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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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Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has grown its UK presence following a collaboration with casino and lottery betting operator Lottomart.
Thanks to this partnership, Lottomart players can now enjoy Spinomenal’s library of captivating and engaging online slot games. These include popular hits such as Majestic King, Buffalo Rampage, Trout’s Treasure – Fishing Season and more. The games will be integrated into Lottomart’s casino lobby via the Aristocrat Interactive platform.
This latest move from Spinomenal will consolidate its reputation as one of the esteemed online casino content providers in the UK as it continues to build a strong presence in 2025.
Yossi Shayovits, Head of Business Development for Spinomenal commented: “The UK continues to be a key part of our growth strategy, and partnering with Lottomart – a respected and innovative operator – allows us to bring our games to an even broader and esteemed audience in this important market.”
Chris Ruddock, Commercial Director at Lottomart added: “We’re always on the lookout for exciting content that adds something fresh to our portfolio, and Spinomenal’s titles do exactly that. Their distinctive style, engaging features, and wide range of themes make them a fantastic addition to our casino. We’re really looking forward to seeing how our players respond.”
The post Spinomenal grows UK presence with Lottomart collaboration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
During a challenging time for Cyprus, which is currently facing the devastating consequences of recent wildfires, SOFTSWISS, the global tech company providing software for iGaming, stands in solidarity with local communities. The company is actively participating in TechIsland’s fundraising initiative, aimed at providing immediate relief to those affected and supporting recovery efforts.
As a member of the local tech ecosystem, SOFTSWISS is contributing to the broader TechIsland initiative, which brings together Cyprus’s IT and innovation community to provide immediate emergency relief and long-term recovery support.
The company has made a financial donation, which will be directed toward three key areas:
- Wildfire prevention and fire protection infrastructure;
- Installation of early warning systems;
- Urgent assistance for families impacted by the fires.
This initiative reflects a broader pattern of social responsibility. SOFTSWISS consistently responds promptly to natural disasters, especially in countries where its employees, clients, or partners are based. In 2023, the company launched the HELP Brazil campaign following catastrophic floods and also supported a charitable initiative in Poland under similar circumstances.
Through these efforts – from Latin America to Europe and now Cyprus – SOFTSWISS reinforces its commitment to standing with communities in times of crisis. The company continues to lead not only as a tech innovator, but as a responsible global citizen.
“Supporting the country that hosts our employees and partners is not just a responsibility – it is a moral commitment. We have been closely monitoring the situation with deep concern and wanted to provide tangible aid to the fire-stricken areas, beyond words of solidarity. We are proud to be part of the TechIsland initiative and remain open to offering further support wherever it is needed,” stated Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS.
With its contribution, SOFTSWISS hopes to inspire more companies within and beyond the tech industry to act swiftly and decisively in times of crisis. Supporting the communities we live and work in is not just a responsibility – it’s a core part of who we are.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Joins Forces with TechIsland to Support Fire-Affected Areas in Cyprus appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
SBC Summit 2025 to Tackle Regulation and Retention in Europe’s Most Competitive Gaming Markets
SBC Summit 2025 will sharpen its focus on one of the world’s most tightly regulated and commercially significant regions with the launch of the Global Markets – Western Europe track.
Taking place on Wednesday, 17 September at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), the track will deliver strategic insights into how major operators are navigating escalating compliance demands, shifting player expectations, and intensifying global competition.
As part of the summit’s broader Global Markets programme, the Western Europe track will equip delegates with actionable strategies for thriving in regulation-heavy markets like Italy, the Nordics, the Netherlands, and Portugal. From revised licensing frameworks to new consumer protection mandates, the sessions will unpack the real-world challenges and opportunities facing operators on the ground. Whether expanding regionally or maintaining position in legacy markets, attendees will gain critical tools to drive innovation, compliance, and player retention in a changing European landscape.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Western Europe has long set the standard for gambling regulation, but the landscape continues to evolve. Today’s leading operators must build strong relationships with regulators, drive responsible innovation, and retain customers in an increasingly complex global environment. This track provides the practical insight and expert guidance delegates need to succeed in Western Europe.”
The track will open with the European Leaders Panel: Old World, New Way Forward – How the Most Established Brands Are Rethinking Regulation and Retention, bringing together some of the industry’s most prominent voices to discuss how operators can navigate tightening regulations, foster player loyalty, and remain competitive. Pascal Chaffard (CFO & Strategy Officer, FDJ), Axel Hefer (CEO, Tipico), Vlad Kaltenieks (CEO, BoyleSports), Mattias Wedar (CEO, LeoVegas), and moderator Martin Collins (Chief Business Development Officer, Soft2bet) will share their strategies for maintaining compliance while continuing to innovate, engage players, and thrive in Western Europe’s highly regulated markets.
Conversation will then turn to Italy’s post-licensing landscape in Italy’s New Online Gambling Regime: A Game-Changer for the Industry. The session will explore how stricter regulations, higher licensing fees, and enhanced player protection measures are reshaping the market. Industry leaders Fabio A. Bufalini (Country Director Italy, Stake), Marco Castaldo (CEO, Microgame), Will Shuckburgh (CEO, eCogra), Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro), Stefano Tino (Managing Director Italy, Betsson), and Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), will examine whether this transition has the potential to strengthen market sustainability or create unforeseen roadblocks, as they offer delegates practical strategies for navigating Italy’s new framework.
The session Portugal: Smooth Sailing or Danger Ahead? will bring together Tiago Bessa (Partner, Vieira de Almeida), Tomas Goncalves (Managing Director, Apostas Sociais (Santa Casa)), Americo Loureiro (Director, Solverde), Rui Magalhães (CEO, Estoril Sol Digital), Bernardo Neves (Secretary General, APAJO), and Tiago Pereira (Head of Portugal, LeBull.pt) to examine the current state of Portugal’s sports betting and iGaming market. With iCasino activity growing while sports betting declines, the panel will consider whether this could signal tighter regulation.
Other sessions featured in the track include Over the Finnish Line: Regulation in the Nordics, which will analyse Finland’s upcoming move to open its market to private operators, and Dutch Courage: Collaboration in the Changing Face of Regulations, which will look at Dutch proposals to raise the age threshold for online slots and introduce stricter deposit limits.
The Global Markets – Western Europe track forms part of SBC Summit 2025’s Global Markets series. Other markets explored across 16–18 September include Global Markets – Latin America and Brazil, and Global Markets – North America, each offering delegates region-specific insights to support international growth and strategic market entry.
The post SBC Summit 2025 to Tackle Regulation and Retention in Europe’s Most Competitive Gaming Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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