Press Releases

UKGC: Information for operators re-opening land-based gambling premises

Published

6 years ago

June 15, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

As restrictions on the lockdown ease the UKGC has published a number of frequently asked questions covering its expectations from land-based operators.

These FAQs are aimed at helping operators manage compliance with Government guidance on reopening with continued compliance with the Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).

The Commission is also reminding operators they are still expected to continue to follow Customer Interaction guidance as doors are reopened to consumers.

Frequently asked questions

Which premises can open from 15 June?

Just betting offices in England are able to open from 15 June.

Do Operators still have to meet all the Gambling Act and LCCP requirements?

Yes, there are no changes to operators’ obligations. We therefore expect operators to have confidence in their ability to be fully compliant with our requirements when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.

Will the Commission undertake premises-based assessments?

The Commission’s approach will support the following Government objectives as set out in guidance:

To minimise the contact resulting from visits to stores or outlets
To minimise the number of unnecessary visits to offices
To minimise non-essential travel

This means that the Commission will look to obtain premises information by remote means. This includes requesting electronic data or recordings and where possible/necessary undertaking Skype meetings.

Will Licensing Authorities undertake premises-based assessments?

LA requirements remain the same. Individual LAs will undertake their own risk assessments and implement policies and procedures accordingly.

Who do I report my concerns to if I think government Covid-19 guidelines are not being followed correctly?

The Gambling Commission is not responsible for addressing breaches of Covid19 guidance. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Local Authorities, and local Police Forces (England & Wales only) have the relevant information on their websites.

Risk Assessments

General business risk assessment

Whilst not a requirement, we would expect operators to consider the risks posed to compliance with the Act, LCCP and associated guidance. As such we may seek evidence to support this.

Do operators need to review their premises [local] risk assessment(s)?

Operators may have to implement changes to manage social distancing and to protect staff and customers. Where these changes are significant, and could affect the mitigation of local risks, operators must review and where necessary update their risk assessments.

Do operators need to update their AML risk assessment?

Land based operators in the regulated sector are required to regularly review their AML risk assessments. Casinos are not reopening in June, but we would expect them to review the risks when they do. Operators in the unregulated sector are expected to review the risks and if required update any risk assessments.

Premises

What do operators need to consider if they are putting screens around machines for customer protection?

Operators must ensure that whatever measures they put in place to socially distance customers, staff can continue to supervise the premises, monitor customers behaviour for signs of gambling-related harm and monitor compliance with age-restrictions.

Do the social distancing rules mean customer interactions are suspended?

No. Operators must ensure that staff can and do undertake customer interactions that are meaningful and effective and that they comply with the LCCP and with our Customer Interaction guidance .

Do operators still need to undertake Age Verification (AV) check programs?

Operators are still required to undertake these programs. Suppliers (e.g. Serve Legal) could also be undertaking their own business risk assessments that may require changes to the process.

If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to undertake AV checks?

Yes, Government guidance states that customers can be asked to remove their masks for AV checks. If customers refuse, then staff should follow operator guidance on refusing service.

If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to enforce self-exclusions?

Yes. There are no changes to an operator’s responsibilities. Operators are expected to review their policies and procedures and to take a pragmatic approach.

Can operators move their gaming machines to allow for social distancing? Where plans submitted to LA stipulate specific areas for machines (most likely betting shops) operators must contact the LA for advice first.

Can operators expand the use of TITO?

We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities, in particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Operators must ensure that they can evidence appropriate controls when installing TITO and all gaming machines must comply with the relevant technical standards.

Can betting operators increase the number of SSBTs?

We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities. In particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Provided operators can evidence appropriate controls when installing SSBTs, use can be expanded.

Can operators replace safer gambling messaging (posters/leaflets etc.) with social distancing/Covid 19 messaging?

Our guidance on the provision and display of information has not changed.

Will the Commission suspend test-purchasing?

We will continue to carry out test-purchasing to identify those that are operating unlawfully.

What will the Commission do about the period of time during which there were no test-purchase exercises?

We do not want operators to be disadvantaged and so we will be calculating results only for the periods during which premises are open.

Staff

What happens if staff will not or cannot undertake customer interactions due to social distancing or Covid 19 concerns?

Operators must ensure customer interactions take place. Staffing issues are a matter for individual operators, but our expectation is that they are confident in their abilities to meet all of our requirements, including customer interactions, when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.

What happens if a PML goes sick with C-19 or has to self-isolate?

Our expectation is that operators will have in place contingency plans. So long as this is the case, wherever possible the Commission will be flexible on arrangements.

B2B iGaming solutions

Soft2Bet twice recognised by EGR Europe Awards 2026

Published

4 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

soft2bet-twice-recognised-by-egr-europe-awards-2026

iGaming powerhouse Soft2Bet has been honored with two prestigious accolades at the EGR Europe Awards 2026, taking home the European Casino Platform Supplier and European Acquisition and Retention Partner awards.

These awards highlight the company’s innovation, operational excellence, and measurable impact throughout 2025.

The European Casino Platform Supplier award reflects Soft2Bet’s philosophy of building its core stack in-house. The platform is fully modular, supporting seamless integration across game providers, payment services, KYC, and AML systems, while enabling partners to scale and localize operations across multiple jurisdictions. Judges also praised the MEGA Engine, Soft2Bet’s flagship technology, for solving operator challenges, accelerating licensing, and facilitating sustainable growth.

Andrew Cochrane, CCO of Soft2Bet, stated: “These awards are a testament to the relentless innovation and execution of our teams. Our platform is designed to launch brands efficiently and scale them sustainably in regulated markets, combining design-led delivery with measurable performance.”

The European Acquisition and Retention Partner award celebrates Soft2Bet’s ability to convert engagement into tangible results. Anchored by the MEGA (Motivational Engineering Gaming Application) product, the platform merges iGaming mechanics with casual and mobile gaming patterns, creating structured sessions via missions, challenges, and quests to drive repeat play and emotional engagement. EGR judges noted that “MEGA by Soft2Bet sets a benchmark for acquisition and retention in Europe, combining entertainment-first engagement with measurable results.”

These latest accolades crown a period of strong growth and industry leadership for Soft2Bet, following multiple awards throughout 2024 and 2025 for data-driven innovation, turnkey platform solutions, and B2B excellence.

Soft2Bet continues to set the standard for iGaming technology, platform scalability, and player retention strategies in Europe and beyond.

The post Soft2Bet twice recognised by EGR Europe Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Cheltenham Festival

Richard Johnson and Hayley Moore to join Press Box PR’s Cheltenham Festival preview event in Gibraltar

Published

9 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

richard-johnson-and-hayley-moore-to-join-press-box-pr’s-cheltenham-festival-preview-event-in-gibraltar

Two-time Gold Cup-winning jockey Richard Johnson and Sky Sports Racing presenter Hayley Moore will headline a Cheltenham Festival Preview evening hosted by Press Box PR in Gibraltar next month.

Taking place on Thursday, March 5, at Ivy Sports Bar & American Grill in Ocean Village, the event will bring together professionals from across the gambling and racing industries for an exclusive preview of the Cheltenham Festival 2026, which begins on March 10.

Johnson, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished jump jockeys of his era, will share expert insight into the key races, leading contenders, and the demands of competing on racing’s biggest stage. He will be joined by Moore, who will offer analysis of the major storylines, form trends, and narratives shaping this year’s Festival.

The evening will be hosted by racing presenter and writer Kitty Waddell, who will moderate the discussion and lead a live audience Q&A with the panel.

Guests attending the event can expect:

• Detailed previews and tips for the Festival’s headline races
• Behind-the-scenes insights from Johnson’s career at the top level of jump racing
• Expert commentary from Moore on form, trends, and key contenders
• A live Q&A session with the panel
• Networking opportunities alongside complimentary food and drinks

Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes during the evening.

With offices in London and Manchester, Press Box PR — winner at the European iGaming Awards 2026 — is a PR agency specialising in securing media coverage across iGaming, sport, consumer, finance, hospitality, and catering sectors. The agency also supports brands in achieving visibility within AI citations and LLM-driven recommendations.

Jack Mansell, Managing Director of Sport at Press Box PR, said:
“The Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the jump racing calendar and a huge moment for many of the brands we work with across betting and gaming. We wanted to create an event that gives industry colleagues genuine insight from people who have competed at – and covered – the very highest level of the sport.

“Richard and Hayley bring an incredible depth of knowledge and experience, and we’re looking forward to welcoming clients, partners and friends of the industry for what should be an entertaining and informative evening in Gibraltar.”

The Cheltenham Festival Preview will run from 7pm to 10pm on Thursday, March 5, at Ivy Sports Bar & American Grill, Ocean Village, Gibraltar.

Industry professionals wishing to attend are invited to RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, March 2. Guests are asked to confirm numbers and share any dietary requirements when responding. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The post Richard Johnson and Hayley Moore to join Press Box PR’s Cheltenham Festival preview event in Gibraltar appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Audio Description

Brøndby IF Launches Permanent Audio Description Service for Fans Inside and Outside the Stadium

Published

9 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

brondby-if-launches-permanent-audio-description-service-for-fans-inside-and-outside-the-stadium

Last night’s clash between Brøndby IF and Sønderjyske in the 3F Superliga became the first match delivered through the club’s new permanent audio description service, designed for fans both in the stadium and at home. Developed in close partnership with the Danish Association of the Blind and main partner Betano, the initiative enables supporters with visual impairments to follow matches more fully from the stands or their living rooms.

Brøndby IF is now the first club in Denmark and across the Nordic region to introduce a permanent audio description service for every home fixture. Available via radio.brondby.com, the service provides real-time spoken narration of on-pitch action, player movement, atmosphere, and key visual moments. A specially trained commentator delivers detailed descriptions to help visually impaired fans experience matches more completely.

Thomas Skov, Marketing Director and Head of Fan Experience at Brøndby IF, said:
“Brøndby IF is a unique community that must be accessible to everyone. Therefore, we must open as many doors as possible into that community. With permanent audio description both at the stadium and for those listening from home, we are taking a very concrete step to make the matchday experience at our home games even more inclusive. As a Brøndby IF fan, you should feel welcome and part of the club’s community no matter what. As a club, we have a strong responsibility to remove barriers that may stand in the way.”

Partnerships in Action

To mark the launch, members of the Danish Association of the Blind attended the home fixture against Sønderjyske, with the initiative receiving strong recognition from the organisation.

Diana Stentoft, National Chair of the Danish Association of the Blind, commented:
“Audio description is about equal access to the community, and it means that even more people can experience football – including those who cannot follow the game visually. Audio description makes a significant difference for blind and visually impaired people, as they are no longer dependent on random radio excerpts or constantly asking others what is happening on the pitch. We are therefore pleased that Brøndby IF is offering audio description at its home matches and thereby improving the opportunity for blind and severely visually impaired fans to follow the club’s games.”

Alongside the Danish Association of the Blind, Betano played a central role in supporting and developing the permanent service. The launch represents the first step in a broader ambition shared by Brøndby IF and Betano to reduce accessibility barriers in football.

Kresten Hougaard, Country Manager for Betano in Denmark, said:
“Inclusion is a key priority for Betano, as we strongly believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to enjoy the game. As the main partner of Brøndby IF, it is important for us to turn our commitments into action. We are proud to have participated in the development of a service that gives fans with visual impairments better access to the full football experience.”

Benefiting All Fans — Beyond the Stadium

The solution at Brøndby Stadium is the first permanent system of its kind in the Nordic region and can be accessed from anywhere.

At the stadium, fans can listen live via their smartphones and headphones through radio.brondby.com. At home, the same commentary can be synchronised with live TV broadcasts, allowing supporters to follow the match in real time from anywhere.

Thomas Skov added:
“The reach of Brøndby IF’s new audio description service extends beyond people with visual impairments. Fans who, for various reasons, are unable to attend the stadium can now follow the match on the go or from home and thereby be part of the club’s community.”

The software powering the service is provided by German technology company Mycrocast, which delivers similar solutions to clubs in the Bundesliga and Ajax Amsterdam.

Lead audio description commentator Selver Elezovic will front coverage of Brøndby IF’s matches. He previously provided commentary for Danish fixtures, including at EURO 2024, and will be joined at Brøndby’s home games by former player Joel Kabongo.

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