Casino News Roundup for December 13: Global Gambling Industry Updates

An exciting new milestone has been reached with the launch of the Prime Network Jackpot by SOFTSWISS, boasting an initial prize pool of over €1 million. This jackpot, part of a collaborative initiative among participating operators, aims to enhance player engagement and excitement. 

Anhelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, expressed pride in this significant development, stating, "In iGaming, prize size matters.”

Gambling.com Group (Nasdaq: GAMB) is set to expand its revenue streams through a definitive agreement to acquire Odds Holdings for an initial $80 million, with potential further payments of up to $80 million based on performance through 2026. 

This acquisition will diversify their revenue model by integrating a robust technology platform that processes over one million requests per second and services nearly 300 sportsbooks. 

Expected to close on January 1, 2025, this strategic move enhances Gambling.com Group's operational capabilities and advances its goal of achieving $100 million in annual Adjusted EBITDA. 

In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Mecca Gaming venues have launched various community initiatives. Teams across multiple locations have successfully collected toys, vouchers, and clothing, with Mecca Drumchapel alone raising £2,500 worth of donations. 

The Mecca Birkenhead team participated in the "Everyone Deserves a Christmas" campaign, while Mecca Glasgow Quay raised £1,400 for Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital Charity, showcasing the gaming community's commitment to social responsibility.

The Cordish Companies find themselves at the centre of controversy as they lobby against legalising online casinos in Louisiana, citing concerns over job losses and addiction. 

Contradictorily, they operate a successful online casino in Pennsylvania. This duplicity highlights the complexities in the gaming industry's regulatory landscape, demanding careful evaluation of the potential impacts of online gaming on local economies. 

A new adult gaming centre, Merkur Slots, has opened in King's Lynn, featuring a variety of bingo and slot machine games. 

With the recent planning permissions finalised, the venue aims to attract a diverse gaming clientele, supported by app-based rewards and offers. 

Nearby, The Cornshire Group also received approval to convert a clothing store into another adult gaming centre. 

Local casinos in New Zealand are voicing fears about the competitive bidding process for online casino licenses. 

They advocate for prioritising local operators to safeguard jobs and maintain regulatory integrity, with SkyCity's CEO stressing the need for governmental support against powerful offshore entities. 

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has dismissed complaints regarding a daytime radio ad for Betfair promoting its online Prize Pinball game, stating that the ad was appropriately targeted to listeners aged 25 and older. 

Groupe Partouche has reported a marginal 1.5% increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for its fiscal year 2024, despite facing temporary closures due to renovations at three of its French casinos. 

Successful performances in its electronic and online gaming operations, especially in Switzerland, contributed positively, with GGR up by 34.5% in the region. 

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has imposed a $20,000 fine on William Hill Sportsbook for accepting wagers on completed events during 2022-2023. 

Errors attributed to their supplier, OpenBet, affected wagers placed across various sports.