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DSWV Urges German Government to Restart Sportsbook Licensing Process

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DSWV Urges German Government to Restart Sportsbook Licensing Process
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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

Push Gaming enters Switzerland with Grand Casino Luzern

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Push Gaming enters Switzerland with Grand Casino Luzern
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B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has expanded its reach across Europe, following its entry into Switzerland with the prominent operator Grand Casino Luzern.

The agreement is the first for Push Gaming within the regulated Swiss jurisdiction and will see world-renowned titles like Razor Returns, Jammin’ Jars and Wild Swarm be offered to the operator, alongside new hits such as Boss Bear.

Grand Casino Luzern’s online brand mycasino will gain access to these titles on an eight-week exclusivity deal. During this time, it will be the only operator to offer Push Gaming titles in the market before its portfolio is rolled out to additional operators thereafter.

Push Gaming’s entry into Switzerland exemplifies the provider’s global expansion strategy and acts as a precursor for further growth within Europe and around the world. It follows the company’s recent entries into markets including Greece, Colombia and Italy.

Fiona Hickey, Director of New Business and Markets at Push Gaming, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Grand Casino Luzern whilst simultaneously entering the Swiss market.

“The operator’s leading position within Switzerland will allow our fan favourite titles to reach a vast audience and aid in further growth within the market thereafter. We are excited to see players’ reception to our unique content.”

Wolfgang Bliem, CEO at Grand Casino Luzern, said: “We are thrilled to be the first operator to introduce Push Gaming’s captivating slot titles to the passionate Swiss player base. This achievement underscores our leading position in the industry and the esteemed reputation of the mycasino brand.

“Our goal is to offer players the broadest range of high-quality titles that also provide innovation and transformative gameplay experiences, and through the partnership with Push Gaming, we reaffirm these aspirations. We are ecstatic to exclusively showcase their content on our platform, leading the way in doing so in Switzerland.”

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Central Europe

BetConstruct Receives German Licence for Virtual Slot Machine Games from GGL

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Gaming technology and services provider BetConstruct has received a Virtual Slot Machines License from the GGL, Germany’s iGaming regulator.

By receiving this new licence, BetConstruct can now offer virtual online slot machines in compliance with German gambling laws and requirements. This opens up new horizons and opportunities for everyone interested in the German market, including slot game providers, BetConstruct operators and players alike.

Hermine Gevorgyan, Head of BetConstruct’s Licensing and Certification Department, said: “We are thrilled to announce our successful acquisition of the German virtual slot licence – a remarkable accomplishment that marks the culmination of a challenging and rewarding journey for our entire team.”

“Securing the German slot licence was undeniably a challenging journey, but today, we stand proud as we celebrate this significant achievement. With this licence in hand, we are poised to introduce a new niche to the market, setting higher standards and redefining excellence in the gaming industry with our innovative and award-winning products tailored for the German market,” Gor Mnatsakanyan, BetConstruct’s Regional Director in Germany, said.

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Central Europe

Pariplay makes German market debut through ZEAL launch

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Pariplay makes German market debut through ZEAL launch
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NeoGames S.A  subsidiary Pariplay® has gone live with Wizard Games content in the regulated market of Germany, through the country’s leading online lottery operator ZEAL.

A range of feature-rich and innovative slots from Pariplay®’s in-house studio Wizard Games will be made available to German players through the deal, starting with smash-hit flagship title Dragons of the North.

ZEAL is the leading online provider of state-licensed lottery products that operates through its B2C brands LOTTO24 and Tipp24. The company recently also branched out into virtual scratch cards and arcade-style releases via ZEAL Instant Games. ZEAL is renowned for offering users a seamless and personalised experience, with its original lottery products backed by outstanding customer service.

Further titles from the Wizard Games portfolio will be supplied to the operator in the coming months through Pariplay®’s Fusion®, further expanding the range of entertainment available for players in the potential-rich German market.

Pariplay®’s Fusion® offering consists of over 14,000 games from 120+ suppliers, as well as a comprehensive suite of back-office conversion and retention tools that enhance player value, including Fusion Tournaments, Raffle Rocket and Spin that Wheel.

Through the latest launch with ZEAL, Pariplay® has taken its latest step toward the long-term goal of becoming a leading content supplier worldwide, following a series of important deals to offer content from its Fusion platform.

Enrico Bradamante, Chief Commercial Officer at Pariplay, said: “The German market is one of strategic importance for Pariplay, as we continue to expand in regulated markets globally. ZEAL is one of the country’s leading lights and we can’t wait to see how Wizard Games content performs with its players.”

Julian Tietz, Managing Director, ZEAL Instant Games, said: “We are delighted to have another strong partner at our side in Pariplay®, with whom we can further expand our slots offering and strategically grow our business. Pariplay® is renowned as one of the industry’s premier providers and their popular content will help us to further engage with our diverse player base. Through our cooperation, we are proud to be the first operator to bring Wizard Games to the German Market.”

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