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BGC: Banning Free Bets Risks Pushing Almost a Third of Punters to the Black Market While Sucking Millions Out of Horse Racing

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A ban on promotions including so-called “free bets” would push almost a third of punters to the black market while sucking millions out of horse racing, new data released shows.

Anti-gambling campaigners have demanded the Government introduce a complete ban of punter promotions in its upcoming reforms of the Gambling Act – despite a staggering 69% of customers saying they should be allowed.

New research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Betting and Gaming Council found as well as 69% of punters saying free bets should be allowed, 63% said they found promotions a valuable part of their hobby.

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Worryingly almost one in three punters (28%) said they would consider black market betting if ministers ignored their popularity and forced through a draconian ban.

As well as driving punters away from the regulated industry, analysis conducted by the BGC found the move would hit the horse racing Levy for approximately £5m a year, in a double blow on the industry.

Punters must request promotional offers when opening an account with a regulated betting and gaming operator in the UK and can stop receiving them at any point they choose.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Promotions and offers are part of the customer experience for any vibrant industry, including our intensely competitive sector, which supports 119,000 jobs and brings in £4.4bn in taxes to the Treasury.

“Blanket bans on offers would be anti-punter and would severely degrade that customer experience, punishing the overwhelming majority of punters who bet safely. Problem gambling is 0.2 per cent. Imagine the outcry if supermarkets were forced to ban offers and promotions for beer and wine? We see no difference to our industry.

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“A draconian ban would damage a sector which tens of thousands rely on for their livelihoods, by turning punters away from the regulated industry into the arms of unsafe, unregulated black market gambling, where the numbers using such sites has doubled in recent years and the amount bet is in the billions. These sites have none of the safer gambling tools the regulated industry employ.

“A move like this would also hit the horse racing levy for £5m, but the loss of punters to the unregulated black market would undoubtedly also hit other regulated funding for racing such as media rights and sponsorship.

“We support the Government’s ‘evidence-led’ approach to gambling reform, which is why any changes should be carefully targeted to protect vulnerable players and those at risk, not the vast majority who bet safely. Ministers should shouldn’t be sticking their nose into how people choose to spend their own money, and the last thing they should be doing at this time is damaging business and sport.”

Black Market gambling has more than doubled in just two years, from 220,000 users to 460,000 and the amount staked there is now in the billions of pounds.

Banning free bets is the latest proposal suggested by the anti-gambling lobby that could hit horse racing revenues after blanket affordability checks.

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These means tests, which would compel punters to produce personal financial records like bank statements before they are allowed to bet as little as £100 a month, could suck up to £100m a year out of horse racing, according to industry experts.

In total, the regulated betting and gaming industry contributes around £350m annually to horse racing in the UK through the levy, media rights and sponsorship. This funding was vital during the pandemic. But there are growing concerns new measures being considered by the Government could jeopardise this vital funding.

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Precision, Power, Play: Visit PlayAmo Partners at Booth L20 During iGB Live 2025

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The board is set. The stakes are high. And PlayAmo Partners is ready to make its move.

This July, PlayAmo Partners will step onto the global stage at iGB Live 2025, now hosted at London’s iconic ExCeL Centre. With 15,000+ industry leaders, innovators, and dealmakers in attendance, it’s the ultimate arena to showcase who plays to win — and how.

At Booth L20, PlayAmo unveils a chessboard-themed stand that’s more than a visual statement — it’s a mindset. In a world of flashy gimmicks and empty promises, PlayAmo is showing up with sharp strategy, high-stakes gameplay, and offers as tailored as a grandmaster’s next move.

The stand fuses luxury and logic, inviting visitors to experience the brand’s signature mix of elegance, excitement, and edge. And it’s not just for show — it’s interactive.

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In partnership with Lucky Media, PlayAmo is co-hosting an on-site partner quest. The challenge? Outsmart the board. The reward? A shot at winning a Wimbledon ticket or a brand-new MacBook — because PlayAmo doesn’t believe in small prizes.

And beyond the games? Real talk. Smart deals. Big moves.

Visitors to Booth L20 will get exclusive face time with the team to:

  • Unlock bespoke offers crafted for their traffic
  • Discuss scalable strategies to grow revenue
  • Explore PlayAmo’s unique product ecosystem

“This industry rewards brains over luck — and that’s exactly how we play. At iGB Live London, we’re doubling down on strategy, precision, and partnership. We’re here to connect with ambitious affiliates, offer custom deals, and build relationships that go far beyond the event floor”, says Edgar, CEO of PlayAmo Partners.

So, if you’re in the game to win — come find them. Join PlayAmo Partners at Booth L20 for a strategic deep dive into high-converting offers, long-term growth solutions, and the tools affiliates need to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

The post Precision, Power, Play: Visit PlayAmo Partners at Booth L20 During iGB Live 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BLAST and GamingMalta announce multi-year partnership including a state-of-the-art studio and hub of esports activity on the island

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Competitive entertainment company BLAST and GamingMalta, an independent non-profit foundation set up by the Government of Malta, are proud to announce a transformative three-year partnership. The partnership will see Malta become a premier destination for world-class esports events and innovation, with BLAST debuting in Malta with the BLAST Premier Bounty S2 in August 2025.

The partnership will initially host nine major international esports tournaments in Malta, featuring some of the most prestigious competitions from BLAST’s global calendar, including the BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam circuits. In addition to these headline events, BLAST will establish a permanent esports broadcasting facility equipped with cutting edge technology that will span over 1,000m2 hosting Tier 1 esports tournaments and an office presence on the island, creating a dedicated team and infrastructure to support content production, operations, and long-term engagement in the region.

As part of the collaboration, GamingMalta will also benefit from global visibility across all BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam broadcasts, with millions of fans tuning in around the world. Beyond tournaments and exposure, the partnership also underscores a shared commitment to community development and education.

BLAST will support GamingMalta’s mission by investing in local esports initiatives, forging connections with universities and grassroots organisations, and helping create meaningful career opportunities for Maltese players, content creators, and aspiring professionals within the gaming industry.

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Together, BLAST and GamingMalta will position Malta as a global esports destination, leveraging high-profile events to attract international teams, fans, and media coverage. The initiative is also expected to generate significant economic benefits through increased tourism, hospitality demand, and international business.

Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, Enterprise & Strategic Projects for Malta, added: “This partnership with BLAST – a premier global esports entertainment company – aligns perfectly with the Government of Malta’s Vision 2050, which places digital innovation, youth engagement, and the creative economy at the heart of our national strategy. It reflects our ongoing commitment to positioning Malta as a hub for future-facing industries, while also creating real opportunities for our young people through education, careers, and international exposure. By investing in strategic collaborations like this, we continue to build an economy that is innovative, resilient, and globally relevant.”

Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, said: “Our partnership with GamingMalta makes a major milestone for BLAST having secured a multi year partnership to elevate esports and gaming in Malta. We are excited to bring live output, a new studio and competitive entertainment to the island.”

Ivan Filletti CEO of GamingMalta remarked “At GamingMalta, we are committed to nurturing every level of the gaming ecosystem – from grassroots to global. This multi-year partnership with BLAST is a bold step forward in our relentless journey to continue establishing Malta as a world-class esports hub. We will continue to champion our ‘Home of Gaming Excellence’ vision by delivering top-tier events and creating new opportunities for the next generation of esports talent.”

The BLAST Premier Bounty S2 features 32 teams from across the Counter-Strike scene battling for a spot at our LAN finals and a slice of the $500,000 USD prize pool. The innovative Bounty format allows teams to select their opponents and utilize wager mechanics to raise the stakes and chase riches.

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Clarion Gaming wins accolades at prestigious events industry awards

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Clarion Gaming celebrated ‘double gold’ at the AEO Excellence Awards widely recognised as the Oscars for the events industry.

Held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel which has hosted royalty, dignitaries and business leaders for nearly a century, the Awards saw World Gaming Week, comprising ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona judged Best International Show (Europe) with Clarion Gaming receiving the accolade of ‘Organiser Team of the Year’ a category which was judged across every industry sector and jurisdiction.

Reflecting on the illustrious Awards which showcase the very best that the events industry has to offer, Clarion Gaming Managing Director, Stuart Hunter said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to win Gold across two incredibly competitive categories and to be recognised by the judging panel which was drawn from across the events industry ecosystem.

“I can’t think of another team anywhere in the event’s space that’s risen to the huge challenge of moving three market leading and established shows to two different countries over the course of 18-months.

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“Taking ICE and iGB Affiliate to Barcelona has opened-up so many opportunities for the entire industry supply chain and we have the same aspirations for iGB L!VE which opens in London in July following its relocation from Amsterdam.”

He added: “The philosophy which is embedded in the Clarion Gaming DNA is to always work alongside our customers, understand their business needs and use the power of our brands to help meet their objectives irrespective of their size.

“By embracing this approach, our commitment to being industry partners empowers us to make bold decisions and achieve even greater outcomes for our customers.”

The post Clarion Gaming wins accolades at prestigious events industry awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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