The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has dismantled several illegal poker tournaments during the autumn 2024. Tens of thousands of euros in cash were found. The Authority also recently imposed a penalty payment order of up to €110,000 on an organiser of poker without a license.

Illegal poker tournaments are often part of undermining crime, where criminals use legal businesses (such as catering establishments) or citizens for criminal activities. In addition, poker players are at risk of gambling addiction, especially when playing in an uncontrolled environment with high stakes.

The KSA combats illegal gambling, including illegal poker. In the last quarter of 2024, KSA inspectors dismantled illegal poker tournaments in six operations, often in collaboration with the police and municipalities, in Amsterdam, Asten, The Hague, Rotterdam and Tilburg. Large amounts of cash were often found at the locations in question; in one case even 40,000 euros. In one of the operations, the catering establishment in question was permanently closed by order of the municipality.

Organising poker tournaments on location where money can be won is only allowed by one party in the Netherlands. Since 1975, that has been Holland Casino. Outside of that, tournaments for prizes or bonuses (money or something that can be exchanged for money) are prohibited, unless in a closed circle (an existing group of people who know each other such as a family, relatives, nursing home, a company or members of an association) is being played.

Altenar has strengthened the virtual sports offering through a new partnership with Inspired Entertainment, a leading B2B provider of gaming content, technology, hardware and services.

This collaboration will integrate Inspired’s products into Altenar’s sportsbook platform, making diverse Inspired virtual sports content available for the first time to Altenar’s customers.

Virtual sports content replicates real sports events, allowing customers to bet on many of the same markets as they would for a real event but at a time that suits the user. This allows operators to provide 24/7 betting content to enhance the user experience and generate increased revenue.

Antonis Karakousis, Altenar’s Director of Operations, said: “Altenar is excited to join forces with Inspired to bring their award-winning virtual sports products to the Altenar sportsbook platform. This partnership showcases the versatility of the Altenar platform. We are thrilled to launch Inspired’s virtual sports products with our partners, enhancing our sportsbook offering with the very best in virtual sports technology.”

Brooks Pierce, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inspired, said: “We are excited to launch our virtual sports with Altenar. Their global sportsbook platform enables us to seamlessly integrate our virtual sports offering with their sports betting technology. We are confident that this partnership will enhance Altenar’s sportsbook services and diversify their offerings in new and exciting ways, leveraging Inspired’s exciting collaborations with major sporting leagues within our virtual sports division. Together, we are opening new revenue streams for operators with Inspired’s virtual sports.”

CT Gaming has announced two new successful installations at Princess Casino, Svilengrad and Princes Astoria, Sofia two of the most prominent gaming venues in Bulgaria. The installation includes 5 NEXT cabinets in each location. The slots are designed to offer unparalleled comfort and a seamless gaming experience. Each cabinet is equipped with advanced technology and ergonomic features, ensuring player satisfaction while optimizing operator performance.

To enhance NEXT features, the machines are paired with Diamond King 3, CT Gaming’s bestselling multigame, renowned for its diverse and engaging content. Among the 50 captivating titles, players can discover the revived legendary Mega Jack Trio – Aztec Gold, Slot-O-Pol Deluxe and Champagne Party, delivering nostalgia with enhanced gameplay.

“We are sincerely grateful to our partners at Princess Casinos for their trust and collaboration. These installations not only strengthen our presence in the local market but also further solidify our valued partnership,” Biser Bozhanov, Director of Strategy & Business Development at CT Gaming, said.