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.”
Sponsorship covers the Premiership, Championship and Women’s Premiership and is NIFL’s first deal valued above £1m, per the league.
BOYLE Sports has signed a three-year agreement to become Title Partner of the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL), expanding its existing relationship with the competition. The sponsorship spans the BOYLE Sports Premiership, BOYLE Sports Championship and BOYLE Sports Women’s Premiership.
The operator had been the League’s Official Betting Partner since December 2025. Under the expanded deal, BOYLE Sports retains existing rights including title sponsorship of the BOYLE Sports Women’s Cup.
NIFL said the agreement is its first partnership valued at more than £1 million. The league also pointed to what it described as a record-breaking season, citing over 100 million digital views last season alongside its strongest performance for viewership and commercial revenue.
Activation will include branding across clubs’ playing kit, matchday environments, broadcast highlights, scoreboards, player of the match activations and league content across social channels. BOYLE Sports will also launch a responsible gambling awareness initiative across NIFL clubs, using matchday and digital platforms to promote safer betting information and conversations.
Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BOYLE Sports, said: “Football in Northern Ireland has real momentum and we’re proud to deepen our partnership with the Northern Ireland Football League at such an important time for the League.
“Becoming Title Partner across the Premiership, Championship and Women’s Premiership reflects our belief in the clubs, supporters and communities that make the game so strong. This partnership gives us the opportunity to support that growth, enhance fan experience and use our platform to positively engage with fans and the wider football community.”
Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Ireland Football League, added: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with BOYLE Sports through this landmark title partnership. This is a major commercial moment for NIFL and reflects the growing strength and ambition of our competitions. BOYLE Sports has already shown real commitment to football in Northern Ireland, and this agreement will deliver meaningful value across our clubs, competitions and communities.”
The post BOYLE Sports signs as Northern Ireland Football League title partner in three-year deal appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Plaza Hotel & Casino will hold two days of events in downtown Las Vegas to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, with festivities scheduled for Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
The property said the weekend will include two fireworks displays. The July 3 Welcome to the Weekend Summer Friday Fireworks show is set for 9:10 p.m., with viewing available from the rooftop pool party or Main Street’s Carousel Bar area, according to the company. A separate July 4 grand finale fireworks show is scheduled for 9 p.m.
On July 4, Plaza also plans an all-day rooftop pool party with a DJ, drink specials and food options, with free admission for hotel guests and paid entry for non-hotel guests starting at 7 p.m. Additional activations include The Great American Wing Contest at 5 p.m. at Carousel Bar, with the first-place eater set to win $1,000, and a Happy Dad Beer Pong Tournament at 7 p.m. on the rooftop pool deck with prizes valued up to $400.
On the gaming side, Plaza—home to downtown Las Vegas’ only bingo room—said it will run a $250,000 Super Bingo event tied to the 250th anniversary, with registration priced at $250 per person and game play on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5. The casino floor will also host the first night of the Plaza’s $5,000 Spark & Spin Slot Tournament on July 3, with the tournament scheduled every Friday in July from 8 to 9 p.m.
Plaza said it is also offering its All-Inclusive Package over the summer, including the holiday weekend, which the company said waives resort fees and includes various on-property amenities and dining and beverage inclusions.
The post Plaza Hotel & Casino plans July 3-4 events for America’s 250th anniversary appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
The bookmaker signs an initial three-year partnership with Galway Races, adding an on-course betting shop and expanded sponsorship.
BOYLE Sports has signed an initial three-year partnership with Galway Races that includes opening its 400th retail betting shop on-site at Galway Racecourse in Ballybrit.
Under the agreement, BOYLE Sports will operate a dedicated on-course betting shop and expand branding and visibility across the Galway racing calendar. The partnership also includes additional race sponsorship opportunities, according to the company.
BOYLE Sports said the deal builds on its existing involvement at the venue, including title sponsorship of the Saturday at the Galway Races festival. Sponsored races include the €110,000 BOYLE Sports Handicap Hurdle and the €80,000 Galway Tribes Hurdle.
Sinéadh Crowe, Head of Irish Retail Operations for BOYLE Sports, said: “Opening our 400th shop here marks a major milestone in the BOYLE Sports journey and reflects just how far we’ve come since John Boyle set up his first shop in County Armagh in 1982. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved and underlines our continued commitment to retail, Irish horse racing and delivering a top-class experience for customers on race day.”
Michael Moloney, CEO of Galway Racecourse, added: “It’s a real privilege to have BOYLE Sports open their 400th shop here on-site as part of this exciting new multi-year partnership with Galway Races.
“We’re absolutely delighted to strengthen our ties with such a powerhouse brand with deep roots in Irish racing and we’re excited to build on that shared heritage as we work together to enhance the experience for racegoers over the coming years.”
The post BOYLE Sports opens 400th shop at Galway Racecourse under new deal appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Baltics7 days agoDigitain Named Best Sportsbook Provider at HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026
-
DBET7 days ago
HockeyAllsvenskan names DBET main partner in three-year deal from 2026/27
-
Asia7 days ago
S8UL’s League of Legends roster qualifies to represent India at Asian Games 2026
-
Blazing Flower7 days ago
CT Interactive Strengthens its Presence in Romania with Newly Certified Games
-
Australia5 days ago
Former Star Entertainment Executives Mathias Bekier and Paula Martin Disqualified and Ordered to Pay Penalties
-
CFTC6 days ago
Novig Secures CFTC Designation, Bringing the First Prediction Market Built for Sports Fans Nationwide
-
LatAm6 days ago
Innovative payment solutions provider teams up with leading LATAM fintech platform to expand digital wallet access for online betting customers in Mexico
-
Alina Mihaela Popa Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC216 days ago
ICONIC21 launches live casino and RNG titles with Maxbet in Romania
