Press Releases
UKGC: Information for operators re-opening land-based gambling premises
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.
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All-Cash Transaction Unlocks Significant, Unrealized Value for Boyd Shareholders
Boyd, FanDuel Extend Market-Access Agreements through 2038
Boyd Gaming Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Company’s 5% equity interest in FanDuel Group to Flutter Entertainment plc for cash consideration of $1.755 billion.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The Company intends to use net proceeds to reduce debt.
Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd, said: “This transaction unlocks the tremendous unrealized value that our investment in FanDuel has created for our Company. As a result, we are in a significantly stronger financial position to continue executing our strategy of investing in our properties, pursuing growth opportunities, returning capital to our shareholders, and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”
In addition to purchasing Boyd’s equity interest in FanDuel, Boyd and FanDuel will terminate certain existing market-access agreements between the parties and enter into new agreements to provide, among other things, for an extended term through 2038. The agreements will also provide Boyd with a fixed fee per state from FanDuel’s mobile sports-betting operations in Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and Pennsylvania, as well as FanDuel’s online casino operations in Pennsylvania, upon the close of this transaction. FanDuel will also continue to operate Boyd’s retail sportsbooks outside of Nevada through mid-2026, after which time Boyd will assume responsibility for these operations.
Under terms of the revised market-access agreements with FanDuel, the Company now expects its Online segment will generate $50 million to $55 million in operating income and Adjusted EBITDAR for the full year 2025, and approximately $30 million in 2026.
Smith added: “The partnership between Boyd and FanDuel has been a remarkable success for both companies. FanDuel has emerged as the nation’s clear leader in online sports-betting, while Boyd has been able to leverage this partnership to profitably participate in the rapid growth of sports betting across the country. It has been a privilege to work with the Flutter and FanDuel teams, and we look forward to supporting FanDuel’s continued growth and success through our market-access agreements across the country.”
Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction. Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction, with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP advising on the commercial agreements.
The post BOYD GAMING TO SELL FANDUEL INTEREST FOR $1.755 BILLION appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Pioneering the next chapter of regulated iGaming in Germany, Spielbanken Bayern and leading live-casino specialist Stakelogic have gone live with brand-new online live casino solutions.
On 28 May 2025, spielbanken-bayern-online.de rolled out a set of Automatic Roulettes. The launch marks the inaugural step in a phased roadmap that will soon see more Roulette and Blackjack.
Bavaria became Germany’s first state to introduce online live-casino games in April 2024. Since beginning 2025, Spielbanken Bayern has worked hand-in-hand with the Bavarian regulator and Stakelogic to craft a best-in-class solution that combines strict compliance with an engaging, secure, and reputable gaming offering.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, added: “It is both an honour and a privilege to develop further with Spielbanken Bayern on Germany’s first legal online casino. The timeline was ambitious, but our combined teams delivered. In the coming months, we will continue to optimise and enrich the portfolio with additional premium content.”
This landmark collaboration cements Spielbanken Bayern’s position as Germany’s online live-casino trail-blazer while underscoring Stakelogic’s reputation for marrying regulatory rigour with next-generation player experiences.
The post Spielbanken Bayern and Stakelogic Launch brand new Live-Casino Offering appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Sportingtech, the multi-award winning iGaming platform provider, has extended its partnership with 888Africa for another three years – reinforcing a relationship that has rapidly become one of the most successful in African iGaming. The extension signals a continued commitment to trust, performance, and shared expansion ambitions in one of the industry’s most dynamic regions.
Since launching together in 2022, Sportingtech and 888Africa have established an effective operating partnership, successfully delivering top-tier sports betting and casino experiences across key African markets. During this time, 888Africa has recorded customer base growth of over 800%, underlining the strength of the collaboration.
As part of the renewed agreement, 888Africa will benefit from Sportingtech’s enhanced platform, featuring an updated sportsbook and casino UI/UX designed to drive deeper engagement and deliver strong performance in competitive markets.
Anthony Murphy, Commercial Director at Sportingtech, said: “This renewal shows the value of doing things properly – understanding local markets, building solid tech foundations, and working in true partnership. We’ve built a strong relationship with the team at 888Africa and are ready to keep pushing their growth further.”
Christopher Coyne, CEO at 888Africa, added: “Sportingtech has been a key part of our African success in Mozambique. 888 is now #1 for market share in Mozambique and without doubt the Sportingtech Platform has been a part of this result. The Platform has proven to be stable and high performing, we’ve made big strides in the partnership over the last while and I cannot speak highly enough about Tom Ustunel, Colin McDonagh and the whole team as partners.”
The post Sportingtech Extends Strategic Partnership with 888Africa appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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