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South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
The Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) has issued an interim order directing Google Ireland Ltd and Google South Africa (Pty) Ltd (collectively, “Google”) to permit Lottoland South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Lottoland”) to access its advertising services known as “Google Ads”, for so long as Google permits any firm in South Africa to utilise Google’s Ads Services to advertise fixed-odds betting on the outcome of lotteries. The Tribunal’s order applies for a period of six months from its date, or the conclusion of a hearing into the prohibited practices alleged by Lottoland, whichever is the earlier.
This platform enables advertisers to display ads to users who utilise Google search, with Google Ireland acting as the service provider for Google Ads in South Africa.
The Tribunal’s order follows an interim relief application by Lottoland, a licensed bookmaker, which, inter alia, offers fixed-odds bets on the outcome of various lotteries around the world, including the South African national lottery, sporting events and other betting contingencies. Lottoland competes with other licensed bookmakers in South Africa such as Hollywood Bets, World Sports Betting, Betway, Betfred (which owns Lottostar) and Netbet (which trades as Sportingbet).
In summary, Lottoland alleged that Google terminated its access to Google Ads without justification while allowing access to its competitors, causing it financial harm and distorting competition in the market that Lottoland operates in, to the detriment of consumers.
Google contended that Lottoland’s offering of fixed-odds bets on the outcome of the national lottery in South Africa contravenes sections 57(1) and 57(2)(g) of the Lotteries Act. It submitted that in terms of its online advertising policies, which are designed to protect users, restrictions are placed on the promotion of certain gambling activities. Of particular relevance, the promotion of lotteries is limited to state-licensed entities and that this restriction is in place to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Lotteries Act.
Reasons for Decision
A non-confidential version of the Tribunal’s reasons will be published in due course once any confidentiality claims in relation to the reasons have been finalised with the parties involved. In deciding the matter, the Tribunal considered the following three factors holistically, balancing each factor against the other to determine what is reasonable and just:
• Evidence relating to the alleged prohibited practice;
• The need to prevent serious or irreparable damage to the applicant (Lottoland); and
• The balance of convenience.
The post South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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BGaming curls up with bountiful bonus games in Catdiana
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is helping players hunt for ancient treasures in its latest release Catdiana. Boasting two purr-fect bonus games, the gameplay is further enhanced through cat-themed scatters, coveted coins and high-value gem symbols.
The 5×3 reel action unfolds deep within a mystical cat temple where Catdiana goes on the prowl, performing as a wild to guide players to hidden treasures and big wins.
Landing three of the temple’s sacred Ark Scatters on reels one, three and five holds the key to getting your claws into the game’s five Free Spins bonus round. Amping up the level of excitement, the Blazing reels are reels two, three and four merged into one giant symbol to enhance the player’s winning potential.
Players scoring six or more coins in the main game or Free Spins can then pounce on Catdiana’s additional bonus game, where only coins take their place on the grid, offering multiplier values as high as x20 of the bet. To help slot enthusiasts edge ever closer to untold riches, Mini, Major and Mega Jackpots are also featured in the Coin Respin game.
Julia Alekseeva, Co-CPO at BGaming, said: “With such a charming main character taking inspiration from the ever-popular Indiana Jones and Puss in Boots, we’re hoping players will be feline just fine with Catdiana.”
“Our two sumptuous Bonus games lead the way with inspired mechanics, including Blazing Reels and three lavish jackpots, while the ancient temple-themed style and crisp audiovisual effects add an extra dynamic. This is the best time to get your paws on prizes!”
The post BGaming curls up with bountiful bonus games in Catdiana appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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7777 gaming enters the Georgian market in partnership with Europebet
7777 gaming, a leading provider of online casino games, is thrilled to announce its entry into the Georgian market through a strategic partnership with Europebet – one of the leading online gambling operators in the region, part of the renowned Betsson Group since 2015.
7777 gaming presents an expansive collection of more than 100 online casino games, each meticulously certified to comply with Georgia’s latest legal standards. With a focus on innovation and quality, 7777 gaming provides unique and engaging casino experiences that cater to the preferences of the new generation of players.
The direct integration of 7777 gaming’s content into Europebet’s platform demonstrates a commitment to offering players a premium gaming experience with a wide range of high-quality titles. Through this integration, players at Europebet in Georgia can enjoy 7777 gaming’s engaging and diverse games portfolio, such as Cash 100, Barbarian, Candy Anyways, Sea of Treasures, Diamonds of Majesty, and Thracian Treasures.
Elena Shaterova, Chief Commercial Officer at 7777 gaming, stated: “We take pride in our relentless dedication to adhering to the latest legislative requirements in Georgia’s online gambling sector. Recognizing the immense potential of this lucrative market, we eagerly join forces with Europebet, a renowned brand synonymous with thrilling gameplay, innovation, and creativity.”
Mindia Tsiklauri, Slots Product Manager at Europebet said: “Our partnership with 7777 gaming introduces a new dimension of entertainment for our players. Their extensive and distinctive game selection adds valuable diversity to our platform, a sought-after quality in our vibrant and competitive market. Continuously seeking innovative avenues to captivate our audience, we view 7777 gaming as an invaluable ally in our ongoing mission.”
The post 7777 gaming enters the Georgian market in partnership with Europebet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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FDJ Announces its First Bond Issue
La Française des Jeux (FDJ), one of Europe’s leading betting and gaming operators, will meet investors over the next days with a view to launching its first bond issue, subject to market conditions.
FDJ recall that, on 7 November, Moody’s assigned the Group a long-term credit rating of Baa1 – stable outlook.
With a total value of €1.5 billion, in 3 tranches with maturity of 6, 9 and 12 years, the bond issue would be used to refinance most of the €2 billion bridging loan, drawn on 7 October to finance the acquisition of Kindred shares for nearly €2.5 billion. The bonds will be listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris.
Furthermore, FDJ is finalising a €400 million syndicated loan with top-tier French and international banks, which will be repaid over 5 years. This financing is also intended to repay the bridging loan which will be settled with Group’s cash.
The post FDJ Announces its First Bond Issue appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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