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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 has launched its latest all-star game, Galaxy Miner. This space-inspired title is a 3-reel, 3-row video slot featuring Win Vortex symbols and Prize symbols up to 1000x. Players travel to the year 3127, to a world beyond the stars dominated by the legendary X Vortex — a force that swirls in silence, devouring everything in its path and forging Galactic Treasures deep within.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has announced the release of three new online slot titles this July across UK and Malta iGaming jurisdictions: Chili Poppers™, Bichos Mágicos™, and Bigger Piggy Bank™. Each title is designed to provide distinctive gameplay experiences while delivering strong performance for operators.
Play’n GO revisit a classic hit with Super Flip Deluxe, bringing back the charm of the original slot while adding new ways to win and a sleek new look. This update to Super Flip keeps everything fans loved, while giving it a modern refresh. The clean, classic layout is still here – now with sharper graphics and smoother gameplay. Players can also enjoy new features that give them more chances to win, such as surprise coin prizes and a second spin when things don’t quite go their way.
TaDa Gaming, is giving players another chance to hit the big time with 3 Coin Treasures 2, a three reels, five rows slot with 243 ways to win. Part of the TriLuck™ series and a sequel to hit release 3 Coin Treasure, this new release delivers colourful coins and three separate colour coin Scatters to trigger the three different bonus games. Add in the Firecracker Wilds, the Golden Auspicious Coin, Double Reel multiplier, fixed multiplier jackpots and a Lock & Respin feature and it’s easy to see why players are going coin crazy.
Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth: Hunt for Coin, the latest release in its aquatic-themed slot series. Set in a vibrant underwater world, the 5×3 video slot runs across five fixed paylines and features marine creatures, powerful gods, and ancient treasures hidden beneath the waves. Players will encounter seven regular symbols, alongside Wilds, Bonus symbols, and the mighty Trident as they dive into the action.
Push Gaming returns to the colony with Wild Swarm Triple Hive, blending a fan-favourite setting with the high-engagement 3 Pots system. Wild Swarm Triple Hive builds on the success of 3 Magic Pots, offering the same core mechanic adapted to the world of Push’s beloved bees. The game increases volatility and depth, providing a richer experience for players who enjoy collecting mechanics and multi-stage bonuses.
Play’n GO bring the spirit of the plains to players with Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth, a dynamic new slot rooted in the legacy of our animal-themed titles. Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth is Play’n GO’s answer to the enduring popularity of American wildlife-themed slots. It captures the essence of iconic Play’n GO games while introducing fresh design and mechanics that elevate enjoyment.
Stakelogic has released its most action-packed slot to date with Turbo Duck, a high-octane title that blends intense gameplay with cinematic visuals and a winged hero who refuses to back down. Set in a post-apocalyptic retro arcade, Turbo Duck follows Quack-9, a fearless duck mecha-pilot ready for action. As the gameplay unfolds, players join Quack-9 in the fight for control and massive multipliers.
Blueprint Gaming™ invites players on its most bountiful fishing trip to date in Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch 3, with a host of sumptuous bonus modifiers charging the latest iteration from the industry-renowned series. The leading UK slot supplier has high hopes for its July release following the roaring success of the original Big Catch title and its sequel, which was released in February 2025.
Red Rake Gaming presents its latest release, Beating Alcatraz, an exciting video slot that transports players to one of the most iconic prisons in the world to experience the ultimate escape adventure. With a 5×4 reel layout and 25 paylines, Beating Alcatrazdelivers an innovative gaming experience centered around the Sticky Wins feature, where every winning combination sticks to the reels and triggers a Respin—offering players the chance to maximize their winnings while keeping the excitement going with every spin.
The latest slot game from Galaxsys takes players on a mythological journey through nine Norse realms, offering unique bonuses, free spins, and up to 7000x wins. Galaxsys, the award-winning games developer, proudly announces the launch of its new slot title: Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms. Rooted in Scandinavian mythology, Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms invites players on a journey across the nine legendary realms of Norse lore.
Step back in time and experience the excitement of Reels Paradise by Booming Games. This classic slot machine features iconic reels and symbols, with modern features that make every spin engaging and enjoyable. Reels Paradise is a 5-reel, 3-row slot game with a unique twist. The first three reels showcase classic slot symbols such as diamonds and bars. The 4th reel is the Value Symbol reel, which exclusively contains prize values.
Gaming Corps is diving into deep waters with the launch of its latest slot, Fishing Pro: Reel Collect — an action-packed release designed to hook players with its unique Prize Collect mechanic. Set against a colourful underwater backdrop, Fishing Pro invites players to bait their hooks and aim for the big one. Every spin in this wild slot brings new opportunities to collect fish, lobsters, and mythical mermaids across a grid bursting with aquatic prizes.
FBMDS just launched Secrets of Scarabs, the first title in its brand-new Titan Series – a premium slot collection created to deliver engaging gameplay, flexible configurations, and high-quality performance across platforms. Inspired by the opulence and mystery of Ancient Egypt, Secrets of Scarabs invites players to explore a world of golden treasures, mystical artefacts, and potential wins.
ICONIC21 is letting players experience the pulsing energy of an unforgettable Vegas night in its latest slot release, Neon Paradise Hold & Win. A new kind of glow is lighting up the game board in this bold and bright slot that brings a modern twist to a proven and always popular game mechanic. Players get to experience the thrills of the classic 3×5 reel setup, aiming to collect six or more Diamond symbols to unlock the Bonus Game.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Extra Crown Classic Buy Bonus. This new release invites players to embark on a royal adventure across the 5 beautifully designed reels. This classical video slot has 10 fixed paylines offering many chances to score big and feel the thrill of majestic rewards.
The post Week 31/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry Awards
Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025
The studio continues its momentum with two new nominations
ELA Games, a dynamic game development studio, is proud to announce its double nomination at the upcoming SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 in the “Best Game Studio” and “Best Slot Game Provider” categories.
These nominations for two of the most prestigious categories at the event highlight a milestone year for ELA Games, marked by innovative developments, a growing portfolio, and key partnerships. Central to this recognition are standout titles including Shoot Happens, Juicy Crystal, and Joker Winpot. Each title has showcased the studio’s balance of creativity, visually rich design, and technical excellence.
Shoot Happens is a prime example of ELA Games’ progression as a game development studio. It’s a high-energy game that breaks from traditional game formats to give players more agency over their gameplay. Players face off against increasingly tougher and valuable opponents to fill up their “Winpot,” which they can then choose when to cash out. Shoot Happens reflects ELA Games’ ambitions to offer new experiences that connect with modern player preferences and provide high-performing content for operators.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nominations, “The team has been in overdrive working on new titles and rethinking the online gaming landscape. Being nominated for two of the biggest categories at the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 is a testament to the entire team’s efforts to create engaging, visually rich content that’s genuinely fun to play. We look forward to the award ceremony results and continuing to push creative boundaries with new, exciting games!”
Voting is open for the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025.
The post Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Certification for its standalone casino aggregator product allows WA Technology to increase its range of integrated iGaming content supplied to operators in the Brazilian market.
This ever-expanding catalogue of content includes tens of thousands of games, cementing it as a more trusted partner for operators seeking to thrive in this market, with the added assurance that it fully complies with Brazilian regulatory requirements.
Meeting the necessary requirements for the casino product builds on WA Technology’s strong record in the region, where it already has an established presence and certified platform, with an experienced team of professionals based out of an office in Recife. This gives the business a unique understanding of the players in the country and the team to simplify any complexities that may arise for operators.
The certification follows on from recent launches such as its Pick’Em player products for stats-led gameplay and Sportsbook Managed Service, to provide operators with more services and opportunities to grow.
Country Director for Brazil said: “This is a significant milestone for the business and signals our intent to expand further into the Brazilian market. I’m proud of the team’s hard work to secure this certificate and allow us to meet the market demands for casino games within this region.
The post WA. Technology Receives GLI Certification in Brazil for Casino Aggregator Product appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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