WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

July 12, 2024

It’s time for another scintillating lineup of global iGaming news from WA.Technology. This week, we bring you stories from Columbia, Thailand, the US, and Brazil, and we look forward to the upcoming iGB L!VE event at RAI Amsterdam.

Online Betting in Brazil Reaches R$20 Billion in Early 2024

Brazilians wagered over R$20 billion in online betting from January to April 2024, reflecting a 32.14% increase compared to R$15.2 billion during the same period in 2023. This growth follows the approval of law 14.790/2023. Prizes awarded also increased, with bettors receiving approximately R$19.11 billion, up from R$14.7 billion in the previous year. 

Data from Aposta Legal Brasil, based on Central Bank records, highlights this significant rise. Additionally, a survey by Datahub for CNN reported a 734.6% increase in online betting activity from 2021 to April 2024. The number of companies engaged in online betting grew from 26 in 2021 to 217 by April 2024, with 79 new companies opening in the first four months of 2024 alone.

iGB L!VE 2024

iGB L!VE 2024 will be held next week from July 16-19 at the RAI Amsterdam, with expo days on July 17-18. The event is set to attract 10,000 attendees, including operators, affiliates, tech vendors, and game providers. It offers a platform for forming partnerships, exploring the latest tech creations, and gaining market insights. 

Highlights include the Sustainable Gambling Zone, focused on player health and industry sustainability, and Pulse @ iGB L!VE, an insights hub for educational content and networking. Pre-registration badge collection starts on July 16, and the exhibition runs from July 17 to 18. 

Colombian Gaming Contributions

According to Coljuegos, Colombian land-based gaming contributed COP 115,941 million to the health sector in the first four months of 2024. This amount, primarily from casinos, bingo halls, and slot machines, represents 39% of the total health funding. The contributions by 392 operators and 3,546 authorised gaming establishments across Colombia's 32 departments supported the subsidised health regime and scientific research. 

The country has 105,451 electronic slot machines in operation, a notable increase of more than 1,400 from 2023. Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié highlighted the objective of stabilising the figures of localised games across the departments thanks to the ‘MET'S of peace’ strategy. As reported in Focus Gaming News.

Thailand Nears Finalisation of Casino Bill

SiGMA World News recently reported that Thailand's government is close to finalising its casino bill, which could lead to large entertainment complexes nationwide. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that the draft will be ready for Cabinet deliberation in the next few weeks. The bill, involving input from sixteen government agencies, aims to boost the economy while addressing social impacts. 

Once the Cabinet approves, it will be vetted by the Office of the Council of State before being presented to the House of Representatives. Responsible gambling policies and protective measures are being considered to mitigate social impacts. The first casino resort could open by 2029, marking a transformative step for Thailand's tourism and entertainment sectors.

National Indian Gaming Commission Reports Record Revenue

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) reported a record gross gaming revenue of $41.9 billion for 2023, a 2.4% increase from the previous year's $40.9 billion. All eight NIGC regions experienced growth. Acting chairwoman Sharon M. Avery and vice chair Jeannie Hovland announced the results at the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference. 

Avery highlighted the role of a strong regulatory framework and diverse tribal gaming enterprises in driving industry growth, emphasising the continued economic benefits for tribal communities. Hovland praised the resilience and expertise of tribal gaming operators and regulators, noting their success in a competitive market.

WA.Technology Weekly

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