This week’s Weekend Report highlights updates from Betfair, GamCare, Evolution, Luckbet, and Betano.
Welcome to the Weekend Report, your source for the latest developments you may have overlooked recently. This week: Betfair announces its exit from New Zealand, GamCare discontinues a program aimed at young people, and Betano seals a deal with Bayern Munich.
Betfair to Exit New Zealand Market
Betfair, a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, has revealed plans to shutter its operations in New Zealand later this month.
The platform will continue to accept bets until July 23, after which users in New Zealand will lose access to its services, as detailed by The Straight.
This move coincides with impending shifts in New Zealand’s online gambling landscape, as the government prepares to regulate iGaming starting July 2024.
Betfair expressed regret over the change, stating, “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Compliance with legislative changes means we must take this step.”
The introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill, presented last month, outlines plans for 15 licenses in the upcoming regulated framework. It remains uncertain whether Betfair will seek a license in this restructured market.
GamCare Concludes Initiative for Young People
In the UK, GamCare has announced the discontinuation of its initiatives designed to prevent harm among young gamblers due to financial constraints.
Over the past five years, GamCare has reached over 250,000 children, young individuals, parents, and professionals with its educational programs.
Starting in October, these programs will be suspended as the organization cited a lack of stable funding. However, it will maintain its Youth Advisory Board to ensure that young voices continue to influence its operations.
“While we are halting this aspect, our commitment to reducing gambling harm remains unwavering, and other services will not be affected,” the organization stated.
Luckbet Appoints Vitor Paulin as Chief Marketing Officer
Luckbet, a gaming operator focusing on the Brazilian market, has welcomed Vitor Paulin to lead its marketing division.
Paulin’s experience spans multiple sectors and includes diverse management roles in branding, digital marketing, data analytics, customer relationship management, and enhancing user experiences.
Before joining Luckbet, he worked with Open Mind Brazil and has held positions at Grupo Aposta Ganha, Serasa Experian, DDM Company, and Excola Conquer.
“Taking the helm of Luckbet’s marketing presents a unique chance to strengthen our brand in a rapidly evolving market,” Paulin noted. “We’re aiming to blend entertainment with accessible and personalized user experiences, underlining our dedication to responsible gaming.”
Evolution Partners with Bally’s for Rhode Island Expansion
In a significant development in the U.S. market, Evolution has partnered with Bally’s to expand its reach into Rhode Island.
This collaboration will enable Bally Casino’s iGaming platform in the state to incorporate content from Evolution, including popular titles from NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming. Additionally, Evolution will launch exclusive Bally’s-branded live dealer blackjack tables in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Jacob Claesson, CEO of Evolution North America, expressed excitement about the partnership: “We are eager to enhance our relationship with Bally’s, providing top-tier gaming experiences as we venture into Rhode Island for the first time.”
Betano Partners with Bayern Munich
Betano, a sports betting company, has announced a multi-year partnership with the renowned German football club Bayern Munich.
The arrangement designates Betano as an official partner of the club.
Owned by Kaizen Gaming, Betano operates in various markets, including Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Ontario, Canada.
“Germany is a critical market for us; it was the second location where Betano launched,” remarked Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer of Kaizen. “We are proud to announce our largest partnership in the region.”