Latest News

BGC Publishes New Code Handbook on Fifth Anniversary

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2024

bgc-publishes-new-code-handbook-on-fifth-anniversary

Reading Time: 3 minutes

STANDARDS body The Betting and Gaming Council has published its first Code Handbook, comprising 20 Codes covering 100 measures all members commit to as part of the industry’s continued drive to raise standards.

The new Code Handbook – published to mark the BGC’s fifth anniversary – collates every voluntary commitment BGC operator’s sign up to as a condition of membership, including the BGC’s overarching Code of Conduct.

While three of the Codes have now become part of License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) for members, the vast majority of these commitments go beyond license requirements set by the independent regulator, the Gambling Commission.

As well as these measures – which have already been implemented across the BGC’s diverse and growing membership – the BGC is also working closely with government and the regulator on over 50 additional workstreams to further raise standards following the publication of the White Paper last year.

Those include frictionless enhanced spending checks online, an industry Ombudsman to improve customer redress and expanding the scope of the Bank Transfer Block project to offer customers even more control of their spending.

The vast majority of the measures are around safer gambling, including core pledges on advertising and messaging, the promotion of safer gambling tools and signposting help and support to those who need it.

These measures apply across the diverse membership of the BGC, including land-based operators like casinos, which are a pillar of the hospitality and tourism sector, bookmakers on hard-pressed high streets and world leading online gaming operators.

Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst said: “I am delighted to announce this new Code Handbook, which comprises over five years of determined work to raise standards, across the board.

“It is also entirely fitting that we publish this landmark new Code Handbook on our fifth anniversary. The BGC was founded as the industry’s standards body, and this Handbook draws together our sector’s combined efforts, under the leadership of the BGC, to raise standards on safer gambling in the UK.

“With 20 Codes covering 100 measures, which all BGC members follow as a condition of membership, this comprehensive document should rightly be seen as the concrete demonstration of our member’s determination to deliver world-class standards.

“This Code Handbook is also not the final word on this work, because the commitment to raising standards does not stop for the BGC, or our members.

“That’s why we are working with the regulator and government on over 50 additional workstreams which will raise standards even further as part of the White Paper reforms.

“Taken alone, neither the recently published White Paper on gambling reform, or existing license conditions set by the Gambling Commission, can deliver the world class standards our industry strives for.

“It takes independent determination on behalf of our members, and collective ambition by the BGC to deliver that. This Handbook is the result of that determination and ambition.

“We are determined to deliver the foundations for a sustainable sector, built on stability, growth and diversity, ensuring our members set the global standard for our world-class industry.”

The BGC stressed these incredibly high standards are only found in the regulated sector, unlike the growing unsafe, unregulated gambling black market.

A recent study commissioned by the BGC found 1.5m Brits are annually staking up to £4.3bn with unsafe, illegal, unregulated black market operators, which don’t pay tax, don’t contribute to the economy or sport and do not hold the same rigorous high standards on safer gambling.

The Code Handbook includes measures like the whistle-to-whistle ban on TV betting commercials during live sport before the 9pm watershed, which led to the number of such ads being seen by children at that time falling by 97%.

The post BGC Publishes New Code Handbook on Fifth Anniversary appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy

Published

34 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

merkur-group-strengthens-global-compliance-strategy

Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.

In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.

“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.

The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.

The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Anne Marie Caulfield

GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling

Published

34 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

grai-launches-new-campaign-helping-parents-to-spot-the-signs-of-underage-gambling

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is encouraging parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of gambling among young people and to intervene early to prevent gambling harm.

The signs of gambling aren’t always visible, the GRAI in partnership with the Health Service Executive Addiction Services have developed dedicated advice on www.grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, advice on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling, and where to seek help if required.

To support the guidance, the GRAI has launched a national public awareness campaign across video on demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms, bringing this message directly to families across Ireland.

With the lines between entertainment and gambling increasingly blurred, especially online, what may look like harmless fun can still involve risk, money and chance in ways that affect young developing brains. Research commissioned by the GRAI and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.

Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI said: “We have launched this campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling. Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.

“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”

The post GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Amusnet

Amusnet Launches VIP LIVE Roulette, Bringing a Refined Experience to Live Casino Players

Published

34 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-launches-vip-live-roulette,-bringing-a-refined-experience-to-live-casino-players

Amusnet has launched VIP LIVE Roulette, a new addition to its Live Casino portfolio, offering a premium European roulette experience designed for players who prefer higher stakes, greater comfort and a sophisticated gaming environment.

Created for those who appreciate a more considered approach to live roulette, VIP LIVE Roulette combines elegant studio production with elevated table limits and an extended betting window. The additional betting time allows players to place larger, more strategic wagers at a comfortable pace, creating a smoother and more engaging experience without changing the familiar flow of the game.

Built on the classic European roulette format, the game enhances traditional gameplay with a range of intuitive features that support both convenience and strategic play. Players can personalise their sessions using Favourite & Special Bets, quickly repeat previous wagers with Auto-Rebet and follow live Statistics to inform their decisions throughout the game.

Set in a dedicated VIP studio, the game delivers a polished live presentation with professional dealers, high-definition streaming and a clean, modern environment that recreates the atmosphere of an exclusive casino floor. Every element has been designed to combine the authenticity of live roulette with the expectations of today’s premium player segment.

VIP LIVE Roulette joins Amusnet’s growing Live Casino portfolio, further strengthening the company’s offering with a title that balances timeless gameplay with contemporary player preferences. As operators continue to expand their live casino proposition, the game provides an opportunity to appeal to high-value audiences looking for an elevated roulette experience that combines premium presentation, seamless gameplay and greater flexibility at the table.

History Re-bet feature

Pick again the lucky numbers for the last spins.

Favourite Bets

This function allows players to save their personally tailored bets or bet combinations for quick access during gameplay.

Game Statistics

Make the strategy with statistics for the last spins.

Jackpot Cards

Once the Jackpot Cards Bonus game is triggered, impressive Jackpots are revealed.

The post Amusnet Launches VIP LIVE Roulette, Bringing a Refined Experience to Live Casino Players appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.