Latest News
UK Gambling Firms Accused of Exaggerating Scale of Black Market Betting
UK Gambling firms have been accused of concocting a “dodgy dossier” to exaggerate the scale of black market betting, in an attempt to influence an upcoming government review expected to result in tougher regulation.
Gambling industry figures recently seized on a report claiming that 200,000 people in the UK spend £1.4bn on black market sites every year, warning that tougher regulation could drive more people into the arms of “unscrupulous” operators.
But in a letter to a cross-party group of MPs examining gambling-related harm, the Gambling Commission’s chief executive, Neil McArthur, delivered a withering assessment of the report.
The boss of the gambling regulator said the report, written by consultancy PwC, was “not consistent with the intelligence picture” and did not distinguish between real consumers using black market sites and bots or other automated systems.
He said the report should be treated cautiously, adding that it lacked any evidence to show an increase in illicit betting.
“We know that licensed operators and their trade bodies are concerned about the impact of the illegal market, but our own evidence suggests that the impact may be being exaggerated,” he said.
McArthur said black market concerns should be kept in proportion “despite … reports from consultants paid for by the industry, and should not distract from the need to continue to drive up standards and make gambling safer in the regulated market.”
Such direct criticism from the regulator will be a blow for the industry lobby group, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which has repeatedly referred to the report to back its arguments against stricter regulations.
The government is considering a range of measures that could involve limiting stakes on online virtual slot machines, or forcing web-based casinos to carry out thorough affordability checks if customers deposit a certain amount per month.
McArthur dismissed BGC’s suggestion that such measures could fuel a surge in black market operations.
“In any event, we are not convinced by the argument that suggests that raising standards in the licensed market will prompt consumers to gamble with illegal operators,” he said.
The Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who chairs the MPs’ group that receive the letter, said: “The online gambling industry talks up the threat of the black market in an attempt to resist regulation and protect its profits, but trying to hijack the debate by manufacturing dodgy dossiers of information to further their own ends is an incredibly transparent tactic and will not be any kind of excuse to hold down standards.”
The BGC and several of the UK’s major betting companies, which commissioned the report, refused a request to provide a copy.
But the Guardian has since obtained both a draft version, dated April 2019, and a final version, dated July 2019.
The two appear identical except that the final version removed a reference to the three firms that commissioned it, Ladbrokes owner GVC, William Hill and The Stars Group, which owned SkyBet and has since merged with Paddy Power owner Flutter.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, a former adviser to Jeremy Corbyn who runs the campaign group Clean Up Gambling, said: “The gambling industry has been quoting from this report as it attempts to drive a race to the bottom in regulation. Having finally seen the contents, it’s clear why it was reluctant to make this report available for public scrutiny.”
A BGC spokesperson said countries with tougher regulation than the UK had bigger black market problems.
“We have repeatedly called on the government to use the online harms bill to crack down on access to these sites, and we would support financial service providers being obliged to block black market transactions,” he said.
Argentina
Play’n GO breaks new ground with entrance into third Argentinian province
Swedish gaming giants’ games now available in the province of Córdoba’s newly regulated market
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced their expansion into yet another new regulated market, as the Swedish gaming giant has agreed a partnership with Betsson in the province of Córdoba, Argentina.
Argentina is currently in a process of regulation for online gaming purposes on a province-by-province basis, and the partnership with Betsson sees Play’n GO enter yet another regulated market, keeping up the momentum from 2023 that saw the company expand its global reach.
This announcement sees Betsson’s players in Córdoba gain access to Play’n GO’s entire catalogue of games, including classics such as Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and Moon Princess.
This announcement is a signal of intent from Play’n GO, who reiterate their commitment to be present in every regulated market in the world.
Michele Stefanelli, Sales Leader, LATAM and Southern Europe, Play’n GO said: “Our first foray into a new region is always exciting for us, and we’re looking forward to a successful partnership with Betsson in Córdoba. Players around the world, and especially in the LATAM region, have already shown their fondness for our content, and we’re quietly confident that this new region will be no different. We are on record with our commitment to a safe, regulated industry, and we’re very pleased to see that approach rolled out globally by lawmakers and operators alike.”
Maximiliano Bellio, Managing Director Betsson Argentina, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Play’n GO to the Betsson family here in the Córdoba region, and we look forward to many years of success together. Like Play’n GO, Betsson is committed to a sustainable industry model, so this partnership makes perfect sense for both parties. We’re sure our players will be as excited as we are once they start playing these games that have proven so popular around the world, so let’s get started.”
Play’n GO’s games are already available in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Province within Argentina’s federal system.
Latest News
Tequity agrees RGS licensing deal with Fantasma Games
Listed Swedish studio to benefit from increased speed to market
Tequity, the up-and-coming iGaming software pioneer, has agreed an integration deal with innovative studio Fantasma Games.
The integration of Tequity’s agile, licensed modular platform is expected to boost the speed-to-market capabilities of Fantasma, as the studio aims to grow its presence in key markets including North America.
Tequity’s platform incorporates a Remote Gaming Server (RGS) that increases operational efficiencies. Once live, Fantasma will be able to reach the next level by adding partners at a quicker rate, as it looks to meet operator demand for fresh types of content including increasingly popular sweepstakes.
The latest deal, with a studio listed on the Swedish stock market, follows on from successful launches of Tequity technology with sports betting-focused Parlaybay, multiplayer specialist BeyondPlay and slots supplier AvatarUX.
Tequity offers founders, start-ups, scale-ups and established companies across the iGaming sector a wide range of software modules that can be hand-picked to meet the needs of specific projects.
Krzysztof Opałka, Chief Technology Officer at Tequity, said: “We are excited to be working with Fantasma Gaming, to help further their growth in key markets worldwide.
“This partnership illustrates the power of our platform in delivering an efficient RGS solution that speeds up the launch process of their top-quality content. The Tequity platform offers a strong foundation for licensees wishing to create and deliver unique content to operators.”
Fredrik Johansson, CEO and Founder of Fantasma Games, added: “Thanks to the Tequity platform, Fantasma Games is working faster and smarter across a number of areas, allowing us to bring innovative content to our partners at speed.
“This integration significantly boosts our growth potential, as we look to increase the number of operator partners we work with around the world and deliver them relevant, localised and exciting games.”
The post Tequity agrees RGS licensing deal with Fantasma Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Realistic Games introduces endless spins in Maxiplier
Maxiplier combines a retro-inspired theme with revolutionary gameplay. Speedometer-style icons, on reels two and four, act as both wilds and multipliers that can increase wins up to 20x. Land two of these multipliers simultaneously for a potential max multiplier of 400x.
Maxiplier will launch with the highly anticipated 1-2-infinity ante bet mechanic. Land two scatters on the first two reels and trigger an infinite amount of respins. Collect wins until the third scatter lands, unlocking the thrilling free spins round.
The free spins round features enhanced multiplier wilds alongside the 1-2-Infinity respins, for even bigger wins. This exciting bonus builds upon the success of Realistic Games’ recent hits like Fortune Fortress and Chicken or the Egg? solidifying its position as an industry innovator.
Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, said: “We’re excited to be launching Maxiplier, a game with fresh mechanics that allows players the chance to win infinite respins. Multiplier wilds in both the base game and free spins keep things thrilling, and the 1-2-Infinity ante bet adds another layer of engagement.
“We expect players to love the chance for endless respins, a feature we’ve evolved from our popular Catch 22 slot. We can’t wait to see the response from players and operators alike!”
The post Realistic Games introduces endless spins in Maxiplier appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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