European Gaming News
SG Digital Showcases Latest Game Innovations at ICE
LAS VEGAS – February 07, 2018 – Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) (“Scientific Games” or the “Company”) announces that SG Digital, a leader in iGaming, Sports Betting and iLottery, has unveiled a comprehensive portfolio of new games at this year’s ICE Totally Gaming exhibition in London, offering some of the most exciting and engaging content available on the market.
Featured in the suite of new games is Tetris® Super Jackpots, which brings one of the most recognized video game brands in the world to the online slot sector for the first time. In this title, developed by SG Digital’s Bally studio, players will be mesmerized by the iconic Tetriminos. To add to the frantic fun, Tetris® Super Jackpots also includes an exciting Tetrimino feature in the base game, which can occur randomly on any spin. If activated, the Tetrimino feature will randomly be placed on or above the reels, replacing any covered symbols with a random Tetrimino. The feature can add up to 477 additional ways for players to win. The title also boasts a free games bonus that features the catchy Tetris theme song with guaranteed wins.
SG Digital will also showcase Wonder Hounds, the latest innovative title from the NextGen Gaming studio, part of the recently acquired NYX Gaming Group. The 3×5, 25-payline slot has players join a pack of international pooches on the prowl for big prizes. Up to 15 sticky wilds can be awarded during the free games round, while the Wonder Hounds icons can transform into a Wild reel per spin. Wonder Hounds will launch in February 2018 to coincide with the Lunar New Year – Year of the Dog. As part of the launch, NextGen is proud to be making a charitable contribution to animal welfare charities.
The launches represent the combined creative forces of legacy SG Interactive and NYX Gaming Group. The new SG Digital division of Scientific Games will offer the broadest portfolio of games in the iGaming industry from its world-class development studios.
Matt Davey, Group Chief Executive, SG Digital, said, “We’re excited to showcase the first of our new and innovative games launched under the SG Digital brand.
“Following the creation of our new digital division, we have brought together the leading creative minds of the iGaming industry to offer our partners the broadest portfolio available in the market.
“We’re showing a mix of titles at ICE, ranging from branded-slots to bespoke storylines. TETRIS Super Jackpots, inspired by the classic Game Boy title, is sure to resonate with fans of the iconic series, while users will love the entertainment that games like Wonder Hounds have to offer.”
Additionally, SG Digital will showcase three MONOPOLY titles, each highlighting iconic features from the perennial favorite board game. MONOPOLY Mega Movers places the game tokens center stage, including the new penguin, tyrannosaurus rex, and rubber ducky movers. MONOPOLY Bring the House Down boasts various features, including Hot Zone® Wilds, triggered by houses falling from the top of the screen. MONOPOLY On the Money brings the classic Barcrest game mechanics together with MONOPOLY to create an original SG Digital omni-channel experience.
Hawaiian-themed Hula Hula Nights brings a summer feel to the ExCeL, as the Green Reels revolve to become a single symbol and increase the chances of multiple win lines.
Other SG Digital games at ICE will include:
King Kong Fury
Unleash the primal fury of Kong, and triumph in the Battle of the Beasts. The 4×5 slot features the iconic giant monster, appealing to a global audience.
Thunderspin Jackpots
The clap of thunder awaits players, with the opportunity to charge up their winnings. The sensational 3-level NextGen jackpots link to Medusa® 2 Jackpots.
Flame
This flaming hot slot features an abundance of hot prizes up for grabs. The fast-paced gameplay will keep players on the edge of their seat and includes multiple fire-based reel modifier features with increased frequency in free games.
Hula Hula Nights
This title puts a tropical vacation in the palm of a player’s hand with a Hawaiian theme, Big Bet, and free spins. Enjoy the vibrant landscape and cool breeze in this relaxing title.
The Mask
Inspired by the classic 1990’s Hollywood blockbuster, players can expect sssmokin’ gameplay. The humorous 3×5 slot will leave users in stitches with surprise features that will make them wonder what will come next.
Kingdom’s Edge
Glory awaits the bold who venture beyond the Kingdom’s Edge. The slot features nudged gold wild stacks and bonus free games, plus expanding wild respins and incrementing win multipliers.
The Legend of Big Foot
Head out into the wilderness on an adventure in search of the elusive Big Foot in hopes of receiving one of his Out of the Blue bonuses.
Tetris & © 1985-2018 Tetris Holding.
All ® notices signify marks registered in the United States. © 2018 Scientific Games Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
The MONOPOLY name and logo, the distinctive design of the game board, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and character as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board and the playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment. ©1935, 2018 Hasbro. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Scientific Games
Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) is the global leader in technology-based gaming systems, table games, table products and instant games and a leader in products, services and content for gaming, lottery and interactive gaming markets. Scientific Games delivers what customers and players value most: trusted security, creative content, operating efficiencies and innovative technology. Today, we offer customers a fully integrated portfolio of technology platforms, robust systems, engaging content and unrivalled professional services. For more information, please visit www.scientificgames.com.
Company Contacts:
Investor Relations:
Scientific Games: Michael Quartieri +1 702-532-7658
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Media Relations:
Scientific Games: Susan Cartwright +1 702-532-7981
VP, Corporate Communications
Source: European Gaming News
European Gaming News
Could the Gambling Commission ban wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements; whether you love them or hate them, with the Gambling Review well underway, there’s never been a better time to debate if they still have a place in modern gambling and whether the upcoming review will ban them once and for all. But first, let’s look at their development and why they are a contentious issue in the industry.
What are wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements are a common term and condition attached to a bonus that prevents players from taking a promotion and withdrawing it immediately. They are applied differently by each gambling brand. Some, like PlayOJO, Paddy Power, MrQ and Betfair, have revolutionised the casino scene by offering no wagering bonuses. In contrast, others take the predatory route and list bonuses with up to 100x requirements (the average is around 30x).
The requirement is the amount a player must wager at the casino before any winnings made with a bonus are valid for withdrawal. In the case of a £100 bonus, a 30x requirement would mean a player must wager a total of 100×30=£3,000 before they could withdraw any winnings. Most players would easily decimate their winnings before fulfilling the condition and, as most bonuses expire within 7-14 days, may well be forced to play for periods, or at times, they otherwise might not.
Why do wagering requirements exist?
In the early days of online casinos, bonus hunting among players became widely popular. It led to forums where players shared information on where and how to profit from the best welcome bonuses, earning money from the available offers available and never playing at a site again.
As casinos began to notice players taking bonuses and withdrawing without using them fairly, they combatted the practice with wagering requirements and other terms, such as the ability to withdraw a bonus and any winnings made if an account was suspect of this activity.
However, with no limits or official licensing rules to regulate wagering requirements at that time, things soon got out of hand as operators set high limits that were and still are unattainable to most players. Additionally, in many cases, the terms and conditions were not clearly displayed or explained, leading to the confiscation of bonuses and winnings without players understanding how or why they’d fallen foul of the casino’s rules.
Wagering requirements under fire with UKGC
By 2014, and following a flood of player complaints, the Gambling Commission weighed in, creating the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act which prescribed operators were to advertise their bonus terms and conditions clearly and explain them to players. This led to some reducing their requirements to more feasible levels. However, not all operators followed suit, hence why we’re still discussing wagering requirements today.
More recently, in February 2022, the UKGC set its sights on reforming wagering requirements again, issuing new guidance regarding fair and transparent terms and practices, which acknowledged that wagering requirements could lead to excessive play, not in line with social responsibility rules for operators.
The new guidance rules cited that licensees used potentially unfair terms, with examples including:
- “terms that allow licensees to confiscate customers’ un-staked deposits
- terms regarding treatment of customers’ funds where a licensee believes there has been illegal, irregular or fraudulent play
- promotions for online games that have terms entitling a licensee to void real money winnings if a customer inadvertently breaks staking rules
- terms that unfairly permit licensees to reduce potential winnings on open bets.”
It also stated that the Commission was aware of:
- “terms and conditions that are difficult to understand
- welcome bonus offers and wagering requirements which may encourage excessive play.”
While the guidance did not contain rules for abolishing or limiting wagering requirements, they instructed licensees to review their terms and conditions to ensure they fit consumer protection laws and that; “The LCCP requires rewards and bonuses to be constructed in a way that is socially responsible. Although it is common practice to attach terms and conditions to bonus offers, the Commission does not expect conditions, such as wagering requirements, to encourage excessive play.”
Will wagering requirements be banned?
With the Gambling Review white paper currently overdue and keenly expected by all industry stakeholders, many wonder if it will cover wagering requirements or, more specifically, exclude them from casino practice. The Gambling Review aims to update the 2005 Gambling Act, fit for the modern age, and wagering requirements would undoubtedly slot into the remit of what’s being discussed, which includes greater player protections and affordability checks.
While it’s clear that some big-name operators and affiliates like No Wagering are pioneering the way in bringing zero wagering bonuses to players, many sites have not followed suit. This is despite clear evidence that players favour fairer bonuses (PlayOJO is one of 39 brands operated by the same parent company, it is the only one with zero requirements, and it’s the most successful of all, according to the company).
Realistically, we’re not sure that the new gambling regulations will ban wagering requirements completely (as we covered earlier, they do exist for a reason), but it certainly wouldn’t be beyond the imagination for there to be a maximum cap applied in the view that excessive requirements equate to excessive play.
What’s next for operators and bonuses if wagering requirements are banned?
Bonuses are one of the most important factors for players in picking between casino sites, and they make players feel lucky to score something for free straight off the bat (even if the wagering requirements mean this is not really the case).
If wagering requirements are banned, operators unwilling to offer bonuses without wagering requirements will have to return to the drawing board and reimagine rewards, especially welcome offers. Alternatively, they could begin competing based on other USPs, such as focusing more on the casino product to pull in the punters by offering unique games, making space for indie developers, having instant withdrawals, or gamified loyalty benefits and better loyalty clubs.
Moreover, it would present a fantastic opportunity for remote operators to move away from the tired system of matched deposit bonuses towards more exciting and fresher ideas like promo wheel spins, mystery gifts on first deposits, prize draws and so on. With brands including PlayOJO, Paddy Power, MrQ and Betfair already doing this, operators do not lack a blueprint to success, just the gumption to embrace a new model.
Bulgaria
Betway Bulgaria officially launches, offers live and bet-builder options
Another company has officially launched its activities in the growing niche of online betting in Bulgaria. But here we are not just talking about another operator licensed by national institutions, but about a leading brand worldwide. Betway is one of the largest bookmakers in Europe and globally, and the fact that it already offers its services in Bulgaria speaks positively about the development of the gambling business in the country.
Indications of an increase in the size of the industry appeared last year, when several operators received a permit to operate under Bulgarian jurisdiction. It is unlikely that this process will end with the official launch of betway bulgaria, rather the brand entering the country can be perceived by international operators as a positive assessment of the market in Bulgaria. What can we find at Betway besides the obvious – increased competition and of course more choice for consumers?
What do we find in the sports section?
Sports betting – this is the leading sector of the company, which started operations in 2006. The brand is associated with a number of teams in Europe such as Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Leicester, Alaves, Belenenses, Werder, etc. Of course, the top championships in Europe are present in the latest betting platform, but that’s not all. Betway offers the opportunity to make predictions at less popular UEFA championships. The fans of the Bulgarian championship have options too. All matches of the First League are present in the bookmaker’s menu, and are offered with dozens of choices for each of them.
Real-time bets and long-term combinations
Live bets are a big thrill for many players. This option is present at Betway, and this also applies to the mobile version, of course. It is not difficult to detect current events – they come first when loading the platform. And with them the bookmaker really comes up with interesting offers, some of which are rare on the Bulgarian market. The outcome of the bets become clear in literally seconds if the next goal market or one of the performance options is selected.
In addition, the company accepts predictions with a much longer horizon. It is now standard to bet on who will be the champion in England, Spain, Italy or Germany. However, there are also specific markets and selections for certain teams – will Barcelona take the trophy this season, will Liverpool reach the final in at least one of the tournaments in which it participates, etc. And if users don’t find what they’re looking for in these offers, they can always turn to the betting menu. The bet-builder is still limited to one match, from which we can choose two or more selections until the desired odds are formed. This is the most appropriate way to optimize the bet according to personal preferences and therefore it is increasingly preferred by the players.
Betway’s first steps on the Bulgarian market are impressive. And this is just the beginning, we can expect even more in the near future.
European Gaming News
EveryMatrix inks RGS Matrix agreement with Wild Boars
EveryMatrix announces the second RGS Matrix partnership with Wild Boars, newly launched gaming studio that aims to bring creative storytelling and a fresh feel to the gaming industry.
Launched in 2019 as EveryMatrix sixth standalone solution, RGS Matrix enables gaming development teams to distribute, manage, and report upon a proprietary game product portfolio.
This ‘out of the box’ remote gaming server was built on an open architecture and caters for outstanding player experience, consistent deployment, and quicker content integration.
Mathias Larsson, Managing Director of RGS Matrix, says: “This is our second RGS Matrix agreement and it brings me a lot of joy to know that our solution starts gaining momentum in the market. Our remote gaming server aims to help the new generation of game builders by providing all the means to create, design, distribute and manage games.
“The team of Wild Boars is experienced, skilled and highly creative. I am looking forward to seeing their games live and appreciated by players in many countries.”
Oleksandr Yermolaiev, Managing Director of Wild Boars, comments: “We truly believe that choosing a right partner is crucial for success. For us, RGS Matrix and its remarkable team is just that partner. We are excited to use EveryMatrix solution, focus on what we do best and bring our innovative games to a wide range of operators, territories and players. RGS Matrix is dashing ahead and we are happy to join the ride.”
RGS Matrix powers slots and table games, and is currently certified for Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Spain, Denmark, Romania, and Colombia, with many jurisdictions to come in the upcoming years.
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