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Betting and Gaming Council Warn Further Tax Increases Will Hit Customers, Prevent Growth, Cost Jobs and Bolster Black Market Gambling
STANDARDS body the Betting and Gaming Council have warned further tax rises threaten to bolster the illegal gambling black market while undermining the regulated sector’s significant economic contributions.
Ahead of the Budget, new figures compiled by leading consultants EY confirm BGC members generate £6.8bn for the economy in Gross Value Added, raise a further £4bn in tax to the Treasury, while supporting 109,000 jobs.
The regulated betting and gaming sector supports the UK’s hard-pressed high streets through bookmakers, provides a vital pillar to the leisure and tourism sector through casinos, and a growing number of high value jobs in bases like Stoke, Leeds, Sunderland, Warrington, Nottingham and Newcastle Under Lyme.
They also pour millions into sports including horseracing, rugby league, football, snooker, darts and boxing.
But tax increases, combined with the impacts of last year’s White Paper on gambling reform, and the threat of the growing unsafe, unregulated gambling black market, could undermine that continued investment while threatening growth and jobs.
According to previous Government figures, the White Paper measures, many of which the BGC called for to raise standards, will cost the sector around £1bn.
While comparable markets in Europe which have increased taxes on regulated operators, have seen an immediate rise in black market gambling, which pays zero tax, does not contribute to sport and makes no effort on player protection, leading these markets to also have higher rates of problem gambling.
A recent study commissioned by the BGC found 1.5m Brits are annually staking up to £4.3bn on the illegal, unregulated gambling black market.
Meanwhile, the current economic headwinds – which are set to continue – have also hit customer’s pockets hard, including their financial freedom to spend on hobbies like betting.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said: “Our sector is at a crossroads as we seek to implement the measures contained in the White Paper and deliver a new era of stability and growth so we can continue making significant economic contributions to the country.
“After so many years of uncertainty, this sector needs stability to deliver sustainable investment, not further change which threatens to undo that contribution.
“Any new taxes now, at any scale, at this critical juncture risks undermining that good work while giving a leg-up to the lurking menace of the black market, which is ready to hoover up disaffected customers sensitive to any degrading of the offer they get in the regulated sector.
“Customers have been hit hard for years, with extreme pressure on the cash they have left in their pockets, once bills and taxes are paid, to enjoy their hobbies including having a flutter. We don’t want to see the pressure on working people ramped up.
“Regulated betting and gaming remains a hugely popular pastime in this country, enjoyed safely by the overwhelming majority, while our members are a Great British export and genuine global leaders, delivering enormous economic good in city centers, on high streets and in the growing online sector. That investment positively impacts other sectors too, with BGC members pouring millions into Britain’s world leading sports.
“We want to partner with Government to see the right, proportionate regulations, and a stable tax regime, which doesn’t hit customers, doesn’t raise the attraction of illegal operators, won’t risk jobs, but instead delivers on the Government’s new growth agenda.”
The White Paper – billed as a “once in a generation” moment for reform – announced measures including an Ombudsman to improve consumer redress, new online stake limits, modest casino modernisation plans and a new levy to fund Research Prevention and Treatment (RPT) services to tackle problem gambling and gambling related harm.
BGC members voluntarily donated over £170m to this work over the last four years – supporting a mature network of independent charity providers – including £50m last year alone.
The new statutory RPT Levy is expected to raise £100m a year when introduced.
BGC members also contribute around £100m a year to the Horserace Betting Levy to improve breeding, advance veterinary science in the sport and contribute to the wider improvement of horseracing.
The new research by EY also tracked trends in the sector, confirming Gross Gambling Yield from online betting and gaming has remained steady, while marking the significant pressures facing land-based bookmakers and casinos.
The number of casinos has fallen in recent years, from 156 in 2019 to 117 now, including the loss of five high-end casinos.
There are also currently 5870 bookmakers in the UK, with 2485 closures since 2019, a 28% reduction, prompted by regulatory changes and the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic.
The BGC has previously called on Government to introduce the modest but mission critical modernisation plans needed for the land-based sector to compete and offer the experience their customers expect.
The post Betting and Gaming Council Warn Further Tax Increases Will Hit Customers, Prevent Growth, Cost Jobs and Bolster Black Market Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ELA Games, an innovative game development studio, announces that its representatives will participate in panel discussions to share industry insights at the upcoming SBC Summit Malta on June 11, 2025, at the Casino Innovation stage.
2:00 – 2:45 pm: The Art of the Sequel: Balancing Innovation, Success, and Influencer Impact on Gaming Audiences
This panel discusses how sequels are a key tool for studios to refresh content and develop existing player relationships. Yaroslav Soloshenko, Business Development Team Lead, will highlight ELA Games’ approach to creating recognisable and memorable series while capitalising on success and positive momentum. Additionally, he’ll discuss the studio’s philosophy regarding creativity and game development.
3:45 – 4:30 pm: Platforms and Aggregators: Catalysts or Constraints in the Gaming Industry’s Future?
Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director, will take part in a panel discussion on the financial and business side of iGaming. Specifically, she will cover the relationship between game studios, content aggregators and platforms. She will provide key insights on the finances of these partnerships and how studios can utilise the increased reach these platforms provide to focus on innovation.
The post ELA Games to Share Insights During Two Panel Discussions at the SBC Summit Malta appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Bridging the gap between functional hardware and considered design, Phantum debuts its first line of high-performance mousepads. The collection is built for users who demand precision but won’t compromise on aesthetics. Developed in Paris by founders Amine G. and Victor B., the mousepads combine minimalist design with carefully selected materials and collectible elements, positioning the product as a functional tool and a design object.
Created for gamers and digital creatives, Phantum’s mousepads emphasize tactile performance while remaining visually restrained. The surfaces are crafted using Japanese Poron and advanced fabrics chosen for their durability, responsiveness, and sensory qualities. Each product is designed to enhance, not distract from, the overall composition of a desk setup.
The company’s visual language draws on space, transparency, and disappearance themes, an intentional move to create objects that integrate flawlessly into a work or play environment. “Every detail reflects our DNA: clean, sharp, and futuristic,” said co-founder Amine G., whose tech-focused YouTube channel, MRG TECH, has built a following of over 200,000 subscribers. “We create tools that disappear under the hand but leave a lasting impression through design, feel, and finish.”
Phantum’s founders launched the brand after finding few products that met their standards for both performance and design integrity. The debut line is only the beginning: the team is developing glass mousepads and matching performance sleeves, with plans to expand into a broader ecosystem of desk essentials. Each new release will continue to feature collectible packaging designed to add narrative value rather than act as decoration.
Though recently launched, Phantum is already drawing attention beyond France, particularly in Latin America, where design-conscious gamers have begun to integrate the mousepads into their setups. The first collection is now available on phantum.co, with new formats and accessories to follow.
The post Phantum Introduces High-End Mousepads with Collectible Packaging and Parisian Design Roots appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
REEVO, the cutting-edge B2B content and aggregation platform, has announced an exciting new partnership with SpinLogic, a leading game provider known for its thrilling slots, table and card games, and video poker experiences.
Through this collaboration, REEVO’s partners will now have instant access to SpinLogic’s entire game portfolio, featuring player-favourites like Mask of the Golden Sphinx, The Cash is Right and Spicy Reels Fiesta, blockbuster titles that are set to capture even more players globally.
Since its launch in 1998, in partnership with RealTime Gaming, SpinLogic has developed a robust catalogue of over 300 high-performing games, continuously releasing new titles every month. This rich and diverse library will now be available through REEVO’s dynamic aggregation platform, further enhancing the gaming choices available to operators and players alike.
By teaming up with REEVO, SpinLogic will also leverage a suite of innovative gaming solutions and advanced technologies, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving iGaming landscape. REEVO’s relentless focus on empowering partners with best-in-class tools, seamless integrations and next-generation capabilities means that SpinLogic is perfectly positioned for an exciting new phase of growth and innovation.
Adrian Ploscaru, Account Manager at SpinLogic, said: “This partnership opens up new avenues for innovation and enhances our ability to deliver top gaming experiences. We believe that working with REEVO will elevate our offering and strengthen our position in the industry. Together, we are committed to understanding and meeting the needs of our players.”
Daniel Cuc, Head of Account Management at REEVO, said: “We are proud to welcome SpinLogic to the REEVO family. Their proven track record of delivering standout gaming content perfectly aligns with our mission to offer operators nothing but the best. Together, we will push boundaries and create exceptional opportunities for innovation, growth, and player engagement.”
The post REEVO Announces New Partnership with SpinLogic appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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