Central Europe
DSWV Urges German Government to Restart Sportsbook Licensing Process
Deutsche Sportwettenverband (DSWV), the German association of sports betting providers, has called on the German government to restart the stalled sportsbook licensing process after the country’s sports betting sector saw sales fall 16.1% in 2020 following the disruption caused by Covid-19.
DSWV president Mathias Dahms also warned that the strict controls for the online casino had already prompted a mass migration of players to unlicensed sites, and urged a rethink on how the vertical is regulated.
Tax figures from the Federal Ministry of Finance reveal that industry turnover declined from 2019’s record €9.3bn to €7.8bn (£6.9bn/$9.4bn). Tax revenue for the year fell 16.2% year-on-year to €389m.
The industry association noted that if January and February’s figures were taken out, to cover the impact of Covid-19 from March onwards, turnover would have been down more than 20% compared to the prior year.
In April and May, DSWV president Dahms noted, the market “collapsed completely.” With betting shops closed and sporting events suspended, turnover plummeted 90% year-on-year for April, then fell 75% in May.
Amid accusations that the gambling industry was profiting from the crisis, Dahms said, “the exact opposite is true.”
It was only in late summer, when the sporting calendar was packed as postponed events took place, that staking stabilised, the DSWV explained. The economic situation, however, remained “extremely tense,” it added.
“During the current lockdown, all 5,000 to 6,000 betting shops nationwide are closed or have been [offering a reduced service]. Approximately 25,000 employees are mostly on short-time work and in fear for their jobs, while the operators fear for their businesses’ futures,” Dahms explained.
He said that with betting shops denied state aid, the government must set out a roadmap towards reopening, including the social distancing and sanitisation measures required of operators.
This financial crisis, the DSWV continued, had been exacerbated by the transitional regulations for online casino that came into force as of 15 October. This has been followed by “massive” migration of consumers to black market operators, mostly based in Asia and the Caribbean.
A survey of DSWV members claims each operator has seen igaming turnover fall by an average of 54% in the wake of the transitional regime beginning. This requires operators to cap online slot stakes at €1 per spin, with spin speeds to average 5 seconds.
“It is clear that the strict regulations for virtual slot machines have channeled the market away almost overnight – unfortunately in the wrong direction. It is unrealistic to believe that German customers will get used to the excessive restrictions of the State Treaty and come back to licensed providers as long as they can play with competitors who offer them much better conditions,” Dahms said.
“We urgently need improvements to the regulations and a functioning enforcement against illegal offers. Otherwise, established providers willing to regulate will withdraw from the German gaming market,” Dahms added.
Central Europe
GR8 Tech Opens New Hub in Warsaw, Poland
An award-winning iGaming platform provider, GR8 Tech, opened its newest hub in Warsaw, Poland, on June 6, 2024. As a company committed to a remote-first model since the pandemic, GR8 Tech continues to support its diverse international staff by offering flexible and comfortable working conditions. In addition to assisting in home office arrangements, the company also provides local hubs in target locations where employees are concentrated and hiring activities are underway.
These hubs, available in several locations across Europe, including Cyprus, the Czech Republic, and, from now on, Poland, offer employees the opportunity to work in an office-like environment if they choose. This initiative is part of GR8 Tech’s ongoing efforts to ensure that its employees have the best possible working conditions in any location they choose to work from—efforts that have been recently recognized with the “Best Workplace 2024” title by SiGMA Americas Awards.
The new Warsaw hub will serve as a convenient workspace for the 80+ specialists already located in Poland and all new employees joining the company. It will also be available to any GR8 Tech employees traveling internationally who require a professional environment to work from.
The opening of the Warsaw hub aligns with GR8 Tech’s broader strategic activities across Europe and specifically in Poland. Recently, GR8 Tech participated in the largest Polish IT festival, Code Europe, held on June 10-11 in Krakow, as the technology partner, with GR8 Tech’s Chief Talent Officer, Tetiana Davydova, holding a talk on “Mastering the Science of Negotiation: Secrets to Successful Dialogue in Tech” at the event. GR8 Tech will also participate in the Devoxx conference in Krakow on June 19-22 as a partner. The company’s Deputy CTO, Pawel Grzegrzolka, will hold a talk on “Integrating quality gates in IaC”.
To learn more about GR8 Tech and its upcoming activities, visit the company’s website and join its communities on LinkedIn and Facebook for business-related topics or Instagram for the highlights of the GR8 work environment.
About GR8 Tech
GR8 Tech is an international iGaming provider of high-performance Sportsbook and Casino platform. Holder of the “Best Workplace 2024” title by SiGMA Americas, “Best Online Sportsbook Provider 2024” by SiGMA Eurasia, and, most recently, “Rising Star Provider of the Year” by Affpapa iGaming Awards.
GR8 Tech’s flagship product, GR8 Sportsbook, renowned for its exceptional event coverage and robust feed, manages heavy user loads with real-time anti-fraud processing and advanced margin management capabilities. Complementing the Sportsbook, GR8 Tech’s portfolio includes the GR8 Casino platform and vital standalone products like CRM, payment gateway, player account management, etc.
Focused on the personalized approach and lifetime partnership, GR8 Tech perfectly alleviates iGaming operators’ challenges by delivering customized, scalable solutions that evolve with business growth.
Central Europe
KJM Endorses IDVerse to Tackle Rising Concerns Over Minor Protection
The Commission for Youth Media Protection (KJM) has officially endorsed IDVerse, a leading provider of online age verification solutions, to address the growing need for enhanced minor protection. This endorsement comes in the wake of concerning statistics from the Javelin Report, which underscores the critical importance of safeguarding children online. With 54% of households not monitoring or restricting their children’s online activity, the risk of exposure to harmful content is significantly heightened. KJM’s endorsement of IDVerse is a significant step towards robust and comprehensive solutions for protecting minors online.
KJM, as the central oversight body for youth media protection in Germany, plays a crucial role in evaluating and endorsing effective age verification and protection systems. Comprises experts from federal and state media authorities, KJM ensures that digital content adheres to stringent youth protection regulations. The organisation’s endorsement is a significant mark of credibility and reliability for solutions like IDVerse.
The Javelin Report, a comprehensive study on online safety, reveals that more than half of households do not monitor their children’s online activities, leading to increased risks of identity fraud and exposure to inappropriate content. The lack of oversight amplifies the need for advanced technological solutions that can provide a safer online environment for minors.
By endorsing IDVerse, KJM champions innovative solutions that prioritise the safety and well-being of minors in the digital age. IDVerse’s advanced age verification technology offers a proactive defense against online threats, ensuring that minors are protected from identity fraud and inappropriate content. This endorsement is particularly valuable for the iGaming market, where preventing underage gambling is a critical concern.
Peter Violaris, Head of Global Privacy at IDVerse, said: “We are honored to receive the endorsement of KJM, which validates our unwavering commitment to minor protection and online age verification. The alarming statistics on unmonitored online activity among children underscore the critical need for robust solutions.
“At IDVerse, we have developed cutting-edge technology that not only protects children but also respects the privacy of all users. Our system ensures that only the necessary information is shared and that data is securely handled and promptly deleted after verification. Together with KJM, we are dedicated to creating a safer online environment for children worldwide.”
The endorsement of IDVerse by KJM sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing minor protection and safeguarding children from age-restricted or inappropriate content. It underscores the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry leaders in addressing the evolving challenges of the digital landscape.
Central Europe
BGaming enters Slovakia in partnership with state-owned operator TIPOS
iGaming content provider BGaming has made its debut in Slovakia after penning a landmark content agreement with state lottery operator TIPOS.
As part of the deal, BGaming has integrated several licensed games, such as Alien Fruits, Wild Cash, and Bonanza Billion with TIPOS’ online casino platform.
Founded in 1992, TIPOS currently offers lottery, sports betting and online casino in Slovakia. As a result of its collaboration with BGaming, the former government-owned monopoly will strengthen its slots game offering in an increasingly competitive market.
Following its market launch, BGaming has bolstered its leadership credentials in Europe. The studio continues to deliver on its promise to create the best iGaming experiences for players in regulated markets worldwide.
Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, said: “Slovakia is a market we have been working to enter for two years. It has plenty of potential and we are thrilled to partner with TIPOS to deliver BGaming’s unrivalled proposition to the players.
“The titles we have integrated are greatly varied and will appeal to a broad range of player preferences. We look forward to seeing how this partnership develops.”
Štefan Hrček, Casino Brand Manager at TIPOS, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our portfolio with a handpicked selection of BGaming’s most iconic games, including its first-ever cascading reel game Bonanza Billion.
“BGaming has established a strong reputation as one of the leading suppliers in Europe and it is a pleasure to add them to our list of partners.”
BGaming is a fast-growing iGaming content provider converting gambling into gaming. Thanks to an expert team and a player-driven approach, the studio creates innovative and engaging products featured on reputable platforms and 1,100+ online casinos worldwide. BGaming is the world’s first to support cryptocurrencies and offer Provably Fair games. Today the brand’s portfolio includes 150+ products with HD graphics and a clear user interface for every device. The studio is also known for its brand exclusives created in partnerships with leading operators in the industry.
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