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What is the future for Norway’s betting monopoly?

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What is the future for Norway’s betting monopoly?

Norway currently enforces a strict ban on all online betting run by anyone other than monopoly operator Norsk Tipping. Yet, despite its latest efforts to keep unlicensed operators out, there are still other options available for Norwegians as it isn’t stopping the people from playing at foreign licensed operators should they choose to.

The policy of making Norsk Tipping the sole licensed operator while keeping foreign betting companies off the Norwegian market has been a favoured approach by shifting governments in the country over several decades. 

For the most part, this has been uncontested by the general population. The services offered by Norsk Tipping have typically been satisfactory for most players and with Norsk Tipping’s obligation to return its profit to society, this has been accepted by many as a fair compromise. 

The motivation behind this policy is often said to be a desire to protect players by controlling which types of gambling services are made available. Allocating money from the gambling industry to organisations working towards the greater good of society is also seen as important. 

However, with international betting companies entering the Norwegian market by offering their services online, this strategy is proving increasingly hard to keep up. Several measures have been taken in the last couple of years to ensure that unlicensed operators stay out of the Norwegian market, for example by blocking transactions to gambling sites. Despite being met with criticism, Lottstift shows no signs of giving in to the external pressure.

 

The shift to online complicates matters

Competition among online betting companies is fierce, and considering how difficult it is for one country to legislate online activity without resorting to means more often seen in countries of a far less democratic nature, the challenges faced by Norsk Tipping are getting bigger. 

In addition, as regulation fails to keep international online actors out, many argue that today’s situation in Norway is, in reality, a free-for-all system where companies required to follow strict regulations in most neighbouring countries are given a free pass to target Norwegian players.

A quick look at the Norwegian comparison site Oddsbonuser.nu tells us that a lot of operators are interested in the country and some of these would welcome regulation. 

For example, Kindred Group and Betsson Group – both members of Norsk bransjeforening for onlinespill (NBO). As can be read on their website, “NBO will promote the introduction of a responsible and sustainable licensing regulation of the Norwegian online gambling market”.

Even though regulation is very unlikely at this point, it’s hard not to fall into the pit of ‘what if’. Close at hand is the situation in Sweden, which regulated the gambling market in 2019. 

Sweden had previously followed a similar path, before abandoning its monopoly. Betting companies can now – by obtaining a licence – operate and advertise on the Swedish market, given that they follow regulations set by Swedish authorities, including paying Swedish taxes.

This naturally means tougher competition for state-owned former monopolist Svenska Spel, but also that politicians now can regulate and limit how betting companies can operate, for example when it comes to promotions and bonuses. But even so, recent proposals of further tightening the regulation in Sweden have caused waves amongst the licensed operators in the country. 

The operators and Spelinspektionen, the Swedish Gambling Authority, are worried that this might cause players to move away from licensed operators and that the black market will grow even bigger – making it worse than pre-regulation in the country. With this in mind, Lottstift is likely even more certain that their strategy is better left unchanged.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Set sail on a pirate quest with Belatra’s Tortuga Codex

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Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has launched its pirate-themed title, Tortuga Codex. This 5×4 slot casts players on a journey on the hunt for untold riches buried on a mysterious island.

A Skull symbol acts as the Wild and will substitute for any other symbol to increase the chances of a win. An intriguing element to the game lies in the Additional Reel feature which sits above the main frame. It’s in sync with the main reels, displaying Wild symbols, special pirate icons, and numbers from one to nine. When three or more bomb Scatters come in, numbers on the Additional Reel become active multipliers in the bonus game. The more Scatters appear, the higher each multiplier value, amplifying the potential winnings.

In the main game, the Wild scatters a random number of Wild symbols onto the reels if there is a Scatter underneath it. When the Bonus Game is hit, the Wild symbol will be replaced by the number 9. Pirate Bob, Pirate Patrick and Pirate Girl symbols replace all minor symbols if there is a Scatter symbol underneath them. These symbols will be replaced by the numbers 8, 7 and 6 respectively.

The Treasure Chest symbol awards players with a random win ranging from 5 to 1000 bets  if there is a Scatter symbol under it. This symbol is replaced by the number 5 when the Bonus game begins. A Coin gives the player a win of 10 bets on the game if there is a Scatter symbol underneath it – transforming into the number 4 for the Bonus. All numbers on the Additional Reel that fall out or appear in place of symbols will go into the Bonus Game when three or more Scatters appear on the reels. Hitting four Scatters will increase each number by one, landing five Scatters will increase each number by three – the maximum is nine.

Players trigger the Bonus Game with three or more bomb Scatters. Before it begins, the first and second cells open up on the Additional Reel at the top, then players must choose a chest that contains either a Plus, Multiplier, or a noose, which concludes the round. As players move down through the levels, the multipliers can increase depending on the chest’s bounty – the maximum is 59049x.

Sergey Chernyavski, Belatra Games’ CCO, said: “Tortuga Codex takes players deep into the perilous seas filled with hidden mysteries, legendary treasures, and ancient artefacts waiting to be uncovered on the reels. The Bonus feature gives players the perfect opportunity to chart a course to winnings.”

The post Set sail on a pirate quest with Belatra’s Tortuga Codex appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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FBMDS present in SiGMA Europe Malta 2024 in full force

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FBMDS, the global leader in video bingo and a driving force in the online casino gaming industry, is proud to announce its sponsorship of SiGMA Europe Malta 2024, from November 11th to the 14th. As the company continues to expand its influence within the iGaming space, it will participate in high-level discussions that shape the future of the industry, with a particular focus on niche gaming markets.

FBMDS’ presence at SiGMA Europe underscores its ongoing leadership not only in video bingo but across the broader online casino market. With a portfolio that blends cutting-edge content and an unwavering focus on player experience, FBMDS has set a high bar in niche gaming, particularly in emerging markets.

This year, FBMDS is excited to be featured in the panel discussion titled “Niche Gaming: Driving Growth in Emerging Casino Markets”, led by Mariana Tostes, Head of Operations at FBMDS. The session will delve into the growing significance of niche markets within the iGaming industry, exploring how strategic product development and market research can unlock new growth opportunities for operators worldwide.

FBMDS’ sponsorship and active involvement in panel discussions reflect its focus on networking and fostering meaningful business relationships, as the company is committed to discussing growth strategies and disruptive approaches that can enhance operators’ portfolios and drive success in the increasingly competitive iGaming landscape.

Engaging business offer to unravel at SiGMA Europe Malta

The FBMDS team will be available for one-on-one meetings throughout the SiGMA Europe Malta 2024 event, offering attendees the opportunity to explore how FBMDS’ extensive range of gaming offerings can support their business goals.

The brand’s latest additions to its portfolio reflect the company’s goal to delivering high-quality, player-focused content tailored to specific market needs. Its new Infinity Series, a revolutionary collection of video bingo games designed to elevate the player experience, along with the launch of Sapphire Fever, further reinforces FBMDS’ standing as a leader in immersive video bingo, combining premium visuals with seamless game dynamics.

In addition to its video bingo popularity, FBMDS continues to drive innovation in other gaming segments. Recent launches, such as Ronaldinho Crash and Champion Tales, have captivated crash game enthusiasts with dynamic and thrilling gameplay. Meanwhile, the Safe Blaster slot game introduces an exciting, high-energy slot experience to the market, adding to FBMDS’ growing reputation for diverse and engaging casino products.

With a reputation for understanding niche markets and delivering customer-centric solutions, FBMDS is keen to collaborate with operators looking to differentiate themselves in the iGaming sector. If you wish to discover more about FBMDS online casino gaming world, don’t hesitate to book a meeting with our experts!

The post FBMDS present in SiGMA Europe Malta 2024 in full force appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Groove Makes Strategic Strides in Georgia with Team Visit

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Platform and aggregator Groove has marked a key milestone in Georgia, solidifying its presence with a special visit from Social Media Brand Marketing and Senior Account Manager, Rachel Tourgeman. Rachel, a pivotal figure in Groove’s rapid expansion, was hosted by SmartSoft, one of the region’s leading players, as she took part in an immersive exploration of Georgia’s potential and opportunities within the iGaming industry.

Groove, known for its cutting-edge technology and innovation, continues to revolutionise the iGaming sector with its comprehensive platform and game aggregator. Its portfolio now boasts over 15,000 games from more than 100 top-tier providers, adding over 100 new titles every month, ensuring operators and casinos always have fresh content to captivate players.

From humble beginnings with a few small accounts, Rachel has proven her expertise by turning them into success stories almost overnight. Since joining Groove mid-pandemic in 2020, she has become an integral part of the company, wearing many hats and driving the brand’s growth on multiple fronts.

Whether it’s fostering client relationships, attending major conferences, or now managing Groove’s press releases and social media strategies, her dedication has been tireless. Her visit to Georgia was not just a testament to her commitment but also underscored the region’s growing importance in Groove’s global ambitions.

Georgia, along with key markets like Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia, serves as a strategic hub for Groove’s operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. These regions provide not only fertile ground for business but also insights into diverse cultural, political, and regulatory environments, essential knowledge for scaling globally.

Rachel’s visit focused on refining marketing strategies and strengthening account management, working closely with the Groove Georgia team to ensure seamless cross-border collaboration.

“It was lovely catching up with our team in Georgia,” Rachel commented, highlighting the productive sessions she held on marketing and account management. ” These few days with SmartSoft and the Groove Georgia team really show that this region is a powerhouse within the global industry.”

Groove’s entertainment and technology ecosystem is also packed with powerful marketing tools, like free spins and interactive features, alongside data-driven analytics, giving businesses the tools they need to thrive in an ever-competitive market.

Groove’s expansion into regions like Georgia demonstrates its forward-thinking strategy, combining local expertise with global ambitions. With a strong team on the ground, and key players like Rachel Tourgeman driving the charge, Groove is poised for even greater success.

Yahale Meltzer, COO and Co-founder of Groove, echoed her sentiments, underscoring the strategic importance of Georgia within the company’s long-term plans. “Georgia is an important strategic centre for Groove,” Meltzer noted. “I am delighted Rachel was able to represent us with SmartSoft and discuss strategy with our team in Georgia. Groove is not just connecting the dots in Georgia, we are redrawing the map of the iGaming world.”

The post Groove Makes Strategic Strides in Georgia with Team Visit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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