WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming Update

December 8, 2023

Dive into the newest trends in online gaming with WA.Technology's latest iGaming newsletter. Crafted for fans and experts alike, we bring you a select collection of interesting facts and figures from across the globe, wherever you are.

Further Postponements for Brazil Bill

Due to a low quorum and the issue's complexity, the Brazilian Senate has once again postponed the vote on Bill 3626/23, which regulates sports betting, to 12 December due to a low turnout and the complications of the bill. This delay follows a previous postponement on 29 November. The bill, initially urgent, has been slowed in recent developments. 

Senator Angelo Coronel's report proposes a 12% tax on gaming company revenues, a reduction from the initially approved 18%, and a 15% income tax on player winnings over a certain threshold. The federal government, including President Lula da Silva and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, views the bill as crucial for next year's budget. However, with the legislative year ending on 23 December, time is limited for its completion.

Chile's Gaming Industry on the Rise

In Chile, the traditional casino sector is flourishing. In September 2023, the Superintendence of Games and Casinos of Chile (SCJ) reported a 0.8% increase compared to September 2022. There was also a significant 10% rise in visitor numbers. The sector's contribution to regional development is noteworthy, with $18.6 million in taxes collected to fund local projects and national initiatives. Yogonet.

Meanwhile, progress in regulating online gambling in Chile is still underway. The Chamber of Deputies is reviewing a bill to establish a regulated online gaming and sports betting environment. This move aims to align Chile with global online gambling standards. The proposed regulation, including a 20% tax for iGaming operators (on top of VAT), is intended to create a fair and competitive market and bring online operators in line with land-based gambling establishments. Yogonet.

Macau’s November Revenue 435% Surge

Macau's Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for November 2023 reached MOP16.04 billion, a 435% surge compared to last year, consolidating its growing revenue trend. Though 17.7% lower than October's high, November ranked as the fourth highest revenue month this year, with the first 11 months of the year totalling MOP164.49 billion, a 324.9% year-on-year increase. This resurgence reflects a return to near pre-pandemic levels, signalling a solid recovery for Macau.

Looking ahead, Macau is anticipated to achieve a yearly revenue of at least MOP170 billion, with an ambitious forecast of MOP216 billion for 2024. To reach this target, casinos must average about MOP18 billion monthly. All data published by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.

WPT Season XXII Unveils Global Tour

The World Poker Tour (WPT) is set to captivate poker fans in early 2024 with its Season XXII schedule, featuring 11 international stops. The season promises a mix of seven WPT Prime and four Main Tour events from late January to early June. The action-packed season begins with WPT Cambodia at NagaWorld, Phnom Penh, followed by highlights including the WPT Rolling Thunder event at Thunder Valley Casino in California and the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida in April.

The Prime Tour includes the WPT Prime Aix-en-Provence in the Pasino Grand, Aix-en-Provence, France, in January, followed by a series of exciting stops, including WPT Prime Amsterdam and the exciting WPT Voyage, a unique event aboard Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady luxury cruise ship setting sail around the Caribbean. Events will also occur in Slovakia, the Gold Coast, and Vietnam, concluding with WPT Prime Sanremo in Italy in June. The first half of WPT Season XXII will offer an eclectic and thrilling global poker experience for all poker fanatics.

iGB Affiliate Awards 2024

The iGB Affiliate Awards 2024 on 8 February at London's Troxy have attracted 338 nominations across 20 categories. Moving to Barcelona in 2025, this final London edition showcases a solid international community, with 19 categories judged by a 21-member panel and the coveted Game of the Year opened for public vote. Portfolio Director for the awards, Naomi Barton, celebrated the event and the nominees, stating, “It’s totally fitting that the last iGB Affiliate Awards to be held in London has attracted a record 338 submissions from across the international community.”

The awards have sparked enthusiasm among judges and highlighted the sector's healthy growth, particularly noting strides in safer gambling innovations. These advancements underscore the continuing commitment to responsible play and sustainability. The detailed shortlist spans diverse categories, from Best Casino Affiliate and Safer Gambling Initiative of the Year to Best Tech for Affiliates and Best Affiliate Network. Check out the complete list of categories and nominees here.

WA.Technology Weekly

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