Pragmatic Play has introduced its Social Tournaments to the Latin American market
Pragmatic Play has launched its Social Tournaments platform in Latin America, merging social interaction with gamification. This platform offers players the opportunity to participate in online slot tournaments at no cost, and has already achieved notable success in other regions. By leveling the playing field and providing a gaming experience akin to real-money play, Social Tournaments has built a global community of players.
The platform is designed to be especially appealing to newcomers, allowing them to explore and get acquainted with various Pragmatic Play titles before engaging in real-money gaming. This feature helps users understand game mechanics.
Victor Arias, Vice President of Latin American Operations at ARRISE, which powers Pragmatic Play, said: “Social Tournaments is a testament to Pragmatic Play’s dedication to the community. By giving users the chance to try out slots in advance, we are creating a more engaging and communal gaming experience. The platform aims not only to entertain but also to educate and connect players, and I am confident it will increase our player base in Latin America, especially among those new to the Pragmatic Play ecosystem.”
The Social Tournaments platform stands out with its diverse range of tournaments, offering various durations and game options. Players can also earn rewards and benefits through the web store, where virtual coins can be exchanged for prize roulettes, loot boxes, merchandise, avatars, and tickets for new challenges.
Pragmatic Play describes Social Tournaments as a new online gaming experience focused on social interaction and accessibility without financial risk. Centered around its slot games, the platform is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and responsible environment for fun, challenges, and prizes.
Earlier, Pragmatic Play announced a new deal with Mexican online casino operator Betxico.
Belgian gambling revenue increased by 16.7 percent
In 2023, Belgium’s gambling industry experienced significant growth, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching €1.7 billion, marking a 16.7% increase from the previous year. The online sector led this expansion, with GGR climbing by 18% to €944.6 million, while offline GGR grew by 15.2% to €758 million.
Casinos saw a notable rise in GGR, up 18.7% to €594.9 million. Online casinos drove this growth, with GGR increasing by 20.2% to €455 million. The nine land-based casinos in Belgium contributed €139.9 million, up 14.3%.
In the online casino segment, three operators saw declines in GGR, including Middelkerke Casino, which did not hold an active licence during the year. However, Betsson’s Betfirst has now introduced an online casino at Middelkerke Casino through a partnership with Groupe Partouche.
The slot arcade sector also saw growth, with GGR rising 17.3% to €437 million. Online slot arcade operations accounted for 57.7% of this revenue, reaching €252 million, a 19.4% increase. In-person GGR for slot arcades grew by 14.5% to €184.9 million.
Sports betting experienced more modest growth, with GGR up 8.4% to €390 million. Online sports betting GGR represented 60.9% of this total, increasing by 12.8% to €237.6 million. Betting shop GGR saw a slight rise of 2.3% to €152.4 million. The regulator noted that ten of the 24 licensed operators accounted for 96% of offline bets, with football remaining the dominant sport, making up 77.1% of all betting GGR.
Dutch gambling regulator issues warning over violations of payout regulations
The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has reached out to operators over potential breaches of the country’s payout regulations after an investigation revealed that 13 operators may have failed to meet licensing requirements. The inquiry found that nine of these operators had obstructed customer payouts, while four others were suspected of similar practices.
In March, the regulator reminded operators that under the Dutch Gambling Act, payout requests must be processed immediately and without conditions. Operators are prohibited from imposing minimum withdrawal amounts or wagering requirements.
The KSA has now directed all 13 operators to provide written confirmation that they do not enforce minimum withdrawal amounts or other conditions. The regulator emphasised that providers must not impose structural conditions that hinder immediate payments. Despite this, the KSA continues to receive reports of online gambling providers imposing conditions on the payment of player credits.
