Latest News
Stakelogic Summons the Spirit of the Celts!
Developer takes players on an iron-age adventure in epic new online version of the Reflex Gaming title
The lush green valley of the Celts is the stunning backdrop for Celtic Spirit Deluxe, the majestic new release from Stakelogic, which forms part of the company’s game licensing partnership with Reflex Gaming.
The collaboration with the innovative UK land-based developer sees a number of their most popular titles reimagined for the online iGaming market, including classics such as Lucky Mushroom and Eureka Einstein Moments.
Get into the spirit of the celts in this 5×3, 20 winline slot and keep a watch for the awe-inspiring and beautiful Celtic Princess as she triggers 6 free spins in this dazzling cinematic slot reproduction of the original classic from Reflex.
During free spins, the mini reel becomes active and further adds to the excitement by promising extra wilds and extra free spins to delight the user. Free spins begin with the central symbol of the reels transforming into a sticky wild, which is then locked in place for the duration of the free spins.
Randomly during the feature, the mini reel spins with the potential to award extra wilds and extra spins, further enhancing the potential riches which await.
The most adventurous players can continue their exploits by taking their winnings into the player-selectable gamble. All rests on the flip of a card as prizes can be multiplied by up to x4.
Stephen van den Oetelaar, CEO of Stakelogic, said: “We are very excited to release our latest slot game in conjunction with Reflex Gaming and offer the online players yet another new experience in gaming.
“Boasting an impressive land-base following and having such a renowned pedigree, Celtic Spirit Deluxe is sure to be a hit with our loyal online player-base.
“Following the acquisition of our supply license from the UK Gambling Commission and the recent launch of our first Megaways™ title, which is under license from Big Time Gaming, Q4 promises to continue the success we’ve seen in 2020, which is testament to the exceptional work our team has produced this year.”
Latest News
Sportradar’s Alpha Odds Increased Profits by 15% for Operators Across UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying Matches
Alpha Odds, Sportradar’s AI-driven personalised odds technology, boosted profits for sportsbook operators by an average of 15% during the UEFA European Championship Qualifying Matches. With the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 anticipated to generate more than €62.2 billion in global betting turnover, operators can maximize profits and manage risk by utilizing this product during the quadrennial tournament.
Launched in 2022, Alpha Odds leverages Sportradar’s advanced AI technology to more accurately predict the probability of a game event taking place, enabling operators to manage their risk more effectively. When combined with real-time and predicted liquidity, Alpha Odds allows operators to generate bespoke betting prices in line with their risk exposure and liabilities.
As examples of how Alpha Odds increased profitability for operators during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers, where one team was heavily favoured, Alpha Odds helped clients manage risk in real-time and continue to accept bets as goals were tallied and the scoreline grew. Additionally, while a conventional odds service would have left operators vulnerable to a matchday of customer friendly results, such as all the favourites winning at home by two or more goals, Alpha Odds’ predictive capabilities enabled instant adjustments, safeguarding sportsbooks against significant losses, as a match unfolded.
Darren Small, Senior Vice President of Managed Trading Services (MTS) at Sportradar, said: “The predictive capabilities that Sportradar has developed for Alpha Odds are proving to be a game changer ahead of this summer’s tournament, enabling operators to consistently improve profitability and deliver higher margins across soccer betting.”
Alpha Odds is available across Sportradar’s portfolio of betting markets for soccer and tennis, both pre-match and in-play. The solution will be expanded across basketball later in 2024.
Industry News
eCOGRA Announces Leadership Transition
eCOGRA, the leading Testing, Inspection, and Certification company serving the iGaming industry, announced two changes to its leadership structure.
Following a period of outstanding international growth, which has seen eCOGRA expand to 39 jurisdictional approvals, including most recently Peru and Brazil, as well as establish new offices in Europe and the US, the business announced Will Shuckburgh has been appointed to the newly created role of Group CEO from 1 July 2024. As part of the transition to a fully global business, the Company also announced Shaun McCallaghan, who has been with the Company for 16 years, the last 6 of which have been as CEO, will take on the new board role of Senior Director, Operations and Regulatory Affairs.
Will Shuckburgh brings a proven track record leading customer focused businesses through periods of high growth and international expansion. Will, who joined eCOGRA in January 2024, is set to assume the role of Group CEO, following a 6-month hand over period. He has previously held positions as Managing Director at Nectar, Executive Vice President & Chief Membership Officer at Rakuten, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Invincible Brands, amongst others. In these roles, he successfully designed and executed strategies, to achieve profitable growth across multiple markets where client experience was essential.
Shaun McCallaghan has been a driving force behind eCOGRA’s success in recent years. Shaun’s approach is underscored by hard work, unwavering client loyalty and service, and the building of robust regulatory business relationships. Shaun has played a key role in securing dual accreditations, expanding jurisdictional coverage, diversifying the service offering, and enlarging eCOGRA’s client and staff base, while also successfully extending Testing, Inspection, and Certification services into North and South America. These, amongst many other achievements, have helped eCOGRA continue to grow and support clients in the ever-changing regulatory environment in which they operate.
Shaun now looks forward to taking up his newly formed role of Senior Director, Operations and Regulatory Affairs. This role will focus on ensuring clients will continue to receive the same high quality and reliable services that they have been accustomed to from eCOGRA. Shaun will continue to be a member of the board.
Mark Brooker, the Group Chairman, said: “Will’s appointment brings fresh energy, insight and strategic vision, aligning perfectly with eCOGRA’s commitment to excellence across each of its markets. The changes also reflect eCOGRA’s commitment to stability and innovation, with Shaun continuing to play a key role in the Company’s future success through his new role of Senior Director, Operations and Regulatory Affairs.”
David Cowan, representing the majority shareholder Hanover Investors, commented: “This transition signifies a natural evolution in eCOGRA’s leadership landscape in response to the strong growth of the business. Shaun’s transition enables a more hands-on approach to delivery, ensuring eCOGRA’s expansion maintains the highest standards of service to positively elevate the client journey. Meanwhile, Will Shuckburgh, is a seasoned high-growth CEO with an impressive track record, who brings visionary leadership and transformative abilities to the business. Known for identifying and capitalising on emerging opportunities, Will’s focus on fostering a culture of collaboration, and continuous improvement will elevate eCOGRA’s global presence. Together Will and Shaun will maintain our steadfast commitment to excellence and have the full support of the Board and the Shareholders.”
Industry News
GambleAware calls for health warnings on gambling ads, as major research highlights need for improved safer gambling messaging
GambleAware, the leading commissioner of gambling harms prevention and treatment services in Great Britain, has called for enhanced evidence-based health warnings on gambling adverts. The call comes in response to findings published today from an independent research consortium, showing the need for clearer safer gambling messaging that highlights the risks associated with gambling.
The research, based on a survey of over 7,000 people, has called into question the effectiveness of the widely used industry-led slogan ‘Take Time To Think’ (TTTT). The report revealed that the current slogan fails to land the jeopardy of gambling harms or signpost where people can get help.
Alexia Clifford, Chief Communications Officer for GambleAware, said: “Gambling harms are a serious public health issue, and it is vital that people are aware of the risks associated. Today’s landmark study underscores the need to replace the industry-led slogan ‘Take Time To Think’ with more compelling health warnings.
“We’re also concerned about operators’ misuse of the GambleAware logo and the lack of clear signposting to support channels. We urge industry to take heed of the growing body of evidence highlighting the need for better safeguards and restrictions.”
Findings from the study indicate replacing current industry marketing messages with three new health warnings, which were shown to be clearer, more impactful, and more memorable to both the public and people who gamble.
Emphasising addictiveness was shown to prompt behaviour change, with the strapline ‘Gambling can be addictive’ having greater cut-through (46% of people who gamble vs. 35% for TTTT) and prompting the most people setting the lowest deposit limit. The warning ‘Gambling comes at a cost’ was seen by people who gamble as more impactful and memorable, especially compared to TTTT (22% of people who gamble say this vs. 12% for TTTT). It effectively conveyed implications beyond financial harms. ‘Gambling can grip anyone’ also performed well across metrics.
Dr Raffaello Rossi, a lecturer in marketing at Bristol University and co-author of the research, said: “In the absence of strict gambling marketing restrictions, it is absolutely vital that we see warnings on gambling advertising that highlight the addictive nature of gambling, paired with clear, unambiguous signposting for people to access support if needed. We need to see better regulation of gambling operators who are widely bombarding us with their ads.”
Additional findings showed that the inclusion of a clear and separate GambleAware health warning at the end of a 30-second gambling advert was more than twice as effective than Take Time To Think at showing people where to get support (72% vs. 30% agree). The analysis will form the basis of a new guidelines3 providing operators with clear guidance and recommendations on how to promote safer gambling and prevent harm.
The latest report findings align with the recent Government response, which clearly set out the need for public health messaging to be integrated and reinforced to effectively reduce harm and have impact. They also follow recent research from GambleAware highlighting the role advertising plays in normalising gambling for children and young people, who described feeling their online world was “saturated” with betting promotions and gambling-like content.
Sam Starsmore, who has lived experience of gambling harm, said: “I’ve experienced first-hand the profound impact of gambling harm on every aspect of life – mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. Sadly, there are potentially millions more people out there at risk of harm, and if they or a loved one are concerned about their gambling, they need to know where they can get help.
“Gambling operators spend millions on advertising, but there isn’t nearly enough regulation and signposting to support services has to be improved. Reflecting on my personal experiences, the safer gambling messages never had an impact in providing me with a platform or direction to seek the support I crucially needed. Change is needed and could help prevent so many people from more serious consequences further down the line.”
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