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UK’s BGC calls for Online Harms Bill to crackdown on black-market unregulated gambling operators endangering children

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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.”

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St8 cements Ontario content offering through latest partnership with RubyPlay

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Casino games aggregator and full-service technology provider St8 has partnered with RubyPlay to further expand its Ontario offering, adding the studio’s popular slot portfolio to its growing aggregation platform across the Canadian province.

As part of the agreement, operators in Ontario will gain access to a range of titles from across RubyPlay’s studio ecosystem, including content from RubyPlay Studio, Koala Games, Mad Hat Games and Firerose, through St8, with upcoming releases from Xslots also expected to go live through the platform. Standout games include J Mania® Lucky Pyggs, Mad Hit® Mr. Coin and Diamond Explosion® 7s SE. The integration strengthens St8’s content portfolio with a range of proven, high-performing slot titles tailored to the region.

RubyPlay has continued to grow its footprint across regulated jurisdictions through its studio-based ecosystem and tailored content strategy, earning key tier one recognition for developing high-performing games that resonate with players in key markets worldwide. The supplier’s games offering has proven appeal in Ontario, resonating well with local players in the region.

The partnership strengthens St8’s proposition in Ontario, a market that has quickly become a key part of the company’s growth strategy as it continues to establish itself as a leading technology provider around the globe.

David Fall, Business Development Manager at St8, said: “Partnering with RubyPlay in Ontario is an exciting addition to our growing content offering in North America.

“The supplier has built strong momentum across regulated markets through its engaging portfolio and player-focused approach, and we are delighted to bring its high-performing content from across its studio ecosystem to operators in Ontario through the St8 platform.”

Dima Reiderman, Chief Commercial Officer at RubyPlay, said: “Ontario is a market we have been focused on for some time, so teaming up with St8 feels like a natural step in our North American expansion.

“St8’s aggregation platform provides an excellent route for our diverse portfolio of content to reach more operators in Ontario. Through our studio ecosystem, we are able to deliver a broad range of experiences tailored to different audiences and market needs, making this partnership a strong fit for both companies”

The post St8 cements Ontario content offering through latest partnership with RubyPlay appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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Hell Clock targets PS5 and Xbox Series X|S launch on July 14 alongside Cursed War expansion

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Rogue Snail and Mad Mushroom moved the console release from June 2 to avoid Path of Exile’s Return of the Ancients update.

Hell Clock will launch on PlayStation 5 and XBox Series X|S on July 14, 2026, with its first major expansion, Cursed War, releasing the same day on consoles and Steam, according to Rogue Snail and publisher Mad Mushroom.

The date was disclosed during the Latin American Games Showcase alongside a new trailer focused on skills coming in Cursed War: youtu.be/cUWtDLd_u6Y.

Rogue Snail said the console edition and expansion were originally planned for a June 2 launch, but were shifted to avoid Path of Exile’s recent Return of the Ancients update.

Cursed War adds a new story act set during the Paraguayan War of 1864–1870, plus “over 10 new environments,” additional skills and relics, new bosses, and new endgame systems including Endless Nightmares and the full version of Ascension, the company said.

Hell Clock is set against a dark fantasy take on real Brazilian history, including the late 19th century War of Canudos, and is built around ARPG progression with roguelike run structure and build customization.

The post Hell Clock targets PS5 and Xbox Series X|S launch on July 14 alongside Cursed War expansion appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Allwyn rolls out two-round Lotto format with first draw set for 10 June

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Each £2 line now plays twice per draw night, lifting overall prize odds to 1-in-4.9 and targeting 345 millionaires a year.

Allwyn will launch a new two-round format for the UK National Lottery’s Lotto on Wednesday 10 June, giving players two chances to win from a single £2 line. Tickets for the updated game went on sale Sunday 7 June.

Under the change, each line is automatically entered into two separate rounds on each Wednesday and Saturday draw night. Players still pick six numbers from 59, but two sets of six main numbers and a Bonus Ball will be drawn using two separate machines, meaning a single line can win in one round, the other, or both.

Allwyn said the update improves the odds of winning a prize from 1-in-9.3 to 1-in-4.9. The operator also said it expects the number of Lotto millionaires created each year to increase from around 140 to approximately 345, with jackpots still starting at £2M and rolling over up to five times before a must-be-won draw on the sixth.

Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, said, “This is a huge moment for players as we enter a new era for the nation’s millionaire maker, Lotto. From now on, every ticket gives you two chances to win for the same £2 price. We’re talking more winners, more excitement and hundreds more millionaires made every year. It really could be you – not once, but twice.”

Allwyn said the jackpot will be shared across both rounds, while other prize tiers remain fixed cash prizes paid per round. The Lotto HotPicks add-on will also shift to a two-round format and remain priced at £1.

The post Allwyn rolls out two-round Lotto format with first draw set for 10 June appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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