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.”
Gambling in the USA
The Plaza Hotel & Casino brings back the only All-Inclusive Hotel Room Package in Las Vegas this summer
Given its popularity for the past two summers, the Plaza Hotel & Casino is again offering Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package starting at $104 per person per night for stays this summer.
The Plaza was the first Las Vegas property to introduce an all-inclusive hotel room package in the summer of 2024. It was so well received by guests that the iconic downtown Las Vegas property has offered it every summer since.
“We always want our guests to have a great time and feel that they are getting the best value for their vacation dollars,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “Our all-inclusive hotel package has been created based on our guests’ feedback and offers waived resort fees, meals, bottomless drinks, and other perks to ensure they have a memorable experience.”
The Plaza’ all-inclusive hotel room package waives all resort fees, but guests still can enjoy free access to the fitness center, self-parking, and rooftop pool. The package also includes free early check-in, free bottled water, bottomless drinks from the Omaha Bar and Sports Book Bar on the casino floor, and breakfast and dinner from various dining outlets. Guests also receive a 25% discount on cocktails at the rooftop pool, because there is no better way to enjoy a summer vacation than sipping a chilled beverage poolside.
The Plaza’s all-inclusive hotel room package is available for booking online for stays June 1 through August 31 at plazahotelcasino.com/las-vegas-all-inclusive-room-package/.
The post The Plaza Hotel & Casino brings back the only All-Inclusive Hotel Room Package in Las Vegas this summer appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Latest News
GET SET FOR GREATNESS AND THE POKERSTARS’ SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP OF ONLINE POKER WITH THE SCOOP WARM UP SERIES, AWARDING $10 MILLION IN GUARANTEES
With PokerStars’ iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) just around the corner, poker players can get set for greatness and start strong with the SCOOP Warm Up series, which runs February 1-16 and guarantees over $10 million in prizes.
With 69 events across high and low tiers inspired by SCOOP events and formats, and buy-ins ranging from just $2.20 to $5,200, SCOOP Warm Up offers newcomers and seasoned pros the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their skills and build momentum ahead of the prestigious SCOOP series taking place this year from March 1-25.
Among the SCOOP Warm Up schedule highlights are two thrilling Main Events and an exciting lineup of Sunday action:
- $109 Sunday Special (PKO), $500,000 guaranteed, February 1
- $75 Sunday Special, $400,000 guaranteed, February 8
- $22 Mystery Sunday Special, $250,000 guaranteed, February 8
- $109 Main Event Low, $1 million guaranteed, February 15
- $1,050 Main Event High, $300,000 guaranteed, February 15
Poker players can also crank up their Warm Up game with daily challenges and claim their spot in the Main Event through the SCOOP Warm Up Ticket Machine raffle, which runs February 1 -12 and awards $200,000 in coveted SCOOP Warm Up Main Event tickets.
For a chance to scoop a ticket, players can opt in via their challenges window from February 1 and complete up to three daily challenges by playing SCOOP Warm Up tournaments:
- Play in at least one event to secure the first raffle entry
- Play in at least two events to earn the second raffle entry
- Knock out at least two players in SCOOP Warm Up events to get a third raffle entry
To find out more about SCOOP Warm Up, please visit the PokerStars website or the PokerStars Blog.
The post GET SET FOR GREATNESS AND THE POKERSTARS’ SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP OF ONLINE POKER WITH THE SCOOP WARM UP SERIES, AWARDING $10 MILLION IN GUARANTEES appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Compliance Updates
eGaming Integrity launches Voluntary Code Advisory Service for prize draw operators
eGaming Integrity – a leading compliance and internal audit advisory firm – has launched a Voluntary Code Advisory Service to support online prize draw and competition operators as regulatory scrutiny of the sector increases and a new compliance deadline approaches.
The service was launched following the introduction of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Voluntary Code of Good Practice for online prize draws and competitions in November 2025. The Code sets a deadline of 20 May 2026. By that point, operators are expected to be more transparent, strengthen consumer protections and show active oversight of their operations. Failure to demonstrate effective voluntary compliance may increase the likelihood of statutory licensing and subsequent tighter regulation.
Prize draws are not regulated as gambling under the Gambling Act 2005. Despite this, the sector has grown rapidly and attracted attention in Westminster. The UK online prize draw market is now estimated to be worth around £1.3bn, with more than 7 million players. That scale has brought closer attention from policymakers.
The Voluntary Code shifts the focus from policy language to demonstrable practice. Operators now have to show what they actually do, and prove it.
eGaming Integrity’s new service is designed to help operators understand the requirements of the Code, assess current practices and prepare clear, practical evidence of compliance. Support covers areas including free entry routes, transparency of terms and odds, responsible marketing practices, internal monitoring processes and public disclosure of consumer protection measures.
Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, said: “The Voluntary Code changes the conversation for prize draw operators. It is no longer enough to point to a policy and say the right words are there. Operators are being asked to show what happens in practice. Our job is to help businesses work that through properly, spot issues early and evidence what they are doing.”
eGaming Integrity’s audit and risk specialists lead the work. The focus is on practical rather than theoretical matters. Findings are clearly set out, with recommendations that operators can act on as regulatory expectations tighten.
Robert Penfold, Head of Internal Audit at eGaming Integrity, said:
“The writing is on the wall. This is voluntary for now, but that could change quickly. Operators who build real oversight systems today won’t be scrambling if this becomes statutory tomorrow.”
The Voluntary Code Advisory Service is available immediately to UK prize draw and competition operators.
The post eGaming Integrity launches Voluntary Code Advisory Service for prize draw operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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