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What is Merlins Grimoire?
The partnership doesn’t end at this stage, as Wazdan is going to further implement new releases for the operator’s local content library and offer players new opportunities as they come back to play.
Wazdan has been methodically building up its footprint across regional and European markets, with the supplier signing up a content partnership with Jupiter Gaming earlier in September, and similarly bringing its portfolio of player-favorite games to the operator in the UK.
Besides Europe, Wazdan has also been focused on expanding in the North American market. To this end, the supplier teamed up with Caliente.mx, a brand operated by Caliente Interactive in Mexico, bringing the supplier’s games to the local market.
About Merlins Grimoire
The factor that led some operators to drop out of the licensing race could be the “uncertainty” created by regulations that “didn’t seem set in stone”, says Leckert.
“Some of them [investors] that were looking at Japan were looking at a big IR licence or nothing. With Tokyo and Yokohama being out of the mix, maybe some weren’t as interested anymore and decided to sit back, and wait and see how regulation and licensing shake out.”
One concern for operators is “the short duration of licences and renewal of licences”, notes Leckert. For operators, the casino business licence is renewable every three years, while the IR development-plan authorisation runs for 10 years, in contrast to the 18-year IR licence term in the Philippines, for instance.
About Merlins Grimoire
Peter Kesitilwe, CEO of the AiA, said the industry’s growth must be matched by a stronger focus on player protection, highlighting the need for greater collaboration between regulators and operators.
“As Africa’s gambling industry continues to grow, player protection must grow with it,” he said. “Africa Safer Gambling Week brings regulators and industry together around a shared commitment to safer gambling and stronger consumer protection.
“We fully support consumers having the tools and information they need to gamble responsibly, this week, like every week, is about ensuring our customers’ safety.”
