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.”
BiS SiGMA Americas 2026
EGT Digital to Showcase Key Innovations at BiS SiGMA Americas 2026
EGT Digital will participate in BiS SiGMA Americas 2026, taking place 6–9 April in São Paulo, Brazil, where visitors can meet the team at stand L146. Following its recent presence at SBC Summit Rio, the company continues to strengthen its engagement in the Brazilian market with a focused showcase of high-performing content and advanced technology solutions.
A key highlight will be Panda Ventura, one of EGT Digital’s most warmly received recent releases. Combining a distinctive visual identity with smooth, intuitive gameplay, the title delivers a well-balanced flow that builds excitement naturally and encourages longer play sessions. As the first entry in the new Ventura series, it sets the foundation for a character-led lineup that will soon expand with Tiger Ventura.
Alongside it, visitors will discover a portfolio of 180+ in-house slot titles, including the proven jackpot series Bell Link, Clover Chance, and Gods & Kings Link, all designed to drive strong engagement and consistent performance across markets.
EGT Digital will also present X-Nave, its modular iGaming platform integrating Casino, Sportsbook, CRM, Payment Gateway, Bonus Hub, and a powerful Aggregator with 20,000+ games from 200+ providers.
The platform includes a high-performance Sportsbook delivering flexible integration, advanced personalization, and a fast, seamless betting experience, while proprietary AI enhances engagement through intelligent promotional tools and automated features.
Participation in BiS SiGMA Americas highlights EGT Digital’s ongoing commitment to LATAM and Brazil, supporting operators with scalable, high-performance solutions tailored to local market needs.
Visitors to booth L146 will also have the opportunity to see and test the VLT products of EGT, which are developed specifically for the Brazilian market.
Following their successful debut at SBC Summit Rio earlier in March, the Video Lottery Terminals Super Sorte 27/27 ST and Super Sorte 43V, along with the online betting terminals Top Estrela and Bar Estrela, are expected to attract strong attention at SiGMA Americas. They stand out with their modern design, user-friendly features, and engaging gaming experience.
In addition, the popular multigame mix GOLD VLT will also unveil its range of 50 captivating titles, created for the local gaming audiences.
With a growing portfolio and a technology ecosystem built for performance and adaptability, EGT Digital continues to deliver solutions truly Designed to Perform.
The post EGT Digital to Showcase Key Innovations at BiS SiGMA Americas 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Continent 8 Technologies
New Dawn Risk partners with Continent 8 to deliver integrated cybersecurity and insurance solutions for the iGaming sector
New Dawn Risk, a specialist Lloyd’s broker, has joined forces with Continent 8 Technologies, a global leader in managed IT solutions for the iGaming and online sports betting industry, to provide a coordinated approach to risk management for iGaming operators.
This strategic partnership integrates Continent 8’s cybersecurity expertise with New Dawn Risk’s tailored insurance services, enabling operators to strengthen digital defenses while also benefiting from reduced insurance premiums. Underwriters offer discounts based on an operator’s security maturity and implemented controls, aligning cyber resilience with cost-effective insurance coverage.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in how we support our clients,” said Elizabeth Grima, Senior Executive Manager at New Dawn Risk. “By combining Continent 8’s trusted cybersecurity services with our insurance solutions, we are offering iGaming companies a truly end-to-end risk management package. It goes beyond traditional broking – it’s about delivering resilience, continuity, and peace of mind in a sector where cyber threats and regulatory pressures are constantly evolving.”
The offering, initially available in the UK and Europe, is designed to make integrated protection more accessible to iGaming operators. Services include Managed SOC & MDR, Cyber Threat Intelligence Exchange, DDoS protection, Web Application and API Protection (WAAP), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for end users. Businesses adopting this package not only enhance cybersecurity but also qualify for discounted premiums, lowering the overall cost of risk management.
Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8, emphasized the value of combining specialized expertise:
“We are excited to partner with New Dawn Risk. This collaboration merges advanced cybersecurity controls with bespoke insurance solutions for the iGaming sector. Strong cyber defenses protect operators and suppliers while demonstrating sound risk management – an increasingly important factor for insurers. As the go-to cybersecurity provider for high-risk gaming businesses, this partnership builds on our proven multi-layered protection foundation.”
This partnership aligns with industry best practices for iGaming risk management as outlined by regulatory authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission. By combining cybersecurity and insurance, iGaming operators can ensure compliance, mitigate financial losses, and demonstrate responsible operational management to regulators and stakeholders alike.
For further insights into how integrated risk management is shaping the iGaming sector, see Europa Gaming’s coverage on iGaming Security Trends and Insurance Solutions for Gaming Operators.
The post New Dawn Risk partners with Continent 8 to deliver integrated cybersecurity and insurance solutions for the iGaming sector appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AGLC
Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) board has declared Bede Gaming suitable to hold a conditional one-year iGaming Goods or Services Supplier licence when the province opens its regulated gambling market later in the year.
As one of the first international platform providers to be granted approval from the regulator, Bede is now ready to offer its services to operators targeting Alberta when the newly-regulated province officially goes live, creating a range of commercial possibilities for the company moving forward.
Fully SOC 2 certified, the established software provider is well-equipped to help partners secure a quick and hassle-free entry into Alberta, and its suite of in-house products and 150+ third-party integrations provides the perfect toolset for businesses to scale both efficiently and sustainably.
Having begun accepting registrations in January 2026, Alberta is expected to see growth on par with the regulated Ontario iGaming market over the longer term, making it an enticing destination for international operators looking to expand their global outreach; and Bede is honoured to be among the first licensed providers in the run-up to the province officially opening for business.
Colin Cole-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Bede Gaming, said: “Bede is delighted to receive conditional regulatory approval to work in Alberta, putting us in a great position to support operators with their upcoming expansions in the province.
“We have a longstanding investment in the Canadian iGaming industry, and I’m eager for the exciting opportunities ahead in this new market. As one of the first applicants to be formally recognised by the regulator, Bede offers a truly localised service to its partners, and the fact that we’re SOC 2 certified will allow them to hit the ground running as soon as they’re ready to launch.”
The post Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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