Central Europe
A Q&A session with Endorphina’s Head of Legal!
Recently, Jakub (Head of Legal at Endorphina) had an interview and dropped some professional insights and thoughts about Germany, their new regulations, the treaty, and more.
So, big things are happening in Germany, right?
Yes, Germany was always a rather complicated market. The need for new gambling legislation to fully legalize online gambling was very urgent. Finally, there is hope when the new legislation has been introduced in 2020. And in spring 2021, the number of states to approve the new gambling treaty was met and Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling aka “Der Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsverag” will become effective from the 1st of July 2021.
The Treaty on Gambling becomes effective in July, does that mean that starting from July all operators must have a respective gambling license issued by German regulator?
No, it does not mean that. Germany is not that far in the process and the new regulatory body must first be established. Work to establish this body is underway, and sources suggest it will be fully operational by the end of 2022.
When the regulatory body is not established yet, how will Germany apply or enforce new rules introduced in the Treaty on Gambling?
The transitional regime has been introduced and does stipulate guidelines that certain online gambling offerings, namely those of virtual slot machines and online poker, which are actually not yet permitted under the current Interstate Treaty on Gambling, will be exempt from enforcement if operators meet certain requirements that are recognized as technically feasible. Basically, it is some sort of “gentleman agreement” between operators and the government saying: “follow the rules and we will leave you alone”. However, such “guidelines” cannot be mistaken with an effective law!
What requirements must be met in order to comply with the guidelines of the transitional regime?
It is a set of various rules. For example, for virtual slot games, the maximum bet must be 1 euro, the spin duration must be at least 5 seconds, no jackpots or auto-spins are allowed, reality checks must be triggered after 60 minutes session of un-interrupted duration and after that, the player must take a 5-minute cool-down break, where they are unable to place a bet, etc. As you can see, the new Treaty on Gambling really focuses on player protection and preventing gambling addiction.
Are there any problematic parts of the new regulation?
There are always some problematic parts and challenges from the regulatory point of view. On one side, the regulator tries to protect players but on the other side, games still must remain attractive compared to other markets. So, we can see those lacking jackpots, spin duration, and EUR 1 maximal bets could potentially cause some issues with the attractiveness of games and that is even before we will get into taxes.
What is wrong with taxes?
There is a proposal of new taxation of poker and online slots in the amount of 5,3% from all stakes. Considering that the average RTP (return to player) rate from slot games is 96%, such taxation would mean that the operators would be losing money on slots. Actually, to make the revenue from slots equal as without the proposed tax, the RTP of the slots would have to be reduced. And here we come back to the attractivity of games for players. Why would you play a game with a lower RTP when, just a click away, you can play the very same game with a higher RTP, only in an unregulated casino? This is why many experts are afraid that such taxation would drive players to the black market, which is very risky, especially if the jurisdiction is just opening. This taxation is still not yet agreed upon, but unfortunately, there is a high probability that it will actually happen. Even with bet limits or spin durations, Germany is still a very interesting market so we can only hope that the German parliament will reconsider their tax proposal.
Central Europe
Spinomenal teams up with Slovakian market leader Niké
Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has agreed a new content partnership with Slovakian giant, Niké. The integration will be completed via the Easit platform, part of Synot Group.
As one of Slovakia’s star performers, joining forces with Niké enables Spinomenal to amplify its presence in the region. Niké’s casino players will have seamless access to Spinomenal’s stunning selection of titles, which includes big hitters Queen of Ice, Wildfire Fruits, and Wacky Monkey.
Lior Shvartz, CEO for Spinomenal commented: “Teaming up with Niké adds momentum to our ongoing mission of increasing our presence within regulated markets. We’re buoyed by the chance to showcase our games to more players within Slovakia.”
Jan Pecha, Casino Director for N I K É added: “The collaboration aims to leverage the unique strengths and expertise of each company, fostering a synergistic relationship that will propel both entities to new heights. By combining forces, N I K É and Spinomenal are poised to deliver unparalleled value to their clients.”
Central Europe
HIPTHER’s Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Boasts All-star Sponsors and Record Registrations
HIPTHER, leading event organizers for the iGaming and Technology industries, are thrilled to announce that the 2024 edition of their Prague Gaming & TECH Summit has reached an all-time record of registrations and renowned Speakers participations, while being supported by a star-studded lineup of Sponsors from the sectors of iGaming, Compliance, and Web3.
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 will be the 8th edition of HIPTHER’s boutique conference that stands proudly in the heart of Europe as the pioneering event merging the future of iGaming and Technology. HIPTHER’s guiding principle for 2024,“Via Infinita” – the boundless journey of discovery – set the tone for the conference to reach new heights.
On March 25th, #hipthers will be welcoming more than 250 registered participants and over 90 speakers, sponsored by renowned companies from iGaming, compliance, and technology.
Sponsors Spotlight: The Companies Supporting Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024
HIPTHER is proud and humbled to have received increased Sponsorship interest by the gaming and technology ecosystems, gaining the support of innovative and successful companies. The #hipthers are thankful to these amazing sponsors for their invaluable contribution to the Premier iGaming & Tech Event in CEE, the Balkans, and D-A-CH regions:
GR8 Tech – Main Stage Sponsor
GR8 Tech is an International iGaming provider of high-performance Sportsbook and Casino platforms.
Atlas-IAC – Bracelet and Badge Sponsor
Atlas-IAC is a next-generation platform for iGaming operators, built by a team of industry professionals with key development offices in Europe.
SYNOT Games – Lanyards Sponsor
SYNOT Games is an innovative iGaming company crafting visually stunning and highly playable original slots, boasting 130+ titles in several jurisdictions.
NSoft – Pen and Paper Sponsor
NSoft is a B2B software development company specializing in custom software solutions for the iGaming industry.
Endorphina – Party Sponsor of the Endorphina Club 777 Networking Party
Endorphina is a top slot game provider for online casinos, captivating diverse markets by prioritizing player engagement.
Relax Gaming – Wellness & Relaxation Sponsor
Relax Gaming Group simplifies B2B content delivery for modern iGaming companies through a vast portfolio of 1000+ casino games.
Pixpel – Delegates Bag Sponsor
Pixpel.io is a multiplatform specialized to provide all-around services for the Web3 community.
Nordic Gambling – Scandinavian Legal Expertise Sponsor
Nordic Gambling is the only legal firm in the Nordic countries which specialises in gambling related law such as licensing, compliance advice and public affairs.
Gaming in Poland | RM Legal – CEE Legal Expertise Sponsor
Gaming in Poland is the only company in Poland offering multidisciplinary support for gambling industry entities operating in the Polish market.
Institute for Gambling Regulation (IFGR) Czech Republic – Strategic Partner
IFGR is the largest national professional association in the field of gambling, representing 95% of the legal gambling market in the Czech Republic.
Find out more information about the Sponsors at the official Prague Gaming & TECH Summit website.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-founder of organizing company HIPTHER, commented about the record-breaking numbers of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for 2024:
“As we approach another edition, the Summit continues to embody our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the exploration of future frontiers. It’s a testament to the power of community and the endless possibilities when we come together to shape the future”.
HIPTHER is looking forward to welcoming the distinguished 250+ participants of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, including top-tier executives, compliance experts, government officials, and thought leaders across iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, for an extraordinary experience of learning and networking!
There is a limited number of spaces still available – Register Now and Join us in Prague!
Central Europe
HIPTHER’s Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 reaches new milestones with record registrations and prominent sponsors
HIPTHER, a leading event organiser for the iGaming and Technology industries, is proud to announce that the 2024 edition of their Prague Gaming & TECH Summit has achieved record-breaking registrations and secured the support of renowned sponsors from the iGaming, compliance, and Web3 sectors.
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024, the eighth edition of HIPTHER’s boutique conference, stands as the pioneering event in the heart of Europe, merging the future of iGaming and Technology. Guided by the principle ‘Via Infinita’ – the boundless journey of discovery – the conference is set to reach new heights.
On March 25th, #hipthers will welcome more than 250 registered participants and over 90 speakers, sponsored by distinguished companies from iGaming, compliance, and technology.
HIPTHER is honoured to have received increased sponsorship interest from the gaming and technology ecosystems. The #hipthers express their gratitude to GR8 Tech, Atlas-IAC, SYNOT Games, NSoft, Endorphina, Relax Gaming, Pixpel, Nordic Gambling, Gaming in Poland and the Institute for Gambling Regulation in the Czech Repulic for their invaluable contribution to the premier iGaming and tech event in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH) regions.
Zoltán Tűndik, Co-founder of HIPTHER, the company behind the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, said: “As we approach another edition, the Summit continues to embody our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the exploration of future frontiers. It’s a testament to the power of community and the endless possibilities when we come together to shape the future.”
HIPTHER looks forward to welcoming the distinguished 250+ participants of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, including top-tier executives, compliance experts, government officials, and thought leaders across iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, for an extraordinary experience of learning and networking!
-
Central Europe7 days ago
HIPTHER’s Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Boasts All-star Sponsors and Record Registrations
-
Africa7 days ago
A Comparative Analysis Of Land-Casinos and Online Casinos in South Africa 2024
-
Asia7 days ago
FBM® Group wins two prizes at the Asian Gaming Awards
-
Conferences in Europe7 days ago
2024 Gaming in Spain Conference
-
Latest News7 days ago
Week 12/2024 slot games releases
-
Latest News7 days ago
Driving Growth with AI, Automation and Data: Digital Transformation Unplugged
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Breaking News: Endorphina enters a new regulated jurisdiction!
-
Industry News4 days ago
IGT Announces Executive and Board Leadership Changes