Connect with us

Uncategorized

Racing TV survey uncovers significant black market threat

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

A recent Racing TV survey has drawn a strong response among its members, with more than 3,500 having their say on the Gambling Act Review and the spectre of the black market.

Racing TV is fully supportive of the objectives of the Gambling Act Review in protecting those at risk of gambling harm. In what is the first consumer survey to assess the scale of the black market and affordability checks, the key findings were:

  • 80% of the 3,469 respondents said they would not like to see mandatory limits imposed by bookmakers
  • 15% of 3,539 respondents said they bet, or know someone that bets, with an unregulated online bookmaker
  • 22% of 3,575 respondents said they have been asked to supply personal information
  • 50% (404 respondents) of those asked to supply this information, refused to do so
  • 92% of 3,237 respondents said they would consider using a different bookmaker if no personal information was required

Affordability checks and loss limits have been key focal areas of the ongoing Gambling Act Review and will draw most attention when the White Paper is published.

Reports in the media last year indicated that a leaked draft of the White Paper contained fixed loss limit thresholds. These are highly contentious for our survey respondents. Nearly 80% of the 3,469 respondents said they would not like to see mandatory limits imposed by bookmakers.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Perhaps the most worrying of these findings was that 15% of the 3539 respondents to the below question said that they bet, or they know someone that bets, with an unregulated online bookmaker.

In the absence of clear direction from the Gambling Commission, and while the wait for the publication of the White Paper goes on, many bookmakers have introduced affordability checks, some of which, such as requests for payslips, bank statements or P60s, could be considered intrusive.

More than 22% of the 3,575 respondents to the below question suggested that they have been asked to supply such documents.

Just over half of those who had been asked to supply such documents declined to do so.

In addition, more than 92% of 3,237 respondents to the below question suggested they would consider using a bookmaker, which didn’t require documentation.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Martin Stevenson, CEO of Racing TV’s parent company Racecourse Media Group, said: “The widespread response to the Racing TV survey shows how much the ongoing Gambling Act Review, combined with their recent experiences, is affecting our members.

“Our survey revealed that 15% of respondents bet, or know someone that bets, with an unregulated bookmaker, which is of real concern. With millions of customers betting on racing, the findings of this survey indicate that hundreds of thousands of punters are potentially using the black market.

“This survey is clear evidence that shows that the black market is real and substantial and suggests that affordability checks are having the effect of moving a significant number of affected punters out of the UK-regulated environment and so exposing them to potential harm. This must be a pyrrhic victory and the opposite to what affordability checks set out to achieve.

“We have shared this information with the Gambling Commission and hope that they can take account of this in their assessment of the black market. The evidence suggests it exists and is only building.”

Stevenson went on: “Nearly a quarter (22%) responded yes to the question on whether they had been asked for personal information, with 50% refusing to comply. This is a strikingly high percentage, demonstrating consumers’ rejection of this intrusion on their leisure activity.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“The inference that 22% of racing punters are at risk of harm is very challenging to believe and appears excessive when compared against the overall prevalence of problem gambling.

“In addition, RMG has seen a material decline in online betting turnover on horseracing in 2022. The Racing Post has estimated the sport could lose up to £40m of funding each year. Everyone involved in the industry should be deeply concerned. The impact of affordability checks is that the sport is suffering a heavy financial toll.”

The former Minister with responsibility for Horseracing and Gambling, Paul Scully, recently indicated how the Government were approaching affordability checks, saying: “It is not the role of the government, it is not the role of the Gambling Commission, to tell people how much of their salary they are ‘allowed to’ spend on gambling.”

Stevenson continued: “I hope that the new Minister with responsibility for Horseracing and Gambling will also consider the results of this survey as part of the ongoing work on the Gambling Act Review. It has been long overdue, in this process, to consider the attitudes of the consumers themselves in regard to how they choose to spend their time and money. I was very glad to hear the former Minister acknowledge that in his recent speech.

“Applying universal limits does not recognise the wide range of natural betting behaviours, events, seasonality or differing individual financial circumstances. The undoubted highlight of the Jumps season, the upcoming Cheltenham Festival – which is the major focus for many punters – is clearly a case in point. To that end, I was pleased to see the former Minister stating that a ‘one size fits all approach’ was not the intention.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“I’d like to thank all our members who took part in the survey.”

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Uncategorized

Springbok Casino Exposes Unethical Wildlife Tourism in August Feature – Plus 25 Free Spins on Hades’ Flames of Fortune

Published

on

springbok-casino-exposes-unethical-wildlife-tourism-in-august-feature-–-plus-25-free-spins-on-hades’-flames-of-fortune
Reading Time: < 1 minute

This AugustSpringbokCasino.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

Each week, the casino will spotlight a different unethical wildlife tourism practice, including:

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
  • The Lion Lie – Why petting cubs fuels canned hunting
  • Bait & Switch – The hidden cruelty of baited shark dives
  • The Elephant in the Room – The suffering behind elephant rides
  • Selfie Stress – How cheetah encounters exploit wildlife
  • Wild Shows, Trapped Lives – The cruelty of animal performances

“We believe in entertainment that doesn’t come at the expense of animals,” says Daniel Van Wyke, Springbok Casino Manager“This month we’re giving players a chance to enjoy wins while learning how to protect wildlife responsibly.

AUGUST FREE SPINS
25 Free Spins for Hades’ Flames of Fortune
Coupon Code: WILDWRONG

At SpringbokCasino.co.za South African players enjoy top-notch customer support in both English and Afrikaans, with hundreds of exciting slots and table games— all playable in Rands. Whether you’re on mobile or playing instantly online, the action is always within reach.

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.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Elantil strengthens marketplace portfolio with RubyPlay partnership

Published

on

elantil-strengthens-marketplace-portfolio-with-rubyplay-partnership
Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Experience the thrill of a Vegas night in Neon Paradise: Hold & Win from ICONIC21

Published

on

experience-the-thrill-of-a-vegas-night-in-neon-paradise:-hold-&-win-from-iconic21
Reading Time: < 1 minute

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania