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Revealed: worst areas in England for gamers during lockdown

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  • South West bottom of the pile for broadband speeds, with five of the ten areas where gamers are most likely to disrupt gameplay
  • Cities of London and Westminster the worst area for access to superfast broadband
  • Kingston Upon Hull ranks the highest for the best place to play video games online based on average speeds and availability of superfast broadband

New research from comparethemarket.com reveals the areas in England that are the worst for gamers, with gameplay in Central Devon the most likely to be disrupted due to poor broadband speeds.

The research analyses the average download speed (Mbps), superfast broadband availability and the percentage of households’ ability to receive decent broadband.

Gamers based in the South West score the least points when it comes to connection speed, with five out of the top ten worst hit areas in England. With Central Devon having the dubious distinction of being the worst in the country, Torridge and West Devon, Forest of Dean, Somerton and Frome, and Tiverton and Honiton all suffer disruption from poorer broadband speeds.

Some may be surprised to see the Cities of London and Westminster ranked the 10th worst constituency for gamers overall. When it comes to access to superfast broadband, this area takes the last place out of all areas, with a quarter unable to access the very fastest connection. By comparison, in Luton North and Leicester West, superfast broadband availability is 100%.

Kingston Upon Hull is hailed as the best place for gamers, ranking top in the country for average speeds and the availability of superfast broadband. Less than 2% of the area’s households have access to decent broadband. Other cities areas that rank highly for gamers include Grimsby, Gillingham and Rainham in the South East, and Nottingham North in the East Midlands.

Top 10 – England’s worst areas for gamers

 

Rank

Area Name  Region Average speed (MBPS) Superfast availability Unable to receive decent broadband
10 Cities of London and Westminster London 34.41 75% 0%
9 Somerton and Frome South West 42.75 82% 10%
8 Harwich and North Essex East of England 37.06 83% 9%
7 Tiverton and Honiton South West 31.89 81% 9%
6 North Herefordshire West Midlands 35.09 80% 9%
5 Penrith and The Border North West 36.01 81% 12%
4 Ludlow West Midlands 33.09 81% 11%
3 Forest of Dean South West 31.61 79% 10%
2 Torridge and West Devon South West 34.01 81% 12%
1 Central Devon South West 34.05 77% 12%

 

Top 10 – England’s best areas for gamers

 

Rank

Area Name  Region Average speed (MBPS) Superfast availability Unable to receive decent broadband
1 Kingston upon Hull East Yorkshire and The Humber 137.44 99% 1%
2 Kingston upon Hull North Yorkshire and The Humber 132.15 100% 1%
3 Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle Yorkshire and The Humber 122.24 99% 2%
4 Crawley South East 88.40 99% 0%
5 Filton and Bradley Stoke South West 93.49 98% 1%
6 Luton North East of England 84.10 100% 0%
7 Morecambe and Lunesdale North West 87.70 99% 0%
8 Great Grimsby Yorkshire and The Humber 89.56 98% 1%
9 Stevenage East of England 86.93 99% 0%
10 Gillingham and Rainham South East 86.61 99% 0%

 

Holly Niblett, head of digital at comparethemarket.com, commented:

“Lockdown has seen a surge in the number of people relying on the internet for work and leisure. There is a wide disparity in the connection speeds and access to superfast broadband across the country, with people facing a particularly hostile environment in parts of the south west. For many, a reliable internet connection is a lifeline during a difficult time.

“Our new speed-test tool allows people to see how fast their broadband speed is and what better deals and speed is available in their area, because for many households, a fast download speed is a deal-breaker when it comes to choosing a provider. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we have seen a steep rise in the number of customers switching online to the fastest packages during isolation.”

 

comparethemarket’s tips for improving your broadband speed:

1. Test the speed of your broadband connection

You can run a speed test on comparethemarket’s new speed-checker tool, which enables users to check how long it will take to download a film or game in their area: http://www.comparethemarket.com/broadband/speed-test You’ll be shown both your download and upload speeds.

2. Move your router away from other devices

Keep your router as far away as possible from other electrical equipment and devices that emit wireless signals, such as cordless phones, baby monitors and computer speakers. Try to place your router on a table or shelf rather than on the floor and keep it switched on.

3. Turn off WiFi on devices you’re not using

If you have multiple devices such as tablets and smartphones running in the background, it can slow down your broadband, so try switching WiFi off on these when you’re not using them. You should also avoid carrying out data-heavy tasks like HD streaming, gaming or video calls at the same time as others in your household.

4. Give your computer a spring clean

There are many applications on your PC that could affect your broadband speed, some without you even realising it. A few simple quick fixes include making sure your anti-virus software is up to date, making sure you’re using the latest version of your web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge and clearing your cache and browser history.

For more information on the research, please go to: https://www.comparethemarket.com/broadband/content/best-cities-in-england-for-gamers/

 

Methodology:
The following table reveals the areas of England where gamers are most likely to disrupt gameplay due to bad broadband speeds.

Data taken directly from the source are in the columns titled Area name, Region, Average speed (MBPS), Superfast availability and unable to receive decent broadband.

To calculate the index we first normalised the data categories individually from 0 to 1 and then summed the results.

On this scale, for

  • Average speed – The higher index would be weighted closer to 1 – detailed in the average speed weighting column
  • Superfast availability – The higher index is weighted closer to 1 – detailed in the superfast weighting column
  • Unable to receive decent broadband – The higher index is weighted closer to 0 – detailed in the Decent broadband weighting column

Total and rankings were determined by the above.

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BETBAZAR Is Becoming B1(Be One)

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The evolution continues. CEO Alex Iaroshenko reveals about the biggest transformation in the company’s history — why Betbazar became B1, the rise of AI-driven products — and what that means for the future of the industry.

  • 1.Let’s start with the main question – after 7 years as Betbazar, what made you decide it was time for a bigger change?

These changes didn’t happen overnight. For the first few years, we were helping operators find the right products on the market. But over time, we started understanding the market on a much deeper level – what operators actually struggle with, what technology they really need and where the industry is heading next.

AI Cricket creation and the growth of our Sports Data Feed became a big turning point for us. That’s when it became clear: we’re no longer just a marketplace. We’re becoming a product company. That was the moment we realized we were no longer just distributing products — we were building the future direction of the company ourselves.

And with that evolution came the understanding that the company needed a new identity that truly reflected where we were heading next.

  • 2.How did the idea of AI Cricket even appear in the first place?

It actually started from a product perspective. We saw that operators needed sports content that was faster to launch, easier to scale, more cost-efficient, and less dependent on large trading teams. At the same time, they wanted something visually different from traditional virtual products — modern futuristic graphics, AI-powered avatars and gameplay that feels much closer to real sport: live, unscripted and autonomous.

That’s how AI Cricket appeared. Fast-paced gameplay, continuous engagement, AI-driven results, live betting and branded customization — built for modern operators and for the way audiences consume entertainment today.

  • 3.In a market where most operators already have access to sports data, how does B1 Sports Data Feed create additional value?

The sports data market is very mature, and we understand that data itself has become something of a commodity. Operators already have access to feeds and most of them are unhappy about what they have — what really matters today is quality, flexibility, coverage, and reliability.

Our approach is to combine a proven, industry-trusted data source with additional models, unique events, and tailored market coverage. This allows us to deliver a highly customizable solution that adapts to different operator needs and scales, while maintaining the performance and reliability the market expects at the highest level.

  • 4.Was it emotionally difficult to say goodbye to the Betbazar name?

Honestly, it doesn’t feel like saying goodbye. It feels more like the beginning of a new chapter. We didn’t change the name simply because we wanted something different — the company evolved, and the brand needed to reflect that evolution.

At the same time, Betbazar remains an important part of our story. We’re not abandoning it. As we continue building our own products and ecosystem, there may well be a place for Betbazar in the future. So rather than an ending, we see this as a new beginning — both for B1 and potentially for Betbazar in a different role down the road.

  • 5.Why did you choose the name “B1 (Be One)”?

Because it reflects exactly what the company became. We didn’t want a name that simply sounds modern or trendy. We wanted something that captures our positioning and mindset.

‘Be One’ means being the one the operator chooses from among many options. Not because of the biggest catalog, but because of the products, technology, and reliability behind it.

For us, B1 is really about focus: creating innovative products that boost profits, and doing it deeper, faster, and with a higher standard. This idea formed the basis of the entire rebranding.

  • 6.What are the core principles behind B1 today?

The market is already full of loud messaging and endless catalogs. We focus on building technology that solves real operator challenges. That means reliable products, fast integration, regular content updates, and infrastructure that helps operators move quickly without adding unnecessary complexity.

Speed is a big part of our mindset. Whether it’s launching new content or integrating new products, we believe operators should be able to go live in days, not months. To support that, we’ve developed our own AI-powered integration tool that significantly streamlines the onboarding process. With an AI-friendly technical team on the operator side, integration can take – two days.

  • 7.Do you think AI will completely reshape the industry over the next few years?

I don’t think AI is something the industry will face someday — it’s already here. But what we’re seeing today is only the first stage.

Over the next few years, I believe we’ll see entirely new AI-powered leagues and competitions emerge, potentially featuring digital athletes and AI-generated sports experiences that exist alongside traditional sports. They will be faster, available 24/7 and designed around continuous engagement. In many ways, AI won’t just improve existing products — it will create entirely new forms of sports entertainment. AI Cricket was our first step in that direction, and we’re already working on what comes next.

ABOUT B1 (BE ONE):

B1 (Be One) is a product-focused iGaming company, shaping AI-driven content and real-time sports data infrastructure.

Website: https://b1.global/ai-cricket
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/b1global/?viewAsMember=true

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argenpress.info Releases World Cup Report on Argentina’s Online Gambling Market

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Berlin, Germany, June 30th, 2026

New research highlights player safety challenges during football’s biggest betting event

Argenpress.info has released new research examining how the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reshaping online gambling activity in Argentina, with the report warning that tournament-driven player growth is placing greater importance on operator transparency, fast payouts and consumer education.

The report, authored by Argentine gambling analyst Rogelio Lugoni, analyses how major sporting events attract thousands of first-time bettors and why this creates new challenges for both operators and regulators.

“The World Cup always brings a surge of new players into the market,” said Lugoni. “Many are placing their first online bet, which makes trust, transparency and clear licensing more important than ever.”

Tournament Betting Creates New Challenges

According to the report, Argentina’s online gambling market continues to expand rapidly, but major sporting events expose weaknesses in player awareness and operator transparency.

The research concludes that first-time users are significantly more likely to register with unfamiliar operators during major tournaments, increasing the importance of clear licensing information and reliable payment processes.

Among the report’s key findings are:

  • Increased first-time player registrations during major tournaments
  • Greater importance of fast and transparent withdrawals
  • Higher demand for trusted operator information
  • Growing need for player education around licensing
  • Increased focus on consumer protection

Player Trust Extends Beyond Bonuses

While promotional offers remain a key acquisition tool during the World Cup, the report argues that long-term retention depends on the overall player experience.

According to Lugoni, delayed withdrawals, unclear verification procedures and poor customer support remain among the most common reasons players lose confidence in an operator.

“Players remember how quickly they receive their winnings far more than the size of the welcome bonus,” Lugoni explained. “Trust is earned through consistency and transparency.”

Research Based on Independent Operator Testing

The report forms part of argenpress.info’s ongoing market research programme covering Argentina’s online gambling sector.

Unlike traditional market commentary, each operator reviewed by the platform undergoes practical testing, including registration, deposits, gameplay, verification procedures and withdrawal requests before any recommendation is published.

As Argentina’s online gambling market continues to develop, argenpress.info says it will continue publishing research focused on player behaviour, regulation and operator standards.

About argenpress.info

Argenpress.info is an independent Argentine gambling information platform founded by Rogelio Lugoni. The platform publishes market research, operator reviews and educational content covering online casinos, sportsbooks and gambling regulation, helping players make informed decisions through independent testing and analysis.

Contact

iGaming.com Group

[email protected]

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Genting Casino Online launches IGT slot Money Gong Empress as exclusive

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The five-reel Money Gong mechanic title is now available only on Genting Casino Online, expanding the operator’s exclusive content line-up.

Genting Casino Online has launched Money Gong Empress, a new online slot from IGT, as an exclusive title for its players.

The five-reel game uses IGT’s Money Gong mechanic and includes Hold and Win-style gameplay, prize modifiers, “Money Balls”, bonus features, and free games with expanding wilds, according to the company.

Michael Vella, Brand Manager at Genting Casino, said: “We’re always looking to give our players something they can’t experience elsewhere, so we’re delighted to launch Money Gong Empress exclusively with IGT.

“IGT has built an outstanding reputation for creating engaging, premium-quality casino games and Money Gong Empress is another fantastic addition to that portfolio. Its vibrant theme, exciting bonus features and rewarding gameplay make it a brilliant fit for our customers, and we’re excited to be the first place players can enjoy it.”

Genting Casino Online said Money Gong Empress joins its existing IGT catalogue, including Cash Eruption, Lion Dance and Might of Olympus. The game is available now on the operator’s site.

The post Genting Casino Online launches IGT slot Money Gong Empress as exclusive appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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