Press Releases
UK’s Betting and Gaming Council announced that Kevin Schofield has been appointed as Director of Communications and Digital
Kevin will be joining the Betting and Gaming Council in summer, from his current role as editor of PoliticsHome.
The Betting and Gaming Council is the new standards body committed to setting the highest industry standards and to building consumer and public trust in the betting and gaming industry.
Kevin Schofield joins the BGC with an outstanding career in journalism. For more than 25 years, he has worked for a range of newspapers across the UK, including The Scotsman, The Herald, Daily Record and The Sun. Since 2015 he has been editor of PoliticsHome.
In nearly two decades covering politics, he has reported on six general elections as well as the Scottish independence and EU referendums.
Membership of the Betting and Gaming Council is open to all gambling operators with a UK licence. It comprises members from the online and retail sectors, representing over 90% of the betting and gaming sector (excluding lotteries). All members are required to adhere to a new Code of Conduct setting the highest standards for membership.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive, Betting and Gaming Council commenting said:
“The BGC is a new standards body committed to delivering big changes across the industry. To do that, we need top people. Kevin Schofield is one of the very best media professionals of his generation, he commands massive respect across journalism and politics, and he is an outstanding hire for the BGC.
“Kevin is joining an already top class and growing team at the BGC. This shows that we are building something exciting at the BGC as we strive to become the very best in the business.”
Kevin Schofield, newly appointed Director of Communications and Digital said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Betting and Gaming Council and can’t wait to get started. I know that they have big ambitions for the years ahead and I’m looking forward to working with the team to help drive up standards in the industry.”
In addition, Wes Himes, former CEO of the RGA has been appointed Executive Director, Standards and Innovation responsible for safer gambling, policy, research and regulation and Gary Follis, former interim CEO of the ABB and Director of Communications at the BGC has been appointed Executive Director for Corporate Affairs responsible for communications, government relations and membership.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that Betsson Group has received the Safer Gambling Award at the International Gaming Awards. The recognition highlights the Group’s consistent efforts in this area, which are further strengthened through internationally recognised certifications and accreditations that externally validate its commitment to safer gambling.
Responsible gaming at Betsson Group begins internally, with mandatory training for all employees during induction, annual refresher courses for staff and contractors, and specialised training for customer-facing teams to support and protect at-risk players.
Hosted on the eve of ICE Barcelona 2026, the International Gaming Awards brought together iGaming industry leaders from across the globe. The event celebrated excellence across multiple categories, including online operators, land-based casinos, suppliers, and providers, making it a standout evening for the industry.
Betsson Group extends its heartfelt gratitude to its employees and partners who have played a pivotal role in this achievement.
The post Betsson Group Wins Top Safer Gambling Recognition at IGA 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Agrupación de Plataformas de Apuesta en Línea
BGC Enters Cooperation Agreement with Chile’s Online Operators’ Group
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has signed a Cooperation Agreement with Chile’s Agrupación de Plataformas de Apuesta en Línea (aPAL), as part of ongoing efforts to support the development of a sustainable and well-regulated online gambling market in Chile.
The agreement brings together the BGC, which represents around 90% of the UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry, and aPAL, a group of international online betting operators that have been working since 2022, to support the introduction of modern gambling regulation in Chile.
While online gambling is currently not prohibited but also unregulated, Chile already has a land-based casino sector, horseracing and a lottery duopoly, and a draft bill to regulate online operators has been under discussion for several years. Following recent elections, a new Chilean Government is now in a position to advance with the legislation, potentially introducing a licensing regime as early as 2027.
Under the Cooperation Agreement, the two organisations will work together to share international experience and evidence, strengthen the knowledge base around gambling regulation, and engage constructively with policymakers and stakeholders on the development of a sustainable licensing framework in Chile.
Carlos Baeza, Chilean lawyer and representative of aPAL, said: “Chile has a real opportunity to introduce a modern, robust regulatory framework for online gambling that protects consumers, tackles illegal activity and delivers meaningful public benefits. At present, online gambling operates entirely outside any regulatory oversight, leaving players without safeguards and the state without visibility or control.
“By working with the BGC, we can draw on international best practice and ensure policymakers have access to high-quality evidence and experience from well-regulated markets.”
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, added: “The BGC is pleased to be working with aPAL at a pivotal moment for gambling reform in Chile. Well-designed regulation is essential to protect players, raise standards and drive out the harmful black market.
“The UK’s regulated market shows how robust licensing, high standards and effective oversight can support safer gambling while allowing a well-regulated industry to thrive. This agreement reflects our commitment to sharing that experience and supporting evidence-based policymaking internationally.”
The Cooperation Agreement will initially run for one year and forms part of the BGC International Committee’s ongoing programme of engagement with global partners.
The post BGC Enters Cooperation Agreement with Chile’s Online Operators’ Group appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Big Game
Big Game parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino are football fans’ dream Outdoor tailgate added to football festivities
Sure to please any football fan, the Plaza Hotel & Casino will host two Big Game viewing parties to watch Super Bowl LX as well as an outdoor tailgate party before the game starts on Sunday, Feb. 8.
Held annually inside the Sierra Ballroom within the expansive convention space on the third floor, the Plaza’s Big Game viewing party includes a stadium food buffet and buckets of beer. There will be a cash bar for all other cocktails. The game will be broadcast on giant high-definition (HD) screens located at every angle in the room. Football fans will also have convenient access to make and cash out sports bets with William Hill’s satellite betting stations. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets for the Big Game Viewing Party in the Sierra Ballroom are $153 (plus taxes and fees) per person.
Guests can elevate their Big Game experience by attending the Plaza’s VIP Viewing Party held inside its more intimate showroom on the casino floor. Guests enjoy an open bar through the end of the game and an upscale food buffet that is replenished with new selections throughout the game. VIP party buffet food will feature reimagined tailgate dishes like chicken wings, chicken & waffles, stuffed portobello mushrooms, truffled mashed potatoes, Nashville hot sliders, Buffalo chicken mac n’ cheese, firecracker shrimp, parmesan garlic truffle waffle fries, and a gourmet hot dog station. Tickets for the VIP Showroom Party are available at $331 per person (plus taxes and fees).
This year, the Plaza will also offer a free football themed tailgate party from noon to 2 p.m. at and around Carousel Bar under the dome on Main Street. The tailgate party is free to attend and will offer games, special drinks, themed photo ops, and music.
The William Hill Sportsbook on the Plaza’s casino floor offers yet another great viewing option for football fans. With 20 TV screens and a giant seamless HD video wall, fans won’t miss a moment of action as they relax in the sports book’s inviting lounge-like atmosphere steps away from a fully stocked bar. William Hill will have more than 1,000 ways to bet on the Big Game via various prop bets (complete details are available in the William Hill Sportsbook at the Plaza).
Guests can save up to 20% off room rates and receive a $50 food & beverage credit when booking online at the Plaza for Big Game 2026. Rooms must be booked by Feb. 2 for a two-night minimum stay between Feb. 2 and Feb. 12.
All parties are open to guests 21 years or older. Viewing party tickets and more information about festivities for the Big Game at the Plaza Hotel & Casino can be found at https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/the-big-game-viewing-party/.
The post Big Game parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino are football fans’ dream Outdoor tailgate added to football festivities appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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