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BGC Calls on UK Government to Put Child Protection “Front and Centre” of Gambling White Paper

Published

3 years ago

December 13, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has called on the UK Government to make child protection a priority in its forthcoming Gambling White Paper.

Chief executive Michael Dugher made the call as the BGC highlighted the work already done by the regulated industry to keep young people safe.

He said the measures were in “stark contrast” to the unsafe unregulated black market online, which has none of the safer gambling measures offered by BGC members, like strict age verification checks.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

In all, 15 child protection measures have been introduced since 2019, when the BGC was established, with further measures planned in the months ahead.

They include the £10m Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme, which is delivered to children, teachers and youth workers across the UK by leading safer gambling charities YGAM and GamCare.

Earlier this year, BGC members introduced new rules aimed at ensuring that children cannot view gambling ads on football clubs’ official social media accounts.

BGC members also introduced new age gating rules on advertising on social platforms, restricting the ads to those aged 25 and over for most sites.

Early results from one operator showed a 96% drop in views of social media advertisements by those aged 18–24 in the final three months of 2020, compared to the same period the year before.

The whistle to whistle ban on TV betting commercials during live sport before the watershed has led to a 97% reduction in the number of young people viewing such ads at that time.

As a further example of our members’ commitment to child protection, figures released by independent analysts Serve Legal revealed that betting shops’ record on age verification checks are better than those of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol forecourts.

Ninety per cent of betting shops have passed “secret shopper” checks in 2021 so far, compared to 83% of convenience stores, 77% of supermarkets and 76% of petrol forecourts.

The BGC is also working with social media platforms and search companies to look at ways of allowing individuals to unsubscribe from betting ads.

The BGC is also calling on others in the regulated betting and gaming industry, and those selling products such as scratch cards in convenience stores and fruit machines in pubs, to follow the lead of betting shops in their success with independent age verification checks

In a sign that the work the BGC has done is having an impact a recent report by the Gambling Commission showed that the rate of problem gambling for 16 to 24-year-olds had fallen from 0.8% to 0.4%.

According to separate Gambling Commission data, the proportion of young people saying they had gambled in the previous seven days fell from 23% in 2011 to 11% in 2019. The regulator also found that the main forms of gambling by 11 to 16-year-olds are playing cards, private bets with friends, scratchcards and fruit machines, not with BGC members.

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “We strongly support the Government’s Gambling Review, which highlighted the protection of children and vulnerable people in a fair and open gambling economy as one of the Government’s main priorities. We therefore hope that child protection will be front and centre of the forthcoming white paper.

“It is clear that the steps BGC members have taken over the previous two years are now providing results.

“Nevertheless, we are not complacent, and protecting young people remains our top priority as we continue raising standards across the regulated industry.

“The BGC and our members will continue drive further changes to prevent under-18s and other vulnerable groups from being exposed to gambling advertising online.

“The regulated betting and gaming industry is determined to promote safer gambling, which is in stark contrast to the unsafe and growing online black market, which has none of the safeguards which are commonplace among BGC members.”

BiS SiGMA Americas 2025

All set for the start of the 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas

Published

2 hours ago

April 7, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

all-set-for-the-start-of-the-2025-edition-of-bis-sigma-americas

The wait is over! The 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas is already underway and promises to be historic, accompanying a moment of intense transformation and consolidation of the iGaming scene in Brazil.

For this reason, the largest betting event in Latin America is ready to welcome and meet the demands of the national and international community. This year, the organization decided to expand the physical space by 50%, from 20 thousand square meters to 32 thousand square meters distributed in 5 halls of the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo.

In addition to the trade fair and conferences with more than 300 prestigious experts from around the world, BiS SiGMA Americas offers a diverse program, including award ceremonies, exclusive networking dinners, a poker tournament, an electrifying night with MMA fights and a grand closing party.

Expectation of record attendance

In addition to the categories that have always been present at the event, such as Online Betting Operators, Software and Technology Providers, Affiliates and Digital Marketing, Payment Methods and Financial Solutions, this edition draws attention to the presence of new technology companies that add value and provide innovative resources for the industry.

This means that the betting market is evolving, with new branches emerging to strengthen the ecosystem. KYC (Know Your Customer) companies, Consulting and Compliance, Information and Database Management, AdTechs and Digital Advertising Networks are making their presence felt with solutions to ensure security, regulatory compliance and more efficient growth strategies.

Furthermore, the recent regulation of sports betting and online gaming in Brazil represents a milestone for the market. BiS SiGMA Americas therefore serves as a platform for experts, regulators and industry leaders to assess the challenges and opportunities of this time of adaptation, as well as explore global trends that may impact the local industry.

Given this, the event organizers predict that the 2025 edition will reach a record number of attendees and participating brands. The estimate is that more than 18,000 people will pass through the Transamérica Expo Center by Thursday (10).

Event map

In order to facilitate visitors’ movement, the BiS SiGMA Americas organization is providing a map of the event, with all confirmed exhibitors and the location of their respective stands. You can check out the full map HERE.

BiS SiGMA Americas General Schedule

Monday, April 7th

02:00pm – 10:00pm – Early collection of badges at Canvas Bar & Restaurant – Hilton Morumbi
06:00pm – 10:00pm – Welcome Reception at Hilton Morumbi
07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Armazem Terrace – Hilton Morumbi
08:00pm – 11:00pm – SiGMA Awards at Tokio Marine Hall

Note: There will be no event at Transamerica Expo Center on this day

Tuesday, April 8th

09:00am – 06:00pm – Exposição: Exhibition: Day 1 at Transamerica Expo Center
09:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 1 at Transamerica Expo Center
06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
07:00pm – 11:00pm – BiS Awards at Tokio Marine Hall
07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Pobre Juan – Morumbi Shopping Mall
07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering dinner at Caulí Lounge Bar

Wednesday, April 9th

10:00am – 06:00pm – Exhibition: Day 2 at Transamerica Expo Center
11:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 2 at Transamerica Expo Center
06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
07:00pm – 12:00pm – Centurion MMA fight at VIP Station
07:00pm – 12:00pm – SiGMA Poker Tour Satellite Opens at Monte Carlo Poker Club
07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Armazem Terrace – Hilton Morumbi

Thursday, April 10th

11:00am – 06:00pm – Exhibition: Day 3 at Transamerica Expo Center
11:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 3 at Transamerica Expo Center
06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering dinner at Caulí Lounge Bar
05:00pm – 12:00pm – Main event SPT 1A hosted By Jon VLogs at Monte Carlo Poker Club
10:00pm – 04:00pm – Closing of BiS SiGMA at Tokio Marine Hall

The post All set for the start of the 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

AGCO

Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license

Published

4 hours ago

April 7, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

playnetic-granted-ontario-supplier-license

Global B2B iGaming content provider secures first Canadian market entry following the successful submission and approval of its gaming-related supplier application

Playnetic, the in-demand global B2B iGaming content provider known for its quality games, reliable delivery and outstanding customer service, has announced the approval of its gaming-related supplier application by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

With the AGCO licensing process being recognised in the industry for its rigorous standards and thorough due diligence, the new certification confirms Playnetic was able to meet the high levels of integrity and regulatory compliance needed to legally distribute its content within the province.

As a result of the approval, Playnetic has now secured its first Canadian market entry and will be able to provide its library of innovative games to licensed operators in the Ontario region – with this starting point paving the way for further expansion into other regulated provinces in future.

Given signs of change emerging within the Canadian market and Alberta making progress toward a regulated online model – likely drawing from Ontario’s framework – this license positions Playnetic strongly to expand its footprint in the country and further solidifies the company’s ambitious growth plans.

In the meantime, Playnetic has already begun making groundwork with key operators in the Ontario region and is looking forward to going live with some exciting brands over the coming months. The company will also be attending SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit from June 17-19, where both existing and new potential partners alike are welcome to stop by and meet the team.

Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Playnetic, said: “Acquiring AGCO approval for our gaming-related supplier application is undoubtedly a big step for Playnetic. The new license not only secures our first Canadian market entry, but also reaffirms Playnetic’s position as a trusted provider in iGaming and underlines our commitment to compliance and operational excellence.”

Julian Borg-Barthet, Chief Commercial Officer at Playnetic, said: “We’re very excited to now be in a position to offer our library of innovative gaming content in Ontario, and the groundwork to do that with some of the region’s biggest licensed operators is already underway. Over time, we’re confident this license will also help us expand further into current markets and emerging regulated provinces, such as Alberta.”

The post Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Compliance Updates

Vixio Delighted To Be Shortlisted For An ICA Compliance Award for Technology Partner of the Year

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2025

George Miller

vixio-delighted-to-be-shortlisted-for-an-ica-compliance-award-for-technology-partner-of-the-year

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, has been shortlisted for an International Compliance Association (ICA) Compliance Award for Technology Partner of the Year. The ICA Compliance Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, collaboration, and innovation of the compliance and financial crime prevention teams across the globe.

Following a thorough judging process, Vixio was shortlisted ahead of the official awards ceremony which will be held on 26th June 2025.

The Technology Partner of the Year category entry detailed the outstanding work of Vixio, showcasing an innovative solution that helps compliance teams cut through the noise to understand the complex, ever-changing regulatory environment to mitigate risk and uncover growth opportunities.

Mike Woolfrey, CEO, Vixio commented, “Vixio has been offering comprehensive, actionable compliance intelligence for over two decades now and we are delighted to be recognised for our RegTech platform, which combines cutting-edge technology with the deep industry knowledge of our experts. We are honoured to be shortlisted for this award and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outstanding Vixio team for their hard work and expertise.”

ICA’s President, Pekka Dare added, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Vixio on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Technology Partner of the Year. On behalf of ICA, I would like to thank everyone who entered the ICA Compliance Awards personally. All of the entrants represent the very best of what our industry has to offer, and I am looking forward to welcoming all our finalists to the awards ceremony on the 26th June.”

The judging panel was made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the compliance and financial crime prevention community. This includes Lisa Bennett, Legal Compliance Director, Mastercard; Caroline Braddock, Civil Ethics and Compliance Officer, Rolls-Royce; Samer Jannoun, Head of Regional Ethics and Compliance Special Oversight, Meta; Dane Pedro, Presiding Justice and Magistrate, Ministry of Justice, UK; Chris Watkins, Head of Compliance & ESG, Renewable Power Capital; Ben Westwood, Head of Compliance & DPO, Motor Insurers Bureau.

The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster, London on 26 June 2025.

The post Vixio Delighted To Be Shortlisted For An ICA Compliance Award for Technology Partner of the Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.