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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.

Andrew Pink Head of Brand & Communication at Play’n GO

Reactoonz 100 Crowned Game of the Year

Published

52 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, is proud to announce that Reactoonz 100 has been named Game of the Year at the SBC Europe Awards 2026, held last week in Malta.

The award recognises the outstanding creative ambition, commercial performance and cultural impact of Reactoonz 100, which has quickly established itself as one of the most significant releases in Play’n GO’s history. Building on the legacy of the much-loved Reactoonz series, the title has delivered exceptional engagement across regulated European markets since launch.

Reactoonz 100 was supported by a record-breaking launch campaign as part of Play’n GO’s 20th anniversary celebrations, most notably sending the series’ iconic character Garga into space – a first for the iGaming industry, since copied. The activation captured attention far beyond traditional industry channels and reinforced Play’n GO’s reputation for creativity that extends well beyond the game itself.

Andrew Pink, Head of Brand & Communication at Play’n GO, said: “Winning Game of the Year is a huge moment for Reactoonz 100 and for everyone across Play’n GO who brought this project to life.

“Reactoonz is one of the most important franchises in our history, and with Reactoonz 100 we set out to push both the creative and cultural boundaries of what a game launch could be. This award is a powerful validation of that ambition, and of the belief that bold ideas, executed properly, still cut through in this industry.”

Since its release, Reactoonz 100 has achieved near-universal rollout across Play’n GO’s partner network in more than 35 regulated markets, delivering strong and sustained performance well beyond launch. Its success reflects both the enduring appeal of the Reactoonz brand and Play’n GO’s continued focus on innovation within a responsible, regulation‑first framework.

The Game of the Year win at the SBC Europe Awards further strengthens Play’n GO’s position as the leading supplier of premium casino entertainment, following a year defined by landmark launches, creative ambition and industry recognition.

The post Reactoonz 100 Crowned Game of the Year appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Cafrino Gaming

Cafrino Gaming Appoints Stephen Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer

Published

52 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

cafrino-gaming-appoints-stephen-crystal-as-chief-commercial-officer

Cafrino Gaming is entering a new phase of commercial expansion, and it starts with leadership.

We’re excited to welcome Stephen A. Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer of Cafrino Gaming, a move that brings one of the most experienced and globally connected leaders in the gaming industry directly into our growth strategy.

With more than three decades at the forefront of gaming innovation, Stephen has played a pivotal role in shaping everything from tribal and riverboat gaming to modern iGaming and sports betting ecosystems. His career spans the ownership of iconic Las Vegas properties, the development of U.S. operations for major international bookmakers, and the execution of over $3 billion in project finance, M&A, and gaming technology initiatives.

As Founder of SCCG Management, Stephen has built one of the most respected advisory firms in the industry, supporting more than 120 client partners across 100+ countries. His work has consistently focused on scaling emerging technologies, unlocking new markets, and building high-impact partnerships across the global gaming landscape.

Now, he brings that experience directly to Cafrino.

A Leadership Move Built for Scale

Stephen’s appointment marks a strategic step forward as Cafrino accelerates its global commercial efforts.

In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, he will lead:

Global commercial strategy and revenue growth
Strategic partnerships and market expansion
Key account development and deal execution

His experience building large-scale distribution networks and navigating complex gaming markets positions Cafrino to expand faster, partner smarter, and execute at a higher level across regions.

This is not just about adding leadership, it’s about embedding proven global execution into the core of Cafrino’s growth engine.

Aligning Vision with Opportunity

Throughout his career, Stephen has consistently been at the center of industry evolution, from early casino development to today’s rapidly expanding digital gaming ecosystem.

He has secured major partnerships with professional sports organizations, helped establish sports betting frameworks within tribal markets, and worked across both emerging and regulated jurisdictions worldwide.

That perspective is critical as Cafrino continues to scale its poker platform across:

Social and free-to-play environments
Sweepstakes and promotional models
Crypto and Web3 gaming platforms
Real-money gaming operators

With a deep understanding of both legacy gaming infrastructure and next-generation technology, Stephen’s leadership helps bridge where the industry has been with where it’s going.

Powering the Next Phase of Cafrino Gaming

Cafrino’s poker platform has already reached more than 2 million players, supporting experiences for globally recognized brands including WWE, Hustler Casino, South Point Casino, and CardPlayer Poker.

As demand for flexible, scalable poker solutions continues to grow, Cafrino is focused on expanding its reach and strengthening its position as a leading provider of poker technology for operators worldwide.

Bringing Stephen Crystal into the organization is a clear signal of that direction.

Looking Ahead

This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cafrino Gaming.

With Stephen leading commercial strategy, we are positioned to accelerate growth, deepen partnerships, and expand into new markets with greater precision and impact.

We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we’re just getting started.

The post Cafrino Gaming Appoints Stephen Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

“90s”

BETBY launches “90s”, a new retro-inspired genre within BETBY Games

Published

52 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

betby-launches-“90s”,-a-new-retro-inspired-genre-within-betby-games

BETBY, the leading sportsbook supplier, has announced the launch of “90s”, a new genre within its proprietary esports feed, BETBY Games, bringing exclusive retro-inspired content to operators and players.

Designed around the look and feel of classic 90s video games, the new genre introduces a lineup of e-sims that take players back to the pixel era, combining retro-inspired visuals with the simplicity and high-frequency betting mechanics that define BETBY Games. While many modern esports products focus on realism and

advanced graphics, 90s takes a different approach by returning to the roots of gaming, transforming familiar retro aesthetics into a fully optimised betting experience.

The launch responds to a growing demand for greater content variety within sportsbook environments, particularly products that can deliver constant engagement beyond traditional live sports schedules.

With 1-minute match formats, 24/7 availability, and quick settlements, “90s” is designed to offer operators a new layer of always-on entertainment while maintaining the speed and betting intensity that define BETBY.Games.

One of the key strengths of “90s” lies in its distinctive positioning within the modern iGaming market.

By bringing retro-inspired game formats into a fully betting-ready environment, BETBY is offering operators access to a type of content that is rarely available today, creating a differentiated experience inspired by the iconic titles and visual style that shaped a generation of players.

The first wave of titles includes eBasketball’98, eBaseball’95, eTennis’89, and eFighting’93, each bringing its own distinctive retro identity while being fully integrated with modern betting mechanics.

The collection covers a mix of major sports and fighting content, combining familiar retro gaming cues with formats built specifically for sportsbook performance.

eFighting’93 introduces a format that complements BETBY Games’ existing eFighting portfolio, offering fast-paced matchups and simple winner markets across 6,000 monthly matches.

eBasketball’98 delivers a dynamic format featuring a high-speed 1v1 shootout between two players at a single hoop.

Bettors can place wagers on the top scorer, point handicaps, total points, and individual point counts, with the title delivering 6,000 matches per month. eBaseball’95 condenses baseball into a

high-intensity 1-inning format, offering 5,000 monthly events across 1×2, handicap, and totals markets. Completing the lineup, eTennis’89 brings an ultra-fast tennis format focused on single-game action, with 6,000 monthly matches and winner markets.

Inspired by the visual identity of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, “90s” creates a product that feels instantly recognisable to players who grew up with this style of gaming, while also offering younger audiences a distinctive and visually engaging alternative to conventional esports content.

“90s is an exciting new direction for BETBY Games because it brings something completely different to sportsbooks,” said Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Innovation & R&D at BETBY.

“There is still a very strong emotional connection around retro games, from the pixel art to the sounds and the simplicity of the gameplay.

We wanted to take that nostalgia and transform it into a product that works for modern betting: fast, clear, engaging, and available around the clock.”

“Our goal was to increase content diversity for our partners. Operators need engagement tools that work 24/7, and the “90s” genre provides a unique, fast-paced solution.

This initial launch is just the start, as we will continue to expand the portfolio with a wider mix of 90s-themed sports and casual titles,” he added.

The launch of 90s further strengthens BETBY.Games’ position as one of the most innovative proprietary esports feeds in the market, offering operators a broad portfolio of fast-betting content designed to drive engagement, increase event volume, and deliver a differentiated sportsbook experience.

BETBY

BETBY is a leading B2B provider of top-tier sports betting services, renowned for its groundbreaking technology and dedication to excellence.

BETBY’s team of industry veterans tap into their knowledge and expertise to deliver a premium, adaptable, and scalable sportsbook platform tailored to meet the varied demands of operators across the globe.

From dynamic in-play betting options to robust risk management tools and ground-breaking AI tools, BETBY is committed to propelling the success of its partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of online sports betting.

The post BETBY launches “90s”, a new retro-inspired genre within BETBY Games appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.