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 Hotel’s 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 it’s 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.”

Advertisement

“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 state’s 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 Lottery’s 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.

Advertisement

Under Iowa law, in the absence of a CEO, the lottery’s 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 lottery’s 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 lottery’s senior management team when he was promoted to its vice president of sales. And in 2012, he became the lottery’s 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 2^nd 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 Lottery’s 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."

Advertisement

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, we’re 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 Industry’s Highest Responsible Gaming Certification

• World Lottery Association Level 4 Certification recognizes the Commission’s 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 Commission’s 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 Commission’s 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 Commission’s Level 4 submission.

National Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Keith Whyte said, “The Commission’s unified approach to gambling regulation continues to lead to improved responsible gambling outcomes. We applaud the Commission’s leadership and the hard work of all staff and licensees that is required to achieve this responsible gambling verification.”  

Members of New York’s Responsible Play Partnership also voiced their support of the Lottery Division’s 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

Advertisement

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 State’s 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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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 Lottery’s dedication to integrity and responsible gaming has received international recognition through the World Lottery Association (WLA). A Level 4 certification under the WLA’s 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 I’m 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 WLA’s independent panel of corporate social responsibility experts evaluated the Lottery’s responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility efforts based on 10 core business functions.

In its assessment review of the Lottery’s 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.

Advertisement

The Lottery’s certification is valid until December 2021, when it must recertify its program with the WLA.

For more information about the Lottery’s 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 state’s 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.

Advertisement

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 Agency’s anti-fraud unit.

Advertisement

Conducting web searches are an important tool within the Danish Gambling Authority’s 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 Agency’s 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 Authority’s 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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Click here for the latest electronic version of Lottery Insights.

Microgaming’s 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 Microgaming’s 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 industry’s largest progressive jackpot network, which has paid out over €973 million to date.

A group of Microgaming’s 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 Microgaming’s 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 world’s 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.

Advertisement

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.

Classified Advertisement

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.