Game Developer Jogo Global Acquires UK Gambling Commission License
Game developer and platform provider Jogo Global has acquired a Remote Gambling Software and Games Host (Casino) license from the UK Gambling Commission.
The studio announced the news this week, revealing that with the license, Jogo Global can now target UK-licensed operators and provide them with its range of products and services that span multiplier gaming platforms, premium mobile, online and land-based content, and customised software development alongside a gamification platform.
In the announcement, Jogo Global described the news as a “significant milestone” for the studio that represents the next step in Jogo Global’s next step in its ambitious business development strategy. The studio also confirmed that it’s already in talks with several UK operators and expects to finalise several agreements with them in the coming months.
David Markus, the CEO of Jogo Global Group, said in a statement: “I am delighted we have secured our UKGC license, which is one of the world’s most recognised online gambling markets. With this key achievement in our history now reached we can focus our efforts on delivering first-in-class services to a wide range of UK-licensed operators.”
He added: “We are already hard at work preparing a number of high-profile deals that will highlight Jogo Global’s commitment to quality and our strong ambitions for this important market.”
Gambling Commission Confirms Four Bids For UK National Lottery License
Also this week, the UK Gambling Commission confirmed that it has received four bids for the fourth National Lottery license.
The current National Lottery licensee – Camelot – has had its license extended for six months to February 2024. The UK Gambling Commission launched the process of finding the next licensee in August 2020 with the aim of selecting the winning bid by September 2021, but this has been delayed.
The Commission reportedly delayed the process by around 12 weeks; adding four weeks to the second phase and six weeks for the Commission to evaluate all bids. The Commission, which stated that this year has seen the highest number of final applicants since the first license was awarded in 1994, is now starting the evaluation process with hopes of announcing the Preferred Applicant in early 2022.
John Tanner, the Executive Director of 4NLC, said in a statement: “We are delighted by the final number of applications we have received, which is unprecedented since the start of the National Lottery. The Commission will now evaluate these applications in a clear and robust process.
“Our job is to run the best competition we possibly can – one that is open and fair and results in the best outcome for players and good causes. We look forward to appointing a licensee that will build on the National Lottery’s legacy and maximise the opportunities for innovation and creativity whilst protecting the special status of the National Lottery.”
Greentube Launches In The Netherlands With Holland Casino
Outside of the UK, game developer Greentube has launched in the Netherlands for the first time after striking a partnership with Holland Casino.
Under the new agreement, Greentube, whose owner Novomatic has long been partnered with the operator, will launch its entire portfolio of casino games with the Holland Casino website. Games available include Book Of Ra Deluxe, the Random Runner series, Grand and Mega Slam Casino, Club 2,000, and numerous other titles too.
Markus Anti, the Head of Sales and Key Account Management at Greentube, said in a statement: “We are happy to team up together with Novomatic’s long-term partner Holland Casino and go live in the Netherlands, which is a market we see holding plenty of potential. This is definitely a milestone for us and we are looking forward to a successful partnership.”
Jeroen Verkroost, the Digital Transformation Director at Holland Casino, added: “Dutch players have long relished the opportunity to play their favourite games online in a safe, controlled and secure environment. By offering them classic slots including Book Of Ra and Sizzling Hot as well as a wide selection of popular AWP titles, we are sure that this partnership with Greentube will mark the latest chapter in our long history of success with Novomatic.”
According to Greentube, the operator was one of the first ten firms to receive a license for the newly-launched Dutch online gambling market. Since October 1st, the operator has struck agreements with various game developers, including Relax Gaming, a firm that has launched its content with the website.
Mansion Group Launches In Spain After Receiving License Approval
Also this week, leading gambling operator Mansion Group has announced its official launch in Spain after receiving license approval from the Dirreción General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).
With the new license, Mansion Group has launched its Mansion Casino brand in the country, and the launch follows the operator’s plans of launching in regulated markets and expanding its presence worldwide.
Users based in Spain will now be able to access Mansion Casino and enjoy its gigantic selection of casino games, including video slots, table games, live casino, jackpots, and more. Users will also be given access to the website’s sports betting service, allowing them to place bets on a variety of sports and events.
David Murphy, the CMO at Mansion, said in a statement to Gambling Insider: “We are thrilled to introduce our Mansion Casino brand in Spain, and continue to provide award-winning customer support with a dedicated Spanish customer support team based in our new Spanish office. This, along with our heritage and expertise, will allow us to deliver a best-in-class experience for players, in a safe environment, while growing our casino brand within the market.”
Pragmatic Play Signs Agreement With LuckSports In Brazil
Game developer Pragmatic Play has revealed this week that it’s signed an agreement with gambling operator LuckSports in Brazil.
As announced by Pragmatic Play, the new partnership sees Pragmatic Play launch its video slots content, live casino games, and virtual sports titles with the operator. The content includes video slots such as Wolf Gold, Piggy Bank Bills, and Yum Yum Powerways; live titles like Blackjack, Baccarat, Mega Wheel, and Dragon Tiger, as well as virtual sports titles like greyhounds, horse racing, and football.
Victor Arias, the VP of Latin American Operations at Pragmatic Play, said in a statement: “Our Latin American progress continues to be impressive and we’re very happy to take our products live with LuckSports in Brazil. Our complete portfolio has been very well received by players across the continent and we look forward to achieving even more success with this partnership.”
Ivan Dutra, the Director at LuckSports, added: “LuckSports is proud to partner with a company the size of Pragmatic Play, and we hope that this partnership will be long and lasting and that both parties will be proud.”
The news comes as Pragmatic Play continues to strike content agreements with various operators to boost its player reach around the world. Recent agreements have been made with Yajuego, Supersport, El Inmejorable, Novibet, Apuesta Total, Trebalia, Planetwin365, Coolbet, and numerous other firms.
Betway Receives Gambling Licenses In Iowa And Poland
Finally, Betway operator Super Group has announced that it’s received gambling licenses for the US state of Iowa and Poland, allowing the gambling company to expand its reach across Europe and the USA.
Betway is already live in the state of Iowa, following launches in other US states such as Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, where it is still operated by the Digital Gaming Corporation (DGC), although Super Group will complete its acquisition of the company soon.
According to IGB North America, Super Group hopes that Betway’s launch in Poland will help to build on the awareness of the brand built on sponsorship deals through German football Bundesliga clubs.
Betway operator Super Group’s President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Hasson said in a statement: “We are delighted to further Betway’s US presence with the addition of another live market there, as well as to enhance our formidable competitive position in Europe with the new license in Poland. This progress illustrates our focus and execution as we bring Betway, the premier and unified global online sports betting brand, to customers across markets and around the world.”
The news comes after Betway announced sponsorship deals with German football club FC Schalke 04 and the Hamburg Open Tennis tournament. At the time, Betway said the new sponsorships were part of the group’s “ever-growing commitment” to sports and creating sports sponsorships.