This Week's Top iGaming News, June 16, 2023

Prepare for your five-minute iGaming roundup and enjoy the latest WeAreGame weekly iGaming newsletter!

Botswana Begins Preliminary Licences

It’s great news for residents of Botswana, as applications are now open for gaming licences to be issued for betting, bingo and limited payout machines. The Request For Approval (RFA) document provides guidelines for applicants that can be purchased for BWP 2,5000 (around €171). The Gambling Authority (GA) of Botswana will hold a conference next month which is compulsory for all applicants.

Botswana is in its third year of moving towards regulation and Peter Kesitilwe, acting CEO of the GA, is keen to promote the new licences and profit potential. He said recently, “Online betting is now legal, but there are unlicensed operators already active in the market. We want to encourage them to apply. It will improve player protection, increase taxes as well as contribute to responsible gambling developments.”

A Quarter of Brazilians Surveyed Try Sports Betting

With all eyes on Brazil, it’s music to the ears of potential platform providers that a recent survey of smartphone users in the country found that a whopping 25% of people who responded had already tried sports betting via a mobile app. The majority of people who took part in the research were young males with an interest in sport. 

It’s a very positive sign of the growth Brazil has seen in the last five years in this industry. Although the country still awaits the final regulation conclusion, and despite the recent match-fixing saga, it’s positive news for the Brazilian government which hopes to capitalise on the potentially lucrative sector. Fernando Haddad, Brazil’s Finance Minister, estimates taxes could provide up to BRL$15 Billion each year.

Regulated Sites a MUST for Twitch Streaming

CEO of Twitch, Dan Clancy, has spoken out about his concerns over unregulated gambling being streamed on the site. He said he was worried that unregulated sites were not operating fairly or legally portraying the industry. He also said that content creators were getting a raw deal.

In Clancy’s interview with Filian (a virtual YouTuber), he spoke about his decision to ban unregulated sites, saying “These are sites that there’s nobody overlooking to see, for example, what are the odds on the craps tables, are they tweaking them, do they change them, cause they’re not regulated.” He assured fans, however, that regulated platforms would be allowed as long as they followed all related laws.

SiGMA Foundation Climbs to New Heights

SiGMA is a household name in the world of iGaming and gambling. Describing itself as ‘The World’s Online Gambling Authority’, it’s a vibrant hub for all sectors of the industry, sharing the latest news and creating spectacular events around the world.

The SiGMA Foundation is a philanthropic initiative set up to fundraise and provide charity work, education and training to those who need it most. From empowering girls in Kenya to trekking mountains to raising funds for schools in Ethiopia, the foundation is a truly positive force. 

Their latest endeavour includes volunteers climbing Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. All money raised will go to The Women Empowerment Project, in Bonga Ethiopia,  to offer skills training to impoverished women and girls. You can watch a video about the project on SiGMA World’s YouTube channel. We wish all involved the best of luck!

Neymar Sports & Casino Cruise – Ney Em Alto Mar

Only legends need to be introduced by just their first name, and that’s certainly the case for one of Brazil’s – and the world’s – greatest footballers, Neymar! Star of the Brazil national team, and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar is broadening his horizons. Fans of the football star, high-rollers, and those looking for luxury on the seas can indulge in the very first ‘Ney am Alto Mar’, meaning ‘Ney on the High Seas’ cruise.

Sharing details of the indulgent experience via his Twitter channel, he revealed the exotic cruise will depart Santos, São Paulo, on the 29th of December for three solid days of action en route to beautiful Búzios. His excitement clear, he remarked, “It will be three days and three nights of audacity and joy, full of unmissable attractions and unforgettable shows for fans of all ages.” The stunning MSC Preziosa luxury liner is home to the dazzling Millenium Star Casino, with a seating capacity to hold 323, the stylish casino offers a multitude of slot machines, as well as roulette, poker, blackjack, and more. It’s every casino and sports fan’s dream!

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