Latest News
Estelarbet, the Latin American leader in Sports Predictions, launches operations in Ecuador
Estelarbet, a Latin American leader in Sports Betting, launched its operation at the Atahualpa Stadium in Quito.
The Atahualpa Stadium in Quito was once again a meeting place, but this time we’re not talking about a Copa Libertadores final or a concert by Marc Anthony or Romeo Santos. This time, it was a Sports Betting platform that was launched and presented to the Ecuadorian audience, especially those from Quito.
In an unprecedented event, this brand, which is also present in Brazil, Peru, and Chile, held a unique showcase encounter. The match featured Club AtlĂ©tico Vinotinto (the team of the renowned Luis “Pichu” Escalada) against the “All-Star Team” of Estelarbet (composed of TV personalities, influencers, and former players). Club AtlĂ©tico Vinotinto emerged victorious, claiming the coveted Estelarbet Cup 2023. This event took place on Friday, August 25th, at 9:00 PM in prime time, following the Liga Pro match between Club Deportivo El Nacional and Cumbaya S.C, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The launch of Estelarbet comes in the context of the legalization of sports betting sites, with their tax regulation established by the Organic Law for the Strengthening of Family Economy, approved by the Constitutional Court on June 16 of the current year. The law introduced a 15% tax for Sports Betting companies domiciled in Ecuador, calculated based on total generated income and commissions minus paid prizes. For companies not domiciled in Ecuador, the 15% tax will be calculated on the monthly betting value. This law, which is already in effect, establishes a tax framework that will apply to these companies starting January 1, 2024.
During the event on August 25th, Estelarbet also participated in a press conference with the presence of around 12 major media outlets from the country, where we revealed some of the upcoming surprises. Estelarbet’s CEO, SebastiĂĄn Salazar, stated: “We are very excited to start our operations in the country. As you know, there are sports betting sites of all kinds, but we are a Latin American sports betting site. Our company will start hiring local staff and establishing offices here. For us as a company, Ecuador has always been a country we’ve been looking at and have had an interest in participating in. There’s a recent legislative change, and we believe that this legislative change, which introduces a 15% tax for sports betting companies, is quite positive from the perspective of fiscal revenue. We are thrilled to be able to offer an attractive and differentiated range of markets and an entertaining offering to captivate the Ecuadorian audience and also contribute to the country’s sports development.”
In line with Ecuador, other countries in the region are currently processing local regulations. Peru has already approved its regulations, Chile is currently in discussion, several provinces in Argentina have operational regulations, and Brazil has approved regulations for sports betting sites, although there’s no clarity on the effective date of their complementary rules. Colombia has had regulations since 2017, and the fiscal revenue from betting contributes to financing healthcare for Colombians through Coljuegos.
Estelarbet offers over 30,000 markets every month for a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, MMA, baseball, and many more. Their platform is available on both Android and IOS. Additionally, they highlight that they are in the process of integrating with all available payment methods in Ecuador, they have payment networks in stores, and they provide 24/7 online support.
As CEO SebastiĂĄn emphasized: “It was a magical night; Tri players were invited, but unfortunately, they had work commitments. Our prizes dazzled, we shared with clients, influencers, and company partners in an exclusive dinner. At Estelarbet, we are committed to bringing a next-level gaming and entertainment experience to Ecuador. We are filled with excitement as we commence our journey in Ecuador, positioning ourselves as the Sports Betting platform where stars play.”
Compliance Updates
Tennessee Sports Wagering Council Takes Action Against Illegal Sportsbook
The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council through its executive director issued $50,000 in fines to Bovada.lv, an unlicensed and therefore illegal sportsbook operating in Tennessee.
Bovada failed to comply with cease and desist letters delivered to addresses in Curaçao, and Council investigators placed wagers through Bovadaâs platform on three separate occasions, including as recently as October 16, 2024.
The Sports Gaming Act authorizes the Council to impose a $10,000 fine for the first offense of accepting wagers without a license, which rises to $15,000 for the second offense, and $25,000 for the third offense. Subsequent offenses may lead to the imposition of a $25,000 fine for each occurrence, an occurrence being a single wager accepted in Tennessee.
In the cease and desist letters, the Council ordered Bovada to allow all Tennessee users to withdraw any funds currently held by the unlicensed sportsbook.
âThe Sports Wagering Council recommends that Tennessee users of Bovada withdraw their funds immediately. Our primary role is the protection of the public interest through a safe, regulated environment, and Tennessee sports bettors need to know that just because they can access a sports betting website or app inside Tennesseeâs borders does not mean it is licensed to do business here,â Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director of Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, said.
Legal sportsbook operators provide important bettor protections not found in the illegal market. If an individual wagers with unlicensed sportsbooks, their sensitive financial and personal information may not be protected and could even be shared with criminal enterprises. The bettorâs money could be withheld or disappear without a way to recover it.
The SWC is working closely with its network of law enforcement at the state and federal level to eradicate illegal sportsbooks such as Bovada and others.
Tennessee is the largest âonline-onlyâ sports betting market in the US, with more than $4.7 billion wagered in Tennessee last fiscal year through online sportsbooks licensed by the Council.
Gambling in the USA
Phoenix Link by Aristocrat Gaming Now Lighting Up Casino Floors
The hottest new game from Aristocrat Gaming, Phoenix Link, is now live on casino floors, with Yaamavaâ Resort & Casino being the first in North America to offer the highly-anticipated game. As the next evolution of the international hit game, Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favorite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features, and bonuses.
âWe have been humbled by the incredible global fanfare Dragon Link has received over the years but are never ones to rest on our laurels. The teams have been working tirelessly on a follow-up that brings together all the player-favorite elements in a new and exciting way with Phoenix Link as the proud result. We were thrilled to partner with Yaamavaâ to premiere Phoenix Link with flair, excitement, and celebration,â said Victor Duarte, executive vice president of product for Aristocrat Gaming.
Phoenix Link players will enjoy the gameâs additional denominations, configurations, and jackpots on each of the launch game theme titles. Gameplay features include Hold & Spin, Free Games with multiplier wilds or twin spin reels, Phoenix Mystery trigger, and more new bonus twists. Phoenix Link is available on the Neptune Single cabinet.
âYaamavaâ is thrilled to host yet another world premiere in gaming with the launch of Phoenix Link by Aristocrat Gaming. Our Club Serrano members are already raving about this captivating extension of the player-favorite Dragon Link. Itâs a great addition to the Yaamavaâ gaming floor,â said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamavaâ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, said.
Latest News
Panel on the benefits of regulation in the Mexican iGaming market
On November 6, the iGaming industry in Mexico is preparing for a key event in which the benefits and challenges that regulation has brought to the Mexican market will be discussed. Under the title “Benefits of Regulation in the Mexican Market”, this panel will offer an in-depth look at the impact of regulation on transparency, competition and consumer protection, critical issues in the new digital era of iGaming.
The event, moderated by Geraldine Alexandra GarcĂa Torres, Media Manager of Digital Gaming News, will feature the participation of recognized figures in the sector such as Daniel Magariños, representative of BMM Testlabs, and Hermilo Peregrina Cabrera of Prometeo IT Solutions. Both panelists will contribute their extensive knowledge and experience in regulation and certification in the Mexican market, and will analyze with the public the challenges and opportunities that companies face in an increasingly competitive and regulated context.
BMM Testlabs, who will participate as a Gold Sponsor, underlines with its sponsorship the importance of regulation to strengthen the iGaming sector in Mexico and demonstrates its commitment to progress and transparency in the Mexican market. For its part, Kushki joins as a Silver Sponsor, promoting the dialogue and analysis necessary for the industry.
Daniel Magariños, from BMM Testlabs, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this digital webinar: âIt has been a pleasure to be able to share our comments as a Laboratory on a market like the Mexican one and exchange opinions with a reference like Hermilo and the company Prometeo IT Solutions, with its excellent track record in this market. A relaxed talk with a lot of learning that I hope will be interesting for the attendees.â
For his part, Hermilo Peregrina, from Prometeo IT Solutions, highlighted the relevance of these spaces for dialogue: âThank you to Conferencias iGaming for the invitation to participate in this panel. Thanks to Geraldine for coordinating us, and it was a pleasure to share ideas and opinions with my friend Daniel from BMM Testlabs, who has extensive experience in international regulations and certifications.â
Sponsor Support
The panel has the support of important sponsors who recognize the relevance of regulation in the development of the iGaming market in Mexico. Among them, BMM Testlabs as Gold Sponsor, and Kushki as Silver Sponsor.
Event Details:
Date: November 6
Time: 10:00 a.m. (Mexico)
Registration: Register here
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this essential conversation for the future of the industry. Secure your place and access a key analysis on the dynamic iGaming market in Mexico!
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