alpha-affiliates-wraps-up-a-successful-2023,-announcing-the-winners-of-the-affiliate-race!

Alpha Affiliates Wraps Up a Successful 2023, Announcing the Winners of the Affiliate Race!

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Alpha Affiliates, the leading direct advertiser for the iGaming industry, proudly reflects on a year of great achievements and milestones. The company, known for its innovative approach to affiliate marketing in the iGaming sector, has experienced remarkable growth in all facets of its operations, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

To mark the occasion, Alpha Affiliates is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Affiliate Race who will shortly be receiving their well-deserved rewards.

 

Significant Milestones and Market Expansion

In 2023, Alpha Affiliates achieved a 30% increase in affiliate partners, consolidating itself as a preferred choice among affiliates.

Amidst rapid growth, Alpha Affiliates launched four new cutting-edge casino brands – Spinch, Rakoo, OnLuck, and Casino Infinity. These additions to its portfolio not only showcased the company’s commitment to providing diverse gaming experiences, but also contributed to its status as a dynamic force in the iGaming industry.

Geographical market expansion was a key strategic move in 2023, with Alpha Affiliates making significant strides in new markets, including France, Italy, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Hungary. This geographic diversification not only broadened its reach, but also ensured a more comprehensive and inclusive gaming experience for iGaming enthusiasts worldwide.

 

Partnerships, Collaborations and Awards

Alpha Affiliates celebrated its 11th anniversary in grand style by hosting a 200K EUR Affiliate Race for its partners, and hosting a milestone party in Cyprus, a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering a sense of community with its affiliate network. This is further exemplified by the new partnerships formed with niche media entities, including Affpapa, Affiverse Media, Global Gambling News, and SiGMA World. These collaborations bolstered the company’s reach and ensured its presence at the forefront of industry discussions and developments.

The company also proudly secured the Affpapa Award, and the team’s participation in six major conferences, including iGB London, SiGMA Dubai, iGB Amsterdam, SBC Barcelona, SiGMA Cyprus, and SiGMA Malta, further cemented its status as an industry leader and innovator. During SiGMA Malta, the company showed its social and collaborative nature in its popular booth, where it showcased a preview of its cutting-edge affiliate platform, provided exclusive merchandise, engaged in stimulating conversation on industry trends and raffled €7,500 with participants.

 

The Affiliate Race 

Part of its creativity has come from launching innovative events and competitions. From October 15th to December 25th, Alpha Affiliates hosted the Affiliate Race, where top partners competed for prizes and Hall of Fame spots.

With over €200,000 at stake, the top 30 partners, excelling in Net Gaming Revenue (NGR), will soon receive their well-deserved rewards. The top 5 will additionally be honored with exclusive branded rings, making this competition a remarkable success.

The race provided a unique opportunity to boost earnings, with similar opportunities ready for 2024 and beyond.

Affiliate managers will be personally reaching out to the winners very shortly.

 

Team Growth and Future Plans

The Alpha Affiliates team experienced substantial growth, with 30 new employees, including Irina Makarova as Chief Marketing Officer, and Irina Pisanko as Chief Product Officer. It also welcomed the promotion of Boris Pashnev to CEO in December. Alpha Affiliates will be continuing to expand its workforce in 2024, and is expected to grow by a further 20% in the new year.

2024 will be the year for expansion, both internally within teams, and regionally, strengthening its position in tier one and tier two markets, with eyes set on several new EU regions. The company will align its strategic moves with the company’s vision of becoming a global leader in the iGaming affiliate space.

As part of its brand expansion, Alpha Affiliates looks to solidify its media presence by attending key industry events such as the Amplify Summit by Affiverse Media, iGB, SBC and SiGMA. The affiliate marketing company will also launch its brand new podcast series in partnership with Affiverse in January, looking at the latest trends and tips for affiliate marketing within the iGaming sector.

The company is inspired to achieve further greatness in 2024, and hopes its efforts will be recognised by the industry with more prestigious awards next year.

Boris P, CEO at Alpha Affiliates commented: 2023 has been full of exciting challenges and significant milestones for Alpha Affiliates. I am very proud of the hard work our ever-growing team has put in to gain traction across key markets, launch exciting new products and increase our affiliate base. Announcing the winners of our biggest and most ambitious contest for affiliates, partners and webmasters to date is an ideal way of capping off the year, and rewarding our affiliates who have been integral to our success. On behalf of Alpha Affiliates, I would like to thank all the participants who took part in the Affiliate Race. It is their involvement which  made this a resounding success.

Looking ahead, 2024 is set to be a stand-out year for our company, as we continue to advance our services and products for our growing list of affiliates, collaborate with key partners in the industry, and expand our reach across new markets.”

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Paf delivers the gaming experience onboard the new shipping company Gotland Alandia Cruise’s ship M/S Birka Gotland

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The Nordic gaming company Paf will deliver the gaming entertainment onboard the M/S Birka Gotland. The cruise ship belongs to the newly founded shipping company Gotland Alandia Cruises. The ship will offer its first cruises in the spring of 2024.

The shipping companies Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget have embarked on a joint investment in cruise traffic between Stockholm, Mariehamn and Visby. Together they have founded a new shipping company Gotland Alandia Cruises AB, which owns the cruise ship M/S Birka Gotland. Paf will deliver the gaming entertainment to the shipping company.

“We are really looking forward to starting our cooperation straight away. We want to contribute with a good concept for the games onboard. It will be an exciting challenge to get all the new gaming machines and table games in place in the coming months,” says Jannik Svahnström, Head of New Sales at Paf.

Gotland, Denmark and central Sweden

The entertainment offer onboard Birka Gotland will include a variety of restaurants, shopping, spa and entertainment. Paf will manage the slot machines and table games onboard which will be part of the overall passenger experience.

“Paf is a well-established company and a natural partner for us. We are convinced that Paf can deliver a good package for the gaming experience onboard,” says Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight, CEO of Gotland Alandia Cruises AB.

The company will start the cruise traffic between Stockholm and Mariehamn at the end of March 2024. Thereafter, the ship will also operate via Visby on Gotland, and include popular destinations such as Härnösand and Ystad in Sweden, Bornholm in Denmark and Riga in Latvia.

bf-games-go-live-with-swiss4win-by-casino-lugano

BF Games go live with Swiss4Win by Casino Lugano

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BF Games, the dynamic games development studio, has rolled out a selection of its award-winning slots portfolio with Swiss4Win, the online brand of Switzerland’s Casino Lugano.

The content deal provides Swiss4Win’s customers with 20 of the creative supplier’s most engaging releases, with the likes of Stunning Hot Remastered, Cave of Fortune and Book of Gods now available.

Swiss4Win was launched after Casino Lugano was awarded an iGaming licence in 2020, marking the operator’s debut in the online casino market.

This strategic agreement is BF Games’ second launch in Switzerland after it entered the market last year. The commercial partnership is part of the supplier’s plans to expand across Europe and supply thrilling games to operator partners worldwide.

Rok Hribar, Head of Account Management at BF Games, said: “Our new partnership with Swiss4Win as a huge milestone for us as we continue our growth across Switzerland.”

“We look forward to providing some of our most popular games to Swiss4Win’s player base and bringing our creative content to their screens.”

Paolo Sanvido, Chief Executive Officer at Casino Lugano at Swiss4Win, said: “BF Games is a renowned provider of high-quality top-tier slots, so we are thrilled to sign this deal with the studio.”

“We know our players are bound to love BF Games’ creative and varied offering, anticipating a long and successful partnership.”

european-gaming,-hallo-compliance,-and-complianceone-group-forge-strategic-partnership-pioneering-regulatory-excellence

European Gaming, HALLO Compliance, and ComplianceOne Group Forge Strategic Partnership Pioneering Regulatory Excellence

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European Gaming Media, the premier online platform and information hub for the gaming and gambling industry, HALLO Compliance, the gateway to legal expertise in today’s cutting edge fields, and ComplianceOne Group, the leader in compliance solutions for the iGaming industry, are thrilled to announce a strategic compliance partnership aimed at pioneering compliance education and media coverage.

This strategic partnership between key players in iGaming Compliance, Gaming Media, and Networking marks a monumental step toward industry-wide Regulatory Communications expansion, targeted networking opportunities, and lasting business relationships.

ComplianceOne Group stands at the forefront of innovation in the iGaming industry as the undisputed leader in providing cutting-edge compliance solutions. The Group comprises two dynamic and synergistic divisions: ComplianceOne, the consulting arm of the group, which is a boutique consulting firm with unmatched expertise in both technical and regulatory compliance; and ProductsOne, the compliance solutions division. This includes some of the most respected iGaming compliance and technical solutions for compliance, Complitech, a technical compliance intelligence database for iGaming and DatavaultOne a state of the art SAFE solution.

The European Gaming Media and HALLO Compliance are parts of HIPTHER, the One-stop Agency and Event Organizer for multiple cutting-edge industries including Gaming and Technology. European Gaming Media is an industry-centric media outlet that reaches over 200,000 readers monthly, providing them with compelling content, the latest news, and deep-dive insights. The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. 

HALLO Compliance Network is a trusted directory of legal experts specializing in Gambling, Blockchain, Fintech, and AI, and Home of monthly online meetups fostering growth, education, and collaboration. HALLO is the acronym for Highly Aligned Leaders in Legal Operations, and it is a groundbreaking initiative by Hipther Agency, following its extensive experience in covering Gaming and Tech industry innovations as well as the challenging legal landscape. This initiative has already gained the support of renowned Regulatory Authorities, such as the Danish Online Gambling Association, and legal experts in Gaming and Technology. HALLO’s Mission is to make the navigation of regulations easy by connecting the audience with Compliance experts and sharing news and knowledge via Online Meetups.

As part of this partnership, ComplianceOne Group will share invaluable expertise with the iGaming industry through monthly article contributions to European Gaming Media and active participation in the Monthly Online Meetups hosted by the HALLO Compliance Network.

Zoltán Tűndik, Co-founder at HIPTHER, and Antonio Zanghi, CEO of ComplianceOne Group stated about this groundbreaking initiative:

Zoltán Tűndik: We at European Gaming and HALLO Compliance, both sub-brands of HIPTHER, are excited to embark on this strategic partnership with ComplianceOne Group. This collaboration signifies a major leap in our collective endeavor to enhance compliance education and media coverage within the iGaming industry. By combining our unique strengths – European Gaming’s vast media reach and in-depth industry knowledge, alongside HALLO Compliance’s expertise in legal operations – with ComplianceOne Group’s innovative compliance solutions, we are poised to revolutionize the way regulatory communications are handled in the iGaming sector. This partnership is more than an alignment of services; it’s a synergy of goals and visions, aimed at fostering a more informed, responsible, and compliant gaming industry. Together, we’re setting a new standard for industry-wide education, networking, and professional growth.

Antonio Zanghi:We are very excited to join efforts with the European Gaming and HALLO Compliance to educate and support the industry in matters related to regulatory and technical compliance”.

Stay informed about the latest Compliance Updates and learn from the experts about burning regulatory affairs: contact ComplianceOne Group, follow the European Gaming Media, and join the HALLO Compliance Network.

 

About ComplianceOne Group:

ComplianceOne Group is the foremost leader in providing compliance solutions for the iGaming industry. With two distinct divisions, the group excels in delivering unparalleled expertise and solutions tailored to the unique needs of the sector:

  1. ComplianceOne: As the consulting arm, ComplianceOne is a boutique firm renowned for its unmatched proficiency in both technical and regulatory compliance. It offers specialized consulting services to ensure businesses navigate the complex landscape of iGaming regulations seamlessly.
  2. ProductsOne: Serving as the compliance solutions division, ProductsOne is a hub for cutting-edge iGaming compliance and technical solutions. Noteworthy offerings include Complitech, an advanced technical compliance intelligence database, and DatavaultOne, a state-of-the-art SAFE solution. ProductsOne is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that address the dynamic compliance requirements of the iGaming industry.

 

About European Gaming Media:

EuropeanGaming.eu, part of HIPTHER Agency, is a leading online platform catering to the gaming and gambling industry. With over 200,000 monthly readers, it offers in-depth coverage on online and land-based gaming, betting, esports, regulatory updates, and technology trends. Featuring daily news, press releases, interviews, and event reports, the platform serves as a one-stop resource for industry professionals and enthusiasts, emphasizing the European market while also covering global gaming news.

About HALLO Compliance:

HALLO, or Highly Aligned Leaders in Legal Operations, is your go-to directory for legal experts specializing in Gambling, Blockchain, Fintech, and AI. This platform, powered by HIPTHER Agency, serves as a bridge between technology and the law, fostering growth, education, and collaboration through monthly online meetups. HALLO Compliance offers a curated directory of legal experts in niche tech fields, keeping you informed about the latest legal trends through monthly meetups. Join a community of like-minded professionals to network, learn, and find the right legal guidance to ensure your operations are compliant and future-ready.

ibia-welcomes-historic-vote-of-brazilian-sports-betting-law

IBIA welcomes historic vote of Brazilian sports betting law

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IBIA welcomes the adoption of the sports betting law by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. The law introduces an effective regulatory and licensing system for operators in Brazil for both sports betting and online casinos. It also includes a range of integrity measures to strengthen the fight against sports betting related match-fixing.

The law includes a requirement that sports betting operators are part of an international monitoring body; a provision that will help to ensure proper mechanisms are put in place to help protect operators, their customers, as well as sports, from potential fraud and manipulation. In addition, the ability for betting operators to suspend payments of bets for matches that are under investigation for potential corruption is important in protecting operators and deterring sports betting related fraud.

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: ‘This is an historic moment for sports betting in Brazil and is a major step forward in the fight against match-fixing. IBIA welcomes the adoption of specific betting integrity provisions in the law, which the association has been campaigning for since discussions on regulating sports betting began in 2018. A number of Brazilian market focused operators have already joined IBIA, and we look forward to engaging with other operators intent on offering well-protected sports betting products to Brazilian consumers via IBIA’s world leading integrity network.

IBIA is run by operators for operators, with its monitoring and alert network harnessing the collective resources and expertise of many of the world’s largest regulated sports betting companies. It monitors approximately US$150bn in betting transactions on approximately 650,000 competitive sporting events globally, making it the largest monitor of its type in the world.

According to H2 Gambling Capital – the leading independent authority on global gambling market data – IBIA members already account for over 60% of the remote gambling market in Brazil.

IBIA’s international monitoring and alert network will provide accurate and detailed intelligence on suspicious betting activity on Brazilian sport to betting regulators, law enforcement and sports governing bodies.

Khalid Ali stated: “Although the new law is a very important milestone in the fight against match-fixing, there is no room for complacency. We are committed to working more closely and sharing our expertise with the Brazilian regulatory authorities on the implementing regulation on integrity, as well as with sports and law enforcement to ensure we more effectively detect, deter and sanction sports betting related match-fixing and fraud.”

Opening markets to licensed sports betting operators is key to protecting consumers and the integrity of sporting competitions from sports betting related match-fixing. Regulated sports betting markets channel consumers away from the unregulated markets where most of the issues with match-fixing and corruption arise.

Khalid Ali continued: “By opening-up the market to licensed sports betting operators Brazil is sending a very important message to other markets in Latin America that a dynamic and competitive regulated sports betting framework with strong integrity provisions is essential to the fight against sports betting related match-fixing.

Sports betting exists within a highly competitive international market and an overly burdensome framework of regulation and taxation will have the counterproductive, and unintended, consequence of driving sports betting customers into unregulated markets, reducing tax revenues and increasing the risk of corruption and match fixing.

Therefore, whilst IBIA welcomes the fact that the Chamber of Deputies has resisted the temptation to impose higher levels of gambling taxation, the impact of the overall tax burden and the substantial cost of the licencing fee, which remains BRL 30m, may deter investments in Brazil.

hacksaw-gaming-and-caesars-digital-partner-to-launch-online-casino-games-in-ontario

Hacksaw Gaming and Caesars Digital Partner to Launch Online Casino Games in Ontario

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Launch brings Hacksaw Gaming titles to Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in Ontario

Hacksaw Gaming today announced its first market launch with Caesars Digital in North America, in the regulated iGaming province of Ontario, Canada. The new partnership marks the exciting launch of new games on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in the province.

This new partnership, a first between the two companies, will bring familiar titles to online casino players and will be followed by a dedicated roadmap for additional launches in more jurisdictions in 2024, showcasing the entire Hacksaw Gaming catalog. The first release of games includes Hacksaw Gaming classics Wanted Dead or a Wild, RIP City, Hand of Anubis and Mines.

“Forging partnerships with new faces is always an exciting time but the influence of Caesars Digital is one we pride,” the Chief Executive Officer for Hacksaw Gaming, Marcus Cordes, said. “Launching this partnership in Ontario is the perfect place to begin our journey.”

“Hacksaw Gaming brings an exciting catalog of games to our platforms that should provide a thrilling experience for our players,” the Senior Vice-President and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Digital, Matthew Sunderland, said. “We’re excited to see how our players engage with this content in Ontario and in jurisdictions in the future through our new partnership.”

softgamings-makes-the-cut:-nominated-for-platform-provider-of-the-year-at-global-gaming-awards-2024

SoftGamings Makes the Cut: Nominated for Platform Provider of the Year at Global Gaming Awards 2024

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SoftGamings has proudly secured a nomination for Platform Provider of the Year at the prestigious Global Gaming Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to the team’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and innovation in the iGaming industry.

The Global Gaming Awards is known for celebrating achievement and innovation in iGaming, with its awards ceremony putting emphasis on the best-performing companies across the past twelve months, especially in the EMEA region. SoftGamings’ inclusion on this distinguished shortlist not only honours their past achievements but also propels the company forward as a rightful leader in the online gaming sector.

SoftGamings’ solutions for online casinos, ranging from turnkey and ‘white-label’ solutions to API game aggregation, banking and sportsbook platforms, have already secured one prestigious award for the company this year. The company’s victories in the Best Platform 2023 category at SiGMA Europe and Eurasia Awards 2023 provide a perfect prelude to the expectations SoftGamings has for Global Gaming Awards 2024.

“We are immensely proud and honoured by this nomination from Global Gaming Awards,” the Head of Partnerships for SoftGamings, Anna Kiselova, said. “It reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team at SoftGamings. It’s not just a milestone for us but a recognition of our commitment to excellence in the iGaming industry and obliges us to keep pushing the boundaries of our solutions.”

The award ceremony promises to be a significant event, bringing together global gaming professionals including SoftGamings’ representatives. The team is excited about the prospect of winning, a recognition that would further the company’s commitment to excellence in iGaming.

For more information about SoftGamings and our services, visit SoftGamings .com.

rocketplay-announces-sports-advent-calendar-promotion

RocketPlay announces Sports Advent Calendar promotion

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RocketPlay is thrilled to announce its latest sports event, the Sports Advent Calendar Promotion, promising a festive season filled with thrilling tasks and rewarding bonuses for sports enthusiasts. This eagerly-awaited promotion is set to run from December 19, 2022, to January 2, 2023.

In Sports Advent Calendar activity, each day unveils a new task, offering fresh challenges and opportunities for participants. The promotion is open to all registered RocketPlay users and promises inclusivity and excitement for a wide audience.

To take part, participants must meet specific bet or deposit requirements to receive a daily bonus. Each task can be completed once, with bonuses for each completed task. For instance, making combo bets on at least 3 NBA matches at odds from 1.70 can earn players a 10% bonus on their final bet slip odds. Bonuses include OnlyWin Freebets, bonuses for deposit and other rewards, enhancing the betting experience.

By engaging users daily, RocketPlay aims to strengthen its community, fostering a sense of friendly competition among sports betting enthusiasts. The promotion not only enhances the excitement of sports betting but also rewards participants, contributing to a memorable festive season.

RocketPlay is proud to offer this unique and engaging experience, enhancing the joy and excitement of the holiday season for all participants. Check here for more details.

brace-yourselves:-curacao’s-new-gambling-law-is-at-the-door

Brace Yourselves: Curacao’s New Gambling Law Is at the Door

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Curacao is approaching the finishing line of its online gambling reform with the new law being sent to the parliament earlier this week. Markus Bjork at Slotsoo has been in touch with both the Ministry of Finance and several Curacao operators to find out how they feel about this big change. Do European license providers have a reason to feel threatened by Curacao casinos 2.0?

LOK Now Just Waiting for Parliament Approval

On December 19, Curacao’s Ministry of Finance informed that the new law has been officially submitted to the parliament. The National Ordinance for Games of Chance, commonly referred to as LOK (Landsverordening op de kansspelen), is expected to come into effect in the first half of 2024.

Finance Minister Javier Silvania, the front figure of the reform, shares his excitement about this historical moment: “We are very happy to reach this final stage. The submission of the LOK to Parliament is not just a procedural step but a leap towards transformative progress.”

No More Master Licenses or Middle Men

The current setup of the Curacao casino licenses is very unique, with four master license holders being in charge of giving licenses to individual casino operators and ensuring their compliance to the regulations.

This has resulted in big quality differences and if you were to ask ten European Union players how they feel about Curacao casinos you would get very varied replies. Another critique with the current system is that most of the financial gain goes to the four master license holders while the island of Curacao is left with light pockets.

LOK will put an end to master licenses and middle men and require all licenses to be applied directly from Curacao’s Gaming Control Board. This means more uniformed quality and better control. The new law will also require gambling companies to have physical presence on the island, creating new job opportunities for the locals.

The Curaçao casinos we interviewed all welcome the new setup. Spinwise (Tsars Casino) sees some hurdles but says it will be worth it in the long run: “The prohibition of sub-licensing by master licensees introduces a new financial dynamic for individual companies, albeit with associated fees. While adaptation to the new framework may pose short-term challenges, the long-term benefits are expected to outweigh these initial obstacles.”

The Curacao License Will Remain Tax Free

Curacao has been a popular license choice for casino entrepreneurs ever since its conception. Alpha Affiliates’ Chief Legal Officer Alexandra Shepelevich lists the three main benefits of the Curacao license as:

  • No tax on winnings
  • No restrictions on player nationality
  • Strong regulatory framework

Curacao will not try to change this recipe with the new law. The gross profit tax will stay at 0% for all license holders no matter how big or small the revenue is. This is a stark contrast to most licenses in Europe.

A common concern among Curacao operators is that the new system will cause a high barrier for entry, which some see as a positive thing. The new fees for a Curacao casino will be approximately €50,000 a year (annual license fee of €24,600 plus twelve monthly fees of €2,050 and yearly domain fees of €250 each with these numbers based on current ANG/EUR exchange rates).

Another strategy to keep unserious casinos away is the introduction of a digital seal, which will be made available on January 1, 2024. The digital seal is issued by Curacao’s Gaming Control Board and will help players confirm that the website has an active license.

Keeping the Balance Is Crucial for Success

Finance Minister Javier Silvania shares that they had a very inclusive approach when drafting the new law. They consulted all the stakeholders to make sure LOK will consider different perspectives and not just serve one group. The country of Curacao, its citizens, the gambling industry and the players should all benefit from the reform.

Many license jurisdictions that go through a re-regulation fall into the trap of legislating too much, without the government listening to the industry or the players enough. This leads to fewer license holders and lower channelization rates as both the operators and the players search for more attractive solutions from other countries.

All the casinos that we spoke to agree that a good balance between regulations and operational freedom needs to remain. Mark Wellington, Rollino Casino’s Chief Compliance Officer, elaborates this point in his interview with Slotsoo: “One current challenge is maintaining a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards. Striking this balance is crucial to support a dynamic and competitive industry while safeguarding player interests.”

We wish Curacao good luck with its new start in 2024.

aintree’s-grade-1-boxing-day-sponsored-by-william-hill

Aintree’s Grade 1 Boxing Day Sponsored by William Hill

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Bookmaker signs deal to boost festive sponsorship to 20 races

The first ever Boxing Day meeting at Aintree including the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle (formerly the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle) will be sponsored by William Hill.

The leading bookmaker will sponsor six of the seven races on the card, notably the first running of the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree won in 2022 by superstar Constitution Hill when the race was contested as the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.

With existing sponsorship at Wetherby, William Hill is now the backer of 20 races across December 26 and 27 while the deal strengthens Aintree’s current ties with the bookmaker as the official betting partner of the Grand National Festival.

“While many are winding down for Christmas, the racing world is revving up,” said William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps. “Boxing Day is always a massive day in the racing calendar and this year is even bigger with Aintree hosting its first ever December 26 meeting, which includes the inaugural running of the historic Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle as the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle.

“Our place as the official betting partner of the Grand National Festival in April is a very important one and we’re delighted to be further expanding our relationship with Aintree. Boxing Day races tend to draw big crowds, which is one draw of being involved as a sponsor, while the Grade 1, which has a roll of honour including none other than Constitution Hill, is sure to play a starring role in the wider Christmas coverage of the sport.”

Newly-sponsored races – Aintree, Boxing Day 2023:

  • 11:55am William Hill Double Your Odds Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Cl4)
  • 1:05pm William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (ITV)
  • 1:40pm William Hill Epic Value Handicap Hurdle (Cl2)
  • 2:15pm William Hill Epic Boost Handicap Chase (Cl3)
  • 2:50pm William Hill Cheltenham NRMB from January 1 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Cl3)
  • 3:25pm William Hill Stories Open National Hunt Flat Race (Cl4)