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Force Banks to Let Customers Block Gambling Transactions, Monzo Tells Ministers
The UK government should force banks to let customers block all betting transactions, according to proposals led by the online lender Monzo, which wants gambling firms to hand over data to make sure the system is watertight.
In a letter to the sports minister, Nigel Huddleston, who is leading a landmark review of gambling law, Monzo, campaigners and addiction experts called on the government to use the opportunity to remove obstacles for people who want to stop betting.
All banks and other account providers should be made to offer tools that allow customers to bar themselves from making any gambling transactions on a debit card, they said.
Gambling companies would also be made to hand over their own bank account details, which could be stored on a central registry. This would help banks block all forms of payment for customers who want the feature, preventing them from using other means to circumvent card blocks.
“We believe the government should take the opportunity afforded by the Gambling Act review to make sure every consumer in the UK can access these blocks, regardless of who they bank with,” TS Anil, chief executive of Monzo, said.
The letter was also signed by researchers at the University of Bristol, a leading NHS gambling disorder expert, firms that provide gambling blocking software and gambling addiction campaign groups including GamFam.
“These tools are simple to build, proven to work, and will help protect hundreds of thousands of people,” they said.
The letter also calls on the government to work with video game companies to see if it would be possible to identify and block payments made for “loot boxes”, in-game features that have caused concern due to qualities similar to gambling.
“Ultimately, the Gambling Act review offers a unique opportunity to create a world-leading self exclusion framework in the UK to reduce gambling harms, and help consumers gain control of their finances,” the letter said.
“The rise in online gambling, and new ways to pay, requires a robust response from the government.”
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Three-game rollout starts April 20 on BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino, with launches set for May 12 and July 2.
BetMGM has secured exclusive first-to-market rights to upcoming online slot titles from AGS’ Rakin’ Bacon!® franchise, with releases set to roll out across BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino, the company said April 20.
The first title, Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink Soda Fountain Fortunes, is available now. Two additional games are scheduled: Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink San Shen Zhu on May 12 and Rakin’ Bacon! Fu Zhu Bao Bao on July 2.
“The Rakin’ Bacon! franchise is a proven mainstay on casino floors and online,” said Oliver Bartlett, Senior Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM. “Securing first-to-market rights is a natural extension of the strong relationship we’ve built with top-tier game suppliers like AGS. As a premier online casino destination, it is our commitment to offer players first access to the most anticipated titles.”
BetMGM said Rakin’ Bacon! games have been among its top-performing content, noting that two slot titles from the franchise placed among the platform’s top 15 iGaming offerings in 2025.
Zoe Ebling, Vice President of Interactive at AGS, said, “AGS is focused on bringing the energy of land-based favorites into the digital world in ways that drive real engagement. Our continued partnership with BetMGM and bringing even more Rakin’ Bacon! titles online cements AGS’ commitment to offering standout gaming experiences to players across both platforms.”
More data as follows:
- BetMGM newsroom (original release): https://casino.betmgm.com/en/blog/press/ Primary source for the announcement and any follow-up details.
- AGS newsroom: https://newsroom.playags.com/ Company source for product and partnership updates on AGS’ interactive content.
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement: https://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/ Regulatory context for online casino operations referenced in Jersey City, NJ.
The post BetMGM lands first-to-market exclusivity for new AGS Rakin’ Bacon! slots appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Exclusive global deal covers APT Taipei, Incheon, Jeju and the APT Championship in Taipei through the rest of 2026.
PokerOrg has been appointed the Official Media Partner of the Asian Poker Tour (APT) under an exclusive global partnership announced April 20, 2026 in Douglas, Isle of Man.
The agreement makes PokerOrg APT’s global storytelling and audience development partner for the tour’s remaining 2026 stops: APT Taipei (April/May), APT Incheon (August), APT Jeju (September/October), and the APT Championship (November), which will again be held in Taipei.
APT said it has been the fastest growing poker tour in the world since the “APT New Era” began in 2023. The company also pointed to the debut APT Championship, which it said generated more than $34 million in prize money.
“APT has been one of the most important stories in poker for several years, but much of the global audience hasn’t experienced it yet,” said Eric Hollreiser, CEO of PokerOrg parent company Triple Barrel Media. “This partnership changes that, not by reporting on APT from the outside, but by bringing players inside it and making it matter to a global audience.”
“PokerOrg is the gold standard in poker media, so bringing them on as our Official Media Partner is a natural fit. Their values around integrity and how they approach the game are fully aligned with APT.” said Fred Leung, CEO of the Asian Poker Tour.
PokerOrg said its coverage will include creator-led content, social-first formats and integrated event reporting across its platforms. The company also plans to launch a dedicated APT hub on Poker.org and extend its Pick 3 fan format to the APT Championship, with winners receiving a package to an APT event in 2027.
Relevant data as follows:
- Asian Poker Tour (APT): https://theasianpokertour.com/ Official tour site to verify schedule, destinations and announcements referenced in the partnership.
- PokerOrg: https://www.poker.org/ Official PokerOrg site for details on coverage formats, the APT hub and Pick 3 product references.
- Triple Barrel Media: https://triplebarrelmedia.com/ Parent company site for corporate context around PokerOrg and executive attribution.
The post PokerOrg named official media partner of Asian Poker Tour appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, announced a continuing partnership with AGS, a leading supplier of high-performing slot, table, and online gaming products, to debut new titles from the Rakin’ Bacon!® franchise. BetMGM will have a period of exclusivity for the new games, available at BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino.
Upcoming release schedule:
- Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink Soda Fountain Fortunes – Available Now
- Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink San Shen Zhu – Available May 12
- Rakin’ Bacon! Fu Zhu Bao Bao – Available July 2
“The Rakin’ Bacon! franchise is a proven mainstay on casino floors and online,” said Oliver Bartlett, Senior Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM. “Securing first-to-market rights is a natural extension of the strong relationship we’ve built with top-tier game suppliers like AGS. As a premier online casino destination, it is our commitment to offer players first access to the most anticipated titles.”
Led by Cornsquealius, the recognizable golden piggy bank character, Rakin’ Bacon! games have consistently ranked among BetMGM’s top performers, with two slot titles from the franchise placing among the platform’s top 15 iGaming offerings in 2025. What began with a traditional pot-collection bonus and five-of-a-kind pays has grown into a suite of styles and features that reflect both player trends and the brand’s creative evolution.
Zoe Ebling, Vice President of Interactive at AGS, said, “AGS is focused on bringing the energy of land-based favorites into the digital world in ways that drive real engagement. Our continued partnership with BetMGM and bringing even more Rakin’ Bacon! titles online cements AGS’ commitment to offering standout gaming experiences to players across both platforms.”
BetMGM’s award-winning online casino is home to over 7,000 titles across North American markets and one of the largest state-by-state exclusive progressive jackpot networks. BetMGM’s jackpot network currently consists of over 25 games including titles such as MGM Grand Millions, Bison Fury, and 15 Lanterns. Players can earn BetMGM Rewards Points and Tier Credits by playing at BetMGM Casino. BetMGM Rewards points can be redeemed for digital bonuses, MGM Rewards Points, and Marriott Bonvoy Points.
As BetMGM continues to expand into new markets and introduce new features, responsible gambling remains a key focus. Additionally, BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly including GameSense, an industry leading program, developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s existing responsible gambling tools which serve to provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.
For more information on BetMGM, follow @BetMGM on X.
For more information on AGS, visit newsroom.playags.com.
The post BetMGM Secures Exclusive First-To-Market Rights For Upcoming AGS Rakin’ Bacon! Titles appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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