Playtech has agreed to a multi-year collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) which aims to utilise technology to create a more sustainable gambling environment.
The igaming supplier will work together with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI), which was established in 1994 and provides the global gaming and gambling industry with research-based solutions, insights and executive education.
UNLV’s IGI and Playtech will combine their expertise on several topics of mutual interest, with the key focus areas being how AI and machine learning can be used to promote and support safer and more responsible gambling.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Playtech in advancing our responsible gambling research,” commented Kasra Ghaharian, PhD, Director of Research at UNLV IGI.
“Their expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning is crucial in promoting safer gambling behaviours amongst players all around the world. Playtech’s dedication to reducing gambling related harm, aligns with our own goals of employing the most advanced methodologies to understand, predict, and prevent potential gambling harm.
“As responsible gambling becomes increasingly important in the US and around the world, our collaboration with Playtech is more vital than ever.”
Playtech has committed funding to an IGI project that explores how AI can be used to train chatbots to encourage safer gambling behaviours among sports bettors.
At IGI’s Center for Gaming Innovation, an internship in the inaugural Gaming Manufacturing Internship Program has also been supported by the igaming supplier.
Brett Abarbanel, PhD, Executive Director at UNLV IGI and Associate Professor at UNLV William F Harrah College of Hospitality, stated: “It is a joy to work with Playtech across IGI’s many education, innovation, and research programs. Playtech is a global leader in gambling and gaming, and together we will advance a stronger, more sustainable industry.”
Jonathan Doubilet, VP of US Business Operations at Playtech, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with the prestigious UNLV International Gaming Institute. Their expertise in the gambling and technology sector helps continue to generate powerful insights that benefit all stakeholders in advancing player protection.
“Supporting their cutting-edge research, to lead the way in developing innovative solutions to enhance player protection and promote safer gambling behaviours, is a priority for us.”
Earlier this week, Playtech published its H1 2024 financials, reporting that it is “on course to deliver” its FY 2024 adjusted EBITDA slightly ahead of expectations, as its B2B operations drove growth for the business during the first half of the year.
The High Court of Australia has ordered SkyCity Entertainment Group to pay an additional A$13.1m (approx €8m) in casino duty to the Treasurer of South Australia over a dispute about loyalty points and gaming revenue.
The dispute was over the interpretation of the Casino Duty Agreement dated 27 October 1999, regarding the “treatment of loyalty points converted to gaming machine play for the purpose of calculating casino duty at the SkyCity Adelaide casino”.
In a statement, the operator said the High Court ruled against SkyCity, confirming the South Australian Court of Appeal’s interpretation of the agreement of “credits on gaming machines arising from the conversion of loyalty points, when played by customers, are to be included in gaming revenue for the purpose of calculating casino duty at the SkyCity Adelaide casino”.
As such, SkyCity Adelaide is now obliged to pay an additional A$10.3m casino duty in addition to A$2.8m “of additional casino duty payable as a consequence of that part of the Court of Appeal’s earlier judgement that was not appealed to the High Court”.
The High Court has also ruled in favour of the Treasurer of South Australia’s position on the interest clause in the agreement, which amount will be determined by a judge of the Supreme Court of South Australia at a later date.
SkyCity has stated that if the Supreme Court’s decision is unfavourable to SkyCity Adelaide, the casino could be forced to pay penalty interest on the additional casino duty, “which could be up to around A$25.3m”.
As of 30 June 2024, the operator had recognised the provision of A$13.1m concerning the potential additional casino duty payable, but not the possible penalty interest as “there remain a range of potential outcomes and no present obligation exists”.
“This is a long running matter involving highly technical tax issues regarding the calculation of casino duty,” commented Jason Walbridge, CEO of SkyCity.
“Given the complexities, both parties decided to seek declaratory relief through the court. We look forward to the resolution of this matter and will continue to work with RevenueSA to achieve this.”
