Israel’s benefactor Adelson leaves controversial legacy Laurie Kellman, Associated Press · January 13, 2021 at 3:59 pm JERUSALEM (AP) - Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson is mourned by official Israel as a powerful benefactor with direct access to U.S. presidents. Others on Wednesday saw a legacy tinged with controversy and touched by deadly conflict. Adelson, who died on Tuesday at 87, was a prolific donor to causes that aligned with his hawkish vision of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He had a robust … [Read more...]
William Hill sees annual sales fall 16% after ‘year like no other’ Holly Williams, Independent.ie · January 13, 2021 at 3:17 pm Gambling firm William Hill has revealed its betting shop business is set to slump to an annual loss of around £30 million while group sales fell 16%, after a “year like no other”. The group – which is being bought by US casino giant Caesars Group in a £2.9 billion deal – said the revenue fall comes despite a better end to 2020, with growth of 9% in the fourth quarter to December 29 thanks to an … [Read more...]
United Kingdom: UKGC’s McArthur holds ‘zero tolerance’ on lockdown misconduct Ted Menmuir, SBC News · January 12, 2021 at 11:00 pm Neil McArthur, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has reminded licensed operators of their responsibilities and duties in protecting customers as the UK’s regional governments enforce tougher lockdown measures during the winter period. Writing to betting leadership, McArthur warned operators that “no one should be in any doubt about how closely we are monitoring issues or our … [Read more...]
Spain: Madrid workers association slams attack on jobs by new legislation Phil, G3 Newswire · January 12, 2021 at 10:30 pm The Gaming Workers Association of Madrid (ATJUCAM) have united in defence of their jobs ‘against the attack by the new laws that are progressing’ which will cause the ‘total destruction of our jobs.’ The new legislation prepared by the executive of Isabel Díaz Ayuso will see gambling venues close if there are near an educational center whilst ‘it is possible to buy tobacco, alcohol, a coupon or … [Read more...]
Betano unveiled as new main sponsor of Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro Lucia Mouriño, SBC Americas · January 12, 2021 at 10:00 pm Greek online casino and betting operator Betano has been named as the new main sponsor of Brazilian soccer team Atlético Mineiro and will have its brand featured on the front of the team’s jerseys. The debut of the sponsorship agreement kicked off this week during the match against Bragantino, for the Campeonato Brasileiro. The operator entered the Brazilian market last year, where it … [Read more...]
Latvia approves bill to ban alimony debtors from gambling Daniel O'Boyle, iGaming Business · January 12, 2021 at 9:30 pm Latvia’s legislature, the Saeima, has approved at the first reading a bill to ban alimony debtors from gambling, and scheduled a second reading for 20 January. The bill, a set of amendments to the Law on the Maintenance Guarantee Fund, would require operators to ensure that those who owe maintenance payments are not permitted to gamble either in person or online. In order to do so, they must … [Read more...]
Malta: Kindred reports strongest quarter ever in unaudited Q4 trading update Peter Lynch, Gambling Insider · January 12, 2021 at 9:00 pm Kindred Group has reported its strongest quarter ever, with gross winnings revenue reaching approximately £365m ($496.4m), a 55% rise from Q4 2019. The operator achieved the growth through “continued strong activity across its markets and products,” with record active customers of 1.78 million, an 11% year-on-year increase. Kindred added that a “slightly higher than normal sports betting … [Read more...]
Netherlands: Stakelogic announced as DGA founding partner Iqbal Johal, Gambling Insider · January 12, 2021 at 1:00 am Stakelogic has been unveiled as a founding partner of the Dutch Gaming Association (DGA) ahead of online gaming becoming regulated in the Netherlands. The partnership will see the online casino content developer provide its portfolio of video slots to operator’s through the DGA’s platform, as well as developing exclusive slots that can only be accessed by operators using the DGA. Online … [Read more...]
United Kingdom: Letter shows fears of £60m hit to racing from bet reforms Chris Cook, The Guardian · January 11, 2021 at 11:00 pm The prospect of a £60m hit to horse racing’s already struggling finances is conjured up by a template letter to MPs now being distributed within the sport, complaining about the potential impact of affordability checks on gamblers and calling on lawmakers to pressure the Gambling Commission into a rethink. The letter’s author is not known, but it was evidently drafted after agreement among the … [Read more...]
Germany: Public petition aims to overturn Rheinland-Pfalz gaming hall measures Daniel O'Boyle, iGaming Business · January 11, 2021 at 10:23 pm The petition is in response to a proposed amendment to the state’s Gaming Act (LGlüG). It would force all gaming halls located within 500m of another gaming hall or a school or other area primarily for minors to close. New gaming halls are already subject to these restrictions. The amendment – which was proposed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and … [Read more...]
