This week, suppliers are gaining momentum as several important partnerships are enabling leading game developers to expand further into key markets. Meanwhile, JPMorgan predicts a rise in PENN's stock value over the next two years. Here's a look back at the week's highlights. Hacksaw Gaming, a private studio in the iGaming sector known for creating some of the most unique, innovative, and successful slot games in recent times, has made a notable debut on NASDAQ Stockholm. The company successfully completed an oversubscribed Initial Public Offering (IPO) on Wednesday, June 25, setting its valuation at approximately €2 billion. This achievement is attributed not only to its original content but also to its robust proprietary technology, such as the company's Remote Gaming Server (RGS), which supports its entire offering.
Business and finance
This week, several major suppliers have expanded their influence in key markets. 3 Oaks Gaming, a leading global player in the iGaming sector, partnered with EGT Digital to join its aggregation platform, which features over 13,000 titles. This collaboration strengthens 3 Oaks Gaming's presence in markets where both companies are licensed and enhances its reach among operators. RubyPlay made significant strides in the United States by partnering with BetMGM, starting in New Jersey with plans to further extend its reach within the regulated U.S. iGaming market. RubyPlay is introducing a variety of popular games and plans to launch additional titles in other jurisdictions. Playtech has entered a fourth U.S. state, West Virginia, with its Live, Casino, and RNG offerings, working with multiple locally licensed operators. The company continues its transition to a fully B2B-focused model, divesting more B2C assets in recent weeks. Similarly, TaDa Gaming has successfully expanded in the United Kingdom by acquiring a UK Gambling Commission license, marking an important milestone in strengthening its European presence. TaDa Gaming differentiates its products through a localization strategy, designing offerings specifically tailored to each market. In other news, JPMorgan recently noted that PENN Entertainment, which has been in the spotlight due to internal shareholder conflicts, is on a catalyst path that could potentially increase its share value over the next two years.
Laws and regulations
The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) has issued a strict warning to social media influencers promoting unregulated gambling websites to Australian consumers. Influencers who fail to comply may face penalties of up to AU$2.5 million and several years of imprisonment. ACMA has begun identifying violators and is ready to take action based on the evidence collected.
Responsible gambling
The Dutch Gambling Regulator conducted a survey among participants of self-help gambling groups, revealing that 68% were never contacted by gambling operators about their potentially addictive behavior. More than 81% of respondents had not faced any restrictions or bans. On a positive note, half of the group members have quit gambling, and 25% realized they had a problem before incurring losses of €1,000. In Norway, several regulators have united to better protect young consumers by targeting illegal gambling and advertisements that may affect vulnerable populations. In the Nordics, Denmark reported a significant milestone for its national self-exclusion program, Rofus, which now boasts 60,000 registrations. This marks a noticeable increase from 2023, when there were 40,000 participants, demonstrating growing awareness of self-exclusion. Furthermore, Denmark maintains a strong channelization rate, exceeding 90%, as noted by the regulator. The American Gaming Association (AGA) has introduced the Play Smart Consumer Hub, aimed at helping players assess their behavior and understand the principles of responsible gambling. This initiative provides continuously updated resources and guidance for players.
The voice of the industry
AGS recently launched a second custom-branded game for Hard Rock Bet Casino, making this interview particularly timely. The discussion focused on why the one-size-fits-all approach is outdated and what qualities a successful game studio and developer must possess to stay competitive in today's challenging gambling industry landscape. The publication interviewed Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, and Rory Kimber, Commercial Director at LuckyStreak. They expressed optimism about the future of the sweepstakes model, even though several states, including New York, Louisiana, and Connecticut, have moved to impose restrictions on it. With iGB L!VE (London) on the horizon from July 2-3, Clarion Gaming hosts have also underscored the importance of player protection, which is a key focus in this year's event.
