Smaller Books Huddle with “Valve Project” to Survive

The competitive nature of the U.S. sports betting industry has squeezed out much of the smaller bookmakers in recent years, but UPLAY1 CEO Bruce Merati (l.) has an idea for a new system, known as the Valve Project, that would help books to balance their exposure and ultimately enjoy better performance.

Virginia Lawmaker to Reintroduce Casino Bill

Virginia state Senator David Marsden (l.) plans to once again sponsor legislation allowing a casino referendum in Fairfax County, preferably Tysons Corner. A similar bill he introduced last year failed to gain traction.

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Ecuador’s Noboa Eyes Reopening Casinos

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa (l.) recently presented an 11-point referendum, part of which is lobbying for the reopening of casinos, betting shops, and in-person gambling halls.

Italy to Reform Online Gambling Laws in 2024

Italy has announced an expansive overhaul of the laws on online gaming that were first established in 2011. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF) announced the “Reorganization Decree” with the goal being to settle some industry conflicts.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Fourth-Quarter Temperature Checks

The next round of earnings reports will soon be trickling in, which will likely give a little more clarity on where we could be headed. In the meantime, let’s explore some of the outlooks given by analysts, even if they are a bit unenthusiastic.

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Macau Casino Workers to Get Bonuses, Pay Hikes

Five of Macau’s Big 6 gaming concessionaires have announced year-end bonuses for eligible staff members. Some employees are in line for salary increases as the city enjoys a post-Covid resurgence.

Osaka IR Group to File Impact Report by Mid-Year

Osaka IR KK, the consortium behind an integrated resort with gaming in the Japanese prefecture, is developing a report on the environmental impact of the project on Yumeshima Island. It will be complete by summer.

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Entain Leaves Unregulated Markets

Entain has announced that it has left 140 unregulated markets. That, along with paying £600 million is part of the agreement with prosecutors to avoid prosecution for a bribery scandal in a former subsidiary it operated in Turkey.

German Gambling Addiction Hotline Funded for Several Years

Germany’s gaming regulator Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) has arranged for funding to continue for several more years for the country’s free gambling addiction hotline. The gaming industry is contributing to the fund.

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Brazil President Vetoes Part of Gambling law

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (l.) has vetoed part of a gambling bill that would grant a tax exemption for gamblers who win prizes up to BRL 2,112 ($430). The Congress has until March 3 to override the veto or let it stand.

Indian State Governor Amends GST Tax on Gambling

The governor of the Indian state of Kerela has taken his disagreements with the state’s legislature over Goods & Service Tax (GST) as it relates to gambling to a new level. He has signed an ordinance amending the tax as it relates to gambling.

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Indonesian Lawmakers Target Illegal iGaming

The government of Indonesia is cracking down on illegal online gambling. Thus far, it’s restricted access to more than 805,000 types of content, in part by blocking websites and payment channels.

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Nebraska Gaming Study Rejects New Racinos

Nebraska does not need more horse racing tracks in addition to the six currently licensed, according to a study released by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. The report could end Bellevue’s quest for a proposed racetrack and casino.

Detroit Casinos Recover From Strike

Detroit’s three have recovered from the workers’ strike, posting $111.4 million in total slots and table games revenue in December, the second-highest monthly gaming revenue total for 2023.

Study Warns Social Costs Cancel Gaming Tax Benefits

New Jersey has profited from online sports betting tax revenue, but a new study said the costs of problem gambling could cancel the financial benefits. The study noted some states legalized online betting based on falsely optimistic forecasts.

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Kambi Group CEO Nylén to Step Down

Kambi Group CEO and co-founder Kristian Nylén (l.) is stepping down this year, after an executive search picks a successor; Nylén will move to the board of directors, which will consider two new members.

Light & Wonder Names Marchetti To Board

Light & Wonder named Michael Marchetti (l.) to its board of directors. Currently chief financial officer at Age of Learning Inc., Marchetti has held leadership positions at financial institutions and gaming companies.

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AGA Launches Human Trafficking Training

The American Gaming Association has introduced a free online training program designed to educate casino industry employees on the fight against human trafficking.

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