Belatra Games has inked a fresh content agreement with Juega en Línea, a casino operator from Latin American. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding Belatra’s presence within the rapidly growing Latin American iGaming market.
As part of this deal, Juega en Línea will integrate a wide array of Belatra’s popular games into its platform. Players will now have access to these new titles directly through Juega en Línea’s casino lobby, further diversifying the platform’s offering.
Andrés Troelsen, LatAm Commercial Director for Belatra Games statied: “We are thrilled to partner with a leading operator like Juega en Línea. We are confident this alliance will lead to a prosperous future for both companies.”
Gerardo Alcega, CEO and Founder of Juega en Línea, noted: “It is an honour for Juega en Línea to work alongside a prestigious company like Belatra. We have exciting joint plans on the horizon.”
This partnership comes on the heels of Belatra’s expanded content agreement with iGaming solution provider Slotegrator in June 2024.
Meanwhile, the Australian government has officially banned the use of credit cards for any form of online gambling. Effective immediately, this new law primarily affects those who gamble on sportsbooks and lotteries online, as online casino gambling remains illegal in the country.
While some controversy surrounds the decision, the ban was largely anticipated and welcomed by both the public and lawmakers. As Australia’s gambling industry continues to thrive, the government has decided to take action. With the rise in online gambling, concerns over the risks associated with gambling on credit led to this decisive legislative move, which passed easily at both state and national levels.
Historically, the Australian government has been reluctant to impose strict regulations on the rapidly growing gambling sector. However, this new legislation aims to create a more balanced environment by banning the use of credit cards, credit-related products, and digital crypto-based credit for online gambling.
In theory, this ban should safeguard Australian online gamblers by preventing them from betting with money they don’t actually have. By only allowing wagers with available funds, the government hopes to eliminate the financial stress and potential debt problems that can arise from gambling on credit.
However, the ban has limitations. Online casino gaming is still illegal in Australia, so many Aussie players turn to offshore pokie platforms to enjoy their favourite games. These platforms are typically licensed in other countries, meaning they are not subject to Australia’s new credit card ban. As a result, Australian gamblers can continue to use credit cards on these offshore sites without restriction.
Interestingly, credit cards have already been falling out of favour among online gamblers. Many now prefer instant withdrawal casinos, where winnings can be accessed in as little as an hour, often via cryptocurrency. This convenience contrasts with the several days it can take to withdraw funds when using credit cards.
The last decade has seen Australia’s online and in-person casino markets grow significantly, with the industry now contributing billions in taxes each year. Gambling is a popular pastime in Australia, with the average adult spending over $1,000 annually on gambling activities. In the first half of 2024 alone, 12% of legally aged Australians visited online gambling platforms.
For those accustomed to gambling with credit, this ban will limit options on Australian-registered platforms. However, the ban does not extend to in-person casinos, so Aussies can still use credit cards at physical gambling venues. Additionally, offshore online casinos remain an alternative for those who wish to continue using credit lines for gambling.
