Tag: betting

India bans online betting as gaming crackdown intensifies

MUMBAI: India’s cabinet approved sweeping legislation on Tuesday that will make online betting a criminal offence, dealing a severe blow to the country’s booming digital gaming sector. The Online Gaming Bill, set to be introduced in parliament on Wednesday, represents the government’s most aggressive move yet to regulate an industry projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2029.

Under the new law, banks and financial institutions will be barred from processing payments for real-money gaming platforms, effectively choking off funding to betting operations. The legislation also prohibits advertisements promoting monetary gaming whilst encouraging skill-based games and e-sports.

The crackdown follows a surge in fraud cases linked to offshore betting platforms and their celebrity endorsers. Unauthorised betting already carries penalties of up to seven years in prison under existing criminal provisions, but the new bill strengthens enforcement mechanisms and expands the scope of punishable offences.

Real-money games currently account for 86 per cent of revenues in India’s online gaming market, valued at $3.7 billion in 2024. The sector has been under increasing scrutiny since the government imposed a 28 per cent goods and services tax in October 2023, followed by a 30 per cent levy on net winnings.

The ministry of electronics and information technology is expected to serve as the central regulator, with powers to block unregistered or illegal gaming sites. Since 2022, authorities have already blocked more than 1,400 betting and gambling websites.

The legislation aims to create uniform regulations across states whilst preserving their constitutional authority over gambling matters. The government has issued advisories warning parents and teachers about gaming addiction, whilst broadcasters must now carry disclaimers about financial risks in gaming advertisements.
Industry observers warn the ban could drive the sector underground, potentially exposing users to greater fraud risks. However, officials argue the measures are essential to protect consumers from addiction and financial exploitation in an increasingly unregulated digital landscape.

August 19, 2025
Banijay group boasts bumper year 2024

MUMBAI: Entertainment powerhouse Banijay group has posted phenomenal financial figures for 2024, with profits perking up considerably in the final quarter. The firm, flying high after a fabulous fiscal year, smashed its own guidance with a whopping 22 per cent growth in adjusted EBITDA.

The titan tallied total revenue of Euro 4,803 million, up a tidy 10.9 per cent, with momentum mounting magnificently in Q4 with a 14.8 per cent surge. Adjusted EBITDA jumped by 21.6 per cent to Euro 900 million, with a particularly powerful performance in the final quarter, rocketing up by 32.8 per cent.

Margins moved up markedly by 160 basis points to 18.7 per cent compared to 2023, while adjusted net income climbed by 29.3 per cent to Euro 418 million. The company’s coffers are considerably healthier, with a cash position of Euro 482 million and leverage ratio trimmed to 2.9x (down 0.2x since December 2023).

Shareholders can smile at a suggested dividend of Euro 0.35 per share, equating to 35 per cent of adjusted net income.

CEO François Riahi remarked that since listing three years ago, Banijay has increased revenue by 37 per cent and adjusted EBITDA by 50 per cent, with streaming content revenues doubling, as has the number of unique active players.

Despite industry headwinds hampering the first half, Banijay’s content production and distribution division delivered revenue of Euro 3,348 million, up by a slim but significant 0.5 per cent. The final quarter finished with flair, showing a 6.7 per cent rise thanks to major scripted show deliveries.

Content production revenue specifically stood at Euro 2,615 million, down 2.8 per cent compared to 2023, but bounced back brilliantly with a 6.2 per cent boost in Q4. Content distribution dipped by 1.5 per cent to Euro 397 million in 2024, but rebounded robustly in Q4 with a 33.2 per cent increase.

“Banijay group enjoyed a record year in 2024,” said Riahi. “Even in a challenging global content prouction market, we continued to see strong demand – especially from streaming platforms – for our iconic brands and deep content catalogue as the number one European studio for scripted content and a world leader in global format launches.”

The streaming success story continued with top-performing titles including Like Water for Chocolate, which ranked first among Spanish-language content on HBO Max, while Supersex, La Vita che Volevi and The Law According to Lidia Poet dominated Netflix’s top four scripted titles in Italy during H1.

Banijay maintains its mantle as the number one studio worldwide for global format launches. Six legacy formats ranked among the top 20 most-traveling TV formats globally, including Deal or No Deal (#2), MasterChef (#4), Big Brother (#6), Survivor (#7), Minute to Win It (#11), and The Money Drop (#14).

The company’s catalogue has expanded enormously, growing by more than 20,000 hours over the year to reach 207,000 hours of content, a 12 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Live experiences & other revenue rose remarkably by 42 per cent to Euro 336 million, driven by robust growth from brand licensing and the full-year contribution of Balich Wonder Studio. Throughout 2024, Balich Wonder Studio produced 119 shows including the opening ceremony of Euro 2024 in Munich and the Uefa Champions League in London. Cultural conquests included the award-winning Viva Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Immersive Concert in Verona and the 400th edition of the Festino di Santa Rosalia, which attracted more than 350,000 spectators.

The Independents impressed with 642 shows including the Vogue Festival in Paris and Spring/Summer 2025 runway shows for luxury labels like Christian Louboutin and Khaite.

Post-year developments include the January 2025 acquisition of Lotchi, a French producer of immersive experiences combining architecture with video-mapping, light and classical music. February saw the launch of Banijay Live Studio, set to create cutting-edge out-of-home entertainment experiences with a “Black Mirror” project already underway.

The online sports betting and gaming division delivered dazzling results, with revenue racing ahead by 45.4 per cent to Euro 1,456 million and an exceptional Q4 performance showing 49.3 per cent growth.

Online sportsbook revenue rose by 48.4 per cent to Euro 1,144 million, while online casino, poker and turf grew by 35.5 per cent to Euro 311 million. The betting business bagged market share across all products and territories, enjoying a 37 per cent increase in unique active players compared to 2023.

The division debuted a fully redesigned sportsbook app and launched a new proprietary poker platform in December 2024. The group strengthened its responsible gaming policy, with 99 per cent of its online sports betting & gaming revenue generated in locally regulated markets in 2024.

Looking forward, Banijay forecasts further fiscal fortunes in 2025:
* Mid-single digit growth for content production, distribution and live experiences
* Mid-teens growth for online sports betting and gaming
* Mid-to-high single digit growth in adjusted EBITDA, despite a Euro 20 million hit from higher betting taxes in France (effective from 1 July 2025)
* Adjusted free cash flow of approximately 80 per cent of adjusted EBITDA

Riahi, announced that several board members, including himself, will be purchasing shares in the company – a vote of confidence in future growth.

“Banijay Group’s value proposition in the entertainment industry is unique,” Riahi concluded. “We have a clear track record of performance, and we aim to expand our free float and stock liquidity so that shareholders can benefit from the value we are creating.”

March 10, 2025
Popular TV Shows That Have Shaped the Casino Gaming Industry

The Casino industry continues to experience massive growth, generating remarkable revenues worldwide. The sector’s evolution and integration of modern technology have been the foundation of its recent success. Today, there are thousands of games across different genres, such as live dealers, bingo, poker, and table games, with pokies accounting for the vast majority.

Aussies are huge fans of Pokies because they are very easy and fun to play. While some may argue about its simplicity, the infusion of gamification elements in modern-day catalogs negates such claims. Many pokies feature adaptations from top-rated TV shows, movies, and music. The end products are games featuring relatable elements, characters, sounds, and symbols. This article explores some of the most popular TV shows that have entered the iGaming industry.

Game of Thrones

HBO’s Game of Thrones is a TV series that needs no introduction. First premiered in April 2011, the 73-episode show ranks as one of the best of all time. While many do not agree with how it was concluded in the last season, there are no complaints about its overall ratings. It is based on the book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin. It features plots, twists, and competitions between noble families of the seven kingdoms fighting for their claim to the Iron Throne.

So far, it has received 59 Primetime Emmy Awards, the most ever won by any drama series. The influence of Game of Thrones is so massive that it inspired renowned software developer, Microgaming to create a specialized themed slot with the same title. The game features 15 paylines of 5 reels, making it a top choice in the best online casinos in Australia. The graphics are just as stunning and epic as the numerous battle scenes in the series. Most notable are the unique-themed GOT soundtrack, symbols of popular casts, and exciting bonuses.

Vikings

Vikings-themed slots are among the most popular options in online casinos. Irrespective of the different titles, they all have the same thing in common. The theme revolves around the typical Viking lifestyle or nomadic sea voyage and conquest, especially in pre-historic times.

Today, many movies and TV series are designed to closely portray the Viking lifestyle. This has become so popular that it extends beyond the cinematic world into the casino industry. Top Vikings movies include Ragnarok, Vikings: Valhalla, Norsemen, and Vikings. These shows have inspired developers like NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Microgaming, and Play’N Go to develop popular slots. Typical examples include Ring of Odin, Asgardian Stones, Vikings, Thunderstruck II, and Vikings Go Berzerk. Each game, in its unique way, features a stunning integration of symbols and sounds, providing exciting gameplay.

The Walking Dead

AMC’s “The Walking Dead” is another exciting and famous TV show that has greatly influenced the casino industry. Set in the post-apocalyptic era following the destruction of the world by a deadly virus, the movie keeps you on your toes with every episode. From the first season premiered in October 2010, down to the 177th episode, the cast put up an excellent performance. The goal was simple: survive. At first, it was all about navigating and surviving against the zombies, popularly called “the walkers” in the show. However, things got more complicated when survivors now posed as threats against each other.

While the series concluded in 2022, it continues to inspire many zombie-themed pokies in the casino industry. Developers like Aristocrat, Playtech, and Blueprint Gaming have so far been inspired. The Walking Dead slot by Aristocrat is by far the most ranked, integrating many relatable tones and sounds. There are icons from major casts like Daryl Dixon, Michonne, and Rick Grimes. Also, these games feature many bonuses and bonus triggers like “Horde Bonus” and “Escape from the Zombie,” portraying the numerous dangers and challenges faced in the show.

Family Guy

Created in 1999 by Seth MacFarlane, Family Guy is a fictional, animated sitcom about a dysfunctional family. The main characters are the Griffins, consisting of Peter and Lois, their kids Meg, Stewie, and Chris, and their dog Brian. The plot centers around the daily adventures of the family and their unique personality.

So far, the series has 424 episodes and 22 seasons and is still in production. It has so far received several awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Comedy Series.” The foremost influence of the show’s popularity is seen in the development of slot games by prestigious providers like IGT. The slot game features similar symbols, humor, and sounds, creating nostalgia for those familiar with the series. The slot features 5 reels and 3 rows with wild and scatter symbols and multiple bonus rounds.

Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad slot is a top choice for players who are fans of high school chemistry teacher Walter White. The American drama series hit the screen in January 2008. It has 5 seasons, with 62 episodes of drama, suspense, and crime. Walter, on the verge of giving up following a diagnosis of stage-three cancer, turns things around after finding a new purpose. He partners with his former student Jesse when he finds his Chemistry skills useful in producing methamphetamine.

Developers like IGT and Aristocrat have drawn inspiration from the TV show to create related games. This is particularly interesting for fans of the show as it features sounds and symbols that the show lovers would recognize and enjoy. Like other regular slots, it also features bonus rounds and multipliers, making it fun and rewarding to play.

Summing Up

The casino industry is undoubtedly one of the biggest beneficiaries of the digital revolution. With mobile phones and the internet, there is a massive transition from land-based to online gaming. This digital transformation has brought about the integration of enhanced sounds and graphics. Modern slot games boast distinct visuals and auditory simulations from traditional slot machines.

Overall, the transition from shows to slots has come to stay. These shows inspire developers to create unique-themed slots so that players can relate and have more fun.

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The reader is further advised that Online Casino, Betting, Online Gaming , Crypto products, Financial Investments/Engagement , NFTs, Products associated with health, wellness, and food are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions or risk associated with health conditions.

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October 16, 2024
Disney Star India cracks down on illegal streaming website

MUMBAI: There’s reason to celebrate at Disney Star India. The media behemoth’s anti-piracy cell – led by Major Ashok Yadav – has – with the help of the Ahmedabad police – managed to crack down on a clutch of betting websites which were illegally running ICC T20 World Cup cricket streams.

“What’s alarming is the number of betting websites that have popped up this time during this World Cup and they are running live match video streams simultaneously. These guys at magicwin.games, magicwin.com were streaming the matches and encouraging youngsters to place bets,” said Yadav “We filed an FIR and asked help from the cybercrime cell in Ahmedabad and it has since been blocked from running the video streams. It’s to the police commissioner’s credit that it was brought down in 10 days and the pirate arrested.”

The cybercrime cell led by Lavina Sinha along with ACP Hardik Mankadiya have named three accused Divyanshu Patel, Shubham Patel and Harsh Patel, According to both Sinha and Mankadiya, the match video feed was being provided to Divyanshu from a cable operator in Pakistan who goes by the name of Azhar, while Shubham – who is based in Canada – would bring in customers from overseas. The police have arrested Divyanshu, who is a website developer from Mehsana district in Gujarat, and another member of the ring Omkumar Goswami whose job was to open bank accounts in which the betting money was deposited. Laptops, routers, encoders, personal servers have all been recovered from Divyanshu’s premises. Additionally, an international lookout notice has been issued against Shubham Patel.

“Servers were running in Winnipeg, Russia, Germany to keep this operation going,” said Mankadiya.

For the police, the larger crime of illegal betting is something that they are further chasing.

Investigations are currently ongoing around the fintech company that was involved in the UPI transactions for betting transfers while also looking into the media agency which had placed billboards throughout Ahmedabad promoting magicwin.

“Celebrities like Vidyut Jamal were endorsing magicwin without really knowing what they were doing,” said Mankadiya.

“We hope the new advertising regulations will help make these celebs more aware and be careful about what they are promoting,” said a media professional.

Shall we say Amen to that!

June 24, 2024
I&B ministry issues advisory against ads promoting online betting

MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting has issued an advisory to print, electronic and digital media to refrain from advertising online betting platforms, according to the ministry’s statement.

It said the advisory comes in light of instances of several ads of online betting websites/platforms appearing in print, electronic, social and online media.

Betting and gambling, illegal in most parts of the country, pose a significant financial and socio-economic risk for the consumers, especially youth and children, the advisory states, the statement said.

It has further added that these advertisements on online betting have the effect of promoting this largely prohibited activity. “The advertisements of online betting are misleading, and do not appear to be in strict conformity with the Consumer Protection Act 2019, Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and advertisement norms under the Norms of Journalistic Conduct laid down by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978,” it also stated.

The advisory has been issued in the larger public interest, and it has advised the print and electronic media to refrain from publishing advertisements on online betting platforms. It has also advised the online and social media, including the online advertisement intermediaries and publishers, to not display such advertisements in India or target such advertisements towards the Indian audience.

On 4 December 2020, the ministry of information & broadcasting issued an advisory to private satellite TV channels to adhere to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines on advertisements of online gaming which contained specific Do’s and Dont’s for print and audio-visual advertisements of online gaming.

June 13, 2022