Eight out of 10 Lithuanians would approve of a ban on gambling ads in the country, a new survey revealed.

The survey commissioned by public broadcaster LRT was carried out by the public opinion and market research company Baltijos tyrimai. It showed that 80% of respondents aged 18 years and over are in favour of a complete ban on gambling ads in Lithuania and just 15% would oppose the move.

It has transpired that approval of the gambling ad ban was greater among women than men – 86% against 72% respectively. The move has also wide support among residents aged over 50 (84%) and by people with greater than secondary education and with monthly household income of up to EUR 1100 (85%). Opponents of the ban often include men (21%), young people under 30 years of age (23%), rural residents (18%) and people with unfinished secondary education (30%). 1115 adult residents of Lithuania were polled on 15-25 March.

In mid-March, parliament began to consider amendments to the law on gambling, which, if adopted, would prohibit gambling advertisements as of 1 January 2025.

SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited has appointed Jason Walbridge as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Jason has more than two decades of senior executive public company experience in the global land-based and online gaming industries. He is currently a Strategic Advisor to global gaming and technology company Aristocrat Leisure Limited on its proposed acquisition of NeoGames S.A, and Executive Chairman of National Entertainment Network LLC, the largest amusement route operator in the US. He has been appointed to the role after an extensive international search.

SkyCity Board Chair Julian Cook said: “The Board is delighted to announce Jason’s appointment as CEO of SkyCity, and we are looking forward to the valuable contribution Jason will make to the business. Jason has extensive global experience in the land-based and online gaming industries, which will position him well to lead SkyCity through its next phases.”

Mr Walbridge said: “It will be a privilege to lead SkyCity, and I am excited to be joining the business at this time as SkyCity looks to pursue the many opportunities ahead of it.”

Mr Walbridge is expected to start in early July 2024, following his move back to New Zealand.

Prior to his current roles, Mr Walbridge held roles with the online gaming supplier NYX Gaming Group Limited and its acquirer Light & Wonder Inc, and before that he spent 18 years with Aristocrat Leisure Limited where he held executive leadership roles in New Zealand and the US. Previously, he held senior roles within consulting, including with Ernst & Young, and was an Officer in the New Zealand Defence Force. Mr Walbridge holds an MBA in International Management from the Auckland Institute of Studies.

Mr Cook confirmed that Callum Mallett will continue as Interim Chief Executive Officer until Mr Walbridge’s commencement date.

“I’d like to thank Callum for his continued leadership and his support during this period,” Mr Cook said.

NetBet Denmark has reached a deal with the leading online software provider Play’n Go. This agreement will see the quantity of games available to Danish players expanded as a result of the addition of several Play’n Go titles.

Play’n Go has become a pillar of the online gaming industry since its founding in 2005. Most recently, the company scored a hat-trick of award wins at the 5Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards, claiming the prestigious titles of Slots Provider of the Year, Mobile Supplier of the Year and Game of the Year.

NetBet Denmark’s customers can now experience the thrilling excitement of a wide variety of Play’n Go slot games, with the flagship titles including Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead and Reactoonz – each one crafted to provide plenty of entertainment.

NetBet Denmark’s PR manager, Claudia Georgevici, said: “At NetBet, we understand the widespread appeal of slots – they offer players a unique experience while being straightforward at the same time. Play’n Go has created a large variety of excellent slot games, and this makes them an ideal partner as we look to expand the range of entertainment we can offer on our website.”

Danish players who are looking to explore these games and more can now head straight over to the NetBet Denmark website and experience the new Play’n Go titles for themselves.