Wizard Games, a NeoGames-owned developer of value-driven iGaming experiences, has expanded its team with a notable addition. The company, seeking to bolster its pipeline, has appointed the seasoned veteran Yoganand Aiyadurai as director of game technology.

Aiyadurai Joins Wizard Games

Aiyadurai is an experienced veteran who has worked within the gambling industry for quite a while. His career in engineering roles spans more than 28 years and has seen him occupy tech-related positions at various companies.

Aiyadurai’s most notable tenure is his time at Derivco, part of the Microgaming Group, a supplier of gaming content now rebranded as Games Global. Wizard Games’ new hire spent a whopping 21 years with the competitor company and was an integral part of its tech team.

As the director of game technology, Aiyadurai will be responsible for closely following the latest developments in the iGaming market and using the knowledge to better Wizard Games’ future content. He will be working alongside many of the company’s senior employees to bolster the studio’s portfolio.

Aiyadurai’s main task will be to oversee the research and development department of the Wizard Games studio and further develop the B2B company’s IT infrastructure. His role will be crucial to making sure that Wizard Games’ production meets demand.

The Addition Attests to Wizard Games’ Commitment to Excellence

Joey Hurtado, Wizard Games’ managing director, welcomed the new hire to the company. He said that the whole team is happy to have Aiyadurai on board and is looking forward to working with him.

We’re continuing to go from strength to strength, and someone of his caliber will allow us to scale new heights.

Joey Hurtado, MD, Wizard Games

Hurtado added that the company is always striving to bolster its team with talented high-profile workers such as the new appointee. He noted that the addition of Aiyadurai to the Wizard Games family “reaffirms the company’s commitment to excellence.”

Aiyadurai also shared his thoughts on joining the company, saying that he is thrilled to be joining the company. The new director of game technology praised Wizard Games for the impressive strides it has been making in recent times.

With a fantastic roadmap of content, and countless new partnerships on the horizon, it is an exciting time to be joining the team, and I look forward to helping us take the next step.

Yoganand Aiyadurai, director of game tech, Wizard Games

Aiyadurai is the newest addition to Wizard Games’ team. In November, the studio welcomed another experienced member in its ranks namely Simon Jagdhar. The latter joined as the company’s director of game studio in November last year.

The new betting offering called Empty Bet sets MeridianBet Group apart and helps it establish a distinct position in the markets where it operates.

MeridianBet’s Empty Bet Offers Unique Features

MeridianBet presents a rare betting experience with its innovative product, Empty Bet. It opens the door for patrons to place wagers on any human interaction event, from sports to politics, entertainment and beyond. 

Unlike any other betting platform, MeridianBet offers odds on a limitless range of opportunities, enabling customers to put their knowledge and creativity to the test by creating their own unique bets.

This product has been a staple of MeridianBet’s offerings for a long time and has played a significant role in driving the company’s growth and success in the iGaming industry. MeridianBet is known for being ahead of the curve, introducing new and imaginative products years before they become common in the industry.

Empty Bet stands apart from the traditional bet builder options offered by other bookmakers. While a typical bet builder allows customers to combine several picks from different markets within a single game, Empty Bet gives patrons the freedom to submit their own innovative wager ideas, making it a one-of-a-kind betting experience.

As long as it adheres to legal, ethical, and industry norms, MeridianBet’s player base of over 3.2 million, gained through both online and brick-and-mortar channels, is free to place any kind of bet through either the company’s extensive online platform or its 735 physical retail locations spanning Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

MeridianBet Group Was Recently Acquired by Golden Matrix

At the beginning of January, Golden Matrix, a developer of gaming technology and content, reached a definitive agreement to purchase MeridianBet Group for a total cost of $300 million. This deal is going to provide Golden Matrix with entry into new markets through MeridianBet’s B2C business, which has been steadily growing across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to the fulfillment of several customary conditions.

As part of the financial terms, Golden Matrix will issue approximately 65.3 million common shares to MeridianBet stockholders and pay $70 million in cash. The combination is expected to result in pro forma revenue of over $100 million and EBITDA of over $22 million in the fiscal year 2022. 

At the close of the transaction, MeridianBet Group will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Golden Matrix, and William Scott, a current advisor to MeridianBet Group, will become chairman of the board.

As revealed by iGB, Germany’s Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate, recently ruled against a blocking order issued by the country’s gambling regulator against Lottoland, an online lottery provider based in Malta. The Court followed an appeal as the GGL previously ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to Lottoland, claiming the operator and its subsidiaries offered services illegally in the country for a number of years.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Higher Administrative Court deemed GGL’s order, which dates back to October 2022, as “clearly unlawful.” The Court explained that the gambling regulator did not have the authority to enforce such block and demand ISPs to block the access to Lottoland and its subsidiaries.

At the same time, the Court explained that ISPs cannot be held responsible under the current legal framework for content that is provided or broadcasted via a third party. This is with the only exception if the ISPs are directly involved in the process.

GGL’s Clash with Lottoland

Upon probing Lottoland last year, the GGL claimed that its offerings are illegal. This is because the operator and its subsidiaries offer betting on the outcome of different lottery games, which, under the gambling regulation in Germany isn’t allowed. Back in October, the GGL said it wants to protect consumers from harm and asked ISPs to IP block the operator and its subsidiaries in an effort to discontinue their offering in the country.

The enforcement call came a few months after the regulator started operating. Ultimately, the gambling authority sought to decrease the number of illegal offerings to protect Germans from gambling-related harm.

But neither ISPs nor Lottoland was happy with GGL’s enforcement action at the time. The operator issued a statement disputing GGL’s label of an “illegal operator.” At the time, the company said that the GGL breaches the gambling regulations by issuing a blocking order. Moreover, Lottoland pointed out that it had applied for a license in Germany as well.

Lottoland also explained that its services and products are operating in line with the freedom of services regulation within the European Union. Additionally, the operator flagged that the German regulations breach EU treaties.

Commenting on the latest results, PAGCOR chairman and chief executive, Alejandro Tengco, suggested that the gambling industry in the country could see a return to its pre-pandemic levels before long, and possibly this or next year, although no specificity on the timeline was offered.

The Worst Is Behind, Economic Boon Is Ahead

Tengco spoke in the context of the regulator’s latest financial results for the full year of 2022. During the reported year, the company saw a significant boost in its overall revenue, notching up a 66.2% growth year-over-year.

Revenues stood at close to $1.10 billion (PHP59 billion) with a 68.7% increase in income from gambling operators – roughly $1 billion (PHP55.1 billion) according to the official report. The markedly better performance throughout 2022 was not a chance thing either.

The Philippines embarked on a long and sinuous road to recovery, which involved taking risks and ensuring that the economy was prepared take a new spike in infections. That is why the Philippines restored international travel in February and lifted most of the remaining COVID-19 measures throughout March and April.

Mask mandates were finally struck down by the country’s new president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, in the fourth quarter. Tengco noted that PAGCOR is hardly the only Asian gambling hub to have experienced a rebound, noting that Singapore and even Macau have also made a strong recovery.

But a full recovery has still not been achieved. Tengco noted that the removal of lockdowns has dramatically improved revenue as well as boosted growth and realized pent-up demand, which are the main levers of gambling operations in the country. PAGCOR reported that it had contributed $641 million (PHP34.7 billion) during 2022 towards the state coffers, making it one of the biggest taxpayers in the country.

Conscientious Taxpayer but Targeted by Politicians

Yet, for all the good PAGCOR has been doing for the treasury, the regulator has been targeted by politicians insisting that the current model does not work and that casinos in the country ought to be privatized and run by private companies, which would result in a boost to the central government’s budget through tax collection and job creation.

While revenue contributions have been consistent, PAGCOR has faced other issues. Crime is a perennial problem, for example, with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators the main emanators of such issues. PAGCOR has vowed to crack down on any offenders in a bid to restore public trust in its ability to bring down rogue operators.

Illegal POGOs have been the source of diplomatic tensions and domestic criticism that PAGCOR is now keen to rectify. The integrity of operations of the gaming industry remains a top priority, the regulator assured.

As other neighboring states have already legalized betting, including Virginia and Tennessee, North Carolina is equally keen to catch up and do so quickly. This may yet happen with the support of prominent lawmakers from the state such as Phil Berger, who thinks this is the year when the state finally succeeds.

North Carolina is Hesitant about Betting, But Gathering Momentum

There is no shortage of lawmakers who are now taking a close look and throwing their support for various measures to see the sports betting industry state-regulated and bound by a legal framework.

Efforts have been most successful in the Senate, with Senate Bill 688 making it out of a floor vote with 26-19 in favor, but eventually failing with a close margin during a House vote with a slim 49-52 disadvantage in 2021.

Much has changed since then, and while some neighbors are still holding out states and not in a hurry to regulate sports gambling, North Carolina seems to be realizing that betting is already happening – whether it’s regulated and contributed to the state’s tax is down to lawmakers to decide.

New Faces Means New Hopes for Sports Betting

The legal makeup is different this year, with 12 new senators and 26 new representatives who may be more open to the idea of pushing sports betting laws. The fact that more than 30 other states already have is definitely building up the pressure for local states to follow suit as well.

Many are also warning about the dangers of not legalizing sports gambling. According to Senator Jim Perry, one of the sponsors of SB 688, residents of North Carolina already participate in various sports betting contests – and many do so illegally.

To criminalize an activity that is already legal in the majority of the country, says Perry, would not be productive. Of course, there are concerns. Most opponents insisted that gambling is addictive and it endangers communities and lives, but fail to acknowledge that problem gambling is an issue even now but not enough funding is directed this way.

Putting a levy on gambling companies to contribute to problem gambling treatment and research, and ensuring that robust consumer safeguards are in place is a better way to tackle the issue than avoiding it altogether. So far, though, there is no legal momentum gathering up in the form of a bill – just chatter.

One rumor is that the state may be expanding gambling with up to nine new casinos that will also end up hosting sports betting. This year’s legislative session is running through August 31, offering legislators plenty of time to debate the matter, though.

This is mostly the courtesy of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) which has released its full summer schedule, offering a revamped list of events, and some of the biggest prize pools that have been seen to date.

WSOP Expects Big Things from the 2023 Main Event

Responding to an upsurging interest in the game across the country, WSOP has decided to invest more into its Main Event, which could feature the biggest prize pool in the organization’s history to date. This year’s poker bonanza will unfold between May 30 and July 18 and take place at the Horseshoe Las Vegas.

There will be a total of 95 bracelet events and the Main Event will be taking place on July 3 through July 17. Not only that, but one lucky participant will earn free entry into the next 30 Main Events. Overall, WSOP is bracing for what the organization has described as its biggest attendance yet.

This is thanks to a number of factors, not least the removal of COVID-19 restrictions, the pent-up demand for live poker, and not least – the continuously improving profile and popularity of the game in the United States, and beyond. Commenting on the upcoming events, WSOP SVP & executive director Ty Stewart said:

With the momentum generated from the WSOP’s debut on the Las Vegas Strip last year, we expect a record-breaking WSOP and World Championship at Paris and Horseshoe Las Vegas in 2023.

WSOP SVP & executive director Ty Stewart

Record Guaranteed Entries Now Available

Stewart spared the Main Event no flattery, arguing that “this is the year” to go to Las Vegas and play. WSOP is definitely putting in a lot of effort to ensure that interest exceeds expectations, with 600 seats into the main event guaranteed through qualifications hosted by GGPoker, a prominent online poker website, and platform.

WSOP.com is also hosting additional series for another 112 guaranteed seats. Nevertheless, the bulk of entries comes from players who are more than happy to pay for the Main Event upfront and cover expenses associated with traveling and accommodation for a chance to take a shot at the multi-million prize pools. No details about what the prize pool for the Main Event would be is available right now.

SG:certified, a company that helps operators with their safer gambling and sustainability needs, has announced a new partnership with the Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists (ACGCS). Under the agreement, the association will provide SG:certified’s employees with the training needed to improve its clients’ practices.

ACGCS Will Provide the Consultancy with Training

As agreed, ACGCS’ training courses will be integrated into the sustainability specialist’s platform. Thanks to this, the organization’s experience will reach more operators, ensuring a safer gambling ecosystem.

The agreement also covers ACGCS’ Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification. The latter provides casino workers with training and tools across 60 topics, helping them minimize risks and prevent fraud such as money laundering. The deal will reinforce SG:certified’s offer, further bolstering its compliance-related portfolio.

The consultancy fields a team of experienced compliance veterans that are committed to helping gaming companies earn and maintain licenses and certifications. The company’s mission is to make the gambling industry more sustainable by providing a tried and tested platform to operators, regulators and providers.

By accessing SG:certified’s platform, companies within the industry can have their businesses assessed. In addition, the consultancy offers a wealth of resources for training compliance staff.

The Two Parties Share a Vision

The founder of the Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists, Dr Ian Messenger, commented on the agreement, calling it “an ideal partnership” for both organizations. He noted that both parties’ teams are focused on social responsibility and helping others with compliance matters.

I hope that this partnership helps increase discussions around social responsibility and compliance in the industry.

Dr Ian Messenger, founder, ACGCS

Svend Aage Kirk, an SG:certified partner who joined the company in November 2022, also shared his thoughts on the occasion. He noted that the ACGCS has made impressive strides with its certification. Kirk believes that the two companies share the same mindset and goals, which is why he is happy about this partnership.

This shared desire to bring a positive impact to the gambling industry made them [ACGCS] the ideal partner. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.

Svend Aage Kirk, partner, SG:certified

SG:certified believes that sustainability isn’t a destination but a journey. The company’s motto is that there is no need for each company to reinvent the wheel, which is why it helps its partners make their journeys as impactful as possible.

A few days ago, the consultancy welcomed the experienced Maris Catania as its new safer gambling senior consultant. She joined the company with an immediate effect and is already helping to keep SG:certified’s content relevant and effective.