WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming Update

December 22, 2023

As the year draws to a close and holiday cheer spreads across the globe, relax and enjoy our latest roundup of iGaming news bites from around the world. 

Brazil's Gaming Legalisation Vote Delayed

The Brazilian Senate Constitution and Justice Committee's (CCJ) decision on legalising casinos, bingos, and Jogo do Bicho has again been deferred. Scheduled for Wednesday this week, this second session postponement pushes the debate on Bill 2,234/2022 to February 2024. This legislation, which began as nº 442/91 in the Chamber of Deputies, outlines changes in the country's gambling landscape.

The bill proposes a strategic approach to casino installation, limiting the number per state, with special provisions for São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Pará. The initiative emphasises player protection, including a registry prohibiting certain individuals from gambling and measures to counteract money laundering. As the iGaming and gambling community awaits the review in February, anticipation builds worldwide for further updates on this important change.

Santa Fe, Argentina, Legalises Online Gaming

In a landmark decision, Santa Fe, Argentina, has recently officially legalised online gambling. The Provincial Senate, backing Governor Maximiliano Pullaro's endorsement, passed the law unanimously. This progressive step includes regulations for various forms of online gaming, including sports betting. The law aims to adapt to evolving technologies and future developments in the iGaming industry.

Key features of this legislation include a hike in the operating fee for companies from 10% to 15% and a provision for sports betting authorisation. Significantly, the law allocates 50% of the revenue for gambling prevention and awareness campaigns. The current physical casino licensees are extended to online modes, ensuring a seamless transition from physical gambling to iGaming websites. This move provides a legal framework to an industry that thrived under provisional decrees during the pandemic, fostering a more regulated and responsible online gambling environment in Santa Fe.

Osaka's Casino Era Takes Off

Japan's ambitious journey into the casino industry has officially commenced with the first steps of building Osaka's integrated resort (IR), the nation's first-ever casino. It marks a significant shift in Japan's stance on gaming, following the 2018 law that relaxed its stringent gambling policies. The Osaka IR project will transform the 52-acre site on Yumeshima Island, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. With an eye-watering budget of $8.6 billion, the project will feature three distinct hotels offering 2,500 rooms, a vast 67,820m² convention space, and a casino occupying a mere 3% of the total indoor area.

Aiming for a grand opening in 2030, Osaka's IR is expected to become a major tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 20 million visitors annually. The development is hoped to boost tourism and the economy, with projections of attracting approximately 6 million foreign tourists and 14 million domestic visitors, making an estimated annual revenue of $3.6 billion. Despite initial delays and challenges, the project is a testament to Japan's dedication to offering new opportunities and experiences for tourists and locals.

Cape Town Awaits SiGMA Africa 2024

Get ready to mark your calendars for the upcoming SiGMA Africa 2024, set to unfold in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. This three-day summit, scheduled from March 11 - 13 at the Sun Exhibits Integrated Resort at GrandWest, promises to be a landmark event following its successful debut in Nairobi, Kenya, 2023. The conference will focus on the South African market, spotlighting the anticipated remote gambling bill and its potential impact. Expect a packed agenda with expert-led discussions, a pitch competition highlighting innovative startups, and invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders.

SiGMA Africa 2024 is an immersive experience that blends professional engagement against the stunning backdrop of Cape Town. As with all SiGMA events, SiGMA Africa 2024 offers a perfect mix of work and leisure, starting with cultural tours and culminating in VIP dinners and a gala awards evening. With early bird tickets already available and affiliates enjoying free registration. 

eSports ESL One's Grand UK Comeback in April 2024

ESL's Pro Tour will bring an electrifying atmosphere back to Birmingham, England, in April 2024, following a memorable 2019 event. The ESL One Birmingham tournament, part of the action-packed 2024 ESL Pro Tour (EPT) calendar, promises to be thrilling. This announcement follows the successful ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, keeping the momentum of the EPT high. The event will feature top-tier competitive gaming, a significant prize pool of $1,000,000, and 26,640 EPT points up for grabs. Fans who recall Team Secret's triumphant victory in 2019 eagerly anticipate another intense battle for the championship title.

The excitement offers fans a chance to witness eSports as the EPT journey continues, with DreamLeague Season 22 in February boasting its impressive prize pool and EPT points bundle. 

WA.Technology Weekly

Join us again in 2024 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