WA.Technology’s Thrilling Weekly iGaming Roundup

November 24, 2023

Dive into WA.Technology's iGaming Newsletter for a thrilling glimpse into online gaming's latest trends and innovations, tailored for enthusiasts and professionals. Join us in exploring this electrifying industry's evolving landscape.

Brazil's iGaming Future: Sports Betting Tax Cut to 12%

Brazil's journey in sports betting and iGaming legislation reached a pivotal moment on November 22, with the Economic Affairs Commission (CAE) approving Bill 3,626/23, effectively setting a 12% tax rate for sports betting. This critical development came despite some attempts to exclude iGaming from the legislation. The CAE's nod propels the bill to the Senate plenary for a decisive vote scheduled for November 28, potentially greenlighting sports betting and iGaming in Brazil.

The bill, which sailed through the lower Chamber of Deputies in September, faced notable opposition from senators like Eduardo Girão and Carlos Portinho, especially over its incorporation of online casinos. Despite the CAE's resistance and delay, the bill stands firm, intertwining the fate of sports betting and iGaming. Should the Senate plenary endorse Bill 3,626/23, it returns to the Chamber of Deputies for further review. A subsequent affirmative vote would then place the bill in the hands of President Lula da Silva, setting the stage for the official launch of Brazil's sports betting market. This move is a significant leap from the initial provisional measure signed by da Silva in July, marking a transformative chapter in Brazil's iGaming narrative, reports iGB.

Malta's Gaming Boom Fuels Growth

As reported in SiGMA World, Malta's business landscape is boosted by the iGaming industry, including eSports and video game development, which has emerged as a pivotal sector for the vibrant country. This transformation is highlighted in Ernst & Young's (EY Malta) annual attractiveness survey, which assesses Malta's allure for foreign direct investment (FDI). Based on responses from 130 FDI companies in Malta during July and August 2023, the survey indicates gaming (iGaming and gambling) as a critical driver of Malta's economic prospects over the next five years.

The optimism in Malta's gaming sector is evident, with 49% of investors acknowledging its significant role in shaping Malta's economic future. Along with tourism, leisure, and artificial intelligence, this sector is poised to propel Malta's growth. Malta is increasingly recognised as a bustling hub for the gaming industry, offering exciting opportunities for businesses and investors in this dynamic field.

ICE London 2024: A Pivotal Event Before Barcelona Shift

ICE London 2024, from 6 to 9 February 2024 at ExCeL London, is gearing up for its final London showcase before relocating to Barcelona in 2025. This landmark event, hosted since 2013 in the English capital, is expected to attract a record attendance. The international gaming industry extravaganza will bid farewell to London, with over 600 exhibitors and numerous product launches drawing in industry professionals. This final British-based edition will be a prelude to the inaugural ICE Barcelona and iGB Affiliate Barcelona, scheduled for January 20 to 22, 2025, at the expansive Fira de Barcelona.

Adding to the excitement, ICE London 2024 introduces the 'Growth Markets Zone', focusing on emerging markets in Latin America and Africa. This initiative, led by ICE Event Director Andy Ventris, aims to connect businesses with new international opportunities, reflecting ICE's commitment to expanding business horizons. This zone will become a central point for those exploring business prospects in these dynamic regions. The event will also host the award-winning ICE Consumer Protection Zone, underlining ICE's pledge to deliver enhanced business opportunities for stakeholders in the gaming industry.

Williams Esports Launches Student Racing League

In a groundbreaking move, Williams Esports, the celebrated Esports arm of Formula 1's Williams Racing, announced the official start of the Student Racing League (SRL) this November. Following its successful pilot in the 2022/23 academic year, the league aims to merge the worlds of Esports and STEM education. In partnership with the British Esports Federation, this initiative offers UK schools and colleges a unique platform for competitive SimRacing.

The inaugural SRL season promises students a thrilling virtual racing experience, culminating in a live final at Williams F1 headquarters in Oxfordshire. The league includes three splits, with the top 30 centres battling in the primary racing season. Meanwhile, others will compete in the Hot Lap Leaderboard Challenge, vying for a spot in next year’s races. The league integrates aspects of health and wellbeing, coaching, STEM, teamwork, and education, all linked to the Pearson and British Esports BTEC qualification. Kalam Neale, Head of Education at British Esports, and Steven English, Director of Williams Esports, expressed their enthusiasm for this innovative initiative, which fuels students' passion for racing and opens doors to professional Motorsport and Esports careers.

Gambling Visionary Steve Norton Passes Away Aged 89

Steve Norton, a trailblazer in the U.S. casino industry and a key figure behind the first casino outside Nevada, Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, has passed away at 89. Norton, recognised for his over 50-year tenure in the sector, was instrumental in the casino's 1978 opening, marking a pivotal shift in American gambling. 

Norton’s influence stretched beyond Atlantic City, contributing to the creation of the American Gaming Association, acting as its first director from outside Nevada, and advising on casino operations globally, including in Singapore and South Korea. A notable advocate for responsible gambling, Norton's legacy is marked by his efforts to combat gambling addiction. His passing is a significant loss to the industry, with his impact felt both in the U.S. and internationally. As reported in Yogonet.

WA.Technology Weekly

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