans submitted by
commercial casinos, coordinating the States first public forum featuring
experts and stakeholders discussing best practices and policies in the era of
expanded gaming and working together to heighten public awareness during
Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
CONTACT: Communications, T: (518)
388-3415, E: info@gaming.ny.gov.
SOURCE: The New York State Gaming
Commission.
Global
Lottery Monitoring System Welcomes SAZKA within the GLMS
Family
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (December 27,
2018) -- SAZKA has today joined the Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS).
SAZKA, an innovative sports betting operator and a very prominent sponsor of
sport at all levels in the Czech Republic for decades, has become the 32nd
individual member of GLMS. The joining of SAZKA further strengthens the GLMS
network and the efficiency and added-value of the GLMS intelligence global
network against sports competition manipulations.
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GLMS President, Ludovico Calvi,
states: We are delighted to welcome SAZKA to the GLMS family. With its
membership, SAZKA once again proves its commitment to responsible and
sustainable sports betting operations. I am particularly pleased with this
membership because I consider SAZKA management very innovative minded and above
all a great supporter of sport values. I am convinced that this membership will
further enhance our efforts to address the phenomenon of sport competition
manipulations globally and effectively.
Robert Chvátal, CEO of SAZKA,
adds: SAZKA is delighted to join this unique global alliance of Lotteries
that have joined forces to safeguard the credibility of sports, fully in line
with the core lottery integrity mission and values. We look forward to
contributing to and benefiting from the intelligence work of GLMS as well as
all its sports integrity services.
CONTACTS: GLMS
Giancarlo Sergi,
GLMS General Secretary: giancarlo.sergi@glms-sport.org
Evangelos
Alexandrakis, GLMS Deputy General Secretary,
evangelos.alexandrakis@glms-sport.org
About GLMS
GLMS is the state lotteries
mutualized monitoring system on sports betting. It aims at detecting and
analyzing suspicious betting activities that could question the integrity of a
sport competition. Building on six years of experience with the establishment
in 2009 of ELMS with European Lotteries, GLMS went global in January 2015
extending the network to other continents. GLMS facilitates the sharing of
sports betting information as part of the collective efforts of its members in
ensuring sports integrity globally, and is dedicated to effective cooperation
with all key stakeholders: regulators, law enforcement authorities, sports
organizations.
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GLMS currently has 32 individual
Members from 4 continents (Österreichische Lotterien - Austria,
Loterie Nationale Belgium, Hrvatska Lutrija Croatia, SAZKA
Czech Republic, Danske Spil Denmark, Veikkaus Finland, La
Française Des Jeux France, Staatliche Loterieverwaltung in
Bayern Germany, Opap SA Greece, Szerencsejatek
Hungary, Islenk Getspa Iceland, Israel Sports Betting Board
- Israel, Lottomatica Italy, Sisal Italy, Maltco
Lotteries Ltd Malta, Norsk Tipping Norway, Santa Casa De
Misericordia da Lisboa Portugal, STOLOTO Russia,
Sportna Loterija Slovenia, Svenska Spel Sweden,
Loterie Romande Switzerland, Swisslos Switzerland,
Nederlandse Loterij, the Netherlands, Hong Kong Jockey Club Hong
Kong, Singapore Pools Singapore, Ktoto Co South Korea,
China Sports Lottery China, Loto-Québec- Canada, Polla
Chilena de Beneficencia Chile, Banca de Quinielas de Montevideo
Uruguay, La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports, Morocco, Loterie Nationale
du Sénégal Senegal) and 2 collective Members (European
Lotteries Association and World Lottery Association).
GLMS has 2 associate Members:
Scientific Games International (SGI), INTRALOT
SOURCE: Global Lottery Monitoring
System (GLMS), E: www.glms-sport.org.
Latvian Lottery Launch New Product Range - Interactive Instant
Lottery
RIGA, Latvia (December 24, 2018) --
Starting December of this year, a new, more convenient view of the instant
lottery section will be offered to the fans of instant lotteries on the
website of the JSC
Latvijas Loto, as well as being complemented by a modern product -
interactive instant lottery - introduced in the product portfolio in order to
follow the world news in the lottery sector.
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In the updated Lottery section of
the Latvian Lottery website will be available:
- current 12 lotteries and
- 12 new interactive interactive lotteries.
Interactive Instant Lottery is
different with interactive design because the elements of the game are
animated, which makes the game experience more dynamic. In spite of the moving
design - the principle of the game is the same as that of traditional instant
lotteries - there are a certain number of tickets available on the Internet and
a certain number of winnings. The player draws his ticket at the moment of the
ticket purchase, either winning or not winning the ticket.
To reinforce the principles of
responsible gaming, the limit of the game for the interactive snapshots must be
set before the game starts, but the rules of each game can be viewed more
widely by clicking on the "i" (information) symbol found at each game.
Interactive Instant Lotteries are
only available on the Internet at www.latloto.lv.
In its turn, Latvia's lottery
lottery lottery has changed this year, as it has been supplemented with three
novelties - Instant Play, K-čing! and Pitch , available both on the
Internet and at the point of sale - but sealed with instant lotteries such as
Sprint, Blues, Treasure Island, Celebration and Who.
SOURCE: Latvian Lottery press
release.
Missouri Lottery Achieves Highest Industry Distinction for
Responsibility
JEFFERSON CITY, MO (January 2, 2019)
--The Missouri Lotterys dedication to integrity and responsible gaming
has received international recognition through the World Lottery Association
(WLA). A Level 4 certification under the WLAs Responsible Gaming
Framework signifies a categorical integration of responsibility practices at
all levels of an organization and a commitment to continuous improvement. The
Missouri Lottery is one of eight United States lotteries to receive a Level 4
accreditation.
The integrity of our
organization is vital to our success, and this certification validates our
efforts, said May Scheve Reardon, executive director of the Missouri
Lottery.
The Lottery has generated
billions of dollars for public education, and Im proud to say that we
have done so responsibly.
With a Level 1 certification
bestowed with a WLA membership, the Lottery formalized its devotion by
successfully pursuing certifications for Level 2 in 2013 and Level 3 in 2015.
To achieve the Level 4 distinction, the WLAs independent panel of
corporate social responsibility experts evaluated the Lotterys
responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility efforts based on 10 core
business functions.
In its assessment review of the
Lotterys Level 4 submission, the WLA commended the Lottery for an overall
program improvement in the three years since its last certification and a
clear management commitment and sufficient allocated
resources.
We have always viewed a
Level 4 certification as a capable goal. So much so that we included the
pursuit of this certification in our two most recent strategic plans,
said Reardon. This process has challenged us to improve our efforts,
and I believe that we are more prepared to serve our stakeholders because of
this experience.
Some of the program improvements
pursued in preparation for this certification include:
- Implementing mandatory annual employee training on
problem gambling.
- Rebranding the marketing campaign supporting the
1-888-BETSOFF helpline.
- Developing an assessment tool to evaluate marketing
materials prior to introduction.
- Engaging players with surveys to begin measuring
player insights.
- Introducing functionality allowing retailers to
direct players to free help.
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The Lotterys certification is
valid until December 2021, when it must recertify its program with the WLA.
For more information about the
Lotterys responsible gaming program, visit MOLottery.com. Individuals
struggling with a gambling problem and their loved ones are encouraged to
contact 1-888-BETSOFF to access free help.
About the Missouri Lottery
(MOLottery.com)
In 1984, more than 70 percent of
Missouri voters approved a lottery. Since sales started in 1986, the Missouri
Lottery has generated more than $6 billion for the state and public education,
and annual Lottery proceeds make up approximately 4 percent of the states
funding for public education.
Lottery players have won more than
$14 billion in prizes, and retailers have earned more than $1.35 billion in
commissions. Last fiscal year, the Lottery generated more than $300 million for
vital education programs, including A+ scholarships.
When you play the Missouri Lottery,
you Play It Forward!
Follow the Missouri Lottery on
Facebook (www.facebook.com/MOLottery), Twitter (www.twitter.com/MissouriLottery) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/MissouriLotteryOfficial).
SOURCE: Missouri Lottery press
release.
Nederlandse Loterij Strengthens Management
Team
RIJSWIJK, Netherlands (January 2,
2018) -- On January 1, 2019 Nederlandse Loterij (the Dutch Lottery) management
team was strengthened with Shirley Kind and Maurice Meijer.
Kind (35 years) is appointed in the
position of Director Sales & Service. Meijer (42 years) will be responsible
for IT & Operations within the management team.
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Shirley Kind is no stranger to the
Dutch Lottery.
In the past eight years, she has
been working to strengthen the Staatsloterij brand in her role as Head of
Marketing for State Lottery.
Maurice has been employed since
March 2012 and currently he is Head of Online Design & Development.
The composition of the board of
directors of the Dutch Lottery will be as follows from January 1, 2019:
- Niels Onkenhout (CEO);
- Arjan Blok (CFO);
- Bas van de Bunt (Director Online and Business
Development);
- Karin Op den Kamp (Director Corporate
Affairs);
- Arno de Jong (Director Brands & Portfolio
Management);
- Shirley Kind (Director Sales & Service);
and
- Maurice Meijer (Director IT & Operations).
SOURCE: Nederlandse Loterij.
The
Danish Gambling Authority Release Its Report on Illegal Online
Gambling
DENMARK (January 2, 2019) -- In
2018, the Danish Gambling Authority continued its focus on illegal
gambling.
In 2018, the Danish Gambling
Authority completed three web searches of potentially illegal websites in
collaboration with the Danish Tax Agencys anti-fraud unit.
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Conducting web searches are an
important tool within the Danish Gambling Authoritys supervision of
illegal gambling, since it offers unique search options and efficiently covers
a large number of websites.
At the same time, web searches are
considered a practical tool of measuring how many operators direct their
marketing at Denmark without a licence e.g. by offering a website in
Danish.
The search robot used for the web
searches is regularly improved upon in a collaboration between the Danish
Gambling Authority and the Danish Tax Agencys anti-fraud unit.
The number of websites with an
illegal supply of gambling products that are found through web searches is
continuously low.
This matches the Danish Gambling
Authoritys impression of the illegal market: that still fewer websites
with gambling products directed at Denmark appear. However, websites with
illegal marketing and promotion of gambling still pose a challenge.
The majority of websites with
illegal marketing and promotion of gambling websites are so-called
recommendation sites on which the 10 best online casinos are
referred to.
Summary
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Since the libaralisation in 2012,
the Danish Gambling Authority has observed a fall in the number of websites
that target Denmark with an illegal supply of gambling products.
However, the Danish Gambling
Authority still faces challenges with websites containing illegal marketing and
promotion of gambling sites.
In addition, new challenges with
skin betting and illegal gambling on Facebook arise.
The Danish Gambling Authority
assesses that the falling number of illegal gambling websites indicate a
limited illegal gambling market in Denmark.
Aside from this observation, the
Danish Gambling Authority assesses that other factors also indicate a limited
illegal gambling market in Denmark.
Based on reports from licence
holders among other things, the Danish Gambling Authority sees an overall
increase in the gross gaming revenue of the regulated gambling market (see
appendix 2).
We also see a stable number of
licence holders, among those most of the large international providers.
Furthermore, the Danish Gambling
Authority regularly receives new applications for licences to provide online
gambling in Denmark.
Download the Spillemyndigheden Report on illegal online gambling
2018
SOURCE: Spillemyndigheden (Danish
Gambling Authority).
Microgaming Celebrates the New Year with Live Content in
Sweden
ISLE OF MAN (January 2, 2019) --
Microgaming content is live in Sweden after the leading online gaming supplier
introduced a bespoke solution to the market via its award-winning entertainment
platform.
This follows on from the regulatory
framework set out by the Swedish Gaming Authority which came into effect on 1
January 2019.
Over the last few months,
Microgaming has supported its operators closely during the licence application
process by providing them with supporting documentation and information needed
for the Swedish regulated market.
Microgamings operators can now
easily and effortlessly switch to a refined solution with localised content
tailored specifically for the Swedish market. The new dedicated domain will
provide operators with a portfolio of Microgamings top performing games,
optimised across mobile and desktop, including table games, classic and branded
slot titles such as Game of Thrones and Immortal Romance, as well as
access to the industrys largest progressive jackpot network, which has
paid out over 973 million to date.
A group of Microgamings top
operators, including PokerStars, Bet365, Leo Vegas, Unibet, Global Gaming,
Comeon, Coolbet, Genesis, BWIN and Betsson Group, have already received their
licences and are now live with Microgamings content in Sweden, with more
operators anticipated to be rolled out throughout the year. The full list of
licences awarded in Sweden can be found here.
Andrew Clucas, Chief Operating
Officer at Microgaming, comments: Sweden is a significant market for
Microgaming and we are thrilled to offer our operators in the region a fully
integrated solution to ensure compliance in line with regulations set by the
Swedish Gaming Authority. This move continues our strategic expansion in key
regulated markets, working closely with regulators and supporting operators as
they grow their offering with our diverse portfolio of content built with
player protection in mind.
About Microgaming
(microgaming.co.uk)
Microgaming developed the first true
online casino in 1994. It has been breaking records, breaking new ground and
breaking its back in pursuit of original gaming ever since. Developer of
thousands of unique, genre-defining casino, mobile, poker, bingo, land-based
and multiplayer games, and a pioneer in virtual and wearable gaming, the
software giant hosts the worlds largest progressive jackpot network. Its
products include Live Dealer, Sportsbook, Business Solutions and Quickfire.
Microgaming is an award winner. A millionaire maker. The father of player
protection and responsible gaming. And through Microgaming PlayItForward, it is
a pillar of its local community on the Isle of Man.
SOURCE: Microgaming press
release.
Global
Lottery Monitoring System Statement on the Final Report of the Independent
Review of Integrity in Tennis
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (December 20,
2018) -- Following the publication of the Interim Report of the Independent
Review of Integrity in Tennis on April 25, the Independent Review Panel
published yesterday, December 19, its final report. The Recommendations of the
Final Report of the Panel include the removal of incentives for breaches of
integrity, the establishment of a newly-empowered TIU with an independent
supervisory board, education measures, greater co-operation and collaboration
with the betting sector. National authorities are also recommended to develop
national regulation and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the
Manipulation of Sport Competitions. The Panel has identified no evidence of any
institutional corruption or cover-up by the tennis authorities or the Tennis
Integrity Unit (TIU).
GLMS President, Ludovico Calvi, has
stated: Supporting every effort towards transparency and integrity, GLMS
welcomes the decision of the tennis governing bodies to proceed to an
independent review. The recommendation for enhanced cooperation with the
betting sector is of great importance and we are pleased that GLMS has in place
an agreement since May 2018 for this purpose with the TIU and we look forward
to providing the TIU with further active support in the coming months and
years.
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In addition, we highly welcome the
call to national authorities for betting regulation and especially for the
ratification of the Macolin Convention. Recalling that sports betting is
regulated at a national level by the respective national public authorities,
GLMS calls for legalised, well-regulated, sports betting environments,
complemented by concrete measures against illegal sports betting."
As for the concerns expressed in the
report regarding betting sponsorships in tennis, GLMS President adds
Although we understand the concerns expressed by the Panel on the risks
related to betting sponsorship, GLMS recalls that sponsorship is not a problem
per se. However, conflicts of interest need to be prevented. Taking in serious
this matter, GLMS recently published its Code of Conduct on Sports betting,
which includes clear provisions in terms of the avoidance of any conflicts when
it comes to its members sponsoring sport organisations.
Read the Final Report of the
Independent Review of Integrity in Tennis
here.
CONTACTS:
Giancarlo Sergi, GLMS General
Secretary: giancarlo.sergi@glms-sport.org
Evangelos Alexandrakis, GLMS
Deputy General Secretary, Phone: +41792608666,
evangelos.alexandrakis@glms-sport.org
About the Independent Review of
Integrity in Tennis
In February 2016, the ATP, the WTA,
the ITF, and the Grand Slam Board, appointed an Independent Review Panel to
address betting-related and other integrity issues facing the sport. The Panel
conducted an Independent Review of Integrity in Tennis, addressing the nature
and extent of the problem over time and submitted its Interim Report on April
25.
GLMS made a submission to the
relevant consultation, which can be viewed here.
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On December 19 the Independent
Review Panel published its Final Report.
About GLMS
GLMS is the state lotteries
mutualized monitoring system on sports betting. It aims at detecting and
analyzing suspicious betting activities that could question the integrity of a
sport competition. Building on six years of experience with the establishment
in 2009 of ELMS with European Lotteries, GLMS went global in January 2015
extending the network to other continents. GLMS facilitates the sharing of
sports betting information as part of the collective efforts of its members in
ensuring sports integrity globally, and is dedicated to effective cooperation
with all key stakeholders: regulators, law enforcement authorities, sports
organizations.
GLMS currently has 31 individual
Members from 4 continents (Österreichische Lotterien - Austria,
Loterie Nationale Belgium, Hrvatska Lutrija Croatia, Danske
Spil Denmark, Veikkaus Finland, La Française Des Jeux
France, Staatliche Loterieverwaltung in Bayern Germany,
Opap SA Greece, Szerencsejatek Hungary, Islenk Getspa
Iceland, Israel Sports Betting Board - Israel, Lottomatica
Italy, Sisal Italy, Maltco Lotteries Ltd
Malta, Norsk Tipping Norway, Santa Casa De Misericordia da Lisboa
Portugal, STOLOTO Russia, Sportna Loterija
Slovenia, Svenska Spel Sweden, Loterie Romande
Switzerland, Swisslos Switzerland, Nederlandse Loterij, the
Netherlands, Hong Kong Jockey Club Hong Kong, Singapore Pools
Singapore, Ktoto Co South Korea, China Sports Lottery
China, Loto-Québec- Canada, Polla Chilena de Beneficencia
Chile, Banca de Quinielas de Montevideo Uruguay, La Marocaine des
Jeux et des Sports, Morocco, Loterie Nationale du Sénégal
Senegal) and 2 collective Members (European Lotteries Association and
World Lottery Association).
GLMS has 2 associate Members:
Scientific Games International (SGI), INTRALOT
Visit the GLMS website.
SOURCE: Global Lottery Monitoring
System (GLMS) press release.
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