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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.”

CasinoCanada

CasinoCanada announces new partnership with MelBet

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CasinoCanada has announced a strategic partnership with MelBet, the international betting and gaming operator, aimed at expanding the brand’s footprint in Canada through dedicated content and brand representation on CasinoCanada’s digital platforms.

Under the agreement, CasinoCanada.com will produce detailed reviews and SEO-focused content tailored to Canadian audiences. The partnership is designed to provide users with clear, transparent information about MelBet’s products and services, while enhancing the operator’s visibility in Canada and driving traffic to the MelBet website.

CasinoCanada is operated by SEOBROTHERS, and Eugene Ravdin, Head of PR, said:

“MelBet operates across multiple international markets and has established a consistent presence in the iGaming industry. Through CasinoCanada, we will focus on delivering clear, data-based content tailored to users in Canada and quality traffic to the MelBet website. This partnership is structured around transparent communication and long-term cooperation.”

MelBet offers daily betting on over 1,000 events across sports and esports, alongside a wide range of slots from more than 120 global providers. The brand has earned multiple accolades, including Best Online Gambling Operator (EVENTUS 2023), Best Affiliate Program (SiGMA Africa Awards 2024), and Live Casino of the Year (AffPapa iGaming Awards 2024).

The operator’s high-profile sports partnerships feature legends such as Andrés Iniesta, Didier Drogba, and Kamaru Usman. In October 2025, MelBet extended its agreement as Juventus’ official betting partner in MENA and Africa, while Spanish La Liga and professional Dota 2 organisation OG Esports further enhance its global portfolio.

Anastasiia Shcherbyna, CMO at MelBet Affiliates, commented:

“Working with CasinoCanada has been smooth and efficient. They understand the specifics of our brand, communicate clearly, and consistently deliver on their commitments. We appreciate their professional approach and see strong potential for long-term cooperation.”

This collaboration positions MelBet for sustained growth in Canada, leveraging CasinoCanada’s content expertise and digital reach to strengthen brand awareness and user engagement.

The post CasinoCanada announces new partnership with MelBet appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Hub88

Hub88 launches Player Analytics to give operators complete view of user behaviour

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Hub88 has enhanced its Operator Backoffice suite with the launch of Player Analytics, a tool designed to provide operators with a clear, actionable view of player behaviour across their platform.

Traditionally, understanding player activity has been a manual, time-consuming process, often requiring data to be pulled from multiple systems or spreadsheets. Player Analytics consolidates this information into a single interface, improving efficiency and enabling data-driven decision-making.

The tool offers two main interfaces:

  • Table View: Provides broad segmentation and filtering across the entire player base. Operators can sort players by date, product, country, device, currency, or player ID, and save custom segments for ongoing analysis.

  • Player Profile: Delivers a detailed overview of individual users, including gameplay history, KPIs, supplier activity, devices, currencies, geography, and flagged events — all presented via customizable charts and dashboards.

With advanced insights, operators can detect financial spikes or drops, analyze behavioural trends, forecast churn, and identify potential fraud. Linking supplier IDs directly to player activity also helps operators spot inconsistencies and streamline support processes.

Ollie Castleman, Managing Director of Hub88, commented:

“With high volumes of player activity, modern operators are often overwhelmed by raw data. Player Analytics gives teams the ability to understand player behaviour at both a high level and in granular detail, without relying on manual processes or specialists. Operators deserve clarity, speed and actionable insight, and through this new tool, they can make smarter decisions with confidence.”

The launch of Player Analytics reinforces Hub88’s commitment to providing operators with tools that enhance efficiency, support long-term growth, and maximize platform performance.

The post Hub88 launches Player Analytics to give operators complete view of user behaviour appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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155.io

155.io’s CCTV Game hits the fast lane as Stake, Shuffle and Roobet go live with real-world traffic gameplay

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155.io, the live content studio pioneering real-world gameplay, has launched its brand-new CCTV-based game, Rush Hour, with major operators Stake, Shuffle, and Roobet.

Part of 155.io’s CCTV.game portfolio, Rush Hour turns live traffic footage from around the globe into a fast-paced betting experience. Players predict outcomes like how many cars pass a junction or which direction vehicles take in under-a-minute rounds, creating unpredictable, real-world gameplay rather than relying on traditional RNG.

The game has already generated over 5 million views from a single streamer and is designed mobile-first, offering immersive, relatable action that appeals to the next generation of players. Available via Hub88 or direct integration, Rush Hour reflects 155.io’s philosophy: real-world chaos, simple games, mobile-first entertainment.

Sam Jones, Founder & CEO of 155.io, said: “The speed at which our live CCTV.game, Rush Hour, has become a phenomenon is crazy. Being taken on by big names like Stake, Shuffle and Roobet highlights the level of demand we’re seeing from the next generation of players. The data we are seeing from around the world is incredible, and it’s clear we’re building something that genuinely resonates with audiences looking for innovative concepts, rather than the same types of games we have seen for years.”

The post 155.io’s CCTV Game hits the fast lane as Stake, Shuffle and Roobet go live with real-world traffic gameplay appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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