Betting News

888 launches in Africa, entering four new markets

Online gambling operator 888 has announced the launch of its 888bet brand in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia through the 888Africa joint venture.

888Africa was established in March to operate 888 brands in online betting and gaming markets across select regulated countries across Africa. 888 initially invested in a minority stake in the venture, with the option to increase this to take control and ultimately own up to 100% of 888Africa.

The roll-out of 888bet in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia marks the first launches in Africa since 888Africa was founded six months ago.

Players in each of the countries will have access to online sports betting, while consumers in Zambia will also be able to play online casino games through 888casino.

888 said it is also planning launches in other African markets in the future, subject to local licensing.

“We are delighted to hit our target and launch into four regulated markets within six months of founding the business,” 888Africa..

Genius Sports launches in-play same-game parlay tool

Sports data and technology business Genius Sports has announced the launch of a new in-play same-game parlay betting tool for online sportsbooks.

In-Play MultiBet will allow players to wager on multiple events within the same game while a match is taking place. This, Genius Sports said, could include customers placing new bets after each goal or touchdown and during intervals.

“Combining same game parlays with the unstoppable growth of in-play betting is a breakthrough innovation for us and our partners,” Genius Sports’ chief commercial officer Jack Davison said.

The tool will be available in time for betting on the 2022 Fifa World Cup, the national team football tournament that is scheduled to kick off in Qatar next month.

“Starting with the biggest sports event of the year, the Fifa World Cup, InPlay MultiBet will enable our partners to unlock bigger margins and drive engagement between key match events and breaks,” Davison added.

In-Play MultiBet will also run across football’..

Ontario regulator to take action against unlicensed operators from 31 October

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has made changes to its Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, meaning unlicensed operators must now exit or face “appropriate regulatory action” and risk having future applications rejected.

The updated standards, the AGCO said, will support the province’s goal of creating a safer, competitive and well-regulated igaming market for the people of Ontario.

The most significant change comes to standard 1.22. Under the new rules, the transition period for unregulated igaming operators and gambling-related suppliers will end. The process was intended to allow those within the unlicensed space to move into the regulated market without causing significant interruption to their Ontario customer base.

However, the new standard establishes that operators and suppliers active in the unregulated market, or have agreements and arrangements with those in the unregulated area, must end their activities here to avoid jeopardising their eligibi..

Smarkets-owned SBK launches in Indiana

SBK, a sportsbook app developed by betting exchange Smarkets, has launched in Indiana after gaining approval from the state’s Gaming Commission.

This is the second state the app has launched in, after debuting in Colorado in 2020 through a deal with Full House Resorts.

With all online operators in the state needing a land-based partner for market access, SBK will operate using Full House Resorts’ sports betting licence for the Rising Star casino in Indiana.

Read the full story on iGB North America

Elys and Grand Central approved for second retail sportsbook in DC

Elys Game Technology has secured approval to open a second retail sportsbook location in Washington DC through an expanded partnership with the Grand Central Restaurant and Sportsbook.

The specific location of the new sportsbook has not yet been disclosed, while any opening remains subject to approval by the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) and DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (DCOLG).

Elys and Grand Central opened their first joint sportsbook in DC exactly one year ago today (4 October), with the facility at Grand Central Restaurant and Sportsbook being the first at a bar not to be operated by the state lottery’s Gambet brand.

This came after Grand Central and Elys were issued a Class B operator licence by the DCOLG for the venture.

“We are extremely pleased with the strong performance of this first location in the Adams Morgan district of DC, as illustrated by the continuous growth in betting handle,” Elys executive chairman Michele Ciavarella said. “Giv..

Italy to raise betting taxes this month

Italy’s new legislative decree on sports betting – featuring a tax rise, but no new tax on turnover – is set to come into force on 28 October, having been published in the country’s official gazette.

Under Italy’s previous sports betting law, retail betting revenue was taxed at 18%, while online revenue was taxed at 22%. However, under these new rules, the tax on retail betting revenue was increased to 20%, while for online it will be 24%.
Previously, Italy had considered introducing an additional 1% turnover tax instead, but this plan was scrapped.

The law will also introduce a €1 minimum bet, while winnings for any fixed-odds bet will be capped at €50,000.

These new rules will come into force on 28 October, which will be 30 days after their publication in the Official Gazette. They will cover any fixed-odds bets on events other than horse racing, including non-sporting events approved by the Italian Customers and Monopoly Agency.

Italian sports betting in recent years has been he..

Italy avoids turnover tax on betting

Italy’s new legislative decree on sports betting – which will not contain the tax on turnover that had been proposed – is set to come into force on 28 October, having been published in the country’s official gazette.

Under these new rules, the tax on retail betting revenue will be 20%, while for online it will be 24%.
Previously, Italy had considered introducing an additional 1% turnover tax instead, but this plan was scrapped.

The law will also introduce a €1 minimum bet, while winnings for any fixed-odds bet will be capped at €50,000.

These new rules will come into force on 28 October, which will be 30 days after their publication in the Official Gazette. They will cover any fixed-odds bets on events other than horse racing, including non-sporting events approved by the Italian Customers and Monopoly Agency.

Italian sports betting in recent years has been heavily impacted by the introduction of a total marketing ban in 2019. This ban, referred to as the “dignity decree”, has bee..

Following the numbers on free-to-play

There’s no shortage of businesses in the free-to-play space, but Tally’s focus on data – perhaps influenced by its top executives’ time spent outside of gambling – makes it stand out. Fresh off a $4m funding round led by Acies Investments, Daniel O'Boyle speaks to CEO Brad Vettesse and COO Rupert Huelsey about the business.

There are some tried-and-tested business models for free-to-play betting-related games to bring in money without taking any real bets.

Some products offer paid unlockables, such as features or extra credits, which players can use real money to access.

Brad vettesse

Others exist as as entertainment in itself, usually used as a way to keep players coming back to betting sites, acting more as a piece of acquisition or retention software for operators.

But perhaps not enough attention has been given to the typical business model of most free-to-use products and services these days: gathering customer data.

So, is this type of data still a mostly untapped reso..

MaximBet continues US expansion with Indiana launch

Carousel Group-operated MaximBet has gone live in a second US state by launching in Indiana.

The brand will operate online gambling in Indiana using technology from Kambi Group and White Hat Gaming. MaximBet will leverage Kambi’s betting solutions, while its White Hat Gaming partnership covers a full-service online gaming platform and PAM solution, including proprietary technology such as in-house cashier and traveling wallet.

“We’re unwavering in our commitment to bring sports fans the greatest sports betting experience in the world, and that starts with premium content and a world-class betting environment,” MaximBet founder and chief executive Daniel Graetzer said.

Graetzer added that the launch in Indiana sets the path for expansion in other states including Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio, as well in the Canadian province of Ontario.

This will be made possible via Carousel Group’s partnership with Caesars Entertainment, a 10-year deal under which MaximBet can rapidly s..

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