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Embracing New Affordability Checks and Supporting Safer Gaming
By Adam Hancox, director of gaming for TransUnion in the UK
The gambling industry is facing major changes, with the UK government review of the 2005 Gambling Act white paper set to be published in the coming weeks and a new customer interaction guidance for remote gambling licensees coming into force in September 2022.
Although these upcoming changes will require adjustments from gaming operators, they can also bring new opportunities. The revised regulation – with precise details still to be revealed – is expected to further support safer gaming initiatives that were introduced by the UK Gambling Commission in 2019. This will also help operators to balance their social responsibilities with the products they provide and protecting vulnerable gamblers.
The time has come for increased protection
Problem gambling is not new, but given wider economic uncertainty and the cost of living crisis, it’s an area that needs increased attention. Recent figures suggest that 1.3% of the population – the equivalent of over 870,000 consumers – could be termed ‘problem gamblers’.[i]
With inflation at its highest rates since March 1991,[ii] over half of UK consumers have reduced their expenditure and intend to decrease it further as the year progresses,[iii] according to TransUnion’s latest Consumer Pulse study.
When these figures are viewed against the backdrop of a clear link between individuals facing financial strain and gambling issues, there is cause for concern. In fact, researchers from the University of Liverpool and the National Centre for Social Research found that people in deprived areas are more likely to use online casinos and place risky long-odds bets.[iv]
The NHS has pledged[v] to open two new clinics exclusively serving gambling addicts this year, on top of longer-term plans to bring the nationwide total to fifteen gambling clinics by 2024.
To support this, the Gambling Commission has shared new customer interaction guidance for remote gambling licensees which outlines how operators must “identify, act and evaluate” when a player may be displaying tell-tale signs of problem gambling.
The new framework is designed to help gambling operators spot signs of harm and subsequently take prompt action. But it is also designed to be reactive so that organisations can support players where harm is already being experienced, in order to reduce or stop gambling. Even at this later stage, intervention is most effective if the harm is identified promptly and responded to quickly.
The gaming sector is waiting to see what the long-awaited review of the 2005 Gaming Act spells for the industry. With publication imminent, it is expected that operators will be obliged to remove features from online games that heighten an at-risk player’s likelihood of engaging in unsustainable activity. Other restrictions could include caps on stakes of between £2 and £5 for online casinos, as well as a ban on free bets and VIP packages for players who incur heavy losses.[vi]
One particularly controversial point appears to be to what extent affordability checks will be ramped up, and whether the white paper will spell out the requirement for checks that oblige players to share personal financial information such as bank statements and payslips.
Increased protection without CX disruption
Any concerns that these changes could dilute customer experience (CX) are misplaced. Gaming operators need to adhere to more stringent regulations but in a way that doesn’t compromise their platform’s player experience – this is key. Using innovative, data-enabled solutions can maintain the smooth experience today’s players expect, whilst also promoting safer gaming through identifying and protecting the vulnerable.
For example, the Gambling Commission’s new customer interaction guidance requires licensees to analyse several factors to determine a player’s affordability credentials, which include spending patterns, time spent gambling and other key indicators. They are then obliged to “take appropriate action in a timely manner” if the risk of harm is identified.
Modern, AI-led solutions can enable gambling companies to assess and evaluate all relevant factors on an always-on basis. For example, TransUnion’s Affordability Solution for Gaming, uses cutting-edge modelling and analytics to help operators protect their business and players while supporting compliance strategies and regulatory requirements. Anti-fraud and identity verification capabilities can significantly amplify player protection, having stopped 300,000 underage gambling applications last year.
By using socio-demographic, behavioural and transactional data – such as playing time, a series of bad debt indicators, deposit and loss amounts, income sustainability indicators, operators that use the solution can assess players’ affordability and vulnerability throughout their journeys, with minimal impact to the gaming experience.
Additionally, there are already solutions in place that can alleviate any concerns around new affordability checks. For example, Open Banking that has had a strong impact on the financial services sector. At its simplest, Open Banking means that consumers can more easily utilise the power of their bank statement information.
For gaming, this could mean affordability and anti-money laundering (AML) assessments no longer require a request for documents that causes friction in the player experience. Instead, players can use a purpose-built screen flow which quickly, but securely, takes them through the consent and authorisation required for Open Banking. What’s more, the solution can be fully embedded into existing interfaces with simple integration meaning players are taken on an unintrusive, friction-right journey to better data sharing.
Gaming operators will need to meet new regulation, whether that be the framework that came into effect for remote licensees in September, or the soon-to-be revealed legislation in the forthcoming white paper.
Rather than interpreting these changes as challenging hurdles, gaming operators have the opportunity to embrace advanced automated solutions that will help meet new regulation with ease – allowing them to demonstrate to their players just how committed they are to protecting their financial wellbeing, as well as their gaming experiences.
[i] Gambling Commission: Andrew Rhodes speaks at Westminster Media Forum 2022, June 2022
[ii] Office for National Statistics: Consumer price inflation, UK, June 2022
[iii] TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse Q2 2022 UK Study, based on a survey of 1,004 UK adults from 20 May–1 June, 2022
[iv] National Centre for Social Research and University of Liverpool: 2022 Patterns of Play Report
[v] NHS England: NHS launches new gambling addiction clinics to meet record demand, February 2022
[vi] Gambling Insider: Gambling Review Whitepaper ‘Due in the Coming Weeks’
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, has introduced Incan Wonders to its standout slots portfolio. Intrepid travellers are tasked with unlocking the Sun God’s hidden treasures for a game presented within a 3×3 frame. Featuring an intriguing Respin feature and multipliers of up to x90, the game offers players a thrilling journey filled with surprises.
Just Slots, has just announced the release of its second game, Shogun Skylord, which aims to build on the success of its first game and ultimately soar high into players esteem. Shogun Skylord also aims to generate a whirlwind momentum with fresh features by offering free spins with progressive multipliers, whilst taking things to another level with a 5×6 reel setup with 40 win lines.
MGA Games, announces the launch of its new 5-reel slot, Flamenco Passion. This new game transports players into the world of flamenco with every spin. Available from February 24 in the .com markets and March 3 in Spain, this slot promises an immersive experience with stunning graphics, flamenco music, and exciting gameplay mechanics.
Vibra Gaming, the ‘go-to’ games and platform developer for the LatAm market, is taking players back in time to the heyday of Las Vegas to enjoy the best and biggest night in town in Vegas 88. This classic 5×3, 20-payline slot is packed with bright neons, casino chips, and massive prizes for those who dream big.
GAMOMAT has launched its hotly anticipated Flaming Link series. Reinventing the classic Hold ‘n’ Respin feature, it carries exciting Multiplier Zones and Fire Orbs. Flaming Link delivers pure entertainment with a straightforward yet high-energy feature. The excitement rises as Fire Orbs unlock the Flaming Link mechanic, while random Multiplier Zones boost wins up to 12,100x the total bet.
Evoplay has launched Tree of Light: Fabled Fruits, the latest addition to its popular Tree of Light series. The game is the second installment in Evoplay’s high-performing fantasy series, where players follow the brave adventurer Lupine and his loyal friend Mino as they embark on a journey to find the legendary Tree of Light, which grows the most delicious fruits in the world.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Big Big Horsey Fortune™, an equine-themed slot game, focused on players online and in retail settings ahead of the highly anticipated horse-racing season. At the heart of the game is the dynamic Match 3 Bonus entry system, where players unlock unlimited free spins by matching three Bonus Symbols.
Shoot first, ask questions never! Nolimit City rides straight into the lawless frontier in Dead, Dead or Deader, a no-nonsense, bullet-riddled slot where the only rule is: shoot ‘til it stops moving… then shoot again! This slot keeps the familiarity of Nolimit City’s catalogue but changes things up with its art style and humoristic quirks. Following the latest releases like xWays Hoarder 2, Tombstone Slaughter and Duck Hunters, this slot is looking to shoot up the charts.
As darkness falls and the hunt begins, Amusnet invites you to step into the eerie world of 20 Vampire Bites—the latest addition to our online slot collection. This hauntingly immersive game brings spine-chilling, giving players even more chances to win under the glow of the moon. With 11 mysterious symbols spread across 5 reels, the game’s gothic design and atmospheric soundtrack transport players straight into the heart of the vampire’s lair.
Thunderkick has released The Wildos 2, a sequel to its popular 2023 release that introduces increased Wild Multipliers, a Bounty Poster feature, and the Bonus Choice, boosting win potential from 6,250x to 10,000x. Set on an expanded 4×5 grid at the heart of the American Frontier, the action centres around tiered Wild Multipliers on reels two, three and four: Bronze multiplier values range from 1x to 3x, Silver from 5x to 8x, and Gold from 10x up to 25x.
Players will finally discover if there is gold at the end of the rainbow in Crazy Clover Cash, the latest game release from Rival. If players can capture the luck of the clover, they can fill their pockets with gold and potential big wins, with a little helping hand from some cheeky bonus features. This includes Leprechaun Wilds which come with a 5x Multiplier in the base game.
Tom Horn Gaming is thrilled to announce the release of its latest slot game, Wild Skyfire, launching on 4 March. This enchanting slot transports players to the serene town of Hanabi, where a breathtaking fireworks-lit night sky sets the stage for an unforgettable gaming experience.
Stakelogic is proud to introduce Garden Gladiators, a cutting-edge slot game that fuses the peace of nature with the adrenaline of a gladiatorial battleground. Enter a vibrant and yet dangerous garden arena where plant warriors fight for dominance. With its 6 reels, 4 rows and 4096 payways, Garden Gladiators has visually appealing graphics, realistic animations and sound effects and many other great features that enhances gameplay.
PopOK Gaming is making waves in the gaming world with the launch of two thrilling new titles in a single day: Eye on the Money—a collaboration with world-renowned street artist Alec Monopoly, and Avi—a high-flying crash game designed for adrenaline-fueled action. These dynamic releases showcase PopOK Gaming’s commitment to innovation, excitement, and engaging gameplay.
The golden eagle of Rome soars once more as Legion Gold Victory! joins the ranks of Play’n GO’s thrilling slot portfolio. Set against the grandeur of the Roman Empire, this game delivers the spoils of war with its wealth of dynamic features and rewarding mechanics. The call to arms is clear – players must rally their troops and prepare for conquest as the battle for gold begins. With striking visuals of marble columns, golden eagles, and laurel wreaths, every spin echoes the might of Rome.
ESA Gaming, the innovative games provider, has unveiled its first slot of the year with the arrival of Bounty Invaders. This 6×6 slot, with ESA Gaming’s unique Sticky Clusters™ mechanic, takes the player to the Wild West, but this time it’s filled with extra terrestrials.
ICONIC21 is promising a burst of flavour and a shot of good fortune in its latest slot release, Vitamin Joy Hot. This is a slot where the reels are sizzling, the fruits are juicy, and every spin is packed with excitement. Vitamin Joy Hot turns up the heat with fiery animations and 27 ways to win. All players need to do is match the vibrant symbols across the reels and watch as the Wild boosts their chances of landing a super sweet reward.
Prepare to enter a realm of magic and mystery in Wizardz World – a spellbinding new slot in the Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt range where players will need to channel the power of water, earth and fire to conjure up maximum wins of up 1,090x their stake.
Booming Games have been in electrifying form with a flurry of February releases, and brand new Hot Charge is the latest bright spark from the popular games provider. This 5×3, 20-payline slot is guaranteed to generate plenty of excitement among Booming fans and all online casino players with its bright colours, buzzing soundtrack and big wins of up to 4,000x your bet.
Gaming Corps is proud to release its brand-new slot game, Fire and Freedom. This exciting new game transports players to the vast and enchanting Great Plains of North America, the birthplace of American liberty. They will find reels populated with majestic animals while a beautiful landscape runs in the background. Every spin of the reels offers the chance to land big wins of up to 2,000x the player’s stake and experience the thrilling sensation of freedom.
The crazy Joker is back! “Jolly Wild Deluxe” from Hölle Games is available from this week, a 6×3 return of the Jolly character who some might say is more suited to a horror franchise than a slot! This time the Jolly brings a companion, a gold-faced twin who acts as a multiplier and awards 2x in the base game for any active payline.
Spinomenal is celebrating the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day with the release of its Irish-inspired Magical Leprechaun – Hold & Hit slot. Spinomenal’s nod to the Emerald Isle is presented within a 5×3 frame and captures the imagination with a cheerful soundtrack to set the mood. The action develops under the canopy of a lush green forest with tall trees and dappled light from the leaves.
Get ready to enter the eerie world of Dracula’s Spinsanity, the latest spine-tingling slot release from Silverback Gaming. This is a game where mystery and fortune await, but only for those who dare to take it for a spin. Those who do will have to hold their nerve, especially when the Veil of Darkness feature triggers. This sees the game screen darken and a mysterious mist appear with random symbols then transformed into Vampire Wild symbols.
Playson is ready to grant sizzling rewards in its latest release 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win, with the fiery title elevating bonus play with a trio of eye-catching features. Set against the backdrop of a toasty campfire, Playson’s iconic jester marks his return accompanied by lavish chilli Bonus and Jackpot symbols and an array of classic fruit icons.
The post Week 9/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Purple chillies unlock an additional game field in an exciting first for the award-winning slot studio
Playson, the renowned digital entertainment supplier, is ready to grant sizzling rewards in its latest release 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win, with the fiery title elevating bonus play with a trio of eye-catching features.
Set against the backdrop of a toasty campfire, Playson’s iconic jester marks his return accompanied by lavish chilli Bonus and Jackpot symbols and an array of classic fruit icons.
Scorching yellow, purple and green chillies take centre stage, holding the key to the title’s coveted bonus game with each offering varied features to maximise player’s chances of securing sizeable returns.
All chilli icons that land during base play are collected by their corresponding chilli sat above the reels, whilst the combination of chilli bonus symbols gathered determine the feature awarded.
In an exciting first for Playson, the Double Chillie feature represented by the purple chilli, sees an additional game field added during the Bonus Game, with all Bonus and Jackpot symbols that land immediately added to the second game field. Fortunate players who fill the 15 cells on both fields will see them score a mouth-watering double 1,000x Grand Jackpot.
The Extra Chillie feature, belonging to the yellow chilli, sees the number of respins during the Bonus Game increased to four with each new bonus symbol resetting the number of free spins. Green chillies unlock the Multi Chillie feature which sees multipliers as high as 5x added to the reels with multipliers that hit the same cell collectively gathered for an increased chance of fiery rewards.
The title’s bonus game is further boosted by a series of in-game jackpots with purple, blue and green labelled chillies reflecting mini, minor and major jackpots offering rewards up to 100x.
3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win reinforces Playson’s commitment to enhancing its games portfolio with more features and experiences for players to enjoy worldwide.
Tamas Kusztos, CCO at Playson, said: “We’re delighted to bring 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win to market with its inspired bonus game elevating game play with the chance to unlock a dual game field and double Grand Jackpot of 1,000x.
“Stunning graphics and audio blend perfectly with the return of our iconic joker and we are confident our classic approach with meticulously designed features will lead to thrilling gameplay for players.”
The post Playson cranks up the heat in 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Fast Track has migrated the company’s digital presence to a new domain: fasttrack.ai.
Please note that all employees, official communications, and company news will now be sent from email addresses ending in @fasttrack.ai. If you are a partner, currently in communication with us, or planning to get in touch, please update your records to ensure you continue receiving timely and relevant information.
For more information, please visit fasttrack.ai.
The post Fast Track has shifted its online presence to fasttrack.ai appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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