Compliance Updates
BGC Strengthens Ads Rules to Further Protect Under 18s
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has unveiled new measures to further prevent under-18s from seeing digital media adverts.
The standards body, which represents the UK regulated betting industry, has announced changes that will be published in the Seventh Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (IGRG code).
As well as raising advertising standards for young people, the new code will extend the current commitment, which ensures 20% of TV and radio advertising is devoted to safer gambling messaging, to digital media advertising too.
BGC members have already taken major steps to ensure only those legally allowed to bet see online marketing for regulated betting and gaming products.
Previous rules ensured all sponsored or paid for social media adverts must be targeted at consumers aged 25 and over unless the website can prove its adverts can be precisely targeted at over 18s.
Under the new guidelines, the 25+ rule will be extended to all digital media platforms who provide an appropriate age filter.
The new code, which will come into force on 1 December 2023, is the latest example of the BGC’s determination to drive up standards within the betting and gaming industry.
Other measures already introduced include the whistle to whistle ban on TV gambling adverts, cooling off periods on gaming machines, encouraging deposit limits, new ID and age verification checks and massively increasing funding for research, education and treatment.
A BGC code of conduct was also introduced placing a ban on football clubs using their social media accounts – which are popular with youngsters – posting direct marketing on betting odds and sites.
BGC members have also led on a push with social media platforms to allow the public to opt-out from receiving betting and gaming advertising online. BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher wrote to DCMS earlier this year, urging the Department to put pressure on social media platforms to do more.
DCMS Minister Stuart Andrew MP has since confirmed he will convene a meeting to help drive change.
BGC members take a zero-tolerance approach to betting by children. According to the Gambling Commission’s “Young People and Gambling Report” (2022) the most popular forms of betting by children are arcade games like penny pusher and claw grab machines (22%) bets between friends (15%), playing cards for money (5%) and fruit machines (3%) – not with BGC members.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “As the standards body for the regulated sector, we are committed to continuing to drive up standards and make big changes across the betting and gaming industry. Helping protect young people is our number one priority.
“BGC Members have already taken significant steps to ensure adverts by our members only reach the right audiences. With more help from the platforms, we can do even more.
“Safer gambling messaging is also absolutely crucial. It is about ensuring that customers use safer gambling tools like setting deposits limits and time outs, but also it is about the vitally important work of signposting the help that is out there to help the minority of gamblers who might be struggling with their betting and gaming.
“The new edition of the IGRG Code is further evidence of our determination to continue to ensure that standards are rising and are as high as they can possibly be.”
BGC worked alongside Bacta, Bingo Association and the Lotteries Council to formulate these new rules and ensure it was a cross industry effort.
Around 22.5 million UK adults enjoy a bet each month. The regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK contributes £7.1bn to the economy in GVA and generates £4.2bn in taxes which fund essential public services, the industry also supports 110,000 jobs across the country.
Participation in gambling by children (11-16 years) has fallen significantly since 2011 – from 23% of children participating in some form of gambling on a past-week basis to 7% in 2022 (GC Young People and Gambling Report 2022).
The Joint Gambling Authority of the German Federal States (GGL) has published the results of the study “Investigation of the Black Market and Channeling of Online Gambling Based on a Survey of Gamblers”. The study was commissioned by the GGL and conducted by Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH.
The study concludes that the market volume of illegal and unregulated online gambling is 22.97%. This results in a channeling rate of 77.03%, meaning that legal or regulated offerings account for more than three-quarters of the online gambling market.
“The scientifically calculated channeling rate confirms our previous assumptions about the size of the black market. The results support the fact-based regulatory approach within the framework of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling,” said Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL.
The study also confirms the methodological approach of the GGL.
The investigation also confirms the GGL’s methodological approach to analysing the black market. The study’s findings are essentially consistent with the agency’s existing knowledge.
In particular, the method of reference value-based analysis, which has been used by the countries so far and adopted by the GGL, has been scientifically assessed as suitable for estimating the size of the illegal gambling market on the Internet.
Contribution to the evaluation process of the State Treaty on Gambling
The study has already been presented to the state gambling authorities. The results will be incorporated into the ongoing evaluation process of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling.
“We are in discussions with the states regarding the extent to which the results of this study may necessitate adjustments to the legal requirements. Furthermore, we are awaiting the results of the currently ongoing study on online player protection,” said Benter.
Consistent fight against illegal online gambling
The GGL’s aim is to further reduce the share of illegal online gambling offerings. The authority pursues a holistic approach, addressing the entire value chain of illegal online gambling, from game developers and providers to payment service providers and marketing and platform structures.
“Our measures will also be reflected in market shares in the medium term. However, the fight against illegal online gambling is a marathon, not a sprint,” explains Benter.
Networking and coordinated approaches are crucial here. A key component of the strategy is therefore cooperation with legal providers and other European regulatory authorities to limit the reach of illegal operators. The GGL reiterates its appeal to legal providers to make greater use of their options to curb illegal services.
In order to be able to observe developments over time, the GGL plans to continue the survey in a suitable form.
“A reliable database is crucial for effective regulation of the gambling market. Therefore, we will continue to systematically incorporate scientific findings into our work,” said Benter.
The post GGL Study Says Regulated Online Offerings Make Up the Majority of the Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the launch of its newly expanded website during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The updated site features additional tools, educational content, and support resources to help individuals make informed decisions about gambling.
The updated website builds upon the campaign’s existing platform with new pages dedicated to recognizing the signs of problem gambling, understanding risk factors, accessing confidential help services, and supporting loved ones who may be struggling. The enhanced site also includes streamlined navigation and improved mobile accessibility to ensure visitors can quickly find the information they need.
Owned and operated by MGCB, Don’t Regret the Bet was created to raise awareness about responsible gaming and provide clear, stigma-free access to support. In Michigan alone, thousands of residents seek help each year by calling the state’s problem gambling helpline, and increased online gambling access has contributed to the growing demand for support services and responsible gaming resources. The website refresh reflects the Board’s continued commitment to public education and player protection as gaming options expand across the state.
“Responsible gaming starts with awareness and access to reliable information. By expanding our website, we are making it easier for Michiganders to understand the risks associated with gambling and to connect with help if they need it,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
New features of the expanded website include:
• Expanded educational content about responsible gaming practices
• Clear guidance on identifying warning signs of problem gambling
• Dedicated resources for friends and family members
• A new Youth Gambling Prevention section featuring research-based information for parents, educators, and community leaders
• Data highlighting that children introduced to “harmless betting” by age 12 are four times more likely to engage in problem gambling later in life
• Prevention tools and conversation guides to help adults address early exposure
• Direct links to confidential support services, including the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline
• Updated FAQs and prevention resources
The new youth-focused section underscores the importance of early awareness. Research shows that early exposure to casual or “harmless” betting behaviors significantly increases the risk of developing gambling-related problems later in life. For example, according to the Economic & Social Research Institute, studies have found that individuals who gambled before age 18 were nearly twice as likely to experience problem gambling as adults. By providing parents and guardians with practical tools and clear information, the campaign aims to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
The post MGCB Launches Expanded Website with New Resources to Support Responsible Gaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
REEVO, the fast-growing online game provider, announced that its portfolio of in-house games has officially been certified for the Portuguese market, marking another important milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion across Europe’s regulated iGaming sector.
With certification secured, REEVO games are now approved for licensed operators in Portugal, enabling the company to introduce its innovative slot titles and immersive gameplay experiences to players across the country.
Portugal represents one of Europe’s most respected regulated markets, and the certification underscores REEVO’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant gaming content that meets the strict requirements of regulated jurisdictions while maintaining the creativity and performance that define the REEVO brand.
Portuguese operators will now gain access to:
• REEVO’s premium portfolio of in-house slot games
• High-performance, mobile-first gameplay
• Innovative features designed to enhance player engagement
• Fully certified and regulator-approved content
“Achieving certification in Portugal is an exciting milestone for REEVO and an important step in our European growth strategy. We are thrilled to bring our in-house games to Portuguese operators and players, continuing our mission to deliver engaging, high-quality content across regulated markets,” said Karl Grech, Head of Business Development at REEVO.
The post REEVO Obtains Certification in Portugal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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