Latest News
W2 Release First Real Time Affordability Solution For UK Operators
W2, the award-winning provider of global regulatory compliance software to the gaming market, has announced its brand-new real-time affordability check, which will support the needs of operators as they adapt to evolving guidance from UK Gambling Gambling Commission (UKCG). UKGC guidance requires licence holders to put affordability at the heart of their safer gambling commitments for 2021 and it will undoubtedly become a central focus in the 2021 gambling act review.
The W2 affordability solution gives you a real time view of what a consumer earns on an individual level, and most importantly does not require additional customer interaction. Using authorised and compliant banking data feeds to provide current account turnover information that can be used for customer protection purposes, the solution can cover a period up to 24 months and across joint and sole accounts, as well as including multiple addresses. Data on this scale provides real insights on an individual customer level.
A Word From W2
Peter Murray, W2 Head of Sales commented “If you look at any of the pronouncements from the regulators in the UK and the upcoming review of the UK Gambling Act, front and centre to everything they’re doing is affordability. For us at W2 it is all about offering a solution which removes friction but is compliant, and we believe that this new affordability solution is suited to both the needs of the regulator, the challenges the operators face, and the consumers desire to be protected from harm.”
Kevin Fox, W2 Senior Product Manager responsible, said “the solution is split into two main parts. Level one offers an affordability index which leverages the data to give results on account activity including levels of income and turnover in the account and collates this into a score-based response. Level two offers more in-depth insight which allows the operator to collect and verify the declared income of the customer. These two components are a massive step in the right direction for safer gambling.”
Crucial Compliance
W2 will also be working with strategic partner, Gibraltar based Crucial Compliance, on the release of the affordability check. Working together, the two firms believe that this solution can have a positive impact on the industry as it aims to significantly help towards the issues surrounding responsible gambling and player protection.
Andy Masters, COO at Crucial Compliance commented “We are absolutely delighted to officially release this affordability solution. Since partnering with W2 in late 2020 we have combined our resources to bring to market a solution which is not only is frictionless and solves real time, real data affordability, but is also built into our player management solution. We have worked hard to ensure that this is as easy as possible for operators to continue to meet the needs of the regulators now and in the future”
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Cannabis & Gaming
UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute & International Gaming Institute to Host 2025 “Cannabis & Gaming” Panelannabis & Gaming” Panel
UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute (CPI) and International Gaming Institute (IGI) will host the latest installment of CPI’s Cannabis Speakers Series with a panel discussion titled “Cannabis & Gaming,” set for 1:30 p.m. PST on Monday (May 19) in the William S. Boyd School of Law’s moot courtroom and online.
The event will kick off with a brief research presentation highlighting recent findings on cannabis use and gaming behaviors by CPI research director Marla Royne Stafford, followed by an overview of CPI’s ongoing work in this area by director Riana Durrett.
Durrett will then moderate a panel discussion examining current policy limitations and future opportunities at the intersection of cannabis and gaming. Panelists include former Nevada Gaming Control Board member and UNLV Law adjunct professor, Terry Johnson; cannabis establishment operator and government affairs consultant, David Goldwater; and gaming executive, Seth Schorr.
IGI executive director Brett Abarbanel will serve as the event emcee, lending her expertise in gaming research and policy to guide the conversation.
Seating is limited. Media members interested in attending in person should RSVP to [email protected], or register here to watch the livestream.
The post UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute & International Gaming Institute to Host 2025 “Cannabis & Gaming” Panelannabis & Gaming” Panel appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Game On
PlayVS to Launch Hockey Gaming Initiative Pilot with the Support of the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund
PlayVS, the leading amateur esports platform, announced the launch of a new pilot program Game On: an NHL/NHLPA Scholastic Gaming Initiative, designed to inspire the next generation of hockey fans through competitive esports and skill-building activities in three key NHL Club markets–home to the New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings as well as in a national, virtual EA SPORTS NHL 25 tournament.
The initiative, funded by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund (IGF), is designed to promote access, inclusion, and connection through gaming, while giving young players the chance to engage with their local NHL teams in exciting, interactive ways.
As part of the pilot, players between 13-21 years old will not only be able to participate in the competition, but will also engage in positive, structured gameplay that promotes leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that are crucial both on and off the virtual rink. The program’s focus on healthy competition, social connection, and digital literacy is aimed at helping players build essential life skills while fostering a sense of community through gaming.
High schools will also take part in club-specific activations throughout the Spring season, including in-person events and student engagement experiences with the NHL franchises. The first activation took place on March 20 with the New Jersey Devils as part of the team’s Devils Gaming Group Theme Night, where 40 students and coaches were hosted at the Devils Gaming Group Lounge at Prudential Center to play EA SPORTS NHL 25 including special guest appearances by New Jersey Devils Executives, Devils Alumni and Mascot NJ Devil.
To cap off the season, PlayVS will host a virtual national EA SPORTS NHL 25 tournament from June 13-15, offering players in the US the chance to compete for top honors and connect with peers across the country. Registration for the tournament will open through PlayVS’ Stadium platform in mid-May.
“Gaming has the power to bring today’s young players together in ways that are both meaningful and lasting. Through this partnership with the NHL/NHLPA’s Industry Growth Fund, we’re not only creating new opportunities for players to engage with their favorite sport, but also helping them develop critical life skills–like leadership, communication, and resilience–through healthy competition. We’re excited to continue expanding access to competitive gaming and making esports and gaming a core part of the school experience,” said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS.
The post PlayVS to Launch Hockey Gaming Initiative Pilot with the Support of the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
No deposit free spins are one of the hottest bonuses in online casinos. Players love them, but some casino operators aren’t so sure.
Are they really valuable, or do they just attract people who never plan to deposit? To get some real insight, we caught up with Paul Puolakka, CMO of Mr. Gamble, to break down the truth behind no deposit free spins and how casinos can use them to their advantage.
Paul’s been in the iGaming industry since 2014, bringing over a decade of experience across major brands like Betsson, ComeOn!, and Ninja Casino. Over the years, he has consulted a range of iGaming companies on everything from affiliate marketing and localization to optimizing sales funnels.
Since 2020, Paul has been active on the affiliate side, running his own successful projects before joining Mr. Gamble, where he has served as CMO for the past two years. His well-rounded expertise gives him a unique perspective on both the operator and affiliate sides of the business.
Paul, no deposit free spins seem risky for casinos. Why should they offer them at all?
Yeah, I get why some casinos are skeptical. Giving away free spins with no deposit sounds like a recipe for attracting players who just grab the bonus and run. Some do, sure. But casinos that dismiss these bonuses are missing the bigger picture.
When a player claims free spins no deposit offers, the casino gets something just as valuable as money: data. They collect the player’s email, name, birthday, and other demographic details. That’s marketing gold. Even if the player doesn’t deposit immediately, a well-structured CRM funnel can bring them back later. So, instead of seeing free spins as a loss, casinos should see them as an investment in long-term customer acquisition.
If these players aren’t depositing upfront, how can casinos turn them into paying customers?
It all comes down to smart retention strategies. Too many casinos focus only on First Time Depositors (FTDs) and ignore long-term potential. Just because someone doesn’t deposit on day one doesn’t mean they won’t deposit later.
Here’s how casinos can convert no deposit players. First, send a special deposit offer a few days after they claim their free spins. Then, give them a VIP loyalty boost to make them feel special. Lastly, use personalized retargeting ads based on their game preferences.
Casinos that overlook CRM and loyalty tactics are throwing away a huge opportunity. The best ones know how to nurture these players and turn them into long-term customers.
Are there certain markets where no deposit free spins work better?
Definitely. We see big success with no deposit casino bonuses in Nordic countries, Canada, and parts of Europe. Players in these regions tend to be more cautious with their money, they want to test a casino first before making a deposit.
Also, in markets with strict advertising regulations, no deposit free spins are a smart way to attract new players. If a casino can’t run aggressive marketing campaigns, offering free spins gives players a reason to check them out organically.
What are the biggest mistakes casinos make with no deposit bonuses?
The biggest mistake? Focusing only on FTDs. Many casinos judge success only by how many players deposit right away. But that’s short-term thinking.
Instead, they should track how well their CRM funnel converts no deposit players, the percentage of these players who deposit later, and how loyalty programs keep them engaged.
Another major mistake is making withdrawal conditions too harsh. If a player wins from free spins but sees impossible wagering requirements, they’ll get frustrated and leave forever. A better approach would be to offer reasonable terms so players stay engaged and are more likely to deposit.
Should casinos rethink how they value no deposit players?
Of course! Too many operators dismiss these players as low value, but that’s the wrong mindset. In such a competitive industry, even getting a player’s contact information is a win.
If casinos invest in a strong CRM strategy, a well-optimized loyalty program, and easy payment methods, they can turn freebie hunters into loyal, depositing players. No deposit bonuses aren’t just giveaways. When used correctly, they’re one of the best acquisition tools.
The post Are No Deposit Free Spins Worth It? A Chat With Paul Puolakka, CMO of Mr. Gamble appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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