Intralot enters South African market; Portugal could suffer EC sanctions; Leander Games providing Betsson with games

south africa flag gamblingGambling industry supplier Intralot has been awarded a licence to offer online sports betting throughout South Africa. The firm’s subsidiary, Intralot South Africa, obtained a fixed odds betting licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board enabling them to offer Internet, telephone and mobile betting nationwide. The JUSTBET brand will also offer land-based sports betting in Western Cape province and they join Ladbrokes and others in offering services to South Africans. The online part of the deal only covers sports betting as all other types are outlawed under the country’s gambling industry legislation.

Portugal could suffer European Commission (EC) penalties following its decision to ban bwin.party advertising and sponsorship. The government made the decision following a verdict in October that deemed Pwin’s activities in the country “illegal.” The company vowed to appeal but was still forced to remove all sponsorship from Portuguese football association competitions – something which contravenes EU law. Sigrid Ligne, secretary general of the European Gaming & Betting Association explained this to eGR, stating: “When a body states its intention to appeal a ruling, the enforcement of the ruling is normally supended, but in this ruling this has not been the case.”

The EC vice-president Antonio Tadjani could also launch proceedings against the monopoly held by Santa Casa following news last year that documentation regarding it was never given to the EC.

Completing our whirlwind round the world in 80 seconds trip, Argentinean solutions provider Leander Games has signed a deal to provide Betsson with four games. Reely Roulette, Megadeth, Treasures of the Sahara and Snake Slot join Reely Poker as part of the Swedish firm’s offering.