WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming Update

February 9, 2024

Welcome to WA.Technology’s iGaming news, where we bring you a taste of what’s been happening worldwide in sports betting, online casinos, lottery, and more. 

ICE London 2024 – That’s a Wrap!

ICE London 2024, the last ICE event in the UK before its relocation to Barcelona, was a momentous occasion marked by a record-setting number of exhibitors and attendees. With over 700 exhibitions from around the globe, ICE London 2024 celebrated its final year in London with unprecedented grandeur, featuring a range of familiar and new attractions, including the Esports Arena, the Consumer Protection Zone, and the debut of the Growth Markets Zone focusing on emerging Latin American and African markets. The event was a hub for over 1 million business meetings, showcasing its strength in connecting the global gaming community and offering more business opportunities.

At ICE VOX, the World Regulatory Briefing (WRB) 2024 provided critical insights into the regulatory, legal, and compliance challenges facing the iGaming industry. The discussions covered the need for global regulatory harmonisation, the importance of innovation in player engagement, the shift in focus towards player vulnerability, and the essential collaboration between regulators and the industry to adapt to technological advancements. 

Find out more about WA.Technology’s time at ICE and its Free Entry Prize Giveaways captured the attention of many visitors.

Brazil Regulations: ICE London 2024 Reveals Path Forward

Sticking with ICE London 2024, José Francisco Manssur announced key details regarding the new regulatory framework for sports betting in Brazil, emphasising the opening of the first accreditation window for sports betting in March, with the final window closing in October. As a special advisor to the Ministry of Finance and responsible for the newly established Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SAP), Manssur outlined the plan to issue at least 12 ordinances to regulate the sports betting and online gaming law enacted on December 29, 2022. The process aims to ensure a healthy market, with measures to address gaming pathology and advertising standards, highlighting the importance of responsible gambling practices among operators.

The Brazilian federal government recently officially established the Prizes and Bets Secretariat (SAP), under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to oversee and regulate all aspects of betting and lotteries. The SAP, structured to include three deputy secretariats, is tasked with various responsibilities, from regulating fixed-odds betting to monitoring compliance with corruption and money laundering regulations. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure a safe and regulated betting environment, providing a framework for the legal and orderly development of Brazil's betting and lottery sectors.

SAGSE 2024: Expanding Horizons in Latin America and Beyond

SAGSE’s exciting lineup for 2024 is almost underway, featuring editions in Argentina, Paraguay, and the U.S. With a focus on optimising resources, SAGSE aims to facilitate sustainability and success within the sector. The agenda includes SAGSE Latam in Buenos Aires, SAGSE ONE in Ciudad del Este, SAGSE Networking Miami, and a final event in Mendoza, Argentina. Each event complements the others, providing a comprehensive platform for networking, business development, and sector growth.

SAGSE Latam, set for March 20-21 at the Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center, remains the flagship event with 31 previous editions. It will occur in the prestigious Puerto Madero neighbourhood and promises an exceptional business environment. SAGSE Latam 2024 is poised to be an exciting gathering for operators and professionals looking to expand in the Latin American market, featuring an extensive exhibition plan and a variety of sponsorship opportunities.

SiGMA Africa 2024 – Coming Soon!

SiGMA Africa will soon celebrate the iGaming market in Africa with its next edition in Cape Town, South Africa, from March 11-13, 2024. Following its successful kickoff in Nairobi, the event highlights Africa's rapidly growing, mobile-centric iGaming landscape, aiming to be an essential networking hub. 

The event will bring together industry leaders for three days of discussions, workshops, and awards, celebrating everything in the African world of mobile gaming, sports betting, blockchain technology, and more. The summit highlights the continent's potential with over 2,500 delegates, 650 operators, and over 100 exhibitors.

Learn more about WA.Technology’s recent launch of WA.Africa its localised omnichannel platform that integrates mobile, retail, and online gaming services explicitly designed for the African market. 

Macau's Gaming Market Continues to Thrive

Macau's gaming sector witnessed a significant resurgence in the fourth quarter of 2023, with mass baccarat gross gaming revenue (GGR) climbing 12.6% to MOP33.53 billion. This performance outstripped and surpassed pre-pandemic levels, achieving 109.2% of the GGR of Q4 2019. VIP baccarat and slot machine revenues also saw upward trends, marking the highest performance since the Covid-19 pandemic began. 

January 2024 saw a 26% month-on-month increase in premium mass baccarat wagers, buoyed by 98 new tables across Macau. This uptick reflects a strong recovery and growing player engagement, particularly among Macau’s high-rollers.

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