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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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Play’n GO breaks new ground with entrance into third Argentinian province

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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.

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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.

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Tequity agrees RGS licensing deal with Fantasma Games

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Realistic Games introduces endless spins in Maxiplier

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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.

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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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