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A further tax raid on Britain’s betting and gaming industry would devastate jobs, undermine the economy and drive billions into the hands of the gambling black market, according to independent analysis by EY.

New research, commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council, reveals plans being championed by the SMF and IPPR think tanks would risk over 40,000 jobs, channel £8.4bn in stakes to the black market, and wipe £3.1bn off the sector’s UK economic contribution, while raising a fraction of the amount claimed by the think tanks.

BGC members currently contribute £6.8 billion to the UK economy, pay £4 billion in tax and support over 109,000 jobs across the country – including thousands of high-skilled tech roles in areas like Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Sunderland and Warrington.

But new tax hikes threaten to dismantle that success, with serious consequences for workers, the Treasury and Britain’s high streets.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, said: “It is now clear these further tax rises are a direct threat to British jobs and economic growth.

“The figures speak for themselves – tens of thousands of jobs lost, billions diverted to the black market, and a possible £3 billion hit to the economy.

“Tax raids like those proposed would mean fewer betting shops, casinos and bingo halls, fewer jobs, and a huge boost to the growing, unsafe gambling black market, while not raising anywhere near the tax claimed.”

Both the SMF and IPPR recommended increasing – and in some cases doubling – taxes on betting and gaming.

Currently, bookmakers pay tax on Gross Gambling Yield – takings minus customer winnings – at 21% for online games like bingo, 15% for sports betting and 20% for machine gaming.

Both the SMF and IPPR recommended rates of 50% for online gaming, or Remote Betting Duty, and 25% for sports betting, termed General Betting Duty.

While the IPPR’s plans would cost 40,000 jobs, channel £8.4bn in stakes to the black market, and wipe £3.1bn off the sector’s economic GVA, an analysis of the SMF proposals showed it would cost 30,200 jobs, drive £8.1bn in stakes to the black market, and cost the sector £2.5bn in lost GVA to the economy.

The IPPR had claimed these tax increases would generate £3.2 billion in revenue. However, analysis by EY indicates the actual short-term gain would be closer to just over £1 billion.

But when additional factors such as lost employment, reduced corporation tax, lower National Insurance contributions and venue closures are taken into account, EY’s modelling suggests the Treasury’s net gain could fall to under £500 million.

Industry experts warned that the short-term gain would plummet as the hikes bed in and punters abandon the regulated sector amid worse odds, fewer promotions and a reduced offer for bookmakers.

Both think tanks have also ignored the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper – the most comprehensive reform of UK gambling laws in a generation –which is already projected to reduce sector revenues by around £1 billion.

Their projections also assume a 31% growth rate for the sector by 2025, whereas EY calculates that growth between 2023 and 2026 will sit at just 4%.

Hurst added: “Balanced regulations and a stable tax regime guarantee a growing regulated sector. But these proposals would achieve the absolute opposite of that and undermine the very consumer protections that keep people safe by pushing customers towards the unregulated black market, where there are no safeguards, no tax receipts, no jobs, and no support for the sports we all love.

“Britain’s betting and gaming sector is a world leader – employing thousands, paying billions in tax, and investing in British sport.

“The choice is clear: back a successful, sustainable, regulated British industry – or risk losing jobs, investment and growth.”

The post BGC: Further Tax Raid on Betting Threatens 40,000 Jobs and £3B Blow to UK Economy, Warns New Analysis appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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REEVO has signed a new content partnership with Grand Casino Bern, bringing its in-house games to Swiss players. The deal strengthens REEVO’s presence in Europe and delivers its innovative content to one of Switzerland’s most respected online destinations.

Grand Casino Bern operates 7Melons.ch, the official online brand of the land-based casino, which holds an official Swiss Concession and is known for its focus on player protection, fairness and transparency

Through this collaboration, Swiss players will experience REEVO’s signature games built for entertainment, reliability and speed. For operators, it’s another proof point of what makes REEVO stand out, a seamless integration process, high-performance titles and a steady stream of fresh releases that drive engagement and growth.

Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO, said: “Switzerland is a high-expectation market, which is exactly where REEVO shines. Teaming up with Grand Casino Bern on 7Melons.ch lets us showcase our games to players who value quality and trust. We are bringing a pipeline of new releases, sharp mechanics and elegant design that operators can count on and players can’t wait to replay. This partnership is a strong step forward for our growth story and a clear win for Swiss players who want something genuinely fresh from REEVO.”

Martin Ekinci, Head of Marketing at Grand Casino Bern, added: “Our partnership with REEVO marks another important milestone in expanding our content offering. It reflects our ongoing dedication to providing top-tier entertainment and a secure, Swiss-quality gaming experience.”

This agreement further expands REEVO’s footprint in regulated European markets and reinforces its mission to make premium, high-performing casino content simple to access and easy to love. Swiss players can look forward to a continuous rollout of new REEVO titles throughout the year.

The post REEVO Signs Content Partnership with Grand Casino Bern appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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In-demand provider’s content now available to operators powered by the innovative iGaming platform

Gaming Corps, a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, has agreed to add its portfolio of games to the marketplace of cutting-edge platform provider, Elantil.

Under the deal, Gaming Corps’ full suite of games will be integrated into the Elantil platform and made available to operators using its sophisticated technologies to power their online casinos.

Gaming Corps has developed in-demand games in Slots, Multiplayer Games, Table Games, Plinko and its proprietary Smash4CashTM titles.

This ensures operators can target the largest audience of players, meeting all preferences from classic slots and video slots to non-traditional formats.

Just some of the titles now available to operators powered by Elantil include the super popular 3 Pigs of Olympus, recent release, Anubis V Horus: Twin Titans and the trademarked Piggy Smash 2.

The partnership between Gaming Corps and Elantil brings together two innovative companies leveraging the latest technologies to deliver superior products and experiences.

Elantil has reimagined how platforms should work from the ground up, being fully modular and extremely agile.

Its crypto-native platform equally supports regulated markets, features multi-wallet and multi-active bonus capabilities and offers speedy supplier integration.

Built for customers with big ambitions and technical expertise, Elantil is the alternative to clunky, monolithic systems that slow down progress.

Danielle Calafato, CCO at Gaming Corps, said: “This is an important partnership for us, putting our growing portfolio of content in front of high-calibre operators looking to offer their players a superior experience.

“Each of our games, whether a casino slot, table game, multiplayer game, plinko title or one from our Smash4Cash series, has been designed to put players on the edge of their seats and deliver the fun and thrilling experiences they are seeking.

“Titles from our Smash4Cash series allow operators to offer something a little different and are performing incredibly well in markets across the world – so too are our plinko titles as the demand for non-traditional content continues to rise.

“Of course, our core slots and table games offering provides both quantity and quality, allowing operators to add value and value to their lobbies.”

John Debono, CTO at Elantil, added: “Gaming Corps has emerged as a must-have provider for operators, and we are delighted to have integrated its entire portfolio into our platform.

“Our operator partners are always looking to keep their lobbies fresh with new content, and in Gaming Corps, we have a provider whose portfolio covers a wide range of formats and with plenty of firm player favourites in the mix.”

The post Gaming Corps signs distribution deal with Elantil appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.