A group of Slovaks played a key role in a football corruption scandal in the Czech Republic and it manipulated the Slovak league matches' results as well, according to Slovak police, Police President Tibor Gaspar told reporters yesterday.
Seven people have been accused in the case, he added.
The gang was allegedly bribing footballers and then it gained money by betting on the manipulated matches, mainly via foreign online betting operators.
The Slovak group rigged at least 19 soccer matches in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia in the past year, Gaspar said.
The gang gave bribes of some 210,000 euros in total to football players, allegedly some 2000 to 60,000 euros per match.
The Slovak police estimated that the gang had gained 50,000 euros per fixed match.
"According to available information, the main organisers of this match-fixing and corruption were Slovaks. They masterminded the whole process of illegal betting," Gaspar said.
However, the gang's boss was a foreigner, probably from an Asian country, from whom the gang members received money to bribe players.
The group first chose a match from which it wanted to profit, then it addressed some footballers and offered them a bribe for match-fixing, Gaspar said.
He also described the communication between the gang and players during the match.
"If the mediator kept sitting at the stadium, he thereby sent a signal to the footballers saying the offer held and they should try to reach the agreed result. If he left the stadium, it was a signal that their match was not in the offer of the online (betting) operator," Gaspar added.
Three former football players were offering the bribes, Gaspar noted.
Four Slovak first league DAC 1904 Dunajska Streda players are accused of bribe taking. They are suspected of having manipulated results of four out of eight league matches this season.
Detectives traced the gang thanks to a Czech football club's player whom the gang had allegedly offered a bribe but he turned to the police.
The Czech anti-corruption police have so far accused 12 present and former football players of bribery within the match-fixing case.
The police made 15 searches of homes and other premises in a raid on Wednesday morning. Several players have been reportedly arrested within the raid.
Czechs investigate the case in cooperation with the Slovak police.
During the police raid in Slovakia on Monday, policemen searched homes of the suspects finding 49,000 euros in cash and communication devices which the fraudsters used for their criminal activities.
This was the biggest bribery scandal in Slovak football in the past years.
The Slovak Football Association, which helps detectives in the investigation, has appreciated the police work.
"It is in the interest of the football movement to clean it up of any corruption symptoms," the association said in reaction to the affair.
Slovak footballers face up to two-year ban from playing for match-fixing and their clubs would be expelled from the league.
September 13, 2013
September 12, 2013
Czech police arrest many footballers suspected of corruption
The Czech anti-corruption police today arrested tens of football players, mainly of lower competitions, but also from the first league, over betting and influencing matches, server isport.cz wrote and the police´s spokesman Jaroslav Ibehej confirmed this in a press release for CTK.
The Czech Football Association (FACR) does not yet have any information about which players, or clubs and matches the case concerns.
"We have no detailed information on the matter, but what the police said in their press release. Until our security manager (Martin Synecky), currently attending a meeting of UEFA security managers in Warsaw, receives more detailed information, we will not comment on the matter," FACR spokesman Jaroslav Kolar told CTK.
Detectives from the Squad for Uncovering Corruption and Financial Crime have been securing pieces of evidence in connection with a suspicion of corrupt behaviour in the football environment since 4:00 today, Ibehej said in the press release.
The Czech Football Association (FACR) does not yet have any information about which players, or clubs and matches the case concerns.
"We have no detailed information on the matter, but what the police said in their press release. Until our security manager (Martin Synecky), currently attending a meeting of UEFA security managers in Warsaw, receives more detailed information, we will not comment on the matter," FACR spokesman Jaroslav Kolar told CTK.
Detectives from the Squad for Uncovering Corruption and Financial Crime have been securing pieces of evidence in connection with a suspicion of corrupt behaviour in the football environment since 4:00 today, Ibehej said in the press release.
September 11, 2013
Sheriff Gaming B2B license suspended till hearing
Sheriff Gaming has had its B2B license suspended by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) until a hearing on the 29th October in London and has told the company it must cease trading and offering their online gaming services until that time.
The suspension follows raids by Dutch police into Sheriffs parent company the Bubble Group and its owners for suspected drug dealing, illegal gambling operations and money laundering. The iGaming Post reported exclusively at the time (see report) the raids taking place and confiscating properties, vehicles and bank accounts.
The Dutch firm supplies services to operators such as Betsson, Bet 365, Gala Coral, Unibet, Microgaming BetClic and many other, but will now have to suspend these services until the hearing takes place and a final decision on the B2B license is made.
It is a major blow to Sheriff Gaming and observers question if the company can return after such serious allegations even if they have their license restored, also will so many high profile customers as the company has want to be associated with them after such an investigation? It is very bad times at present for a company that was doing so well.
The suspension follows raids by Dutch police into Sheriffs parent company the Bubble Group and its owners for suspected drug dealing, illegal gambling operations and money laundering. The iGaming Post reported exclusively at the time (see report) the raids taking place and confiscating properties, vehicles and bank accounts.
The Dutch firm supplies services to operators such as Betsson, Bet 365, Gala Coral, Unibet, Microgaming BetClic and many other, but will now have to suspend these services until the hearing takes place and a final decision on the B2B license is made.
It is a major blow to Sheriff Gaming and observers question if the company can return after such serious allegations even if they have their license restored, also will so many high profile customers as the company has want to be associated with them after such an investigation? It is very bad times at present for a company that was doing so well.
September 09, 2013
New PartyPoker.com Software Goes Live
PartyPoker.com launched its new software client on Thursday, marking a "significant first step" in the integration of social features. The site overhaul has been specifically designed as part of a new strategy to revitalize PartyPoker as a brand centered around the recreational player.
The new PartyPoker.com has fresh new look, logo and interface, and offers a variety of features including a 1-Click Lobby and social features such as Missions and Achievements, Friends and much more. Players will also find a re-branded racetrack-shaped poker table, a cleaner table menu and a new theme.
The first phase release of the all new PartyPoker.com is now available on Mac and PC in download and no-download versions. The mobile product is available on Android and on iOS applications for the first time, and the company said it will be implementing more of the all new desktop features in a later phase.
Here are some of the highlights of the brand new PartyPoker.com software release:
1-Click Lobby
The new 1-Click lobby, found only at PartyPoker, allows players to organize their favorite games — tournament and ring games — all into the same view. With Filters and Favorites, players can highlight their preferred games and use the Favorites tab and lobby filters to narrow their search for the perfect table. Bankroll management concepts will also be figured into each player's 1-Click experience.
Missions
Missions give players targets to aim for, challenging them to try new things and improve their game. Missions help players improve poker skills but there are also great extra rewards for completing them, such as cash, tournament tickets, bonuses, and more.
Achievements
Personal milestones will become a focus at the new PartyPoker. Every time a player collects an Achievement, it will boost their score which they can show off to their friends via their profile page and activity feeds.
Friends and Profile Page
Feeding into the new social aspects of the software, players can easily search and add friends via screen name, email address or by looking up contacts from their email address book.
Account/Rewards/Cashier
The account page now offers players a one-stop location to provide a list of:
The new PartyPoker.com has fresh new look, logo and interface, and offers a variety of features including a 1-Click Lobby and social features such as Missions and Achievements, Friends and much more. Players will also find a re-branded racetrack-shaped poker table, a cleaner table menu and a new theme.
The first phase release of the all new PartyPoker.com is now available on Mac and PC in download and no-download versions. The mobile product is available on Android and on iOS applications for the first time, and the company said it will be implementing more of the all new desktop features in a later phase.
Here are some of the highlights of the brand new PartyPoker.com software release:
1-Click Lobby
The new 1-Click lobby, found only at PartyPoker, allows players to organize their favorite games — tournament and ring games — all into the same view. With Filters and Favorites, players can highlight their preferred games and use the Favorites tab and lobby filters to narrow their search for the perfect table. Bankroll management concepts will also be figured into each player's 1-Click experience.
Missions
Missions give players targets to aim for, challenging them to try new things and improve their game. Missions help players improve poker skills but there are also great extra rewards for completing them, such as cash, tournament tickets, bonuses, and more.
Achievements
Personal milestones will become a focus at the new PartyPoker. Every time a player collects an Achievement, it will boost their score which they can show off to their friends via their profile page and activity feeds.
Friends and Profile Page
Feeding into the new social aspects of the software, players can easily search and add friends via screen name, email address or by looking up contacts from their email address book.
Account/Rewards/Cashier
The account page now offers players a one-stop location to provide a list of:
- Real Balance
- Bonuses
- Loyalty Points
- New or active promotions
- Tournament dollars
- Messages in account inbox
Italian Senate Accidentally Bans Online Gambling For One-Year Period
The dependably dysfunctional Italian government turned in another epic howler this week as the Senate passed a motion that could result in the banning of all online gambling for a 12-month period. The motion, which was proposed by the Lega Nord party in an apparent bid to minimize the harm caused by gambling addiction, called for a year-long ban on video lottery terminal (VLT) and amusement with prizes (AWP) gaming in public places, as well as a moratorium on issuing any more online gambling licenses and the suspension of activities by the 200-odd licensed online gambling firms already operating in the country.
News of the motion’s passage was originally brought to light by DLA Piper attorney Giulio Coraggio, who found Lega Nord’s proposal sufficiently daffy to include the phrase “Is it a joke?” in the title of Thursday’s blog post. Italy’s finance ministry has since declared the motion unworkable, given that the licensed online firms currently doing business in the country have made significant investments based on their belief that the nine-year terms of their Italian licenses would, you know, be honored. These operators would be well within their rights to sue Italy for compensation, which they would most assuredly be awarded.
Furthermore, an effective ban on all gambling in Italy would deprive the already cash-strapped state of billions of euros in sorely needed tax revenue. Italy’s economy is projected to shrink another 2% in 2013 and youth unemployment is closing in on 40%. How dysfunctional is the Italian economy? Consider that last month, the owner of an electronics components factory in the city of Modena used his employees’ two-week summer holiday to secretly move the entire factory to Poland. As the owner of the 50-year-old family business told an Italian radio station, his decision to get out of Dodge was a frustrated response to the country’s high taxes and red tape: “I had three options: either close, move the factory … or shoot myself in the head.” Unlike Italian politicians, shooting himself in the foot was apparently not an option.
It seem the Senators from other parties that voted for the motion were under the impression that Lega Nord was merely seeking to put the brakes on the issuance of any further online gambling licenses. This is perhaps even more worrisome, given that it suggests Italian politicians don’t even have aides that read legislation before giving their bosses the CliffsNotes to help them decide how they should vote. Fortunately, the head of the Lega Nord party has gone public with full details on his party’s future motions…
News of the motion’s passage was originally brought to light by DLA Piper attorney Giulio Coraggio, who found Lega Nord’s proposal sufficiently daffy to include the phrase “Is it a joke?” in the title of Thursday’s blog post. Italy’s finance ministry has since declared the motion unworkable, given that the licensed online firms currently doing business in the country have made significant investments based on their belief that the nine-year terms of their Italian licenses would, you know, be honored. These operators would be well within their rights to sue Italy for compensation, which they would most assuredly be awarded.
Furthermore, an effective ban on all gambling in Italy would deprive the already cash-strapped state of billions of euros in sorely needed tax revenue. Italy’s economy is projected to shrink another 2% in 2013 and youth unemployment is closing in on 40%. How dysfunctional is the Italian economy? Consider that last month, the owner of an electronics components factory in the city of Modena used his employees’ two-week summer holiday to secretly move the entire factory to Poland. As the owner of the 50-year-old family business told an Italian radio station, his decision to get out of Dodge was a frustrated response to the country’s high taxes and red tape: “I had three options: either close, move the factory … or shoot myself in the head.” Unlike Italian politicians, shooting himself in the foot was apparently not an option.
It seem the Senators from other parties that voted for the motion were under the impression that Lega Nord was merely seeking to put the brakes on the issuance of any further online gambling licenses. This is perhaps even more worrisome, given that it suggests Italian politicians don’t even have aides that read legislation before giving their bosses the CliffsNotes to help them decide how they should vote. Fortunately, the head of the Lega Nord party has gone public with full details on his party’s future motions…
September 03, 2013
Dutch Online Gambling Worth Up To €370m, Says GamblingData
Dutch online gambling operators can expect to generate €266.5m in gross gambling yield in the first year of regulation, a figure that will rise to almost €370m in 2016, according to a new report from GamblingData.
The Netherlands is on track to become Europe’s next major online gambling market to open for business following the publication by the Dutch government in May of a draft bill that seeks to fully regulate the sector for the first time.
If implemented as it stands, the draft law would impose a 20 percent tax on gross gambling yield (GGY) and would not limit the number of licences issued or restrict the types of online gambling which could be offered to consumers, with the exception of a ban on spread betting.
Pending a vote in the lower house, the bill is expected to take effect from January 2015.
In the wake of the publication of the draft law, GamblingData has set out to forecast quarterly and annual GGY for online sports betting, casino and poker in the Netherlands over the first three years of regulation.
Based on an effective market launch date of January 2015, GamblingData estimates that online gambling in the Netherlands will generate approximately €266.5m in GGY in the first full year.
Licensees can then expect to see revenues, measured as GGY, grow 38 percent year-on-year to €368.5m in 2016, as sports betting benefits from the Euro 2016 Football Championship in France and online poker ramps up rapidly on a sequential quarterly basis.
GamblingData expects that market growth will flatten somewhat in 2017, contracting by 1 percent to €365.7m as poker spend stalls and sports betting suffers from the absence of a major summer football tournament.
On the basis of a relatively liberal regulatory system and the moderate taxation levels put forward in May, GamblingData believes unlicensed operators will be constrained to around 13 percent of the market from 2015 to 2017, safely within of the maximum 25 percent share that the draft bill envisions.
In line with previous reports, GamblingData's Dutch forecasts are predicated on base data from an established European regulated market, in this case Italy, and are calculated using GamblingData’s proprietary forecasting model, incorporating a quantitative and qualitative comparison of the two countries under observation.
An adult population just over a quarter of the size of Italy’s will inevitably limit the scale of theDutch market, but, adjusting for this differential, GamblingData’s analysis of operating conditions in the two countries foresees a Dutch regulated market more favourable towards operators than its Italian predecessor.
Some political risk remains however, with the operator-friendly provisions yet to be cemented into law. Currently the draft bill is expected to reach parliament around the turn of the year, with votes in the lower and upper house to follow.
The Netherlands is on track to become Europe’s next major online gambling market to open for business following the publication by the Dutch government in May of a draft bill that seeks to fully regulate the sector for the first time.
If implemented as it stands, the draft law would impose a 20 percent tax on gross gambling yield (GGY) and would not limit the number of licences issued or restrict the types of online gambling which could be offered to consumers, with the exception of a ban on spread betting.
Pending a vote in the lower house, the bill is expected to take effect from January 2015.
In the wake of the publication of the draft law, GamblingData has set out to forecast quarterly and annual GGY for online sports betting, casino and poker in the Netherlands over the first three years of regulation.
Based on an effective market launch date of January 2015, GamblingData estimates that online gambling in the Netherlands will generate approximately €266.5m in GGY in the first full year.
Licensees can then expect to see revenues, measured as GGY, grow 38 percent year-on-year to €368.5m in 2016, as sports betting benefits from the Euro 2016 Football Championship in France and online poker ramps up rapidly on a sequential quarterly basis.
GamblingData expects that market growth will flatten somewhat in 2017, contracting by 1 percent to €365.7m as poker spend stalls and sports betting suffers from the absence of a major summer football tournament.
On the basis of a relatively liberal regulatory system and the moderate taxation levels put forward in May, GamblingData believes unlicensed operators will be constrained to around 13 percent of the market from 2015 to 2017, safely within of the maximum 25 percent share that the draft bill envisions.
In line with previous reports, GamblingData's Dutch forecasts are predicated on base data from an established European regulated market, in this case Italy, and are calculated using GamblingData’s proprietary forecasting model, incorporating a quantitative and qualitative comparison of the two countries under observation.
An adult population just over a quarter of the size of Italy’s will inevitably limit the scale of theDutch market, but, adjusting for this differential, GamblingData’s analysis of operating conditions in the two countries foresees a Dutch regulated market more favourable towards operators than its Italian predecessor.
Some political risk remains however, with the operator-friendly provisions yet to be cemented into law. Currently the draft bill is expected to reach parliament around the turn of the year, with votes in the lower and upper house to follow.
Bwin.Party’s plan for revival
The middle of this month will see the launch of the much awaited new look poker offering from Bwin.Party said Chief Executive Officer Norbert Teufelberger. The new style poker platform will also aim at casual poker players along with a new ratings league for more regular players.
Elements that the company hope will bring success to the poker platform that has struggled against fierce competition is the social communication element offered and the rewards that climbing the ratings ladder will bring to more regular loyal players.
After recent poor results announced by the online gaming giant the company is also releasing a brand new mobile sports betting app which the company hope will improve its lowly 9% of revenues gained by the mobile sector, which many other gaming operators has seen increase their bottom line over the last couple of years.
PokerScout the online poker ranking site places PartyPoker in 5th place in the popular league which is a blow to the online company that actually launched online poker to the world.
Much of Bwin.party’s future is banked on the emergence of the US online gambling industry which the company thrived in prior to the 2006 UIGEA enforcement. The company has a deal in New Jersey when it opens up for online gambling in November with Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, along with their plan to soon apply for a license in Nevada to offer online gambling software.
Elements that the company hope will bring success to the poker platform that has struggled against fierce competition is the social communication element offered and the rewards that climbing the ratings ladder will bring to more regular loyal players.
After recent poor results announced by the online gaming giant the company is also releasing a brand new mobile sports betting app which the company hope will improve its lowly 9% of revenues gained by the mobile sector, which many other gaming operators has seen increase their bottom line over the last couple of years.
PokerScout the online poker ranking site places PartyPoker in 5th place in the popular league which is a blow to the online company that actually launched online poker to the world.
Much of Bwin.party’s future is banked on the emergence of the US online gambling industry which the company thrived in prior to the 2006 UIGEA enforcement. The company has a deal in New Jersey when it opens up for online gambling in November with Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, along with their plan to soon apply for a license in Nevada to offer online gambling software.
Head of PFA is alleged serial gambler
The Head of the English Professional Footballers Association, Graham Taylor is alleged by two main newspapers in the UK to be a “serial gambler,” even though he has on many occasions warning his members against the dangers of gambling.
The newspapers are alleging Taylor has run up debts of over £100,000 and in a 30 month period gambled £4 million on some 2,000 individual bets, with one it is said to have been on an England versus Switzerland match in 2011, which he lost according to the reports.
According to the newspaper reports most of the bets were on horseracing however some are also on the premier league football matches. Ironically Taylor has said in the past that there should be a “zero tolerance” towards footballers gambling.
Taylor is the highest paid union official in the UK which represents the interests of professional footballers and earns over £1 million a year in his role as Chief Executive, which he has been for over 30 years.
Both reports on Taylor in the UK national press have failed to get any comment from Mr Taylor confirming or denying the stories.
The newspapers are alleging Taylor has run up debts of over £100,000 and in a 30 month period gambled £4 million on some 2,000 individual bets, with one it is said to have been on an England versus Switzerland match in 2011, which he lost according to the reports.
According to the newspaper reports most of the bets were on horseracing however some are also on the premier league football matches. Ironically Taylor has said in the past that there should be a “zero tolerance” towards footballers gambling.
Taylor is the highest paid union official in the UK which represents the interests of professional footballers and earns over £1 million a year in his role as Chief Executive, which he has been for over 30 years.
Both reports on Taylor in the UK national press have failed to get any comment from Mr Taylor confirming or denying the stories.
Playtech show strong first half results
Playtech have announced their half yearly results with a 15% increase from the same time last year, the gambling software giant saw revenues rise to €176.8 million for the first half of 2013, compared to €153.8 million for the same period in 2012 .
Announcing its interim figures for the six months ending in June 2013 the company said that gross income had shifted up by 10% to €194.9 million to generate an adjusted net profit of €84.9 million, up 0.5% on the corresponding period of last year. Playtech also showed a strong cash reserve of €576.2 million allowing to offer shareholders a dividend of 7.8 cents on a share.
While announcing the interim results it was also disclosed that Mr Withers will be stepping down from his current role on the 9th October, but will remain as an advisor to the company.
Alan Jackson, who is currently the senior non-executive director, will assume the role as non-executive chairman from Mr Withers.
Announcing its interim figures for the six months ending in June 2013 the company said that gross income had shifted up by 10% to €194.9 million to generate an adjusted net profit of €84.9 million, up 0.5% on the corresponding period of last year. Playtech also showed a strong cash reserve of €576.2 million allowing to offer shareholders a dividend of 7.8 cents on a share.
“Once again Playtech’s tenacity and drive have been demonstrated in these results as it has focused on deepening its licensee relationships; creating innovative new content; and providing its customers with cutting edge products and services,” non-executive chairman Roger Withers said.
“As online gaming continues to focus on mobile, it is pleasing to see our investment in this increasingly important market paying-off across many product areas.
“The company continues to capitalise on its customer-focused strategy and strong balance sheet: Playtech remains the world’s leading supplier of technology and services for the online gaming industry and can look to the future with confidence and optimism.”
While announcing the interim results it was also disclosed that Mr Withers will be stepping down from his current role on the 9th October, but will remain as an advisor to the company.
Alan Jackson, who is currently the senior non-executive director, will assume the role as non-executive chairman from Mr Withers.
September 02, 2013
ATR agrees new media rights deal with Irish racing bodies
UK and Irish horse racing broadcaster At the Races (ATR) has agreed a deal with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) to gain exclusive cross-platform media rights to all Irish fixtures.
The two-year agreement, which begins in January 2014, is described as including “significantly improved terms” for multiple media rights with ATR expecting returns to racecourses to more than double next year. Revenue is also expected to be positively impacted by the option to offer domestic and international distribution through online and new media.
ATR’s partner, broadcaster and data supplier SIS will retain all domestic and international betting shop rights under its existing contract with HRI.
As part of the agreement ATR will offer HRI and AIR a seat on its board of directors, described as “a significant and important new development that will help further the effort to coordinate and align strategies and keep the Irish racing industry integrally involved in the management and direction of its rights exploitation.”
The company’s chief executive Matthew Imi said he was “delighted” that the relationship with the two associations would continue, describing Irish racing as “a significant part of [ATR’s] business.”
“HRI and AIR made it very clear that not only did they feel ATR had done a great job monetising their rights across our current distribution platforms but that they were also excited about the long term potential of the business and we look forward to welcoming their representative onto the ATR Board as we start to roll out our growth strategy,” he explained.
AIR CEO Paddy Walsh added that he was “very pleased” to have agreed the new deal with ATR and SIS, saying that he looked forward to “all parties benefiting from the partnership approach that we have always adopted in the past.”
The two-year agreement, which begins in January 2014, is described as including “significantly improved terms” for multiple media rights with ATR expecting returns to racecourses to more than double next year. Revenue is also expected to be positively impacted by the option to offer domestic and international distribution through online and new media.
ATR’s partner, broadcaster and data supplier SIS will retain all domestic and international betting shop rights under its existing contract with HRI.
As part of the agreement ATR will offer HRI and AIR a seat on its board of directors, described as “a significant and important new development that will help further the effort to coordinate and align strategies and keep the Irish racing industry integrally involved in the management and direction of its rights exploitation.”
The company’s chief executive Matthew Imi said he was “delighted” that the relationship with the two associations would continue, describing Irish racing as “a significant part of [ATR’s] business.”
“HRI and AIR made it very clear that not only did they feel ATR had done a great job monetising their rights across our current distribution platforms but that they were also excited about the long term potential of the business and we look forward to welcoming their representative onto the ATR Board as we start to roll out our growth strategy,” he explained.
AIR CEO Paddy Walsh added that he was “very pleased” to have agreed the new deal with ATR and SIS, saying that he looked forward to “all parties benefiting from the partnership approach that we have always adopted in the past.”
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