Press Releases
UK’s BGC calls for Online Harms Bill to crackdown on black-market unregulated gambling operators endangering children
Standards body BGC Calls for government to use Online Harms Bill to crackdown on unregulated gambling operators
Analysis conducted for the new standards body, the Betting and Gaming Council which represents UK regulated operators, reveals consumers are exposed to large numbers of unlicensed operators (38%) through search results for key gambling terms on major search engines.
- 4 in 10 search results for key gambling terms on major search engines are unlicensed black-market operators
- Danger that children are accessing illegal websites with no strict ID and age verification measures unlike U.K. licensed operators.
- 27 million visits from UK IP addresses to black—market gambling sites
- Estimated 200,000 people in U.K. have used illegal gambling sites in past 12 months
The BGC calls on the government to ensure that the Online Harms Bill, soon to be introduced in parliament, includes action to crack down on platforms who profit from unregulated, black market gambling operators.
There is a particular danger that children are accessing these websites where there are no strict ID and age verification measures deployed by U.K. licensed operators. New strict age verification procedures introduced in May 2019 for UK licensed operators require full verification of name, age and address before anyone can open an online account or place a bet.
The regulatory Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (formerly RGSB) warned in 2018 that internet service providers, app stores, search engine companies, and other relevant providers should be vigilant to the possibility of third party use of their products to provide illegal gambling to children and young people, and should be proactive in preventing it.
The sizeable proportion of gamblers using unlicensed operators reveals that the size of the active ‘black market’ in the UK today is worth around £1.4bn in stakes.
Web traffic statistics suggest that there are 27 million visits from UK IP addresses. Some unlicensed websites block customers from the U.K. but many of those can be circumvented using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC, said: “Search platforms are promoting black-market gambling operators for profit, putting the British consumers, including children, at risk. None of the UK’s strict licensed safeguards are in place on these illegal sites.
“Regulated bookies and online operators have a strict zero tolerance approach to underage gambling, yet unlicensed operators are free to prey on vulnerable consumers.
“We welcome the Government’s Online Harms Bill. But it also provides the Government with a chance to clamp down on the black-market and help protect punters who want a flutter in a safe environment.”
Latest News
Strive Gaming partners with New Jersey’s award-winning PlayStar Casino
Strive Gaming, the modern multi-state, multi-tenanted platform provider built specifically for the North American market, has announced a new partnership with leading online casino operator PlayStar.
Under the agreement, Strive will provide its market-leading PAM technology, supporting PlayStar’s continued growth across North America. PlayStar will migrate its New Jersey operations from its current player account management (PAM) provider onto the Strive platform, followed by launches in additional regulated jurisdictions including Ontario and Alberta in Canada.
PlayStar selected Strive following a detailed evaluation process as it looked for a platform partner capable of supporting its long-term ambitions across North America. Strive’s singular focus on the U.S. market, combined with the strength and scalability of its technology, made it stand out as the clear partner of choice.
Max Meltzer, CEO at Strive Gaming, said:
“PlayStar is a highly ambitious operator with a clear vision for building one of the leading casino brands in North America. They were looking for a platform partner that understands the realities of operating in the U.S. and Canada and can support them as they scale across multiple regulated markets.
“Our focus on North America, combined with the strength and flexibility of our platform, made this a natural fit. Both companies are on strong growth journeys and share similar ambitions for the region, so we’re excited to support PlayStar as they continue to expand.”
PlayStar Casino has quickly established itself as one of the success stories of the regulated North American casino market. The company has successfully built meaningful market share and a strong player following. Partnering with Strive marks the next stage in its growth strategy as it looks to expand further across North America.
Fredrik Liljewall, CEO at PlayStar, added:
“As we continue to scale our presence across North America, selecting a platform partner with a strong regional focus and the ability to support our long-term ambitions was critical.
“Strive’s technology, deep understanding of the North American market, and collaborative mindset made them the clear partner for PlayStar. We look forward to working closely together as we migrate our New Jersey operations and expand into additional jurisdictions, including Canada.”
This partnership marks another important milestone for Strive Gaming, which now supports more B2B PAM customers in the U.S. than any other platform provider. The addition of PlayStar further strengthens Strive’s growing portfolio of operators and reinforces its position as a supplier of choice for ambitious brands looking to launch and scale in the North American market.
The post Strive Gaming partners with New Jersey’s award-winning PlayStar Casino appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Alberta
Media Troopers Prepares for Alberta iGaming Launch with Canadian Gaming Law Firm
The leading digital marketing and customer acquisition group Media Troopers has announced it’s gearing up to join Alberta’s upcoming iGaming-regulated market by partnering with Alon Segev, Managing Partner and Ron Segev, founder of Canadian gaming and betting law firm Segev LLP.
Alberta will become Canada’s second province to regulate commercial online gambling, following Ontario in 2022. The province passed the iGaming Alberta Bill last May, which brought with it a framework to allow operators to enter the province and the creation of a new iGaming regulator, the Alberta iGaming Corporation.
As part of Media Troopers’ strategic entry into the new sector, it has partnered with Segev, who will advise the company on regulatory strategy, compliance requirements, and market readiness as Alberta finalizes its operational and licensing framework.
“Alberta represents one of the most exciting emerging regulated markets in North America,” said Shmulik Segal, CEO of Media Troopers.
“Working with Ron Segev and the team at Segev LLP ensures that our expansion into the province will be aligned with the evolving regulatory framework and positioned for long-term success.”
As with Ontario’s competitive market, Media Troopers is dedicated to supporting licensed operators in Alberta with localized marketing channels, affiliate partnerships, and compliance-structured acquisition strategies.
“Canada’s iGaming market continues to evolve rapidly,” Segal added. “Our goal is to be fully prepared to support operators entering Alberta from day one.”
The post Media Troopers Prepares for Alberta iGaming Launch with Canadian Gaming Law Firm appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BiS SiGMA Americas 2026
EGT Digital to Showcase Key Innovations at BiS SiGMA Americas 2026
EGT Digital will participate in BiS SiGMA Americas 2026, taking place 6–9 April in São Paulo, Brazil, where visitors can meet the team at stand L146. Following its recent presence at SBC Summit Rio, the company continues to strengthen its engagement in the Brazilian market with a focused showcase of high-performing content and advanced technology solutions.
A key highlight will be Panda Ventura, one of EGT Digital’s most warmly received recent releases. Combining a distinctive visual identity with smooth, intuitive gameplay, the title delivers a well-balanced flow that builds excitement naturally and encourages longer play sessions. As the first entry in the new Ventura series, it sets the foundation for a character-led lineup that will soon expand with Tiger Ventura.
Alongside it, visitors will discover a portfolio of 180+ in-house slot titles, including the proven jackpot series Bell Link, Clover Chance, and Gods & Kings Link, all designed to drive strong engagement and consistent performance across markets.
EGT Digital will also present X-Nave, its modular iGaming platform integrating Casino, Sportsbook, CRM, Payment Gateway, Bonus Hub, and a powerful Aggregator with 20,000+ games from 200+ providers.
The platform includes a high-performance Sportsbook delivering flexible integration, advanced personalization, and a fast, seamless betting experience, while proprietary AI enhances engagement through intelligent promotional tools and automated features.
Participation in BiS SiGMA Americas highlights EGT Digital’s ongoing commitment to LATAM and Brazil, supporting operators with scalable, high-performance solutions tailored to local market needs.
Visitors to booth L146 will also have the opportunity to see and test the VLT products of EGT, which are developed specifically for the Brazilian market.
Following their successful debut at SBC Summit Rio earlier in March, the Video Lottery Terminals Super Sorte 27/27 ST and Super Sorte 43V, along with the online betting terminals Top Estrela and Bar Estrela, are expected to attract strong attention at SiGMA Americas. They stand out with their modern design, user-friendly features, and engaging gaming experience.
In addition, the popular multigame mix GOLD VLT will also unveil its range of 50 captivating titles, created for the local gaming audiences.
With a growing portfolio and a technology ecosystem built for performance and adaptability, EGT Digital continues to deliver solutions truly Designed to Perform.
The post EGT Digital to Showcase Key Innovations at BiS SiGMA Americas 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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