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What’s covered in the Gambling Act white paper?

What’s covered in the Gambling Act white paper?

After years of delays and speculation, the most transformative review of gambling in the United Kingdom in 18 years has finally been published.

The publication of the Gambling Act review white paper signifies a landmark upheaval of how gambling will be regulated in the UK going forward, in an age of smartphones and 24/7 internet access.

To say the review has been much anticipated would be an understatement. Industry trade bodies, operator groups and industry critics alike have waited eagerly for the white paper’s publication.

It has been an eventful two years and four months since the UK government announced the review – one that has encompassed the resignations and appointments of two prime ministers, the declaration of a cost of living crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While the white paper document outlines much of what the industry expected, it contains a few unexpected additions – including the addition of a gambling ombudsman, to give customers one point of contact for..

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UK Tote Group brings in new senior leadership 

UK Tote Group brings in new senior leadership 

UK and Irish pool operator UK Tote Group has hired two new CCOs to support its growth strategy and expand its international and domestic networks.

Jon Knapman joins Tote Group as chief commercial officer of the group’s international B2B business. With its recent expansion into US, South African and Hong Kong markets, the international business has seen substantial growth.

Dave Hammond becomes the chief commercial officer (UK) of the operator’s domestic operation. Hammond brings 25 years of experience in the industry from numerous senior operational roles in companies such as Inspired Gaming, Paddy Power, Betfair and DraftKings.

“As we continue to execute our growth strategy for the business and, following three years of significant expansion within international markets with many more opportunities on the horizon, we now have two extremely strong leaders focussed on driving the commercial performance of our international and UK businesses,” UK Tote Group chief executive Alex Fros..

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Yahoo acquires sports betting app Wagr

Yahoo acquires sports betting app Wagr

Yahoo has announced the acquisition of peer-to-peer sports betting app Wagr, bolstering its fantasy and gaming offerings.

While the terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Yahoo did make clear that, as part of the deal, Wagr will be fully integrated into Yahoo Sports.

The betting platform has previously attracted a number of high-level investments, including support from Seven Seven Six – spearheaded by Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder – the Kraft Group and the owners of the New England Patriots.

Wagr was also the first social sports betting operator to receive a licence in the United States.

Jim Lanzone, CEO of Yahoo, said that the acquisition represents the future of Yahoo’s gaming products.

“The acquisition of Wagr is an exciting step in the development of the next generation of Yahoo Sports’ gaming portfolio,” said Lanzone.

“Wagr stands out for their innovative emphasis on community and social engagement in sports gaming, which aligns perfectly with the Yahoo award-wi..

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IMG Arena nets new deal with NWSL

IMG Arena nets new deal with NWSL

Sports data and technology supplier IMG Arena has entered into a global data, streaming and integrity partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US.

Under the multi-year deal, IMG Arena will capture and deliver data from over 161 NWSL and NWSL Challenge Cup games per season for its global network of more than 460 sportsbook operators, as well as distribute live streaming for betting.

IMG Arena will also serve as the league’s official integrity partner, providing the NWSL with full monitoring services to help safeguard competitions and tournaments.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

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DC sports betting handle and revenue up in March

DC sports betting handle and revenue up in March

Sports wagering handle and revenue in Washington DC both increased year-on-year during March, while the market also experienced month-on-month growth.

Consumer spending on betting for the month amounted to $18.1m, which was 19.1% higher than $15.2m in March 2022 and also 43.7% up from $12.6m in February of this year.

In terms of gross gaming revenue from sports wagering, this reached $2.3m, an increase of 64.3% from $1.4m in March last year and 91.7% ahead of $1.2m in February.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

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NFL suspends five players over betting violations

NFL suspends five players over betting violations

The National Football League (NFL) has issued suspensions to five players after ruling they breached the league’s gambling policy.

Detroit Lions receivers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and safety CJ Moore were all suspended, as was Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney.

Cephus, Moore and Toney were all suspended indefinitely for betting on games during the 2022 season and will not be able to apply for reinstatement until after the 2023 season.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

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Mississippi bounces back in March as handle and revenue climb

Mississippi bounces back in March as handle and revenue climb

Sports betting revenue and handle in Mississippi both increased month-on-month in March, while the US state also reported a year-on-year rise in revenue despite a dip in spending.

Handle in the month amounted to $46.7m, which was 2.5% lower than $47.9m in the same month in 2022 but 17.3% ahead of $39.8m in February of this year.

Turning to revenue, the state posted $5.0m for the month, up 22.0% year-on-year and also 61.3% higher than $3.1m in February.

Read the full story on iGB North America

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Police raid German sports betting operator

Police raid German sports betting operator

Police in Germany have carried out raids and arrested six people as part of an investigation into an unnamed sports betting operator.

The German sports betting raids took place yesterday (20 April) and followed two and a half years of undercover investigations related to the operator, with allegations including suspicion of forming a criminal organisation, offering illegal gambling and withholding wages in reference to undeclared work.

Raids were carried out by police from the German regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bremen, Berlin, Saxony and Bavaria, as well as authorities in Malta and Croatia. Raids took place at premises across all these regions, although the focus of the effort was Cologne.

In a joint statement issued by the Prosecution of Organised Crimes (ZeOS NRW) and the State Criminal Police Office for North Rhine-Westphalia, investigating authorities executed over 100 search warrants and six arrest warrants during the raids.

More than 100 private apartments, betting sho..

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New Hampshire sets sports betting handle record in March

New Hampshire sets sports betting handle record in March

Consumers in New Hampshire spent a record $103.4m betting on sports in March, beating the previous monthly-high set back in January 2022.

The monthly handle was 3.9% ahead of the existing record of $99.5m, as well as 31.2% up from $78.8m in March 2022 and 18.9% ahead of the $87.0m spent in February this year.

Players wagered $93.4m online as well as $10.0m at retail sportsbooks across the state.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

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Kindred enters Washington State with Swinomish Tribe

Kindred enters Washington State with Swinomish Tribe

Kindred Group has expanded into the Washington State market by launching the first phase of its partnership with The Swinomish Tribe.

Under the agreement, Kindred will roll out a retail operation at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, in line with a wider, six-year deal announced in October last year.

The first phase of the sportsbook launch covers Unibet branded kiosks and over-the-counter sports betting, with further developments to include a Unibet sports betting lounge, due to launch later this year.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

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