Scientific Games has been awarded a new three-year contract covering the provision of instant games to LOTTO Thüringen. 

The central German operator is an existing partner of Scientific Games, but the new contract was won following a “competitive procurement process”, and covers instant games, which are scheduled to launch in 2021. An option to extend the contract by one year has also been included.

Commenting on the news LOTTO Thüringen CEO, Jochen Staschewski, said:

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Scientific Games and the sustainable growth of instant game revenues in Thuringia.

“This is one of the few lottery markets in Germany that continues to grow. Our growth is largely driven by instant products; therefore, we plan to further develop our portfolio of instant games sold at retail as well as offer our players digital instant games to enjoy at home and via mobile.”

While Scientific Games senior VP of instant products, John Schulz, added:

“We have offered LOTTO Thüringen instant game products with value adds that have proven ability to responsibly increase revenue for our lottery customers.”

Scientific Games also recently renewed contracts in the US states of Iowa and Connecticut. 

Last month, Scientific Games issued an update regarding its corporate contingency programme, initiated due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

AYO.NEWS says:

With ever-increasing competition from other forms of instant online entertainment and gratification, it’s vital that lottery providers step-up their game if they want to remain viable, so this deal makes a lot of sense for LOTTO Thüringen.

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020

Flutter Entertainment is set to deploy GTG Network’s (GTG) “Skill Zone” free-to-play (FTP) portfolio across its Paddy Power vertical. 

The operator says GTG’s Skill Zone inventory, which includes its flagship “Hit the Spot” game, along with trivia games and arcade basketball, will expand its sportsbook FTP offering and increase player engagement. 

Skill Zone games will be launched across Paddy Power desktop and mobile (iOS and Android) verticals. 

Commenting on the news co-founder and partner at GTG, Nathan Rothschild, said:

“In what is an unprecedented and difficult time, we’re fortunate to be in a position to have a suite of products to connect with fans whilst there is little sport being played. We have been excited about the response to Skill Zone. Already a unique offering for sportsbooks, the new features we are releasing will truly push the benchmark for industry innovation.”

While Paddy Power Sports Director, Ben Reilly, added:

“With the impacts of COVID19 on the sporting calendar, we’ve been looking for creative ways to keep our customers entertained and engaged with our brand. We’re really pleased with the early results from Skill Zone, providing a mix of sport and trivia games that our customers have really taken to.”

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Digital performance marketing company XLMedia has announced cost cutting measures, including staff cuts.

The company says it is aiming to save USD $5 million by laying off staff and focusing on automation and outsourcing. 

Commenting on the plans XLMedia Chief Executive, Stuart Simms, said:

“I joined XLMedia with the clear intention to orientate the Company towards a balanced portfolio of premium branded sites, in verticals and markets that deliver sustainable revenue growth. To support this transformation, we have been working diligently to augment our leadership team and operating structure, as well as to right-size the resources required for our business to operate most efficiently.

“Our transformation plan continues to gather momentum, and I am pleased to share our progress with all our major stakeholders, alongside welcoming new talent to the business.”

XLMedia has also promoted Chief Transformation Officer Sarah Clark, who joined the company in February, to the position of Chief Operational Officer full-time. Meanwhile Xen Lategan, formerly CTO for New International, has been appointed interim technology consultant. 

Jersey-based XLMedia works with many major gambling operators including betway, betsson, 888 Holdings, William Hill, UNIBET, PaddyPower, Mr Green, and Ladbrokes. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Ever-increasing regulation, brutal competition, and increasing apathy from consumers were making life difficult for affiliate marketing companies even before the COVID-19 crisis. As the economic catastrophe caused by governments’ overreactions to the pandemic start to bite, things are sure to get even harder.

Earlier today we reported that affiliate marketing company Raketech had reported a 77% plunge in total profits for the first quarter of 2020. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020

Malta-based online gambling affiliate marketing company Raketech has seen total profits plunge by 77% in the first quarter of 2020. 

Revenue for the period was actually up slightly at €6.5m, a 1% increase on the same period last year, and a 12% increase on the previous quarter. New Depositing Customers (NDCs) were also up, by 12.8% to 32,278.

But, this didn’t stop total profit falling to €1.1m. Operating profit dived 50% year-on-year to €1.4m, and profit before tax tumbled 54% to €1.1m. EBITDA was also down 26% year-on-year to €2.6m, with the margin falling 13.9% to 40.2%. 

Reflecting on the quarter Raketech CEO, Oskar Mühlbach, said:

“With the turbulence caused, not only by the Covid-19 but also by the suggestions on new, temporary gambling restrictions on the Swedish market we are experiencing a slightly more hesitant attitude from operators investing into, in particular the Swedish market. 

“The market situation is currently volatile and unpredictable. We are and will therefore continue to be extra careful with guiding on the upcoming quarter or year in terms of expected revenues. What we do know is that our operational performance is more stable than ever and that we continue to deliver on our operational goals.”

In early March, immediately before the COVID-19 global lockdowns, Raketech had announced the acquisition of gaming affiliate Lead Republik for €1.6m. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Despite the significant fall in profits, Raketech can at least be thankful that the majority of its revenue derives from online casino (78%), which has been less exposed to the COVID-19 crisis than sports betting (which accounted for just 16.7% in Q1). 

Of course, as we’ve said before, first quarter results don’t really reflect the full impact of the COVID-19 crisis, as lockdowns only really started in mid-March in most countries. The full impact will become clear when Q2 results are published…

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020

MGA Games has partnered with Californian model and well-known social media influencer Jessica Weaver, for the latest title in its Hyperrealism Series. 

The Spanish games studio has made Weaver, who has over 9 million followers on Instagram alone, the star of a new pirate-themed slot called “Jessica Weaver: Queen of the Seas.”

According to MGA, its growing range of casino slots starring real characters of international fame is continuing to “enchant users” with their realism and graphics. 

In March, MGA launched a slot featuring Abigail Ratchford aka “The Queen of Instagram.” The American model, actress and social media star also has more than 9 million Instagram followers. 

Other celebrities starring in their own MGA slots include Colombian actress Renata González, Bentley racing driver Andy Soucek, and broker Josef Ajram. 

AYO.NEWS says:

It must be costing MGA Games a pretty penny to develop these games, but by starring social media stars these slots could prove an effective way of peaking the interest of the all-important younger generations – something casinos are finding increasingly difficult with run-of-the-mill slots. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has tightened rules for operators during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Recent research conducted by YouGov found that although overall gambling had actually fallen, due to the closure of land-based venues and the cancellation of sports, the habits of those still gambling were changing due to the crisis.

Specifically there has been a shift towards products like online slots, poker, casino gaming, and virtual sport, and 64% of “more engaged” gamblers “have increased the time or money they are spending on at least one gambling activity.”

In response, the UKGC has strengthened its guidance to operators, who will now be expected to:

• Stop all reverse withdrawals for customers until further notice.
• Cease bonus offers and promotions to all customers displaying ‘harm indications.’
• Conduct direct interaction with all customers who have participated in ‘an hour single session of play.’
• Review safer gambling thresholds and triggers for new customers.
• Conduct further affordability checks on players displaying harm indicators.
• Enforce immediate deposit limits and blocks on customers displaying harmful behaviour.
• Ensure comprehensive monitoring of customer base, identifying dangerous play and spending habits. 

Discussing the new measures Gambling Commission chief executive, Neil McArthur, said:

“Operators must use the data they hold to protect their customers and now, more than ever, it’s vital that online operators really know their customers by monitoring how long they are playing for and understanding how financial uncertainty is impacting them and what they can afford to gamble with.  

“To ensure operators do that, we are strengthening our guidance and expect operators to take account of that to prevent bonus offers or inducements being offered to customers who are showing any sign of harm. 

“Work was already underway to address many of these issues but this means we will now accelerate this work due to the unique situation that many consumers will find themselves in during lockdown.    

‘’We will continue to monitor and publish the data that we are collecting and we will take further measures if required. We are monitoring online operators closely and if we see irresponsible behaviour we will step in immediately, suspending licences if we need to.”  

Later this month the UKGC will also be launching a consultation regarding proposals to strengthen rules around ethical product design, reverse withdrawals, and VIP promotions and offers. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Online gambling operators are coming under intense scrutiny and regulatory pressure during the COVID-19 crisis. Several countries have introduced emergency restrictions and limits, including Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Finland, and Estonia, while in Sweden new measures have gone so far as to provoke determined opposition from licensed operators. 

And, despite some countries easing lockdowns, emergency measures may well stay in place for some considerable time, as regulators grow increasingly concerned about an unprecedented global economic crisis adversely affecting consumers. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020