Connect with us

Press Releases

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

Published

on

 

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.”

LatAm

Innovative payment solutions provider teams up with leading LATAM fintech platform to expand digital wallet access for online betting customers in Mexico

Published

on

innovative-payment-solutions-provider-teams-up-with-leading-latam-fintech-platform-to-expand-digital-wallet-access-for-online-betting-customers-in-mexico

Neosurf, the innovative payment provider specializing in cash-to-digital and digital wallet solutions for the iGaming industry, has today announced a new partnership with Mercado Pago that expands the funding options available to online betting customers in Mexico.

Mercado Pago is Latin America’s leading fintech platform, with over 56 million active monthly users, and the collaboration will enable Mercado Pago wallet holders to use their r Mercado Pago balance to fund online betting accounts via the Neosurf wallet.

The integration, initially focused on the Mexican market, allows users to seamlessly transfer funds from their Mercado Pago wallet directly to participating sports betting operators via the Neosurf wallet.

The partnership marks a significant step forward in payment innovation for the Mexican online betting market, and combines Mercado Pago’s extensive digital wallet reach with Neosurf’s specialized gaming payments infrastructure and unique, player-focused wallet design.

Neosurf’s products are designed for sports betting and igaming, supporting rapid deposits and fast payouts. The new partnership reflects the continued growth in digital wallet adoption across Latin America, where customers are increasingly seeking flexible mobile-first experiences.

 

Sue Page, Neosurf CEO Americas, said: “Mexico represents a major growth market for both digital payments and online betting, and we’re incredibly excited to partner with Mercado Pago. This partnership creates a new, easy way for Mercado Pago wallet holders to use their balance to fund their online sports betting accounts through the Neosurf wallet. It reinforces our commitment to delivering secure, compliant and player focused payment solutions throughout Latin America.”

The post Innovative payment solutions provider teams up with leading LATAM fintech platform to expand digital wallet access for online betting customers in Mexico appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Continue Reading

Alina Mihaela Popa Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21

ICONIC21 launches live casino and RNG titles with Maxbet in Romania

Published

on

iconic21-launches-live-casino-and-rng-titles-with-maxbet-in-romania

Gravity Blackjack, Gravity Roulette and Grand Bonus Blackjack join Maxbet’s lobby, with more ICONIC21 content planned in coming weeks.

ICONIC21 has gone live with Maxbet in Romania, adding a selection of the supplier’s live casino and RNG titles to the operator’s platform. The companies said additional titles are scheduled to roll out in the coming weeks.

The initial live casino lineup includes Gravity Blackjack and Gravity Roulette from ICONIC21’s Gravity Series, alongside Grand Bonus Blackjack. ICONIC21 noted that Grand Bonus Blackjack was “recently recognized at the SBC Awards” for its progressive bonus system.

From ICONIC21’s RNG portfolio, Maxbet players now have access to Lightspeed, described by the supplier as a crash game, and Gravity Plinko. ICONIC21 said further portfolio adoption has already been confirmed for the coming weeks.

Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, said: “We’ve put a lot of thought and effort into our growth in Romania, so launching with Maxbet is yet another milestone for us in the market. Maxbet is trusted and has a loyal community of players, so being included in their lineup will further increase our games’ popularity in the Romanian market.

What really stands out with this deal is that we’re continuing to lay the foundation for a lasting presence in Romania, with more launches on the way. ICONIC21 is becoming a familiar name for players and operators here, and collaborations like this are making it happen.”

Manuel Bauer, CEO at Maxbet, said: “There’s definitely interest among our community every time something new lands in the lobby, and ICONIC21’s games are already generating plenty of interest. Our players are quick to spot quality and innovation, and we’re confident these new additions will become favorites, especially with the multiplier mechanics ICONIC introduces. This partnership opens the door to even more exciting releases in the near future.”

The post ICONIC21 launches live casino and RNG titles with Maxbet in Romania appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Canada

MediaTroopers Makes Preparations for Upcoming Alberta Launch with Eight Premium Operator Partners

Published

on

mediatroopers-makes-preparations-for-upcoming-alberta-launch-with-eight-premium-operator-partners

MediaTroopers, the leading digital marketing and customer acquisition firm, has announced that preparations are underway for its upcoming launch in Alberta’s regulated gaming market, scheduled to go live on July 13. As part of those preparations, MediaTroopers will enter the province with eight of its premium operator clients, who are already preparing for their own entries.

With the launch of Canada’s second regulated commercial gaming market, Alberta has quickly become one of the most anticipated market opportunities for operators looking to expand. MediaTroopers has already cemented itself as a reliable partner in Ontario’s regulated market, supporting operators in one of North America’s most competitive markets, and it will bring that same expertise as it enters Alberta.

Much like Ontario, MediaTroopers will continue to support operators in Alberta with localized acquisition strategies, compliance-focused marketing, regional player education, and market-tailored performance-driven campaigns.

MediaTroopers has already seen strong interest from Alberta players through pre-registration activity. With eight of its premium clients also preparing to go live, the company expects to play a pivotal role in helping other licensed operators to build up brand visibility and recognition among players in the region from day one.

With its launch in Alberta, MediaTroopers remains committed to supporting sustainable, responsible, and compliant growth across Canada’s regulated market.

 

“Alberta represents an exciting next step for regulated iGaming in Canada, and Media Troopers is ready to support operators from day one,” said Shmulik Segal, CEO of Media Troopers. “Our experience in Ontario has given us a strong understanding of what it takes to enter a new Canadian market successfully, from compliance and localization to scalable player acquisition. With eight of our premium clients already preparing for launch and early pre-registration traction underway, we see Alberta as a market with tremendous potential.”

The post MediaTroopers Makes Preparations for Upcoming Alberta Launch with Eight Premium Operator Partners appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania