Connect with us

Latest News

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

Published

on

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.

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading
Advertisement

BETANO

Betano inaugura canchas revitalizadas en Brasilia con obras firmadas por artistas locales

Published

on

betano-inaugura-canchas-revitalizadas-en-brasilia-con-obras-firmadas-por-artistas-locales

Evento en el Parque da Cidade contó con la presencia de autoridades, deporte y arte, con obras de Mão y Toys; la acción forma parte de la iniciativa Betano en Movimiento

Con motivo de su 66.º aniversario, Brasilia recibió un regalo especial de Betano: dos canchas revitalizadas en el Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek, en el corazón de la capital federal.

El nuevo espacio, que cuenta con obras de los artistas locales Toys (@toys) y Mão (@mao.arte), fue inaugurado en un evento este sábado (11) y contó con un circuito de básquet 3×3 organizado por CUFA-DF y presentaciones culturales.

El evento marcó un nuevo capítulo en la historia del parque, reconocido como el mayor parque urbano de América del Sur y uno de los más grandes del mundo.

La revitalización de las canchas forma parte de la iniciativa Betano en Movimiento, que busca ampliar el acceso al deporte y a la actividad física mediante la recuperación de espacios públicos y la promoción de actividades deportivas comunitarias.

Es una alegría estar en un momento tan simbólico, entregando un regalo que será un legado para la ciudad. Para las obras de las canchas, buscamos valorar artistas locales que aportaran la identidad de Brasilia al espacio, conectando arte y deporte”, afirmó Guilherme Figueiredo, Director de Relaciones Institucionales de Betano.

Inauguración con canasta y corte de cinta

La inauguración comenzó con una primera canasta anotada por Renato Junqueira, Secretario de Deporte y Ocio del Distrito Federal.

Tras recibir una asistencia de los artistas Mão y Toys, el secretario encestó en ambas canchas.

Nos sentimos muy honrados de recibir este regalo de Betano para nuestra ciudad.

Este parque es icónico, democrático y accesible, y esta alianza es fundamental. Estoy seguro de que todos los que vengan a jugar aquí luego comentarán lo bonito y colorido que es el espacio.

Se convertirá en una referencia dentro del parque”, declaró durante la ceremonia.

También presente en el evento, la gobernadora del Distrito Federal, Celina Leão, destacó la importancia de la revitalización.

Queremos sumar aliados que aporten valor. Hoy aquí se puede ver movimiento, arte y deporte ocurriendo al mismo tiempo. Estoy muy feliz de participar. Soy atleta, me gusta el deporte y lo practico todos los días.

Estoy segura de que abre puertas y cambia la mentalidad de las personas. Agradezco a los socios que hicieron posible este momento.

Las canchas están tan bonitas que dan ganas de quedarse”, comentó, tras también encestar en las canchas.

Obras inspiradas en Brasilia

Con colores vivos en tonos de azul, naranja y amarillo, las intervenciones artísticas rinden homenaje a los íconos, la arquitectura y el paisaje de Brasilia.

La ejecución técnica estuvo a cargo de Hoopers, dando continuidad a un proyecto iniciado en Río de Janeiro, con una cancha inaugurada por el jugador de baloncesto Giannis Antetokounmpo, estrella de los Milwaukee Bucks en la NBA.

El artista Daniel Morais, conocido como Toys, explicó que buscó trasladar al espacio las líneas rectas y angulares típicas de los edificios de la ciudad, además de rendir homenaje a su fundador.

La historia de Brasilia y de sus pioneros es increíble. Juscelino Kubitschek fue el primer soñador: creyó en una idea y la hizo realidad al construir la capital. Es muy especial ver mi arte formando parte de la vida de las personas, como si ellas también participaran en la obra”, afirmó.

Por su parte, Luis Fernando Santos, conocido como Mão, incorporó elementos icónicos y de la fauna local, destacando el lobo-guará, el caracará y la Plaza de los Cristales.

Fue una experiencia muy especial poder hacer un trabajo para Brasilia, aún más en el Parque da Cidade. Intenté representar los colores del lugar, la fauna, la flora y también sus monumentos. Es muy gratificante ver a la gente usando la cancha que pinté.

Espero que sigan aprovechando este espacio y que los inspire a conectarse cada vez más”, señaló.

Impulso al deporte y la cultura

El evento también incluyó un circuito de básquet 3×3 en colaboración con la Central Única de las Favelas (CUFA-DF). En esta modalidad, equipos de tres jugadores compiten en partidos rápidos en media cancha.

Gana el equipo que alcanza primero los 21 puntos o, si se cumple el límite de 10 minutos, el que haya anotado más canastas.

En la categoría masculina participaron equipos como Guariroba Raptors, ESCS, Capital Basquete y Gama 3×3, mientras que en la femenina compitieron Ipê Rosa, AAAESCS, PCDF y AVABRA.

Durante los intervalos, el público disfrutó de presentaciones de breaking con los b-boys Navarro 061, Breakmove y Nathan, y la b-girl Thaty. La música estuvo a cargo del DJ Afrika, y la conducción del evento por Alex Hadda y Cami Abreu.

Unidad móvil de mamografías ofreció exámenes gratuitos

Como parte de la acción, la unidad móvil de mamografías de la Fundación Laço Rosa ofreció exámenes gratuitos para la detección precoz del cáncer de mama.

La unidad también estará presente en Cidade Estrutural y en la Rodoviária los días 14 y 15 de abril. Para participar, es necesario registrarse previamente en el sitio www.mamografiasalva.com.br.

Sobre Kaizen Gaming | Betano

Kaizen Gaming es una de las mayores empresas de GameTech del mundo.

Con foco en tecnología y personas, busca mejorar continuamente la experiencia de juego online que ofrece a millones de clientes en todo el mundo, además de entretener a los aficionados al deporte de manera divertida y responsable.

Es propietaria de Betano, una marca premium de apuestas deportivas y juegos online con presencia en Europa, América y África.

La empresa cuenta con más de 3.000 empleados a nivel global.

En Brasil, Betano está presente en las dos principales competiciones del país, el Brasileirão Betano y la Copa Betano de Brasil, además de ser socio oficial del Flamengo.

Kaizen Gaming ha sido reconocida como una de las principales compañías del sector, recibiendo premios como “Operador del Año” en los EGR Operator Awards y en los SBC Awards 2025.

Vea más en www.betano.bet.br

The post Betano inaugura canchas revitalizadas en Brasilia con obras firmadas por artistas locales appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Continue Reading

casino

Plaza adds Monday Night RAW ticket raffle to WrestleMania 42 viewing party

Published

on

plaza-adds-monday-night-raw-ticket-raffle-to-wrestlemania-42-viewing-party

Downtown Las Vegas casino also brings in WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam for a live Q&A on April 18.

Plaza Hotel & Casino will host WrestleMania 42 viewing parties on April 18 and April 19 in its showroom in downtown Las Vegas, adding a ticket giveaway for WWE Monday Night RAW on the second night.

The casino said all guests attending the Sunday, April 19 viewing party can enter a free raffle to win two tickets to Monday Night RAW on Monday, April 20 at T-Mobile Arena, seated in one of the venue’s premier Loge Boxes.

On Saturday, April 18, the Plaza will feature WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Rob Van Dam (RVD) as a special guest. The property said RVD—also billed as “Mr. Monday Night”—will lead a live Q&A at 1:30 p.m. ahead of the WrestleMania 42 start time at 3 p.m., and will be available for autographs and photo ops.

Both events are 21+ and run in the Plaza showroom, with doors opening at 1 p.m. and the viewing party starting at 3 p.m. The Plaza said it will offer drink specials and buckets of beer priced at $30 for domestic brands and $35 for imported.

Tickets with seat selection are priced at $40 per person (plus fees and taxes), according to the casino, with details and purchasing available via the Plaza’s website.

Relevant data as follows:

The post Plaza adds Monday Night RAW ticket raffle to WrestleMania 42 viewing party appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

eSports

MEGA hires Leapfox founder Patrick Collins as VP of Growth

Published

on

mega-hires-leapfox-founder-patrick-collins-as-vp-of-growth

The ex-Wasserman and former Excel Esports partnerships lead joins the London-based group behind the Esports Awards and MOBIES.

The Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA) has appointed Patrick Collins as Vice President of Growth, the company said on April 15, 2026. Collins will lead growth strategy, including commercial partnerships and new business development, from London.

Collins joins from boutique agency Leapfox, which he founded in early 2022. Prior to that, he led commercial partnerships at UK esports organisation Excel Esports, securing deals with brands including BT, Sony, JD Sports, Neosurf and Chupa Chups, alongside partners such as HyperX, Anda Seat, Belong Gaming Arenas and Chillblast PCs.

Earlier in his career, Collins worked at sports marketing agency Wasserman, where MEGA said he helped secure EE’s six-year partnership with Wembley Stadium and advised brands including American Express, Vodafone and PepsiCo. The company also cited experience working with Premier League football clubs and brands including Barclays, Santander, Under Armour and Puma.

“I’m pleased to officially join MEGA at such an important time for esports and gaming,” said Patrick Collins, VP of Growth at MEGA. “Having worked across traditional sport, esports, and commercial partnerships, and founding Leapfox to bridge these worlds and guide my clients, I’m looking forward to applying my experience to support MEGA and our properties as we continue to grow.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Patrick to MEGA as our new Vice President of Growth,” said Michael Ashford, Co-Founder of MEGA. “His extensive experience, including founding Leapfox, uniquely positions him to shape the future of our company. With Patrick on board, MEGA is determined to accelerate our growth, embark on transformative partnerships, and deliver world-class experiences that will define the next era of esports entertainment.”

Relevant data as follows:

The post MEGA hires Leapfox founder Patrick Collins as VP of Growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania