April 2016 Infinity Gaming Magazine

InfinityGaming www.gaming-awards.com | ISSUE 2016

WIG & APP AWARDS 2016 FRONT COVER - EBBA ARNRED

GAMING + ARTICLES + BUSINESS+ GLOBAL+ ONLINE + NEWS+ APPS + AWARDS + etc

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10 POKERSTARS They’re Back

14 EBBA ARNRED CMO - Play’nGo

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WIG7 IS HERE All the photos & more

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in all external articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Infinity Gaming Magazine Any content provided by our feature writers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

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4 EDITOR NOTES Lana welcomes you to the latest edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.

6 OUR WRITERS Meet our feature writers, the superb writers on our rosta.

10 POKERSTARS BACK Christina Thakor-Rankin

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14 EBBA ARNRED Meet the CMO of Play’n GO

28 DIGITAL FLUTTER A DIGITAL FLUTTER Paul Swaddle

Paul Swaddle

40 LIZ KARTER How to relax

A BIT TOO BUSY? GIVE IT UP FOR LENT Liz Karter

47 BRAZIL Online Gambling Legislation

54 WIG7 AWARDS What a night

+ ALL THE LATEST NEWS & Opinions

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A note from the editor CONTACT US Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK Tel: +44(0)1543 478 889 PRODUCTION Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK

Spring is in the air and we all can take a breath

PUBLISHING Infinity Gaming Magazine is operated by © Clever Duck Media Ltd ®

Lana Thompson - Editor

Welcome to the special April edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine covering the forthcoming Women in Gaming & App Awards Welcome to the latest edition of Infinity

est news and updates from around the

Gaming Magazine and can you believe

world in the online and land based gam-

how fast the year is going so far?! In-

bling industries.

deed we are only a couple of months to the 7th Women in Gaming Awards and Enjoy the magazine.

Carazy maybe but we have decided to So, “To Infinity and Beyond!”

20th May again at the stunning Jumeirah Hotel in glamorous Kensington.

Regards,

Inside the magazine we have as always

Lana

the superb writers Paul Swaddle, Liz Karter and Christina Thakor-Rankin covering all things topical.

We also speak to Ebba Arnred from Play’nGo, speaking about the success of the company and personally, a must read for you aspiring ladies out there and even you men!

Along with all that we have the very lat-

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Sponsorship Opportunities Colin@cleverduckmedia.com Business Partnerships Svetlana@gaming-awards.com Marketing & Advertising claire@cleverduckmedia.com

2nd App Awards.

host both events on the same day, the

Company Reg. No. 687 1018 (Registered in England) V.A.T reg. no 972 6372 91

The Editor

Editorial Content & PR media@cleverduckmedia.com

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Infinity Gaming Magazine Contributing Writers A magazine is only as good as the content inside and with some of the leading specialists within the gaming industry. With specialised articles covering customer service, the gaming law, new prducts, technology and current affairs with the sector the Infinity Gaming Magazine is delighted to showcase our superb line-up of contributing writers.

Christina Thakor-Rankin Christina is Principal Consultant at 1710 Gaming Ltd, a specialist betting and gaming consultancy, delivering a range of services including licensing and compliance (incl. regulation, money laundering and social responsibility), business start-up, training and strategic reengineering, project management, research, business analysis and development, to start-ups and established multi-national operators and providers, gambling regu-

lators, law enforcement and government agencies, media, and specialist interest groups and associations within the sector, in both established and emerging markets across the world.

www.1710gaming.com

Liz Karter – Psychotherapist specializing in women and problem gambling Liz Karter is a specialist in gambling and women and has worked as a therapist in gambling addiction since 2001. Liz is also author of the book “Women and Problem Gambling” published in March 2013.

In January 2010 having worked with all leading UK problem gambling treatment agencies, and having successfully established the first UK groups for women with gambling addiction, Liz launched Level Ground Therapy. A treatment service in the City of London, Level Ground specialises in meeting the individual needs of women with gambling addiction.

Throughout her career Liz has been regularly consulted by the media regarding her specialisation and has made frequent national TV and radio broadcasts including This Morning, Radio 4 You and Yours and Women’s Hour and given numerous national newspaper and magazine interviews.

Paul Swaddle - CEO Pocket App A self-confessed ‘gadget geek, Paul Swaddle has been working at the leading edge of mobile technology for the past 15 years. He co-founded Pocket App in 2011 to bring the creative and technical development elements of mobile technology together under one roof.

This unique approach continues to differentiate Pocket App in today’s increasingly competitive landscape.

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Working across a range of communications disciplines such as acquisition, loyalty, retention and customer development, Paul understands the importance of a strategic and coordinated marketing approach, particularly between on and off-line communications. In the past decade he has enabled brands as diverse as Kellogg’s Fruit Winders, Barclays and Loaded magazine to get the best out of mobile.

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The International

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CLICK HERE http://gaming-awards.com/appawards/appcategories/

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Poker Stars – the Return of the Prodigal World’s largest online poker company back in the US

By Christina Thakor-Rankin

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years on from Black Friday and US poker’s darkest hour, the world’s largest poker online site, Poker Stars, looks set to re-open its online doors to US players, finally bringing to a close several years of ‘will they won’t they ’ (be allowed back into) speculation.

Given the way in which regulated online gambling has been introduced and is likely to continue to roll-out in the US, some would argue that the return of Poker Stars, has been less a case of ‘will they won’t they be allowed back in’ rather when and how.

For the benefit of those not familiar with the back-story of either the US online poker industry, or Poker Stars, online gambling started in the late 1990s but was something of a slow burner until use of the internet started to move from work to home, and payments and gambling systems evolved to support this new world of e-commerce.

In the opinion of many, the game changer came in 2013 when the aptly named Chris Moneymaker (accountant by day and amateur on-line poker player by night)

entered an online $39 satellite for the main event of the World Series Of Poker. He won a seat to the main event, continued through to final table, and in a ‘stuff of legends’ moment, walked away with the main prize of $2.5 million.

Cue a million and one amateur would be Mr Moneymaker poker players suddenly logging into online poker sites, and spawning the phenomenon which became known as the ‘Moneymaker effect’ – suddenly the world and his dog wanted to play poker. The next few years saw the sector riding the crest of a seemingly unstoppable wave, with unsurprisingly, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Moneymaker effect being Poker Stars.

Like most trends however, one would have expected at some point that interest would start to plateau and eventually start to dip. The US however, never really experienced what would have been the natural down side of the poker market as it would have been masked by the introduction of UIGEA – the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act 2006 which made it illegal for financial institutions to process any gam-

bling transactions for US citizens.

For many operators, and especially those with vested US interests elsewhere, this was the end of the US online gambling road, but not all. Some, including Poker Stars continued to serve the US market - capitalising on this sudden and unexpected boon of departing competitors, albeit with a reduced audience.

Things finally came to a head on Friday 15th April 2011, when US players logging into the Poker Stars, Full Tilt and Absolute Poker sites were presented with a

Cue a million and one amateur would be Mr Moneymaker poker players suddenly logging into online poker sites, and spawning the phenomenon which became known as the ‘Moneymaker effect’ – suddenly the world and

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his dog wanted to play

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message advising them that the site had

one to the online poker cash-cow glory

This currently leaves 888 and WSOP un-

been shut down by the US government,

days of the past.

der the Harrah’s licence and Party Poker,

in what has been dubbed ‘poker’s dark-

under the Borgata licence.

est hour’. Worse to come, whilst Poker

There are four things needed for poker

Stars paid out all of its US players in

to work. Liquidity - sufficient money in

There were always going to be issues

full, Full Tilt allegedly turned out to be

the pot to make it worth the effort; sus-

with liquidity and the associated link

a Ponzi scheme and didn’t pay out play-

tainability - a large enough pool of real

with player numbers. Integrity is not

ers, whilst this was just more grist to the

players whose skills and abilities cover

an issue given the brands involved, but

mill for Absolute Poker already up to its

the whole range from fish to whale;

what about player experience.

neck in cheating scandals. This was end

integrity - fair and free from bots and

of the road for US online poker and its

good players masquerading as poor

Poker has been declining as a product

reputation.

players; and, experience – the player

for some time now, with all but the big-

experience has to be and feel right.

ger players struggling to make it pay.

Some two years later, the hopes of US

Whilst 888 and Party amongst others,

poker players were buoyed by fledging

When New Jersey first regulated in

continue to be active within the poker

online poker regulation and 2013 saw

2013 there were five online poker sites.

sector, for many poker players outside

5 new online poker sites go live in New

Ultimate Poker was the first to fold, cit-

of the US there are really only two vi-

Jersey. The hype and euphoria soon

ing the Trump bankruptcy as the reason.

able poker networks of any size or scale:

faded however when it became appar-

Second was Betfair – not associated

Poker Stars and Playtech’s i-Poker – the

ent that the brave new world of regu-

with poker and even less so in the US

specialist and the generalist.

lated online poker was a very different

where it pulled in virtually no players.

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World’s largest online poker company back in the US

The former ‘does what it says on the

turally.

tin’, whilst the latter is almost certain-

it aloud, it does feel a like the last few years have been spent doing whatever

ly the world’s biggest multi-operator

US players also have long memories and

needs to be done to get Poker Stars

poker network provider. This percep-

a sense of fair play. If we continue with

back into the US without anyone losing

tion, rightly or wrongly, does carry the

the fizzy pop analogy, US players have

face or having to back down.

risk that products offered by 888, Party,

experienced the ‘real thing’, and they

Microgaming, or anyone else, come to

know it is still out there, being enjoyed

This would make a lot of sense, for mak-

be seen as a lesser or secondary option,

by many, but prohibited to them, and

ing what is a niche product (compared

compared to the ‘Coca Cola’ and ‘Pepsi’

any attempt to tell them that a super-

to sports or slots or bingo) pay is hard

of the poker world.

market brand is just as good is unlikely

at the best of times - to do so with lim-

to carry much weight. Arguably, Party

ited liquidity and products which rightly

US players’ exposure to i-Poker, 888, Mi-

Poker comes close, but this is where the

or wrongly, are seen as a ‘poor man’s’

crogaming et al may have been limited

sense of fair play comes in.

substitute for the real thing is probably

they can still nevertheless share their

even harder.

experiences and read other players’ re-

Party Poker did the same as Poker Stars

views and make a judgement call based

but got back in. There are legal and po-

The reason Poker Stars is back in the US

on that.

litical reasons for all of this, but from a

is very simple - from being the origina-

player perspective, it is just six of one

tor of the rags to riches American poker

US players like US products – just like

and half-a-dozen of the other. Add in

dream story, to the hero who swept in

European and Asian players like Euro-

the fact that the shining light in poker’s

and made sure players for their money

pean and Asian products – sports, slots

darkest hour, the hero, the one entity

back, and doing poker bigger and better

and poker. Whilst the ‘home ground’

that stood by US players, and bailed

than anyone else.

experience of rogue brands such as Full

out Full Tilt – to US poker players Poker

Tilt and Absolute was not good, they

Stars is a hero.

were nevertheless ‘American’ and more in tune with the player experience cul-

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For many Poker Stars is the spirit of US poker - without them there is no US

And, although no one has actually said

poker.

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Interview with Ebba Arnred CMO – Play’nGO

Ebba many thanks for speaking to us, can we start by asking who are Play’n GO?

responsible for market after market or-

I do know the company by heart, but

ganisation and all customer and mar-

the team is expanding very quickly

keting strategies, I look after our media

in response to a growing need for our

strategy and organising our presence at

products and services in new markets.

Play’n GO is a fast moving, cutting edge

ICE, managing our public relations team

We are in the midst of opening new of-

company born and raised in the south-

and deciding upon print and digital ad-

fices around the world and have made a

ern part of Sweden, but now found in

vertising strategy.

real push to enter new markets, but the

Malta, Hungary and as far afield as the

core values that Play’n GO had at the

How long have you been working with Play’n GO?

very beginning firmly remain the ethos

Operating in the highly competitive

I’m rapidly approaching my tenth an-

A large part of those core values is that

gaming industry, Play’n GO has grown

niversary at Play’n GO, although it feels

expect nothing but excellence both

from rapidly since the mid-1990s and

like I’m only just getting started! We are

from yourself and others, and a commit-

now hosts close to 100 games in over

growing so quickly, and the industry is

ment to giving everyone the opportu-

30 languages.

changing at such a rapid pace, that it al-

nity to challenge themselves and grow

most feels like a brand new job and new

in the company.

Philippines. We are a leading developer of smart systems and games for mobile

we live by.

devices, gaming terminals and websites.

And what is your role with Play’n GO, what does it entail?

company every year.

Personally, I’ve had a fabulous ten years Play’n GO is a very refreshing and in-

at Play’n GO and am now firmly part of

As Chief Marketing Officer, my job is to

spiring place to work and as long as you

the global management team. Being

ensure that the entire gaming indus-

are up for a challenge, the opportunities

CMO is a responsibility I cherish, and

try is aware of Play’n GO, and are well

to grow and broaden your horizons are

a challenge I relish. It’s a tremendously

versed in our fantastic catalogue of

endless.

exciting time for Play’n GO and I can’t

games and products.

On a more granular level, I’m tasked with ensuring the key decision makers at operators around the world offer Play’n GO

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wait to see what the next few years will

You must know the company very well working with them for so long?

bring.

So is Play’n GO a great company to work for then?

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EBBA ARNRED

Play’n GO is a great place to be. The entrepreneurial spirit is simply infectious and informs everything that we do. As a company at the forefront of innovation in the industry, we take great pride in producing premium content that is loved by operators and adored by players. Every day is a new challenge that Play’n GO enjoy meeting.

Play’n GO has recently won Best Mobile Product of the Year at the 9th International Gaming Awards, how did it feel to be recognised for all your hard work?

All of Play’n GO rejoiced when we were lucky enough to win Best Mobile Product for the second consecutive year. The International Gaming Awards are always a highlight on our calendars, and it was the perfect start to a fantastic week in London.

We are very proud of our mobile-first mind set, and how we’ve been able to translate that into leading the industry with our mobile offering. As we speak we are looking to push our mobile offering even further by building the next generation of platform that will give players the best game play experience

name might be on the award, it’s really

company. It’s important for all of our

in the industry. Our newest platform

a recognition of the achievements of all

staff to broaden their networks, and

will also give our partners the extra

of the fantastic team members at Play’n

have a little bit of fun from time to time.

tools they need to really stand out from

GO. I don’t feel pressure to inspire the

While it’s true that Play’n GO have a

a crowd.

team, quite the contrary. I feed off the

high number of women in senior posi-

energy of the wider team and draw in-

tions throughout the company, we don’t

Personally you also won last year Leader of the Year at the Women in Gaming Awards, were you surprised at winning and does it put pressure on you back in the office to inspire your team then?

spiration from them on a daily basis.

consider gender at all when it comes to

I was taken completely by surprise with

We consider Women in Gaming awards

the award and, of course, I felt very

and networking events as a treat for all

humbled and honoured. Although my

of the fantastic women we have in the

hiring. Play’n GO looks solely for talent,

You are a supporter of the Women in Gaming events both awards and networking, can you tell our readers why you think it is important?

and I’d like to believe that that is the case everywhere in this day and age. If it isn’t, and you are full of energy, ideas, and are prepared to put some hard work in, please do come and join us at Play’n GO.

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How long in total have you been involved in the online gaming industry?

spread right across the globe. However, I

in production at the moment. Special lo-

would encourage the industry to follow

calised content will be a big feature of

the path of Play’n GO and look only at

the year as we look to build upon our

talent and ability when hiring, it adds to

success in countries like Italy, as well

I have nearly 20 years in online gam-

a greater product and a better working

as regions like Asia and Latin America.

ing and there has certainly been a sea-

environment.

I have very high expectations for the

change in the industry in that time.

rest of 2016 and there is one thing I’m

When I started next to

certain of – by the end

nothing was available in

of year more people will

Flash, with games having

have played a Play’n GO

to be fully downloaded to

game than ever before!

be played.

Our final question Ebba, what does the future hold for Ebba Arnred, will it eventually be Chief Executive of Play’n GO?

The pace of change across the industry has, sadly, been variable in terms of getting more women into senior leadership positions. However, I have been lucky enough to

Who knows what the fu-

have a fantastic inspiring

ture will bring, but at the

female network as well as

moment I’m truly enjoy-

a natural mix of genders

ing life and opportunities

GO has been no different in this regard.

Back to Play’n GO, what does 2016 look like for the future of the company?

I don’t think that being blind to gender

The year ahead looks very bright in-

is unique to Swedish companies, or

deed. We kicked 2016 off with a fan-

Sweden itself, and I know many women

tastic launch of our latest game Cloud

in very senior positions in the industry

Quest and have a great line up of games

who are all committed to adding value to the companies I’ve worked for. Play’n

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I’ve been given. I know that Play’n GO will have a fantastic 2016 and I will do my best to enjoy it every bit of the way.

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Meet the Judges

7th Women in Gaming Awards

10 Leading ladies from the World of Gaming will Judge entries in all categories. Nominations are now open, nominations are FREE to enter. The WIG is here to inspire, motivate and recognize the huge importance of women in the Gaming sector.

Bahar Alaeddini – Senior Associate at Harris Hagan

Gillian Hughes – VP Corporate Sales Veoo

Lee-Ann Johnstone – Director of Affiliate Marketing at Paysafe Group

Lyndsey Barrett – Executive Director of Gaming Les Ambassadeurs Club

Sari Lichtik – Marketing Manager – Playtech

Stellan Dalton – Head of Business Development at GamCare

Tracy Cohen – TCSJOHNHUXLEY Director of Marketing / AGEM Director of Europe

Victoria Armstrong – HR Director International Game Technology

Judge to be announced

Judge to be announced

15 Categories: Affiliate Manager of the Year - B2B Excellence Award - Employee of the Year - Excellence in Customer Service Award- Hidden Talent of the Year (Online or Land Based)- Industry Achiever of the Year (Online or Land Based)- Innovator of the Year - Inspiration of the Year - Leader of the Year (iGaming) - Leader of the Year (land based) - Sales Manager of the Year- Star of the Future - Marketing Excellence Award B2C- Team of the Year (Land based or Online) - Industry Pride of the Year

FREE TO ENTER - CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS INFINITY GAMING

GAMING NEWS

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THE SEARCH BEGINS FOR THE INDUSTRY’S MOST INSPIRING WOMEN

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ominations are open on the 8th March for the 2016 Women in Gaming Awards.

This is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Women in Gaming Awards – the established and prestigious programme recognising inspirational women in the industry.

ners will be announced on 20 May 2016 at the Gala Awards dinner at Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London

Why Enter the Awards?

By highlighting the industry’s inspirational women and celebrating their successes and achievements, the WiG Awards aim to highlight the contributions that women are making to their field and to en-

courage more women to pursue a career in the gaming industry.

Being selected as a finalist, or in fact winning an award, will attract attention and support from the business world, government, industry and the press. It will recognise the nominee as an inspirational ‘role model’ who will inspire more women to consider a career in the gaming industry.

The International Woman in Gaming Awards have been created to highlight the exceptional women working in the Gaming industry, role models that show it is an industry that offers exciting career opportunities for women on both a National and Global basis.

Women in Gaming Awards is a great opportunity for employers to recognize female team leaders within organization and their contribution to the success of their business.

The closing date for Awards nomination is 31 March 2016 The win-

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www.empirecasinorecruitment.com +44(0) 1543 478 889

GAMING NEWS

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Online gaming site accused of money laundering

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Department of Homeland Security alleges that an offshore gambling firm that operates online offering wagers to US citizens has been laundering money to nearly $2 million using Amazon gift cards.

In an application for a warrant filed in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia to seize the assets of Costa Rica based online gambling site 5Dimes the Department of Homeland Security say that the firm instructed US citizens using the site to buy Amazon gift cards to fund their deposits to gamble.

It is also alleged that any winnings by customers would be paid in Amazon credits so the customers could buy items to the value of their winnings.

According to the investigators it has determined that 5Dimes has developed an alternative to the traditional online financial payment methods, which is unavailable to 5Dimes under federal law, in order to operate its illegal betting operation in the U.S.,” . “This illegal alternative relies on the use of [Amazon gift cards], in violation of Amazon’s terms of service.”

zon accounts believed to be tied to 5Dimes. Over the years, the Amazon accounts, which bear names such as GC Lover and Blue Iguana, have held nearly $1.9 million in funds combined. Amazon has shut down the GC Lover account, according to the filing.

5Dimes does not charge a fee for bettors who fund their accounts with Amazon gift cards.

It is unclear how this will play out, however on checking the website of 5Dimes it is now non-functioning with no indication of if it will operate again.

The Homeland Security warrant application makes the case to seize a total of $159,000 spread among 15 Ama

Brazil stepping nearer to online gambling legislation Brazil is stepping closer to legalising online gambling within its territory after SB 186/2014 was introduced in Brazil’s House of Representatives. Covering a whole host of gaming areas the bill would legalise online casinos, video lottery terminals along with online sports betting and bingo.

It has already been approved by the Special Committee on National Development with 16 amendments made to ensure its smooth passage through the House

tors with it being 20% of the gross revenue which is double of the land based casinos pay. The government argue the reason for the tax increase for online is that land based operators incur greater start-up and maintenance costs, with online gambling operators having a more “significant” profit margin “and therefore higher ability to pay.”

With over 200,000 Brazilians travelling to other countries to gamble it is hope once online gambling is established that it will generate significant tax revenues for the state.

The tax rate however could put off some online opera-

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GAMING NEWS

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32Red see revenues soar bur profits drop for 2015

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2Red announced its full year results for 2015 showing a very healthy rise in revenues of 52% to £41.7 million, however the companies bottom line was effected by the UK governments new point of consumption tax (POC) with a £4.8 million bill.

The Gibraltar based firm received a half year contribution of £5.2m from the acquired Roxy Palace business, however their profits dipped slightly from £5.4 million in 2014 to £5.2 million last year.

32Red CEO Ed Ware discussed the POC tax in his report

and the opportunities of it by saying: “Smaller operators have withdrawn from the UK market and with some larger operators choosing to reduce their marketing expenditure, 32Red identified an opportunity to leverage its strong, established brand and grow its UK market share by accelerating marketing investment.

“This strategy resulted in a 35% organic growth in revenues, with growth accelerating during the year and H2 net gaming revenues for the core business up 34% on H1. Furthermore, I am pleased to report that this momentum has so far carried forward into 2016.”

Baazov bid for PokerStars to be funded by Playtech?

Following last month’s announcement from Amaya Gaming that it had received a non-binding indication from it’s own CEO David Baazov that he was in discussion with potential investors to make an offer for the company rumours have swirled around as to whom those investors would be.

In a recent article in Bloomberg it points to a potential deal with online gaming software giant Playtech to either part finance or offer a major piece of the finance to purchase the world’s largest online poker site.

Teddy Sagi the owner and founder of Playtech certainly would not have a problem raising the funds for the buyout but it is thought that Playtech would be more an investor than taking control, or at least at this stage.

PokerStars was purchased along with Full Tilt Poker by Amaya Gaming in a shock move back in the summer of 2014 for a reputed $4.9 billion, however the deal being reported this time is for $2.1 billion.

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GAMING NEWS

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Gala Coral Q1 results show strong online business

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ala Coral posted a strong set of results for the first quarter of 2016 with earnings up 14% compared to the same period last year.

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation for the period ending 16th January were £62.4 million with the companies online business performing the best with £18.5 million a whooping rise of 55% from last year’s results.

Bucking the trend Gala Coral posted better than expected results even with the governments point of consumption tax with favourable results in the football betting sector.

Carl Leaver the companies CEO said, “The group posted another strong quarter of growth and after adjusting for incremental regulatory costs, underlying ebitda was £23.1m

or 59 per cent ahead driven by continued momentum in all divisions and improved football results.”

Leaver mentioned the forthcoming merger with Ladbrokes by saying: “We continue to work constructively with the Competition and Markets Authority as it progresses through phase 2 of its review of the proposed merger with Ladbrokes PLC. “Timescales are in-line with our expectations, with the next key milestone being the CMA’s announcement of its provisional findings, and if required, proposed remedies, in mid-to-late April. A final decision is due by 24th June. In the meantime our teams remain firmly focused on the execution of our strategy. We are confident that we are very well placed for the year ahead.”

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GAMING NEWS

APRIL 2016

Betsson announce new CEO

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he Board of Directors of Betsson AB has appointed Ulrik Bengtsson as new CEO and President of Betsson AB. Ulrik Bengtsson has extensive experience in digital consumer services and four years of experience in Internet gaming through his role as CEO of Betsson Malta.

He will replace Pontus Lindwall who will return to his previous role as working Chairman of the Board.

Atlantic City enjoys double digit growth for month

Lars Linder-Aronson, current Chairman of the Board, will remain on the Board as a member. Ulrik Bengtsson will assume his role as CEO and President on 1 March.

Ulrik has long-standing experience of digital consumer services, including MTG and Viasat. Over the past four years, Ulrik has successfully worked as CEO of Betsson’s operational company BML Group Ltd, on Malta. Going forward, Ulrik will also continue to serve as CEO of BML Group on Malta.

“It will be great to have Ulrik as CEO of the parent company as well, as he knows the entire operations of the Betsson group. Ulrik has played an important role in the development and the execution of the strategies which have resulted in significant value growth for the group,” says Pontus Lindwall, current CEO and President of Betsson AB. “Ulrik’s knowledge of Betsson bodes for a continued good continuity”, says Lars Linder- Aronson, Chairman of Betsson AB. “I have been a part of an incredible journey over the past four years with Betsson but I think that we are still only at the start of a structural transformation of the entire industry, which is enabled by a continued transfer of the activity towards online. In my role as CEO and President of Betsson, I will continue to ensure that in the first instance the group focuses on customers, and that innovation takes place where it is important for them. In this way Betsson will continue to gain marketshare. Our strategy to grow both organically and through acquisitions remains” says Ulrik Bengtsson.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that revenues for February for the 8 remaining casinos there saw an increase of 14.7% from the same period in 2015, indeed profits were up $190 million overall but only six of the eight enjoyed the revenues rise.

Online gambling in the state saw a rise of 42% for the month compared to February 2015 with profits up $14.8 million compared to $10.8 million last year.

In all, five casinos recorded double-digit revenue increases with a sixth also reporting more revenue than February 2015. The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa was the star performer, winning $58,615,039 of Atlantic City’s total of $189,967,559. That’s nearly twice as much as any other casino. Harrah’s won 29,348,053 in February.

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JANUARY 2015

Fancy a digital flutter on the Grand National?

By Paul Swaddle - CEO Pocket App

W

ith Cheltenham Festival only just behind us, the racing season is well and truly here.

The festival is all about big betting, with ÂŁ600 million expected in advance to change hands during the 28 Cheltenham Races and the next most popular gambling event, The Grand National, taking place on 9th April. Without doubt one of the biggest events of the sporting calendar, the Grand National is nothing short of a British institution, drawing in

significant crowds and viewing figures.

True to form, current estimates suggest that this year the race will have a staggering TV audience of 10 million viewers, not to mention a crowd of 70,000 spectators at Aintree Racecourse on the day.

However, the Grand National doesn’t just draw viewers. People who might never gamble at any other time in the year, whether it be on horse racing,

football or in a casino, turn out in their droves to have a flutter. Households across the nation put a bet on whichever horse takes their fancy; a wager that is often determined by which horse has the most entertaining name or which jockey has the most colourful jersey. Whether or not it is determined by colourful jerseys, the recent form of the horses running or sheer pot luck, over a quarter of the UK adult population is expected to place a bet on the Grand National in 2016.

But how will these bets be made? Traditionally, gamblers would make their way to the bookies shop and queue at the counter to place a wager and collect a betting slip. However, this process is being revolutionised by the everexpanding mobile gambling industry.

Online gambling is on course to become the most popular form of gambling in the UK and mobile is set to claim a huge chunk of this expansion.

Being constantly connected and able to instantly place bets, check odds and claim winnings without ever setting foot in a bookies shop is turning the industry upside-down, and a recent report by Smart Live Gaming not only suggests that mobile gambling will account for over 40% of the online gambling market by 2018, but goes on to state that the number of players gambling online will increase by

JANUARY 2015

Paul Swaddle is CEO of Pocket App a leading design company in the App Construction world

approximately 100 million by 2018.

The same study also finds that betting on horse racing is the UK’s most popular gambling activity, accounting for 63% of gambling activity among men and 50% among women. It therefore makes a great deal of sense that horse racing is paid particular attention as mobile gambling continues its seemingly meteoric rise.

And in my opinion, that is exactly what has happened. Not only do the everyday gambling apps such as William Hill, Bet365 and Sky Bet allow players to bet on races such

as the Grand National, but a wide range of specialist horse racing apps also offer a more in-depth experience.

and having the most up-to-date industry updates and information in the same place as the option to bet meets this criteria perfectly.

Apps such as Racing Post, which has gained a huge following, amalgamate all of the available information from newspapers, websites and racing journals so that the app itself becomes a source of all the information any aspiring gambler might need to make a well-informed bet. One of the key factors to creating a successful mobile app is ensuring that it is the most convenient way for the consumer to achieve a function,

Another mobile app that I particularly admire is the Logical Horse Racing App, which allows users to enter the details of their chosen horse, such as weight, age, recent performance in other races and how many other horses are running, and will use this information to give users an informed estimate as to how likely their horse is to win its race.

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Grand National digital flutter

Apps such as these are, in my opinion, the future of mobile gambling.

Not only are they highly functional platforms via which players can check odds and place bets, but these apps understand that to be successful when placed in the hand of a consumer, you must prove yourself to be an essential resource.

Eliminating the need to keep betting slips safely tucked away in a jacket pocket or the need to travel into town to collect your winnings is the first step. Becoming a platform that provides everything a keen gambler might need in a single place is what has made Racing Post the most popular free horse racing app on the market and is indicative of the evolution of mobile gambling apps.

So when the Grand National comes around in the next couple of weeks, how will you be placing your bet?

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Honouring the tradition of visiting the bookies shop to bet on your favourite horse certainly has a nice novelty to it, especially with a once-a-year event such as the Grand National, but the convenience, functionality and insight offered by today’s horse racing apps makes them the best possible one-stop shop if you are a consistent gambler.

My opinion is that this is the way that all gambling apps, and indeed apps across other industries, will start to go. Users no longer want a destination where they are simply able to place a bet and collect their winnings if it means they have to source the information required to make that bet profitable elsewhere.

Mobile gambling is quickly becoming a crowded market as various developers attempt to monopolise on its success, and if your app finds itself in front of a consumer, the only way to keep it there is to make sure you are offering a start to

finish experience that offers everything your audience needs.

Never mind the Grand National, it’s the race to see which mobile horse racing app is going to come out on top that we should all be hedging our bets on.

To learn more about how your business can make the best use of Apps, contact the Pocket App team on contact@pocketapp.co.uk or 02071 834 388

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Caesars pre-bankruptcy deals could cost $5 billion in claims

F

ollowing a year-long court ap-

80-page summary of his non-binding

operating unit and against the parent,

pointed examiner investigating

investigation.

Caesars Entertainment, he said.

Caesars Entertainment deals prior

Junior creditors, led by the powerful Ap-

In addition, he said claims for aiding fidu-

to the company going into Bankruptcy,

paloosa Management hedge fund, have

ciary breaches existed against Apollo and

has found that the casino firm which is

alleged Caesars Entertainment Operating

TPG. None of the claims involve criminal

under the control of Apollo Global Man-

Company (CEOC) was picked clean of its

or common law fraud, Davis said.

agement had made several questionable

best hotels and casinos for the benefit of

deals which could cost it more than $5

Caesars Entertainment (CEC), as well as

In a statement late Tuesday, CEC said it

billion.

Apollo.

disagreed with Davis’s conclusions. The transactions in question added “immense

Richard Davis and a team of lawyers

Davis, a former Watergate investigator,

and indisputable benefit to CEOC and its

spent a year probing whether Caesars

estimated potential damages for claims

creditors”, CEC said.

had stripped away prime properties such

that he said would have a better than

as the LINQ Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

50% chance of success in court ranged

An industry insider with knowledge of

and left the company unable to pay the

from $3.6 billion to $5.1 billion.

the company said that the dispute with

$18 billion in debt they are currently in.

minor creditors and the finding of Davis Claims range from fraudulent transfers of

could rumble on for years in court and

“The simple answer to this question

assets and breaches of fiduciary duties

still find no money left even if they won

is ‘yes’,” wrote Davis at the start of an

against the directors and officers of the

their fight against Caesars.

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GAMING NEWS

APRIL 2016

Cyprus officially names three finalists for casino resort

T

he worst kept secret in Cyprus has now been officially announced with the three successful bidders for the first casino resort in Cyprus named.

Tuesday 15th March the government called the three casino operators out of the eight that applied will now go forward to the final round for consideration to build the south’s first casino resort.

Winning the final spots are as predicted Bloomberry Resorts Corporation from the Philippines, Melco (Macau)-Hard Rock (Las Vegas) Resort Cyprus consor-

tium, and NagaCorp Ltd from Cambodia.

All three will now be asked to submit their final bids and plans to obtain the only license ro operate a casino resort in southern Cyprus.

The minimum spend to develop the resort put down by the government is €500 million and should have at least 500 hotel rooms, 1,000 slot machines and 100 gaming tables.

It is understood from reports that all three companies are looking at a coastal holiday location to build their resorts.

A final decision on who will be granted the license is expected in September of this year.

“The 13” in Macau not applied for gaming It was previously understood from company filings that the hotel would apply for gaming tables within its premises, where it stated 66 tables would be applied for.

When development started it was understood by many that the hotel would use one of Macau’s six concession holders for gaming to open a casino within the property, whether an agreement has not materialised or there has been a change of mind it is not clear.

The 13 aims to position itself in the ultra-luxury market, stating only recently that each of their 200 villa style hotel rooms cost $7 million to build, totalling $1.4 billion.

The ultra high spec and glamorous “The 13” hotel being built in Macau which was formerly named ‘Louis XIII’ has not currently applied for any gaming tables according to Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

To ferry the VIP guests the company purchased the largest Rolls-Royce Phantom fleet in the world, with the fleet of 30 extended-wheelbase Phantoms costing some $200 million.

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Las Vegas casinos want to go renewable

Las Vegas casinos want to go renewable, and that means a fight with the state’s utility

T

he glittering Las Vegas strip is not an obvious model for energy conservation.

Yet hidden above the glowing Eiffel Tower, neon resort awnings and a black pyramid that shines a beam of light into space, is one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the country.

Twenty acres of sun-catching glass sit atop the Mandalay Bay convention center, and when new installations are complete, it will become the biggest rooftop solar array in the US. In recent months, three of Nevada’s largest casino companies—MGM Resorts, Wynn, and Las Vegas Sands— have announced plans to buy and produce more renewable energy for their hotels, a move driven both by increasing demand for responsible energy use from the companies that rent their conference halls, and a surplus of cheap power from solar farms in Nevada and California.

“It’s no accident that we put the array on top of a conference center. This is good business for us,” said Cindy Ortega, chief sustainability officer at MGM Resorts. “We are looking at leaving the power system, and one of the reasons for that is we can procure more renewable energy on the open market.”

But there is a big shadow lurking over a rapid greening of the Las Vegas strip.

Regulators will not let casinos simply walk away from the state’s monopoly utility provider, NV Energy.

Together, the casinos’ 15 properties account for 7 percent of NV Energy’s electricity sales, and if that income were lost, the utility says, its remaining customers would have to endure significant rate hikes. As a result, the public utility commission (PUC) of Nevada is demanding resorts pay tens of millions of dollars to leave NV Energy’s services, a December 2015 decision which one casino has appealed.

Las Vegas’s power drama captures an

ongoing dilemma in the new energy economy. While corporations have been encouraged to go green, their efforts pass the burden of subsidizing old utility regimes on to retail consumers, which regulators cannot allow.

“They need to maintain the grid. You cannot let these utilities go bankrupt or else every business in the city dies,” said Bill Ellard, an energy economist for the American Solar Energy Society.

“What will happen if they don’t maintain the grid properly and the transformers blow?”

In December, Nevada’s three-member PUC effectively destroyed a thriving rooftop solar industry by approving NV Energy’s request to drastically lower the rate at which solar users are compensated for excess energy they provide to the grid.

“This is what I call a death spiral for utilities,” said Ellard. “They make it hard to go solar because once you defect from them, that affects revenue.

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Las Vegas casinos want to go renewable - continued Las Vegas casinos want to go renewable, and that means a fight with the state’s utility

T

hen they increase rates on everybody else, forcing them to defect.”

MGM Resorts has already hurt utility profits though an ambitious energy conservation effort. In addition to building a solar array strong enough to power 1,000 homes for one year, the corporation is replacing 1.3 million light bulbs in its properties with LEDs.

tricity,” he said. “It’s natural gas, wind, coal, smart grid, big data, oil – it’s all connected. We’re at this next change point where wind and solar [battery] storage and smart software are going to start to replace all those energy sources.”

If the resorts do decide to separate from NV Energy, it will still cost them a combined $126.5 million, a price set by the PUC which they say is necessary to

But to power multi-thousandroom resorts which house nightclubs, pools, theaters and slot machine-packed casinos would require more solar panels than the companies have rooftop space.

They are consequently joining a trend in big energy consumers requesting to buy electricity outside the utility system.

“They are all very concerned with their bottom lines,” said Rebecca Wagner, a former member of Nevada’s PUC. “The energy market in the west is great right now, so they are seeking to curb costs by getting in that market.”

Cheap natural gas is probably driving the initiative more than anything else, Wagner says. But according to Ellard, the antipathy casinos have for NV Energy’s monopoly also previews the next phase in an energy economy where renewables are competitive with fossil fuel prices.

prevent broad consumer rate hikes and to compensate the utility provider for losses incurred on power plants and other assets purchased with casino demand in mind.

The resorts have complained that this “exit fee” is too high—and perhaps even illegal. “The PUC has simply made up rules as it goes along so as to discourage any applicants from exiting [NV Energy’s] service,” Wynn lawyers stated in a January judicial appeal.

(MGM and the Las Vegas Sands are considering their options.)

Wynn’s president, Matthew Maddox, also noted in PUC testimony that NV Energy is owned by Warren Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway (based in Omaha, Nebraska), and is therefore, in his estimation, more concerned with maximizing profits than with maintaining Nevada’s grid. Maddox pointed out that their money doesn’t even stay in Nevada, saying: “it goes to Omaha.”

Data storage company Switch faced a similar situation last year when it announced plans to use 100 percent renewable energy to power its giant computer servers.

NV Energy was not able to meet those energy demands, and the PUC said the company would have to pay $27 million to break up with the utility provider since its large data centers amounted to nearly 3 percent of NV Energy’s electricity sales. As a compromise, Switch is paying the utility company to build a new solar array in North Las Vegas to meet their sustainability goals.

The city of Las Vegas, too, is planning to use 100 percent renewable energy to power its municipal buildings, fire stations, city parks and streetlights by 2017. That would make Las Vegas the largest US city to achieve such a goal.

But to get PUC approval, it also had to promise to buy most of the power from an NV Energy solar plant in nearby Boulder City.

“It’s complex because it’s not just elec-

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APRIL 2016

A Bit too Busy? Give it up for Lent.

By Liz Karter To find out more about Liz Karter and her work visit these links: www.levelgroundtherapy.uk - www.lizkarter.com & Liz Karters Books

D

o you colour? It seems and more of us are seeking solace in the simple joy that is the adult colouring book.

The more complicated and busy life becomes the more seduced we seem to be by this sedentary, silent pleasure where our minds are focussed only on the moment. March has held National Problem Gambling Awareness Month USA, Mother’s Day, Easter approaching and for me a two day stay at a retreat where I was speaking at a women’s gambling addiction

recovery project. So many events, so little time. That I am sure is a problem with which we are all to some degree familiar. So much to do that we find that whilst we are at one event we are not really experiencing the moment because we having one eager eye on the horizon where looms the next thing we should be doing. Being truly present in the moment we are in goes right out of the window. So, inspired by colouring and two day stay at a retreat free from TV, radio, alcohol and wifi, let’s talk about the lost art of

doing nothing very much at all.

A terrific thing about my work as a therapist that I learn every day more about what it is that makes us human beings happy and healthy. And the recipe tends to be equal parts doing and being. Doing something productive and purposeful is the bit we tend to get more as a concept. But with every magazine jam-packed full of tips on how to remain permanently “pumped” with weekends spent lagged head toe in lycra then a message is subtly communicated; time spent just being is for losers.

From what I see, that message is just not true. There is so much to be gained from spending a little time winding down and just being in the moment. Not only is it a way to refresh and restore our bodies but also our minds. Carl Jung, famous psychoanalyst and friend of Freud identifies two main personality types – the Extrovert and the Introvert. Now, being and Extravert or an Introvert is not based just on how bubbly and confident we might be, but also about what we need in order to refresh and restore.

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APRIL 2016 or un-nourishing Twitter feeds. You will rediscover your imagination. Remember as child what fun daydreaming was...?

Five ways to do some day dreaming this Easter weekend • Do the washing up by hand and let your thoughts flow • Feed the birds in your garden and spend half an hour watching them • Take a walk in the park and look for signs of spring • Listen to classical music • Have a smart phone free hour

The Extravert personality requires a lot of external stimulation and so might well be drawn to restore after work though high energy activities engaging with others, at the gym or the night club, seeking the company of others. The Introvert personality will tend to refresh and restore by withdrawing alone into a quiet space of self-reflection.

It is valuable to work out which we are. If we are by nature an Introvert then working in a hospitality industry such as the gambling industry you may be doing a superb job of chatting to customers all day, but if in recreational time you don’t take time out for yourself, and by yourself, it will eventually take its toll with you ending up resentful and burnt out.

One woman I treated for gambling addiction and the stress which drove it was losing heart finding a recreational activity which worked for her to

unwind after her demanding NHS job.

She tried body boarding, circuit training running clubs and generally exhausted not just herself but the entire local list of outward bound activities.

No matter how highly stimulating they seemed in theory, in practice she found them “boring”. We eventually worked out why they left her less pumped than pooped. It was all because what was truly enriching and restorative for her was time spent still and alone. Sitting on the beach with a book, a flask of tea and her thoughts.

Introvert heaven…

Thinking OMG that sounds beyond the Valley of Boredom…? Even if an Extravert you might just surprise yourself. In the silence and the stillness you will find – as corny as it sounds-yourself. You will find freedom to follow the thread of your thoughts, from beginning to end, as opposed to those fragmented thoughts and opinions of five hundred Facebook Friends

I had a conversation with a client of mine who had a special interest in religious life over many years. As Easter is fast approaching we spoke of Lent and the practice of giving something up for this time. She taught me that the purpose of giving up something for Lent is not just about the virtue of abstinence for abstinence sake but about a conscious attempt to abstain from the things that distract us from ourselves, from our thoughts and feelings, and through doing so obtain a clearer perspective of who we are and how we are. In the slowing down and doing nothing to distract ourselves for a while we get a clearer picture of our world and the direction in which we are going. That has got to be a good thing if we are not to be in danger of running through our lives at 100 miles an hour in the wrong direction – sporting the latest lycra or not.

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PokerStars LIVE in New Jersey

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maya have launched PokerStars online poker and casino after receiving technical approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (the “DGE”) to operate the world’s most popular poker site in New Jersey.

and residents and for Atlantic City,” said Morris Bailey, owner of Resorts Casino Hotel. “Resorts has worked diligently to build a home for globally renowned brands in New Jersey and, with the addition of PokerStars, is proud to introduce yet another respected partner.”

“We could not be more proud to bring PokerStars to New Jersey,” said David Baazov, Chairman and CEO of Amaya.

“Working with our partner, Resorts Casino Hotel, we look forward to providing the most exciting, innovative and secure gaming experience to New Jersey.”

The PokerStars New Jersey client, www.pokerstarsnj.com, will utilize its globally established age and location verification protections, account segregation and responsible gaming practices to oversee and control player activity. As one of the world’s most regulated online gaming companies with licenses in more than a dozen jurisdictions and more than 100 million cumulative registered customers around the world, Amaya is committed to implementing the highest standards of regulation, safety and security.

PokerStars’ much-anticipated launch in New Jersey is a significant milestone for the company and the industry.

PokerStars New Jersey players will be able to take part in the brand’s most popular games, formats and products, including the popular Spin & Go variant, which crowned 13 millionaires globally between October and December 2015. Special New Jersey online promotions, bonuses and live events will be offered to players, giving them opportunities to interact with and play against some of the best and most well-known players in the world, such as Team PokerStars Pro members Daniel Negreanu, Chris Moneymaker, Liv Boeree, Jason Mercier, Vanessa Selbst, Jennifer Shahade and Jason Somerville.

PokerStars New Jersey will also offer Special Sunday tournaments, as well as a selection of casino games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Slots. Available on mobile, desktop and tablet, PokerStars New Jersey will bring familiar, authentic, competitive and convenient experiences to state residents and visitors.

“This is a great day for online gaming, for state players

Customers who previously held a PokerStars real-money or play-money account are eligible for a welcome offer based on their play history. The free PokerStars New Jersey software is now available for download; players can create a new account using the log-in details from their previously held account, and are eligible to receive their last held VIP status, Play Money Chips, and StarsCoin.

StarsCoin, formerly known as frequent player points, is PokerStars currency that players can use to purchase online tournament tickets, merchandise and even cash rewards from the PokerStars New Jersey VIP Store. This offer will be available until May 31, 2016. Players who set up an account on PokerStarsNJ.com will be able to avail of a first deposit bonus, as well as receiving a ticket into a $25,000 freeroll – freeroll tickets are only on offer for those who sign up within the first seven days.

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Online gaming site accused of money laundering

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Department of Homeland Security alleges that an offshore gambling firm that operates online offering wagers to US citizens has been laundering money to nearly $2 million using Amazon gift cards.

In an application for a warrant filed in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia to seize the assets of Costa Rica based online gambling site 5Dimes the Department of Homeland Security say that the firm instructed US citizens using the site to buy Amazon gift cards to fund their deposits to gamble.

It is also alleged that any winnings by customers would be paid in Amazon credits so the customers could buy items to the value of their winnings.

According to the investigators it has determined that 5Dimes has developed an alternative to the traditional online financial payment methods, which is unavailable to 5Dimes under federal law, in order to operate its illegal betting operation in the U.S.,” . “This illegal alternative relies on the use of [Amazon gift cards], in violation of Amazon’s terms of service.”

accounts believed to be tied to 5Dimes. Over the years, the Amazon accounts, which bear names such as GC Lover and Blue Iguana, have held nearly $1.9 million in funds combined. Amazon has shut down the GC Lover account, according to the filing.

5Dimes does not charge a fee for bettors who fund their accounts with Amazon gift cards.

It is unclear how this will play out, however on checking the website of 5Dimes it is now non-functioning with no indication of if it will operate again.

The Homeland Security warrant application makes the case to seize a total of $159,000 spread among 15 Amazon

New COO Announced for Rank Online Bingo Division The Rank Group which operates both land based ad online gambling has announced the hire of Leon Thomas to COO for the online bingo sector of the business: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Leon Thomas as our Chief Operating Officer (COO) for our rapidly growing digital bingo division. Leon joins us having previously served as Managing Director of NYX Gaming Group – US Operations in Las Vegas. An online bingo veteran, he has further served as MD of Sunderland based online bingo operator Tombola. Leon will be responsible for leading the performance and growth of all our digital bingo brands for the UK and Europe. Exciting times“

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GAMING NEWS

APRIL 2016

Brazil stepping nearer to online gambling legislation Lottoland Appoints Gavin Grimes to Head up Gaming Online lottery betting company Lottoland has announced the appointment of Gavin Grimes as Vice President of Gaming. Mr Grimes follows in the footsteps of other recent key appointments, including Rob Fell as Vice President of Product and Lucky Multani as Chief Operating Officer.

Lottoland specialises in offering licensed and regulated betting on the outcome of major lotteries worldwide and Gavin joins them after previously working as Head of Casino at Gala Coral Interactive.

Gavin has spent 17-years working in online gaming, with prior roles including Head of Social Gaming at Gala Coral, Managing Director of marketing agency McBroom and Head of Marketing at Cantor Index.

B

razil is stepping closer to legalising online gambling within its territory after SB 186/2014 was introduced in Brazil’s House of Representatives.

Covering a whole host of gaming areas the bill would legalise online casinos, video lottery terminals along with online sports betting and bingo.

It has already been approved by the Special Committee on National Development with 16 amendments made to ensure its smooth passage through the House The tax rate however could put off some online operators with it being 20% of the gross revenue which is double of the land based casinos pay. The government argue the reason for the tax increase for online is that land based operators incur greater start-up and maintenance costs, with online gambling operators having a more “significant” profit margin “and therefore higher ability to pay.”

Nigel Birrell, CEO of Lottoland, said: “Gavin’s expertise and know-how will be of huge importance to us as we extend our product offering into more traditional online gaming.

“Gavin has an outstanding track record and we’re delighted to have him on-board.”

Gavin added: “There are few companies in the world, let alone online gaming, growing as fast as Lottoland. I’m very excited to be a part of their continued development and look forward to helping the business diversify.

“Lottoland is perfectly poised to expand their product offering and I’m very excited at the prospect of helping them become leaders in online gaming as well as lottery betting.”

With over 200,000 Brazilians travelling to other countries to gamble it is hope once online gambling is established that it will generate significant tax revenues for the state.

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Take off With the launch of casino games and sports betting, PokerStars is taking off like never before.

You could be too if you come and work for us.

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APRIL 2016

32Red see revenues soar bur profits drop for 2015 million, however the companies bottom line was effected by the UK governments new point of consumption tax (POC) with a £4.8 million bill.

The Gibraltar based firm received a half year contribution of £5.2m from the acquired Roxy Palace business, however their profits dipped slightly from £5.4 million in 2014 to £5.2 million last year.

32Red CEO Ed Ware discussed the POC tax in his report and the opportunities of it by saying: “Smaller operators have withdrawn from the UK market and with some larger operators choosing to reduce their marketing expenditure, 32Red identified an opportunity to leverage its strong, established brand and grow its UK market share by accelerating marketing investment.

32

Red announced its full year results for 2015 showing a very healthy rise in revenues of 52% to £41.7

“This strategy resulted in a 35% organic growth in revenues, with growth accelerating during the year and H2 net gaming revenues for the core business up 34% on H1. Furthermore, I am pleased to report that this momentum has so far carried forward into 2016.”

Paady Power & Betfair announce strong results

T

he first set of joined results from newly merged gambling firms Paddy Power and Betfair showed what the companies said was ‘strong trading momentum’ on the £5 billion merger that happened last month and will be joining the FTSE 100 later in March.

Combined the gambling giant announced profits of £139.1million for the period ending 31st December which is a rise of 8% from the previous year. Online revenues rose by 23% with profits rising also by 11% to £118 million.

Chief executive Breon Corcoran said: ‘These results show that both businesses entered this merger on the back of strong trading momentum. ‘Our belief in the strategic rationale for the deal has only been strengthened following our early days as a combined operator.’

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Consecutive winner

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GAMING NEWS

APRIL 2016

53

Lewis Hamilton flips on New Zealand casino visit

L

ewis Hamilton the Formula One racing champ was not impressed with his recent visit to the Sky

City Casino in Auckland New Zealand after posting on his Twitter account that has 3.2 million followers.

‘Don’t ever go to the sky city casino in Auckland, they treated me like dirt. Can’t believe how rude they were. Worst casino experience ever!’ Hamilton wrote late on Monday night 14th March.

The 31-year-old who was en-route to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix visited the casino and according to reports was asked by staff while there not to wear his trade mark hats or wear sun

tweet towards the casino and did so it is

they were sad to hear Mr Hamilton had an

glasses. Although some what un-happy

understood after management contacted

unpleasant experience.

the three time champion complied but

the race driver to explain the rules of the

then while taking a selfie with some oth-

casino and apologised for any upset.

er patrons the casino staff also reminded him of the fact you cannot take selfies

‘So sorry to hear @LewisHamilton didn’t have a good time with us last night. We

Sky City management quickly moved to

and this was the last straw.

pride ourselves on being good hosts,’ the casino tweeted on Tuesday morning.

mitigate the online damage by respondHamilton did later remove his angry

ing to his claims on Twitter – stating that

Galaxy Entertainment look at adding theme park

R

eaction to Galaxy Entertainments Chairman Lui Che-Woo announcement that the gambling firm could add a small but “unique” theme park to the next two phases of Galaxy Macau were greeted with enthusiasm by analyst’s.

“We remain big believers in themed attractions – even though that ship has sailed in Las Vegas, it still works here in Macau and China,” wrote Union Gaming analyst Grant Govertsen.

next two phases costing some $11-billion Galaxy Macau project would include “something special and high-tech” similar to the movie “Avatar”.

“Our park will be smaller but unique,” when compared to other theme parks, said Mr Lui. Galaxy Macau already has the “world’s longest” adventure river ride along with the “world’s largest” wave pool so adding a theme park would go along with what the company are already doing said one observer.

Lui Che Woo, chairman of Galaxy Entertainment, had been quoted in an interview by Bloomberg as saying that the

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