Central Europe
OVWG calls forth that a new regulation with a licensing procedure is urgently needed in Austria
![](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/logo.png)
An amendment to the Gambling Act is anticipated to be presented by the Ministry of Finance with respect to Online Gambling. The draft which is expected to be presented in the near future will further establish the existing gambling monopoly by halting the suppliers from entering the market.
Irrespective of the Casinos Austria Group holding a monopoly over online casino in the country, it is estimated that approximately 60 percent of the share of the market is held by unlicensed providers.
In association Andreas Kreutzer, from Kreutzer Fischer & Partner, which carried out a recent scrutiny on gambling and sports betting on the internet disclosed that: “There is only one license for the online area, but the demand is much larger. Almost 60 percent of online gambling takes place in the gray market in Austria.”
Owing to the belief that serious providers must not be excluded from the market in the future, the Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG) has expressed its opposition to the measure.
The OVWG called forth that a new regulation with a licensing procedure is urgently needed in Austria, but that 50 million and more than 1,000 qualified jobs are at risk with the planned revision. Game and betting stakes have increased by around 10 percent in the last two years, while the online market increased 25 percent in 2016.
While the BMF argues in its draft that player protection is a top priority, the OVWG said that the argument to justify the market exclusion of unlicensed reputable providers does not apply because some already have valid EU licenses, therefore they meet high standards in terms of player protection.
Claus Retschitzegger, the President of the OVWG, said: “We also agree with the Federal Ministry of Finance on this topic. After all, nobody can have any interest in the fact that gambling takes place in digital back rooms.”
“If the law were to come into force in the recently submitted and then withdrawn version, this would have far-reaching consequences: it would force reputable suppliers out of the market. We are talking about 1,000 highly qualified jobs and 50 million euros of sponsorship and marketing expenses each year, which are endangered to the highest degree, Retschitzegger added.
Central Europe
MightyTips announces collaboration agreement with Merkur Bets
![MightyTips announces collaboration agreement with Merkur Bets](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/90kkamblxcu0uhz7awdbfi.jpg)
MightyTips has announced a brand-new partnership with Merkur Bets targeting German-speaking bettors across Germany.
The move aims to expand the customer base for Merkur Bets, which is striving to build its position as a leading player in several Central European countries.
The exclusive partnership with the MightyTips platform – a tips and predictions hub – is hoped to boost acquisition rates in the region ahead of what is likely to be a busy conclusion to the summer.
The Olympics, the new Bundesliga and Premier League season, and other major sporting events are to take centre stage, with more people than ever engaging with sports betting.
After ten years of operating as XTiP, a recent rebranding means it is now known as Merkur Bets. The sports betting experience has been modernised, as the website now provides an updated design, faster loading times, and enhanced user-friendly navigation.
The change was announced by operators Merkur Group earlier in the year and included a fresh logo and redesigned aesthetics across both its online and physical outlets.
Stefan Bruns, CEO of Online Gambling and Sports Betting at Merkur Group, cited it as a new beginning for the company: “The renaming of XTiP to Merkur Bets is not only a new beginning, it also offers the opportunity to establish a completely renewed approach to sports betting within the Merkur Group.”
Since 2013, Merkur Group has been one of the leading operators in Germany. Its origins stretch back to 1957, when it was founded as a family-owned business by Paul Gauselmann.
Eugene Ravdin, MightyTips Communications and Marketing Manager said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Merkur Bets. They are one of the biggest betting companies in Europe and our services can further solidify their reputation as a leading player in this sector.”
Martin Collins, Head of Affiliates at Merkur Group added: “We are very pleased to continue our work with the MightyTips team. Both sides bring great knowledge to the table for our core markets, and we look forward to a long-term beneficial partnership.”
Central Europe
SYNOT Successfully Entered the Swiss Market with Casino Products
![](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/8-9.jpg)
SYNOT, a leading provider of gaming systems and casino equipment, has entered the Swiss market with the installation of its products at Casino Admiral Mendrisio.
The first installation included a set of Eclipse FL-32 cabinets with the latest version of the Firebird Red gaming system. This version offers a range of original games including 6 Hold & Respin titles and over 40 classic games. Shortly after the successful first installation, the company also launched Firebird slots at the St. Gallen Casino.
“The Swiss market is one of the most lucrative casino markets in Europe and therefore we consider this launch a great success. The market is highly regulated and competitive. In addition, operating gaming equipment in this country requires GLI-11 certification, including the appropriate certification transfer for the Swiss market. Of course, our company meets all these requirements,” Miroslav Valenta Jr., Sales Director of the SYNOT Group, said.
SYNOT already operates online slots in the Swiss market in cooperation with several operators. Now these popular games will also be available in land-based casinos, specifically in the Firebird Red gaming system. With this step, SYNOT continues its omni-channel strategy, which includes both online and land-based sectors.
“We have high ambitions. Our goal is to gradually bring our products to all casinos in Switzerland. We are seeing an active interest in our products, which we are very pleased about. We also have strong support from our distributor. We are cooperating with our exclusive distributor for Germany and Switzerland – the company E-Systems,” added Miroslav Valenta Jr.
“After many positive feedbacks from German casinos throughout the past years, it soon became our combined goal to also enter the competitive Swiss market, which we have successfully achieved now! Many thanks go to our long-term partner Casinò Admiral Mendrisio, who acted quickly and therefore was able to celebrate the debut of SYNOT’s great cabinets & games in all of Switzerland. We’re looking forward to many more launches in other Swiss casinos in the near future and we’re confident that SYNOT will become an inherent part of the Swiss market product mix,” Thomas Steuer, Sales Director of E-Systems, said.
Central Europe
OKTO.CASH expands in Germany with bet-at-home go-live
![OKTO.CASH expands in Germany with bet-at-home go-live](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bet-at-home.001-e1720708275581.png)
OKTO announced the launch of its advanced cash-to-digital payment solution, OKTO.CASH with bet-at-home, a renowned and established operator in the German iGaming market. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for OKTO, expanding its footprint in Germany and further solidifying its reputation as an innovator in cash-to-digital solutions for iGaming enthusiasts.
OKTO.CASH offers bet-at-home users a hassle-free way to consume iGaming services with cash in real-time. Leveraging OKTO‘s always growing network of over 14,000 points of sale across Germany, including well-known brands such as Aral, Deutsche Post, Esso, Kiosk, Lotto, Shell, and many others, users can effortlessly convert physical cash into digital currency. This streamlined process provides a secure, fast, and easy-to-use top-up method that caters to the preferences of the market.
Richard Greslehner, Head of Product at bet-at-home Internet Ltd commented: “This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge and convenient payment solutions for our customers. With OKTO.CASH, users can now seamlessly deposit their physical cash into their online bet-at-home accounts at their favourite everyday stores.”
“We are thrilled to partner with bet-at-Home for the launch of OKTO.CASH in Germany,” said Mikhail Ovsepyan, Head of Germany at OKTO. “This collaboration underlines our dedication to expanding our presence in the German market and delivering cutting-edge payment solutions that meet the needs of iGaming enthusiasts. We look forward to revolutionizing the gaming payment experience and providing unparalleled convenience and security to users.”
OKTO‘s expansion in the German region follows the approval of both OKTO.WALLET and OKTO.CASH by the German Gaming License Authority (GGL) last year. Embedded into the merchant’s app or website, OKTO.CASH provides users with the fastest and most direct method to upload cash online, eliminating the need for third-party apps. Users can select OKTO.CASH as their payment method, choose the deposit amount, and select the nearest location from over 14,000 points to top up their accounts safely and in real-time.
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