Press Releases
UK Gambling Commission guidance in light of COVID-19 outbreak
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to impact daily life in Great Britain, like many of you, the Commission is following Public Health England guidance and we have told all staff to work from home until further notice.
We recognise these unprecedented circumstances will be having a significant impact on businesses and many will be facing uncertain and unsettling times. The Commission has a well-practised and comprehensive Business Continuity Plan, which we have invoked with the intention of minimising the impact on our regulatory work and the advice and services we provide.
A number of operators have already contacted us to alert us to the challenges they face and seek our advice about how to respond. We realise that the unprecedented changes to daily life, and in some cases, financial uncertainty, will create challenges for your business. The changes will also increase the risks to some individuals, which means that despite the fact that these are challenging times we must all continue to protect consumers.
Here you can find information about how the Commission will be operating during this time, along with important reminders about how you should continue to protect consumers.
COVID -19 – A reminder to operators
First and foremost, we expect all our licensees to follow the applicable Public Health guidance. Where facilities for gambling are being offered we expect all our licensees to ensure that they have sufficient management, staffing and oversight in place to maintain compliance with the LCCP that apply to their licences.
Fees and applications
Our expectation remains that licensees ensure the maintenance of sufficient management, staffing and oversight in order to uphold the licensing objectives. Licensees should assess their ability to maintain compliance with the LCCP and consider voluntary partial or full suspension of their offerings should compliance not be achievable and until such time that a fully compliant service can be offered.
Unfortunately, due to the way that our fee system is structured we don’t have the ability to reduce fees.
We are also unable to fast track applications. We will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate any changes to our expectations accordingly.
A reminder specifically for online operators
The social distancing measures that are being put in place will mean that more people will be at home and we would like to remind online operators that they must continue to act responsibly, especially in regards to individual customer affordability and increased social responsibility interactions.
As a reminder, we expect licensees to:
- Assess individual affordability on an ongoing basis – customers may be experiencing disrupted income. (Social Responsibility code 3.4 refers to our guidance – ‘Customer interaction- formal guidance for remote gambling operators’ )
- Increase social responsibility interactions and intervene where customers are showing signs of gambling related harm
- Onboard new customers in a socially responsible way and not exploit the current situation for marketing purposes
- Refresh the information they have on customers regularly
- Review the levels which trigger interaction for AML and SR
- Ensure that your gambling products have been tested by a test house before they are released to the market.
Source: UKGC
European Gaming Media
HIPTHER’s European Gaming Media Joins Forces with Frank Gaming in a Strategic Media Partnership
Reading Time: 2 minutes
HIPTHER’s flagship media outlet, European Gaming Media, is delighted to announce a new Media Partnership with Frank Gaming – the strategic nexus connecting game providers, casino operators, and industry leaders worldwide.
This collaboration marks a shared mission to accelerate partnerships, amplify exposure, and empower sustainable growth within the global iGaming ecosystem. Through this agreement, Frank Gaming will feature HIPTHER’s renowned international events across its platform, providing its expansive network with direct access to some of the industry’s most influential conferences.
In exchange, European Gaming Media will provide ongoing editorial and social media coverage for Frank Gaming’s key announcements, while Frank Gaming representatives will receive complimentary passes to attend HIPTHER’s premium events, including the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, European Gaming Congress (HIPTHER Warsaw Summit), and the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit.
A Partnership Built on Shared Vision and Reach
Frank Gaming serves as a powerful connector within the iGaming ecosystem, driving measurable results through strategic networking, exclusive events, and actionable industry intelligence. Their ecosystem features over 500 verified suppliers, 250 active operators, 1,200 successful connections, and 50+ exclusive events – all designed to foster collaboration and growth.
The platform’s comprehensive toolkit includes a Supplier Directory, Strategic Networking, Industry Intelligence, Exclusive Events, Custom Marketing, and Strategic Advisory services, making it a go-to destination for gaming businesses seeking to scale with purpose.
As a leading media voice reaching over 300,000 monthly readers, European Gaming Media delivers trusted news, interviews, and insights across gaming, betting, esports, and tech innovation. The partnership strengthens both brands’ commitment to building bridges and driving excellence across the gaming value chain.
Statements from the Partners
Zoltán Tűndik, Co-founder of HIPTHER, commented: Our collaboration with Frank Gaming is a natural fit, rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening the core of the iGaming industry. We are focused on delivering crucial insights, and Frank Gaming excels at creating actionable connections. With a joint effort we can offer immense value, ensuring that the critical discussions taking place at our HIPTHER events are amplified across their robust network of suppliers and operators.
Julian Arabadjiyski, Frank Gaming strategic advisor added: Partnering with HIPTHER is a strategic step forward in our mission to connect innovation with opportunity across the global iGaming landscape. HIPTHER brings industry-shaping insights and global reach through their events and media, while Frank Gaming empowers suppliers and operators to turn those insights into growth. Together, we’re bridging knowledge and execution ensuring the right voices are heard and the right connections are made.
About Frank Gaming
Frank Gaming is the strategic nexus connecting game providers, casino operators, and industry leaders across the global iGaming ecosystem. With over 500 verified suppliers, 250 operators, and 1,200 successful connections, the platform accelerates partnerships and drives growth through strategic networking, exclusive events, and targeted intelligence.
About European Gaming Media
Part of HIPTHER, European Gaming Media (EuropeanGaming.eu) is one of the most trusted publications in the iGaming and gambling sector, reaching more than 300,000 readers monthly. The outlet delivers daily news, in-depth interviews, regulatory updates, and event coverage, shaping the future of gaming and betting across Europe.
About HIPTHER
HIPTHER is a global brand dedicated to connecting people and businesses through innovative media, PR, and events. With leading conferences and media outlets spanning Gaming, Tech, and Fintech, HIPTHER empowers industries through connection, collaboration, and creativity.
The post HIPTHER’s European Gaming Media Joins Forces with Frank Gaming in a Strategic Media Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Boro Brumen
ScatterKings debuts in iGaming market with portfolio of vibrant, hand-crafted slots
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Industry veterans unveil passion project studio promising premium games and cutting-edge tech
ScatterKings has launched into the market with an electrifying mission – to shake up an online casino vertical saturated with cookie-cutter content.
A true labour of love from battle-tested developers, the brand-new studio, years in the making, is channelling its expertise into games crafted with soul.
Leading the charge is Coins of Cleo, which has already been released alongside Genie’s Golden Lamps, Big Bob and their signature Gold Lock games. Each one is a testament to what happens when proven mechanics meet genuine artistic vision.
Every game features hand-drawn graphics developed with meticulous care, combining traditional craftsmanship with cloud-native, AI-enhanced technology that powers seamless performance. This is entertainment built by hands and hearts, not automated processes.
With focus on key, strategic partnerships, ScatterKings will also craft bespoke content for operators, blending premium production values with localised themes that resonate with players.
The studio’s founding trio brings decades of combined industry expertise, all formerly holding senior positions with NOVOMATIC’s interactive division. Steven Batchelor-Manning (Chief Technology Officer), Boro Brumen (Chief Product Officer) and Steven Cross (Chief Commercial Officer) lead a growing global team focused on product excellence and commercial expansion.
The studio has regulatory compliance baked into its core, with its sights set on launching its content in numerous European jurisdictions within the next few months.
Steven Cross, CCO at ScatterKings, said: “After years of hard work behind the scenes, we’re buzzing to officially launch into the iGaming market. There are some truly great studios in this industry, but the overall quality is dropping as the market becomes increasingly saturated. What we need isn’t more games – we need better ones full of personality and genuine craftsmanship.
“Operators are at the heart of our roadmap, and we have some major strategic partnerships coming that we’re excited to announce. We have a hugely talented team behind us, blending hand-crafted creativity with advanced AI-driven technology to build content with passion — titles players know they can trust. We can’t wait to introduce our content to players, and we’re only just getting started.”
The post ScatterKings debuts in iGaming market with portfolio of vibrant, hand-crafted slots appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Sweepmate launches to blend thrill of sweepstakes, fantasy sports and trading for fans
Reading Time: 3 minutes
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Real-money prediction app designed to fill a current void in the UK market
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Unique player-vs-player game mechanics designed to add excitement to every Premier League gameweek
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UKGC-licensed pool-based product launched on iOS and Android
Sweepmate, a new real-money, pool-based gaming platform, has launched to provide a “sweepstake with a twist” for sport fans in the UK.
Sweepmate, available on iOS and Android, blends the familiarity of a traditional sweepstake, the excitement of fantasy sports and the strategy of trading to give players a unique way to engage with events. The app has launched with Premier League predictions, with further events and sports planned in the coming months.
On Sweepmate, the Premier league table resets every single week and the standing can be seen live in app, with data provided by leading data providers Sportradar.
Sweepmate’s platform facilitates UKGC-licensed pool-based gameplay but does not itself act as a bookmaker or take positions on outcomes.
The prize pool, determined by the number of entrants, is split between players who make successful predictions, with 50% awarded to the team finishing first, 20% to the team finishing fourth and 30% to the team finishing last in a given Sprint.
Another twist comes as players have the option to trade teams during the Sprint, known as “Sweeping”.
Sweepmate was granted a UKGC licence earlier this year and is being officially launched ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
Sweepmate is founded by Lloyd Bidder, assistant director at one of the Big Four accountancy firms, and Johnny Barnes – founder of soft drinks company Soho Juice Co, a non-carbonated beverage sold across three continents.
Picking up where Draftkings left off
Barnes said: “The ambition is to fill the void that Draftkings have left with a novel, original game. The format can apply across almost any sports and entertainment event – from the Euros to Eurovision.
“Sweepmate is simple: pick three teams and if they finish first, fourth or last then you win. No new teams are minted 90 minutes before kick-off so there’s a great scarcity value and you can buy or sell teams during the gameweek.
“Sweepmate is not a bookie as we don’t set odds or take a position. Because we’re a pool-based game, we want people to win and we try to provide as much information as possible to players. We pride ourselves on customer service and offer free weekly preview and review shows as well as a complimentary concierge service.
“Our goal is to create a product that keeps fans engaged right across the weekend, whether their favourite club is winning or not. It’s about adding an extra layer of excitement to the Premier League and giving players a reason to stay invested in every result.”
Leeds are top of the league?
Sweepmate’s unique scoring method means the table at the end of each Sprint doesn’t always look the same as the Premier League table. Teams are ranked based on goal difference, goals scored, shots on and off target, and red and yellow cards.
After 11 Premier League gameweeks so far, nine different teams have finished first, nine different teams have finished fourth and eight different teams have finished last.
Late drama in matches has had a significant bearing on each week’s standings, nine of 11 weeks decided after 80 minutes, and eight of them decided after 90 minutes. Two of the 11 weeks were decided by the final match of the gameweek.
Last season Tottenham had the joint-most first-place finishes in Sweepmate, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League. So far this season, both West Ham and Leeds have finished top and bottom in different weeks.
Sweepmate is designed to provide excitement across the entire Premier League gameweek. As an example in gameweek eight (October 18th to 20th), fourth place was determined by a goal in the last minute of the last game (West Ham vs Brentford) and in seven of the eight Premier League game weeks played so far positions have changed due to goals in the 82nd minute or later.
Download Sweepmate on iOS and Android.
The post Sweepmate launches to blend thrill of sweepstakes, fantasy sports and trading for fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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