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The Betting and Gaming Council Appoints Entain’s Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board

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The Betting and Gaming Council has aappointed Entain’s Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

The HBLB administers a proportion of profits from bookmakers to improve breeding, advance veterinary science in the sport and contribute to the wider improvement of horseracing. It is administered by a board of seven members, including one appointment from the BGC, to represent bookmakers.

Entain Customer Communications Director Simon Clare formally replaced Mike O’Kane on October 7.

BGC members are expected to contribute to £105m in Levy payments to the HBLB for last year, according to figures released in May. The contribution, provided by the independent HBLB, is an increase of £5m on the previous year. As a result of this additional funding, 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.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “We’re delighted Simon is joining the HBLB.

“He brings an unrivalled wealth of experience from his many years with Ladbrokes and Coral, where he has become respected as a vocal and passionate champion of the sport.

“I know his wisdom and knowledge will be crucial assets to the HBLB over the coming years. I would also like to pay tribute to Mike O’Kane who has been an excellent representative to the HBLB on behalf of BGC members.

“Over his time with the HBLB Mike has brought a strong voice for the sector to the Board at a time of significant change for racing and also record Levy contributions. We wish Mike well in the future and are delighted to welcome Simon to the HBLB.”

Simon has spent close to three decades in the betting and horseracing sectors. After graduating with a Degree in Politics at Liverpool University in 1992, he was accepted on The Jockey Club Graduate Scheme, where he had a placement with the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

After a spell at the Jockey Club, and then the newly formed British Horseracing Board in an Executive Assistant role, Simon then joined Ladbrokes as a PR Manager in 1996, before joining Coral in 1997 to become their Racing PR Manager.

Following the merger with Ladbrokes in 2016, Simon became responsible for PR, Sponsorship and Social Media for both brands, and is now the Customer Communications Director for Entain UK Brands – responsible for PR, Sponsorship and Social Media for Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala, Foxy and Partypoker.

He has been a longtime, passionate supporter of horse racing, and even learned to ride in 2014 before taking part in a charity race at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival.

Entain Customer Communications Director Simon Clare, said: “I am extremely honoured to be joining the Horserace Betting Levy Board as the betting representative.

“Mike O’Kane will be a hard act to follow, and I would like to thank him for the great contribution he has made in his time in the role.

“I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, alongside a lifelong passion for horse racing and all major sports, so will hopefully be able to make a valuable contribution to the Board.”

The post The Betting and Gaming Council Appoints Entain’s Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

BET BLACKJACK

PRAGMATIC PLAY BRINGS MORE ACTION AND MORE REWARDS WITH FREE BET BLACKJACK

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Pragmatic Play has introduced Free Bet Blackjack, a fresh take on the classic table game designed to give players more strategic flexibility and greater reward potential. The new release allows players to Double Down and Split at no additional cost, delivering a more dynamic and engaging live casino experience.

Free Double Down and Split Mechanics

Free Bet Blackjack adds a new strategic layer by enabling players to:

  • Double Down for free on totals of 9, 10, and 11

  • Split pairs at no extra cost (excluding 10s and face cards)

  • Double Down After Split in qualifying scenarios

These mechanics enhance decision-making and create more opportunities to maximize winning potential without increasing the original wager.

Enhanced Gameplay Features

The game also includes the Push on 22 rule, meaning active bets are returned if the dealer busts on 22 (except when facing a winning blackjack). Additional features include:

  • Popular side bets such as Perfect Pairs and 21+3

  • Up to seven seats per round

  • Smooth live dealer gameplay for an immersive table experience

Together, these elements deliver a fast-paced format that balances traditional blackjack fundamentals with modern enhancements.

Strengthening Pragmatic Play’s Live Blackjack Offering

Free Bet Blackjack joins Pragmatic Play’s extensive live casino lineup, which features hundreds of tables and customizable environments powered by Smart Studio technology. The new title complements established games such as Blackjack X, Privé Lounge Blackjack, and Bet Behind Pro Blackjack, further expanding the provider’s live blackjack portfolio.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, noted that the game introduces more strategic freedom while enhancing the classic blackjack format with accessible, player-friendly features.

A More Rewarding Take on a Classic

With free betting options, expanded strategy, and modern live casino features, Free Bet Blackjack reinforces Pragmatic Play’s commitment to innovation in table games. The release offers operators a distinctive addition to their live casino offering while delivering players a familiar experience with greater flexibility and excitement.

The post PRAGMATIC PLAY BRINGS MORE ACTION AND MORE REWARDS WITH FREE BET BLACKJACK appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Andréia Oliveira Betsul’s Operations Director

Betsul and Vibra Solutions Debut Brazil’s First Native Betting App

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Vibra Solutions, the iGaming tech firm focused on regulated LatAm markets, has introduced Betsul’s new betting application — the first entirely native app of this type in Brazil.

Constructed from the ground up, the launch sets a new technological standard for the industry. Vibra Solutions has launched a solution tailored exclusively for mobile devices, positioning Betsul as the sole betting operator in the nation to provide a completely native app.

The launch moves the platform closer to its users and strengthens its dedication to a quicker, more cohesive, and safer experience. Accessible on the Play Store (Android) and the App Store (iOS), the app enhances user interaction channels and bolsters direct communication, providing features like easy login, immediate betting access, and special promotions.

“Throughout the entire development stage, our starting point was people. ‘What could truly make a difference in their day-to-day lives?’ ‘How can we make this experience lighter and more intuitive?’ These were some of the questions that guided us throughout the process. Launching a native app is the result of this listening and of our commitment to delivering an increasingly complete platform for those who bet with us,” highlights Andréia Oliveira, Betsul’s Operations Director.

Along with a contemporary and adaptable interface, the Betsul app provides login options through Face ID, Touch ID, or the device’s password, ensuring ease of use and enhanced security. Navigation has been enhanced to decrease loading durations, streamline deposits and withdrawals, and enable customers to swiftly locate their preferred sports, markets, and games. Through native push notifications, the platform can now update players in real time regarding betting chances, cashout availability, promotions, key results, and additional actions.

For Andréia, the launch represents more than just a new tool: it is a strategic step forward in the relationship with bettors. “The app places the customer in an environment that learns from them, understands their preferences, and offers shortcuts, recommendations, and a smoother journey. We want each person to feel that the care is in the details — from response speed to clarity of information and the comfort of betting where and when they want,” she concludes.

Werter Luna, CEO of Vibra Gaming, added: “Our relationship with Betsul is built on trust, long-term vision, and continuous innovation. The development of the native app is the result of this joint work and a shared conviction: putting the customer at the centre of the experience through solid technology that improves performance, drives acquisition, strengthens retention, and supports consistent growth of the player base.”

The post Betsul and Vibra Solutions Debut Brazil’s First Native Betting App appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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PlayOJO Player Turns £4 into Record £3.6M on ‘The Goonies™: Jackpot King™’ Slot

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A single £4 spin on The Goonies™: Jackpot King™ has delivered a life-changing £3.6 million jackpot for a player at PlayOJO. The win, triggered on 6 February 2026, ranks among the largest payouts in the platform’s history.

The player, known as Mandz43, joins the top tier of jackpot winners at PlayOJO, the flagship casino brand of SkillOnNet, which is recognized for its “fair casino” model that pays winnings without hidden wagering requirements.

Progressive Jackpot Power from Blueprint Gaming

The win was awarded through Jackpot King, Blueprint Gaming’s progressive network spanning multiple slot titles. Since launching in 2019, the network has attracted hundreds of thousands of players, with jackpots growing continuously across participating games.

The Goonies™: Jackpot King™, inspired by the classic adventure film The Goonies, combines nostalgic storytelling with modern slot mechanics. Players follow the hunt for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure through features including:

  • Treasure maps and chest bonuses

  • Free spins rounds

  • Progressive jackpot triggers available on any spin

As this record win proves, even a modest stake can unlock the top prize.

Industry Reaction

Andrew Steddy, UK Country Director at PlayOJO, described the payout as one of the most significant jackpots seen in the sector and celebrated the collaboration with Blueprint Gaming in delivering record-breaking moments for players.

Samuel Haggblom, Director of Business Development at Blueprint Gaming, highlighted the win as a milestone for the Jackpot King network, underlining both the scale of the progressive prize pool and the enduring appeal of The Goonies™ slot.

Why Progressive Jackpots Continue to Drive Engagement

Record payouts like this reinforce the appeal of progressive networks, where prize pools accumulate across games and operators. For players, the attraction lies in the possibility of massive returns from small stakes. For operators, headline wins generate strong engagement and brand visibility across competitive iGaming markets.

The post PlayOJO Player Turns £4 into Record £3.6M on ‘The Goonies™: Jackpot King™’ Slot appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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