Press Releases
UK Gambling Commission Approves BetBlocker.org as Prevention Charity
BetBlocker.org is proud to announce that it has been officially recognised by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) as a responsible gambling charity with the primary focus of helping to prevent problem gambling. The charity is now found listed on the UKGC website as one of only six charities recognised by the regulator under the prevention heading.
BetBlocker provides a free app that allows users to restrict their internet capable devices from accessing over 12.4k gambling operator websites (a ‘blocking’ software). The restrictions can last from 24 hours up to 5 years offering flexibility to the user to allow them to best manage their interactions with gambling in a controlled and responsible manner. The app is available on the following platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Apple Mac, Linux and Fire OS.
BetBlocker.org was registered with the OSCR, Scotland’s charity regulator, in August 2019. Its main purposes, as listed on the OSCR website, are “the prevention or relief of poverty” and “the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage”.
Gambling operators, other organisations, and even the general public can now donate to BetBlocker.org in order to fund its activities. Donations from UKGC licensed gambling operators can also be counted towards the license required RET donations. This is especially significant as the regulator has been sign-posting for some time the possibility that their licensees may soon be required to offer a free license to a blocking software to any self-excluding player. As BetBlocker is currently the only free blocking software, by donating to the charity the generosity shown by the operator can be reciprocated by ensuring that a free blocking software remains available should the regulator choose to make this a license requirement. In this manner donating to BetBlocker may actually save operators money in the long run.
As a charity, BetBlocker.org can only continue operating as long as it is funded by generous contributors. Operators opting to cooperate with the charity are not only supporting the thousands of users that are actively using the tool every day but are insuring themselves against potential future overheads that would come from having to provide commercial licenses to an alternative blocking software to individuals looking to self-exclude.
In the short time since the UKGC charity recognition came through, BetBlocker has already received significant financial contributions from both Greentube (Novomatic) and L&L Europe. These contributions have already allowed for significant upgrades to be made to the service being offered.
About BetBlocker.org:
BetBlocker.org is a charitable organisation established to help relieve the burdens caused by gambling through the prevention of problem gambling. The organisation’s main tool is software that can be downloaded and installed to prevent online devices from gaining access to gambling sites. The software is offered free of charge to both consumers and gambling operators. It is funded through charitable contributions.
Partnership brings FashionTV Gaming Group to North America with exclusive branded games
BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, announced a partnership with FashionTV Gaming Group, to launch a portfolio of FashionTV-branded games exclusively on BetMGM Casino platforms. This strategic collaboration brings Fashion TV’s global luxury aesthetic together with BetMGM’s award-winning online casino experience.
“At BetMGM, we have redefined what it means to deliver entertainment in iGaming. By introducing iconic TV and movie titles to iGaming and now partnering with FashionTV Gaming Group, we’re creating experiences that go beyond gameplay and connect players to the brands they love,” said Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming at BetMGM.
Moshe Cohen, Founder & President of FashionTV Gaming Group, said, “We are proud to bring FashionTV’s luxury lifestyle universe to the heart of online gaming in North America. BetMGM’s leadership and scale make them the perfect partner to transform our vision into a North American success story.”
FashionTV-branded table games offer players an immersive, high-gloss experience that merges casino action with the style, sophistication, and global prestige of FashionTV. FashionTV Blackjack and FashionTV Roulette are now available to play at BetMGM Casino in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and will be available in all jurisdictions where BetMGM Casino is live soon. Additional titles will be released throughout 2026.
FashionTV, broadcast in over 200 countries and reaching billions of viewers worldwide, stands as the definitive voice of global luxury. With unmatched reach across television, digital, and social media, FashionTV continues to captivate audiences through its celebration of fashion, travel, and high-society entertainment.
BetMGM’s award-winning online casino is home to over 5,400 titles across North American markets and one of the largest state-by-state exclusive progressive jackpot networks. BetMGM’s jackpot network currently consists of over 25 games including popular titles such as MGM Grand Millions, Bison Fury, and 15 Lanterns. Players can earn BetMGM Rewards Points and Tier Credits by playing at BetMGM Casino. BetMGM Rewards points can be redeemed for digital bonuses, MGM Rewards Points, and Marriott Bonvoy Points.
As BetMGM continues to expand into new markets and introduce new features, responsible gaming remains a key focus. Additionally, BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly including GameSense, an industry leading program, developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s already existing responsible gambling tools which serve to provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.
The post BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Unite to Bring Luxury and Style to iGaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) has scheduled a meeting of the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC) for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The committee is established under Business and Professions Code Section 19817 to provide advisory recommendations to the Commission on regulatory policy, with a specific focus on integrity and problem gambling.
Meeting Attendance Information
The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and remote participation.
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In-Person Location: 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Hearing Room 100, Sacramento, CA 95833.
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Virtual Access: Zoom Meeting Link
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Phone Access: 1-888-475-4499 (Toll-free) | Meeting ID: 285 757 8614
Key Agenda Items
The agenda focuses on internal governance, regulatory controls for third-party providers, and administrative updates:
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GPAC Roles and Responsibilities: A review of the mission statement, adherence to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and expectations for member conduct and responsiveness.
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Current Projects: Update and discussion on Third-Party Providers of Proposition Player Services (TPPPS) – Internal Controls, led by subcommittee members Kirill Yermanov and Michael Hill.
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New Discussion Items:
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Third-Party Provider Employee Table Coverage.
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Procedures for Lost or Damaged Employee Badges.
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Administrative Updates: An update on the Category G vacancy (Public Member with accounting/business background).
2026 Committee Composition
The committee consists of 10 members (expanding to 12 if pending legislation like AB 77 is finalized), split equally between the cardroom industry and the public.
| Member Name | Category / Role | Term Expiry |
| Trevor Dewar | Category A (Bureau of Gambling Control) | 12/31/2026 |
| Sosha Marasigan-Quintero | Category B (Problem Gambling/Addiction) | 12/31/2026 |
| Michael Hill | Category C (TPPPS Representative) | 12/31/2027 |
| David Fried | Category D (Cardroom with 25+ Tables) | 12/31/2026 |
| Michael Koniski | Industry Representative | — |
| Emmanuel Macalino | Industry Representative | — |
| Linda Ng | Public Representative | — |
| John Stacy | Industry Representative | — |
| Kirill Yermanov | Public Representative | — |
Advisors: Lisa Wardall (Executive Director) and Jason Pope (Chief Counsel).
The post CGCC Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC) Meeting: Jan 20, 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Immense Group, the corporate powerhouse behind leading iGaming brands Mr Vegas, Videoslots, and DBET, has reaffirmed its dedication to environmental sustainability by extending its partnership with the Maltese NGO Coast is Clear.
Marking their third consecutive year of collaboration, the initiative highlights Immense Group’s transition from corporate sponsorship to active, community-led participation. Unlike traditional CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) models that focus on one-off donations, this partnership is built on the principle of ongoing stewardship.
Practical Action for the Maltese Coastline
Malta’s unique coastal ecosystem faces significant pressure from plastic pollution and urban development. Coast is Clear, founded by Mark Galea Pace, specializes in “practical environmentalism”—relying on a dedicated truck and a personal family boat to access areas of the island that are otherwise unreachable by land.
The 2026 roadmap for the partnership includes a structured schedule of events designed to provide both immediate and long-term ecological benefits:
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Beach Clean-ups: Two major coastal operations are planned for the first half of the year, focusing on removing microplastics and “ghost nets” from sensitive marine habitats.
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Tree Planting: Two afforestation initiatives will see staff volunteers planting indigenous Maltese trees, contributing to the NGO’s goal of exceeding 1,000 trees planted across local valleys and nature reserves.
Leadership Perspectives on Community Impact
For Immense Group, the initiative is a way to give back to the island that serves as a primary operational hub for its global workforce.
“Malta is home to many of our people,” said Alexander Stevendahl, CEO of Immense Group. “Encouraging our teams to take part in initiatives like beach clean-ups and tree planting is a practical way to contribute to the communities we’re part of. It reflects a shared commitment to keeping Malta cleaner and greener over the long term.”
Mark Galea, Founder of Coast is Clear, emphasized the value of long-term corporate allies: “Support from companies like Immense Group helps us keep our work going. Having people turn up, get involved, and stick with us over time makes a real difference when it comes to protecting Malta’s coastline.”
The post Immense Group and Coast is Clear: A Three-Year Commitment to a Greener Malta appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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