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Casino Guru’s complaint data reveals scope of UK players gambling at unlicensed websites

Published

5 years ago

February 24, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Gambling Commission’s recent calls for evidence and views from the industry and the public regarding upcoming changes to Great Britain’s gambling regulation has seen a number of professionals emphasize the potential rise of black-market gambling as a consequence of tightening regulations.

These claims have been largely backed up by a PwC report, which estimates the number of UK online gamblers using unlicensed operators to have more than doubled from 2018 to 2020, from c.210,000 to c.460,000 gamblers.

Later on, UK gambling firms have been accused of exaggerating the scale of black-market gambling in an attempt to influence the GC’s decision to introduce tougher regulations. The GC’s chief executive Neil McArthur commented that the report delivered by PwC is not consistent with their intelligence picture and lacked any evidence to show an increase in illicit betting. He added that GC’s own evidence suggests that the impact may be being exaggerated.

Simon Vincze, Casino Guru’s Responsible Gambling Projects Manager, has been keeping up with the heated discussion taking place in British media and looked into their data on player complaints to get an idea about the scope of the issue: “I understand the need for regulation in the gambling market and its usefulness in keeping children and vulnerable players safe. It’s something I deeply believe in and work towards in my position as well. However, it didn’t seem right to me to just disregard the negative effects of tightening regulations altogether.”

Casino Guru operates a casino dispute mediation service, in which players can complain about any online casino if they feel to have been mistreated, regardless of its license, and get assisted for free. After looking into their data, Simon discovered 666 complaints submitted by players from the UK, of which 145 is about casinos with a license from GC and 521 is about casinos without it. This means that 78% of all complaints submitted by UK players have been about operators without a GC license.

“Of course, this doesn’t mean that 78% of UK players gamble at foreign websites. Because of the generally lower quality of service and reputation of these operators, it can be expected that these players will run into issues more often, resulting in a higher proportion of players submitting public complaints. However, it is also a clear sign that there are UK players gambling at casinos without a GC license, and that there is quite a lot of them,” Simon commented on this data.

He also compared the British situation to what has happened in Sweden: “When gambling regulations get more restrictive, an increased proportion of players usually start looking for unlicensed operators to avoid those regulations. Sweden is a great example of this, where 40% of casino players and 34% of sports betters gamble on unlicensed websites or would consider doing so in future, according to a study published back in April 2020. Taking a look at Google search data, there has been a major increase in Swedish players actively looking for unlicensed casinos since introducing the country’s gambling regulations with a strong focus on player safety.”

“With tighter regulations being introduced in Great Britain, the GC should be aware of the possibility of an increasing number of British punters actively looking for unlicensed sites in attempts to avoid the strict regulations. These players then gamble on foreign websites without the strict limits present at UK-licensed ones, ending up more susceptible to problematic gambling habits as a result of lower responsible gambling standards of some foreign operators, on top of other negative qualities that can be present at these websites.”

Data from the PwC report suggests that 4,5% of UK players gamble at foreign websites, while 78% of all complaints submitted to Casino Guru by UK players are related to these foreign websites.

Simon commented: “Combining this data would suggest that 4,5% of players are responsible for 78% of all casino complaints, which would signify a huge imbalance. Of course, the numbers are based on different data and there may be other factors in play, but I think that the imbalance is there, and has to do with the fact that players gambling on foreign websites simply run into issues more often. These can range from unclear bonus terms and bad implementation of responsible gambling features all the way to unscrupulous casinos outright scamming players.”

“If an increasing number of players leave the regulated market and go for foreign alternatives, they may be subject to a higher risk of developing problem gambling and losing money to foreign websites, some of which can have unscrupulous tendencies. This seems like a good enough reason to seriously consider the risk of rising use of black-market gambling websites by UK players,” he added.

While the GC is examining evidence presented by stakeholders and working towards updated gambling regulation, it remains to be seen how the situation ends up being handled and what new rules get implemented. Only time will tell whether tighter regulation really does increase the use of black-market sites or not, and whether the benefits will outweigh possible drawbacks.

Beyond Bancard

SCCG Management Partners with Beyond Bancard to Bring Full-Service Payment Processing to the Global Gambling Industry

Published

27 minutes ago

June 30, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

sccg-management-partners-with-beyond-bancard-to-bring-full-service-payment-processing-to-the-global-gambling-industry

SCCG Management, a global advisory firm specializing in the gambling and sports entertainment industries, has announced a strategic partnership with Beyond Bancard, a full-service payment processing company headquartered in Orange, California. The partnership positions SCCG as Beyond Bancard’s market representation and business development channel into the gaming, sports betting, tribal gaming, and regulated entertainment sectors.

Beyond Bancard provides credit and debit card processing, POS systems, payment gateways, and merchant services to businesses across retail, e-commerce, live events, hospitality, B2B, and high-compliance verticals. The company serves thousands of merchants nationwide and holds PCI Level 1 compliance, the highest standard for payment security and has built a reputation for solving complex payment challenges in markets where compliance, scalability, and reliability are critical.

Under the partnership, SCCG will deploy its commercial network, media footprint, and industry relationships to identify, qualify, and introduce gaming and entertainment operators to Beyond Bancard’s payment processing platform. Target verticals include tribal casino operators, commercial casino groups, online gambling operators covering sports betting, online lottery, and online casino, sweepstakes platforms, sports entertainment companies, and other regulated-industry merchants that require compliant payment infrastructure.

“Payment processing is the connective tissue of every gaming operation, and most operators are underserved when it comes to finding processors who understand the compliance requirements of this industry. Beyond Bancard brings a mature infrastructure, a strong compliance posture, and real experience working with high-volume merchants. That is exactly the kind of partner our network needs.”

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO, SCCG Management

SCCG’s engagement with Beyond Bancard spans four service areas: industry network access and lead generation, marketing and content distribution, event sponsorship and activation, and strategic advisory on market positioning within the gaming vertical. Beyond Bancard will be featured across SCCG’s marketing channels, including the SCCG Weekly Newsletter, which reaches over 26,000 gambling industry professionals, LinkedIn amplification through Stephen Crystal’s professional network, and targeted thought-leadership content.

Beyond Bancard will also participate as a named sponsor of SCCG’s 5th Annual G2E Party on September 29, 2026 at Tom’s Watch Bar in Las Vegas, providing branding visibility and direct networking access to SCCG’s invite list of gaming industry executives and decision-makers.

“The gaming industry requires payment partners that understand far more than transaction processing. Operators need scalable infrastructure, strong banking relationships, sophisticated risk management, seamless pay-in and payout capabilities, and a deep understanding of regulatory compliance. SCCG has built one of the most respected networks in gaming, and we’re excited to partner with their team to bring our payment solutions to operators around the world. Together, we believe we can help gaming businesses navigate complexity, optimize payment performance, and unlock new growth opportunities.”

Jimmy Virk, Chief Executive Officer, Beyond Bancard

The partnership reflects a growing need among gaming operators for payment processing partners who can navigate the compliance, risk management, and regulatory demands of the gambling industry. Beyond Bancard’s experience across high-compliance verticals, combined with SCCG’s established operator network and market intelligence, creates a direct commercial pathway between operators seeking compliant payment infrastructure and a proven processing partner.

About SCCG Management

SCCG Management is a global advisory firm with more than 33 years of experience connecting clients to strategic partners across the gambling industry. With an ecosystem of over 130 gaming-related partner companies, SCCG provides market representation, business development, capital introductions, and managed services to operators, technology providers, and brands worldwide. For more information, visit sccgmanagement.com.

About Beyond Bancard

Beyond Bancard is a leading payment and merchant services company based in Orange, California. The company provides payment processing, POS technology, payment gateways, and risk management services to businesses across retail, e-commerce, hospitality, gaming, B2B, and highly regulated industries. With a focus on innovation, compliance, and long-term partnerships, Beyond Bancard helps businesses navigate complex payment environments while delivering secure, scalable, and reliable payment solutions. The company maintains PCI Level 1 compliance and operates as a registered ISO/MSP of Esquire Bank, Merrick Bank, and Mission Valley Bank. For more information, visit beyondbancard.com.

The post SCCG Management Partners with Beyond Bancard to Bring Full-Service Payment Processing to the Global Gambling Industry appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Conferences

Groove confirms iGB L!VE 2026 attendance in London

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

groove-confirms-igb-l!ve-2026-attendance-in-london

Aggregator and platform provider says it will bring a full commercial delegation to ExCeL on 1-2 July.

Groove has confirmed it will attend iGB L!VE 2026, running 1-2 July at ExCeL London. The company said it will bring a full commercial delegation to meet operators and affiliates.

The supplier positions the event as a key mid-year deal-making moment. Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and CEO of Groove, said: “iGB L!VE is the industry’s mid-year performance review. It is where conversations become commercial realities. We are bringing our most advanced platform yet, designed to help operators launch fast, adapt locally, and scale across complex regulatory environments.”

Meltzer also pointed to seasonality and content breadth, adding: “The timing is critical. With the European football season revenue peak approaching, operators need a partner who delivers structural resilience and content that performs. Groove delivers exactly that. Our 20,000+ games from 150+ providers, unified through a single API, give partners the agility they need to capture momentum and convert it into measurable growth.”

Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said: “iGB L!VE is where the industry’s most ambitious decision-makers converge. We are not here to hand out brochures. We are here to have conversations that turn into performance.” She added: “Every meaningful partnership starts with a conversation, and this event is where those conversations happen at scale. Whether it is emerging affiliates seeking new opportunities, established operators evaluating MarTech solutions, or startups seeking investor visibility through the iGB Startup Accelerator, Groove is positioned to deliver exactly what they need: speed, stability, and commercial precision.”

Giusy Campo, Business Development Director at Groove, who will lead the company’s presence on the show floor, said: “We are arriving with a clear objective: to forge strategic partnerships that unlock new markets and drive sustainable growth. Our platform’s modular architecture, combined with advanced player engagement tools and real-time analytics, gives operators a genuine competitive edge.”

The post Groove confirms iGB L!VE 2026 attendance in London appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Boomerang Partners

Golden Boomerang Awards First Half by Boomerang Partners wrapped: next prize – the Formula 1 Grand Prix experience

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

golden-boomerang-awards-first-half-by-boomerang-partners-wrapped:-next-prize-–-the-formula-1-grand-prix-experience

The third season of the Golden Boomerang Awards by Boomerang Partners is not losing momentum. Following the conclusion of the First Half, the tournament has confirmed one of the main ideas behind this season: long-term mechanics can increase partner engagement, while a sports-focused strategy can help turn that activity into measurable results.

First Half leaderboard and highlights

The Kickoff stage concluded on June 9, with impressive participant engagement. Mystery Boxes were raffled off among all participants, featuring exclusive prizes such as limited-edition FIFA World Cup 2026 jerseys – three per box, each representing a different participating country. The winner of this opening stage – team AskBonus – will attend the Wimbledon Championships from June 29 to July 12, 2026. For Boomerang Partners, sport remains one of the key areas of expertise, which is why it runs through the tournament mechanics, partner activities, and even the prize pool.

The rules are the same across all stages: the top 10 teams qualify for a random draw for the main stage prize, while Mystery Boxes are available to all active participants – not only the leaders. This keeps the competition open for everyone.

Tracking the leaders: The GBA 2026 standings update

Currently, a clear leader has emerged in the tournament. Team Lily has already scored 6,029 points (of which nearly 5,200 points come from sports FTDs). Team O follows in second place with 2,677 points. The rest of the top five – third, fourth, and fifth – currently hold 750, 504, and 341 points respectively. At the same time, the leaderboard is changing dynamically, driven by high participant activity.

The sports vertical accounts for nearly half of all FTD activity

According to Boomerang Partners, about half of the FTDs brought by Golden Boomerang Awards participants to the partner brands in the company’s portfolio come from the sports segment. This confirms a strong audience interest in sports events, especially given the active stage of the FIFA World Cup in North America.

The organizers have noted on multiple occasions that the third season of GBA prioritizes long-term strategy over participants’ short-term successes. This point is backed up by data on activities in the online casino segment. So, about a third of participating teams actively use the LUCKY FIVE mechanic. It allows affiliate teams to earn 5 bonus points per week if they generate 10 or more Casino FTDs during the reporting week.

The second half has introduced upgraded mechanics

The Second Half kicked off on June 10 – the winner of this stage will visit the Formula 1 Grand Prix on September 6. The stage runs through July 19. Thus, even for those joining the race now, there is every chance of catching up with the leaders and seriously competing for the prize.

To help teams with this, Boomerang Partners introduced a key feature for the Second Half aimed at new participants – WELCOME BOOST. Every new affiliate team will receive double points for every FTD throughout the first 14 days from the moment of joining. The LUCKY FIVE and LAST MINUTES WINNER mechanics also continue to be active, with the latter allowing participants to earn three times the points for every FTD during the last 7 days of the stage. In addition, the value of sports FTDs has increased – compared to the first stage, teams can now earn 3 points instead of 2 for each such FTD. This will be particularly beneficial for sports-focused affiliates, especially given that the stage runs alongside the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon, both of which are driving high demand from audiences.

Race remains open at any stage of the season

As soon as the Second Half concludes, the Overtime stage will begin, featuring its own prizes, bonus mechanics, and enhanced point scoring. This keeps the tournament challenges completely open, giving every active participant a real opportunity to reach the top ranks. The awards ceremony in 11 categories will take place in September in Lisbon as part of the SBC Summit, allowing winners to gain not just physical prizes, but a sense of belonging among the best in the affiliate marketing industry – a feeling that fully aligns with the concept of the third season, Beyond the Moment. More details are available on the official Golden Boomerang Awards website.

About Boomerang

Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.

The Agency’s clients’ portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across multiple markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide incentive programs and 24/7 multilingual support.

Disclaimer:

The FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon Championships are made for descriptive purposes only. Boomerang Partners is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to these entities in any way.

The post Golden Boomerang Awards First Half by Boomerang Partners wrapped: next prize – the Formula 1 Grand Prix experience appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.