Betzone Partners with Metric Gaming for New UK Sportsbook Launch

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Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, and Catherine Delorme, president of the Addiction Federation, signed a partnership agreement on July 23, 2024 to strengthen the prevention of excessive gambling and the protection of minors, through the implementation of joint actions.

In 2019, the Gaming Observatory estimated the number of at-risk players at 1.4 million, including nearly 400,000 at a pathological level. Problem gambling thus generates more than 38% of the sector’s turnover and 21% for excessive players alone. These figures, which should be updated soon, illustrate the reality of a social problem, for young people in particular, with collateral damage in the player’s immediate entourage: over-indebtedness, family problems, academic difficulties, etc.

In its 2024/2026 strategic plan, the ANJ has set as a priority objective to reduce the share and number of excessive gamblers and to strengthen the ability of gamblers to better control their gaming practices, through preventive actions against excessive gambling, in addition to those implemented by the public authorities.

This strategic plan is based on two cross-cutting foundations which are of particular interest to the partnership with the Addiction Federation: making scientific knowledge of the market and gaming practices the compass of regulation and strengthening the mobilisation of all stakeholders, in particular through the conclusion of partnerships with addiction professionals.

The Addiction Federation is the leading addictology network in France: it represents 850 health establishments and services and more than 500 professionals, individual members. It brings together 80% of addiction treatment, support and prevention centres (CSAPA) and reception and support centres for risk reduction for drug users (CAARUD) and 20% of health systems (addiction liaison and care teams, follow-up and rehabilitation care, addiction consultations, health networks).

The collaboration between the ANJ and the Addiction Federation will focus on different areas of intervention such as:

• Studies, prevention support edition,
• The development of tools to support players or addiction professionals,
• The design and intervention in training programmes,
• Joint organisation of events.

In 2024, the ANJ and the Addiction Federation will carry out joint training activities and publish a document on the regulation of gambling for addiction professionals.

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The EFL, in partnership with Genius Sports, has officially launched “Fantasy EFL,” the League’s first-ever 72-club fantasy football game to involve all Member Clubs across the three Sky Bet EFL divisions.

First teased at the 2023/24 Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals, Fantasy EFL will be an innovative platform to unify fans of EFL Clubs, fantasy football players, plus the wider football community to play and engage with almost 2000 EFL first-team players, more than 1600 Sky Bet EFL fixtures and all 72 Clubs during the twists and turns of a season.

Available on web, and as a brand-new app for iOS and Android users, Fantasy EFL is free to play and allows participants to become Managers every gameweek of the Sky Bet EFL.

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “We’re very excited to bring the EFL’s first fantasy football game to life as a central product that engages not only with supporters of all 72 EFL Clubs, but also the wider football audience. We’ve interrogated research into what fans would want out of an EFL fantasy football game and been strategic on providing a product that isn’t just a copy of what is already in the market.

“Fantasy EFL is a premium product that enhances the EFL brand and opens further opportunities with our broadcasters and commercial partners. Alongside Genius Sports, Fantasy EFL appeals to both the avid and casual fan and will expand the rising interest in the Sky Bet EFL, our Clubs and their players beyond fans who attend matches and those who watch along at home.”

Genius Sports Chief Partnerships Officer, Steven Burton, said: “Fantasy EFL is unique, interactive, and fun and Genius Sports is delighted to deliver this exciting new game for the EFL and its Member Clubs.

“This new game will test fans’ knowledge of both teams and individual players while providing them with a platform to compete with their friends and family every week.”

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Fintech crypto company Payhound has selected Chainalysis, the blockchain data platform, to safeguard operations from exposure to malicious activity and uphold strict compliance standards.

With a strong commitment to combating illicit activities and a regulatory obligation to safeguard its customers, Payhound has chosen Chainalysis as part of its compliance and risk management strategy. This collaboration underscores Payhound’s dedication to maintaining top-tier regulatory compliance and security standards within the industry.

Chainalysis is leading the way in establishing a safe global economy built on blockchains through its blockchain data platform, which assists businesses and governments in making informed decisions and protecting their customers. By implementing Chainalysis solutions, companies gain access to a suite of investigation, compliance and risk management tools.

Michele Santulin, Regional Director Mediterranean Area at Chainalysis, said: “In today’s crypto market, where trust is key to success, companies like Payhound need to take advantage of blockchain’s built-in transparency and use advanced blockchain analysis solutions to maintain strict adherence to regulations, protect their brands, and last but not least, offer reliable services to their customers. We are thrilled to support Payhound in that mission.”

Elton Dimech, Managing Director at Payhound, said: “Chainalysis is an invaluable resource for companies such as Payhound. Their forensic data and analytical approach, allowing for continuous crypto transaction monitoring, has proven indispensable in an effort to adhere to our own AML and Compliance obligations.”