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BGC Warns Permanent Industry Damage Following Delay in Casino Reopening
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has warned that the UK Government’s last-minute reversal of plans to allow casinos to reopen on August 1 has dealt a wrecking ball to the industry, from which it may never recover.
The casino sector employs more than 14,000 people across the UK in 125 casinos and a further 4000 in the supply chain. Casinos also paid over £300 million each year in tax before the lockdown.
With casinos across England forced to remain shuttered, the BGC warns that up to 6000 jobs may be permanently lost.
In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP on July 31, BGC described the decision to keep casinos closed as “highly illogical, inconsistent and deeply damaging to those businesses and the thousands of staff they employ.”
BGC has also rejected the Prime Minister’s categorisation of casinos as “higher risk” during his Downing Street briefing. Casinos have spent weeks and invested millions of pounds to ensure their premises are covid-secure, with measures such as perspex screens, sanitisation equipment and sophisticated track and trace systems, as well as introducing strict social distancing measures and hygiene protocols.
BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “The Government are swinging a wrecking ball right through the middle of our industry and large scale job losses, which ought to be unnecessary and avoidable, now look inevitable unless ministers act fast.”
“Casinos are a small but fundamental part of our leisure, hospitality, entertainment and tourism industry. They employ over 14,000 people across the UK and indirectly support another 4,000 jobs in the supply sector, and last year casinos paid over £5.7 million in tax per week.
“The ongoing cost of remaining in a holding pattern to reopen is clearly not sustainable, with more jobs and livelihoods being put at risk with every last minute change and delay to reopening.
“The Job Retention Scheme has helped but our members will now be forced to pay National Insurance and pension contributions on top of salaries in August while they remain closed. As furlough payments are phased out, there will be no flexibility for casinos to adapt to the new working and leisure environment and I now fear that many thousands of jobs could be lost.
“We made the all necessary preparations for safe reopening and we were given the green light by Public Health England on the basis of the significant investment made by operators, and having been told by the Government themselves that casinos posed a ‘negligible’ risk compared with the tens of thousands of other places that they have been reopened.”
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Amusnet
Amusnet Officially Enters the Philippine Market
Amusnet has announced its official entry into the Philippine market. In a double milestone for the company’s expansion strategy, Amusnet has successfully gone live with its first local operator, 747Live, and is now officially featured on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) List of EGLD-Approved Electronic Games. The list currently includes a total of 214 approved titles, representing a significant achievement and reinforcing Amusnet’s position as a trusted B2B partner in the country.
“These are two major achievements for us: a strong PAGCOR-approved portfolio and going live with our first partner in the Philippines, 747Live – both laying the foundation for accelerated growth and a stronger market presence,” said Kalin Angelov, Business Development Manager at Amusnet.
“We are very pleased to welcome Amusnet to our platform, as their reputation for premium content perfectly aligns with our mission to offer the best gaming experience in the Philippines. As Amusnet’s first partner in the region, we are excited to introduce such an extensive selection of approved titles to our audience,” said Enrico Menghini, CEO at 747Live.
The initial integration with 747Live allows local players to experience Amusnet’s world-renowned gaming mechanics, immersive graphics and signature jackpot features. To celebrate this market entry, Amusnet is highlighting a selection of top-performing titles, such as the dynamic 100 Golden Coins: Reel Fishing, the fan-favourite Extra Crown and the high-energy 100 Golden Coins.
This expansion into the Philippines marks a new chapter for Amusnet. The supplier continues to set new standards in the iGaming industry, providing operators with a robust and diversified portfolio of high-quality content. By entering the Philippine market with such a strong lineup, the company establishes itself as a premier partner for local operators, dedicated to bringing premium gaming experiences to a new and growing audience.
The post Amusnet Officially Enters the Philippine Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Betting and Gaming Council
Betting and Gaming Council Appoints Kane Purdy as New Chair
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has appointed Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited, as the new non-executive Chair with immediate effect.
Kane takes on the role after 20 years in the betting and gaming industry, bringing extensive operational experience, deep sector knowledge and a strong track record of leadership across the regulated sector.
In addition to his role at Gamesys Operations Limited – part of Bally’s Intralot – Kane has played an active role in driving industry collaboration, including as Chair of GamProtect, the single customer view initiative designed to enhance player protection and raise standards across the industry.
The Chair position will be filled on a rotating basis by BGC members, with each term lasting 12 months.
Kane succeeds Executive Chair Michael Dugher, who stepped down earlier this year after six years at the BGC.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Kane brings a huge amount of experience, expertise and talent to this role, built over two decades in the industry.
“He is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with operating in a regulated environment. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, helping to drive forward initiatives that strengthen standards and protections across the sector.
“I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to champion our members, raise standards and support a well-regulated industry that delivers for customers, the economy and communities across the country.”
Kane Purdy, Managing Director at Gamesys Operations Limited and non-executive Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council.
“After 20 years in the industry, I understand the importance of working collectively to meet challenges, raise standards and ensure the regulated sector continues to thrive.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with Grainne and the team, as well as with members from across the industry, to build on the strong progress already made and help shape the future direction of the BGC.”
The post Betting and Gaming Council Appoints Kane Purdy as New Chair appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Africa
TaDa Strengthens its Presence in South Africa Through New Partnership with Sunbet
TaDa has strengthened its presence in the South African iGaming market through its new partnership with Sunbet, one of the country’s premier online gaming and sports betting operators.
The new collaboration supports TaDa Gaming’s continued growth in regulated markets and further strengthens its presence in South Africa’s rapidly evolving online gaming sector.
Winner of the SiGMA Africa Slot Newcomer of the Year 2025 award, TaDa’s mobile first, player-centric and expertly localised games stand out through their dynamic features and mechanics, immersive themes and easy onboarding that aligns with local preferences.
Sunbet customers will have immediate access to TaDa’s leading Fortune Gems series, including Fortune Gems 500 which is currently the top slot across African jurisdictions; while the retro slot machine design of Rapid Gems 777 has seen it quickly become a player favourite. Distribution is through Light & Wonder Inc.
Ray Lee, Director of Business Development, TaDa Gaming, said: “We are delighted to be working with Sunbet. Their strong customer focus and reputation for being ahead of the curve for innovative content gives us opportunities to increase our know-how, improve our localisation and continue to deliver great gaming experiences to more players across South Africa.”
Tyler Gentle, Casino Product Manager at Sunbet, said: “Great games are games that people come back to. They strike the right balance between simplicity, reward and engagement. TaDa’s games do that, and then some. They’re accessible, engaging and importantly, built to be played. And that’s why we’re so excited they are now part of Sunbet’s line up.”
The post TaDa Strengthens its Presence in South Africa Through New Partnership with Sunbet appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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