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.”
Approval clears the supplier to distribute certified slots and instant games to licensed operators in Argentina.
PopOK Gaming has obtained certification for the Argentinian market, allowing the supplier to offer its certified gaming content to licensed operators in Argentina.
The company said the approval enables it to provide a portfolio of certified content in the country, positioning it to support local operators with slots and instant games that meet regulatory and technical requirements.
PopOK Gaming framed the certification as part of its broader push into regulated jurisdictions, with a focus on compliance and product standards. The company did not disclose which certifying body issued the approval, the scope of the certification, or a timeline for operator launches.
Argentina has become a key Latin American iGaming market, with regulation and licensing typically handled at the provincial level. PopOK Gaming said it expects further expansion initiatives as it continues to invest in regulatory compliance and international growth.
The post PopOK Gaming secures Argentina certification to supply iGaming content appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
PopOK Gaming has announced that it has successfully obtained certification for the Argentinian market, marking another milestone in the company’s continued expansion across regulated gaming jurisdictions.
The certification enables PopOK Gaming to provide its portfolio of certified gaming content to licensed operators in Argentina, reinforcing its commitment to delivering compliant, high-quality entertainment in regulated markets worldwide.
Argentina continues to emerge as one of Latin America’s most dynamic iGaming regions, with a growing demand for innovative and engaging casino content. By meeting the market’s regulatory and technical requirements, PopOK Gaming is well-positioned to support operators with a diverse selection of slot and instant games designed to appeal to a broad player audience.
The latest certification reflects the company’s long-term strategy of expanding its international footprint while maintaining high standards of compliance, product quality, and responsible growth. As regulated markets continue to shape the future of the iGaming industry, certifications remain a key component of sustainable market development and operator confidence.
With an expanding portfolio featuring immersive gameplay, engaging mechanics, and modern game design, PopOK Gaming continues to strengthen its position as a trusted content provider for regulated operators around the world.
The Argentina certification follows the company’s ongoing efforts to broaden its presence in strategic markets, with further expansion initiatives expected as PopOK Gaming continues to invest in regulatory compliance and global growth.
The post PopOK Gaming Strengthens Latin American Expansion with Argentina Certification appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Bronze card has been claimed during the group stage; silver and gold prizes remain available until 31 July.
Tonybet said it has paid out its first major prize in its World Cup Card Collection campaign for Canadian customers (excluding Ontario), after a player secured the promotion’s bronze card worth $15,000 CAD.
The operator said the World Cup Card Collection includes 51 cards to collect during the tournament: 48 digital cards tied to participating World Cup nations, plus three unique cards—gold, silver and bronze—linked to a $150,000 CAD total prize fund.
According to Tonybet, the bronze card has been available through the World Cup’s group stage and has now been claimed. The silver card is available during the knockout rounds up to the quarter-finals, while the gold card is held back for the closing semi-finals and final.
Tonybet Head of Product Kiryl Liudvikevich said: “With Canada co-hosting the World Cup for the first time, the tournament has felt closer to home than ever before for Canadians, and it has already delivered a moment most supporters could only dream about with the national team advancing to the knockout stages.
“For one lucky Canada supporter, it has now produced another story that will be worth retelling long after the final whistle has gone – with our lucky winner among the first Tonybet customers to win one of the unique cards in our World Cup Card Collection, taking home a cool $15,000 for managing to get his hands on bronze. Who will end up with silver and gold?”
Tonybet said the same three unique cards are also in circulation across its other markets, with varying outcomes so far. The World Cup Card Collection campaign runs until 31 July, with a $150,000 CAD prize pool for Canada and separate prize pools in other markets.
The post Tonybet pays first $15,000 CAD prize in World Cup Card Collection Canada promo appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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