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.”
Continent 8 Technologies
Continent 8 and CEO Michael Tobin claim number one spot in GamblingIQ’s global ‘Security 10’ rankings
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, has been named number one in GamblingIQ’s prestigious ‘Security 10’ global rankings. CEO Michael Tobin is recognised as the top industry leader in security, trust and data integrity.
This accolade reinforces Continent 8’s position as the trusted provider of data centre services, cloud hosting, private connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding operators, suppliers, and players in an increasingly complex and regulated digital landscape.
Continent 8 is the partner of choice for hundreds of leading operators, suppliers, and platform providers worldwide. From tier-one brands to emerging innovators, these companies depend on Continent 8’s secure, compliant, and resilient infrastructure to power their businesses and protect their players. Customers include FanDuel, Kambi, Sportingtech, Playtech, DraftKings, Alea, BetMGM, and more.
GamblingIQ stated: ‘Michael Tobin is one of gambling’s rare figures who combines respect with genuine popularity: a feat almost impossible in an industry as volatile and scrutinised as ours. His reputation isn’t built on flash or hype, but on steady, practical leadership, curiosity about technology, and an ability to make complex challenges seem manageable. Operators, regulators, suppliers and colleagues value his clarity, his evidence-backed thinking, and his long-term approach to partnerships. After nearly 30 years, his standing signals more than success: it reflects consistency of character, reliability and a human touch in a sector that often forgets both.’
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, commented: “Security and trust are the cornerstones of iGaming – they are the principles on which I founded Continent 8. This recognition from GamblingIQ is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on safeguarding the industry and enabling our customers to innovate with confidence. Congratulations to all the other companies listed in the Security 10.”
The post Continent 8 and CEO Michael Tobin claim number one spot in GamblingIQ’s global ‘Security 10’ rankings appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is set to unveil its 2026 multi-vertical product roadmap at ICE Barcelona, spotlighting major new slot releases and live casino launches alongside the latest season of its industry-leading Drops & Wins promotional tool.
The exhibition will mark the start of what promises to be another standout year for Pragmatic Play, following a record-breaking 2025 in which the provider launched more than 100 network slots, expanded its dynamic game show portfolio, and entered a new vertical with its arcade collection.
A show-stopping stand designed to deliver a fully integrated experience, spanning more than 1,750m² and featuring 100 screens powered by over 150 million pixels, including two giant displays, will bring Pragmatic Play’s characters to life. The centrepiece will be a striking candy cascade featuring more than one tonne of sweet treats, alongside a dedicated Pragmatic Play Sports zone, housing famous football memorabilia.
Over the past 12 months, Pragmatic Play has reinforced its localisation strategy by rolling out more than 150 new live dealer tables, 55 of which are localised for specific markets, supported by the opening of new studios in Serbia and Colombia. This has been complemented by the first-class Smart Studio technology, which has delivered over 800 bespoke tables for prominent operators.
Live Casino remains a major focus for the business, and following recent studio openings in Serbia and Colombia, there are plans to open additional Live Casino studios in 2026, including one in Brazil.
Pragmatic Play’s expansive portfolio will be on full display across stands 2P30, 2P50, and 2P70, featuring headline slots Jelly Express and Sugar Rush Super Scatter, which further strengthen its sweet-themed collection, Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin, the latest iteration of its timeless franchise, and Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War 250, a sequel to its hugely successful 2023 title.
The provider will also debut the upcoming Gates of Olympus Roulette, taking the popular Greek mythology IP into a new vertical and building on the momentum of numerous high-profile game show releases in 2025, including Fortune Roulette, Money Time, and Mega Roulette 3000. This will feature amongst a stellar live casino lineup that includes Color Game Bonanza, Crystal Roulette, and the provider’s all new Flow Blackjack tables, which aim to redefine the blackjack experience by reimagining the classic game through contemporary design.
Alongside its core verticals, Pragmatic Play will also spotlight additions to its arcade portfolio, including Plinko+ and Chicken+, a fast-paced, retro-style title built around simple gameplay and risk-reward cash-out mechanics.
Further supplementing its portfolio, Pragmatic Play will spotlight the latest season of Drops & Wins. Offering up to €25,000,000 in Weekly Wheel Drops and Daily Tournaments – the largest provider-funded prize pool in the industry – Drops & Wins underscores the supplier’s ongoing drive to deliver tangible value to its global partners and their players.
Pragmatic Play Sports will also be in attendance, shining a light on its rapidly expanding sportsbook offering. The brand is promising a hive of activity throughout the conference, including an intimate Q&A with football legend Clarence Seedorf on Monday 19th at 2pm, hosted by Sky Sports presenter Polly James.
Pragmatic Play’s showstopping presence at ICE Barcelona outlines its 2026 ambitions, as it continues to push boundaries in betting and gaming innovation, setting new benchmarks for industry service.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “2025 was a landmark year for Pragmatic Play, with our strength across multiple product verticals reflected in record player activity and the receipt of 39 industry awards.
“2026 is shaping up to be another exceptional year, and it all starts at ICE Barcelona. We’re looking forward to showcasing our newest games, including Chicken+, Jelly Express, Color Game, and Fortune of Olympus Roulette, and demonstrating how we plan to deliver bigger, bolder, and more exciting experiences for our partners and their players.”
The post PRAGMATIC PLAY TO SHOWCASE STAR-STUDDED 2026 LINEUP AT ICE BARCELONA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Participants are encouraged to connect with the Frogo team and discover how real-time automation and personalized tools can improve fraud prevention and foster business growth. Frogo will be located at booth #1G30.
Frogo will showcase its platform at ICE Barcelona, integrating device fingerprinting, a versatile scoring engine, AI-driven analytics, and graph-based investigative tools. The platform allows businesses to identify fraud instantly, adjust to emerging threats, and transform risk management into a strategic benefit. Frogo caters to sectors where speed and reliability are essential, such as iGaming, e-commerce, fintech, and payment solutions.
In its inaugural year, Frogo has swiftly established itself as a reliable ally for businesses aiming to enhance fraud prevention. Created by the global business organization RedCore and introduced as a standalone entity, Frogo consolidates resources for anti-fraud teams within a single, user-friendly platform. Features consist of automated scoring, dynamic rule administration, immediate alerts, and visual analysis tools.
“Fraud is constantly evolving, and businesses need to respond quickly,” said Volodymyr Todurov, CEO at Frogo. “Frogo helps companies move from manual processes to predictive risk management. ICE Barcelona is the ideal place to show how Frogo supports smarter, faster decision-making.”
Frogo’s approach focuses on reducing false positives, automating routine processes and improving the experience for trusted users. This allows businesses to minimize losses, protect revenue and strengthen customer trust.
The post Frogo at ICE Barcelona: Driving the Next Wave of Risk Prevention appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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