Industry Digest NEWS

Located at the crossroads of Europe, the Maltese Islands present an unparalleled opportunity for meeting planners seeking a unique and dynamic destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). This vibrant Mediterranean archipelago, part of the Eurozone, seamlessly blends ancient history with contemporary amenities, making it an enticing choice for discerning corporations and organizations.

The Maltese Islands' strategic location offers exceptional accessibility, with just a three-hour flight from major European hubs and daily flights to Istanbul and Dubai, gateway to Asia and the Middle East. This proximity ensures convenient travel for Asian attendees and delegates.

Catering to diverse preferences and budgets, Malta offers a range of accommodation options, including over 7,000 beds in luxurious 5-star hotels and more than 15,000 in 4-star accommodations. Internationally renowned brands such as Hyatt, Hilton, InterContinental and Marriott (amongst others) provide state-of-the-art in-house conference facilities and dedicated professionals, ensuring seamless event execution.

For attendees seeking a fusion of cultural immersion and business, Malta's 7,000-year-old heritage, intertwined with Phoenician, Arab, and European influences, offers a captivating backdrop. The entire capital city of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples, and the subterranean Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing a rich background of historical splendor.

The serene island of Gozo and the pristine Comino complement the cultural experiences with wellness retreats, rugged landscapes, and water-based activities like diving and snorkelling; catering to recreational preferences of delegates.

Corporate teams can engage in team-building exercises, sailing excursions, or kayaking adventures along Malta's picturesque coastlines, seamlessly blending leisure and enrichment.

Malta's gastronomy, a celebration of Mediterranean roots infused with historical influences, offers a diverse culinary experience. With seven Michelin-starred restaurants and five Bib Gourmand

establishments, Malta's vibrant food scene caters to varied dietary requirements, ensuring a delightful experience for all attendees.

The islands' vibrant cultural calendar, featuring events like the Rolex MiddleSea Race and the International Fireworks Festival, provides ample opportunities for networking and entertainment in a festive atmosphere.

Communication is seamless, with English as the official language of commerce and a widespread proficiency in international languages, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees and planners alike.

Malta's MICE infrastructure is among the finest in the Mediterranean, with five convention centers equipped to host events of any kind. The Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, a historical masterpiece, stands as the flagship venue for modern-day events.

From the turquoise embrace of the Mediterranean Sea to the architectural elegance of historic courtyards and modern sleek venues, Malta offers a breathtaking setting for every vision, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

At the heart of Malta's MICE industry is the team, based at Smart City, Malta. Together with the global team, VMIM provides comprehensive support, tools, and personalized assistance to ensure the success of your event, catering to the specific needs and

preferences of meeting planners.

Reach out to us at <[email protected]> to explore the possibilities Malta has to offer for your next MICE event.

The latest  sportsbook report for the first quarter of 2024 reveals a significant shift towards real-time betting among sports bettors. This trend, which boosts engagement and offers higher margins and faster capital turnover for operators, underscores the profitability of live betting in the sports betting industry. 

According to the report, the transition from desktop to mobile betting continues to accelerate, with mobile devices now accounting for 90 percent of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), up from 86 percent a year ago. This growth highlights the crucial role of mobile-friendly betting solutions in the market. Operators focusing on mobile integration and user experience are well-positioned to capture a larger market share, reflecting the changing dynamics in consumer behaviour. 

The report also said that traditional sports remain popular among bettors, with some shifts in preference. Football continues to lead in revenue, while tennis has moved ahead of basketball to claim the second spot. The Super Bowl's influence is evident, as American football has entered the top five, showcasing the impact of major events on betting patterns. Ice hockey maintains its strong appeal, indicating consistent interest from the betting community. 

SOFTSWISS Sportsbook has shown remarkable growth in Q1 2024. Trading volume increased by 246 percent compared to Q1 2023, and revenue surged by 251 percent year-over-year. The platform also recorded consistent month-on-month growth of 136 percent in Q4 2023, highlighting its rising popularity and efficiency. 

Alexander Kamenetskyi, Director of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, remarked, “The trends we observe in the first quarter of 2024 emphasise the adaptability and growth of our platform while highlighting the critical dynamics of player preferences and technological advancements.”  

The Q1 2024 report from SOFTSWISS Sportsbook underscores significant trends in the , particularly the growing dominance of live and mobile betting. As the platform continues to expand and adapt to changing market demands, its focus on enhancing user experience and providing innovative tools for operators positions it for sustained success in the dynamic sports betting landscape. 

GR8 Tech, an award-winning iGaming solutions provider, will exhibit at on June 2-5, marking a significant expansion into the region. Attendees can visit GR8 Tech at stand D806, where they will have the opportunity to explore the provider’s comprehensive ecosystem of solutions, featuring the flagship GR8 Sportsbook, the robust GR8 Casino, and innovative standalone products, including but not limited to CRM, Sportsbook iFrame, Feed, and Payment Gateway. 

"SiGMA Asia provides us with a unique platform to connect directly with local operators and stakeholders, and we are excited to demonstrate how our technology can help them achieve greater profitability and efficiency," Evgen Belousov, CEO of GR8 Tech said. "This is a milestone moment for GR8 Tech as we bring our advanced betting and casino solutions to one of the most dynamic gaming markets in the world." 

Additionally, GR8 Tech, in collaboration with BETER, will host an exclusive invite-only party on June 3. This event is a perfect opportunity for valued clients and partners to relax and network in a festive setting, celebrating our continued partnerships and future successes. 

GR8 Tech’s diverse product suite will be on full display at SiGMA Asia. The attendees will be able to take a closer look at the comprehensive GR8 Sportsbook and Casino platform and vital standalone products like CRM, Sportsbook iFrame, Feed, Payment Gateway, etc., on demo screens at the stand. Each solution and product seamlessly adapt to address the specific needs of the Asian market, ensuring that all functionalities – from handling high betting volumes to integrating seamlessly with various payment systems – are tailored to enhance user experience and operator profitability. 

Particularly, the provider’s flagship GR8 Sportsbook, known for its high stability and performance, offers a wide selection of content that caters to the diverse preferences of players across Asian countries. It also features unique margin management capabilities designed to maintain competitiveness and profitability in the region’s aggressively low-margin environment. 

"GR8 Sportsbook is engineered to meet the specific needs of the Asian market, from its mobile-first design to its ability to handle high betting volumes without compromising user experience," Oleksandr Feshchenko, CRO at GR8 Tech added. "We are proud to showcase how our platform can transform sports betting operations." 

To ensure a personalised experience, GR8 Tech invites interested parties to book a meeting with their team, taking advantage of an excellent opportunity to discuss how GR8 Tech’s solutions can elevate business success in the region.  

Extendy is an innovative platform for creating turnkey online casinos, developed over more than four years by a team of 150 engineers in collaboration with top arbitration experts. The platform's main advantages are its exceptionally quick return on investment, a fully autonomous turnkey operating system, and a focus on mobile traffic.

Owning a casino brand offers arbitration teams several benefits. The primary advantage is that investing in paid traffic can build free, high-quality organic traffic from social media, SEO, external sites, etc., over the long term. When traffic is directed to a partner, the team receives immediate financial returns but loses out on the long-term bonuses of owning their brand.

Close partnerships with top arbitration teams over several years have allowed thousands of hypotheses to be tested, resulting in an ideal product tailored for these teams. This product maximises player lifetime value (LTV) and reduces traffic payback time to just six months.

This effect is achieved through numerous technical solutions that enable real-time analysis of advertising campaigns and predictive determination of which to halt and which to scale up. One such solution is the "Traffic Light" technology, which quickly predicts whether the traffic will be profitable. Each partner is marked with a colour: green for excellent traffic that should continue, yellow for questionable traffic that requires caution, and red for bad traffic that should be stopped immediately. Arbitration teams that have used the "Traffic Light" technology for some time report that quick traffic analysis makes it almost impossible to incur losses.

One of Extendy's standout features is its unique AppAI technology, which unlocks new possibilities for attracting mobile traffic. A specially developed neural network analyses the user's profile and the ad they came from, creating a unique onboarding flow that significantly increases conversion rates. This drastically reduces the return on investment time for this type of traffic.

"AppAI is a perfect demonstration that Extendy is created by professionals for professionals. During the development process, our arbitration partners repeatedly emphasised the importance of working with mobile traffic. We dedicated a significant amount of time to optimising the product for mobile players," said Aivar, CBDO of Extendy.com.

Another key advantage of Extendy is its fully autonomous operating system, which meets the highest industry standards.

The entire infrastructure is designed so that arbitration teams receive a fully functional casino for long-term development and profit without the need to manage any operational processes.

The CRM, Support, VIP, Content, Payment, Legal, and other operational components of the product are fully automated and self-sufficient. Ready-made, tested, and unique retention funnels, email sequences, gamification systems, 24/7 support, and VIP support in all languages, along with many other solutions, allow casino owners to fully focus on marketing and player acquisition.

In a closed beta phase, dozens of successful casinos were launched on the platform, including BetOnRed, CryptoLeo, BDMBet, and many others. Millions of players attracted and an average traffic payback period of six months proves that the platform is effective and ready for public launch and further growth.

All you need to create your online casino on the Extendy platform is to submit an application on the Extendy website. Within 2 months of signing the contract, you will receive a license, necessary payment gateways and game providers will be connected to the brand, and final adjustments will be made.

To celebrate the platform launch, a promotion has been launched. Write in the comments of your application that you are from and receive special setup conditions.

The renowned international gaming provider Amusnet reached a significant milestone in its pursuit of gaming excellence. After developing a vast portfolio of 260+ casino games, available in 1500+ websites in 31 markets, the company entered a new casino vertical with the release of Type S slot cabinet series.  

This strategic development is a testament to innovation and growth, allowing the provider to offer a full range of gaming products and services, targeting a wider audience. The shift was followed by the new company slogan: “We Master Gaming” which amplifies the high level of expertise and solidifies its leading role in gaming globally.  

The Type S slot cabinet series is a unique offering of Amusnet, developed entirely in-house by a team of more than 100 professionals. It adheres to the highest standards of the global Land-based casino sector, ensuring a premium quality and exceptional gaming experience.  

The series, currently available in three variations – Type S 27, Type S 32, and Type S 50F – is powered by Amuser Plus, the company’s proprietary hardware platform. The Type S 27 and Type S 32 slot cabinets feature Full HD displays, while the Type S 50F cabinets are equipped with a high-quality 4K 50" display. The entire product series boasts smart, dynamic LED lights, as well as a high-quality surround sound system.  

In addition to the technical excellence mirrored by the specification of the Type S cabinets’ hardware and software solutions, the new product line features Amusnet’s award-winning titles, including 20 Golden Coins, Extra Crown, Fruits & Gold, and Cocktail Rush. The company’s well-known four-level bonus game, Jackpot Cards, is also available on its first-ever slot cabinets, along with the rest of the special features offered in Amusnet’s games, such as Free Spins, Buy Bonus, Pick Me Bonus, Symbol Upgrade, etc.  

Amusnet has revealed plans to gradually incorporate its entire in-house portfolio of 260+ games into its Land-based slot cabinets, aiming to reach a broad audience of players worldwide and provide them with an exceptional gaming experience.  

The Head of Land-based Business Development at Amusnet, Borislav Marinov, has revealed that the sales of the Type S slot cabinets are scheduled to start in the summer of 2024. Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, and Serbia will be the first markets to be targeted, followed by Latin America and Asia. Mr Marinov comments: “The goal for 2024 regarding our Land-based vertical is to get our new products certified. Then, we plan to expand the slot cabinet line with a new model – a 50-inch curved screen version of the current model. We are also simultaneously working on other projects regarding different types of products.” 

is a leading provider recognised for offering the best-performing products and innovative solutions in gaming globally. With over 260+ captivating slots, engaging table games, and an immersive Live Casino studio, our company drives sign-ups and revenue for 800+ operators and 1500+ websites in 31 markets. The latest addition to our diverse portfolio is the launch of our premium Land-based vertical in February 2024. Our team consists of 750+ industry professionals, and we continue to broaden our network of offices as we grow. 

Entering the online iGaming world can be daunting, but with Kzing, you're in good hands. As Asia's top white label iGaming platform provider, Kzing offer everything you need to succeed. Their comprehensive package includes a robust backend office, mobile-friendly templates, and a vast game selection, from Live Casino and Slots to eSports and Lottery. Kzing also support multiple local payment options, including cryptocurrencies.

With Kzing, you can launch online casinos in 7-14 working days. If you need customisation, they can tailor the platform to suit your brand. Focused on high-growth markets like Southeast Asia, India, and Brazil, Kzing is your trusted partner for success in the global iGaming industry.

Southeast Asia is a vibrant and diverse region comprising countries with unique cultures and iGaming preferences. At Kzing, they've developed partnerships across the region, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and others, to provide insights into what makes each market tick. This deep local knowledge allows Kzing to select and recommend the most popular local games to their clients, ensuring their platform offerings resonate with players.

India is a promising market for iGaming thanks to its large and diverse population, but entering requires a careful approach due to unique regulations and culture. Kzing has crafted a product portfolio tailored for India, with technical adjustments and content optimized for local tastes. For example, they've partnered with InPlayMatrix (IM) to offer cricket, a popular game among locals. This strategy helps their clients attract and retain Indian players, establishing a solid presence in this fast-growing market.

As the largest country in Latin America with a population exceeding 210 million, Brazil offers a rich landscape for iGaming. Brazil is known for its deep passion for football, so it presents significant opportunities for sports betting and related entertainment. The Kzing Brazil White Label Solution is designed to capitalise on this passion, providing comprehensive football leagues and World Cup betting options. With hundreds of betting plays for each match, this system offers Brazilian players an immersive and engaging experience.

To succeed in a country with 160 million people, the third largest in Southeast Asia, you need effective Kzing system promotion features and partnerships with local affiliates.

Blockchain and virtual currencies have revolutionized the iGaming industry by offering new levels of convenience and flexibility. At Kzing, major virtual currencies like Bitcoin, USDT, and Ethereum are supported, allowing players to deposit and withdraw funds easily. This borderless approach lets players manage assets globally for a seamless iGaming experience. They offer secure and adaptable payment systems designed to meet the evolving needs of operators and players in the crypto community.

Expand your iGaming business with Kzing, Asia's leading white label platform provider, offering tailored solutions, secure payment systems, and a vast casino game selection to help you thrive in high-growth regions like Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and the crypto market.

Launch your platform in just 7-14 working days. Contact Kzing now to learn how they can help you take your iGaming business global. Let's succeed together.

CONTACT Kzing >>>> Lionel [email protected] +63 917 121 2777 TG:

Betnation, a leading online casino in the Netherlands, has announced its venture into sports betting through a collaboration with British-based sportsbook provider Metric Gaming and platform provider Bragg. This strategic move highlights Betnation's dedication to offering engaging and responsible gambling experiences.  

In a press release, Betnation said the newly launched Dutch sportsbook boasts a fresh, transparent design aimed at ensuring player safety and promoting responsible gambling practices. 

Setting itself apart from competitors, Betnation becomes the first provider in the Netherlands to leverage Metric Gaming’s state-of-the-art technology. This partnership enables Betnation to offer a customizable service, giving it a distinct edge in the market. 

Robert Schouten, CEO of Betnation, emphasizes the unique nature of this launch: "This is not just a new service, but the realization of a vision that has been nearly two years in the making. Together with our partners, we offer a top experience that aligns with our pursuit of enjoyment and safety."  

The collaboration with Metric Gaming has been pivotal in the seamless rollout of the sportsbook.  
Keith Hayes, CEO of Metric Gaming “We’re grateful for the trust placed in us by Robert and his team to help fulfill their vision for Betnation. The importance of a sportsbook to differentiate an iGaming proposition cannot be overstated, and Betnation now has the tools and partners to stand out in a competitive market and control the long-term development of its sportsbook.” 

“I’m incredibly proud of our teams for smoothly navigating the soft launch phase within a week and we’re excited to showcase the power of what we’ve built,” Hayes added. 

Effective immediately, existing Betnation players can access the new sportsbook, while new players are encouraged to join and experience the innovative platform. 

"Approval by the Dutch Gaming Authority confirms our commitment to high quality standards and responsible gaming behaviour. We look forward to future innovations and improvements and invite everyone to experience the future of sports betting at Betnation," Schouten concluded. 

Sebastian Agerskov, founder of Traffic Lab, has decided to step back from his leadership role as CEO to focus on family and personal health. Agerskov emphasised the importance of work-life balance, an issue many executives struggle with in the fast-paced business environment. His decision underscores the need for self-care and the cultivation of meaningful personal relationships. 

Looking to the future, Agerskov expressed enthusiasm about dedicating more time to hands-on involvement in new projects. By stepping away from daily executive responsibilities, he said in a press statement that he aims to explore new opportunities and continue his journey of continuous learning.   

Agerskov said his confidence in Traffic Lab’s trajectory remains unshaken. He trusts the team’s capabilities and dedication, believing they will sustain the company’s success. His decision to step back is not a departure from his commitment but a transition that ensures the company’s mission and vision remain intact. 

Peter Gunni, who has been with Traffic Lab since 2017, will take over as the new CEO. Gunni’s journey at Traffic Lab began in the Marketing Department, where he quickly rose to the position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). His shift towards commercial data led to his role as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), overseeing four subdepartments. 

Under Gunni’s leadership, Traffic Lab said it aims to continue its growth and innovation. His extensive experience within the company positions him well to maintain the values and strategic direction set by Agerskov. The transition promises a seamless continuation of the company's vision and commitment to excellence. 

CogniPlay has unveiled its new software product, a comprehensive online platform for sweepstakes and social gaming. The platform is designed with a modular approach, enabling clients to customize their brand and offerings for optimal performance.

The sweepstake casino industry in the US is witnessing a rapid growth, attracting many real money gaming companies to explore this lucrative business model. With no leading platform solution currently available, CogniPlay steps in to fill the gap, offering a complete white label solution that takes care of every detail. Brands like Chumba and Pulsz have already reaped tremendous success, and CogniPlay aims to provide an efficient pathway for potential new sweepstake casino owners.

The CogniPlay system boasts several key integrations that help deliver the product. These include game integrations with renowned providers such as Pragmatic Play, BetSoft, Mascot Gaming, and many more, offering hundreds of games for their clients. Clients also have a variety of other integration options to choose from, including affiliate programme software, CRM platforms, KYC, ID verification, Geo-IP systems, Gamification, and customer support.

CogniPlay also has an extensive development pipeline, which will see the product offering evolve rapidly, providing clients with a wide range of options and unique selling points, and ensuring a superior user experience for players.

In addition to the platform, the experienced CogniPlay team offers a range of managed services, essentially providing a menu from which clients can choose to supplement their own skills or experience.

CogniPlay aims to leverage this experience to provide industry-leading client management, building successful relationships and partnerships with their clients.

Allan Turner, CogniPlay’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his pride in bringing the CogniPlay product to market. He emphasized the company’s commitment to providing the most flexible platform in the space, enabling clients to create the product they want, rather than dictating the product to them. He also highlighted the company’s focus on future-proofing the product against any potential regulatory or legal changes, and ensuring the protection of both clients and players through a robust responsible gaming setup.

CogniPlay, owned and operated by CogniPlay UK Ltd, was founded by a group of highly knowledgeable individuals with extensive backgrounds in the iGaming industry, development, technology, and marketing. CogniPlay is a dynamic iGaming business specializing predominantly in the sweepstakes casinos niche in the US and the provision of social casinos globally. They aim to help clients develop their own brands in these sectors and achieve great success by providing a unique and innovative product that leads the industry for years to come.

 Following the conclusion of its last race, the 's land has been reclaimed by the Macau government. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works issued an order published in the Government Gazette, nullifying the concession held by Macau Horse Race Co for the 362,000 square-meter plot, with no compensation to the former concessionaire. 

The Macau Jockey Club ceased operations on April 1st, marking the end of over four decades of horse racing. Despite a turnout of approximately 3,000 spectators for its final races, the club's longstanding financial difficulties prompted the government's decision to terminate the concession contract, announced in January. 

The government attributed the closure to a significant decline in attendance and betting revenue. The development signals a major shift in the economic landscape that once supported horse racing in Macau. 

A recent government dispatch declared the immediate reversion of the land plot to Macau's state public domain, with no compensation provided to the former concessionaire due to the concession's expiry. 

Despite financial struggles, the Macau Jockey Club had its concession extended until August 2042, committing to substantial investments in upgrading racetrack facilities amounting to MOP3.4 billion patacas (€389.5 million). 

Initial plans by the Macau Jockey Club included a tourism project slated for 2026, encompassing hotels, leisure areas, sports facilities, dining establishments, retail outlets, a museum, and a riding school. 

However, citing financial difficulties and losses surpassing MOP2.5 billion (€236.4 million), the concessionaire requested termination of the contract, leading to the government's decision earlier this year. 

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng reiterated that the reclaimed land will not be allocated for gaming purposes in the future, signalling a shift in land use and development priorities for Macau.