This Week's Top iGaming News, April 28, 2023

Welcome to your easy-to-digest weekly edition of the WeAreGame iGaming newsletter, a select collection of news bites for all iGaming enthusiasts.

Brazil’s New Digital Bank for iGaming and Gambling

As things heat up in Brazil, with the current changes to gambling regulations, a new digital bank, specifically designed for gamers and gamblers, has gotten off the ground. GamersBank (available in iOS and Android) is 100% digital, making it a great new option for everyone passionate about iGaming.

Once users open an account, the electronic wallet operates without commission and has several other benefits that make it an appealing choice. Users can make deposits and withdraw funds in real time on iGaming platforms easily and safely. The bank was created by a team of financial experts, entrepreneurs and world gaming champions. GamersBank is also the partner of the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP Circuit), the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP), and the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT).

Delhi Capitals Cricket Team Partners with Sportradar

Sportradar, an international sports technology company, has partnered with top Indian cricket team, the Delhi Capitals. The collaboration will cover three years to boost the Delhi Capitals Academy programme and foster new cricket talent from upcoming professional cricketers.

Sportsrader will allow the academy to use a special app – Lilypad – that helps with coaching and fan engagement. Fans will be able to enjoy Sportradar’s live-streaming technology solution – Frogbox – and the use of a digital scoring app and mobile responsive match centre for match statistics. CEO of Delhi Capitals, Dhiraj Malhotra, said; “This is a key milestone, as Delhi Capitals Academy has become the first academy in India to partner with Sportradar and leverage their innovative video technology to develop talent in cricket.”

Japanese to Build ¥1.08 Trillion Casino on Man-Made Yumeshima Island, Osaka

Get 2029 on your calendar, because it will be the year Osaka should see the completion of the long-anticipated Yumeshima Island. The man-made resort in Osaka Bay will cost an eye-watering ¥1.08 trillion (about $8.1 billion) to build. The reclaimed island will be an iGaming hub of casino, shopping malls, hotels, museum, ferry terminal, and conference centre, as well as the much-needed helicopter pad for the seriously high rollers!

This is a huge step for Japan, since the Integrated Law (IR) came into place in 2018, before which gambling was illegal. Casinos will be able to offer approved games like Baccarat and poker. It’s hoped the move will build up tourism in the region by attracting wealthy gamblers from across the world. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the move would help the country’s economic growth since the pandemic low, with an estimated projection of ¥520 billion in annual revenue.

34th Annual Gaming Hall of Fame Nominations Open

The nominations for the 34th annual Gaming Hall of Fame were announced by the American Gaming Association (AGA), recently. The Gaming Hall of Fame recognises and honours significant leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from all areas of the gaming world. The first event took place in 1989 and is a huge gala event of high esteem. The annual charity dinner also benefits the National Center for Responsible Gaming.

Over the past 34 years, many notable inductees have made their way into the Hall of Fame, including such memorable names as E. Parry Thomas (1989) – a banker who financed numerous casinos in Las Vegas (1989), Grant Sawyer (1989) – the Governor of Nevada, who was influential in the development of gaming regulations, Don King (2008) – a boxing promoter, Guy Savoy (2013) – restaurateur, the magician David Copperfield (2007), and many big names in Las Vegas entertainment including Tom Jones (2003), Paul Anka (2001), Celine Dion (2013), Debbie Reynolds (2005), and Frank Sinatra (1997). Perhaps most notably, the 45th American President himself – Donald Trump – in 1995. There’s still time to vote, as nominations close on Friday 26 May 2023, at 11:59 pm ET.

Premier League Sponsorship to End After 2025/2026 Season

It’s disappointing news for bookmakers, as the Premier League became the first UK sports league to agree to ban gambling advertisements on the front of team shirts. The decision was reached between the clubs and the Department for Culture. It will come into play at the end of the 2025/2026 season, meaning there’s three years’ leeway for teams and bookmakers to necessitate the changes.

Of the twenty Premier League clubs, eight currently have betting companies as sponsors. The initiative has left a bitter taste in the mouth of many sports clubs, players and fans who’ve come accustomed to the sponsorship deals. However, this could be good news for bettors as they explore new ways and innovations to expand and develop their brands without relying on tried and tested methods, or they may decide to look at sponsorship deals outside of the UK. The move is limited to the Premier League.

Keep in the Loop

Don’t forget to check back in with us each week to see what’s occurring in the world of gambling and iGaming.

If you want to know more about how we can help you start up your own iGaming business or expand your current brand with our platforms solutions, get in touch with us via email at: hello@weare.game

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