Press Releases
UK’s Betting and Gaming Council announce new 10 pledge action plan for safer gambling during the Covid-19 crisis
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the new standards body for betting and gaming which covers betting shops, online betting and gaming businesses and casinos, has announced a new 10 pledge action plan agreed with its regulated member companies, which sets out the standards expected of our members during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
The 10 pledges build on actions and interventions that BGC members do as part of safer gambling operations, however the BGC will now require heightened monitoring, tailored responses and new action to address the unprecedented situation of social distancing and home working. Although overall gambling has fallen dramatically with the absence of sport and due to the closure of betting shop and casino closures, the BGC’s pledges will come into force immediately to help ensure that the highest safeguards are in place and action is taken to protect anyone betting online who may be more vulnerable as a result of the crisis.
The BGC supported the Gambling Commission, who last week demanded increased consumer protection and responsible marketing. The new pledges demonstrate the BGC’s determination to ensure the highest standards are implemented and cover the following areas:
1. Increase safer gambling messages across all sites and direct to all customers
2. Step up interventions if customers increase time and spend beyond normal pre-crisis patterns
3. Actively promote deposit limits
4. Action to ensure appropriate and responsible advertising including monitoring volume
5. Report all illegal, rogue advertising from black market online operators
6. One-strike-and-you’re-out policy where affiliates breach pledges
7. Signpost help to GAMCARE and the National Gambling Helpline and GamStop for self-exclusion
8. Commitment to ensuring funding for Research Education and Treatment (RET)
9. Welfare checks and well-being help for staff
10. Supporting the Government’s ‘National Effort’ with volunteers and facilities
Commenting on the 10 pledges, Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive, said:
“In this time of national crisis, with so many people self-isolating and social distancing at home, it is vital that we do everything possible to ensure safer gambling and to protect potentially vulnerable or at risk people.
“We all know that levels of gambling have plummeted not just because of betting shop or casino closures, but because of the absence of sport, which is also fundamental to online betting. Although gambling levels have dropped during the COVID crisis, our commitment to safer gambling is being stepped up. It is important that we help our customers stay safe and in control of their gambling during these difficult times. That’s why BGC members have developed a 10 pledge action plan that will help govern members throughout this crisis.
“Increasing safer gambling measures with more monitoring and customer interventions, stepping up safer gambling messages and measures like promoting deposit limits, together with a tough crackdown on affiliates and calling out rogue black-market operators, will make a big difference. We are also signposting professional help and are committed to funding Research, Education and Treatment (RET).
“The betting industry supports tens of thousands of jobs up and down the country, and we are equally determined to support the Government’s National Effort through helping with volunteers and facilities”.
Source: BGC
The HIPTHER Prague Summit is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive events of the year, with an agenda that reflects the fast-evolving landscape of iGaming, fintech, compliance, AI, media, and beyond. With four distinct stages and content spanning two days, the summit promises high-impact insights, cutting-edge knowledge sharing, and actionable strategies for stakeholders across the digital industries.
While only half the agenda has been released so far, what’s already on the table reveals an ambitious and future-forward program. Attendees can expect the remaining schedule—focused on the Expert Panel Stage and HIPTHER Academy—to further raise the bar with industry-leading panels and advanced learning formats.
Stage 1: Compliance & Regulation
This track offers a robust dive into both regional and global regulatory trends, aimed at compliance professionals, legal experts, and decision-makers navigating complex frameworks.
Day 1 will focus on market updates, regulators’ panels, and regional compliance outlooks. Highlights include a Czech Market update, a panel featuring European regulators, and regional overviews from Germany and the Balkans.
Day 2 expands into the global picture, covering enforcement trends, jurisdiction updates from Southern Europe, the USA, and LatAm, and a deep-dive GLI session on certification and trust. The day wraps with an IMGL-led masterclass exploring the intersection of AI, automation, and accountability.
Stage 2: Expert Panels Stage
This track is a powerhouse of innovation-focused dialogue.
Day 1 will feature panels on iGaming, fintech, AI, media, SEO, esports, and business growth. Industry disruptors and thought leaders will gather to unpack the trends driving momentum across verticals.
Day 2 will turn the spotlight to deep-dive panels with operators, suppliers, and advisors sharing battle-tested strategies, future bets, and lessons from scaling globally.
Stage 3: Main Focus Stage
This stage is split into two powerful themes across both days.
Day 1 is the Keynote Arena, with standout talks on branding, visibility, growth, and deal-making. Sessions like “LinkedIn as a Dealflow Engine” and “Branding in the Attention Economy” offer tactical insights for companies looking to sharpen their competitive edge.
Stage 4: HIPTHER Academy
Designed for hands-on learning and skill development, this stage blends education with real-world application.
Day 1 offers masterclasses, workshops, and practical learning sessions, setting the tone for deep engagement.
Day 2 will feature advanced education formats, including certification-oriented sessions, ideal for professionals looking to level up with verified credentials.
Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Now
With limited availability and high interest across the industry, now is the perfect time to register. Be among the first to access cutting-edge insights, connect with top-tier professionals, and help shape the future of digital industries.
Register today for HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 and be part of the conversation that drives the next wave of innovation.
The post HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY
16 guaranteed all-inclusive packages, worth $88,000 in value, to be won in two satellites on Sunday, February 1st and February 8th
Players looking to turn a small buy-in into a luxury poker adventure in paradise will get their chance this February, as ACR Poker is heading back to the stunning shores of Punta Del Este, Uruguay for the Enjoy Poker Series.
Ahead of the huge $700,000 GTD Main Event, players can compete for 16 all-inclusive prize packages, worth $5,500 each, across two Punta del Este Satellites. They run on Sunday, February 1st (eight packages) and Sunday, February 8th (eight packages) at 5:05pm ET online at ACR Poker.
With a total of $88,000 worth of guaranteed value up for grabs, players can buy-in for as little as $95, or qualify for free by ranking on the Beast weekly leaderboard.
- Each $5,500 package includes:
- One $1,650 buy-in to the $700,000 GTD Enjoy Poker Series Main Event
- 10-night hotel stay at the Enjoy Punta del Este Resort & Casino from February 20th to March 2nd
Travel expenses
- A host of epic poker and off-felt experiences
“Competing in and winning the 2024 Enjoy Poker Series Main Event in Uruguay was an unforgettable experience, and the live energy and atmosphere playing at the tables made it even more special,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With these online satellites, everyone gets that same opportunity. This is your chance to turn a small buy-in into an incredible live poker adventure, play against the best, and make memories that last a lifetime.”
Running from February 20th – 28th, the Enjoy Poker Series offers players the very best of live poker, set against the backdrop of Uruguay’s breathtaking Atlantic Coast. Beyond the poker tables, players can enjoy beachfront luxury, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife at the Punta del Este Resort & Casino.
In addition to the Punta del Este Satellites, players can also jump into ACR Poker’s Dual Mystery Bounty Venom tournaments. It features $10 million in guarantees and the last Day 1 is this Sunday, February 1st, with seats available via Venom Fever Satellites, Venom Vault and Poison Path.
For more information on the Punta del Este Satellites, read the ACR Poker Blog or visit ACRPoker.eu.
The post ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Octoplay is now live in Michigan across BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics, and Rush Street Interactive, marking the company’s second U.S. state and largest coordinated market entry to date. The simultaneous go-live with four tier-one operators arrives less than six months after Octoplay’s United States debut in New Jersey.
Since its founding in October 2022, Octoplay has secured active licenses across thirteen regulated jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, New Jersey, Ontario, Michigan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Malta, Italy, Greece, Romania, and Slovakia. Michigan extends that momentum into the U.S. As one of the top three states by iGaming revenue, it represents a significant market, and Octoplay enters it with four tier-one operators live from day one.
“Just months after our New Jersey debut, Michigan represents the next phase of our U.S. expansion,” says Ralitsa Georgieva, Director of Business Development at Octoplay. “Launching simultaneously with four leading operators shows the confidence the market has in our content. We expect to carry this momentum into additional states throughout 2025.”
Earlier this year, Octoplay ranked first among U.S. rising suppliers by overall index in H1 according to Eilers & Krejcik, underscoring the company’s accelerating trajectory. With Michigan now live and additional state applications in progress, Octoplay is positioned to extend its North American footprint throughout 2025 and beyond.
The post Octoplay Goes Live in Michigan appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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