Each week, CasinoBeats breaks down the numbers behind some of the industry’s most interesting stories. This week we reflect on a crafty ASA investigation, some serious cash being spent in Singapore and a landmark win for a new project – and more 

10,754

The number of times “child-friendly” gambling ads were rolled out to child avatars deployed by the UK Advertising Standards Authority in a sting operation that found five gambling operators to be in contravention of strict advertising rules that prohibit such ads being targeted towards minors.

Following the investigation, all operators have accepted responsibility for breaking advertising rules. The majority of instances arose due to errors by third-party companies who rolled out campaigns on behalf of the operators, the ASA said.

17

GVC Holdings published a trading update for Q1, with a 17 per cent surge in online NGR driving the operator group’s self-proclaimed “excellent” start to the year. GVC’s retail business posted a flat NGR in the UK and saw modest gains of two per cent in Europe. Meanwhile, both betting and gaming performed excellently online, with gaming leading the way – just – with an NGR gain of 20 per cent.

As might be expected, CEO Kenny Alexander was chuffed. “At this early stage of the year, the board is confident of delivering EBITDA and operating profit in-line with expectations,” he said.

$3.3bn

The amount that Las Vegas Sands is to spend expanding the Marina Bay Sands complex in Singapore. The landmark resort will be gaining a 15,000 capacity arena, a luxury hotel tower and additional conference and exhibition space, all alongside the existing site.

Thanking the Singapore government for its support, LVS CEO Sheldon Adelson said the development would create “more amazing success”. It is anticipated that the arena will draw Vegas-style residencies to Singapore. Expect Celine Dion.

2

Online lottery operator Lottoland has been granted two licences by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board in South Africa.

The lottoland.co.za site is now live, offering players bets on 30-plus lotteries from around the world and representing the first time that residents of South Africa can play the US Mega Millions and the Powerball, or the European jackpots. Lottoland CEO Nigel Birrell was reportedly seen looking pleased.

100

MGM Resorts received a top score of 100 on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, as it was named as one of the “best places to work for LGBTQ equality”.

“At MGM Resorts we have a long-standing history of making diversity and inclusion a priority, we put the action behind our words and we will continue to stand with the LGBTQ community,” said Phyllis A James, the company’s EVP and chief diversity and corporate responsibility officer.

€39,000

The amount a lucky Finn scooped (yes, scooped) playing NetEnt‘s Jungle Spirit: Call of the Wild on River iGaming‘s recently launched instant cash-out casino Casonic. Just a single spin and €0.50 was all it took for “Olli U” to change his life.