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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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Sportradar Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

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Sportradar Group has announced the financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Carsten Koerl, CEO of Sportradar Group, said: “Sportradar’s first quarter growth reflects our premier position as the scaled leader in the expanding global sports data ecosystem. We continue to deepen our relationships across our expansive distribution network, providing additional content, products and services to our sportsbook, media and technology clients. Our recently acquired portfolio of IMG content has further bolstered our diverse offering and is resonating with customers worldwide while also expanding our margins as we increasingly leverage our existing infrastructure. Maximizing the opportunities our market leadership position and long-standing relationships remains our priority as we also begin to capitalize on new avenues of growth, including prediction markets and iGaming. Driving value for our partners and clients has always been our focus and continuing to do so should build additional shareholder value in the months and years ahead. Our confidence in our trajectory is demonstrated by the increased buyback activity this past quarter as well as the enhanced open market share repurchase program announced today.”

Total revenue for the first quarter was €347 million, up €35 million, or 11% year-over-year, driven by 15% growth in Betting Technology & Solutions, partially offset by a 4% decline in Sports Content, Technology & Services.

Betting Technology & Solutions revenues of €288 million were up 15% year-over-year primarily driven by a 20% increase in Betting & Gaming Content due to contributions related to the acquisition of IMG ARENA, uptake of the Company’s content and products, as well as U.S. market growth, partially offset by the significant impact of foreign currency movements. Managed Betting Services revenues declined 2%, as higher turnover in the Managed Trading Services business was offset by unfavourable sporting outcomes during the quarter.

Sports Content, Technology & Services revenues of €59 million declined 4% year-over-year primarily driven by a 9% decline in Marketing & Media Services, due primarily to a reduction in marketing campaigns from certain existing customers during the quarter, partially offset by increased revenue from Integrity Services.

The Company generated strong revenue growth globally with Rest of World up 14% and the US up 4%. Foreign currency movements, particularly due to the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro, continue to negatively impact earnings. As a percentage of total Company revenues, US revenue represented 26% of total Company revenue in the first quarter as compared to 28% in the prior year quarter.

Loss for the period was €6 million, down €31 million, compared to a profit of €24 million in the same quarter a year ago, as the Company’s strong operating results were more than offset primarily by a foreign currency loss of €9 million versus a gain of €28 million in the same period a year ago, due principally to unrealised currency fluctuations mainly associated with U.S. dollar-denominated sports rights. The first quarter of 2026 also included higher depreciation and amortization and finance costs primarily related to the acquisition of IMG ARENA, partially offset by lower income taxes.

Adjusted EBITDA

First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was €66 million, up €7 million, or 12% compared to €59 million in the same quarter in 2025. The increase was largely driven by the 11% revenue growth, primarily offset by the inclusion of costs related to IMG ARENA, most notably sport rights.

Business Highlights

Announced key addition to Sportradar’s leadership team, naming Sameer Deen as Chief Operating Officer, commencing May 18, 2026.

Launched Playradar, a dedicated iGaming brand delivering hybrid sports-casino content to global operators across slots, table games, virtual sports, arcade and crash games, operating exclusively in regulated markets.

Expanded the Company’s multi-year partnership with Hard Rock Bet, adding official PGA TOUR and UFC data and enhanced in-play betting capabilities including 3D shot tracking and micro markets.

Extended and expanded the Company’s integrity services agreement with FIFA for an additional five years through 2031, providing AI-driven bet-monitoring, intelligence and investigation support, and risk assessment services across FIFA’s 211 member associations and competitions worldwide.

Announced a multi-year partnership with the Liga Nacional de Basquete for worldwide rights for official data as well as audiovisual betting, completing Sportradar’s presence across Brazil’s three most popular sports.

The post Sportradar Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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TCSJOHNHUXLEY to Showcase Intelligent Software and Advanced Table Solutions at G2E Asia 2026

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TCSJOHNHUXLEY is going to showcase a powerful new era of live gaming at G2E Asia 2026, held at The Venetian Macao from May 12 to 14, 2026. Located at Booth B1338, the company will highlight a suite of intelligent software and advanced display technology designed to maximise table profitability across the gaming floor. While maintaining a strong focus on its world-class core product range, this year’s showcase demonstrates how data-driven insights and smart hardware integration can transform operational performance for the modern operator. Building on over 50 years of manufacturing expertise, TCSJOHNHUXLEY continues to deliver innovations that go beyond traditional equipment—offering a complete, long-term partnership for casinos worldwide.

A major highlight of the exhibition will be the introduction of T-Connect 2, the latest evolution of the company’s comprehensive table management system. This sophisticated software ecosystem integrates smart sensors to provide real-time data insights, empowering operators to optimise their gaming floors with a modular and flexible approach to game management. T-Connect 2 serves as the central hub for the connected pit, enhancing security and streamlining operations for numerous casinos across Asia.

The company will also showcase its latest display innovations, including the Dynamic Display System (DDS) and the versatile Ora Winning Number Display range – renowned for its exceptional clarity, customisation, and reliability in presenting critical game information. A key highlight will be the groundbreaking Ora Vue Blackjack Display Controller, which introduces a new dimension to the game through advanced camera recognition technology that enables automatic card entry. This intelligent system enhances the player experience by delivering real-time access to hand histories, live odds, and historical statistics – making gameplay more engaging, transparent, and accessible for players of all levels. The Ora Vue Blackjack Display Controller integrates seamlessly with the Ora Luxe Winning Number Display, creating a fully connected and visually refined solution for the modern gaming floor.

To drive further excitement, TCSJOHNHUXLEY will demonstrate its widely popular Supernova Progressive Jackpot System, a unique and customisable platform designed to drive player engagement and heighten excitement across the gaming floor. This unique system allows operators to create bespoke jackpot configurations tailored to their specific gaming floor, offering a seamless blend of traditional gameplay and modern rewards.

Rebecca Kingswell, TCSJOHNHUXLEY global head of operations and managing director APAC, said: “G2E Asia 2026 is an exceptional platform for us to showcase our commitment to industry-leading innovation. We are excited to meet with our partners in the region to demonstrate how our latest developments can transform table performance and drive measurable growth. Our focus remains on delivering the high-impact solutions that operators need to succeed in an evolving marketplace.”

The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY to Showcase Intelligent Software and Advanced Table Solutions at G2E Asia 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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St8 Enters into Partnership with Games Global

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St8 has announced a strategic partnership with Games Global that will bring the supplier’s extensive and diverse catalogue of titles to operators across regulated markets worldwide.

Through the deal, Games Global’s content portfolio will initially be rolled out to St8’s operator network in Ontario, with additional markets expected to follow as the collaboration expands.

Games Global’s high-performing library is developed by its exclusive studio partners, including Alchemy Gaming, Gameburger Studios, Fortune Factory Studios, Stormcraft Studios, PearFiction Studios, ALL FOR ONE Studios, Foxium, among many others, providing operators with proven, player-favourite titles.

The deal significantly strengthens St8’s growing offering, giving its operator partners seamless access to leading content with global appeal through one connection, alongside promotional tools, reporting capabilities and full compliance coverage.

Vladimir Negine, Chief Executive Officer at St8, said: “Our focus at St8 is giving operators the right foundations to grow in regulated markets. Joining forces with Games Global strengthens our content offering with a portfolio that has proven appeal with players worldwide. We look forward to bringing these titles to our partners, beginning with Ontario and expanding into additional regulated markets.”

Mark MacCombie, Chief Commercial Officer at Games Global, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with St8, as it allows us to expand the reach of our content across a broader network of operators. Their scalable platform gives us an efficient route to market, helping us deliver content from our extensive roster of exclusive studios to new audiences.”

The post St8 Enters into Partnership with Games Global appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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