Latest News

Affordability checks will undermine the safer gambling success story, argues Gambling Business Group CEO, Peter Hannibal

Published

3 years ago

January 20, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.”

Latest News

Strategic Deal: Expanse Studios Seals Media Partnership with Geek Spins

Published

39 mins ago

April 18, 2024

George Miller

strategic-deal:-expanse-studios-seals-media-partnership-with-geek-spins

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Expanse Studios is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Geek Spins, a leading platform dedicated to providing comprehensive and reliable information about online gambling. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for players worldwide. By joining forces with this renowned media platform, Expanse Studios aims to revolutionize the way players engage with online casinos and slot machines, offering unparalleled access to the latest and most reliable gaming content.

About Geek Spins

Geek Spins was founded in 2018 by a passionate group of enthusiasts with a singular goal: to provide players with accurate and up-to-date information about online gambling. Since its inception, Geek Spins has expanded its team significantly and has become a trusted source for players seeking the best gaming experiences. With over 500 reviews of top online casinos, 1500 slot machines, 2000 bonuses, and content from over 100 providers and payment systems, Geek Spins continues to set the standard for excellence in the online gambling industry.

Expanse Studios’ Vision

At Expanse Studios, we believe in pushing the boundaries of innovation to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to players worldwide. Our collaboration with Geek Spins aligns with our vision of providing players with access to the latest and most reliable gaming content. By leveraging their extensive database and expertise, we aim to empower players to make informed decisions about their online gambling activities and elevate the overall gaming experience.

Synergy and Added Value

The partnership between Expanse Studios and Geek Spins brings together two industry leaders with a shared commitment to excellence. By combining Expanse Studios’ cutting-edge technology and game development expertise with Geek Spins’ comprehensive database and industry knowledge, we are able to deliver unparalleled value to players. Together, we will work tirelessly to enhance the online gambling experience, providing players with access to the latest games, reviews, and bonuses.

Why It Matters

This collaboration is significant for both Expanse Studios and Geek Spins, as it represents a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in the online gambling industry. By joining forces, we have the opportunity to reach a wider audience of players and provide them with the best possible gaming experiences. This partnership also underscores our dedication to transparency, reliability, and player satisfaction, ensuring that players have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their online gambling activities.

Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, commented on the collaboration, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Geek Spins to enhance the online gambling experience for players worldwide. This collaboration represents a significant step forward for both companies and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming content to our players.”

The post Strategic Deal: Expanse Studios Seals Media Partnership with Geek Spins appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

GoldenRace is now certified in the Netherlands

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2024

George Miller

goldenrace-is-now-certified-in-the-netherlands

Reading Time: < 1 minute

GoldenRace, global provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, has recently obtained a certification for its highly acclaimed Virtual Sports and Games in the Dutch market.

GoldenRace successfully navigated the stringent regulatory landscape of the Netherlands, and now will be providing its impressive betting products into the Online Dutch market, which will be an important advancement in our operational expansion.

The Netherlands betting scene is on the cusp of a substantial growth phase and with GoldenRace’s latest certification, we introduce to the Dutch market a range of highly popular games tailored to desktop and mobile, in both scheduled and on-demand modes.

Among the offer, players will enjoy our most-played Virtual Football line-up – including Football Single, Leagues, World Cup and Euro Champions-, adrenaline-pumping 3×3 Basketball and MMA and top-notch races as Horse Racing, Greyhound Racing and Grand Prix Indianapolis 60. Last but not least, our Number Games, such as Spin2Win. All ready to captivate Dutch players.

The post GoldenRace is now certified in the Netherlands appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

BetMGM

Play’n GO announces expansion of BetMGM partnership with Pennsylvania launch

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

play’n-go-announces-expansion-of-betmgm-partnership-with-pennsylvania-launch

Swedish gaming giants’ games now live with leading US operator in Michigan, West Virginia, New Jersey, and the Keystone State

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced further expansion of its partnership with leading US operator BetMGM,with the Swedish gaming giant’s content now available with the group in Pennsylvania.

Play’n GO and BetMGM’s US partnership has already proven stunningly successful in Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia, and this expansion sees the partnership extend to a fourth US state. Having secured its Pennsylvanian gaming license in March, Play’n GO is now live with two operators in this key state. BetMGM players in Pennsylvania now have access to classic Play’n GO titles, such as Reactoonz.

Play’n GO is now licensed in six US states and is aiming to be active in every regulated market, in the US and around the world.

Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO said: “We’re pleased to expand our partnership with BetMGM into a fourth US state, and look forward to continued success together. We have always been committed to a safe, regulation-led industry to secure a sustainable future for us all. BetMGM share our vision, and so are a perfect partner for us. We will continue our mission of being active in every regulated market around the world, and we’re excited for further growth opportunities well into the future, in the US and beyond.”