Wazdan expands in Lithuania with Twinsbet deal

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The Constitutional Court of Latvia said on April 4 that it had deemed the restriction on the organisation of gambling throughout Rīga unconstitutional, as the municipality has not justified why gambling is prohibited in the specific areas.

The case was brought before the Constitutional Court following applications by the gambling companies Olympic Casino Latvia Ltd, Alfor Ltd and Joker Ltd. They requested an assessment of the compliance of the Rīga spatial plan with Article 105 of the Constitution, which provides for the right to property that may be restricted only following the law. Compulsory expropriation of property for public needs is only allowed in exceptional cases on the basis of a separate law against fair compensation.

The contested norm provides, however, that the organisation of gambling and the provision of gambling services are prohibited in the entire administrative territory of Rīga, except where such gambling venues are located in four- or five-star hotels.

Six years ago, the Riga City Council decided to close down 42 gambling venues in the city centre, and last September it decided to cancel 139 permits for gambling venues outside the city centre. They must close within five years.

The Constitutional Court found that the organisation of gambling is a legal commercial activity existing in conditions of free competition.

The legislator has given the municipality the competence to assess independently which areas or territories of the municipality should be subject to restrictions on the organisation of gambling. The municipality is also entitled to designate an unlimited number of areas in the spatial plan where gambling is not allowed. However, the municipality must comply with the principle of territorial assessment laid down in the authorisation granted by the legislator.

The Constitutional Court found that the municipality had failed to state reasons why the organisation of gambling was prohibited in the functional zones of the spatial plan, where commercial activities were envisaged as one of the permitted uses of the territory.

In accordance with the principle of assessment of territories laid down in the Law on Gambling, the municipality must assess, for example, in the spatial planning process, the built-up area and the location of infrastructure facilities, the population density, the interests of residents and traders and other relevant aspects which may be the basis for imposing restrictions on the organisation of gambling.

No such assessment has been carried out by the municipality prior to the establishment of restrictions on gambling throughout the territory of Riga.

The Constitutional Court held that the restriction on fundamental rights contained in the contested norm was incompatible with Article 1 and the first, second and third sentences of Article 105 of the Constitution.

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CT Interactive has successfully launched its portfolio of games on Vivatbet.eu. The collaboration underscores CT Interactive’s strategic expansion efforts in the Baltic region, further solidifying its position as a key player in the online gaming industry.

Milena Tsankarska, CCO at CT Interactive, said: “We are delighted to announce the integration of our games with Vivatbet.eu, a prominent operator in Estonia. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for CT Interactive as we continue to broaden our reach across the Baltic region.”

“Vivatbet.eu’s commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences aligns perfectly with our values. By offering our diverse portfolio of games, including popular titles like Chili Fruits, Coffee Magic, Pot-o-Luck, 40 Treasures, and Lucky Clover, we aim to enhance the entertainment offerings available to Estonian players,” Antonio Donov, Business Development Manager EMEA at CT Interactive, said.

A representative of Vivatbet.eu commented: “We are thrilled to integrate CT Interactive’s games into our platform. Their reputation for delivering engaging and high-quality content perfectly complements our commitment to providing top-tier gaming experiences to our players.”

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Genius Sports Limited has struck a new partnership with the Lithuanian Basketball League (Betsafe-LKL), one of the premier leagues in European basketball, to implement its computer vision system in every venue.

Betsafe-LKL will become the first basketball league to automate the capture of eventing data, rich tracking data and broadcast-quality live video production via a single system. Using its unique AI capabilities, Genius Sports will transform this data and video into greater insights, immersive fan experiences and new sponsorship opportunities for the league and its teams.

Genius Sports uses AI to read, process and understand gameplay in real-time to contextualise every aspect of the game, using the language of coaches, players and fans.

All Betsafe-LKL teams will have access to Genius Sports’ Insight tool, a cutting-edge coaching and analysis solution used by every NBA team. Insight synchronises granular tracking data with video to help analysts instantly find answers to their most detailed tactical and performance questions.

Furthermore, with the help of AI-driven augmentation technology, Genius Sports will power new broadcast experiences for Betsafe-LKL fans. This includes enhancing live broadcast video with real-time data and graphics, as well as powering new sponsorable inventory for the league’s commercial partners.

Betsafe-LKL has begun the rollout of Genius Sports’ computer vision system with all stadiums to be completed in time for the 2024/25 season.

Rasa Liuimiene, CEO of the Lithuanian Basketball League, said: “Over the past decade, the Betsafe-LKL has significantly changed its image – it is a bold organisation that keeps pace with modern technologies and the opportunities they provide.

“Boldness and uniqueness perfectly characterise the Betsafe-LKL. We are delighted to be partnering with Genius Sports to bring unique Al-powered tracking technology to Betsafe-LKL competitions, which will enable us jointly to offer Betsafe-LKL clubs, their administration and basketball coaches state-of-the-art tools to enhance performance analysis, power immersive fan experiences and generate new sponsorship opportunities.”

Jonny Katanchian, Head of Sports and Broadcast at Genius Sports, said: “Our new partnership with Betsafe-LKL to rollout our AI-powered technology marks a pivotal moment for the league and world basketball. Across on-court performance, digital fan experiences and new revenue platforms, our technology will transform the LKL’s entire operation, unlocking the full value of tracking data and video through the power of AI.”