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

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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.

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AI in iGaming

Future-Ready iGaming: Denis Kosinsky, COO of NuxGame, Discusses AI, Innovation, and Scalable Growth

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Denis Kosinsky, Chief Operating Officer at NuxGame, joins us for an exclusive conversation ahead of HIPTHER’s European Gaming Congress 2025.

NuxGame, a leader in delivering powerful B2B iGaming solutions from turnkey casinos and sportsbooks to crypto gaming and modular aggregation, is a General Sponsor of this year’s Congress. With expertise spanning AI personalization, blockchain integration, and real-time analytics, Denis will bring his insights to the EGC panel “Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage.”

 

Denis, as COO of NuxGame, you coordinate strategic growth and product innovation. What do you see as the most urgent priorities for iGaming operators today?

From our daily work with operators, we see personalization as one of the most urgent priorities in iGaming today. Players expect the same tailored experience they get from platforms like Netflix or Spotify, where everything feels made just for them the moment they log in. We work closely with our operators to make that possible. Whether it’s helping a slot-focused brand surface the right providers or enabling personalized campaigns by player behavior, our goal is to shorten the path from idea to go-live. With access to more than 16,500 games from over 130 providers, integrated loyalty and tier systems, and advanced analytics, operators can test, optimize, and launch personalized experiences quickly without heavy development cycles. This speed to market is critical. When operators can react fast and deliver relevant content at the right time, players stay engaged, retention grows, and brand loyalty follows naturally. That’s exactly where we focus on helping our partners move fast, personalize smarter, and scale sustainably.

NuxGame offers a multitude of solutions: casino, sportsbook, crypto integration, game aggregator. How do you make sure that your platform stays modular and scalable, and still manage to provide a stable experience for operators and players?

Our platform is built on a modular architecture that allows each business unit such as sportsbook, casino, payments, and back office to operate independently while remaining fully connected within a unified ecosystem. This structure ensures a stable and consistent experience for both players and operators, even when new features are introduced or updates are deployed. Each module can be developed, scaled, or maintained separately, which improves reliability and reduces the risk of system-wide issues. Through standardized APIs and controlled data flows, the business units collaborate efficiently while maintaining autonomy, ensuring high performance and a seamless experience across all platform components.

You’ll be joining the panel on AI in iGaming. How do you see artificial intelligence transforming the industry in the next few years – particularly in areas like player personalization, fraud detection, and operational efficiency?

AI is already reshaping iGaming in powerful ways. In fraud detection, it can uncover complex behavior patterns that traditional monitoring often misses, such as linked accounts or unusual bonus activity. These systems continuously learn from platform data, helping operators reduce losses and improve security. Predictive models are also becoming key in decision-making. They forecast player lifetime value, churn risk, and engagement potential, allowing operators to act early with targeted campaigns or retention offers. The same technology supports smarter CRM and marketing, helping teams focus on the players who matter most. Operationally, AI is improving efficiency through automated KYC verification, odds monitoring, and compliance checks. New AI agents now assist with platform configuration and content generation, enabling faster creation of campaigns, layouts, and recommendations. For players, AI brings true personalization. Instead of hundreds of random games, they see the few most relevant titles, offers, and providers. Operators who apply these capabilities effectively will build deeper engagement, trust, and long-term loyalty.

Gamification and blockchain are big parts of the NuxGame strategy. Could you share how these technologies are boosting engagement and retention for your clients?

Gamification and blockchain are redefining how operators drive engagement and retention, and at NuxGame we focus on turning every interaction into a reason for players to stay active. Our Achievements system rewards players for meaningful actions such as first deposits, login streaks, or consistent gameplay, while event-based notifications deliver these rewards at the right moment to sustain excitement. We extend engagement even further with loyalty programs, leaderboards, and platform chat that connects players directly within the gaming environment. Players can celebrate live wins, share achievements, and compete in real time, creating a social layer that strengthens the overall experience. Another popular feature is Spin Wheel, where operators can offer customized rewards ranging from free spins to bonus credits or unique prizes. It adds instant gratification and keeps players returning for another chance to win. Blockchain technology completes this ecosystem by powering fast, secure Web3 wallet onboarding and transparent crypto transactions, building player confidence from the very first interaction. Together, these features create a seamless, rewarding, and community-driven experience that keeps players engaged and operators growing.

With over 16,500+ games from 130+ providers on your platform, content aggregation is obviously your strength. How do you build partnerships that keep your portfolio diverse, compliant, and competitive?

Our goal at NuxGame is to provide operators with the same experience they would have if they integrated directly with each individual game provider, while delivering a much higher level of efficiency, automation, and control. What makes us different is not only the scale of our portfolio, with more than 16,500 games from over 130 providers, but the quality and depth of data we deliver for every game. We go beyond simple content aggregation by sending complete and enriched game metadata through our API. This includes detailed information such as bonus exposure, available provider promotions, tournament participation, and automated big-win checks. Most providers do not share this level of data, which makes it a key advantage for our partners. By providing it through the API, we eliminate a large amount of manual work for operators, simplify campaign management, and allow instant personalization and reporting. It is not just about having a large and diverse game portfolio. It is about giving operators the tools and real-time data they need to create dynamic, localized player experiences and make smarter business decisions. This is the foundation of our approach at NuxGame and what defines us as a true technology partner rather than just an aggregator.

NuxGame has been a pioneer in cryptocurrency integration. How do you balance the opportunities of Web3 with the obstacles of regulation, security, and user adoption in gaming?

Crypto and Web3 offer huge opportunities for iGaming, but success depends on security, compliance, and user experience. At NuxGame, we built our crypto solution to feel familiar to users of leading exchange platforms, with seamless wallet connections, real-time balances, and instant transactions. The system supports BTC, ETH, USDT, and other major assets, with Web3 wallet integration and direct crypto purchases for fast onboarding. For operators, it delivers built-in fraud prevention, risk monitoring, and compliance-ready reporting. This combination of trust, speed, and intuitive UX makes crypto adoption easy for players and expansion safe for operators.

So what’s next for NuxGame? Are there particular markets or partnerships you’re most excited about as you continue to expand?

We are putting a strong focus on the US market, particularly on enabling operators to launch faster within the sweepstakes model. This segment is growing rapidly but comes with complex regulatory and technical requirements. NuxGame is fully prepared for it with dual-currency logic, built-in compliance automation, and a complete payment orchestration layer that eliminates the typical setup delays operators face. Our platform provides a ready-made, legally tested foundation, so clients can go live without spending months on integrations or legal reviews. Combined with affiliate management, engagement tools, and modular scalability, operators can focus on growth rather than setup. The sweepstakes model is a major opportunity in the US, and our goal is to make NuxGame the go-to solution for fast, compliant, and profitable entry into that market.

Thank you, Denis, for sharing your vision and perspective on how technology is shaping the future of iGaming. We’re excited to hear more from you live on stage at the European Gaming Congress 2025!

👉 Join us at the European Gaming Congress 2025 | 30–31 October | Warsaw

Secure your spot, connect with NuxGame, and discover how leading innovators are redefining the industry.

The post Future-Ready iGaming: Denis Kosinsky, COO of NuxGame, Discusses AI, Innovation, and Scalable Growth appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Jeff Letlat COO SpinOro

KingMidas Games and SpinOro Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Global Reach

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KingMidas Games, a leading iGaming provider, has announced a strategic partnership with SpinOro, a trusted and innovative content aggregator and game provider. The collaboration will see SpinOro take up KingMidas Games’ portfolio of high-quality and cutting-edge titles, and distribute them to operators across Europe, Latin America, and other key markets worldwide.

Through this partnership, operators connected to SpinOro’s aggregation platform will gain access to KingMidas Games’ diverse catalogue of immersive experiences, ranging from next-gen titles and exclusive IP-driven content to classic and feature-rich slot offerings. The integration is expected to go live in late 2025.

“This partnership with SpinOro reflects our shared ambition to connect global operators with premium and differentiated gaming experiences,” commented Sean Auret, Global Head at KingMidas Games. “SpinOro’s reputation for trust, reliability, and innovation makes them an ideal partner as we continue expanding our presence across key markets. Together, we’re creating opportunities for operators to deliver content that speaks to local audiences while maintaining global appeal.”

Jeff Letlat, COO, SpinOro, added: “KingMidas Games’ reputation for bold ideas and next-generation creativity complements our own commitment to bringing operators a portfolio that feels both innovative and commercially impactful. By adding their unique style and forward-thinking titles, we’re not only enriching the variety available to our partners but also ensuring players gain access to experiences designed for the digital-native generation. It’s exactly the kind of collaboration that keeps our platform fresh, diverse, and future-ready.”

The collaboration highlights both companies’ dedication to quality, innovation, and growth in an increasingly competitive iGaming landscape. By combining KingMidas Games’ creative game development with SpinOro’s extensive distribution network and technical expertise, the partnership aims to bring players around the world closer to the next generation of entertainment experiences.

The post KingMidas Games and SpinOro Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Global Reach appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Digital Footprints

Digital Footprints Pays-it-Forward with £50,000 Accelerator Fund to Fuel iGaming Startups

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To mark its 15th anniversary, Digital Footprints is proud to announce the Digital Footprints Accelerator Fund, a bold new initiative offering £50,000 in marketing resources to a deserving iGaming startup. The programme embraces a “pay it forward” philosophy, investing in the next generation of ambitious brands in iGaming and helping them scale with best-in-class marketing support.

Fueling Growth in iGaming Innovation

As an agency that has driven growth for operators, affiliates, and suppliers across competitive markets, Digital Footprints now turns its resources toward nurturing future challengers. The Accelerator Fund is open to iGaming startups less than two years old (pre-launch or early growth stage) that operate responsibly and with compliance at their core. The winning entrant will receive a bespoke digital marketing package valued at £50,000. Services may include:

  • SEO and content strategy
  • Social media & influencer campaigns
  • Creative branding and design
  • Analytics & performance dashboarding
  • Sponsorship sourcing & activation
  • UX & conversion optimisation with compliance in mind

Additional benefits include exposure through Digital Footprints’ channels, press coverage, and advisory support from industry specialists. 

Key Dates

  • Applications open: 13 October
  • Deadline to apply: 10 November
  • Shortlist announced: 24 November
  • Pitch date: 1 December
  • Winner announced: 8 January

“We believe that success should create opportunity,” said Sharon McFarlane, Managing Director of Digital Footprints. “After 15 years in the digital and iGaming space, we recognise that we definitely had help along the way from an amazing community, and this fund is our chance to pay that forward.  It’s our chance to create our own community to fuel innovation, champion responsible growth, and give a deserving startup a genuine launchpad. We can’t wait to see who steps forward.”

 

About Digital Footprints

Digital Footprints is a specialist iGaming digital agency, partnering with operators, affiliates, and suppliers to deliver strategic, compliant, and performance-driven marketing solutions. Over the past decade and a half, the award-winning agency has built an enviable track record in web development, SEO, branding, content, and audience growth across regulated markets.

For more information about eligibility or to apply for the Accelerator Fund, please visit: https://www.digital-footprints.co.uk/df-accelerator-fund/

The post Digital Footprints Pays-it-Forward with £50,000 Accelerator Fund to Fuel iGaming Startups appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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