The fast-growing iGaming content provider, Hacksaw Gaming, announced it expanded further its European footprint after securing a new business-to-business (B2B) license. On Monday, the company confirmed that the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), approved its B2B gaming license.

This license enabled Hacksaw Gaming to deliver its content to gambling operators licensed within the market in the country. As a result, famous games such as Hand of Anubis, Dork Unit, Mines, as well as Wanted Dead or a Wild will be arriving to new operators.

Besides expanding further the company’s presence in Sweden, the new license boosts its European footprint as well. The latest announcement comes after only recently, Hacksaw expanded further its Swedish footprint via a partnership with Glitnor Group.

Last month, the iGaming content provider joined forces with the Group, allowing it to deliver its portfolio of content for players of the brands LuckyCasino and HappyCasino. Now, the new license will enable Hacksaw to continue to grow in the country and reach new audiences.

The Company Is Thrilled to Expand Further in Sweden

Securing the license comes at a strategic time for the market in the country. This is because new regulations were implemented on March 1, 2023, requiring all online casino game suppliers to have a license. Ultimately, the new Swedish regulation seeks to boost the channelization of the legal markets, and protect the integrity of the industry, as well as the consumers.

“We are delighted to be among the first providers to obtain a full Swedish B2B gaming license, allowing us to build from a position of strength in the fast-growing market.“

Marcus Cordes, CEO of Hacksaw Gaming

Marcus Cordes, Hacksaw Gaming’s CEO, shared his excitement saying that the company was able to act quickly within the market which helped it gain a head-start. Additionally, he said that Hacksaw is excited to be one of the first iGaming providers to secure a complete B2B gaming license in Sweden.

Cordes predicted that the collaboration will help the company continue to grow within the market. Finally, he said that thanks to the B2B license, Hacksaw will be able to team up with new gambling operators and engage with new audiences.

“The purpose of the license requirement for gaming software is to discourage illegal gambling.“

Swedish Gambling Authority

The SGA added that the new licenses seek to repeal and combat illegal gambling operators. The Authority also noted that illegal gambling operators must not be able to team up with companies such as suppliers of iGaming content that deliver software or solutions for licensed gambling operators in Sweden.

The gaming giant BetMGM is parting ways with Jason Scott, its vice president of trading, VIP and retail sportsbooks. The experienced employee shared the news on LinkedIn, adding that he will now head back to Australia.

Scott, who has served the Entain/BetMGM family for the last 11 years, said that his time with Entain and BetMGM has been a “fun ride.” He noted that his announcement comes with a mix of sadness and happiness and said that he enjoyed being able to support the rapid growth of the two businesses.

It’s been a fun ride, playing my small part in the growth of two businesses evolving into a couple of fairly substantial entities.

Jason Scott

Scott Applauded CEO Greenblatt’s Leadership Skills

Scott thanked a few of the people whom he worked beside. He said that there are way too many whom he enjoyed working with to mention all of them.

Scott singled out Adam Greenblatt as one of the best colleagues he has ever had and said that he remembers how Greenblatt acquired bookmaker.com.au, a small Australian business that eventually became Ladbrokes and Neds.

The departing VP had worked directly under Greenblatt for the last three and a half years and was impressed by the latter man’s leadership skills. Scott lauded the CEO as a leader that has no par “in any category anywhere on the globe.”

Thanks to Adam and the guidance of the executive team, BetMGM continues to make progress. Scott shared that he is excited to continue watching this growth from afar.

Other News Concerning the Two Businesses

Speaking of BetMGM, the company’s North American business was just honored with the RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council. This is one of the most extensive and strict responsible gambling accreditation programs, attesting to BetMGM’s commitment to protecting its players from harm.

Entain, on the other hand, just agreed to provide Gordon Moody’s Alumni Project with funding. Through its non-profit arm, the Entain Foundation, the gambling company will support the treatment of gambling disorders in the United Kingdom.

The Alumni Project will see Gordon Moody leverage former addicts and people who recently completed treatment to help others overcome their problem gambling.

Around the same time, New Zealand’s single racing and sports betting agency, TAB NZ, picked Entain for a new 25-year strategic racing-oriented partnership. As announced, Entain will help TAB NZ “deliver its wagering and broadcast functions.”

The Victorian government has joined Western Australia in its efforts to minimize gambling harm at the troubled Crown Casino. The Royal Commission recently recommended betting and time limits for Crown Perth in Western Australia, and authorities in Victoria have already mandated similar measures for the operator’s Melbourne branch. Patrons must take mandatory breaks every few hours and face daily and weekly limits.

Daily and Weekly Limits Will Encourage Safer Gambling

The ongoing controversy surrounding The Crown has kickstarted some long-overdue regulatory reforms. The 2021 Royal Commission investigation revealed systemic regulatory violations, tax evasion, severe money laundering, and ties to criminal organizations. The operator’s Australian properties have since felt the ire of the local regulators, paying hundreds of millions in fines and facing ongoing restrictions until they fall back into compliance.

Crown Melbourne now operates under the watchful eye of the Victorian government, which oversees the ongoing reforms. The newest updates aim to combat the rising problem of gambling rates by introducing mandatory breaks and time limits. Patrons will take a non-optional 15-minute break for every three continuous hours of play and a 24-hour break if they have gambled for over 12 hours daily.

Victoria authorities hope that such forced breaks, combined with a 36-hour weekly limit, will help dissuade patrons from overspending. The region’s Casino and Gaming minister Melissa Horne hoped the measures would lay the foundations for a safer gaming environment. A September 2022 legislation also introduced a cash cap of $1000 per 24 hours.

The Royal Commission (evidence) showed incredibly predatory behavior on people… struggling on the casino floor and in the pokie machine rooms in particular.

Melissa Horne, Victoria Casino, and Gaming minister

Anti-Gambling Advocates Find Such Measures Lacking

Despite the authorities’ good intentions, some experts remain skeptical of the practical benefits of time limits. Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett noted that individuals struggling with gambling addiction would move on to bet at another venue. The proliferation of pokeys across various establishments means a machine is always nearby.

The measures put in place in Crown should also be translated into pubs and clubs because we’re otherwise just shifting the problem.

Carol Bennett, Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO

Bennett tentatively agreed that such measures were a step in the right direction and urged widespread reforms encompassing all venues offering to gamble. However, each Australian region’s high degree of autonomy makes coordination difficult, and powerful lobbying groups ceaselessly fight to maintain the status quo. Even so, attempts to bring order to Australia’s premiere gambling destination should receive recognition.

Wharton’s decision to leave Star leaves the operator leaderless amidst ongoing anti-money laundering reforms, up to $1 billion in fines, several lawsuits, and a potential tax hike on the horizon. As the person responsible for restoring order and compliance to the struggling casino, his departure has caused substantial concern among regulators. However, Star Entertainment CEO Robbie Cooke remained unfazed, promising the group would soon appoint a new Sydney CEO.

The Star Sydney chief executive will officially resign on 28 April to assume a new position as CEO of salary packaging company Smart Group. His departure came out of the blue for the beleaguered operator, as Wharton stepped away from the struggling operator after only eight months in charge.

The Star Sydney CEO was the primary driving force behind the ongoing remedial measures at the Sydney casino, heading the company’s transformation division. The company struggles to rescue its reputation and remain afloat after last year’s regulatory probe revealed severe AML failings and possible ties to terrorist organizations.

As a stopgap measure, Star Entertainment CEO Robbie Cooke plans to split Wharton’s responsibilities, delegating his remediation duties to current general manager of transformation Nicola Burke. She is well-acquainted with the position’s requirements and will be hard-pressed to navigate the ongoing regulatory challenges.

The board and the management team have an unwavering focus on proving our suitability to hold casino licenses in NSW and Queensland.

Robbie Cooke, Star Entertainment CEO

Wharton thanked The Star team for their commitment and hard work, extending special gratitude to the company’s leadership. CEO Cooke remained confident that the group would soon find a new Sydney chief executive and continue its long way toward redemption. However, Wharton’s departure leaves a void during a short but possibly critical period for the operator due to a looming taxation overhaul.

The Star Continues To Struggle With Poor Financials

Wharton was one of the people involved in the discussions regarding a potential new tax increase for poker machines which could significantly impact The Star’s bottom line. NSW Premier Chris Minns did not take a firm stance on the matter, preferring to first get a clearer picture of the tax hike’s implications before committing to a specific course of action.

We’ll be having discussions with the Treasury in the coming days as we get a full picture of the revenue side of the budget and future policy measures.

Chris Minns, NSW Premier 

With trouble looming on all sides, the company finds itself hard-pressed to find a competent replacement for the departing CEO. Financially, The Star Sydney continues to reel from the ongoing turmoil, as rising competition caused FY22 domestic revenue to lag 14% behind pre-COVID levels. The operator hopes that extra funding, like the recent AUD142 million ($96 million) investment from tycoon Bruce Mathieson, would help it stand back on its feet in the coming months.

Online casino and sports betting operator Rush Street Interactive has unveiled what it calls “the most exciting online slot tournament in Michigan history.” The so-called BetRivers Michigan Million Online Slot Tournament will provide slot aficionados with a shot at various exciting prizes.

BeRivers Michigan Million players will get to play slots and earn points for their successes. Each successful spin will help players accumulate more points and rise above their peers. The best players will secure positions in the next round of tournament play, RSI explained.

To qualify for a chance to win $1 million in bonus money, players need to visit BetRivers.com from April 1 to 30. Then, they must make a single deposit of $50+ using the code “MILLION” into their BetRivers account. At that point, players will be awarded 100 Tournament Spins that they should use smartly before April 30. Depending on their performance, players can secure additional spins.

The top 400 players from the qualifying round will advance to the semi-final round. Then, each of these players will be awarded another 200 Tournament Spins that they can use between May 5 and 6. Only the top 10 players will advance to the finals but everyone who failed to qualify will receive $1,500 in bonus money.

The final round of the tournament will take place live on May 15. The 10 participants will have 10 minutes and unlimited spins. The luckiest player will receive the $100,000 bonus money grand prize, while the other two will each win $35,000 in bonus money.

John Mason Will Join RSI for the Event

RSI also noted that John Mason, a Detroit radio host and public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons, will once again join the BetRivers team. Mason, who placed the first-ever legal bet on BetRivers.com, will help the operator make the tournament even more exciting.

Mason said that Michigan players have never seen anything quite like this slot tournament. He added that he is excited to be a part of this thrilling event.

I’ve been connected to the brand since the launch and am thrilled to be part of the BetRivers Michigan Million Online Slot Tournament. I can’t wait to see 400 Michiganders win their share of the $1 million bonus money prize pool.

John Mason

Richard Schwartz, RSI’s chief executive officer, also commented on the matter. He said that his team is looking forward to hosting the most exciting online slots tournament Michigan has ever seen.

The leading independent charity in the UK, GambleAware, announced changes to its National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) Monday. The charity confirmed that the NGTS was renamed to National Gambling Support Network (NGSN). Additionally, GambleAware confirmed that it doubled the funding for the next year for the newly renamed network that will help by providing vital support and treatment for people affected by gambling harm in Great Britain.

Ultimately, the NGSN is expected to “deliver a regional-first approach, improving referral routes and ensuring individuals receive the right support at the right time,” explained the charity. The network consists of third-sector treatment providers that deliver confidential support, without judgment for people affected by problem gambling.

The services and support is free and can also be accessed by people affected by someone else’s gambling. One of the goals of the NGSN is to reduce the negative impact of gambling harm and provide support for people who need it. This, in turn, is expected to reduce the problem gambling rate and prevent the escalation of such cases. The services provided via the network also help reduce the pressure on the NHS, explained GambleAware.

“The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) will deliver a regional-first approach, improving referral routes and ensuring individuals receive the right support at the right time,“

explains a statement released by GambleAware

The Network Provides Vital Support and Treatment

Early intervention when it comes to problem gambling is vitally important. Such treatment and support services are expected to have different long-term positive effects for the people affected. Additionally, the NGSN will leverage a regional-first approach, which according to GambleAware will result in “improved referral routes for anyone experiencing harms from gambling.”

“As the country’s leading commissioner in this sector, we’re delighted to announce the new National Gambling Support Network and our increase in investment for those experiencing gambling harm.“

Anna Hargrave, chief commissioning officer at GambleAware

Anna Hargrave, GambleAware’s chief commissioning officer, explained that the charity remains committed to investing in the NGSN which will help by providing treatment and support for people affected by problem gambling. She explained that the network helps connect regional providers that make a difference for people that need support. Finally, Hargrave spoke about the importance of involving people with lived experience of gambling harm and confirmed that the network will continue to deliver vital support.