Archives February 2024

Authorities Arrest New Suspects in High-Profile Criminal Case Mahadev Book

Progress has been made in the high-profile criminal case that is currently under investigation in India. The case is related to an illegal betting app that was launched in the country recently.

The big case:

Both the country’s and foreign police forces worked on this case, and they significantly progressed when they identified key suspects and arrested them.

The case, widely known as the Mahadev Book, has seen thousands of participants and money worth more than $1 billion.

During the holidays, two of the main suspects were caught. The last person arrested was Ravi Uppal, the company’s co-founder. He is found in Dubai and has been deported to India, as the authorities claim. 

His partner is Saurabh Chandrakar, who is under the suspicion of creating an illegal betting app and network of operatives. The app was used for illegal gambling, along with money laundering and match-fixing, all of which are illegal. Chandrakar was arrested before his partner, earlier this year, and he’s already in jail.

The third member, Deepak Nepali, was arrested in India. Nepali is accused as one of the key members when it comes to developing the app. He used his political connections to avoid arrest, but in the end, after a long search, he was arrested. 

Rise and fall of the partners:

This case became famous in India after the public called it “a rags to riches story gone wrong”. The co-founders built their empire from scratch, and they rose up from their humble environment to become leaders of a successful company.

Before joining the gambling industry, Chandrakar and Uppal were owners of a small juice shop and a tire store. After that, the partners went to Dubai, where the Mahadev Book gambling app was founded thanks to them and the huge help of the local partners and operators.

As Asia Gaming Brief reports, the app featured various sports betting and casino games

Besides the co-owners, the company had a lot of ground agents. The agents and members of the crew used a lot of fake IDs to access the bank accounts and cryptocurrencies in order to launder the money.

Authorities Arrest New Suspects in High-Profile Criminal Case Mahadev Book

The Enforcement Directorate authorities started working on this case in October 2022. Since then, significant progress has been made, and the authorities filed a case against Uppal and Chandrakar before the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur. 

Since the process began, the police arrested more than 440 suspects and filed about 72 cases.

Kindred assessed SEK100m penalty for Swedish bonus violations- appeal forthcoming_1

Malta-based online gambling operator, Kindred Group, has been fined SEK 100m ($10m) by the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) for offering customer bonuses and incentives in such a way as to be considered an infraction of the Swedish Gambling Act.

After in March 2019 reviewing the gaming company’s website and subsequently finding that it offered “several different unauthorized bonuses,” Kindred subsidiary, Spooniker Ltd., was levied the fine by the SGA.

Later that same year in May and June, additional checks by the gambling authority uncovered bonus offers that were reportedly in violation of the Gaming Act, with games not within the scope of the company’s license also being offered.

Penalty equal to the offense:

The findings, resulting in the regulatory body issuing a warning and sanction fee to the company, with the steep penalty fee commensurate with the number of violations in addition to the subsidiary’s high turnover.

Kindred assessed SEK100m penalty for Swedish bonus violations- appeal forthcoming_1

On its website, Kindred explained that it…

…”initially made a different interpretation of what is considered a bonus and it is this interpretation which the SGA has disputed. During the spring in 2019, Kindred adopted a more restrictive interpretation of the law. Kindred will appeal the SGA’s decision to obtain judicial guidance on how the new legislation should be interpreted. Until recently issued warnings and fines issued to other licence holders are tried in court and enforced, Kindred will continue to adopt a strict interpretation.

“Kindred is of the opinion that the Swedish Gambling Act adopted on 1 January 2019 has been vague in areas related to commercial activities and thereby creating unnecessary ambiguity. Kindred welcomes more clarity in these areas and continues to improve its operations to ensure full compliance,” the Maltese operator’s statement concluded.

Kindred operates its Storspelare, Bingo.com, iGame, Maria Casino and Unibet brands in Sweden, while Spooniker is licensed for commercial iGaming and online betting and provides games by way of the Swedish domains of each.

Multi-state agreement:

In related news, Kindred recently signed an agreement with Caesars Entertainment that provides it with market access in Iowa and Indiana, and potentially more states, to operate iGaming and online sports betting pending the passage of applicable local legislation and its receipt of the necessary gaming licenses.

Enter the World of Online Sweepstakes Casino and Win Big

Online sweepstakes casinos have taken the gambling world by storm, offering players a thrilling and convenient way to try their luck and win big. With the rapid advancement of technology, players can now access a wide range of casino games and sweepstakes promotions from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you are a seasoned gambler or new to the world of online casinos, these sweepstakes platforms provide an exciting and potentially profitable experience.

A Wide Variety of Games

One of the biggest advantages of online sweepstakes casinos is the vast array of games available. These platforms offer everything from classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker, to popular slot machines with captivating themes and unique gameplay features. Whether you prefer the strategic nature of card games or the fast-paced action of slot machines, you are sure to find a game that suits your preferences at an online sweepstakes casino.

Furthermore, many online sweepstakes casinos constantly update their game libraries to provide players with the latest and most innovative titles. This means that you can always discover new games and avoid getting bored with the same old options. The constant addition of new games ensures that there is something for everyone, no matter their interests or skill level.

Convenience and Accessibility

Another reason why many people are turning to online sweepstakes casinos is the convenience they offer. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, you can access these platforms at any time and from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This means that you don’t have to travel to a physical location or adhere to a strict schedule; you can simply log in to your favorite sweepstakes casino from the comfort of your own home or while on the go.

In addition, online sweepstakes casinos are compatible with various devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This ensures that you can enjoy your favorite casino games on the device of your choice, without compromising on the quality of the gaming experience. The flexibility and accessibility offered by online sweepstakes casinos make them an ideal choice for busy individuals or those who prefer to gamble in the comfort of their own surroundings.

Exciting Promotions and Rewards

One of the main attractions of online sweepstakes casinos is the wide range of promotions and rewards they offer to their players. From free spins and bonus cash to entry tickets for exclusive sweepstakes, these platforms provide countless opportunities to maximize your winnings and enhance your overall gambling experience.

Many online sweepstakes casinos offer welcome bonuses to new players, which can significantly boost your initial bankroll and increase your chances of winning big. Additionally, these platforms often have loyalty programs or VIP schemes that reward regular players with exclusive benefits such as cashback, higher betting limits, and personalized customer support.

Sweepstakes promotions are another exciting aspect of online casinos. These promotions allow you to earn entries into sweepstakes draws by playing your favorite casino games. If luck is on your side, you could potentially win amazing prizes such as vacations, electronics, or even a brand-new car. The possibility of winning lucrative prizes through sweepstakes adds an extra layer of excitement to the online gambling experience.

Enter the World of Online Sweepstakes Casino and Win Big

Secure and Fair Gaming Environment

One concern that often arises when it comes to online gambling is the security and fairness of the games. However, reputable online sweepstakes casinos go to great lengths to ensure that their platforms are safe and provide fair gaming experiences to their players.

First and foremost, these casinos utilize state-of-the-art encryption technology to protect the personal and financial information of their users. This means that you can rest assured that your sensitive data is kept secure and out of the hands of unauthorized individuals.

In terms of game fairness, online sweepstakes casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that the outcomes of their games are truly unpredictable and unbiased. These RNGs undergo regular audits by independent testing agencies to verify their integrity. This ensures that the games offered by online sweepstakes casinos are fair and provide equal chances of winning to all players.

Easy Deposits and Withdrawals

When it comes to gambling, the ease of making deposits and withdrawals is crucial. Online sweepstakes casinos understand this and strive to provide their players with hassle-free banking options.

Most online sweepstakes casinos offer a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. This ensures that you can choose the method that is most convenient for you. Additionally, these platforms typically process deposits instantly, allowing you to start playing your favorite games without any delays.

Withdrawals are also handled efficiently by online sweepstakes casinos. While processing times may vary depending on the chosen withdrawal method, reputable platforms strive to process withdrawals as quickly as possible. Some casinos even offer fast withdrawal options or expedited processing for VIP players.

Conclusion

In conclusion, online sweepstakes casinos provide a thrilling and rewarding gambling experience for players around the world. With a wide variety of games, convenient accessibility, exciting promotions, secure gaming environments, and easy banking options, these platforms offer everything you need for an enjoyable and potentially lucrative gambling experience. So, why not enter the world of online sweepstakes casinos and see if luck is on your side? You never know, you might just win big!

Evoplay Entertainment inks new distribution agreement with EveryMatrix via CasinoEngine

Evoplay Entertainment has inked a distribution agreement with British software development company EveryMatrix in a deal that will see its considerable product offering integrated by the platform provider while looking forward to “singing additional tier one agreements in the period to come.”

Under the deal, the Ukraine game development studio’s portfolio of more than 100 slots, table and instant games will in early February launch across the industry-leading B2B software supplier’s vast European client network by way of a single integration with CasinoEngine, EveryMatrix‘s casino integration and platform solution.

Advanced offering:

Chief Business Development Officer for Evoplay Entertainment, Vladimir Malakchi, commented on the new partnership, saying…

“EveryMatrix is an established industry-leader that needs no introduction, so we are thrilled to sign with the company in a deal that’s testament to our forward-thinking approach. Armed with a high-tech product offering of unrivalled quality, we look forward to singing additional tier one agreements in the period to come.”

CasinoEngine, which provides access to over 11,500 games from more than 175 content providers, will, via the arrangement, enable its operators to access such hits as Temple of Dead, Treasure Mania, and the ancient Egyptian-themed, Book of Keno, each of which utilizes Evoplay’s innovative game engine, Spinential. The product, which the developer launched in July 2020, is said to accelerate game loading and download speeds by 10x, making for significantly enhanced gameplay quality.

Diverse appeal:

Chief Operating Officer for EveryMatrix, Amund Stensland, used a company press release to add…

“Evoplay Entertainment’s unique game collection has proved hugely popular with a wide variety of demographics, performing particularly strongly with the emerging generation of player. The diversity of its superior product suite is especially appealing and we look forward to working with our new CasinoEngine partner.”

2020 success:

Adding to its accolades, in 2020, Evoplay Entertainment also won a hat trick of awards including Slots Developer of the Year, along with Marketing Guru of the Year, and Speaker of the Year going to the firm’s Chief Business Development Officer Vladimir Malakchi, at LoginCasino Awards held online on December 16.

The firm was also shortlisted for Casino Developer of the Year and Mobile Innovation of the Year at last year’s SBC Awards and was the first Ukrainian game supplier to be shortlisted for EGR’s Game of the Year!

Evoplay Entertainment inks new distribution agreement with EveryMatrix via CasinoEngine

In addition to its new mining-themed title, Treasure Mania, the Kyiv-headquartered game development studio also recently entered into a partnership with B2C platform, Top Canadian Casinos. Founded in 2017, the firm continues to expand its global presence, launching across Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, Croatia, and the UK over December.

Microgaming reveals 10th addition to its independent studios roster with Alchemy Gaming

After recently releasing its fourth slot of the month, Microgaming has now revealed the latest addition to its talented line-up of independent game studios, Alchemy Gaming.

There are now a total of 10 such creators on the Isle of Man-based technology provider’s roster and fans can look forward to the studio’s first release, an Arabian-themed title, Wheel of Wishes, slated to launch early next year as part of Microgaming’s millionaire-maker progressive jackpot network that has to-date paid out more than €1 billion since its inception.

Scientific approach:

A mathematics, features and visuals-focused casino software developer, Alchemy Gaming‘s team of experienced, multi-talented professionals brings diverse and tailored content to the iGaming market. Its mission is to create what is considered to be the “gold standard” in gameplay exclusively for Microgaming’s players and operators.

Commenting on the recent addition, Chief Executive Officer for Microgaming, John Coleman, said…

“Marking the tenth addition to our growing network of independent game studios, Alchemy Gaming is set to add a quirky edge to our portfolio. The new studio adopts a scientific approach to game development, and the team are busy creating some brilliant features and visually impactful artwork. We welcome their unique personality and relentless drive to engineer thrilling gameplay experiences,” according to an official press release.

Mechanics/art balance:

Head of South Africa-based Alchemy, Rory Harpur, added…

“With a wealth of collective experience in the industry, we understand slots and players, and what drives excitement and anticipation in games. We love how great games balance mechanics and art to perfection. Our mission is to focus on creating a polished audiovisual experience that fully supports our game features. We are all looking forward to launching our debut game Wheel of Wishes with Microgaming.”

Premier launch:

The studio’s first release set the backdrop for the Douglas-headquartered provider’s dedicated exhibit at the three-day SiGMA19 iGaming conference which wraps up at stand G12 in Malta on Friday, November 29.

Independent Studios:

Microgaming reveals 10th addition to its independent studios roster with Alchemy Gaming

A welcome addition to Microgaming’s now 10-strong roster, Alchemy joins Neon Valley Studios, which released its new title based on the Northern Lights, Aurora Wilds, in September; Gamburger Studios, introduced in August 2019 and debuting its first official release, Break da Bank Again Respin, the sequel to Microgaming’s popular 2008 Break da Bank slot; along with Pulse 8 Studios, all41studios, Switch Studios, Slingshot Studios, Stormcraft Studios and  Fortune Factory Studios.

The latter created what was Microgaming’s fourth addition this month to its award-winning stable of games and the sixth title developed by the independent studio introduced by the company back in October 2018.

Meloni Approves A Mandate To Overhaul Land-Based Gambling Sector; Decision Of Parliament Is Awaited

Given that in mid-March, the party of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni officially approved a mandate that would rearrange the gambling sector, which, if officially approved by the parliament, where it has been proposed from April 20, would further lead to a radical reconstruction of the land-based gambling sector with the goal of standardizing the sector’s laws and regulations.

Currently, the draft law is rapidly passing through constitutional ranks of Italy.

In addition, the opinion of 12 parliamentary committees is needed before final approval.

Meloni Approves A Mandate To Overhaul Land-Based Gambling Sector; Decision Of Parliament Is Awaited

The main objective of the mandate:

The main goal of the mandate, and thus of its sponsors, is to rearrange the gambling sector by implementing constitutionally binding laws and uniform standards that must be implemented in all Italian provinces.

In addition, the government’s plan is also “to progressively concentrate land-based gaming venues (casinos, betting shops, arcades and bingo halls) in safe and controlled venues away from academic, youth and welfare institutions.”

Safer gambling as a priority:

Safer gambling is high on the reform agenda “as businesses must ensure the full protection of problem gamblers.” These measures involve:

  • reducing stakes and winnings limits;
  • offering mandatory continuous training for concessionaires, dealers, and operators;
  • strengthening self-exclusion mechanisms;
  • providing minimum characteristics that halls and other gambling venues must possess.

Furthermore, all licensed operators have been warned that the government will also modify gaming taxes, concessionaire commissions, dealer and operator fees and payout percentages.

The third attempt to reform the gambling sector:

Italian onlookers have noticed that this would be the government’s third attempt to reform the gambling sector in the last eight years.

As for the first two attempts, they failed due to political problems or public opinion opposition.

The gambling sector as one of the important factors contributing to the Italian economy:

Despite the effect of the long closure of gaming premises in 2020 and 2021, the Italian market continues to grow and is still considered one of the largest in the Europe.

In 2022 alone, GGR increased by 31% to 19.6bn euros, while tax revenues amounted to 11.2bn euros, an increase of 28%. The market’s success is largely due to a regulatory framework that is considered best practice internationally.

However, the gambling sector is an important contributor to the Italian economy, where the government is tasked with ensuring that it is effectively regulated.

As such, the Meloni Government wants to use a model based on state concession and police authorization, as it is now, and the Treasury and the provinces will look to eliminate the chaos that exists in the territory with retail establishments.

Additionally, the mandate requires the opinion of 12 parliamentary committees as mentioned above, involving Finance, Constitutional Affairs, Productive Activities, and Labor, before final approval. After the mandate is approved, the Government will have to draft the following regulations.

The reforms were led by Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo, who expressed optimism that the legislative decrees will be validated as early as next year.

At a press conference in Rome, Leo was questioned “on the complex arrangements gambling operators have with regional governments.”

He replied that “talks will take place through the state-regions body Conferenza Unificata which aims to harmonize the gaming rules on minimum distance and opening times throughout the country.”

The retail sector will continue to play a central role:

Although online gaming has grown, the retail sector will continue to play a central role, as post-pandemic business results show.

“The market still has room for growth linked to the development of the online channel, but retail will continue to play a central role,” according to a report issued by Bain&Company titled “Italian Gaming market: solid foundation and compelling value creation opportunities.”

In this regard, the consulting firm noticed that “the market has an incidence of only 30% compared to mature markets such as the United Kingdom and the Nordics, which have a penetration of 70-80%.”

Italy’s gambling sector is set to undergo further transformation, as Lottomatica SPA submitted its listing plans to the Milan EuroNext Borsa this week, triggering a €700m book-build to achieve an IPO value of + €2.7bn.

In preparation for the IPO, Lottomatica consolidated its land-based betting agencies of Better, Intralot and GoldBet under its flagship brand which accounts for 33% of the retail market share, contending with SNAI (Playtech), Sisal (Flutter Entertainment) and EuroBet (Entain Plc).

Olympic Committee and Interpol increase match-fixing efforts

iGaming Business – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organisation, are to increase their efforts in a joint bid to protect sports from corruption such as match-fixing.

Olympic Committee and Interpol increase match-fixing efforts

IOC president Thomas Bach and Interpol secretary general Roland Noble met earlier this week to discuss a number of issues related to match-fixing, protecting and promoting sports integrity.

The discussions included the need for action in governance, regulatory enforcement, training and raising awareness.

The meeting comes after the IOC and Interpol in February signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the collaboration between the two organisations.

Under the MoU, Interpol has been working with the IOC to identify and address issues impacting the security and integrity of sports competitions, particularly during the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games.

“Building on the close collaboration between Interpol and the IOC is crucial to turning back crime threatening the integrity of sport,” Noble said.

(More)

Pragmatic Play complements live casino product range; adds new tables and luxury Ruby studio

Top iGaming content provider Pragmatic Play has enhanced its existing offering of live casino products, adding several new tables across its Blackjack, Baccarat and Speed Baccarat range. The state-of-the-art tables will be housed in a new Ruby studio, which has also been added.

Fifteen new tables now complement the provider’s Blackjack line and can now be accessed by operators by way of the luxurious Ruby studio which is housed in a “serene” environment. According to Pragmatic Play, the new table selection offers a “complete and superior presentation of the classic card game.”

Table augmentation:

Enhancements include popular Perfect Pairs and 21+3 side bets, while a Bet Behind option makes every seat at the table multi-player, and an “Early Decisions” feature sees gameplay described as being “smooth and engaging.”

The provider’s fast-paced Speed Baccarat inventory has also grown by two new tables, with the fast and furious-paced variant taking the traditional playing style and “creating an experience of constant engagement.” Game rounds take a brief 27 seconds, betting time is a max 12 seconds, and immediately after the betting time has ended, the cards are dealt face side up.

One additional table was also added to the classic version of Baccarat. All of the comparing card game’s tables are available in Regular Mode, however, players are also able to change to No-Commission Mode any time they like. Players can win the Super 6 side bet if they are beaten by the Banker with a total of 6 points, paid at 15:1. Any outcome other than that equals a loss.

Baccarat and Speed Baccarat tables were made available from February 23rd.

Customization option:

Pragmatic Play complements live casino product range; adds new tables and luxury Ruby studio

Both Speed Baccarat and the classic version belong to Pragmatic Play’s network tables and incorporate Chromo Solutions technology, which provides operators with a fully customizable virtual graphics option, making it possible to match their brand or theme according to their preference. This digital bespoke branding solution adds an impressive level of realism to an already high-quality live casino experience.

The tables are live broadcasted from the provider’s state-of-the-art contemporary studio complete with 4K camera technology and join an award-winning, multi-vertical portfolio, which comprises more than 200 premium HTML5 products.

Enhanced paying experience:

Pragmatic Play’s Chief Business Development Officer, Yossi Barzely, made the following statement regarding the new additions…

“Alongside new and innovative game types we’re also committed to regularly enhancing our existing range of classic player favourites and we’re delighted with the additional options now available.

“The new tables offer a fast-paced experience similar to the immersive nature of traditional casinos, and they will help maintain our drive to provide the best in Live Casino to as diverse a player demographic as possible.”