Latest News
Latin America – The New Frontier of iGaming
It’s been four years since Colombia became the first country in Latin America to establish a local licensing regime for online gaming, unlocking the potential of an entire continent. Since then, several countries in the region have followed suit while others are still exploring the possibility to regulate igaming.
As the trailblazer in the region, Colombia has done an excellent job of creating a market where licensed operators are allowed to thrive. Players have access to a wide product offering, including both sports betting and online casino games, and are safeguarded by sound player protection measures. The challenge for any regulated jurisdiction is to strike that balance between establishing attractive market conditions while introducing necessary regulatory measures that are not too stringent or cumbersome to scare away operators and content suppliers. It goes without saying that to have a well-regulated market, you need to appeal to operators targeting the country while offering players the products they desire in order to keep the black market to a minimum and ensure maximum protection of consumers.
Colombia’s success also lies in the approach of its gaming regulator, Coljuegos, to engage with industry stakeholders and respond to their concerns. A perfect example is its recent quick response to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 outbreak when the regulator introduced a series of measures to help steer the gaming industry through the crisis. No regulation is perfect, however, and in Colombia, the requirement for operators to store data locally has proved challenging. Nevertheless, the market’s legislation sets a benchmark for other countries in Latin America looking to regulate internet gambling.
Greentube entered the Colombian market in 2019 and we have been quick to gain market share, now partnering with four operators in the country and seeing great interest in our content. For Greentube, it has been a learning curve, having experience in multiple European markets, and entering a completely new region that differs in many ways. Most importantly for us, players in Colombia have a preference for table games and video bingo in addition to the traditional slot games which are popular in most European markets. The bulk of our content portfolio in Europe is based on our classic titles, known from land-based venues, and fruit games. Yet in Colombia, although iconic slots like Sizzling Hot deluxe, Lucky Lady’s Charm deluxe, and Apollo – God of the Sun are part of the favourites, other games like Royal Crown Roulette, Royal Crown Blackjack, and 1-2-3 Bingo are topping the list.
After making a strong entrance in Colombia, we were thrilled to also have launched in Paraguay this spring with local operator Il Palazzo. Being on the doorstep of Argentina and Brazil, the region’s two biggest economies, the market offers huge potential for growth both within the country and beyond its borders. Our land-based content has for many years proven successful with local players and so we expect our online adaptions will be equally popular. Paraguay is an important step in our South American strategy, and we are looking forward to expanding our business there as a means for further international growth.
Greentube is also keeping a close eye on the developments in several other countries in Latin America where discussions around regulating online casino gaming are taking place. Our next pending market entry is Mexico where we have struck a deal with the leading local operator. Greentube’s strategy is to operate only in regulated markets, which ensures we act in a legal and compliant matter but moreover, gives us an advantage when establishing new partnerships. As most major operators choose to be active only in legal markets, they prefer to cooperate with suppliers that also comply with the regulation. Equally important before entering any market is the growth potential; the strategic fit of our product and the availability of established distribution channels and platform providers. From our experience and based on the popularity of our games in the region’s land-based casino segments, we believe that Latin America has the potential to become one of our core regions and we continue to explore every opportunity with great excitement.
Written by: Markus Antl – Head of Sales and Key Account Management at Greentube
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
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