Weekend Report: NZ tackles gambling influencers, plus PropSwap-Bally Bet, Ladbrokes-Chester Racecourse deals

New Zealand authorities crack down on gambling influencers

First, authorities in New Zealand have launched a crackdown on social media influencers promoting offshore online gambling websites.

According to RNZ, the department of internal affairs (DIA) has issued its first takedown notices of influencers promoting illegal operators. Those that fail to comply could face hefty fines, the DIA warned.

The New Zealand Gambling Act makes it illegal to publish an advertisement for an offshore, unlicensed gambling operator.

“We’ve been investigating this,” director of gambling regulatory services Vicki Scott said. “We will be taking actions in relation to those influencers who are very publicly and clearly breaking the law.”

Malta regulator issues illegal gambling website warning

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is also strengthening its activity to tackle illegal gambling operators.

In a statement issued last week, the MGA flagged several illegal websites operating in the country. It says each site is falsely claiming to have a licence from the regulator.

All the sites in question operate under the God brand.

“The MGA would like to remind consumers not to utilise services provided by an entity unless they have ascertained that the entity in question is authorised to provide such services by the MGA,” the regulator said. 

“The activities of unlicensed entities are unregulated. They do not provide the necessary safeguards delineated by virtue of the framework, making transactions with such entities risky for consumers.”

PropSwap pens sportsbook deal with Bally Bet

Elsewhere, PropSwap has entered into a multi-property sportsbook partnership with Bally Bet in Mississippi.

Under the agreement, Bally Bet is now serving as PropSwap’s preferred sportsbook in the state. The deal officially came into effect on 27 March.

PropSwap and two Bally Bet sportsbooks in Mississippi – at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi and Bally’s Vicksburg – will now work together on a series of joint initiatives. These will focus on drawing new customers to the two venues.

Customers will be encouraged to place wagers with the idea they can lock in profit early via listing tickets for sale, as their tickets improve in value.

“We are forever changing how people wager on sports,” PropSwap CEO and founder Luke Pergande said. “Your bets no longer need to win to get paid. They simply need to improve. This concept changes everything for a gambler and we’re excited that Bally Bet shares that vision with us.”

Yggdrasil expands UK presence with Bally’s

Also agreeing to a new partnership with Bally’s is Yggdrasil, which has extended its UK footprint by linking up with the gaming group.

The deal will see Yggdrasil’s full slot offering go live with Bally’s in the UK. The Bally’s UK stable features several major brands including Virgin Games, Jackpotjoy and Bally Casino.

Content available to players across these brands will include the Vikings series, 7×7 Zeus and Big Bucks Bison 10k Ways.

“Bally’s has a major presence across the UK,” Yggdrasil chief commercial officer Jose Simon said. “We are delighted to roll out our comprehensive slot offering to its players.”

Ladbrokes signs new deal with Chester Racecourse

Ladbrokes has extended its long-running association with Chester Racecourse in the UK by signing a new partnership.

Ladbrokes will serve as the official fixed-betting partner for the Boodles May Festival, which takes place 7-9 May. It will also be title sponsor of Ladbrokes Chester Cup Day on 9 May.

The operator will sponsor a race on each day of the Boodles May Festival, as well as another race in the Chester Plate.

Ladbrokes has a longstanding history with the Chester Cup, having first sponsored the race in 1995. This year’s event marks the 30th anniversary of its association with the event.

“Horse racing is part of Ladbrokes’ DNA,” says Simon Clare, PR director for Ladbrokes. “Our objective is to strengthen our support for, and promotion of, the sport through this exciting partnership with Chester Racecourse.”