Each week, CasinoBeats breaks down the numbers behind some of the industry’s most interesting stories. Today we feature BetGames.TV’s latest ‘unique’ approach, BettingUSA.com joining the NCPG and Play’n Go’s information security acqusition.

6

BetGames.TV has launched 6+ Poker, a game featuring a reduced 36-card deck, that continues its ‘unique’ approach to delivering a fresh take on existing casino games.

Both “subtly and radically” different from a traditional poker hand, the concept of 6+ Poker is based on a variation of the popular standard ‘Hold Em’ version. 

The standard rules of the game, said the company’s COO Aiste Garneviciene, have been tweaked for “absolute user interaction, encapsulating an individual look, feel and gameplay”.

Each draw consists of a 36-deck card with the lowest card number being a six. Big hands are in play much more often because of the increased mathematical probability of winning with, for example, a straight, full house or three of a kind.

BetGames.TV CCO Richard Hogg is thrilled at the prospect of the new game taking the market by storm and explained that in the industry of iGaming, a company must always look to create “new win-opportunities” for stakeholders.

“The game is based on creating a feeling of winning big especially with 36 cards in the deck and non-stop action,” he added. “There are also highly competitive odds and win-chances.”

163

Penn National Gaming has acquired a 36 per cent stake in Barstool Sports following the completion of an approximate $163m multi-faceted deal.

Unveiling the igaming and sports betting partnership, the casino and racetrack operator becomes Barstool’s exclusive gaming partner for up to 40 years and gains the sole right to utilise the brand for all online and retail sports betting and online casino products.

Jay Snowden, president and chief executive officer of Penn National, said of the announcement: “This exciting new partnership with Barstool Sports reflects our strategy to continue evolving from the nation’s largest regional gaming operator, with 41 properties in 19 states, to a best-in-class omni-channel provider of retail and online gaming and sports betting entertainment.”

After a three year period, Penn will increase its ownership to approximately 50 per cent with an incremental investment of approximately $62m, consistent with the implied valuation at the time of the initial purchase.

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, commented: “This opportunity is a dream of mine and why I started Barstool Sports in the first place. Barstool Sports has a deep sports and gaming history and from the moment we met Jay and the Penn National team we knew this could be an exciting and game changing partnership and we can’t wait to get started. I think with our shared vision and goals, we are uniquely positioned to be a leader in this business.”

1

Calling on others to join the initiative, BettingUSA.com, the US online gambling affiliate, has pledged to donate one per cent of all earnings to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

The move has been made in order to help minimise the harms that it says ‘will likely occur’ as a result of the expansion of gambling and sports betting in the country.

“NCPG advocates for states to earmark one per cent of gambling revenues to responsible gaming and problem gambling programs, and since most states fall well short of that target, we believe that it is in the best interests of the industry to contribute,” stated Steve Ruddock, analyst and content director at BettingUSA.com’s.

Keith Whyte, NCPG executive director, explained: “The rapid expansion of sports betting and mobile gambling has led to numerous challenges and significant opportunities for everyone involved, including affiliates.

“These gambling affiliates play an important role in the online gambling ecosystem, and they have the unique opportunity to take a leadership role in responsible gambling efforts in the emerging US market.”

27001

Play’n Go, the gaming content developer, has been granted the ISO 27001 certification, an international standard in information security.

Having been awarded this certification, Play’n Go can now guarantee customers they are compliant with national and international regulations (such as GDPR), which in turn minimises the risk of costly penalties and fines. 

Cedric Mallia, security and GDPR manager, discussed the latest certification: “ISO 27001 is a testament to our commitment to our client’s security and well being in the industry. ISO 27001 it is not a mandatory standard, but we are willing to go above and beyond to ensure that we are giving our customers more. 

“It shows we are continuing to build a solid security foundation based upon international standards and best practice, and taking appropriate control measures to protect confidential and privileged information. Clients know they are in the best hands with us.”

The ISO 27001, which is described as ‘a lifestyle that empowers a business to improve its overall information security posture, is awarded to companies that adopt an information security management system that takes into consideration people, processes and systems.