Latest News
W2 debuts powerful affordability solution
Tool allows UK operators to carry out comprehensive affordability checks without impacting the user journey
W2, the provider of leading regulatory compliance services to the gambling industry, has launched a powerful Affordability for Gambling Tool that allows operators to carry out comprehensive affordability checks without impacting the customer journey.
It combines data assets from multiple sources at the individual, demographic, and geographic levels on a ‘where available’ basis and has been built to provide as clear a picture as possible but in a way that is not intrusive to the player.
It allows operators to gain insight into multiple affordability indicators so that they can protect their players, comply with regulations, and avoid potential fines and reputation damage with the UK Gambling Commission having handed out more than £54m in fines over the past two years alone.
W2’s Affordability for Gambling Tool can also be delivered via the Crucial Compliance Player Protection tool and key benefits include:
- Custom data consumption either through API integration at onboarding, or trigger based on various markers of harm (MOH)
- Ongoing monitoring for changes in player circumstances
- Verify declared income without the need for documentation
- Understand previous loan application purpose and amount
- 50+ data indicators from public, third-party and self-declared sources
- Analyse player population with batch database review
The launch of W2’s affordability solution comes at a time when player affordability is very much under the microscope as part of the UK Government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005.
As a result of the review, it is widely expected that the Gambling Commission will increase oversight and enforcement, especially when it comes to operators assessing and verifying player affordability.
Warren Russell, CEO & Founder at W2, said: “While we still wait with bated breath for the Gambling Commission to publish the result of its consultation on the Gambling Act 2005, it is clear that requirements around affordability are going to change and that operators will be required to do much more.
“Our Affordability for Gambling Tool has been developed to give operators a crystal-clear picture of the affordability of individual players but in a way that is not intrusive and does not impact their journey when signing up to a brand.
“This means that operators can meet any new requirements that come into force and avoid any potential fines and reputation damage they may be subject to in the event of non-compliance, whilst ensuring they build a true picture of their players.
“We are delighted to be developing this solution and working with other industry experts in our partners Crucial Compliance and nChain to tackle these inherent issues collaboratively.”
Powered by WPeMatico
Aristocrat Gaming
Aristocrat Gaming and Metropolitan Gaming Partner to Open Aristocrat on the Square at Empire Casino
Metropolitan Gaming, in partnership with Aristocrat Gaming, introduced Aristocrat on the Square, a premium new gaming experience for guests at Empire Casino in London and the first dedicated Aristocrat Gaming space in the UK.
Aristocrat on the Square showcases an impressive lineup of popular Aristocrat Gaming titles tailored specifically for the UK, including popular releases like NFL Triple Score, Lightning Link, Mo Mummy and Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Link. The space is designed to elevate the player experience, highlighted by an engaging LED ceiling and upscale décor that create an inviting lounge atmosphere.
“The debut of Aristocrat on the Square at Empire Casino marks a significant milestone for Aristocrat Gaming, reinforcing our commitment to customers across EMEA and expanding our presence in the UK as we continue delivering world‑class gaming experiences to players around the globe. Our partnership with Metropolitan Gaming reflects a multi-year investment in bringing cutting‑edge games, hardware, marketing, and entertainment experiences to players across Europe,” said Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming.
“The launch of Aristocrat on the Square at Empire Casino represents an exciting new chapter for Metropolitan Gaming. As the first dedicated Aristocrat Gaming space in the UK, it reflects our focus on creating distinctive, premium environments that elevate the player experience. Working closely with Aristocrat, we’ve brought together world-class gaming content and a carefully designed setting to deliver something truly special for our guests at Empire Casino,” said Alex Oswald, Managing Director of Metropolitan Gaming.
To celebrate the launch, Empire Casino hosts a month-long Home of the Hot Seats promotion throughout February, offering players the opportunity to win vouchers, free play and more.
The post Aristocrat Gaming and Metropolitan Gaming Partner to Open Aristocrat on the Square at Empire Casino appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Betfred
Betfred Expands its Partnership with Sportradar
Betfred has extended and expanded its longstanding partnership with Sportradar. As part of the agreement, Sportradar will upgrade the retail platform technology underpinning the operations of Betfred’s 1300 retail outlets nationwide, ensuring a sustainable and engaging betting offering is available on the UK high street.
The additional multi-year scope of work further strengthens a partnership built over the past decade. Sportradar’s future ready retail platform enables faster operations and effective risk control. The technology allows Betfred to handle intense data loads around big sporting moments and scale in real-time as bets are placed, ensuring bettors can engage with their sports and place a wager regardless of an event’s popularity.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sportradar will oversee continuous improvements to the Betfred retail platform to ensure ongoing operational excellence and adherence to local regulation and compliance. Furthermore, the technical framework allows Betfred to integrate a multitude of Sportradar’s next generation products and services to deliver a contemporary in-shop experience.
Duncan McDonald, Head of Corporate and Retail Support, Betfred said: “This agreement re-affirms our joint commitment to one another, to develop new products and features that enhance our customer offerings. It future proofs our retail business and secures our partnership with Betfred’s in house technology team and Sportradar for years to come.”
Paolo Personeni, EVP, Managed Betting Services, Sportradar said: “In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace Sportradar is well positioned to help Betfred achieve its long-term growth objectives. With high street operations closely watched, the technological capabilities powering the Sportradar Retail Platform will allow Betfred to deliver a sustainable and long-term retail offering that engages today’s demanding sports bettors.”
The post Betfred Expands its Partnership with Sportradar appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
Dutch Regulator Urges Online Gambling Providers to Stop Using “Share Your Bet” Feature
The Dutch Gambling Regulator (KSA) has urged the online gambling providers to discontinue the “Share your bet” feature. This feature allows players to share their placed bets via social media or messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and email. The KSA investigated the functionality of this feature after receiving several signals and questions from the market.
“Share your bet” function
The “Share your bet” feature allows players to easily share their bets with others. It works like this: a player places a bet and sends it via a link to, for example, friends or family. The recipient can then immediately see the bet and, if they have an account, participate as well. This makes gambling easily shared, often via social networks.
Protection of vulnerable groups
The KSA points out that the “Share your bet” feature is a form of advertising and recruitment. It’s a way for providers to promote gambling, but indirectly through players themselves. According to the Decree on Recruitment, Advertising and Addiction Prevention in Gambling, providers must ensure that advertising does not reach vulnerable groups, such as minors, young adults and people with gambling problems.
Because players with the “Share your bet” feature decide who to send their bet to, providers have no control over who receives the shared messages. This means that gambling providers cannot guarantee that vulnerable groups will not unintentionally encounter gambling advertising. Therefore, offering features like “Share your bet” is not permitted.
In addition, the ease of sharing bets helps normalize gambling. This lowers the barrier to entry, especially among younger demographics.
Discontinue “Share your bet” functionality
The KSA is therefore calling on all online gambling providers using the “Share your bet” feature to immediately stop doing so. The KSA will continue to monitor any new developments in this area and will take enforcement action where necessary to ensure the protection of vulnerable groups.
The post Dutch Regulator Urges Online Gambling Providers to Stop Using “Share Your Bet” Feature appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Amusnet7 days agoWeek 5/2026 slot games releases
-
Compliance Updates7 days agoNational Council on Problem Gambling Adopts 1-800-MY-RESET as New National Problem Gambling Helpline Number
-
Ani Isakhanyan7 days agoFeedConstruct Expands its Presence in Latin America
-
Compliance Updates7 days agoDigitain Secures Isle of Man iGaming Software Supplier Licence
-
FDJ UNITED7 days agoFDJ UNITED Aims to be Among the Top Three Licensed Gambling Operators in Finland
-
betting terminals6 days agoMeridianbet Completes Fairbet Acquisition, Expanding Malta Retail Gaming Network Under Golden Matrix Group
-
Carl Gatt Baldacchino Head of Account Management SlotMatrix7 days agoSlotMatrix Unleashes Fiesta-Fueled Thrills with Muertos Fortune
-
Book of Sobek4 days agoHölle Games Releases Book of Sobek



