Press Releases

GVC Sets out plan to safely welcome customers back to betting shops

Published

6 years ago

June 10, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

GVC Holdings PLC, the global sports-betting and gaming group, has today set out the comprehensive plan it is implementing to safely re-open its Ladbrokes and Coral betting shops. From 15 June, all 2,445 shops in England will open their doors, followed by the remainder of the Group’s c.3,000 shop estate, as the devolved administrations in the UK ease their own lockdowns.

The guiding principle behind the plan is to ensure the health and wellbeing of all colleagues and customers. The plan details the social distancing and safety procedures put in place alongside the provision of new protective equipment installed in store and provided to the shop personnel. The new measures have been designed to meet or exceed guidelines laid down by the UK government and World Health Organisation.

The key elements are summarised below, with each element supported by detailed guidance and the provision of additional equipment and training where required:

Pre shop-opening checks

Property maintenance checks.
Facilities, screens, bet stations, gaming machines and till systems cleaned.
Review of security hardware in shops.

Tools to support social distancing

Installation of additional equipment including ‘sneeze screens’, protective barriers between gaming machines and bet stations to act as a physical barrier between colleagues and customers to ensure social distancing.
Installation of customer signage and floor markings to provide direction on social distancing whilst in shop.
Compulsory social distancing training module for all colleagues.

Health and safety provisions

Supply of stylus pens for customers using bet stations and gaming machines, to avoid customers physically touching screens.
Provision of additional hand sanitiser stations, hand wash and cleaning products to promote and maintain good hygiene standards.
Provision of colleague comfort measures such as face masks, protective shields and disposable gloves.
Introduction of enhanced colleague cleaning routines in both the customer and colleague areas.

Shop operation guidance

Clear guidance on maximum customer occupancy levels, based on size and layout of each shop, to support social distancing.
Guidance on customer entry/exit management procedures.
Guidance on bet placement and payment processes, with use of contactless payment encouraged.

Colleague wellbeing

Installation of dividing partitions between till positions to act as a physical barrier between colleagues and ensure social distancing.
Restrictions on transfer of personnel between multiple shops to reduce exposure.
Provision of a third-party app “Unmind” to promote mental wellbeing.
Supply of video and printed training materials.
Employee Assistance Programme made available to all colleagues and their families.
Open and honest communication channels with all colleagues.

Safer gambling

Increased monitoring of customer behaviour and wellbeing, to identify potentially vulnerable customers and ensure they are playing within their financial means.
Guidance on interactions with vulnerable customers whilst social distancing
Review of self-exclusion lists.

Commenting on the plan GVC CEO Kenny Alexander said:

“We are very pleased to be re-opening our shops in England as the UK begins the first steps in returning to some form of normality. Ever since the lockdown was introduced, we have been working tirelessly on a plan which will deliver the safest possible environment for both our customers and our people. I am confident we have achieved that and look forward to welcoming our customers back in the near future.”

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:

“I’m delighted that GVC, home of some of the world class brands in betting, will be able to re-open their English betting shops safely from 15 June. GVC make a significant contribution to the economy, supporting good jobs in communities across the country, and it’s great to see at first hand their commitment to ensuring that their reopened shops will provide a safe and enjoyable environment for staff and customers alike”.

Arizona Benefits Fund

Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for Q2 FY 2026

Published

5 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

arizona-department-of-gaming-reports-$44.9-million-in-tribal-gaming-contributions-for-q2-fy-2026

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has officially announced a total of $44,891,270 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This performance marks an approximate 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period in FY 2025, signaling continued strength in the state’s tribal gaming sector.

These contributions are vital to the state’s infrastructure, supporting everything from classroom improvements to emergency medical services.

“The financial support that tribal gaming provides the state of Arizona continues to power local and statewide needs that are vital to healthy and safe communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “With nearly $45 million in tribal gaming contributions in the most recent period, the Department is proud to ensure the continuation of important revenue streams that positively impact Arizonans.”

Where the Money Goes: The Arizona Benefits Fund

Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, 88 percent of all tribal gaming contributions are directed into the Arizona Benefits Fund. This revenue is strictly allocated to high-priority state initiatives.

The Q2 FY 2026 distribution breakdown is as follows:

Fund Category	Contribution Amount
Instructional Improvement Fund (Education)	$22,373,810
Trauma and Emergency Services Fund	$11,186,905
ADG Operating Costs	$4,040,214
Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund	$3,196,258
State Tourism Fund	$3,196,258
Problem Gambling Education & Treatment	$897,825
Total to Arizona Benefits Fund	$44,891,270

Local Community Impact

Beyond the state-level funds, the remaining 12 percent of tribal contributions are distributed directly by the tribes to specific cities, towns, and counties. these funds are often used for local community services and public safety programs.

Since FY 2004, cumulative contributions from Arizona’s tribes have surpassed $2.5 billion, demonstrating the long-term economic impact of the partnership between the state and its 22 federally recognized tribes.

Regulatory Oversight and Growth

Currently, the ADG regulates 26 Class III casinos across the state in close partnership with tribal authorities. This regulatory framework ensures the integrity of the games while maximizing the benefits delivered to the public.

For those interested in exploring historical data, the ADG maintains a comprehensive archive of cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year.

To learn more about the current landscape of gaming in the state, visit the official Tribal Gaming webpage.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for Q2 FY 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI in iGaming

SCCG Management and Golden Whale Extend Partnership to Drive AI-Led iGaming Optimization

Published

6 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

sccg-management-and-golden-whale-extend-partnership-to-drive-ai-led-igaming-optimization

SCCG Management, a premier global gaming advisory firm, has officially announced the extension of its strategic partnership with Golden Whale Productions. This collaboration is set to redefine how iGaming operators handle data, moving away from traditional rule-based decisioning toward a future powered by AI and machine learning (ML).

The extension follows a successful initial phase focused on optimizing player engagement, retention, and monetization through predictive intelligence.

Moving Beyond Traditional CRM

Golden Whale’s technology is designed to solve one of the industry’s biggest challenges: the reliance on reactive, manual decision-making. By leveraging the LOOPS iterative machine learning system, operators can now forecast player behavior with unprecedented accuracy.

Key features of the Golden Whale integration include:

Predictive Modeling: Advanced tools for churn risk, lifetime value (LTV), and player behavior forecasting.
Seamless Integration: The platform connects directly to existing PAM, CRM, and marketing tools without requiring a complete system overhaul.
Full Model Control (FMC): Moving iGaming systems closer to autonomous operation by automating engagement and incentive levels.

“Golden Whale Productions brings a rare combination of deep gaming expertise and advanced data science that operators can deploy quickly and effectively,” said Stephen A. Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management.

Strategic Global Expansion

With a strong foundation already established in Europe, Golden Whale is looking to SCCG to support its commercial expansion across the Americas and other high-growth global markets. SCCG’s 30+ years of expertise and international office network make them the ideal partner for this scale-up.

Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO of Golden Whale, commented:

“Extending our partnership with SCCG is a natural next step in Golden Whale’s global growth. Together, we’re focused on helping operators apply AI-driven optimization and automation in practical ways, improving incentive efficiency and decision-making without overhauling existing operations.”

The Future of Incentive Efficiency

At the core of the offering are the Foundation optimization modules. These allow operators to determine:

Who to engage.
When the optimal time to reach out is.
What incentive will drive the most value.
How much to invest, while measuring impact against control groups in real-time.

By focusing on “forward-looking intelligence,” the partnership ensures that operators are no longer just looking at past data, but are actively shaping future player journeys.

The post SCCG Management and Golden Whale Extend Partnership to Drive AI-Led iGaming Optimization appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Alex Gitsik

Diego Simeone Joins Soft2Bet’s Betinia and CampoBet as Global Brand Ambassador

Published

6 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

In a move that unites footballing excellence with cutting-edge iGaming innovation, Betinia and CampoBet—the premier sportsbook and casino brands of Soft2Bet—have officially named Diego Simeone as their global brand ambassador.

The partnership brings the “Cholo” winning mentality to the digital arena, focusing on authenticity, high-intensity engagement, and a player-focused journey.

The Synergy of a Winning Mentality

Diego Simeone is widely regarded as one of the most decorated and defining coaches of the modern era. Since taking the helm at Atlético de Madrid in 2011, he has secured two LaLiga titles, two UEFA Europa League trophies, and two UEFA Super Cups. His playing career was equally illustrious, earning 108 caps for Argentina and two Copa América titles.

“Simeone is one of this era’s defining football managers, recognised for high intensity and an uncompromising drive for progress,” stated a representative for Betinia. “That same mindset sits at the heart of our brand, turning a player’s journey into a growth story with progression and rewards.”

A Revolutionary In-Platform Football Manager

This partnership goes beyond traditional marketing. As part of the collaboration, Soft2Bet is launching a proprietary in-platform football manager game. This feature allows players to mirror Simeone’s own rise to the top:

Progression System: Players earn points to advance from “Beginner” to “Legend.”
Personalized Rewards: Unlocking bonuses and perks tailored to local market habits.
Online Fantasy Matches: Players can face off in head-to-head strategic battles.
Unique Rosters: Every user manages their own signature lineup and tactics, bringing a deep level of personalization to the sportsbook experience.

Bridging the Gap Between Fans and the Game

By leveraging Simeone’s influence, CampoBet and Betinia aim to build long-term connections with their audiences through localized content that resonates with regional football cultures.

Alex Gitsik, CMO of Soft2Bet, commented on the milestone:

“His leadership and dedication to excellence reflect the values we uphold across all our gaming platforms. Through this unique collaboration, we are excited to bring fans closer to the game they love, blending strategic gameplay with engaging gaming experiences.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Throughout 2026, Diego Simeone will be the face of exclusive digital campaigns and promotional activities across both brands. The partnership signals a major step forward for Soft2Bet as it continues to evolve its “Platform for Champions” philosophy, ensuring that every player feels like a manager of their own success.

The post Diego Simeone Joins Soft2Bet’s Betinia and CampoBet as Global Brand Ambassador appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.