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BGC: Compulsory Affordability Checks Threaten Regulated Betting and Gaming Industry, Warns Major Report by EY

Published

3 years ago

December 14, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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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Gaming in Germany Conference confirms new speakers, breakout program

Published

5 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Gaming in Germany Conference, which will take place November 11 in Berlin, has added several new speakers to its already impressive agenda.

Sebastian Buchholz, Head of Licensing and Market Supervision, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), will deliver the event’s keynote address.

The operator’s perspective will be well represented at this year’s Gaming in Germany Conference, with Christian Heins, Director iGaming Tipico; Alex Green, Vice President – Games, ZEAL Network; and Ewout Keuleers, former General Counsel, Kindred Group all confirmed to make an appearance at our event.

Naturally, attendees will also hear from both German and European trade associations, with Dr. Dirk Quermann, President, Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV); Mathias Dahms, President, Deutscher Sportwettenverband (DSWV); and Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) contributing.

Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany commented: “I am extremely pleased with this year’s speaker lineup. I think it speaks of the relevance of our event, and especially the key topics that we are highlighting this year: the threat of the black market and the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty. I see that licensed operators are highly committed to making the German iGaming market more sustainable and competitive and I am very happy that we are trusted to play a role in promoting fruitful discussion and debate on these topics.”

“As the event takes place while the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty is ongoing, this is certainly the time to be part of the conversation,” van Oort added.

Breakout program and networking opportunities

In addition to its main program, the Gaming in Germany Conference will also feature several highly practical breakout sessions on data compliance, game certification, RG, live casino, eSports, and much more.

The full agenda, including breakout program, is available here.

In addition to a loaded program, the Gaming in Germany Conference also offers plenty of networking opportunities during pre-conference dinner, coffee breaks, lunch, and concluding networking drinks.

Practical information

The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference takes place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku’damm in Berlin – just 100 meters from the magnificent Kurfürstendamm.

The post Gaming in Germany Conference confirms new speakers, breakout program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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PAGCOR LAUNCHES DIGITAL SPACE FOR GAD

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: < 1 minute

PAGCOR proudly launched today its Gender and Development (GAD) Digital Corner dedicated to promoting gender equality, empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity within the organization and beyond.

The digital space features comprehensive GAD-related contents including the latest news and announcements, significant laws and issuances, projects and activities, and other beneficial resources.

The PAGCOR Digital Corner will be displayed as wallpaper on all office desktops with the new GAD logo and a QR code directing to the GAD Digital Corner website from October 16 to November 16, 2025.

This initiative highlights PAGCOR’s continuing support to gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace, in relation to Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women.

The post PAGCOR LAUNCHES DIGITAL SPACE FOR GAD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GMONITOR PUBLISHES THE ONLINE GAMING REPORT IN SPAIN – Q2 2025

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

Gmonitor.ai presents its new Online Gaming Market Report: Spain Q2 2025, which provides an in-depth analysis of the DGOJ data on the regulated market between April and June of this year.

The report places Spanish online gaming in a stage of consolidation: year-on-year growth of 18.6% (€410.3 million in GGR) confirms the strength of the sector, but also the transition towards a more mature market, a trend driven by technology, regulation and operator loyalty. The two leading verticals, online casinos and sports betting, account for more than 94% of revenue, with €216.4 million and €171.4 million respectively.

In addition to financial analysis, the study delves into player behaviour patterns, highlighting a 23.7% increase in deposits and a 28.9% increase in withdrawals, reflecting greater liquidity and spending per active user. However, the number of new accounts registered fell by 11.6% compared to the previous quarter, a sign that the market is beginning to mature and focus more on retention than acquisition.

“The Spanish market has entered a phase where data, regulation and player loyalty define profitability. Gmonitor converts this information into a competitive advantage and lower costs for all players in the sector”, highlights the Gmonitor team.

The document devotes specific sections to casinos, betting, poker and bingo, as well as the regulatory environment and medium- and long-term strategic prospects. The report is available for download and can be complemented with a personalised demonstration of the platform, where users can explore how they can generate their own reports and access more granular information tailored to each user and organisation.

The post GMONITOR PUBLISHES THE ONLINE GAMING REPORT IN SPAIN – Q2 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.