Gauselmann UK is setting new standards of player protection with the launch of 360 – a programme which cements the company’s continuous commitment to social responsibility.

360 has been developed following close consultation with the Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) whose accreditation programme helps organisations to establish a responsible gambling culture and implement initiatives that minimise the harms caused by problem gambling. G4’s wide-ranging audit, which included a cultural assessment based on interviews conducted among staff working at all levels of the organisation, was documented in a dedicated Gauselmann UK specific Action Work Programme.

Committed to making the G4 audit into more than simply a box ticking exercise, Gauselmann UK is establishing the infrastructure required to ensure social responsibility is always front and centre stage of the business, led by an Advisory Board of senior executives and external specialists.

The six-person Advisory Board will set key objectives and kpi’s, establish a method of measuring success, bring new ideas to the table and explore best practice which will include drawing on the experience of other jurisdictions and across other industries.

One of the most tangible features of 360 and one which will drive its objectives throughout the business is the appointment of a Customer Experience Manager, a new dedicated, single role post that will report directly to the CEO.

“The aim in everything that we do – whether that’s games design, customer service, or the experience of visiting one of our 160 Merkur Cashino AGCs – is to be the very best in the business and that also extends to delivering the most effective social responsibility undertakings” stated Sascha Blodau, General Manager Gauselmann (UK). “When it comes to protecting the vulnerable and the very small percentage of players who may experience problems from low stake gambling entertainment, you can never do enough, it’s a journey without there actually being a final destination.”

Outlining his aspirations for the programme moving forward, Sascha Blodau confirmed: “We have explained 360 and shared our objectives with bacta, with the Gambling Business Group, the Gambling Commission, with GamCare and with YGAM, all of whom have been very supportive and encouraging of what we are setting out to achieve. We want to ensure that we are establishing the very highest standards in order to deliver a safe gambling entertainment experience for all of our customers in particular those that may require additional levels of support.

“I believe that in 360 we have created the most comprehensive safer gambling programme in the UK to complement what is the UK industry’s most professional and dedicated consumer-facing team.”

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! It was again an eventful week in the USA, despite the still-active virus attack.

Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news, new partnerships and new appointments. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

A new esports organisation named Equinox Esports has been launched in Oklahoma City. Equinox will own professional teams that span multiple video game titles including VALORANT, League of Legends and Super Smash Bros, among others. Equinox will produce unique in-house content in the form of podcasts, broadcasts, tournaments, video content and articles out of its newly-build 6000 square foot facility in north Oklahoma City.

In accordance with the directives from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Caesars Entertainment has resumed gaming operations daily and hospitality operations for weekend stays at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on October 8. The reopening was with great celebration.

Win Systems is achieving huge success with its latest GameStar development, the innovative collectable link feature Rising Link. The new game has been in some of the Mexican gaming venues for many weeks now and has captured the interest of players from the very beginning.

Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan has been named a possible coronavirus exposure site by the health officials. Anyone who visited the Casino between October 2 and October 4 is asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days from the possible exposure date, according to a news release issued by the District Health Department No. 10, which covers 10 Northern Michigan counties including Manistee.

Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has announced a major expansion project for its ilani Casino Resort. In partnership with the Cowlitz Tribe, Howard S. Wright, and Friedmutter Group, ilani will feature additions to its exterior and interior designs.

The PGA TOUR has announced that BetMGM will provide betting odds for all four rounds of THE CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK in Las Vegas, October 15-18 on the Golf Channel.

New Partnerships

InterDigital, a mobile and video technology research and development company, has announced that it will partner with global innovation and accelerator platform Plug and Play to serve as anchor member for the platform’s Media & Advertising programme. The partnership will also see InterDigital and Plug and Play work towards developing a new gaming vertical within the next year.

InterDigital has announced a new initiative with cloud-gaming specialist Blacknut to develop technologies that will enhance the performance of the existing gaming technology. The new collaboration will leverage InterDigital’s extensive technology expertise alongside Blacknut’s unique knowledge of cloud gaming services.

New Acquisition

Twin River Worldwide Holdings has purchased the iconic Bally’s brand from Caesars Entertainment Inc. Hedge-fund investor Soo Kim, co-founder of Standard General, which owns a 39% stake in Twin River, paid Caesars $20m for the purchase.

New Appointment

Rush Street Interactive has announced the appointment of Kyle Sauers as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective by October 23. He will be based in Chicago and report to Greg Carlin, RSI’s Chief Executive Officer. He will be responsible for all of the Company’s financial and treasury functions, as well as investor relations.

Compliance

Greek gambling regulator Hellenic Gaming Commission has selected Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment to develop the first integrated resort and casino in Greece. The winning bid from MGE, submitted in partnership with GEK TERNA, proposes a state-of-the-art development plan, INSPIRE Athens, that includes a luxury hotel, premier entertainment venues, convention centre, shopping, dining, casino and a comprehensive mix of premium amenities.

Michigan Gaming Control Board has granted a Provisional Internet Gaming Supplier License to Spin Games LLC. The license will enable Spin to deploy its proprietary and third-party i-Gaming content built upon the ROC Remote Gaming Server platform across Michigan’s licensed casino operator online sites once internet gaming goes live.

Global Bet Virtual Sports is now live with the Tier 1 operator Supabets through Intelligent Gaming as part of Supabets Gaming Group’s effort to exploit the region’s fledgling market.

The company has struck a deal for Global Bet to distribute its premium virtual sports products into South Africa, with Global Bet’s CEO, Daniel Grabher, stating that “the aim of the agreement is to replicate the success we have achieved in other major African markets across the continent. The South African gaming market, known for it´s strict regulations has a massive potential and is yet to be fully exploited. I´m very confident that our success-story will continue in this key market, not at least because we teamed up with the right strategic local partner.”

The deal includes the full suite of Global Bet’s omni channel premium virtual sports and also the brand new PRO Series of games with features such as Instant Play that will change the South African gaming ecosystem for years to come.

Intelligent Gaming CEO Marc Plaxton-Harrison said. “Combining our distribution channels within existing operations with the best virtual sports product on the market was a fantastic decision for us. Considering the current boom of virtual sports globally, we anticipate a big revenue growth and a long and successful working partnership.”

About Supabets:
Launched in 2008, Supabets is a successful Africa-focused land and online betting and gaming firm with operations in South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and soon Kenya as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

About Global Bet:
Global Bet is the biggest independent virtual sports provider that delivers high-quality products known for graphic animations, usability and endless customization possibilities. Active on the market since 2004, Global Bet today serves Tier One Customers like the GVC Group, Snai, Sisal and many more.