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.”
Asia
KONAMI Teams Up with Sunil Chhetri to Celebrate Diwali with Exclusive eFootball™ Content and National Tournament

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Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. (KONAMI) today announced a historic collaboration with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, bringing his exclusive player card and avatar to eFootball. Launched today, 9th October, the move is timed with the celebration of Diwali, marking a milestone moment for Indian fans. Adding to the celebrations, Konami also unveils the Diwali Cup, a national level eFootball
tournament with a ₹1 Lakh prize pool, allowing fans a chance to celebrate one of the country’s most festive seasons and also play as a national icon.
Registrations for the tournament are now open via the eFootball India Discord server, closing on 16th October Matches commence between October 16 to 30, with top performers and the winner able to secure an opportunity to meet celebrity guests such as Sunil Chhetri, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Focused Indian and Ahan Shetty at the exclusive event in Mumbai this December. The Diwali Cup is designed to blend competition with festivity, giving fans a chance to celebrate the season on and off the virtual pitch.
To further embrace the spirit of Diwali, the brand will also introduce a special in-game ‘Diwali Campaign’ From themed jerseys and firework goal effects to celebratory profile banners, these exclusive design elements aim to bring an Indian cultural flavor into the game. Ensuring fans can experience both the festival and the beautiful game in a unique way. Additionally, fans can look forward to obtaining the Sunil Chhetri Starter Set on sale from November onwards.
Speaking about the launch, Junichi Taya, eFootball General Producer at KONAMI, said: “India has an incredible passion for football, and Sunil Chhetri stands as a true symbol of that spirit. We are honored to celebrate his career with this special in-game card. Additionally, as we look to build a stronger presence in the sub-continent, we are seeking to embrace localized activations, and this aligns with our vision perfectly. This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to Indian fans as we look forward to seeing them celebrate both their hero and their festival inside eFootball
.”
With over two decades of international football, Sunil Chhetri’s arrival in eFootball marks a new chapter in honoring his legacy. For fans across India, the launch is aimed to be a celebration of national pride, passion, and the growing power of Indian football. As KONAMI pushes ahead to deliver meaningful, localized experiences across the subcontinent, the brand seeks to ensure Indian fans remain at the heart of eFootball
.
The post KONAMI Teams Up with Sunil Chhetri to Celebrate Diwali with Exclusive eFootball™ Content and National Tournament appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Ana D’Arrigo
EEGS Webinars Return with “Winning Over Gen Z: How to Engage the Next Generation of Players”

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The EEGS Free Webinar Series is back, delivering another essential industry-focused session designed to equip iGaming professionals with the latest strategies to understand and connect with Generation Z players.
The upcoming webinar, titled “Winning Over Gen Z: How to Engage the Next Generation of Players,” will feature industry expert Ana D’Arrigo, a seasoned marketing leader, brand strategist, and growth driver with over 14 years of experience in the gaming sector.
As Gen Z continues to reshape the gaming landscape, understanding their preferences and behaviors has become critical for operators, marketers, and developers seeking to stay competitive. This webinar aims to provide attendees with actionable insights into the evolving dynamics of player engagement, uncovering what motivates Gen Z, how they discover and share games, and how brands can build meaningful relationships with this influential demographic.
Key discussion points include:
- The unique traits of Gen Z players and their implications for marketing strategies
- Content consumption habits and decision-making processes of Gen Z gamers
- Proven engagement tactics that resonate with younger audiences
- Strategies to foster loyalty and develop vibrant player communities
Participants will also receive a Certificate of Attendance, acknowledging their professional development and commitment to industry excellence.
The EEGS Webinar Series continues to serve as a vital platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge, explore emerging trends, and share best practices shaping the future of iGaming.
Event Details:
Date: 15 October 2025
Time: 14:00 CET
Speaker: Ana D’Arrigo
Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom
The post EEGS Webinars Return with “Winning Over Gen Z: How to Engage the Next Generation of Players” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Spinomenal summons Halloween spirit with Spooky Halloween slot

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Leading iGaming content provider Spinomenal is celebrating this year’s Halloween with the release of its new title, Spooky Halloween.
Spinomenal’s chilling slot is set within a forest cloaked in fog, surrounded by twisted trees and glowing candles illuminating the 5×4 layout. Adding to the haunting experience is an atmospheric soundtrack, echoing with eerie chimes that builds anticipation with every spin.
An assortment of classic Halloween icons form the Medium symbols, featuring a witch’s hat, a ghost, a black cat, and a bubbling green potion. Landing three or more scattered Free Spins symbols unlocks the thrilling free spins game. Three Free Spins symbols awards 10 Free Spins, while four symbols unlock 25 Free Spins, and five or more summon a spectacular 100 Free Spins. Once Free Spins are active, a stacked Wild appears on one random reel for every spin, enhancing the chances of landing big wins.
The grinning jack-o’-lantern is the game’s Wild symbol, substituting for all symbols except the Free Spins symbol. When five Wilds land on a winning line, the reward is truly spellbinding – paying x3,000 the line bet.
Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Spooky Halloween captures the magic of a classic Halloween night with spellbinding features and immersive design. Its visuals strike the perfect balance between mystery and playfulness, drawing players into a world that’s equal parts spooky and enchanting.”
The post Spinomenal summons Halloween spirit with Spooky Halloween slot appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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