WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

June 21, 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of WA.Technology's iGaming Newsletter. In this issue, explore the breaking updates from Brazil, exciting eSports news, leadership thoughts from the USA, and upcoming iGaming events. Kick your weekend off in style with our bite-sized iGaming updates.

Brazilian Senate Approves Casino, Jogo do Bicho, and Bingo Legalisation Bill

The Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) of the Brazilian Senate approved Bill 2,234/22 legalising casinos, bingo halls, and jogo do bicho with a 14-12 vote. The bill now advances to the Senate plenary for further consideration. Senator Irajá, the bill's rapporteur, highlighted the potential economic benefits, including significant job creation and revenue generation. 

If the bill is passed, casinos will be permitted to operate in certain designated tourist centres and/or integrated leisure complexes, including high-end hotels and boats. Bingo halls will be authorised to operate permanently in certain locations and offer traditional and electronic bingo formats. Jogo do Bicho will also be regulated, allowing one authorised operator per 700,000 residents in each jurisdiction.

New Leadership at Brazil's Prizes and Betting Secretariat

The Ministry of Finance has appointed Carlos Magno Oliveira as the General Coordinator of Inspection of Commercial Promotions of the Subsecretariat of Monitoring and Inspection at the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). His role involves overseeing promotional campaigns and analysing their financial statements. 

With a background in administration—including a postgraduate degree in business administration and a master's degree in transportation—and over 18 years in federal public service, Oliveira brings extensive expertise to his new position. His appointment follows the recent selection of Regis Dudena as SPA secretary, providing stability after José Francisco Manssur's departure earlier this year. Official Diary of the Union.

British Esports & BLAST Collaborate to Boost UK Esports

British Esports, the national body for UK esports, and BLAST, which creates live and digital esports experiences, have formed a partnership to advance the UK esports sector. The collaboration focuses on political advocacy, grassroots initiatives, education, career development, and professional growth. 

The UK is hosting a record number of tier-one esports events in 2024, positioning itself as a global esports hub. With the UK holding a 6% share of the global esports market, this partnership aims to use the momentum for further growth. BLAST CEO Robbie Douek and British Esports CEO Chester King highlight the significance of this alliance in nurturing talent and promoting the UK as a leading esports destination. Source: British Esports.

iGB L!VE Debuts LaunchPad & Rebranded Sustainable Gambling Zone

Clarion Gaming's iGB L!VE event, from 16 – 19 July at RAI Amsterdam, will feature the new LaunchPad initiative aimed at start-ups. The LaunchPad feature will showcase tech inventions from emerging businesses, with five selected to present their ideas to a panel of industry judges. The event includes cash prizes and a competitive format to highlight new talent.

Visitors to the show-stopping event can also enjoy the rebranded Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ), now reimagined as the Sustainable Gambling Zone (SGZ). The SGZ promotes long-term sustainability and safer gambling practices beyond regulatory compliance. The SGZ will officially launch at ICE 2025 in Barcelona after its inaugural debut in the Netherlands. With over 300 exhibitors expected to descend into the beautiful capital of Amsterdam, iGB L!VE aims to connect iGaming affiliates, operators, tech companies, and providers in the industry for a chockablock extravaganza of learning, networking, and enjoyment.

Insights from National Indian Gaming Commission Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland

In an interview with Gaming America, Jeannie Hovland, Vice Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), discussed the diversity among Tribal gaming operators across the U.S. Hovland's journey from working in a Tribal casino coatroom to her current role highlights her journey in the industry and her extensive understanding of Tribal Gaming operations within the United States. 

Hovland emphasised that each of the 574 federally recognised Tribes has unique needs and challenges, which require tailored approaches. She also noted the positive impact of gaming on Tribal communities, the significance of adapting to technological advancements, and the importance of hiring within Tribal communities.

Hovland spoke positively about the impact on the tribal communities, stating, “What has been so surprising, and so encouraging to me professionally and personally, is just how the gaming industry has had such a positive impact on Tribal communities. For the betterment of the Tribes and our people, looking at the diversity of that. Some gaming operations don’t have a lot of revenue, but they still provide a lot of jobs. That in and of itself is something to be very proud of. Other gaming operations have a lot of revenue that they’ve been able to reinvest in their community and it’s just very encouraging to see our Tribes really leading in this industry.”

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