Germany continues to be plagued by illegal gambling operators, resulting in lower revenues from the licensed gaming verticals. This is a serious problem that the European country has been struggling for a while with.

According to the German Sports Betting Association (Deutsche Sportwettenverband/DSWV), legal sports betting declined in 2022 in spite of the FIFA World Cup which bolstered operators’ revenues in other markets. On the contrary, German companies saw revenues plummet, causing serious concerns for the future of legal gambling in the country.

German sportsbooks earned $8.7 billion (converted from Euro, current rates) in 2022, which represents a 13% year-on-year decline from the $10 billion it earned the prior year. State revenues from sports betting tax also declined correspondingly to around $460 million.

Tight Regulations Are to Blame, the DSWV Says

The DSWV attributed the suboptimal results to Germany being knocked out of the World Cup in the early stages and the repressive market regulations. In its efforts to protect customers from gambling harm, Germany has created a rule set that makes it hard for operators to remain sustainable.

In addition, the regulations have channeled some players toward the black market. According to the DSWV, the regulations are not helping people save money. Instead, people are gambling the same amounts elsewhere. This is confirmed by recent studies that show a steep 65% rise in illegal gambling activity.

Another problem is that the legal German market is not known for its diverse products. While it offers quite a few sports betting sites, most of them offer a limited types of markets. In addition, customers do not have much choice when it comes to slots, poker and online casino games either.

Mathias Dahms, president of the DSWV, said:

For most customers, whether a provider has a permit from Germany is secondary. They are looking for the most comprehensive offer, the best odds, uncomplicated payment processes and interesting bonuses. That’s where the legal offers have a hard time.

Mathias Dahms, president, DSWV

Ads Aren’t So Bad, the Union Argues

Another thing that prevents the legal market from being successful is Germany’s strict restrictions on gambling advertisements. Gambling ads are one of the hot topics of the global regulated gambling industry, as many regions are seeking to protect non-gamblers from being bombarded with gambling content.

However, restricting ads has an adverse effect when it comes to existing gamblers, who have no qualms about picking an illegal operator, despite the related risks.

The DSWV noted that many people falsely assume that more ads equal more gamblers. However, certain markets such as the UK and Denmark have proven this notion to be wrong.

Luka Andric, CEO of the DSWV, also commented on the matter. He said that advertising is useful for telling people which sites are legal and provide player protections. Andric highlighted the importance of advertising in a responsible way and preventing self-excluded people from receiving ads.

The DSWV hopes that Germany will be able to strike a balance between protecting its customers and preventing the black market from reigning supreme.

Provider of iLottery and iGaming solutions NeoGames SA announced today that its subsidiary, Pariplay, signed an agreement with DraftKings to launch content in New Jersey.

Starting in New Jersey

The new content deal with DraftKings will allow Pariplay to make its mark in the growing North American online casino market, starting in New Jersey and expecting to expand into Michigan and West Virginia later on.

“DraftKings is a brand that needs no introduction, with its massive presence across North America and global stature,” commented the president of NeoGames, Tsachi Maimon, outlining that launching content with the Boston-based operator serves as “a huge statement of intent” for Pariplay’s and its parent’s expansion plans in North America.

The agreement will see content developed by Wizard Games, NeoGames’ in-house casino games studio, become available for online casino players with DraftKings in the Garden State. Players will get access to the hugely popular title, Spirit of Mustang, as well as other successful games localized for the US market.

The launch will also include a large selection of top-performing third-party titles and content available exclusively through Pariplay in a collaboration that is set to become the latest major step made by the aggregator in North America.

Featuring thousands of game titles developed by industry-leading game studios, and a suite of back-office conversion and retention tools aimed at enhancing player value, Pariplay’s Fusion platform established its presence across North American markets and is now seeking to consolidate its position as the leading aggregation platform on the continent.

Further Expansion on the Cards

With licenses to provide its games in New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, NeoGames is planning to expand Pariplay’s presence with DraftKings in these jurisdictions in the future, pending agreement, licensure and regulatory approval.

Pariplay content is already available in Michigan with BetMGM Casino after NeoGames and the online gaming brand teamed last year to bring titles such as Spirit of Mustang and Wolf Riches to players in the state.

Outside of North America, NeoGames continued strengthening its position in European markets such as Sweden, where it signed a distribution deal with ATG to provide the sports betting and gaming operator with its Fusion aggregation platform, Wizard Games-developed and selected third-party titles.

Last month, NeoGames launched its sports betting and lottery solution for the first time in Brazil, following an agreement with Intralot do Brasil signed in June last year to introduce iLottery and sports betting solutions via Intralot’s Loteria Mineira.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the host of the World Pool’s Dubai Super Saturday, announced that this year’s event saw a significant uptick in turnover. On Friday, HKJC confirmed that the betting turnover of Dubai’s Super Saturday meeting hit a globally comingled turnover of HK$224,802,517 ($28.6 million).

A total of eight races contributed toward that result. The spectacular card in Meydan marked an increase in the globally commingled turnover. This year, the commingled turnover’s result of HK$224.8 million marked an increase of HK$18.9 million ($2.4 million) when compared to the turnover from the same period last year.

While the recent meeting wrapped up, World Pool is expected to return to Meydan Racecourse later this month. On Saturday, March 25, 2023, the Dubai World Cup meeting is set to take place at the famous racecourse.

“World Pool continues to grow year-on-year and we couldn’t be happier to exceed 2022’s Super Saturday turnover total.“

Sam Nati, head of commingling at the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Sam Nati, HKJC’s head of commingling, said that the popularity of World Pool continues to grow year after year. The Club’s head of commingling pointed out that HKJC is delighted to see this year’s result surpass the turnover from the Super Saturday that took place in 2022.

According to Nati, the runners from Hong Kong helped boost engagement and interest in the event. “We continue to see unbelievable comparative value and deep liquidity wherever World Pool goes,” said HKJC’s head of commingling in conclusion.

“Having runners from Hong Kong engaged at the meeting really added to the international flavor that is World Pool,“

added Nati

During Super Saturday, The Ras Al Khor race enjoyed significant popularity and recorded the highest turnover out of all eight races. There were pari-mutuel organizations from more than 20 different countries that contributed toward the turnover of The Ras Al Khor race which hit HK$33,518,763 ($4.3 million) this year. The race itself was won by Godolphin’s Al Suhail.

On the other hand, other races also enjoyed strong turnover with G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 recording HK$31,560,463 ($4 million) while the G1 Jebel Hatta race hit HK$33,366,784 ($4.3 million) in turnover. The G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 was won by Salute The Soldier, marking the second such win.

Sarah Watson, a Somers Point woman, is under arrest for attempting a robbery at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. Investigators found out that this isn’t her first crime either.

As reported by Breaking AC, Watson, 35, was arrested Friday at the casino where she pulled out a knife and an electroshock in the midst of a dispute over money. According to witnesses, her threats followed a heated argument with other people in the casino.

According to assistant prosecutor Harlee Stein, witnesses say that the argument really infuriated Watson, at which point the Somers Point woman pulled out her weapons and demanded $700. The angry woman allegedly went as far as threatening a victim by holding the knife toward their throat.

On the contrary, defense attorney Raquel DeStefano claims that there was no such threat and that Watson herself told the people around her to call the police. According to DeStefano, Watson and the other involved people were all intoxicated and arguing over money.

DeStefano also noted that the police found the knife and the electroshock in her bag and claimed that the woman never actually pulled them out to threaten others. However, Superior Court Judge Patricia Wild was not convinced.

Watson has also an active warrant in a pending prostitution case. Court records show she was also involved in a drug case and was required to serve at least two years. Her “impressive track record” also includes instances of child abuse and filing a false report.

Breaking AC concluded that Watson will remain under arrest while her case goes through the court.

Other Casino Crimes

Unfortunately, Watson isn’t the only case of recent casino crime. A few days ago, alleged participants in an unlawful gambling ring in New York were arraigned in Federal Court. Meanwhile, a Texan resident by the name of Nathan Nichols was sentenced to 2+ years in prison for running an illegal gambling operation.

At the beginning of March, a visitor of the Snoqualmie Casino in Washington state was arrested. Snoqualmie police officers believe that the man, a 22-year-old called Allen Mekto, has been involved in more than 50 robberies.

Mekto wasn’t very good at covering his tracks and on multiple occasions showed up at the casino wearing the exact same outfit from a different crime scene. Eventually, the police were able to track him down to the Kent Valley Motel and arrest him. It turned out that Mekto has a history of crime dating back to his juvenile years.

As of the time of this writing, the Mekto remains at the King County Jail on a $280,000 bail. He is currently charged with one account of robbery but more charges are expected to be linked to him.

Elsewhere, Okada Manila kidnappings resulted in five people being arrested.

Barcelona is the only team that’s defeated Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in more than two years. But maybe Liverpool can beat them on Wednesday? Unfortunately for the Reds, just winning isn’t enough. They need a big win instead.

The good news is that they’ve already proved they have a lot of firepower. Some 10 days ago, they demolished Manchester United 7-0.

Real Madrid vs Liverpool Odds

*Odds taken from bet365 on Friday, March 10, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain
• Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
• Time: 3:00 PM ET
• How to Watch: Paramount+

Reigning Champions Taking This Game Seriously

Los Blancos do have a comfortable lead on aggregate, but you can be sure they won’t muck around on Wednesday. Instead, it’s very likely that manager Carlo Ancelotti will pick his best XI for the clash with Liverpool.

The main reason is that he knows that the Reds can be tricky in big games. After all, they did knock-out Real’s archrival Barcelona in the 2019 UCL after a historic comeback from being 0-3 down.

Another reason why Los Blancos will go all-in on Wednesday is that the game is played four days before the clash with Barcelona in La Liga. The UCL game would serve as a general rehearsal for the domestic league game.

The Reds to Attack with All They Got

Liverpool need a big win on Wednesday, with at least three goals in Real Madrid’s net. We say “at least” because a 3-0 win would take the game to extra time. And if they concede a goal(s), they will have to score even more than that.

They do have the confidence they can pull it off thanks to the brilliant performance against Manchester United some on March 5. They destroyed their EPL rivals 7-0 with the goals being scored by four different players – Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino.

This fact shows that the Reds have plenty of offensive weapons in their arsenal. In addition to those four, they also got Diogo Jota in the attack, as well as many offensive-minded midfielders.

Real Madrid vs Liverpool Prediction

Liverpool are going to attack ferociously on Wednesday. Does this mean Real Madrid will defend? No way, knowing that they’re playing in front of their fans. Instead, they’re going to fight back. The result is that we’re going to see an incredibly entertaining game.

There should be plenty of goals on both ends, with the visitors probably winning the game. Still, we don’t think they’re going to beat Real Madrid with a big enough advantage to knock the champs out of the competition.

Pick: Liverpool to win & over 3.5 goals

Even the best of us sometimes get distracted. However, an Australian man took it a step further by holding a $40 million (around USD 26.46 million) Powerball ticket for a week before redeeming it.

As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the winner is a “grandfather” from Swan Valley. The lottery player purchased the Slikpik 18 ticket from Springs News in Bennett Springs around an hour before the draw closed.

Unfortunately, the player failed to check whether he won later for an entire week, instead keeping the ticket in his pocket. Luckily, he didn’t lose or damage the ticket and eventually took it to the store where he bought it.

The man was shocked to learn that he is the lottery winner everyone was looking for.

Winning the Lottery Changed the Man’s Life

Although the Perth man has preferred to remain anonymous for now, he spoke about how he felt to be a winner. According to his own words, the grandfather was in “complete disbelief and shock” when he learned that he had won 40 million Australian dollars.

The lottery winner added that he and his family celebrated the monumental victory with a modest but memorable feast of fish and chips. He noted that winning the lottery has forever changed his family’s lives for the better.

As for what the winner will do with the money, he said that he will share the winnings with his loved ones and will make sure that his grandkids get everything they need.

We’re a tight family and will share the win together, making sure our kids and grandkids are looked after.

A statement by the lottery winner

The lottery winner added that from now on he will be always booking business class tickets when traveling around the world.

The Sydney Morning Herald also reported that Milan Vuletich, who owns Spring News where the winner bought the ticket, was beyond surprised to learn that he had sold a ticket for $40 million. Vuletich noted that his store had sold $1 million Division One tickets a few years ago but he never expected to actually sell a ticket for a prize this big.

The Perth lottery winner might have been a little bit distracted to check his ticket, but elsewhere, a lottery winner almost threw away a $1 million ticket. This happened to a 30-year-old woman from Clinton County, Michigan, who threw away her winning ticket without checking it properly. Luckily, she was wise enough to double-check the ticket the next morning before she threw the garbage.

Veikkaus Oy’s 2022 profits remained roughly in line with last year. Fennica Gaming, the group’s first subsidiary, showed promising results and should soon significantly contribute to the group’s market presence. Despite optimistic remarks from board members, rising political pressures may soon disrupt Veikkaus’ undisputed reign over the Swedish market.

Financials Remained Stable across the Board

The group’s overall performance for the 12-month period ending 31 December is roughly in line with 2021. Revenues reached €1,07 billion ($1,14 billion), a 3% drop compared to last year. Operating income and financial profit also saw little change, remaining respectively at €680.3 million (7$24.97 million) and €680.0 million ($724.67 million).

Brick-and-mortar venues accounted for 49.7% of gross gaming revenue, while the agency’s iGaming offerings edged ahead, contributing 50.3%. Lotteries continue to be the cornerstone of Veikkaus’ business model, netting €600.0 million ($639.52 million) in revenue. Land-based casinos generated a respectable € 346.7 million ($369.55 million), but betting revenues dropped by 16.9% year-on-year to €123.8 million ($131.97 million).

Expenses also remained relatively stable despite rising inflation. The monopoly paid significantly lower lottery taxes at €36.3 million ($38.75 million) for a 39.8% drop. However, the 3.3% rise in material and service costs of €132.5 million ($141.51 million) balanced the net sum. As a state-owned entity, Veikkaus’ total net income of €671.0 million ($716.4 million) will go toward government initiatives and projects.

Foreign Operators Continue to Siphon Profits

According to Veikkaus’s most recent press release, the ongoing stagnation primarily resulted from several unfavorable factors. CFO Regina Sippel explained that consumer activity still lagged behind pre-pandemic levels despite the group’s venues operating at capacity. She noted that 2021’s manual limits for slot machines, the war in Ukraine, and a challenging economic climate exerted significant pressure on potential gamblers.

The… increase in consumer uncertainty and reduced purchasing power have… affected demand for Veikkaus games.

Regina Sippel, Veikkaus CFO

Veikkaus’ status as a state-owned entity means it remains fully committed to fostering a responsible gaming environment. In 2023, the company plans to introduce compulsory authentication for ticket-based games, covering most of the company’s offerings. However, foreign operators continue to undermine the monopoly’s online market share. They function outside the country’s player protection regulations, putting an increasing number of players at harm.

While revenues remained stable, Veikkaus is facing trouble on the political front. Politicians are becoming increasingly weary of foreign operators siphoning profits overseas while causing harm within the country’s borders. Three leading parties have expressed a desire to end Veikkaus’s monopoly and introduce a licensing system similar to Sweden’s. With plans to transition by 2025, the agency’s competition-free days may soon meet their end.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the single industry body of the gaming and betting industry in the UK, released data from a new study that probed what may be the possible outcome of tight restrictions for the gambling market in the country.

The study, organized by YouGov for the BGC, uncovered that 79% of the gamblers feared that enhanced restrictions may result in people switching to unregulated, black-market gambling operators. Some 70% of the participants in the new study admitted that if they encounter a request for sharing “private financial documents” as a requirement to place a wager, they are likely to select a different bookmaker.

The Council reiterated data from a previous survey from RacingTV which uncovered that 15% out of 3,500 gamblers admitted that they knew someone who uses an unregulated online gambling company. The same study found that some 80% of the respondents disputed mandatory spending limits imposed by bookmakers.

Non-intrusive Gambling Checks Are Needed

BGC’s CEO, Michael Dugher, explained that the recent research by YouGov once again raises the concern that the proposed changes to the regulated gambling sector are pushed forward by people who haven’t wagered. At the same time, he said that the BGC supports “genuinely non-intrusive checks, which use technology to carefully target and protect the tiny minority of vulnerable punters.”

“This research is the latest in a series outlining the genuine concerns of millions of ordinary punters who feel that the people making decisions about the future of betting are out of touch and have never had a bet in their lives.“

Michael Dugher, CEO of the BGC

Dugher also acknowledged that blanket affordability checks and intrusive restrictions for the sector are likely to face fierce rejection by gamblers. Moreover, he warned that such efforts may even push gamblers to the unregulated, black-market operators that do not offer any safe gambling tools and do not pay taxes or support the economy.

“Ministers should listen to the millions of punters enjoying Cheltenham rather than pander to a naive and snobbish minority of anti-gambling prohibitionists,“

added Dougher

Data from the latest study emerged ahead of the biggest horseracing week, the Cheltenham Festival. Starting next week, the Festival is expected to see 280,000 attendees and generate some £274 million ($329.4 million) for the local economy. Keeping in mind the popularity of the event, during the four days of racing, some £1 billion ($1.2 billion) is expected to be wagered.