Press Releases
UK’s Betting and Gaming Council announce new 10 pledge action plan for safer gambling during the Covid-19 crisis
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the new standards body for betting and gaming which covers betting shops, online betting and gaming businesses and casinos, has announced a new 10 pledge action plan agreed with its regulated member companies, which sets out the standards expected of our members during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
The 10 pledges build on actions and interventions that BGC members do as part of safer gambling operations, however the BGC will now require heightened monitoring, tailored responses and new action to address the unprecedented situation of social distancing and home working. Although overall gambling has fallen dramatically with the absence of sport and due to the closure of betting shop and casino closures, the BGC’s pledges will come into force immediately to help ensure that the highest safeguards are in place and action is taken to protect anyone betting online who may be more vulnerable as a result of the crisis.
The BGC supported the Gambling Commission, who last week demanded increased consumer protection and responsible marketing. The new pledges demonstrate the BGC’s determination to ensure the highest standards are implemented and cover the following areas:
1. Increase safer gambling messages across all sites and direct to all customers
2. Step up interventions if customers increase time and spend beyond normal pre-crisis patterns
3. Actively promote deposit limits
4. Action to ensure appropriate and responsible advertising including monitoring volume
5. Report all illegal, rogue advertising from black market online operators
6. One-strike-and-you’re-out policy where affiliates breach pledges
7. Signpost help to GAMCARE and the National Gambling Helpline and GamStop for self-exclusion
8. Commitment to ensuring funding for Research Education and Treatment (RET)
9. Welfare checks and well-being help for staff
10. Supporting the Government’s ‘National Effort’ with volunteers and facilities
Commenting on the 10 pledges, Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive, said:
“In this time of national crisis, with so many people self-isolating and social distancing at home, it is vital that we do everything possible to ensure safer gambling and to protect potentially vulnerable or at risk people.
“We all know that levels of gambling have plummeted not just because of betting shop or casino closures, but because of the absence of sport, which is also fundamental to online betting. Although gambling levels have dropped during the COVID crisis, our commitment to safer gambling is being stepped up. It is important that we help our customers stay safe and in control of their gambling during these difficult times. That’s why BGC members have developed a 10 pledge action plan that will help govern members throughout this crisis.
“Increasing safer gambling measures with more monitoring and customer interventions, stepping up safer gambling messages and measures like promoting deposit limits, together with a tough crackdown on affiliates and calling out rogue black-market operators, will make a big difference. We are also signposting professional help and are committed to funding Research, Education and Treatment (RET).
“The betting industry supports tens of thousands of jobs up and down the country, and we are equally determined to support the Government’s National Effort through helping with volunteers and facilities”.
Source: BGC
Africa
Soccabet goes live with QTech Games retail solution in Ghana
Soccabet, the powerhouse Ghanaian operator, has gone live with QTech Games’ retail solution, QTech Hybrid, across over 200 outlets on its nationwide retail estate.
Founded in 2015, Soccabet is a Tier-1 brand in the growing Ghana marketplace, and already a Top 3 digital operator in this territory, thanks to its burgeoning online presence. However, this new retail deal with QTech Games has now confirmed Soccabet as Ghana’s largest retail operator by far, also joining up the retail and digital experience via this agile and forward-thinking software from QTech.
Ekaterina Mayorova, QTech Games’ Head of Region for Africa, said: “It’s an honour to have been chosen by a brand as respected and recognisable as Soccabet to scale their retail operations across Ghana, and also join them up with their significant online presence. At QTech, we put a premium on understanding markets at a hyper-local level, alongside bridging that gap between retail and online channels, to define a gateway to success in this nuanced betting ecosystem. Which is why we’ve created, and continue to refine, QTech Hybrid – our transformative retail solution which speaks to brands which still enjoy a high share of retail business coupled to an agent-based structure.
“It’s just the latest example of our broader effort to elevate the end-user experience by seamlessly marrying online and offline. This trademark ingenuity is also another sign of our commitment to under-served regions in developing products that have a high local demand, wherever you set your scene on the map. This system is already proving a game-changer, revolutionizing the gaming experience for our partners’ players.”
Henrik Sandin, Product Owner of QTech Hybrid, added: “It all started back in the pandemic when retailers were forced to close their shops, and were losing their sources of revenue since they were not allowed to accept patrons. As a result, many operators contacted us to find out how they could continue operating their business by migrating online, and consequently the Hybrid concept was born: keep existing business afloat, while bringing them online and get the best of both worlds in the future.
“Now, six years later, QTech Hybrid has evolved into a product that far exceeds what the retail business was originally doing, thanks to new innovations like cross-channel campaigns. We reduced the importance of the terminal, as you now can use your own device and are not vendor-locked. We update our lobby with on average one new game per day, so there’s always something new for players to discover. Each terminal houses 10,000 games, while income decline due to stagnant games is now a thing of the past. Lowering operational costs and increasing profits make QTech Hybrid a very appealing product for struggling retailers, or those simply looking to extend their reach across multiple platforms, providing the flexibility to operate both land-based and online through the AMS.”
Imad Hawwach, Managing Director of Soccabet, added: “Soccabet is dedicated to corralling the best of market-leading technology and aligning it with the best of Ghanaian culture. And this collaboration with QTech achieves that over the diverse demands of our huge retail estate. They understand that our customers expect the best gaming experience possible, and we believe that this unique Hybrid solution, which also features QTech’s high-quality and diverse portfolio of games, will help us deliver just that across all channels. Their software, allied to a collaborative way of working, has now placed us in pole position to navigate the near-future on both casino and sportsbook, at a consequential moment for the company as we prepare for the FIFA World Cup in June.”
QTech Hybrid equips players across Africa, and other emerging markets where QTech is the leading game aggregator, with a seamless switch from traditional retail to digital and back again. It’s a software service that links QTech Games’ AI-powered casino lobby (a leading game-personalisation engine known as QTech Play) to a land-based (retail) management system and a state-of-the-art integrated AMS (Agent Management System) to manage both retail outlets and agents. This allows operators to scale their brick-and-mortar operation online. QTech Hybrid simplifies transactions by enabling deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay while allowing access to players both in-store and on personal devices. For the player, the result is being able to enjoy all the games and sports they love from the comfort of their own home, or on the move. QTech Hybrid offers a new style of gameplay, allowing players the option to play at physical terminals or on their mobile devices and seamlessly transfer their progress across multiple devices. And for the operator, there is no need for expensive terminals, as QTech Hybrid runs on cost-effective computers/tablets.
In short, It’s ideal for operators looking to extend their reach across multiple platforms, providing the flexibility to operate both land-based and online through the AMS in a multi-channel model which Africa has been crying out for. Ghanaian customers are increasingly calling for betting experiences that are not only functional but also convenient to use, and personalised to their preferred betting proclivities. Consequently, QTech Games and Soccabet have aligned their complementary skills to deliver a coherent and effortless user experience and optimised journey that exports to any environment of channel, alongside a flexible spread of content that is both locally authentic and appealing to the next generation of players. This partnership will also explore new cross-sell opportunities between sportsbook and casino, with next summer’s football World Cup on the horizon, always a key acquisition and retention driver for global sportsbooks, but above all in Africa where soccer dominates. To arrange a QTech Hybrid demo, contact [email protected], or simply email Ekaterina directly to get a tailored proposal for any African region and the best casino games on the market.
Notable benefits of QTech Hybrid for both operators and their players: Players: can now enjoy all the games in the comfort of their own home on mobile, or play at physical terminals in-shop with effortless transferability to other hand-helds. Operators: have no need for expensive terminals; QTech Hybrid runs on cost-effective computers/tablets. QTech Hybrid is ideal for operators looking to extend their reach across multiple platforms, providing the flexibility to operate both land-based and online through the AMS. Seamless Transition Between Channels QTech Hybrid integrates QTech Games’ casino software with terminal hardware, allowing seamless gameplay between mobile and terminal devices. Cost-effective & Versatile QTech Hybrid runs efficiently on affordable computers and tablets, eliminating the need for expensive terminals and enhancing multi-channel offerings for operators. Ultimate Player Freedom QTech Hybrid revolutionizes slot gameplay, allowing players to seamlessly switch and access their games across mobile, desktop, and terminal devices (i.e. any device can be used).
Designed For Operators QTech Hybrid empowers operators to enhance multi-channel customer experiences, providing flexibility to lead the market in both land-based and online gaming sectors. Simplified Cash Interface QTech Hybrid’s cash interface simplifies fund additions, boosting brand trust by allowing easy deposits and withdrawals at venue terminals or computers. Direct Play & Transactions Players can play at the store terminal, deposit money, receive winnings, and transfer games to personal devices instantly. Market-leading performance
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QTech Hybrid fuses in-person and digital elements; located in bars, restaurants, or kiosks
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Instant for on-site transactions, cash in or credit with no additional fees
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Broadens game variety, featuring online games with a physical presence
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Lower operational costs than land-based casinos, slightly higher than online casinos
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Offers promotions and loyalty rewards, combining online and offline benefits
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Customer support blends in-person assistance and digital help, as direct as land-based, combined with comprehensive 24/7 online support
The post Soccabet goes live with QTech Games retail solution in Ghana appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Avanti Studios
Avanti Studios Debuts Cutting-Edge Live Casino
Avanti is in advanced talks with leading operators, with the official rollout beginning Q1 2026, which will initially feature multiple Live Baccarat and Blackjack variants, Dragon Tiger, and localised Top Card games. Games will launch in regulated markets worldwide, starting in Spain, where only live Roulette was previously permitted, with Avanti’s original Toro vs. Matador Live and Live Blackjack. Innovative formats, including exclusive “One Tap” and other original games, which will follow in the first half of 2026.
Gustaf Hagman, Co-Founder at Avanti Studios, said: “Player trust has always been the cornerstone of live casino success. At Avanti, we preserve that trust through genuine real-time multiplayer action while leveraging next-gen technology for flawless execution and scalability. This is Live Casino done better – it’s authentic, reliable, and has been built for the future.”
Jonas Delin, Co-Founder at Avanti Studios, added: “Traditional Live Casino has been slow to embrace innovation. We’ve put technology at the centre, eliminating human error and operational bottlenecks so that operators can focus on growth whilst providing the best possible player experience. Our model enables rapid game launches, continuous feature updates, and game innovation at a pace the industry has never seen in this vertical.”
The post Avanti Studios Debuts Cutting-Edge Live Casino appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Adam Pentecost Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps
Gaming Corps partners with BetMGM for exclusive Ontario launch
Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, has announced a landmark content partnership with BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, marking BetMGM as the first partner to bring Gaming Corps’ full portfolio to players in Ontario. The exclusivity will run for an initial period before the portfolio is rolled out more widely in the market.
The agreement brings BetMGM players in Ontario the full force of Gaming Corps’ premium line-up, from blockbuster titles like 3 Pigs of Olympus and Gates of Hellfire to signature mechanics including the adrenaline-fuelled A-MAZE-CADES
and instant-win Smash4Cash
series.
Available at BetMGM Casino, the portfolio also features the innovative X-MY-WAY
challenge, as seen in Hoop Champion and Golf Champion, which introduces new layers of interactivity and personalised gameplay experiences.
Adam Pentecost, Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps, said: “Ontario has quickly become one of the most exciting regulated markets in North America, and we’re thrilled to be making our debut with BetMGM as our first operator partner in the province. The opportunity to launch with such a high-profile brand, on an exclusive basis, allows us to showcase our content to an engaged player base and demonstrate the unique experiences we can deliver. This is an important milestone in our North American expansion strategy, and we look forward to seeing how Ontario players respond to our portfolio.”
Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM, said: “Exclusivity matters because it gives our players something they can’t find anywhere else and sets us apart in a competitive market. Gaming Corps’ engaging and interactive content portfolio is a fantastic addition to BetMGM Casino.”
The post Gaming Corps partners with BetMGM for exclusive Ontario launch appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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