Entain’s Focus on UK Growth for Turnaround Success
Entain, a major player in the gambling industry, has revealed that its UK business is a focal point in the company’s turnaround strategy for 2024. Despite facing a 6% decrease in Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) to £1 billion in the first half of the year due to regulatory changes, Entain remains optimistic about the future.
The implementation of various product enhancements such as improved site speed, an in-house bet builder product, and the development of the LadBucks free-to-play rewards program are expected to drive growth and attract more casual players. Chief Commercial Officer and President Sameer Deen expressed confidence in the progress being made by the new UK leadership team.
In addition to its UK operations, Entain reported a 6% year-on-year increase in group NGR to £2.56 billion in the first half of the year. Its Central and Eastern Europe joint venture with Czech investors saw a significant uptick in revenue, thanks to strategic acquisitions in Poland and Croatia.
Codere Online Prepares for Potential Advertising Restrictions in Spain
Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere Online, has raised concerns about the potential reinstatement of strict advertising controls in Spain. While a recent Supreme Court ruling overturned certain advertising restrictions, Sher believes that the government may introduce new regulations in the future.
Despite the temporary reprieve, Sher anticipates that the parliament will eventually bring back the original ad ban, limiting operators’ marketing activities. This uncertainty has prompted Codere Online to make the most of the current advertising landscape while they can.
Austrian Supreme Court Rules Against Unlicensed Operator
In a notable legal case, the Austrian Supreme Court has ordered a player to return part of their winnings to an unlicensed operator. The ruling highlighted the importance of operating within the legal framework and obtaining the necessary licenses to conduct gambling activities in the country.
Entain and Sportingbet Engage in Trademark Dispute
Entain’s Sportingbet has initiated legal action against Bulgarian betting operator Sportingwin over alleged trademark infringement. The dispute centers around similarities between the two brands and raises questions about intellectual property rights in the industry.
Betsson Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Sporting Solutions
Betsson Group has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Sporting Solutions’ trading, pricing, and sports betting risk-management services from FDJ Group. This strategic move aims to strengthen Betsson’s offerings in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) segments.
Gamstop Reports Increase in Younger Self-Exclusions
Gamstop, the UK’s national self-exclusion register, has witnessed a concerning trend of younger gamblers signing up for the program. With a notable 12% increase in self-exclusions among players aged 16-24, there is a growing need for targeted support and educational initiatives to address the issue of underage gambling.
The latest data from Gamstop underscores the importance of responsible gambling measures and highlights the industry’s ongoing efforts to promote safer gaming practices. As more young individuals seek help through self-exclusion programs, stakeholders must collaborate to protect vulnerable populations from the risks associated with excessive gambling.
