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Google modifies policy to accommodate Italy’s ban of gambling ads
Internet giant Google has adjusted its policies on search results to accommodate the new legislation in Italy that bans gambling advertisements. Google modified its policy page on Monday to make it congruent to Italy’s so-called Dignity Decree and its prohibition on nearly all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships. Google’s notice reminded operators that, as of July 16, “only state lotteries with deferred drawing will be allowed to run gambling advertisements in Italy.”
While the Decree’s full effects won’t take effect until 1 January 2019, Italian gaming news agency Agimeg reported that Google’s notice has already resulted in Italian-licensed operators dropping down local search results, while international operators that serve the market without a local license have risen to the top.
Some operators, such as Stanleybet CEO Giovanni Garrisi, believe the Decree will be “changed at the parliamentary level.” And indeed, this week saw the Senate and Chamber of Deputies Studies Service submit a report suggested that the Decree’s absolute prohibition “does not appear compatible” with existing legislation upholding the legality of most gambling advertising.
Maarten Haijer, head of the European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA), suggested the European Commission would step in if Italy’s parliament failed to act. In a letter sent to Brussels, Haijer claims Italy goofed by failing to notify the EU regarding the Decree, which should have been subject to the standard three-month “standstill” period, an omission that Haijer claims renders the Decree moot under EU law.
DI MAIO UNREPENTANT
Luigi Di Maio – Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and champion of the Decree’s gambling smackdown – was challenged on a live TV debate this week by Vincenzo Boccia, president of the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria), regarding the effect the Decree would have on Italy’s gamblers.
Di Maio rejected Boccia’s suggestion that the Decree would achieve the opposite of its stated aims, saying that “I cannot be told that since I have eliminated the advertising of gambling, the illegal advertising is promoted. It is not.”
Boccia argued that “there is a game that is legal, which must be protected, and one that must be fought, with rules that must be respected … either gambling is everything and then everything must be closed or if there is a dimension of legality this must be protected, within certain rules.”
OPERATORS BITE BACK
Italian-licensed operators have expressed near-unanimity in their rejection of the new government’s approach. Kindred Group’s local head of gaming Cristiano Blanco called the ad ban “putting the dust under the carpet” while “delivering the [online game] to unauthorized operators.”
Alejandro Pascual, director of European operations for Spanish operator Codere, told InfoPlay that his company agreed with the Italian government’s objectives, but its methods “are not the most suitable” to achieving those objectives. Pascual claimed to have “repeatedly” invited government reps to engage in dialogue but “all of them have declined the invitation.”
Meanwhile, Massimilano Casella, CEO of Italian operator Microgame, issued a blistering statement via his Facebook page saying the government was treating gaming operators like “plague victims… with whom it is better not to deal with.” Casella said he was “astonished, embittered and worried about my employees, customers and users.”
Casella said that, as a responsible gaming operator, he recognised that “our industry, our companies grow if everyone plays one euro, not if a few sell the house to play.” Casella said he wanted to “work side by side” with the government to battle problem gambling, but this couldn’t happen “if our interlocutor is blind and deaf.”
Casella also mocked the government’s claims to care about gamblers, pointing out its plan to make up the expected tax shortfall from decreased online gambling by increasing taxes on land-based slots and video lottery terminals. “Is this the brilliant solution to stem this sad phenomenon?”
Casella closed his rant by suggesting that all Italian-licensed operators enact a “shutdown of all activities for 24/48 hours” to draw attention to the situation. Casella said the experience and skills of online operators “must and can be used for better regulation of the game.”
Source: calvinayre.com
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
Latest News
Fast Track welcomes PolarLotto: taking online lotto in Sweden to new heights
Malta, 28th March 2024 – PolarLotto, a leading provider of lotto betting services in Sweden, has just announced a strategic partnership with Fast Track, a leading provider of CRM solutions designed specifically for the iGaming industry. This collaboration aims to propel PolarLotto’s expansion from offline to online offerings, bringing the excitement of the world’s biggest lotteries to Swedish players in a safe and responsible manner.
PolarLotto prides itself on its commitment to transparent and ethical gaming practices, with a focus on player safety and responsible gaming. By teaming up with Fast Track, PolarLotto aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to expand its business model from traditional to online, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for its customers.
Commenting on the partnership, Benjamin Burstein, CEO of PolarLotto, expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities ahead, stating, “We are excited to embark on this journey of transforming our business with the latest technology and automation tools provided by Fast Track. As we transition to the online space, we are confident that Fast Track’s expertise in custom segmentation, real-time data capabilities, and personalised experiences will enable us to better serve our players and achieve our business objectives.”
Fast Track also expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting the potential for exceptional results through its Singularity model, which uses AI and machine learning to deliver tailored content to players, at the right time and through the most effective channel. “We are thrilled to partner with PolarLotto and support their online expansion,” said Simon Lidzén, CEO and co-founder of Fast Track. Our tools are designed to empower lean teams to achieve remarkable results, and we look forward to helping PolarLotto maximise their online presence and engagement.”
The post Fast Track welcomes PolarLotto: taking online lotto in Sweden to new heights appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Red Bull Gaming premieres ‘Memories of CS:GO’ documentary highlighting the game’s early years
As the CS2 PGL Major in Copenhagen is set to kick off, Red Bull Media House will unveil a captivating feature-length documentary, “Memories of CS:GO – The Early Years,” an ode to one of the most influential games ever made.
This film takes viewers on an immersive journey through the origins and evolution of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), featuring personal accounts and defining moments from several of the most legendary figures of the game.
The 90-minute documentary, narrated by Counter-Strike commentator Henry “HenryG” Greer, chronicles the remarkable trajectory of CS:GO, from its grassroots beginnings to becoming a global esports phenomenon.
Produced by Red Bull Media House, the film captures the essence of the game through the eyes of its most well known players, including Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson, Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg, Richard “shox” Papillon, Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, and Jarosław “pashaBiceps” Jarząbkowski, among others.
The documentary’s release is timed to precede the playoff stage of the PGL Major Copenhagen, scheduled for March 26, 2024. It will premiere on Red Bull Gaming’s YouTube channel at 21:00 CEST, offering viewers worldwide an insider’s perspective on the beloved game.
Event Details:
- What: Premiere of “Memories of CS:GO – The Early Years”
- When: March 26th, 2024, at 21:00 CEST
- Where to watch: Red Bull Gaming’s Youtube Channel
- The “CS:GO Memories” documentary can be viewed shareit.redbull.com
The post Red Bull Gaming premieres ‘Memories of CS:GO’ documentary highlighting the game’s early years appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Ten Square Games ready for a new development opportunities in 2024
2023 ESPI package
The following documents in pdf format are equivalents of the official Consolidated Financial Statement which were reported in ESPI (download in the zip file above)
2023 Consolidated Financial Statement
2023 Management Board Report on Activities
Independent Auditor’s Report on the Audit of Annual Consolidated Financial Statements
Link to the stream
Link to the chat with individual investors
Presentation
Factsheet
Financial data
Transcription of the conference and Q&A session
For complete press release visit tensquaregames.com
The post Ten Square Games ready for a new development opportunities in 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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