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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.”

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ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY

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16 guaranteed all-inclusive packages, worth $88,000 in value, to be won in two satellites on Sunday, February 1st and February 8th

Players looking to turn a small buy-in into a luxury poker adventure in paradise will get their chance this February, as ACR Poker is heading back to the stunning shores of Punta Del Este, Uruguay for the Enjoy Poker Series.

Ahead of the huge $700,000 GTD Main Event, players can compete for 16 all-inclusive prize packages, worth $5,500 each, across two Punta del Este Satellites. They run on Sunday, February 1st (eight packages) and Sunday, February 8th (eight packages) at 5:05pm ET online at ACR Poker.

With a total of $88,000 worth of guaranteed value up for grabs, players can buy-in for as little as $95, or qualify for free by ranking on the Beast weekly leaderboard.

  • Each $5,500 package includes:
  • One $1,650 buy-in to the $700,000 GTD Enjoy Poker Series Main Event
  • 10-night hotel stay at the Enjoy Punta del Este Resort & Casino from February 20th to March 2nd

Travel expenses

  • A host of epic poker and off-felt experiences

“Competing in and winning the 2024 Enjoy Poker Series Main Event in Uruguay was an unforgettable experience, and the live energy and atmosphere playing at the tables made it even more special,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “With these online satellites, everyone gets that same opportunity. This is your chance to turn a small buy-in into an incredible live poker adventure, play against the best, and make memories that last a lifetime.”

Running from February 20th – 28th, the Enjoy Poker Series offers players the very best of live poker, set against the backdrop of Uruguay’s breathtaking Atlantic Coast. Beyond the poker tables, players can enjoy beachfront luxury, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife at the Punta del Este Resort & Casino.

In addition to the Punta del Este Satellites, players can also jump into ACR Poker’s Dual Mystery Bounty Venom tournaments. It features $10 million in guarantees and the last Day 1 is this Sunday, February 1st, with seats available via Venom Fever Satellites, Venom Vault and Poison Path.

For more information on the Punta del Este Satellites, read the ACR Poker Blog or visit ACRPoker.eu.

 

The post ACR POKER GIVES PLAYERS A SHOT TO QUALIFY ONLINE FOR $700,000 GTD ENJOY POKER SERIES MAIN EVENT THIS FEBRUARY IN URUGUAY appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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Octoplay Goes Live in Michigan

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Octoplay is now live in Michigan across BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics, and Rush Street Interactive, marking the company’s second U.S. state and largest coordinated market entry to date. The simultaneous go-live with four tier-one operators arrives less than six months after Octoplay’s United States debut in New Jersey.

Since its founding in October 2022, Octoplay has secured active licenses across thirteen regulated jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, New Jersey, Ontario, Michigan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Malta, Italy, Greece, Romania, and Slovakia. Michigan extends that momentum into the U.S. As one of the top three states by iGaming revenue, it represents a significant market, and Octoplay enters it with four tier-one operators live from day one.

“Just months after our New Jersey debut, Michigan represents the next phase of our U.S. expansion,” says Ralitsa Georgieva, Director of Business Development at Octoplay. “Launching simultaneously with four leading operators shows the confidence the market has in our content. We expect to carry this momentum into additional states throughout 2025.”

Earlier this year, Octoplay ranked first among U.S. rising suppliers by overall index in H1 according to Eilers & Krejcik, underscoring the company’s accelerating trajectory. With Michigan now live and additional state applications in progress, Octoplay is positioned to extend its North American footprint throughout 2025 and beyond.

The post Octoplay Goes Live in Michigan appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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MGA Games Launches Poseidon’s Orb Slot Featuring Sticky Wilds and Free Spins

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MGA Games, a prominent Spanish firm specializing in content creation for international casino operators, will debut Poseidon’s Orb on January 28, its latest video slot for the .com markets. This title encourages players to join an explorer on an epic quest to find the legendary city of Atlantis.

The game is a Video Slot with 5 reels and 3 rows, offering 10 paylines, and includes Wild and Scatter symbols that activate Free Spins. A remarkable aspect is the Sticky Wilds mechanic in the Free Spins round—an inventive element that boosts thrill and raises winning possibilities. It additionally includes an optional purchase of Free Spins, adjustable for each operator.

The theme of Poseidon’s Orb, drawn from global myths and legends, aims to attract a diverse audience of players. Its stunning visuals and film-inspired score further guarantee an engaging experience brimming with thrills and rewards.

Classified under popular themes like “Adventure,” “Mythology,” “Treasures,” and “Fantasy,” this latest MGA Games Video Slot serves as a valuable enhancement to any operator’s collection, improving player retention and profits, while the Free Spins purchase feature offers an extra revenue opportunity.

The post MGA Games Launches Poseidon’s Orb Slot Featuring Sticky Wilds and Free Spins appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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