First Edition of Italian Gaming Expo & Conference Coming Up in Rome

ITALIAN_GAMING_EXPO_and_CONFERENCE_THE_FUTURE_HAS_ALREADY_BEGUN_AND_LOOKS_AT_SUSTAINABILITY_Rome, the capital city of Italy, will host a major iGaming industry event, the first edition of IGE – Italian Gaming Expo & Conference, which will take place on April 18 and 19 at the Palazzo dei Congressi.

The event will bring together over 60 speakers from various countries located both in Europe and the rest of the world. There will also be over 30 companies from the industry involved and over 10 key Italian and European institutions: Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, Coni, Agcom, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, State Police, Finance Police, Europol, Interpol, as well as the Italian Government and Parliament.

Foreign regulators such as the U.K. Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority will also be represented at the event, alongside several international entities like the International Association of Gaming Regulators and the United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports.

The Italian Gaming Expo & Conference was created as a brand new business-to-business event dedicated to the iGaming and sports betting industry in Italy, a key regulated market in Europe. The event will focus on content and will try to define the guidelines for companies that want to evolve in this industry in future years through innovation and sustainability.

The event will bring together institutions, experts, scholars, influencers and companies which will have an open dialogue on various topics that are very important for the future of the industry in the Italian regulated market and beyond.

Perfect Timing

The Italian Gaming Expo & Conference couldn’t have come at a better time since 2024 is marked by the intention of the Italian Government and Parliament to reform the gaming sector in the country, along with the issuing of tenders for the renewal of the current licenses.

The Italian online casino and sports betting market has been the subject of gradual regulation over the past twenty years and overall it has been a success since other jurisdictions have attempted to copy the model in recent years.

The event has put together a Scientific Committee that has illustrious components, scholars and industry professionals that are well-known in the field. Among the members of the committee we can mention Lucio Lamberti, Professor of Marketing Analytics and Analytics for Business Lab at Politecnico di Milano, Francesco Rodano, Chief Policy Officer at Playtech and Former Online Gaming Regulator, and Ludovico Calvi, Honorary President United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports.

The first edition of the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference will end with the first edition of the Italian Gaming Awards, which will reward the Italian gaming operators and suppliers that have proven their excellence and commitment to the best practices.

Source: “ITALIAN GAMING EXPO & CONFERENCE THE FUTURE HAS ALREADY BEGUN AND LOOKS AT SUSTAINABILITY”. European Gaming. April 2, 2024.

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Major U.S. iGaming Operators Launch Responsible Gaming Association

leading_us_operators_launch_responsible-_online_gaming_associationSeven key operators of online casinos and sports betting websites in the United States have announced their alliance with the purpose of creating the Responsible Online Gaming Association.

The aim of the respective association is to promote responsible gaming in the United States and to promote best practices for the iGaming industry in the country and not only.

The association was formed by BetMGM, Bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and Penn Entertainment, operators that are licensed to conduct their business in several American states.

These seven companies are dominating the market in the United States, their combined market share reaching 85 percent of the American online sports betting and iGaming market. The seven companies pledged a sum in excess of 20 million dollars for the Responsible Online Gaming Association in order to finance its activity for the first year.

Dr Jennifer Shatley, a professional with 25 years of experience within the industry, was appointed Executive Director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association. She is also the President of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and also a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Five Main Objectives

The Responsible Online Gaming Association has set five key objectives for its activity. The first one is to promote research regarding responsible gaming, including funding independent research on the impact and effectiveness of current responsible gaming tools.

Moreover, the Responsible Online Gaming Association will also promote best practices for responsible gaming, encouraging companies in the industry to employ these principles in their activities.

Another goal of the association is to raise awareness about the problems generated by irresponsible gaming and encourage appropriate advertising for gambling services and brands.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association has also announced that it will work to create an independent data clearinghouse, a tool for the member companies to share information between them in order to protect their customers.

Last but not least, the Responsible Online Gaming Association will try to establish an independent certification programme. This will have the task of evaluating the responsible gaming efforts made by the member companies and provide objective feedback regarding their responsible gaming policies.

Source: “Responsible Online Gaming Association“. iGaming Business. March 27, 2024.

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Mississippi Casino Project in East Biloxi in Jeopardy, Jackson Gaming Bill Rescinded

It was a busy week in the Mississippi State Capitol regarding gaming matters. One powerful lawmaker proposed allowing a commercial casino resort in Jackson, while other legislation stands to block a proposed $300 million gaming development on the Gulf Coast.

Mississippi casino tidelands bill
A rendering of the Tullis Garden Hotel in Mississippi includes a replica of the Tullis Manor that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The development, which is to include a casino, remains in jeopardy as state lawmakers consider a tidelands lease bill. (Image: Frank Genzer Architects)

Mississippi House Ways and Means Committee Chair Trey Lamar (R-Lafayette) on Monday introduced a bill motioning to allow a casino in Jackson, the state capital. The pitch seemingly faced long odds from the onset, as Mississippi’s gaming industry for decades has been confined to the Coast and Mississippi River.

Lamar’s casino pitch would have allowed the stakeholders behind the state’s current commercial casinos to bid on a resort opportunity in the state capital. Mississippi is currently home to 12 casinos on the Gulf and 14 along the Mighty Mississippi. The state is also home to three Native American gaming facilities.

Lamar quickly fielded pushback for his enthusiasm to bring a casino to the central part of the state. After determining that he didn’t have the votes needed in the 122-member chamber, the Republican folded and rescinded the bill, but says he will resume the fight next year.

Vicksburg Opposition

Jackson is Mississippi’s most populated city with about 144K residents.

Named for General Andrew Jackson, a war hero in the War of 1812’s Battle of New Orleans who subsequently became the seventh president of the United States, Jackson’s population continues to decline. The U.S. Census Bureau says Jackson saw the largest exodus between the 2010 and 2020 censuses of any major US city.

Lamar’s casino bill projected that a gaming resort would generate more than 1,000 jobs and provide new local tax revenue for city improvement projects. But casinos in Vicksburg and state reps from the city located about 50 miles west of the capital — the closest gaming destinations — were quick to oppose Lamar’s capital city casino campaign.

The Coast may survive it, but there’s no way anybody else could,” said House Leader Robert Johnson (D-Natchez) of a Jackson casino’s impact on current gaming markets.

“It would have been devastating,” added Rep. Oscar Denton (D-Vicksburg).

Tide Lease Bill

After Hurricane Katrina, the state amended its riverboat laws to allow land-based gaming along the Gulf. However, the brick-and-mortar gaming spaces must be located within 800 feet of the 19-year mean high water line average.  

The Mississippi Supreme Court last year ruled that counties along the Gulf have the authority to sell lands that butt up against tidelands that are owned by the state. They can do so without first obtaining a tidelands lease from the state. The vital ruling paved the way for businessman Ray Wooldridge’s long-stalled casino project at the intersection of Veterans Ave. and Beach Blvd. to move forward.

As a result of the ruling, state lawmakers are considering legislation that would require casino sites to have state tidelands leases. The bill is currently in a House conference committee that’s trying to iron out differences between the two legislative chambers.

Along with Woolridge’s development, the legislative outcome could determine whether a $300 million casino scheme called Tullis Garden in East Biloxi advances. The developers of the project have an agreement with Biloxi to purchase the eight-acre site from the city, which would include access to the tidelands to qualify the project for gambling.

The state’s current gaming interests are thought to be lobbying for the state tidelands bill to give Jackson more control and prevent further competition from coming to the Gulf. Gross gaming revenue along the Gulf Coast last year was down nearly 1%.

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Hacksaw Gaming Broadens Italian Market Reach with Betflag Content Deal!

In the realm of Italian gaming, a seismic shift is underway as two industry juggernauts, Hacksaw Gaming and BetFlag, join forces to redefine the very essence of online entertainment.

BetFlag, The Champion of Italian Gaming

hacksaw_gaming_and_betflag_salute_brand_new_partnership_in_italy_At the helm of this epic alliance stands BetFlag, a true champion in the Italian gaming sphere. Backed by the esteemed Lottomatica Group, BetFlag’s influence reverberates across the nation, setting standards and shaping trends with each spin of the virtual reels.

Enter Hacksaw, the maestros of innovation and architects of immersive experiences. With a knack for weaving dreams into digital realities, the brand brings a fresh perspective and unparalleled creativity to the gaming landscape.

Together, Hacksaw Gaming and BetFlag produce a symphony of possibilities, where every spin, every win, is a note in a splendid composition of excitement and anticipation. From classic favorites to groundbreaking new releases, players are invited to immerse themselves in a world where imagination knows no bounds.

This collaboration is about raising the bar and exceeding expectations. Through cutting-edge technology, tempting storytelling, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the two aim to deliver a remarkable gaming experience.

The Journey Begins

As players embark on this thrilling journey, they can expect to be transported to realms of adventure, mystery, and endless possibilities. The fusion of Hacksaw’s ingenuity and BetFlag’s legacy promises an experience that transcends mere gameplay.

In the ever-evolving stage of Italian gaming, the duo serves as beacons of innovation and progress. Together, they herald a new dawn—a golden age of gaming where imagination reigns supreme and players are the ultimate beneficiaries of this groundbreaking collaboration.

The fusion of the two brands isn’t just a partnership; it’s proof of the transformative power of collaboration. As they embark on this exciting journey together, the stage is set for a new era in Italian gaming filled with excitement, adventure, and endless possibilities.

Marcus Cordes, CEO of Hacksaw Gaming, shared: “This collaboration stands on a number of shared incentives. With BetFlag, we can expect spectacular growth, while the players can enjoy a variety of Hacksaw content.”

Laviero Saganeiti, Casino Project Manager at BetFlag added: “These games express the dynamism and engagement we have not seen in the market for some time. Moreover, the young team is always available and ready to receive feedback for the development of new products. It’s going to be a banger!”

Source: ”Hacksaw Gaming and BetFlag Salute Brand New Partnership in Italy”. European Gaming. March 21, 2024.

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Interwetten Boosts Responsible Gaming Efforts Through Partnership with Mindway AI

mindway_aI_and_interwetten_forge_strategic_partnership_to_boost_responsible_gaming_effortsInterwetten, one of Europe’s biggest operators of sports betting websites and online casinos, has announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Mindway AI, a leading provider of innovative responsible gaming solutions.

The signing of this partnership agreement was described by Mindway AI in a press release as “a significant milestone” for the gaming industry because it brings together two of the most powerful companies in their sectors.

The collaboration between the two companies will see Interwetten integrate the advanced technology provided by Mindway AI in its online gaming platforms, reinforcing the operator’s commitment to providing a safe environment for its customers.

Mindway AI started out in Denmark in 2018 from the work of Professor Kim Mouridsen at Aarhus University, applying insights from neuroscience research to AI technology with the aim to provide better player protection in online gaming.

The incorporation of the solutions provided by Mindway AI into Interwetten’s platform means that the online casino and sports betting operator will be able to proactively identify at-risk players and take the necessary and appropriate measures to create a safer gambling environment and a more responsible experience.

Rasmus Kjaergaard, the current Chief Executive Officer of Mindway AI, pointed out that the partnership with Interwetten is perfectly aligned with his company’s main goal which is to promote responsible gaming practices and set new standards for the industry in this field.

A Very Experienced Operator

Interwetten has loads of experience on the market, the company was founded all the way back in 1990 in Vienna focusing solely on sports betting and accepting wagers via telephone. In 1997 the company managed to launch one of the first sports betting websites in the entire world and later expanded its offering to include online casino entertainment and live casino as well.

Interwetten has moved its headquarters to Malta and it has been licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority since 2005. Moreover, the company obtained a license in Germany in 2020 and also managed to pass licensing procedures in Greece, Spain, Ireland and Sweden.

The integration of the GameScanner feature offered by Mindway AI represents a proactive step taken by Interwetten towards ensuring a secure and responsible gambling environment for its customers while also trying to keep the online gambling experience exciting and enjoyable.

Source:

“Mindway AI and Interwetten Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Responsible Gaming Efforts“. Mindway AI. March 18, 2024.

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