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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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Favbet × Spinner: An Exclusive Live Studio That Has Already Gained Recognition in Ukraine

Ukraine now has its first full-fledged Ukrainian-language live product, created by local specialists for local players.
The format combines modern technology with national identity, turning gameplay into a space where native language is heard from the very first moment.
Favbet opened a new opportunity for the market in the live segment. Without waiting for audience demand, the company shaped it itself, introducing its own branded live studio powered by Spinner. This proactive step secured Favbet’s reputation as an innovator that sets standards and creates trends.
The project was entrusted to Spinner — a modern and ambitious B2B provider with Ukrainian DNA and technological expertise, capable of delivering a fully branded studio in the state language. The partnership united shared values, high standards, and a clear understanding that players choose content closest and most relatable to them.
The studio’s atmosphere reflects Ukrainian character and hospitality. Hosts communicate in a relaxed manner, respond in real time, keep conversations flowing, and add light humor. It is a place players come not only for the game but also for live interaction and a sense of community.
Deep customization, Ukrainian-speaking hosts, and instant support create the comfort level every Favbet user deserves. Demand has grown so rapidly that in just one year the number of tables doubled from six to twelve.
Most importantly, these games are available exclusively on Favbet’s website and mobile applications.
Favbet × Spinner made Ukrainian the foundation and raised the quality bar to the level of global best practices.
PARTICIPATION IN GAMBLING CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION. PLEASE FOLLOW RESPONSIBLE GAMING PRINCIPLES.
License for online casino operations dated 20.04.2021 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 137 of 05.04.2021 (as amended), and license for bookmaking operations dated 28.12.2022 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 433 of 13.12.2022.
The post Favbet × Spinner: An Exclusive Live Studio That Has Already Gained Recognition in Ukraine appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Cubeia announces Cubeia Platinum Freeroll at SiGMA Poker Tour Malta

Cubeia, a Sweden-based iGaming software solutions provider, is proud to announce the Cubeia Platinum Freeroll as part of the SiGMA Poker Tour in Malta. The exclusive live event takes place on Friday, 5 September at 9PM at the prestigious Portomaso Casino in St. Julian’s.
The tournament will deliver an electrifying poker experience in one of Europe’s leading gaming hubs. Over five nights, players can settle into the high-stakes action, complemented by elevated VIP experiences, world-class accommodation, and unmissable entertainment.
With a substantial €150,000 guaranteed prize pool up for grabs, the Tour will be a standout event during this year’s SiGMA Euro-Med Summit. As part of the tournament, Cubeia’s Platinum Freeroll gives Platinum badge holders special entry to take part in the action. With free entry, a €5,000 prize pool, and limited seating, this freeroll combines high stakes with a truly exclusive player field.
Whether a seasoned pro or a recreational enthusiast, the SiGMA Poker Tour and Cubeia Platinum Freeroll offers competitors the chance to showcase their skills, and immerse themselves in the ultimate poker atmosphere, amongst the global iGaming movers and shakers.
Cubeia’s Head of Poker Simon Isbäck commented: “It’s a privilege to team up with SiGMA to host the Cubeia Platinum Freeroll at the SiGMA Poker Tour. Every opportunity we have to showcase our passion for poker is one we go all in for. Giving Platinum badge holders entry to the exclusive chance to experience live tournaments at one of Europe’s most iconic casinos – certainly not one to fold on!”
The post Cubeia announces Cubeia Platinum Freeroll at SiGMA Poker Tour Malta appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Embrace Your Inner Maverick in Hacker’s Haven

No soft launch. No warnings. Hacker’s Haven is here
DEGEN Studios is live, and we’re not here to play safe. Introducing our debut slot, Hacker’s Haven. You’re not a player, you’re a disruptor. It’s time to plug in, jack up, and start hacking.
Now live through Yggdrasil’s distribution network, Hacker’s Haven offers exhilarating features, huge wins of up to 20,000x your stake, and a real-world inspired design.
Join a mysterious Hacker as he works his magic across the reels. Utilise an arsenal of digital tricks, including Multiplier Wilds, Cascade-triggering Virus symbols, and innovative Free Spins to secure huge wins.
The Hacker is not just a character. He’s one of you. A real-player reimagined on the reels. He embodies everything we stand for: disruption, defiance, and rebellion. This is not just a game. It’s an invitation. A rallying cry for players to embrace their inner maverick and help DEGEN Studios change the game.
DEGEN Studios said: ‘Hacker’s Haven is not just our debut slot, it’s a warning shot. We didn’t come here to follow trends; we came to break them. Our games are ‘built by gamers, for gamers’, and this commitment is on full display in Hacker’s Haven.
“Brace yourselves. This is just the beginning.”
The post Embrace Your Inner Maverick in Hacker’s Haven appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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