Balkans
Albania to Re-legalise Sports Betting from January 1
Albania is going to reintroduce legal sports betting as of 1 January 2023, four years after it, along with casinos and online gambling, was made illegal.
The decision, which has been on the cards since the summer, will bring much-needed revenue to the government, which faces a debt of over 90%, increasing pressure to subsidise rising energy costs, and calls to support the vulnerable amid the global crisis.
Effective as of the start of next year, sports betting games will now be legal, and it is estimated that some €17 million will be collected in tax each year.
All gambling, except a handful of licensed casinos, was prohibited as of 31 December 2018. Hundreds of betting shops and gambling sites were shut down, and efforts were made to block online sites.
However, gambling continued throughout the country in illegal betting and gambling shops, with arrests occurring almost weekly.
Momentum to legalise sports betting has been growing since August when a coalition of sporting stakeholders petitioned the government to ask for the reinstitution of regulated and supervised sports betting, arguing it can bring much-needed revenue to one of Europe’s poorest countries.
“We are not proposing to open the entire range of gambling, including electronic casinos or bingo halls. Our proposal includes total fiscal transparency, league-regulated online sports betting,” the petition states.
Stakeholders suggest that revenue generated from sports betting be used to support the country’s athletes. The petition specifies that betting should be allowed via certified operators, including local and international brands. In addition, they suggest an age limit and a maximum bet limit.
“The regulation of sports betting by law is a practice followed by many Western countries. In these countries, the income from sports betting is used to develop sports and sports infrastructure and to support the youth,” they argued.
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the push stating that if the decision goes ahead, extreme conditions will be imposed, and all revenue will go to sports, culture and youth.
“We will look at this very positively; we will set extreme conditions…these are guaranteed by large international companies, which operate worldwide and operate in the European Union area.”
He added: “I have been obvious that these revenues, which we calculate to be many times more than what we contribute every year, go to sports, culture and youth, but very clearly and dedicatedly, the lion’s share, the sport will take it.”
Balkans
Wazdan further expands European footprint with mrbit.bg partnership
Wazdan, the gain-focused developer behind some of the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences, is continuing its impressive European expansion after signing a deal with mrbit.bg, a Bulgarian-based top-tier casino operator.
Through this partnership, Wazdan is bringing its acclaimed collection of player-favourite slots to mrbit.bg’s platform, such as Power of Gods™: Hades, Sizzling Eggs™ and the entire Hot Slot™ series.
mrbit.bg’s customers will also get to experience Wazdan’s signature engagement-boosting features, including the incredibly popular Hold the Jackpot™ bonus round, Cash Infinity™ and Sticky to Infinity™. These mechanics have proven to drive player retention and casino revenue across numerous regulated markets.
One of the fastest-growing casino brands in Europe, mrbit.bg boasts a constantly expanding customer base, alongside being one of the few operators in Bulgaria with official mobile apps for increased availability.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Mr. Bit, an established operator with a strong presence in several key European markets. Their player-centric approach aligns perfectly with our focus on designing immersive, feature-rich games.
“By launching our top-performing titles on mrbit.bg’s platform, we are able to extend our award-winning content to an even wider audience. This collaboration is an exciting milestone in our European growth strategy.”
Anastasia Ardelean, Head of Marketing at mrbit.bg, added: “Our team has been preparing long and hard to enter the Bulgarian market and finally we have done it! Players can enjoy amazing slots not only on the mrbit.bg website, but also in our official applications, which are available in the most popular stores: Google Play and Apple Store.
“I sincerely thank the Wazdan team for their cooperation. Together we are providing a new level of service to the Bulgarian market, and the quality will continue to increase.”
The post Wazdan further expands European footprint with mrbit.bg partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
CT Gaming to Showcase its Latest Products at the Belgrade Future Gaming Exhibition
CT Gaming is going to showcase its latest products at the Belgrade Future Gaming exhibition, which will take place on May 28–29 in Belgrade, Serbia. At its booth, the company, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, will present a curated selection of products and solutions tailored to the preferences of local customers.
CT Gaming will present the slot machines Next 27/27/27 and EZ Modulo 32/32/32, the multigame packages Diamond King 3 and Mermaid’s Quest, as well as the casino management system – Rhino.
The spotlight at the stand will be on Diamond King 3, the newest multigame from the Diamond King series. It includes 50 captivating games that combine classic titles with exciting new ones, as well as the legendary trio from Mega Jack – Aztec Gold, Champagne 20, and Slot-O-Pol, with enhanced graphics and captivating concepts. 20 of the games are linked to the 3-level progressive Diamond Tree Jackpot.
“The return of the legendary trio from Mega Jack reminds us of one of the company’s first major breakthroughs, which continues to reap success. By reviving the three classic Mega Jack games, we allow customers to experience our legacy in a new and modern way,” Biser Bozhanov, Director of Strategy and Business Development at CT Gaming, said.
The casino management system – Rhino has new and improved functionalities, combining everything necessary for managing gaming halls of all kinds.
“Serbia is one of the most valuable markets, and over the years, we have established long-term and strong partnerships that we look forward to further strengthening during this event,” Biser Bozhanov said.
The post CT Gaming to Showcase its Latest Products at the Belgrade Future Gaming Exhibition appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet
Expanse Studios, a leader in online gaming innovation, has secured a Bulgarian iGaming license and is now live on Inbet’s website. This expansion brings Expanse Studios’ popular game offerings including turn-based strategies gamified for iGaming, classic slots, traditional card games and the highly-acclaimed ones like Titan Roulette, Clown Fever Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, White Wild Whale and Joker Poker to Bulgarian players.
Diverse Gaming Portfolio Now Available to Bulgarian Players
With the Bulgarian market entry, Expanse Studios introduces a versatile gaming experience to Inbet’s platform. The offerings include a dynamic range of games tailored to diverse player preferences:
- Turn-based strategy games: Leveraging gamification, these games transform traditional strategy gameplay into engaging iGaming experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced players.
- Classic slots: Players will enjoy a variety of themed slots that combine traditional gameplay with modern graphics and sound.
- Traditional card games: A selection of popular card games offer something for every card game enthusiast.
- Titan Roulette: This standout feature, known for its immersive experience and innovative design, continues to be a favorite among roulette players.
Commitment to Quality and Compliance
Expanse Studios not only cultivates a diverse gaming library but also adheres to stringent regulatory standards to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The acquisition of the Bulgarian iGaming license is a testament to Expanse Studios’ commitment to compliance and excellence in the gaming industry.
The partnership between Expanse Studios and Inbet marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ expansion efforts. By combining Expanse Studios’ innovative gaming solutions with Inbet’s established market presence, both entities are set to offer a superior gaming experience to players in Bulgaria and potentially beyond. As Expanse Studios continues to develop and release new games monthly, Bulgarian players can look forward to a continually evolving and enriching gaming landscape.
The post Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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