As a result of the move, the operator becomes the 17th to have a presence in Colombia, as the region continues to strengthen its gambling footprint. 

Coljuegos President, Marco Emilio Hincapié, commented: “We continue to strengthen the industry of games operated by the internet. 

“We hope that, with the entry of this new operator, we can continue to increase transfers for the health of Colombians. At this time, the platform is already operating for the betting public. 

“We are seeing that online betting is a sector of the economy that has driven the growth of the country’s gross domestic product. For this reason, we are working to make the market even more attractive and to provide more options to bettors.” 

Furthermore, the President also detailed that the country’s government anticipates that the online gambling sector has paid approximately COP 419.5bn (£75.6m/€90.4m/$95.5m) in exploitation rights by the end of 2024.

This is an increase of 31% compared to 2023, with all of those contributions going to the health sector.

As well as this, Colombia’s National Council of Games of Luck and Chance (Coljuegos) and the country’s National Superintendence of Health previously entered into an agreement to further protect players from gambling harm. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government departments “strengthened the surveillance of the operation of the territorial games”. 

Betano has continued to grow its presence in  various markets through sports sponsorships, including a landmark deal to partner with the 2024 European Championships. 

The group also boosted its UK expansion by collaborating with Aston Villa, as the club’s front of shirt sponsor. 

Kaizen Gaming’s Co-Founder and CEO, George Daskalakis emphasised the pair’s vision and ambition for growth as they continue to look to excel into new markets and tap into wider audiences.

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As a result of the deal, the Kaizen Gaming brand will benefit from exposure during the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League for the next three seasons.

Aris Dimarakis, Deputy CEO of Kaizen Gaming, said: “During UEFA EURO 2024, we formed an impeccable partnership with UEFA, elevating the experience of millions of fans across the globe who enjoyed the excitement of watching one of the world’s most prestigious sports events. Building on that success, we are joining forces again to support the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League. 

“As Kaizen Gaming continues to grow, delivering one-of-a-kind entertainment through responsible gaming, this partnership with one of the world’s most respected sports organisations is a testament to our progress and our team’s continued hard work.”  

The deal builds on the successful sponsorship programme that made Betano the first-ever betting partner of UEFA EURO 2024. 

As part of that partnership, the Kaizen Foundation and the UEFA Foundation for Children joined forces in support of the 10,000 Smiles project that in total meant 10,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds attended 40 matches across ten stadiums during UEFA EURO 2024.

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Marketing Director, added: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Kaizen Gaming and its Betano brand for the next three seasons of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League. After witnessing the impressive scale at which they activated their UEFA EURO 2024 sponsorship with us this summer, we eagerly anticipate how Betano will capture the passion of European club football to deliver even more excitement for the fans.”

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Under a three-month exclusive partnership, Stakelogic’s live casino and slot titles will be made available to players on the Betano platform in the country. Meanwhile, Stakelogic Live’s live casino offering will be featured on Stoiximan.

Christos Mavridis, Head of Live Casino at Kaizen Gaming, commented: “This is a major content deal for us, adding some of the hottest slot titles and live casino games in the market to our premium Stoiximan and Betano platforms. I believe Stakelogic’s titles will prove to be a big hit with our players.”

Kaizen Gaming’s players can now play Stakelogic classic slots such as Super Bonus Wild, Runner 8 Runner, Bonus Runner, Super 6 Timer and Mega Runner, as well as video slots including Rooster Mobs, Wild Wild Bass 3, The Secret of Machu Picchu, Spinata Pinata and Wild Hogs.

In addition, Stakelogic Live will provide Stoiximan and Betano players with live dealer roulette, blackjack and gameshow titles.

Some Stakelogic titles will also include the Super Stake feature, which allows players to “double their bet to increase the chance of a bonus triggering and crazy win combinations landing”.

Neil Tanti, Senior Sales Manager at Stakelogic, noted: “Kaizen Gaming is a GameTech powerhouse running two of the most successful brands in the world. It’s great to see our classic slots and video slots land in the game lobbies of Stoiximan and Betano, and for players to finally get to see why our titles top the charts in markets across the world.

“Our Live titles provide the authentic, interactive gameplay that players are seeking, wrapped up in a sleek, stylish, VIP experience like no other. We are thrilled to have integrated our premium live titles with Kaizen Gaming’s super popular brands in a three-month exclusive deal.”

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The sponsorship looks to elevate the firm’s recent expansion into the UK market, building on the Kaizen Gaming  operator brand’s recent links with UEFA EURO 2024 and CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.

Chris Heck, President of Business Operations, Aston Villa said: “We are delighted to welcome Betano as Aston Villa’s new principal partner. Their dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction and responsible gaming aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear as a club. 

“Aston Villa and Betano share a commitment to excellence, and we look forward to achieving great success together on and off the pitch. This collaboration marks an exciting chapter for both our organisations.”

As a result, the Betano logo will be showcased on the front of Aston Villa shirts from the 2024-25 season.

Kaizen Gaming’s Co-Founder and CEO, George Daskalakis added on the deal: “Aston Villa fans have a lot to be proud of in the Club’s long and illustrious 150 year history. Their passion matched on the pitch by incredible players and management taking the Club on the road to glory makes The Villans one of the most formidable teams in world football today. 

“Aston Villa’s sensational on-field success in the Premier League along with their return to European football matches Betano’s own growth and continuing accomplishments.”

Betano’s sponsorship will complement Aston Villa’s positive community impact, as the brand has continuously contributed to the local societies where it is present via joint Corporate Responsibility initiatives, tailored to each market to promote inclusion, improve healthcare and raise awareness on important social issues.

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Fuelling the expansion, the firm has agreed a plethora of sponsorship deals in recent months as the group elevates exposure and brand awareness ahead of the new market entry, having been announced as an Official Sponsor of both UEFA Euro 2024 and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024. 

Brent Almeida, CCO of BVGroup, commented on the expansion: “Kaizen Gaming, with its flagship Betano brand, has cemented its status in recent years as a leading operator in the online gaming industry, evidenced by its partnerships with the world’s largest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and now the UEFA Euro 2024 and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024. 

“We are honoured to partner with Kaizen Gaming in bringing its Betano brand to the UK market, where we are confident that our technology and operating capabilities will give sports fans the safe and entertaining gaming experience that they expect from such a well-respected brand.” 

The launch will see the firm combine its global brand presence with BVGroup’s tech as it places a key focus on inroads into the UK market. 

Furthermore, the operator also laid out that its customers will be able to engage with a range of features, including In-Play Betting, Enhanced Accas, Bet Boosts and a highly responsive Bet Builder product with progressive pricing.

Julio Iglesias Hernando, CCO of Kaizen Gaming, added: “At Betano we are currently operating in multiple markets across Europe, Africa and the Americas, and we have engaged with customers with our top-notch proprietary platform offering a thrilling online betting experience. 

“It is a challenge to enter one of the largest regulated online gaming markets in the world, and to ensure a successful entry, you need excellent partners. A bit like competing in the Premier League. Finding the right partner has been a top priority for us, and this is exactly what we did with the well-established and reputable BVGroup. We are confident that our partnership in the UK will be a success. 

“As it has always been the case for us at Kaizen Gaming and Betano, responsible gaming will be at the heart of all our initiatives along with our commitment to support the local sports community’s growth, and our partners share our vision.”

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According to a report by The Telegraph, the Athens-based firm, owned by gambling group Kaizen Gaming, will pay £20m a season for the exposure of being on the front of Villa’s newest shirt.

This is a significant elevation on the club’s pre-existing deal with Chinese gaming firm BK8, which has been in place since June 2022. 

It continues a series of sports partnerships for Betano after the firm also became the first ever betting partner of the FIFA World Cup.

This sponsorship has been followed by deals with this year’s UEFA European Championship and CONMEBOL Copa America. These are two significant tournaments for the firm, building up and expanding its brand exposure in the established markets of Europe and the emerging betting sectors of Latin America.

It also comes as the Midland’s side purses success in the Europa Conference League this campaign whilst also competing near the top of the Premier League, as they look to cement a place back amongst Europe’s elite next season.

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It builds on a strong collaboration between the two organisations, as both seek to underline a commitment to the growth of sports in the region. 

Furthermore, the current competition season introduced a new format to the Cup, with the goal of bringing the game closer to the fans in the stands and at home.

Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer at Kaizen Gaming, Betano parent company, commented: “During the past two years, we have shared a common vision with the Romanian Football Federation to take Cupa Romaniei Betano to new heights. 

“The new format of the competition has been a great step on that route. We believe that the enthusiasm and the prestige surrounding Cupa Romaniei Betano will rise even higher as the important increase in audiences and fan engagement is already showing. 

“The new multi-year agreement reflects the commitment we have to this competition and to Romanian football and sports. At Kaizen Gaming we remain committed to supporting the growth of sports in Romania with integrity and responsibility.”

As part of the collaboration, Betano has been actively involved in marketing efforts, working alongside an extensive ecosystem of partners, including FRF, media partners and representatives of the teams that qualified for Cupa Romaniei Betano’s group stage.

FRF President, Răzvan Burleanu, added: “This is a special moment, as it marks the longest extension of a partnership ever recorded by the FRF – a 6-year extension of our collaboration with Betano for the Romanian Cup. 

“This new contract reflects the mutual trust between the Romanian Football Federation and Betano, as well as the recognition of our partnership’s essential contribution to the development and promotion of Romanian football. 

“Together, we aim to take the Betano Romanian Cup to another level and consolidate the position of this competition as one of the most important sports events in our country. Our work with Betano reflects our common commitment to promoting sports values. One of the remarkable achievements of this collaboration is Betano’s sustained effort in marketing projects dedicated to increasing the visibility and popularity of the Betano Romanian Cup.”

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585

As the result of a bribery investigation into Entain, the operator group agreed to a £585m settlement with the Crown Prosecution Service. 

The probe came from the company’s previous Turkish subsidiary Headlong, which was sold in 2017, with the Ladbrokes and Coral-owner now set to pay the multi-million-pound settlement to HMRC. 

As the illegal activity occurred before Entain’s rebrand from GVC Holdings in 2020, the operator has emphasised the bribery issue is one of legacy and that it has since transformed as a company. 

Chairman Barry Gibson commented: “This legacy issue pertains to a business divested by a past management team six years prior. The company has undergone significant changes since then, and the DPA process has underscored the profound evolution from the GVC of the past to today’s Entain. 

“We remain focused on advancing our operations exclusively within regulated markets and are acknowledged as a leading, responsible entity with unparalleled corporate governance across our business.”

60

Inspired Entertainment faces being delisted from the NASDAQ after it failed to publish its financial results for 2023’s third quarter. 

The igaming provider failed to submit form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange Commission, leading to NASDAQ authorities giving the firm 60 days to publish its results or it will be delisted from the exchange. 

The firm has until January 22 to publish its Q3 performance, with the option to extend this date by an additional 180 days to May 7 if the company publishes a plan deemed acceptable by the exchange. 

Earlier this month, the group noted that it needed an extension to publish its Q3 results following an audit from KPMG that identified accounting errors with US GAAP within the results. 

Inspired statement read: “Although the Company cannot at this time estimate when it will file the amended reports, it is diligently pursuing completion of the restatement and intends to make such filings as soon as reasonably practicable.”

2 

As the UK’s Gambling Act review continues to add uncertainty to its gambling sector, the UK Gambling Commission has begun the second round of white paper consultations. 

The second batch of consultations will cover socially responsible incentives; customer-led tools; transparency of protection of customer funds; removing commission requirements that would become obsolete due to the government’s upcoming statutory levy; and regulatory data.

Tim Miller, UKGC Executive Director for Research and Policy, commented: “The White Paper set out that a top government priority is ensuring that gambling happens safely. We share this commitment and today’s consultations propose how we can deliver on it.”

“We need as many people as possible to have their say on any potential changes to the rules operators must follow. These views will ultimately help shape gambling regulation across the country.”

The second round of consultations will run for 12 weeks, closing next year on February 21.

Furthermore, the UKGC will also shortly launch two additional consultation topics – financial penalties and financial key event reporting.

300

Kindred has revealed plans to completely exit the North American market, included as part of the company’s strategic review that is also seeing it reduce staffing by 300 employees.

Aiming to result in approximately £40m in annual savings, Kindred will exit North America by the end of Q2 2024, following the strategic review initiated back in April. 

Interim CEO Nils Andén said: “The cost reduction actions announced today are both necessary and decisive. 

“While it is never a desire to inform valued colleagues of redundancies, this puts us in a stronger position to secure long-term growth for Kindred across our locally regulated core markets.

“We can now focus our resources and tech capacity towards strategic initiatives and selected markets where we see clear potential to grow our market share.”

The announcement came alongside the operator group’s Q3 results for 2023, which saw Kindred publish year-to-date revenue growth of 18 per cent to £897m. 

Within the Q3 trading period, revenue stood at £283.9m, showing an increase of two per cent on Q3 2022’s £277.8m. Meanwhile, Q3 EBITDA stood at £33.9m, a sizable drop of 55.57 per cent from the previous year’s £76.3m, while underlying EBITDA came in at £42.6m, an uptick of 5.7 per cent. 

3

Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit imposed a €3m fine on Entain-owned BetEnt for violations of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act.

BetEnt, operator of sports betting brand BetCity, was initially instructed by KSA in September 2022 on how to properly carry out customer due diligence per the requirements of the Wwft Act and how to report them to the Dutch Financial Intelligence Unit promptly.

After being investigated by the KSA to see if the Wwft was still being violated, it was found that the operator “did not meet the requirements for a large part of the customer due diligence assessed” between December 2022 and May 2023.

KSA noted that investigations by BetEnt began late, as well as after large amounts of money had already been gambled and that the operator “was lax in requesting sources of income from customers”.

Adequate action was also not always taken and in many situations, BetEnt “failed to report unusual transactions to the FIU”, which is why the €3m fine has been imposed.

Entain released a statement in response to the fine imposed on BetCity, stating that it was aware of the previous instructions issued by the KSA before it completed the acquisition of the sports betting brand in January 2023.

The gambling group added that it has begun introducing improvements to BetCity’s procedures and has fully cooperated with the KSA’s investigation.

2024

Kaizen Gaming-owned brand Betano has confirmed a global sponsorship deal with the upcoming 2024 UEFA European Football Championship taking place in Germany. 

It builds on the operator’s links to the World Cup last Summer, as it continues to build its brand through sporting collaborations. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with UEFA for the upcoming EURO 2024 tournament,” commented George Daskalakis, CEO and Founder of Kaizen Gaming

“This collaboration is a new first for the industry and expresses our fundamental passion for football as well as our mutual commitment towards innovation and excellence.

“We are very excited to be part of this football celebration and are looking forward to enhancing the overall fan experience by delivering unparalleled entertainment through responsible gaming during this highly anticipated European Championship.”

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It builds on the operator’s links to the World Cup last Summer, as it continues to build its brand through sporting collaborations. 

Kaizen Gaming Founder and CEO, George Daskalakis, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with UEFA for the upcoming EURO 2024 tournament. 

“This collaboration is a new first for the industry and expresses our fundamental passion for football as well as our mutual commitment towards innovation and excellence.

“We are very excited to be part of this football celebration and are looking forward to enhancing the overall fan experience by delivering unparalleled entertainment through responsible gaming during this highly anticipated European Championship.”

The UEFA EURO 2024 will take place next summer between June 14 and July 14, with a total of 10 cities planned to host as the tournament moves across the country. 

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Director of Marketing, added: “We are delighted to welcome Kaizen Gaming and its brand Betano as an official partner of UEFA EURO 2024. 

“Betano is a leading digital sports betting operator, with a focus on cutting-edge technology and responsible gaming. We believe that their industry expertise and affinity to football make them a great fit for the tournament.”

CasinoBeats Breakdown: When the European Championship comes round in Germany, there won’t be any bigger sporting events in the world. For Betano to be associated so closely with the event, the eyeballs and exposure the brand can draw could be unrivalled. What will be integral for the firm is maximising the link to engage with a host of activations in the run up to and during the tournament.

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After teaming-up with NetBet and scoring a sponsorship deal with football club Dinamo Bucuresti in Romania last month, the igaming supplier has subsequently gone live in neighbouring Bulgaria alongside Kaizen Gaming’s Betano brand.

The Greece headquartered group operates the entity across 13 jurisdictions, with Bulgaria joined by Portugal, Romania, Germany, Brazil, Nigeria, Czech Republic, Chile, Peru and Ecuador as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. Kaizen also sees its Stoiximan entity live in Greece and Cyprus.

“As we continue to grow our presence and look for new ways to reach and engage our audience all across the world, this partnership will help us provide a better experience for our players,” stated Panagiotis Kritikakis, Casino Partnerships Account Manager at Kaizen Group. 

“Our first stop is Bulgaria, where 7777 gaming has already a well-established brand among Bulgarian players. We are excited about our partnership with 7777 gaming and anticipate great results on our roadmap of mutual success.”

As a result of this latest alliance, 7777 gaming, which will exhibit products at next month’s SBC Summit Barcelona, will provide a portfolio of more than 100 online casino titles.

In a bid to capitalise on Kaizen’s “huge market share”, this will include games such as Zeus Quest, Club Mr. Luck, Pearls of Egypt, and many more.

“We are beyond excited to welcome such a renowned name in the igaming industry as part of our partnership network,” added Elena Shaterova, CCO at 7777 gaming.

“This collaboration marks the first market entry for 7777 gaming in partnership with Kaizen Group with Betano Bulgaria, with plans to expand further into territories such as Romania, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and others in the near future. 

“The mutual agreement between the two parties sets the stage for exciting business opportunities and an enhanced gaming experience across these regions.”

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