Balkans
Albania to Re-legalise Sports Betting from January 1
Albania is going to reintroduce legal sports betting as of 1 January 2023, four years after it, along with casinos and online gambling, was made illegal.
The decision, which has been on the cards since the summer, will bring much-needed revenue to the government, which faces a debt of over 90%, increasing pressure to subsidise rising energy costs, and calls to support the vulnerable amid the global crisis.
Effective as of the start of next year, sports betting games will now be legal, and it is estimated that some ā¬17 million will be collected in tax each year.
All gambling, except a handful of licensed casinos, was prohibited as of 31 December 2018. Hundreds of betting shops and gambling sites were shut down, and efforts were made to block online sites.
However, gambling continued throughout the country in illegal betting and gambling shops, with arrests occurring almost weekly.
Momentum to legalise sports betting has been growing since August when a coalition of sporting stakeholders petitioned the government to ask for the reinstitution of regulated and supervised sports betting, arguing it can bring much-needed revenue to one of Europeās poorest countries.
āWe are not proposing to open the entire range of gambling, including electronic casinos or bingo halls. Our proposal includes total fiscal transparency, league-regulated online sports betting,ā the petition states.
Stakeholders suggest that revenue generated from sports betting be used to support the countryās athletes. The petition specifies that betting should be allowed via certified operators, including local and international brands. In addition, they suggest an age limit and a maximum bet limit.
āThe regulation of sports betting by law is a practice followed by many Western countries. In these countries, the income from sports betting is used to develop sports and sports infrastructure and to support the youth,ā they argued.
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the push stating that if the decision goes ahead, extreme conditions will be imposed, and all revenue will go to sports, culture and youth.
āWe will look at this very positively; we will set extreme conditionsā¦these are guaranteed by large international companies, which operate worldwide and operate in the European Union area.ā
He added: āI have been obvious that these revenues, which we calculate to be many times more than what we contribute every year, go to sports, culture and youth, but very clearly and dedicatedly, the lionās share, the sport will take it.ā
Balkans
WorldMatch Announces Partnership with Slotino
WorldMatch has announced a new partnership with Slotino, one of the fastest-growing online gaming platforms. This strategic collaboration aims to bring WorldMatchās top-tier gaming solutions to an even wider audience, enhancing the player experience on Slotinoās dynamic platform with a range of high-quality, engaging titles.
With over two decades of expertise in the online gaming industry, WorldMatch is renowned for its unique approach to game development, blending advanced graphics, immersive gameplay and sophisticated mathematical models. This partnership will allow Slotinoās players to access WorldMatchās portfolio of cutting-edge casino games, including popular slot titles and fresh new releases that offer captivating themes and rewarding experiences.
āWe are thrilled to partner with Slotino, a platform that shares our commitment to delivering outstanding gaming experiences. This collaboration will enable us to reach a broader audience in Bulgaria and introduce our world-class games to new players. Slotinoās innovative approach to the market aligns perfectly with our vision of combining creativity, technology, and player satisfaction,ā said Xhuljana Demerxhiu, Head of Sales at WorldMatch.
Through this partnership, Slotino will now feature some of WorldMatchās most successful games, known for their smooth performance, high-definition graphics and engaging features. Players can expect a seamless integration of these titles, enhancing their overall gaming experience on Slotino.
āWe are very excited to partner with WorldMatch in our first year of operation. As a company striving to bring a new feel on the Bulgarian market and centered around user experience and the ultimate journey for players, we have found our match. We are convinced that the portfolio of games offered by WorldMatch will bring a whole new dimension of excitement and winning for our players,ā Vasil Stumbov, Director at Slotino, said.
This collaboration marks an important milestone for WorldMatch as it continues to expand its presence in the international online gaming market. By partnering with Slotino, WorldMatch reinforces its position as a key player in the industry, delivering innovative gaming solutions to a growing global audience.
Balkans
Bulgariaās National Revenue Agency Shuts Down More Than 2500 Unlicensed Gambling Websites This Year
So far this year, Bulgariaās National Revenue Agency (NRA) has shut down over 2500 gambling websites operated by entities without an active gambling licence under the gambling law, NRA said in a press release.
In September, NRA Executive Director Rumen Spetsov issued over 640 decisions to halt the operations of online betting platforms without the required permits in the country. After the NRA publishes a decision, the affected websites have three days to cease operations. If they fail to comply, the NRA refers the case to the court, which may instruct internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the non-compliant websites.
Decisions by the NRA and court rulings are available in the Online Gambling section of NRAās website. NRA also keeps an updated register of gambling websites run by entities lacking a valid gambling operations permit.
NRA encourages online users to report unlicensed betting websites by emailing a specific address. The report should include the websiteās name and the userās ISP.
Balkans
SOFTSWISS Gets Certification for Its Jackpot Aggregator in Bulgaria
SOFTSWISS, a leading technology provider for iGaming, has further solidified its presence in the European market by securing certification for its Jackpot Aggregator in Bulgaria.Ā
The iGaming market in Bulgaria is experiencing significant growth, attracting new businesses despite stringent domestic regulations. The market is projected to generate 168.70 million euro in revenue by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 5.42%. The number of users is expected to reach 377.3 thousand by the same year, further highlighting the sectorās momentum.
In line with this growth, SOFTSWISS announces that its Jackpot Aggregator has received certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), ensuring it meets all technical requirements for use in the Bulgarian market. With the new certification of the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, Bulgarian-licensed operators can integrate this advanced engagement tool into their casino offerings.
In May, SOFTSWISS successfully entered the Bulgarian market through a partnership with Topwin.bg, which implemented the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator, and the Sportsbook.
āWe are seeing a strong surge in interest in our jackpot mechanic, fueled by the growing demand for engagement tools in the market. Thatās why we are committed to further developing the Jackpot Aggregator, enhancing its features, and expanding into new markets. Certification for the Bulgarian market is a clear testament to our ambition and drive for expansion. We are actively working on obtaining certifications in other jurisdictions,ā comments Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator.
SOFTSWISS has several international and national licences and certifications, including a South African licence acquired through the purchase of a majority stake in Turfsport. The company recently announced its plans to become the first certified software provider in Brazil.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The companyās product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
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