Bayton joins Dutch trade association NOGA
Malta-based casino operator Bayton has become the latest member of The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA).
Bayton owns thirteen online casinos, including Jackpot City Casino, Spin Casino, and Lucky Nugget Casino, and now appears to prepare to launch in the Dutch market.
Peter-Paul de Goeij, Managing Director of NOGA, commented: “We are delighted Bayton has now joined the ever-widening NOGA family. Bayton is the company behind some very well-known and popular online casinos, and with its expertise and input NOGA can add yet even more international experience to the betterment of the Dutch market.”
Gregory Bettridge, Director of Bayton Ltd, added: “We are excited to join NOGA as it provides an opportunity for those in the Dutch market to have a voice and hopefully facilitate a positive change in the perception of gaming. Our primary focus is the customer, and to help them play responsibly ensures that their experience is enjoyable and sustainable. By collaborating with other well-known operators and having open dialogue with regulators, we can improve systems for responsible gaming and co-ordinate our efforts to better prevent fraud and money laundering.”
BoyleSports preparing to launch in the Netherlands
BoyleSports, Ireland’s largest independent retail bookmaker with over 350 retail branches throughout Ireland and the UK, has signed an agreement with Stockholm-based platform provider Aspire Global for its planned entry in the Netherlands.
The deal will see Aspire Global provide its full turnkey platform solution including managed services, casino games and sports betting through its BtoBet sportsbook. The partnership also includes Aspire Global’s CRM system, AspireEngage.
Mark Kemp, BoyleSports CEO, said “While planning for our entry into the regulated Dutch market, we were in search of a partner who could provide us with a future-proof, high-quality, turnkey solution. We have in Aspire Global found the perfect partner who will support us with leading technology, exciting games and all the localized player support we need. This will enable us to focus on the player experience and branding of our new business in the Netherlands.”
BoyleSports is already licensed in the UK, Ireland and Gibraltar, and plans to submit its Dutch license application shortly.
Google Ads promotes illegal gambling in the Netherlands
Dutch consumers who use search engine Google to find more information on several Netherlands-licensed online operators are being shown ads that redirect visitors to unlicensed operators, affiliate website CasinoNieuws reports.
For instance, the top result related to a search for “Fair Play Casino” is an ad that directs to a website that includes “fairplaycasino.com” in its URL, and ultimately redirects to illegal gambling offerings.
Searches for other licensed operators, including Holland Casino, TOTO Casino, and Jack's Casino, lead to similar results.
New ICE dates lead to controversy
Due to surging Covid cases in the UK, ICE London, which normally takes place in February, has been rescheduled to April 12-14. The new dates have proven to be controversial, however, as these clash with Easter, causing new headaches for both visitors and exhibitors.
In a new podcast, G3 Magazine discusses the challenges, compromises, and industry support for the return of ICE London in 2022 with Clarion Gaming’s Group Managing Director, Alex Pratt, and Managing Director, Stuart Hunter.
Meanwhile, Merkur Gaming publicly announced it would withdraw from ICE 2022, stating that “the Group’s substantial investment in ICE would be unable to show a positive return.” The company cited the clash with the Easter holiday period, continuing Covid concerns, as well as the “additional logistical difficulties that stem from the UK’s Brexit withdrawal” as the important reasons why the show would be “unable to present itself as the world leading event of recent years.”
Allwyn to list on New York Stock Exchange in $9.3bn deal
Allwyn Entertainment, formerly known as Sazka Entertainment, is set to float on the New York Stock Exchange via a merger with Cohn Robbins Holdings Corp.
Cohn Robbins Holdings Corp was co-founded by former Goldman Sachs group executives Gary D. Cohn and Clifton S. Robbins and holds approximately $828m of cash in trust.
Karel Komárek, Allwyn chair, said: “Listing on the NYSE is the next chapter in Allwyn’s history and track record of shared success benefitting players, communities, governments and investors.”
Wynn to open a 1,000-room resort in UAE
American casino developer Wynn Resorts has announced a multibillion-dollar deal with the UAE emirate of Ras al Khaimah that will see it open a 1,000-room luxury hotel there.
The announcement came in tandem with a statement from the Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority introducing a new division, called the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation. All gambling is currently illegal in The United Arab Emirates.
The resort would be due for completion by 2026.
Dutch land-based casinos to re-open
Due to the lifting of Covid-related lockdown restrictions, land-based casinos an slot machine arcades in the Netherlands will be allowed to re-open between 05:00 and 22:00 under strict conditions.
As in other entertainment venues, visitors must show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test. Facemasks must be worn when moving around. The maximum number of visitors will be limited to one per five square meters.
Other news
The Malta Gaming Authority greenlit a gaming company’s license knowing its ultimate owner, Dutch investor Marcel Boekhoorn, was facing prosecution in Calabria for financial crimes.
A slot machine arcade in the Dutch city of Tiel is offering a €25,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest of the perpetrator of a successful robbery.
Playtech is drawing up contingency plans to dismantle and sell its operations if a £2.7bn takeover by an Australian rival is blocked by a collection of Asian-based shareholders.
Members of the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group on betting and gaming have come under scrutiny for accepting substantial gifts from betting operators, after finding in a secret report that the UK Gambling Commission has exceeded its powers by trying to reduce gambling addiction.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) welcomes the European Parliament’s progress on the new EU-wide Digital Services Act.
Red Bull Racing has agreed a new, exclusive partnership with leading global online gambling and entertainment brand PokerStars ahead of the 2022 Formula One season.
Interwetten has signed a multi-year agreement to become the official betting partner of the National Hockey League (NHL).