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.”
Haaland
International bettors back Haaland’s Norway to beat England in World Cup Quarter Final Clash
Kaizen Gaming shares Betano users’ predictions on teams heading to the World Cup semi-finals
As the World Cup moves into the last eight stage, Kaizen Gaming unveils exclusive proprietary data from its Betano platform, which reveals Argentina, Norway, Spain and France as the most backed teams by users globally to progress into the semi-finals.
Predicting the teams to qualify to the semi-finals (selections from the “To Qualify” market):
- Norway backed by 75% of users to qualify over England
- Argentina favoured by 80% of users to win over Switzerland
- Spain narrowly predicted to come out on top over Belgium with 55% of users’ bets
- France has been selected by 67% of users to pass through Morocco
With regards to two of the biggest surprises of the tournament this far, Brazil’s defeat to Norway and Germany’s elimination by Paraguay, it seems that for Betano users the shock wasn’t that big. In fact, 42% of users had seen Paraguay’s qualification coming, and 45% had predicted Norway getting through Brazil to reach the quarterfinals.
*The data shared has been extracted on the morning of July 8, 2026 from across 18 markets, excluding the UK. The international data sources may vary according to betting option availability per market.
The post International bettors back Haaland’s Norway to beat England in World Cup Quarter Final Clash appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
PG Soft names Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm
PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, has appointed Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm to accelerate its continued success across the region. Baungartner will be responsible for driving PG Soft’s commercial expansion across Latin America, while leading the games provider’s strategy in Brazil where it has already captured a significant share of the market. Brazil continues to enjoy strong growth and is entering a pivotal phase in the regulation of its gaming sector, with the latest election on the horizon. With over 29 years in technology and gaming, Baungartner has previously held leadership roles at Grupo Aposta Ganha, RCT Gaming, Prohards and most recently Esportes Gaming Brasil.
During his time in the industry, Baungartner has built an extensive network across Latin America’s regulatory landscape, forging strong relationships with key regulators, industry associations and public bodies, including Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF), the Federal Revenue Service, and COAF, as well as Mexico’s Dirección General de Juegos y Sorteos and AIEJA (the Mexican Gaming Association).
PG Soft’s continued support of major regional events, including its sponsorship of BiS SiGMA South America earlier this year in São Paulo, further highlights the company’s long-term commitment to Brazil and the wider Latin American market.
Hugo Baungartner, General Manager LatAm at PG Soft, commented: “PG Soft’s brand needs no introduction in Latin America thanks to its extensive portfolio of world-class, mobile-first games that resonate strongly with players. The company is only just getting started in the region, and I look forward to building on its success in Brazil while expanding PG Soft’s presence across regulated markets throughout Latin America.”
The post PG Soft names Hugo Baungartner as General Manager LatAm appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BC.GAME
BC.GAME signs Guillermo Ochoa to support Mexico growth strategy
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Partnership supports BC.GAME’s continued investment in the regulated Mexican market
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Ochoa will front football-led brand activity, local promotions and fan engagement for BCGAME.mx
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Agreement comes during a landmark summer for football across Mexico, the United States and Canada
BC.GAME has announced the signing of Mexican football legend Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa as brand ambassador, as the global online entertainment platform continues to build its presence in Mexico through BCGAME.mx.
The partnership represents a significant step in BC.GAME’s localised growth strategy, with Ochoa set to support football-led brand communications, promotions and fan engagement activity designed specifically for Mexican audiences.
As one of the most recognisable figures in Mexican football, Ochoa brings strong local credibility and international profile to BC.GAME at a time when football culture in Mexico is attracting heightened global attention.
For BC.GAME, the agreement is intended to strengthen brand awareness and trust around BCGAME.mx, its licensed platform for the Mexican market, while supporting the company’s wider strategy of building closer connections with users in regulated markets through sport, esports and entertainment partnerships.
Kar Kheng Giam, CEO of BC.GAME, said: “Mexico is an important market for BC.GAME, and localisation is central to how we build meaningful relationships with users.
“Guillermo Ochoa is more than an outstanding goalkeeper. He is a figure who genuinely connects with Mexican football fans across generations, and that makes him an ideal ambassador for BCGAME.mx.
“As we continue to invest in our platform for the Mexican market, we want to work with partners who understand the culture, passion and community around football. Ochoa’s profile, professionalism and connection with fans make him a natural fit for BC.GAME.”
Known to fans as “Memo”, Ochoa has been one of the defining Mexican footballers of his generation. His long-standing role with the national team, standout performances in major international tournaments and club career across Mexico and Europe have made him a familiar name to football fans around the world.
Through the partnership, Ochoa will appear across BC.GAME’s Mexican market activity, including football-themed content, localised promotions and fan engagement campaigns for BCGAME.mx.
Guillermo Ochoa said: “I am very happy to partner with BC.GAME at such a special time for Mexican football.
“Football has always been about passion, community and shared experiences. I look forward to working with BC.GAME and BCGAME.mx to connect with fans in new ways.”
The signing adds to BC.GAME’s growing sports entertainment strategy, which has seen the brand expand its presence through football, esports and wider entertainment partnerships.
BC.GAME continues to develop its brand in markets where it is permitted to operate, with responsible gaming remaining an important part of its platform experience.
The post BC.GAME signs Guillermo Ochoa to support Mexico growth strategy appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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