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SKS365 AT SBC DIGITAL ITALY 2021 ALEXANDER MARTIN (CEO): OMNICHANNEL AND GAMING AS RESPONSIBLE ENTERTAINMENT ARE THE KEYS FOR HAVING LONG-TERM SUCCESS IN THE ITALIAN MARKET


The outlook of the Italian gaming industry after having been hit in the last three years by the advertising ban, a new turnover tax and the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These were the main topics discussed during the panel ITALY 2021 – RECOVERY, RETREAT OR RESTART? at SBC Digital Italy, the virtual summit which put together 750 leaders of the Italian gaming industry.
Alexander Martin, SKS365’s CEO, has highlighted the economic damages for the industry because of the pandemic. The increase of the online channel was not big enough to compensate the losses caused by the closing of the betting shops imposed by the government. In addition, the introduction of a new turnover tax during the first lockdown, made even worse the situation for the industry.
“In May 2020 – said Martin – the Italian government announced it was adding a new 0.5 per cent turnover tax for gambling, in order to support sports organisations suffering losses during the pandemic.
This decision was a paradox that worsened the situation in the sector, because at the same time many other industries were benefiting, albeit with difficulty, of state aid. The consequence is a relevant loss in terms of revenues, not only for the gaming companies but also per the Taxman, as the fiscal losses exceeded 4 bln euros last year”.
The online revenues have just partially reduced the industry losses. “The online gaming – Martin stated – has grown by over 40% and probably will stay at these high levels in the upcoming months. Despite the good online performance, we hope that our customers will soon be allowed to return to play in the shops, which have been closed for over 8 months, although the operators – both concessionaires and shop owners – have been committed to reopen safely the gaming outlets”. Once reopened, the betting shops will have to deal with the different regional restrictive rules: “Each region has set up its own model on distances, creating thus a chaotic situation. It is necessary a reorganization of the sector, based on national criteria, so that the distribution of gaming venues can be homogeneous over the territory”. Martin hopes for the opening of a dialogue with the government, so that together with the industry it can be possible to draw a new and sustainable business model.
The fight against illegality is another of the crucial issues addressed by the CEO of SKS365: “A key of responsible gaming is to educate consumers to play exclusively with authorized operators. It is the only way to achieve players’ protection and be compliant with the rules. From this point of view, communication has a key role, as the advertising ban stopped the communication flow to the consumers. Furthermore, a survey carried out by the ISS (Health national institute) showed that 80% of Italian population doesn’t gamble because of advertising. So, facts prove that this ban does not work and that, identifying a legal operator has become more and more difficult than in the past”.
According to Martin, the answer to this problem is only one: a culture of gaming that brings back the business to the pure entertainment and fun aspect. “In SKS365 we have just renewed our brand identity,

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Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force”
The studio’s latest game blends nostalgic themes and engaging features
The vast plains are alive with the sound of rampant hooves, the roar of predators, and helpful animals along the way. ELA Games proudly presents its latest release, Buffalo Force, an energetic game that celebrates the sheer power of nature.
The Call of the Wild
In Buffalo Force, players roam alongside fearsome buffalo, fierce bears, cunning wolves, and soaring eagles as they work together to hunt for big rewards. The game features 3 energetic mechanics:
- Free Spins: Land 3 Scatter symbols to enter the game’s primary bonus feature. All Wilds pay 2x here.
- Hold & Win Bonus: Unlock this lucrative feature for a shot at powerful coin prizes and even a chance at one of the mighty jackpots!
- Jackpot: Three jackpots give you the chance for mega wins: Minor (25x), Major (100x), and Grand (1000x).
Each spin holds the spirit of the wilderness, blending high-action gameplay with the studio’s signature visually-rich aesthetics.
Join the Herd
Buffalo Force combines visually stunning animations, high-performance mechanics, and well-crafted environmental design to transport players to the heart of the North American wilderness. The studio’s attention to detail and storytelling prowess immerses players as they become part of the stampede, on the hunt for wild riches.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the release, “Buffalo Force represents the studio’s passion for creating visually striking and memorable games that players love. We focused a lot on the game’s visuals and environmental design to immerse players in the North American wild, which helps create an emotional connection and encourages high-performance engagement. We’re excited to see the reception Buffalo Force will receive, and we have many more exciting games in the works!”
Will You Answer the Call?
The raw wilderness is waiting for you. Will you join the herd and hunt for your fortunes and a life of freedom?
The post Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify
With the centre-left retaining a narrow majority, Norway’s gambling framework is set to remain largely unchanged in the near term.
Norsk Tipping’s monopoly will continue, and enforcement tools such as payment and DNS blocking of unregulated operators are likely to remain in focus. While a shift to a licensing model appears unlikely this parliamentary term, the Progress Party’s stronger position as the main opposition keeps the reform debate active.
For industry stakeholders, the sensible course is to concentrate on compliant, sustainable strategies and to track policy signals closely as the debate continues.
The post Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Saddle up for big wins under the Bison Moon with the latest slot from Northern Lights Gaming
Provider introduces its newest feature, Power Combo, in an action-packed slot with plenty of wild win potential
Step into the heart of the untamed frontier in Bison Moon – Power Combo, a slot from Northern Lights Gaming that captures the rugged beauty and boundless thrill of the Great Plains with plenty of big wins in store.
This action-packed slot introduces the provider’s latest mechanic, Power Combo, where three unique Scatters unlock incredible bonus features via its proprietary Link&Win feature. Players also get to experience the thrill of Expanding Reels for even more wild slotting action.
Players will feel the rush as Multipliers super-charge their payouts, amping up the excitement each time they hit. They can also seize the moment with Instant Collect, allowing them to claim big rewards as and when they drop.
But with each Scatter triggering a new layer of action, no two spins are ever the same.
Adding to the excitement is the Jackpot feature, which has been embedded within the Link&Win bonus. Players must land Jackpot Moons to trigger either Mini or Major Jackpot wins or fill the reels to unlock the Grand Jackpot and the game’s largest payouts.
For the boldest of adventurers, keep watch for the Scatters that turn into Golden Eagles. Collect five in total, and they can activate the Golden Eagle Pick’Em bonus.
From the serene beauty of the open plains to the heart-pounding moments of chasing down the Jackpots and Golden Eagles, Bison Moon Power Combo provides a slotting experience like no other.
All that players need to do to enjoy it is saddle up, embrace the wild and discover the riches waiting to be uncovered under the vast Western skies.
Chris Loftus, Commercial Director, at Northern Lights Gaming, said: “Bison Moon – Power Combo lets players take a walk on the reel wild side as they come face to face with magnificent beasts, big bonuses and plenty of slot playing action.
“Power Combo is a thrilling bonus that changes the game with every spin, and we really couldn’t think of a better game to introduce it to players. This, combined with Link&Win and plenty of jackpots to trigger, makes Bison Moon a compelling and rewarding slot to play.
“We look forward to seeing it roam into online casino lobbies, and for players to embark on their very own big win adventure under the vast Western skies.”
The post Saddle up for big wins under the Bison Moon with the latest slot from Northern Lights Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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