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BGC spokesperson Wes Himes shares insights on the gambling industry under the current national lockdown in exclusive interview with Online Bingo

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Wes Himes at the BGC praises the success of the measures ensuring gambling remains safe and responsible, throughout this lockdown and beyond.

  • Bingo comparison site Online Bingo releases exclusive interview with Wes Himes of the BGC
  • Himes speaks of the successes of the BGC regarding its safer gambling tools
  • He asserts that casino venues were safe for reopening during the tier system put in place late last year
  • The BCG will continue to work with the government to ensure that land-based venues can reopen when possible
  • Himes expresses confidence in the regulations venues have in place to protect players from over gambling during the pandemic

In a two part series, Hannah Timoney of Online Bingo interviewed Wes Himes, Executive Director of Standards and Innovation of the BGC, to discuss the successes of the BGC and its continued mission to raise awareness for gambling harm.

In the first of the two interviews, https://onlinebingo.co.uk/news/interview-with-wes-himes-bgc, Himes discussed the success of the BGC since its foundation, and how the aims of the standards body have changed since the effects of coronavirus and lockdown shook the industry.

He talked about the BGC’s “extraordinarily positive feedback” over the year and praised the BGC’s implementation of new safer gambling tools, such as the whistle-to-whistle ban and the ad-tech code which increased the sensitivity level for access to age-related products on social media. He also hints that “there will be a number of other measures coming out around bonuses”, though did not share what that could entail.

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The second interview focused on the national lockdowns. https://onlinebingo.co.uk/news/interview-with-wes-himes-part-2 Most notably, Himes spoke on the BGC’s call for land-based casinos to reopen during the tier system late last year, which he justified by insisting that casinos had “invested a tremendous amount of time and resources” into putting precautionary measures in place which were sufficient enough to mitigate infection risks.

He assures us these measures will continue if and when land-based venues are allowed to reopen, which he is eager to happen, saying “We are committed to continuing to explore with the government, as and when the time comes, what we can do to ensure that those premises can open.“

He went on to express confidence in the regulations venues have in place to protect players from over gambling, whether that behaviour is caused by the stresses of the pandemic or not. He says “these are the types of measures that we continue to raise standards on, these do help provide a very safe environment of play to the customers.”

Editor of Online Bingo, Max Wright, says “We’re thrilled to be able to speak to important members of the industry like Wes, and offer our readers some deeper context into issues like tackling problem gambling and improving legislation, which can sometimes be portrayed in an entirely negative light by the wider media.”

Online Bingo will continue to provide our audience of bingo and slots fans with informed insights from important gambling industry figureheads in order to shine a light on the decision making that affects gameplay and protects players from harm.

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Africa

Dr. Gloria Herndon Prepares Launch of Charitable Casino Platform in Kenya, with A License Secured

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Dr. Gloria Herndon—international economist, philanthropist, and long-standing advocate for underserved communities—is preparing to launch a charitable casino platform in Kenya, where a license has already been secured. The platform will be operated by Top Deck Entertainment, where Dr. Herndon serves as Chairman of the Board, and developed in partnership with Humanitarian Gaming International (HGI)/Electronic Gaming Solutions, Inc. (EGS)

This initiative marks the beginning of a new model for regulated casino gaming in Africa—one built to generate real, measurable community impact. A dedicated portion of net gaming profits will go directly to charitable local organizations, supporting causes such as youth development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

“This isn’t just a business venture—it’s a reinvestment mechanism,” said Dr. Herndon. “We’re building something that generates revenue and returns it to the communities that need it most.”

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A Regulated Model Designed for Impact
While the charitable platform has not yet launched, all required licensing has been secured in Kenya. Once active, the platform will offer traditional casino gaming in a tightly regulated environment, designed with responsible gaming safeguards and operational transparency at its core.

A percentage of net profits will be directed to vetted local nonprofits. Humanitarian Gaming International (HGI)/ EGS will provide the content for the charitable platform, governance support, operational guidance, and oversight to ensure accountability and measurable results.

Profits Will Support These Key Areas:

  • Youth Empowerment – Mentorship, after-school programs, and creative opportunities
  • Scholarships & Education Grants – Tuition assistance and educational advancement
  • Entrepreneurship Support – Seed funding and mentorship for local startups
  • Women’s Economic Development – Business training and career support for women
  • Community Health Access – Mobile clinics and basic health services
  • Emergency Relief – Rapid-deployment funds for disasters and urgent needs
  • Job Creation – Employment tied directly to casino operations and outreach
  • Support for Orphans – Housing, education, and care for children without guardians
  • Aid for Survivors of Sexual Violence – Trauma-informed care and legal advocacy
  • Support for Elder Caregivers – Dignity-focused financial and wellness assistance

About Dr. Gloria Herndon
Dr. Gloria Herndon is a pioneering international economist and philanthropist with a six-decade career advancing equity, infrastructure, and economic development across Africa and beyond. She has led high-impact initiatives in finance, public health, and education, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Top Deck Entertainment. Her latest venture reflects her lifelong commitment to building systems that serve people first.

The post Dr. Gloria Herndon Prepares Launch of Charitable Casino Platform in Kenya, with A License Secured appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Spinomenal adds to Wildlife Series with Majestic Panda launch

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Leading iGaming content provider Spinomenal has expanded its Wildlife Series with the launch of Majestic Panda.

Spinomenal’s latest release is a beautifully crafted 5×3 slot presenting a peaceful bamboo forest with koi ponds, temple rooftops, and misty mountain peaks. A calming, Asian-infused soundtrack ensures a tranquil environment to balance the thrill of the spin. Gold coins, ornate fans, red lanterns, bonsai trees, and vibrant peonies bring the game to life.

Finding three powerful Pagoda Free Spins symbols will activate the Free Spins game. Before setting off, players must spin the Wheel of Fortune to set the free spins total, between 10 and 40, and the symbol that doubles for the round.

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The bonus feature is triggered when three beautiful bonsai trees appear. Players are granted three spins to begin, and the goal is to fill the metre by collecting Scattered winning symbols. Every five symbols found completes one cell in the metre. Players who find a +1 symbol will be awarded with an extra spin and once the spins end there will be the final payout calculated by the final filled metre cell.

Majestic Panda also features Stacked Wilds where once the reels are spinning, Wild symbols have the power to appear on the reels to boost the potential of a win. During the base game, Only Double Symbols can be activated, making all symbols show in their double form.

Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Our mission with Majestic Panda was to produce a game that combines the peace and the potential of big wins. The serene setting, calming soundtrack, and multiple features make this a huge success.”

The post Spinomenal adds to Wildlife Series with Majestic Panda launch appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet Launches Legendary Reward Drops

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Hard Rock Bet announced the launch of Legendary Reward Drops, a new online rewards program that will engage players with monthly Levels and guaranteed weekly rewards and promotions. In addition, Hard Rock Bet has fully integrated into Unity by Hard Rock™, where play on Hard Rock Bet will simultaneously earn players Unity Points, Unity Tier Credits, and Level Credits to ‘level up’ towards more valuable weekly Legendary Reward Drops. As a combined rewards and loyalty experience, Legendary Reward Drops and Unity by Hard Rock will create unparalleled value, benefits, and omnichannel opportunities for Hard Rock Bet players.

The new Legendary Reward Drops will provide players with valuable weekly rewards like bonus bets, parlay insurance, and Unity Point multipliers – all suspensefully presented through an immersive experience of a custom guitar case unveiling the contents of each Drop. The program features eight monthly levels that will provide players with Drops of increasing value based on their play. Players will be able to track their progress towards ‘leveling up’ within the rewards experience.

Hard Rock Bet has also streamlined its loyalty program through Unity by Hard Rock, providing players with a true omnichannel experience and the ability to earn and redeem incredible rewards at participating Hotels, Cafes, Casinos, Rock Shops, and more. Additionally, rewards in the online Rewards Store have been upgraded to recently include merchandise, local concert tickets, and hotel stays at resort properties in HollywoodPunta Cana, and the Maldives.

“We’re proud to offer our players the best of both worlds: A rewards program with guaranteed weekly Drops and an unparalleled global loyalty program with Unity by Hard Rock. With our combination of a top-rated product and omnichannel benefits that can score players concert tickets, enhance their play, and send them on vacations around the world, we’ve created a connected entertainment experience and further solidified Hard Rock Bet as the best place to play,” said Mike Primeaux, Hard Rock Bet’s Executive Managing Director – Chief Operating Officer.

The post Hard Rock Bet Launches Legendary Reward Drops appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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