Latest News
BGC Members Make Record Horserace Betting Levy Contribution
Betting and Gaming Council members are expected to contribute a record £105m in levy payments to the Horserace Betting Levy Board for last year, new figures reveal.
The figure, provided by the independent Horserace Betting Levy Board, is an increase of £5m on the previous year.
As a result of this record additional funding from bookmakers, the HBLB announced an increase of £3.2m in its prize money contribution for 2024 versus 2023, from £67.3m to £70.5m.
It is the third year in a row that Levy contributions have increased, from £97m in 2021/22, to £100m in 2022/2023 and now £105m in 2023/2024.
According to the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the £105m total is derived from the receipt of provisional end of year submissions from most Levy-paying bookmakers.
Michael Dugher, Betting and Gaming Council CEO and Acting Chair, said: “This record contribution to the Levy is extremely welcome news and demonstrates once again the enduring, mission critical support regulated betting provides British horseracing.
“Despite a double digit decline in horserace betting turnover over the past five years – and a double digit decline in racecourse attendances – this shows that levy contributions and prize money are both up, and it once again provides a timely reminder that racing could not survive without the record financial support that is flowing from betting.
“Our members remain committed to the long-term success of horseracing, and the huge economic contribution it makes across the country, especially in rural communities.
“Attention must now turn to how we challenge vested interests, introduce real change and reform the sport, ensuring we reverse the current decline and provide racing with a genuinely long term sustainable future.”
Horseracing is the second biggest spectator sport in the UK, second only to football, with around five million people attending approximately 1400 fixtures annually across 59 racecourses.
However, the sport has been in decline in recent years. In 2007, 17% of the population enjoyed horserace betting the previous year, but that fell to 10% in 2018, while racecourse attendances have dropped by 14% since 2019.
Meanwhile, horserace betting turnover for April to December 2023 is down 17% vs the average for the same period across the last five years.
The BGC has made significant efforts to lessen the impacts on racing as a result of the Government’s White Paper on gambling reforms, particularly on the issue of affordability.
Earlier this month the BGC announced a new voluntary industry Code on Customer Checks which raises standards, while reducing the need for requests for private financial documents.
Developed jointly with the Gambling Commission and backed by Government, this Code will operate as a voluntary interim scheme – bringing consistency across the regulated sector for operators who adopt it – until the frictionless financial risk assessments set out in the Government’s White Paper can be developed, tested and implemented.
While this Code delivers progress on resolving the issue of intrusive document checks, it does not offer a complete solution. So, the BGC and GC are now actively working on a new Code on Anti-Money Laundering checks, which also trigger requests for documents.
The BGC is currently working with the British Horseracing Authority and government to resolve a settlement on a new voluntary Levy to support horseracing.
It is estimated BGC members contribute around £350m a year to British horseracing in Levy, media rights and sponsorship deals.
Meanwhile the wider regulated betting and gaming sector supports 110,000 jobs, generates £4.2bn in tax and contributes £7.1bn to the economy.
Each month around 22.5m adults in Britain enjoy a bet, whether it’s buying a lottery ticket, having a game of bingo, visiting a casino, playing online or having a wager on football, horseracing and other sports.
The most recent NHS Health Survey for England estimated that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.
The post BGC Members Make Record Horserace Betting Levy Contribution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet
Amusnet Introduces its “Jackpot Cards Plus” Island at Casino Adjara
Amusnet has introduced its “Jackpot Cards Plus” island at Casino Adjara, bringing S55J slot cabinets into one of Tbilisi’s most established venues. More than just a placement, the installation represents a strategic step in the company’s growing presence across key regulated markets.
Positioned prominently on the floor, the island format immediately draws attention. The S55J cabinets combine next-generation hardware architecture with high-definition visual performance and ergonomic design, delivering a smooth, immersive playing experience. Integrated with the Amusebox Package which is a curated portfolio of 51 proven titles, the setup delivers both variety and performance in a single, cohesive offering.
At the center of the installation is the multi-level Jackpot Cards Plus system. Designed to heighten anticipation and sustain engagement, it transforms individual gameplay into a shared experience, encouraging longer sessions and driving measurable results for the operator.
The sales team at Amusnet’s Georgia office commented that the market has strong potential and a clear appetite for high-quality land-based entertainment.
“Our installation at Casino Adjara is part of a broader vision to establish a sustainable and scalable presence in the region. With ‘Jackpot Cards Plus,’ we are implementing a performance-driven concept designed to optimize floor dynamics and deliver consistent results. This partnership demonstrates how our land-based portfolio can adapt to established venues while maintaining the identity and strength of our product ecosystem,” they said.
For Amusnet, the rollout marks one of its first strategic land-based installations in Georgia, an important milestone that reflects the company’s ability to successfully transition its established game portfolio into high-performing casino cabinet environments.
Igor Kokanovich, Slot Manager at Casino Adjara, said: “Casino Adjara highly values its partnership with Amusnet, recognizing the company as a dependable, professional, and forward-thinking partner. The launch of the ‘Jackpot Cards Plus’ island, featuring S55J cabinets and the Amusebox Package of 51 games, has strengthened our slot floor offering. The technology platform, cabinet design, and diversified game mix have added new momentum to our gaming environment while enhancing overall player engagement.
“We expect solid commercial results and long-term value from this installation and look forward to further expanding our cooperation.”
Through collaborations with leading operators such as Casino Adjara, Amusnet continues to build its land-based growth trajectory market by market.
The post Amusnet Introduces its “Jackpot Cards Plus” Island at Casino Adjara appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
Spillemyndigheden: New Guidance on Responsible Gambling
The Danish Gambling Authority has published a new gudiance on responsible gambling, which is targeted licence holders who offer betting and online casino.
The guidance reviews the rules on responsible gambling and also contain interpretations on how, as a licence holder who offers betting and online casino, can meet the requirements to offer gambling in a responsible manner.
The DGA’s guidance on responsible Gambling for Betting and Online Casino
The post Spillemyndigheden: New Guidance on Responsible Gambling appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Dr Faye Graver
Gambling Helpline and Specialist Treatment Service to be Launched in Wales
A new NHS specialist gambling treatment service and helpline will be launched in Wales on April 1.
The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy described this as a ‘landmark moment’, providing support for tens of thousands of people who could be at risk of gambling-related harm.
The Wales Gambling Helpline will provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling-related harms, including family members and others impacted. If needed, it will also refer people onto treatment services.
Treatment for gambling harms will be accessible through a secure online platform, allowing support to be provided remotely.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been awarded £1.3 million a year by the Welsh Government to run the treatment service and helpline. The funding comes from the money raised from the UK-wide gambling levy.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said: “This is a landmark moment marking the first time specialist gambling treatment and support services will be available from the NHS in Wales.
“The helpline will be a form of open access support available to people who need it the most and fits into the ambitions of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
“Guided by the evidence, we’re confident this approach is the most effective way to deliver essential support for both prevention and treatment.”
Clinical lead for gambling treatment services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Dr Faye Graver said: “We are establishing a specialist gambling treatment service and the Wales Gambling Helpline to provide much-needed support for people struggling with gambling addiction.
“They will provide the necessary support, advice and information not only to people experiencing gambling-related harms, but also their family members and others affected.”
The post Gambling Helpline and Specialist Treatment Service to be Launched in Wales appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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