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Switzerland’s online gambling law gains momentum to survive referendum
Switzerland’s voters seem to be in a mood to support the gambling law that would restrict online gambling to sites operated by local land-based casinos, while banning the domains of other operators.
A recent survey of 1201 adults conducted by GfS Bern revealed that 52 per cent of respondents are ready to support the country’s new gambling law when a national referendum is conducted on June 10. Around 39 per cent intend to vote ‘no’ while a mere 9 per cent remain undecided.
Swiss legislators had already approved the new gambling law, which requires would-be online gambling operators to partner with local brick-and-mortar casino operators.
Swiss internet service providers would be required to block the domains of internationally licensed online operators that continue to serve Swiss gamblers without local authorisation.
However, the youth wing of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) managed to garner enough petition signatures to force a national referendum on the legislation. Local telecom firms and civil libertarians have joined the campaign to strike down the law but it appears that their efforts are coming up short with Swiss voters.
Support for the legislation is strongest among women, older people and residents of Switzerland’s French- and Italian-language regions. GfS Bern co-director Lukas Golder told SwissInfo.ch that “there is potential for a protest vote” but the law’s opponents “have focused too heavily” on the censorship issue.
The referendum campaign has featured tit-for-tat accusations of impropriety, with one “no” parliamentarian claiming he was offered a board seat with a casino operator if he would change his vote, while the casinos claim international gambling sites are underwriting the “no” campaign.
SWISS CASINOS BOSS OKAY WITH ONLINE TAXES
The casino executive who made that offer to the parliamentarian was Swiss Casinos Group CEO Marc Baumann, who this month told the Berner Zeitung media outlet that he wasn’t trying to “buy” the parliamentarian’s vote but says he now recognises that he “should have made the request only after the referendum.”
Asked why Switzerland shouldn’t let international online operators simply apply for local licenses without having to partner with a local casino, Baumann said he “cannot imagine that they are interested,” in part because “the levies that the federal government plans are the highest in Europe.”
On March 2, Switzerland’s Federal Council opened a consultation on its new gambling rules. Among the subjects up for discussion is the proposed online tax rate, which starts at 20 per cent for the first CHF3m (US$3m) of revenue, rises to 40 per cent on revenue up to CHF10m, then rises incrementally for every CHF1m above that, capping out at a maximum 80 per cent rate.
At those nosebleed rates, it is perhaps not surprising that the government expects to raise an annual CHF40–75m from online gambling taxes (from a population of less than 9m people). The Federal Council’s consultation concludes June 15, assuming voters vote “yes” five days earlier.
Despite this onerous online tax burden, Baumann said his Swiss Casinos Group remains interested in launching online gambling services. The Group currently operates a free-play casino site, Swissonlinegames.ch, and is “currently examining cooperation with a foreign company that has experience” in the real-money online sector.
Baumann insisted that this prospective partner is not a company that currently serves Swiss punters, because only companies with “a perfect reputation” will be allowed to operate under Switzerland’s new regime.
Source: calvinayre.com
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Fast Track welcomes PolarLotto: taking online lotto in Sweden to new heights
Malta, 28th March 2024 – PolarLotto, a leading provider of lotto betting services in Sweden, has just announced a strategic partnership with Fast Track, a leading provider of CRM solutions designed specifically for the iGaming industry. This collaboration aims to propel PolarLotto’s expansion from offline to online offerings, bringing the excitement of the world’s biggest lotteries to Swedish players in a safe and responsible manner.
PolarLotto prides itself on its commitment to transparent and ethical gaming practices, with a focus on player safety and responsible gaming. By teaming up with Fast Track, PolarLotto aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to expand its business model from traditional to online, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for its customers.
Commenting on the partnership, Benjamin Burstein, CEO of PolarLotto, expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities ahead, stating, “We are excited to embark on this journey of transforming our business with the latest technology and automation tools provided by Fast Track. As we transition to the online space, we are confident that Fast Track’s expertise in custom segmentation, real-time data capabilities, and personalised experiences will enable us to better serve our players and achieve our business objectives.”
Fast Track also expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting the potential for exceptional results through its Singularity model, which uses AI and machine learning to deliver tailored content to players, at the right time and through the most effective channel. “We are thrilled to partner with PolarLotto and support their online expansion,” said Simon Lidzén, CEO and co-founder of Fast Track. Our tools are designed to empower lean teams to achieve remarkable results, and we look forward to helping PolarLotto maximise their online presence and engagement.”
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Red Bull Gaming premieres ‘Memories of CS:GO’ documentary highlighting the game’s early years
As the CS2 PGL Major in Copenhagen is set to kick off, Red Bull Media House will unveil a captivating feature-length documentary, “Memories of CS:GO – The Early Years,” an ode to one of the most influential games ever made.
This film takes viewers on an immersive journey through the origins and evolution of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), featuring personal accounts and defining moments from several of the most legendary figures of the game.
The 90-minute documentary, narrated by Counter-Strike commentator Henry “HenryG” Greer, chronicles the remarkable trajectory of CS:GO, from its grassroots beginnings to becoming a global esports phenomenon.
Produced by Red Bull Media House, the film captures the essence of the game through the eyes of its most well known players, including Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson, Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg, Richard “shox” Papillon, Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, and Jarosław “pashaBiceps” Jarząbkowski, among others.
The documentary’s release is timed to precede the playoff stage of the PGL Major Copenhagen, scheduled for March 26, 2024. It will premiere on Red Bull Gaming’s YouTube channel at 21:00 CEST, offering viewers worldwide an insider’s perspective on the beloved game.
Event Details:
- What: Premiere of “Memories of CS:GO – The Early Years”
- When: March 26th, 2024, at 21:00 CEST
- Where to watch: Red Bull Gaming’s Youtube Channel
- The “CS:GO Memories” documentary can be viewed shareit.redbull.com
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Ten Square Games ready for a new development opportunities in 2024
2023 ESPI package
The following documents in pdf format are equivalents of the official Consolidated Financial Statement which were reported in ESPI (download in the zip file above)
2023 Consolidated Financial Statement
2023 Management Board Report on Activities
Independent Auditor’s Report on the Audit of Annual Consolidated Financial Statements
Link to the stream
Link to the chat with individual investors
Presentation
Factsheet
Financial data
Transcription of the conference and Q&A session
For complete press release visit tensquaregames.com
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