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BGC: Compulsory Affordability Checks Threaten Regulated Betting and Gaming Industry, Warns Major Report by EY
Britain’s regulated betting and gaming sector has urged Government to publish a White Paper that delivers for business and punters, after a new study showed affordability checks are already hitting revenues.
Research by EY for the Betting and Gaming Council confirmed the sector remained robust despite the pandemic and was now weathering the energy crisis and cost of living crisis.
However, the enforcement of tougher affordability checks, have contributed to reduced revenues, the study said.
The report backs up recent polling which showed nearly 70% of people who place a bet said they would be unwilling to allow regulated firms to carry out compulsory affordability checks to prove they can afford to wager.
According to EY, despite the external pressures facing all businesses, which have been exacerbated by affordability checks, BGC members’ total Gross Value Added contribution to the UK economy was £7.1bn.
Meanwhile the industry supports 110,000 jobs on high streets, in hospitality and in global tech powerhouses.
The contribution to the Treasury from regulated betting and gaming remained significant at £4.2bn annually.
Across the industry, overall Gross Gambling Yield – total revenues after winnings have been paid but before costs are deducted – was slightly up on 2019 despite massive global volatility.
A new White Paper setting out new laws for the Gambling Industry is expected within weeks. In expectation of Government limits on spending, BGC members have already started applying more stringent checks, which are hitting revenues.
The EY study, noted: “Online GGY has declined since mid-2021, probably reflecting the re-opening of physical venues, the introduction of affordability checks on online, and the decline in real household incomes.”
The decline in the online regulated betting and gaming sector as a result of factors including the impact of affordability checks could push customers to the black market, the study warned.
The EY study, said these pressures, “could in turn lead to leakage to the black market, i.e. operators offering remote (mainly desktop and mobile) gambling products that do not hold a UK Gambling Commission license for remote gambling.”
European countries applying tough sanctions on betting, including restrictions on stakes, blanket affordability checks and curbs on advertising, have witnessed an increase in black market betting.
Norway’s black market now accounts for over 66% of all money staked, in France it is 57%, while in In Italy 23% of money bet is on illicit sites.
The figures have prompted renewed calls from the BGC to end the uncertainty presented by the Government’s delayed review of gambling laws, and ensure any new regulations put industry on a sustainable foundation for future growth.
CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council Michael Dugher said: “The UK’s regulated betting and gaming sector is a genuine global leader. Some 22.5m adults enjoy a wager, on the lottery, on bingo, on any number of sports, online and in casinos.
“Our members pump billions into the economy, support the Treasury with more billions and support over one hundred thousand jobs.
“But this contribution is never guaranteed. This industry needs to thrive if it is to maintain its status as a global leader.
“As ministers consider the regulatory framework for this industry, they should stop and think, and ensure the decisions they make support a sustainable future.
“This is a sector that is ready to invest, on hard-pressed high streets through bookmakers, in tourism and hospitality through world-class casinos and online where our tech giant members are looking to increase the number of apprentices they hire.
“We urge the Government to find an evidence-led, balanced White Paper that protects the vulnerable, allows the vast majority who bet safely to continue to do so, and crucially allows business to thrive.”
The Government has promised a White Paper outlining a review of current Gambling legislation within weeks.
The industry standards body, the BGC, has launched 20 standards and initiatives since it was established three years ago to drive up standards.
Michael Dugher added: “This industry is serious about safer gambling, and it’s encouraging that the rates of problem gambling among UK adults remains low by international standards at 0.3 percent.
“We want to see technology used to ensure checks on spending are carefully targeted towards the vulnerable, not the vast majority who show no signs of harm.
“But without Government clarity on affordability checks, our members are concerned they are driving frustrated customers to the unsafe, unregulated black market.
“These sites have none of the safer gambling tools employed by our members, do nothing to protect young people, don’t invest anything in the sports we love like horse racing, rugby, darts and football and crucially don’t contribute a penny in tax.”
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Springbok Casino Exposes Unethical Wildlife Tourism in August Feature – Plus 25 Free Spins on Hades’ Flames of Fortune
This August, SpringbokCasino.co.za ewr45is shedding light on the dark side of animal tourism while turning up the heat with a sizzling offer: 25 Free Spins to play the blazing new underworld slot, Hades’ Flames of Fortune, all month long.
From cuddling lion cubs to diving with baited sharks, many popular animal attractions promise adventure but deliver exploitation. This month, Springbok Casino pulls back the curtain on harmful practices—revealing the truth behind these unethical encounters and offering better, cruelty-free alternatives.
THE WILD SIDE OF WRONG – FIVE ANIMAL ADVENTURES YOU SHOULD NEVER BOOK
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The post Springbok Casino Exposes Unethical Wildlife Tourism in August Feature – Plus 25 Free Spins on Hades’ Flames of Fortune appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Elantil, the pioneering platform solutions provider that’s steadily redefining relationships between operators and suppliers, has announced it has formed a new partnership with RubyPlay that will further extend the range of casino titles available in its online marketplace.
Celebrated for its game’s immersive themes and innovative bonus features, RubyPlay has been recognised across the industry with several notable awards, including FTN Game of the Year for its Mad Hit® Olympic First slot and Favourite Casino Company at the 2023 B.F.T.H Arena Awards.
Fully licensed and regulated in a number of key iGaming jurisdictions across the globe, RubyPlay has consistently raised the bar in terms of what’s possible from an online video slot by introducing a number of ground-breaking game mechanics such as the ever-popular Immortal Ways®, Giga Match® and Go High®.
With this in mind, the provider is certain to be a hugely popular addition to Elantil’s Marketplace and will now be available to all operators via a simple one-click integration, with Elantil giving operators the freedom to contact RubyPlay directly and form the terms of their own agreements.
As this effectively cuts out the middleman and ensures that no extra costs are ever charged on Elantil’s side, operators are given complete control over the length and conditions of their contract and need only enter their login details in the marketplace to enjoy a speedy, hassle-free set-up.
The new partnership will therefore enable Elanti’s operators to quickly integrate and roll out over 100 thrilling casino titles on their platforms, with this further increasing the choice available via Elantil’s Marketplace while also ensuring that RubyPlay’s content reaches more players worldwide.
John Debono, Chief Technical Officer at Elantil, said: “Since launching Elantil’s Marketplace, we’ve steadily set about building a first-class collection of casino content that’s easily accessible to operators via a simple one-click integration – and the addition of RubyPlay games will certainly strengthen our offering further. Known for their engaging titles and innovative bonus mechanics, we’re sure RubyPlay will prove to be a popular software partner for Elantil’s operators going forward.”
Dr. Eyal Loz, Chief Product Officer at RubyPlay, said: “Much like Elantil, RubyPlay is a company that’s always strived to disrupt the industry through its creative ideas and cutting-edge innovation, so we couldn’t think of a better partner to be teaming up with. Being integrated into Elantil’s Marketplace will ensure that our content is put in front of an even wider audience and we’re really looking forward to supporting their operators.”
The post Elantil strengthens marketplace portfolio with RubyPlay partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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ICONIC21, the in-demand iGaming content provider, is letting players experience the pulsing energy of an unforgettable Vegas night in its latest slot release, Neon Paradise Hold & Win.
A new kind of glow is lighting up the game board in this bold and bright slot that brings a modern twist to a proven and always popular game mechanic.
Players get to experience the thrills of the classic 3×5 reel setup, aiming to collect six or more Diamond symbols to unlock the Bonus Game.
This is a fast-moving round where Sticky symbols and Re-spins take centre stage. Every new symbol resets the counter, building tension as players edge closer to the full grid.
When that happens, the Grand Jackpot is triggered and the game’s most dazzling rewards unlocked. Those that want to head straight to the action can via the option to Buy the Bonus. There are ten paylines active in the base game, with a max win potential of 4,250x up for grabs.
As with all of the provider’s slots, Neon Paradise Hold & Win is offered in real-money and social/sweepstakes formats to meet the demand it’s already experiencing from both types of operators for its existing suite of games.
Edvardas Sadovskis, CPO at ICONIC21, said: “Neon Paradise Hold & Win captures the essence of a legendary night in Las Vegas and combines it with the thrills and anticipation of the Hold & Win format.
“This being an ICONIC21 slot, we have elevated the gameplay with some dazzling bonus features, including the Bonus Game, which comes with Sticky symbols and Respins.
“Throw in the Grand Jackpot and option to Buy the Bonus and you have a truly compelling online slot experience that will leave players basking in the neon glow of potentially big wins.”
The post Experience the thrill of a Vegas night in Neon Paradise: Hold & Win from ICONIC21 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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INSPIRED ENTERTAINMENT INTRODUCES THREE NEW iGAMING SLOT RELEASES THIS JULY: CHILI POPPERS™, BICHOS MAGICOS™ & BIGGER PIGGY BANK™
