WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

January 19, 2024

Enjoy this week’s iGaming newsletter with the latest informative and exciting news items worldwide. 

Google Expands App Availability for iGaming in Brazil and Mexico

Android users in Brazil and Mexico will soon be able to download real-money gaming and sports betting apps from the Google Play Store. The initiative marks a departure from the previous necessity to download apps in APK format directly from betting sites, a method that carried increased security risks. Google's new policy includes measures so that apps adhere to the specific gaming legislations of each country.

Developers must apply to Google, demonstrating a commitment to responsible gaming and assigning an ‘Adults only’ classification. This move, detailed on Google's Android developer blog, follows a comprehensive one-year trial period that represents Google's broader support for varied real-money gaming operators.

Brazil Advances in Regulating and Monitoring Online Betting

Processes are underway in Brazil after the government recently sanctioned new laws to regulate and monitor the online betting sector. Under the Ministry of Finance, a newly established National Gaming and Bets Secretariat will oversee operations, manage taxes, and prevent money laundering. The Treasury seeks to appoint a team of 38 people to undertake the responsibility, made up of new professionals from the private sector and existing public servants. 

The Treasury is also developing a real-time monitoring system for online bets to monitor bettors’ behaviour and identify fraud. This system, designed by the Federal Data Processing Service, is part of a broader effort to ensure the integrity and safety of the betting market, making it more attractive to potential businesses and easing the doubts of those concerned by the new law. The initiative includes cross-referencing data to detect possible gambling addiction and fraud in sports, demonstrating the government's commitment to responsible gaming and taxation.

PGS 2024 Announced Amidst Growing Change in Latam

Affiliated Marketing Group (AMG), the Peru Gaming Show (PGS) organiser, has set the event for 12-13 June 2024. AMG's recent review highlights 2023's focus on formalising and regulating the gaming sector across Latin America. Key developments include Peru's legislation on sports betting and online gaming; Argentina, Brazil, and Chile are also advancing regulatory frameworks. Uruguay and Paraguay are also moving towards favourable regulation. 

PGS 2023 saw over 70 brands and record attendance, emphasising the region's commitment to legal, transparent, and responsible gaming. PGS 2024 will continue these discussions, reflecting Peru's new online gaming regulations and positioning PGS as a regional gaming reference.

PAGCOR Targets PHP336bn Revenue in 2024

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) reported a 33% year-on-year increase in 2023's gross gaming revenues (GGR), reaching PHP285bn. This figure surpassed both the target of PHP273bn and the pre-pandemic high of PHP256.49bn in 2019. Casinos were the primary revenue source, contributing PHP207.5bn, with electronic games adding PHP58.16bn. 

After this strong performance, PAGCOR has set an ambitious 2024 target of PHP336bn, an 18% increase, anticipating revenue boosts from new integrated resorts and the growing iGaming sector. The 2024 projections include significant contributions from licensed casinos across various regions.

British Esports at Bett UK 2024

British Esports announces its return to Bett UK 2024, the leading global EdTech event, from 24 – 26 January 2024, at ExCel London. As a central feature for the third year, British Esports will lead the eSports @ Bett theatre, a hub for discussions, panels, workshops, and interactive sessions. 

The event aims to integrate eSports in educational settings, enhancing student learning and engagement, particularly for SEND learners, and highlighting STEM career pathways. Esteemed speakers from British Esports and other organisations will deliver insightful talks and panels. A highlight is the Rocket League tournament, showcasing the UK's top student eSports talent. The event emphasises eSports' role in developing transferable skills and contributing to STEM education.

Meet the WA.Technology team at stand S4-240 or at their exclusive area in the WA.Technology-sponsored Meeting Zone S1-360. Contact the team to book a meeting.

WA.Technology Weekly

Join us again next time for more iGaming news from WA.Technology. If you want to know more about getting your own iGaming business off the ground or expanding your current brand, contact us at hello@watechnology.com