Hello and welcome to the SBC News 90, here’s today’s top stories:

Evolution Gaming has moved to close down NetEnt’s live casino division as the gaming giant takes its stake in the Swedish content developer to nearly 97%.

Evolution reports that it has initiated ‘a total reorganisation and integration’ of NetEnt, although the enlarged group will continue to operate under the Evolution, Ezugi, NetEnt and Red Tiger brands.

NetEnt has also applied for the delisting of its shares from Nasdaq Stockholm.

Ireland has passed its ‘interim Gaming and Lotteries Act’, establishing the foundation for a sweeping reform of gambling laws next year.  

The 2019 Act seeks to streamline the application process for lottery and gaming permits, as well as establish a minimum age of 18 for all licensed gambling products.

Questions remain as to how gambling regulators will support services for the prevention of problem gambling.

Newcastle United has been forced to postpone this week’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, with the first-team squad self-isolating due to a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Four players and one member of the backroom staff have tested positive for the virus, and the Magpies have ordered a set of COVID-19 tests as a safety precaution. 

The club’s training facility has been closed and deep cleaned with the squad ‘bubble’ now the subject of a blanket quarantine.

That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow for your next SBC News 90.

SBC News 90: NetEnt Live shut down as Evolution takeover takes hold