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Joint CEO Letter: Driving Sustainability Through A Focus On Safer Gambling

Published

3 years ago

November 22, 2022

Reading Time: 4 minutes

In a joint letter, the CEOs* of bet365, Betsson, Entain Group, Flutter Entertainment, Kindred Group, and William Hill International have united to outline their collective ambition to foster a more sustainable online gambling sector in Europe. The letter features in EGBA’s recently published annual Sustainability Report 2021/22.

Over the past year, we have seen the gaming and betting sector’s commitment to protecting its customers come under close scrutiny from politicians and regulators across Europe. Now, more than ever, the entire sector must come together and redouble its efforts to promote safe and sustainable gambling.

Be it having a bet on the World Cup, or playing a game of poker, gambling is still one of Europe’s most popular forms of entertainment and it is enjoyed safely by many millions of adults across Europe. But we know that for some, it can lead to harm to them and their immediate social circle.

As Europe’s leading online gaming and betting companies, it is entirely in our interest to have long-term customers who enjoy a bet, do so within their means, and consider gambling for what it is – a great form of entertainment. We therefore take our responsibilities to protect our customers very seriously.

Our teams are constantly working to provide our customers with a safe and sustainable experience through the promotion of safety tools, messaging, and information to help consumers be protected and well informed about the risks of gambling.

This not only helps us to build trust with our customers as responsible and trustworthy businesses, but also with other important stakeholders in society. It is the right thing to do by our customers and the commercially sound thing to do. Safe and sustainable gambling is good for all.

Investing in a strong culture of safer gambling

We are investing heavily in the latest tools and technologies to provide our customers with the safest and most personalised experience possible. It is therefore positive and encouraging that half of our European customers – nearly 15 million of them – are now using the safer gambling tools we provide.

A fundamental part of our efforts is the use of behavioural science to help identify and intervene with customers where there are markers of harm. We are doing more to educate our customers about these behaviours and signpost the appropriate self-help tools available to them, such as helplines.

In fact, we are now communicating more than ever to our customers about safer gambling – and in an increasingly personalised way. Last year, we collectively sent 38 million communications to our customers to promote safer play, with 60% of these communications being tailored to the customer based on their own individual playing behaviour.

Through these preventative actions we aim to promote a strong culture of safer gambling across the entirety of our businesses. To embed this culture even further, we have stepped up internal trainings for employees – 80% of our 57,000 employees in Europe have now received dedicated safer gambling training – and many of our companies now link corporate remuneration to this objective.

Working towards a better understanding of problem gambling

It is a learning curve, and we strive to learn from past mistakes, implement changes when needed, and improve our efforts to protect our customers, including by contributing to improvements in research and greater understandings of problem gambling.

For example, earlier this year the EGBA published a study on how European countries monitor and report problem gambling. The study highlights the clear diversity in national approaches. It showed that many European countries still lack national surveys and there is a need to move towards a more common approach, based on evidence, best practices and markers of harm.

Going a step further to promote responsible advertising

Working towards sustainability also means taking public concern about the volume and placement of advertising seriously. Ahead of the upcoming World Cup, we took stock of our obligations as responsible advertisers, publishing the results of the first independent monitoring exercise of EGBA’s responsible advertising code, which we apply across our European operations.

The exercise found the code to be a strong baseline for responsible advertising practices and EGBA members[1] already correctly apply most of its measures, particularly on content moderation. It also identified ways to improve the code and we are now considering these.

We want to raise the bar and set a positive example for the rest of the sector – because we cannot drive change alone. We invite Europe’s other licensed operators to join us in our sustainability agenda.

At the same time, we also need regulatory frameworks that are predictable, stable, evidence based, and mindful of customer behaviour. These frameworks should benefit customers and ensure they remain within the regulated market – because this is where they are best protected against unaccountable black-market operators who offer none of the protections of the regulated industry. So that customers always receive the best protection, regulation should be designed in a way that ensures the regulated market is always more attractive to them than the black market.

Our collective ambition is to set a course towards a more sustainable online gambling sector through a focus on safer gambling and a commitment to taking meaningful action. Through this report we aim to lead by example and be transparent about our efforts and, by doing so, demonstrate that we are committed to providing sustainable entertainment for many more years to come.

Source: EGBA

2025 BGA State of the Industry Report

MENA Emerges as Global Growth Engine for Blockchain Gaming, BGA 2025 Report Finds

Published

56 minutes ago

December 10, 2025

Wladimir P.

mena-emerges-as-global-growth-engine-for-blockchain-gaming,-bga-2025-report-finds

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has emerged as the fastest-rising region in blockchain gaming, now representing nearly one-fifth of all industry professionals surveyed by the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA), according to the newly released 2025 BGA State of the Industry Report.

The findings were unveiled on stage at the Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi 2025 by Sebastien Borget, Co-President of the BGA and Co-Founder of The Sandbox, during a panel discussion titled ‘Web3 Gaming’s Big Bet’ with Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, and Cathy Hackl, CEO of Future Dynamics, moderated by Wissam Younane, CEO, Entrepreneur Middle East.

“Sharing this year’s BGA State of the Industry Report in Abu Dhabi shows the promise and huge potential of blockchain gaming’s next phase, and MENA’s rapid growth is a big signal that new regions around the world are stepping into leadership roles,” said Borget. “What we’re seeing in the data is an industry becoming more global, more disciplined, and more focused on building great games for real players.”

MENA’s representation has surged from virtually no presence in the survey sample just five years ago — under 1% in 2021 — to 19.8% of respondents in 2025, marking the most pronounced regional shift since the survey began. When combined with Africa’s steady growth, rising from 0.5% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2025, the two regions now account for more than a quarter of all global responses to the survey.

This momentum reflects a broader realignment in the gaming and technology landscape. MENA has become one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets, underpinned by a youthful, digitally-native population and extensive government investment into gaming, esports, and digital infrastructure. As global capital increasingly flows into the region through strategic acquisitions, large-scale development initiatives, and major esports events, blockchain gaming’s rising professional footprint signals that MENA is actively shaping the future of the sector.

The BGA’s growth across MENA and Africa has been strongly attributed to the leadership and regional advocacy of Yasmina Kazitani, who was elected by the BGA membership as the organization’s first female Co-President in March 2025.

An Algerian-born ecosystem builder with deep ties across both regions, Kazitani has focused on community partnerships and grassroots outreach in emerging markets, broadening participation while championing access for previously underrepresented groups. She is also a long-standing advocate for gender diversity and inclusion as Co-Founder of the Women in Web3 Alliance, working to reduce barriers to entry and elevate female leadership within the industry.

“The survey results reflect what we see on the ground: new communities with new talent and stewardship,” said Kazitani. “With more voices entering the conversation, we are reminded that diverse representation is essential because this is what influences the ideas, products, and priorities that will define our industry’s next phase. A broader range of perspectives strengthens decision-making, contributes to a more resilient ecosystem, and ultimately underpins a global industry that better reflects its players and creates games that resonate across cultures.”

This increasing focus on diversity and broader participation was reflected directly in the survey methodology itself. For the first time, the BGA survey was offered in multiple languages beyond English, resulting in nearly a quarter of responses being submitted in other languages including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese, with the majority received in Arabic. This expansion has provided a more accurate picture of industry participation while lowering barriers to inclusion in non-English-speaking markets.

Beyond its geographic findings, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of a maturing industry navigating a challenging market environment. Respondents highlight rising confidence in regulatory clarity as a key driver of growth, alongside an increasing focus on high-quality game development and sustainable business models. At the same time, industry professionals identify scams and fraud as the greatest threats to credibility, funding scarcity as the most pressing operational constraint, and AI-enabled exploitation as a growing concern.

Key takeaways from the BGA 2025 State of the Industry Report are highlighted below:

Respondent Demographics

19.8% of respondents come from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), up from under 1% in 2021.
22.7% female participation marks the highest level recorded in the survey’s history.
32.6% of respondents work in studios or publishing, dominating industry representation.

Industry Drivers

64.4% expect policy and regulation to have a positive impact on industry development.
29.5% cite high-quality game launches as the primary driver of future industry success.
27.5% point to sustainable, revenue-driven business models as a key growth factor.

Industry Challenges

36.0% view scams and fraud as the greatest threat to industry credibility.
32.6% report lack of funding or investment as their company’s biggest operational challenge.
38.9% fear AI-enabled cheating, bots, and exploits as the largest risk of AI adoption.

The post MENA Emerges as Global Growth Engine for Blockchain Gaming, BGA 2025 Report Finds appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Javier Sacristán Franco International Business Director of R. Franco Digital

R. Franco Digital reinforces growth in Spain with new TikiTaka Play launch

Published

56 minutes ago

December 10, 2025

Wladimir P.

r.-franco-digital-reinforces-growth-in-spain-with-new-tikitaka-play-launch

Franco Digital, the Spanish gaming provider, is to power the launch of new Spanish casino TikiTaka Play, after the operator selected the supplier’s IRIS platform to launch and manage its new online gaming operation.

This strategic partnership, which reinforces R. Franco Digital’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to regulated markets, means TikiTaka Play will be provided with a fully integrated, scalable, compliant platform.

IRIS will centralise essential operational functions for TikiTaka Play, including player account management (PAM), KYC/AML, payments, product administration, promotions, CRM, affiliate activity, fraud prevention, and real-time analytics. This will ensure TikiTaka Play begins its digital journey with strength, reliability, and support to optimise its growth in Spain.

This latest deal is a new milestone in R. Franco Digital’s technological roadmap as the company continues to reinforce its successful presence in regulated markets globally.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, said: “We are proud that TikiTaka Play has selected our IRIS platform to underpin its new online gaming operation.

“This partnership reinforces our growth in our home market and is a testament to the platform’s power, security, and scalability. It marks a solid beginning for what is set to be a highly successful collaboration.”

Jesús Muñoz, CEO and founder of Tiki Taka Games group, added: “The choice of platform was paramount for launching our new online operation, and R. Franco Digital’s IRIS solution stood out.

“It provides us with a fully integrated and regulation-ready environment, ensuring we enter the market with confidence and efficiency.”

The post R. Franco Digital reinforces growth in Spain with new TikiTaka Play launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Bulgaria

Wazdan debuts Jackpot Rain™ and 10 new titles with WINBET in Bulgaria

Published

56 minutes ago

December 10, 2025

Wladimir P.

wazdan-debuts-jackpot-rain-and-10-new-titles-with-winbet-in-bulgaria

Wazdan, the gain-focused developer, has partnered with WINBET to launch its acclaimed Jackpot Rain feature in Bulgaria for the first time, alongside 10 of its top-performing titles.

The agreement marks a major step forward for Wazdan’s growth in the Bulgarian iGaming market, bringing a mix of innovation and proven performance to one of the country’s leading operators.

Through the partnership, players at WINBET can now enjoy a host of Wazdan player favourites, including Burning Sun Extremely Light, Mighty Wild: Panther, 9 Coins Grand Platinum Edition, 15 Coins, Hot Slot: 777 Coins, 20 Coins, Hot Slot: 777 Crown, 12 Coins Grand Gold Edition, Black Horse Cash Out, and Mighty Symbols: Diamonds.

In addition to the slot lineup, Jackpot Rain will make its long-awaited debut in Bulgaria, bringing with it a new layer of excitement. The feature gives players the chance to trigger four progressive jackpots, adding a dynamic and rewarding dimension to gameplay across multiple Wazdan titles.

WINBET, the leading Bulgarian operator, offers a premium online experience with more than 300 casino slot games, live casino options, and a comprehensive sportsbook. Known for its generous promotions, seamless mobile experience, and variety of payment methods, WINBET continues to set new standards in the Bulgarian market.

This latest collaboration underscores Wazdan’s commitment to expanding its footprint in regulated territories by delivering next-generation features that enhance both player satisfaction and operator performance.

Magdalena Wojdyla, Head of Account Management for Europe at Wazdan, said: “This collaboration marks another exciting milestone as we continue expanding our presence in regulated markets across Europe.

“WINBET has built a strong reputation for quality and player engagement, and we are confident that our portfolio, together with the excitement of Jackpot Rain, will deliver outstanding results.”

Henrieta Nikolova, Head of Casino at WINBET said: “Partnering with Wazdan allows us to enrich our online casino offering with a series of titles known for their innovation and entertainment value.

“The exclusive launch of Jackpot Rain in Bulgaria is a great addition to our portfolio, and it is exciting to become the first operator in the country to deliver this experience to our players.”

The post Wazdan debuts Jackpot Rain™ and 10 new titles with WINBET in Bulgaria appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.