News
Growth of Illegal Casinos and Betting Sites
Plenty of reports have surfaced in recent times over the increase in the number of people taking to online gambling sites during lockdown across the world. Yet, what hasn’t been touched on just yet is the number of illegal platforms that have cropped up recently, too. Yet, Australia has just released details of the increase in the amount of illegal online betting sites springing to life during these tough times.
Despite Australia’s government going all out in a bid to block such sites from penetrating through to the country’s gamblers, it seems as though offshore sites are once again targeting such players in their masses. According to analytics from SEMrush, the number of searches for “online pokies” within Australia went through a swift leap in April to 40,500, which is massive in comparison to February’s result of 12,100.
Even more than that, an increase in the search for “online casino Australia real money” spiked by 540%, showing that the country still has quite the desire to gamble, despite strict gambling laws being in place there.
It was only a few months prior that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ordered its internet service providers (ISPs) to block 52 illegal online casino sites. Those platforms remained blocked to Australia gamblers, but this hasn’t stopped numerous other offshore and illegal casinos and sportsbooks to appear during lockdown.
Australia Fighting a Losing Battle?
Some might suggest that the Australia government is fighting a losing battle when it comes to blocking access to offshore online gambling sites. There are so many in existence, that by the time they finish blocking them, plenty more will have opened their virtual doors. While it’s not specifically illegal to play online casino games in the country, it is illegal for websites to provide Australians with that sort of service.
This is different to nearby country New Zealand, where online casino gambling is licensed and regulated. That’s why it’s possible to find various lists of the best bookmakers in New Zealand, as these are fairly commonplace to residents. Yet, Australia is a bit more conservative when it comes to the accessibility of such. Could Australia learn from New Zealand’s setup? Well, possibly. But, it does seem like Australia has a bigger problem with people becoming addicted to gambling, in general.
That being said, research does suggest that the number of people in Australia participating in online gambling declined during the months of March and April this year. However, those who were accessing gambling sites did actually end up spending more money than normal at them. This doesn’t fare well for the industry in general where Australia is concerned, as the government estimated that last year, citizens lost around $400 million by participating in online gambling expeditions.
However, statistics did display that participation in gambling at offshore platforms prior to the pandemic had been on the decline. Unfortunately, that seems to have now become a little irrelevant with more Australians looking to satisfy their gaming needs while having nothing better to do with their time at home.
Affiliate Success
Slotsjudge Awarded Best Affiliate in CEE at Prague Gaming & Tech Summit 2024
It has been announced that iGaming entertainment and comparison site Slotsjudge has been awarded Best Affiliate in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) at the Prague Gaming & Tech Summit. This prestigious accolade marks a significant milestone in the Slotsjudge roadmap and is a recognition of the company’s services to the iGaming industry.
The Prague Gaming & Tech Summit brings together organisations and projects from a multitude of sectors including iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, AI, Fintech and VR. It is a highly regarded event that recognises and celebrates the works that make up and shape, the future of gaming and technology.
The Achievement and Its Significance
Winning the award for Best Affiliate in CEE is a huge achievement for Slotsjudge as it recognises the services and experiences created by the company within the iGaming industry. It is a reflection of the growth of the brand, innovation, relationships and adaptation in the wider market.
By winning the category for Best Affiliate in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Slotsjudge had to rise above some tough competition. The highly competitive shortlist featured big players in the industry, including AskGamblers, Casino Guru, and Gamblers Connect among others.
Slotsjudge is a project that stands out from others on the market due to its player-centric ethos, trustworthy guidance and unique, community-led SJ Shop. It is a specialist adviser and comparison guide in the region that aims to connect experts with operators and consumers in the industry.
Importance of the Award
The award for Best Affiliate is a testament to Slotsjudge excellence and credibility in the industry. It elevates their status and positions them as a leading player in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond.
The GamingTECH Awards is a remarkable celebration that honours industry excellence, embracing the latest advancements and trends. Not only do they recognise outstanding accomplishments in the CEE region, but also celebrate exceptional achievements across a wide range of sectors, showcasing the diverse talent and innovation within the industry.
Future Outlook
The award demonstrates Slotsjudge’s exceptional framework for performance and credibility to continue on its path to success, centred around core pillars, including gamification, community engagement and consumer personalisation. It holds immense significance as it not only boosts confidence but also opens doors for further future growth. As well as providing increased opportunities and industry-wide recognition within the iGaming affiliate market.
Editor in Chief of Slotsjudge and Product Owner of parent company SEOBROTHERS Aleksandra Andrishaka commented on the award:
“I am incredibly grateful to accept the award for Best Affiliate in CEE at the Prague Gaming & Tech Summit. It is a true honour and a validation of our hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in this competitive market. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, and thank you to our wonderful Slotsjudge team.”
Affiliate Announcements
CasinoBeats Summit Set to Offer a Laser Focus on Marketing and Affiliate Strategies
Amidst the whirlwind of Google’s relentless updates and the intricate web of affiliate marketing, the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit, with a laser focus on SEO, AI content, and innovative traffic monetisation strategies, will offer marketers and affiliates a platform to tackle pressing inquiries head-on.
The ‘Marketing & Affiliation’ track will occur across both core days of the CasinoBeats Summit, 22nd – 23rd May, at the InterContinental Malta. The track will provide 4500 attendees with an in-depth exploration of key talking points shaping the worlds of marketing and affiliation.
Discussions will encompass leveraging innovative technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive video content to engage new audiences, the power of alternative marketing channels, and gaining a competitive edge through SEO strategies.
The panel titled ‘Finding CRM harmony: Automation vs Experience’ will delve into the growing influence of customer relationship management (CRM) and the most effective strategies for its utilisation. Industry experts Matthias S. Kaiser (Head of CRM at Tipico), Alexandru Ababei (CRM Global Promotions Manager, Betsson) and Zurab Magalashvili (CMO, Adjarabet), will explore how CRM implementation can align with existing processes for player experiences and how CRM data can aid in proactive responsible gambling initiatives.
The conference session ‘Future-Proofing Marketing: Unveiling Trends Beyond the Hype’ will discuss the latest marketing trends and assess their long-term potential. Marketing experts Calvin Samut (Head of Brand, Socios), Cecilia López Boronat (Marketing Content Manager, Clobet Limited) and panel moderator Dennis Algreen (Marketing Director, SBC Events), will explore the longevity of these emerging trends, the danger of chasing trends and whether businesses should prioritise long-term brand stability over fleeting marketing fads.
The conference on the second day will commence with the panel ‘Monetizing Traffic Beyond Traditional Models’ focusing on the significance of alternative marketing channels such as Whatsapp and Telegram. Experts Silvia Almeida (Chief Media Officer, Clever Advertising), Leanne Muleba (Chief Operations Officer, Matching Visions), Eleonora Norbiato (Head of Acquisition, SKS365) and panel moderator Maria Tsnompilantze (Content Marketing Manager, SBC), will deliberate over how useful these alternative channels are, what metrics are particularly relevant for monetization purposes and whether the quality or quantity debate is over in the age of SEO.
The panel titled ‘The Uncharted Territory of Grey Hat SEO – Traffic, Cloaking, PBNs, Parasite SEO and More’ will delve into the nuances of SEO and PPC tactics, exploring the benefits of both Google-approved and grey hat strategies. Led by experts Vadim Aidlin (Chief Executive Officer, PushnotiAds) and Julia Logan (CEO & Founder, Zangoose Digital), discussions will encompass the use of PBNs, the impact of bot traffic, successful partnership SEO strategies and best practices regarding cloaking.
The first core day of the event will also feature a dedicated ‘SEO Trilogy’, hosted by Ivana Flynn alongside a host of industry experts as they tackle the continuously evolving SEO landscape.
The conference will also provide delegates with dedicated tracks covering key industry verticals such as casino, leadership, industry, and regulation and dedicated sessions for women in gaming. Moreover, attendees will be able to participate in innovative session formats such as hackathons, roundtables, and workshops.
News
Why Crash Casino Games are Legal in Brazil
In a recent ENV Media’s insight piece, the mechanics and legal standing of crash games within Brazil’s regulated gaming environment are analysed. Explaining Aviator’s fixed-odds betting system and cash-out feature, it showcases the game’s adherence to transparency and fairness standards, and why it is regulated under the fixed-odds betting law.
The very essence of crash games falls under the current legal definitions of the Brazilian law, justifying their place in the online betting landscape. The “provably fair” game mechanics are taken to an exciting player-centric level, with strategic live decisions which align even better with legal requirements.
The legality of crash games in Brazil stems from their compliance with the country’s regulatory framework, particularly Law No. 14,790/2023. This law categorizes online games like Aviator under fixed odds betting lotteries, with their outcomes determined by future random events. The legal provisions ensure that as long as games offer fixed odds at a given point in time, and allow timely cash-outs, they remain within the legal ambit. This concrete definition encapsulates crash games, highlighting their lawful existence in the Brazilian iGaming landscape, as confirmed by legal experts consulted in the study.
The future of crash games in Brazil looks promising, with a call for more explicit guidelines and oversight to ensure responsible gambling standards. The comparison between Aviator and traditional sports betting illustrates the strategic decision-making inherent in these casino games, underscoring their similarity and the need for regulatory attention.
Notably, some further steps could be taken to certify testing laboratories for new games on the market but the executive cannot limit the application of the law as it is currently worded. As Brazil refines its regulations, the integration of games like Aviator into the legal framework is crucial for the industry’s growth, ensuring a dynamic and responsible gaming market.
Drawing parallels between Aviator and sports betting clarifies the decision-making and fixed-odds nature of both. Whether betting on a series of football games or the multiplier increase in Aviator, players make real-time choices with the option to cash out early. This similarity lies in the common gambling mechanics, reinforcing why crash games like Aviator align with traditional sports betting principles and thus, their legality and inclusion in Brazil’s gaming regulations.
Crash games represent a increasing segment in Brazil’s online gambling scene, blending real-time betting excitement with strategic gameplay. Their legal standing, rooted in Brazil’s regulatory framework, sets a precedent for a regulated, transparent, and responsible gaming environment. As the industry evolves, understanding and integrating games like Aviator will be pivotal in fostering innovation, ensuring integrity, and contributing to the economic landscape, heralding a new era in paid online entertainment in Brazil.
-
News2 weeks ago
Golden Boomerang Awards 2024 Sees Overwhelming Response in First Month with Over 220 Teams Competing — Enter Today!
-
News2 weeks ago
The UK online casino market is at a crossroads
-
News2 days ago
Why Crash Casino Games are Legal in Brazil
-
Affiliate Success14 hours ago
Slotsjudge Awarded Best Affiliate in CEE at Prague Gaming & Tech Summit 2024
-
Affiliate Announcements14 hours ago
CasinoBeats Summit Set to Offer a Laser Focus on Marketing and Affiliate Strategies