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Affordability checks will undermine the safer gambling success story, argues Gambling Business Group CEO, Peter Hannibal
Peter Hannibal, chief executive of the cross-sector Gambling Business Group, has warned that the introduction of affordability checks as proposed by the UK Gambling Commission, will jeopardise the current low incidence of problem gambling and in the process undo much of the positive work that’s been achieved by the industry in partnership with its regulator and the wider stakeholder community, including the safer gambling agencies and charities.
Commenting on the Gambling Commission’s proposal that players should be required to provide evidence of affordability based on the highly controversial creation of a monthly discretionary spend ceiling – a figure which the cross-party think-tank the Social Market Foundation has recommended is set at £23 a week (£100 pcm) – Peter Hannibal said: “I would like to stress from the outset that although the Gambling Commission’s affordability proposal has been framed in relation to online players, it would be naïve in the extreme to assume that the principles and philosophy will not be extended to all gambling entertainment activities across all verticals including Adult Gaming Centres, Licensed Betting Offices and Bingo Clubs in some shape or form.
“While this proposal is wrong on virtually every level imaginable, the biggest concern for all those who genuinely care about safer gambling and continuing the UK industry’s internationally acclaimed success story in consistently maintaining problem gambling levels to below 1 percent for the last three decades, is the impact affordability checks will have on driving players away from regulated and responsible sites to unregulated offshore sites.
He added: “Currently the demand to play on unregulated sites is limited but the unintended and I assume unforeseen consequences of affordability checks will be to create such a market and then to sustain it.
“Make no mistake, this is prohibition by another name and wherever you look in the world prohibition has never worked and will never work, more than often creating exactly the set of problems that it sets out to address.”
Hannibal believes there’s a danger a proposal of this significance does not receive the necessary degree of scrutiny particularly in relation to its’ impact on safer gambling. He explained: “In December I contacted DCMS regarding what I feel was a balanced and logical set of Terms of Reference for the Review of Gambling, but pointing out that it was illogical for the Gambling Commission to be continuing their own unilateral consultation into what it refers somewhat euphemistically as ‘customer interaction requirements and guidance’.
“I argued that it would be more logical to include any proposals for controls on consumption – that could have a profound impact on the public – as part of the Government Review. It would also be in the public’s interest for proposals for such intrusions into personal affairs to be subject to the same Aim and Objectives as those DCMS have set out for the Review of the Act which appear free of preconceptions and well considered.
“The affordability proposal raises a huge range of quite fundamental ethical, legal and practical issues – not least a precedent for state intervention in consumer spending alongside a quite startling presumption that gambling entertainment, enjoyed responsibly by 99 percent of consumers, represents a public health issue way beyond that of tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption or obesity. As such it merits much deeper, evidence-based scrutiny.”
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Rivalry Corp. (the “Company” or “Rivalry”) (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has initiated a review of strategic alternatives to maximize long-term stakeholder value.
To support this initiative, the Company has engaged XST Capital Group LLC (the “Advisor”), a leading boutique investment bank focused on the digital gaming sector.
As part of this process, the Board, alongside the Advisor, will evaluate a range of options to ensure the Company is best positioned for continued growth and innovation. The review reflects the Board’s commitment to prudent corporate governance and its ongoing efforts to optimize the Company’s market position.
“We have built a strong foundation in the online gaming sector, delivering an exceptional experience for our players while driving operational excellence,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “This review is a natural step in assessing how we can best create long-term value for our stakeholders while continuing to enhance our world-class gaming platform.”
The Company also announces that it has secured a US$650,000 principal amount senior unsecured loan from its existing senior lender, maturing on September 30, 2025, with an interest rate of 10% per annum (the “Loan”). The Loan reinforces the Company’s senior lender’s support for the process and provides the Company with additional flexibility to pursue strategic initiatives.
The post Rivalry Announces Evaluation of Strategic Alternatives for Long-Term Growth appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The Company promotes Daniel Magariños to continue driving growth and supporting customers in the established and emerging gaming markets in the Latin American region
BMM Testlabs (“BMM” or “the Company”), the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and certification services, today announced the promotion of Daniel Magariños to Senior Director, Gaming – LATAM.
Since joining BMM Testlabs in 2018, Magariños has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, deep market expertise, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the gaming industry across Latin America. His leadership has played a key role in strengthening customer relationships, driving regional performance, and expanding the reach and impact of BMM’s expert product compliance testing, cybersecurity, and training solutions.
Susana Campañá, BMM Testlabs’ Vice President, Online Sales Europe and South America, said, “This well-earned promotion is a reflection of Daniel’s deep industry knowledge, strong work ethic, and the trusted relationships he has built with our customers across Latin America. We are excited to see Daniel continue contributing to BMM’s growth and providing leadership throughout the Latin American market.”
Magariños brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to his expanded role at BMM Testlabs. From 2018-2025, he served as BMM Testlabs’ Sales Manager for South America, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the Company’s footprint across the region. His career spans decades of success, including serving as Director at Pallana S.A., Sales Manager at Famostar S.A. for six years, and over 16 years as Country Implementation Manager at Citibank N.A.
Based in Peru, Magariños will continue to lead BMM’s regional strategy and support customers across Latin America as the Company expands its presence in both established and emerging gaming markets.
The post BMM TESTLABS PROMOTES DANIEL MAGARINOS TO SENIOR DIRECTOR, GAMING – LATAM appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The wait is over! The 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas is already underway and promises to be historic, accompanying a moment of intense transformation and consolidation of the iGaming scene in Brazil.
For this reason, the largest betting event in Latin America is ready to welcome and meet the demands of the national and international community. This year, the organization decided to expand the physical space by 50%, from 20 thousand square meters to 32 thousand square meters distributed in 5 halls of the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo.
In addition to the trade fair and conferences with more than 300 prestigious experts from around the world, BiS SiGMA Americas offers a diverse program, including award ceremonies, exclusive networking dinners, a poker tournament, an electrifying night with MMA fights and a grand closing party.
Expectation of record attendance
In addition to the categories that have always been present at the event, such as Online Betting Operators, Software and Technology Providers, Affiliates and Digital Marketing, Payment Methods and Financial Solutions, this edition draws attention to the presence of new technology companies that add value and provide innovative resources for the industry.
This means that the betting market is evolving, with new branches emerging to strengthen the ecosystem. KYC (Know Your Customer) companies, Consulting and Compliance, Information and Database Management, AdTechs and Digital Advertising Networks are making their presence felt with solutions to ensure security, regulatory compliance and more efficient growth strategies.
Furthermore, the recent regulation of sports betting and online gaming in Brazil represents a milestone for the market. BiS SiGMA Americas therefore serves as a platform for experts, regulators and industry leaders to assess the challenges and opportunities of this time of adaptation, as well as explore global trends that may impact the local industry.
Given this, the event organizers predict that the 2025 edition will reach a record number of attendees and participating brands. The estimate is that more than 18,000 people will pass through the Transamérica Expo Center by Thursday (10).
Event map
In order to facilitate visitors’ movement, the BiS SiGMA Americas organization is providing a map of the event, with all confirmed exhibitors and the location of their respective stands. You can check out the full map HERE.
BiS SiGMA Americas General Schedule
Monday, April 7th
- 02:00pm – 10:00pm – Early collection of badges at Canvas Bar & Restaurant – Hilton Morumbi
- 06:00pm – 10:00pm – Welcome Reception at Hilton Morumbi
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Armazem Terrace – Hilton Morumbi
- 08:00pm – 11:00pm – SiGMA Awards at Tokio Marine Hall
Note: There will be no event at Transamerica Expo Center on this day
Tuesday, April 8th
- 09:00am – 06:00pm – Exposição: Exhibition: Day 1 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 09:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 1 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
- 07:00pm – 11:00pm – BiS Awards at Tokio Marine Hall
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Pobre Juan – Morumbi Shopping Mall
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering dinner at Caulí Lounge Bar
Wednesday, April 9th
- 10:00am – 06:00pm – Exhibition: Day 2 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 11:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 2 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
- 07:00pm – 12:00pm – Centurion MMA fight at VIP Station
- 07:00pm – 12:00pm – SiGMA Poker Tour Satellite Opens at Monte Carlo Poker Club
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Armazem Terrace – Hilton Morumbi
Thursday, April 10th
- 11:00am – 06:00pm – Exhibition: Day 3 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 11:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 3 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering dinner at Caulí Lounge Bar
- 05:00pm – 12:00pm – Main event SPT 1A hosted By Jon VLogs at Monte Carlo Poker Club
- 10:00pm – 04:00pm – Closing of BiS SiGMA at Tokio Marine Hall
The post All set for the start of the 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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