Press Releases
UKGC: Information for operators re-opening land-based gambling premises
As restrictions on the lockdown ease the UKGC has published a number of frequently asked questions covering its expectations from land-based operators.
These FAQs are aimed at helping operators manage compliance with Government guidance on reopening with continued compliance with the Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).
The Commission is also reminding operators they are still expected to continue to follow Customer Interaction guidance as doors are reopened to consumers.
Frequently asked questions
Which premises can open from 15 June?
Just betting offices in England are able to open from 15 June.
Do Operators still have to meet all the Gambling Act and LCCP requirements?
Yes, there are no changes to operators’ obligations. We therefore expect operators to have confidence in their ability to be fully compliant with our requirements when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.
Will the Commission undertake premises-based assessments?
The Commission’s approach will support the following Government objectives as set out in guidance:
- To minimise the contact resulting from visits to stores or outlets
- To minimise the number of unnecessary visits to offices
- To minimise non-essential travel
This means that the Commission will look to obtain premises information by remote means. This includes requesting electronic data or recordings and where possible/necessary undertaking Skype meetings.
Will Licensing Authorities undertake premises-based assessments?
LA requirements remain the same. Individual LAs will undertake their own risk assessments and implement policies and procedures accordingly.
Who do I report my concerns to if I think government Covid-19 guidelines are not being followed correctly?
The Gambling Commission is not responsible for addressing breaches of Covid19 guidance. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Local Authorities, and local Police Forces (England & Wales only) have the relevant information on their websites.
Risk Assessments
General business risk assessment
Whilst not a requirement, we would expect operators to consider the risks posed to compliance with the Act, LCCP and associated guidance. As such we may seek evidence to support this.
Do operators need to review their premises [local] risk assessment(s)?
Operators may have to implement changes to manage social distancing and to protect staff and customers. Where these changes are significant, and could affect the mitigation of local risks, operators must review and where necessary update their risk assessments.
Do operators need to update their AML risk assessment?
Land based operators in the regulated sector are required to regularly review their AML risk assessments. Casinos are not reopening in June, but we would expect them to review the risks when they do. Operators in the unregulated sector are expected to review the risks and if required update any risk assessments.
Premises
What do operators need to consider if they are putting screens around machines for customer protection?
Operators must ensure that whatever measures they put in place to socially distance customers, staff can continue to supervise the premises, monitor customers behaviour for signs of gambling-related harm and monitor compliance with age-restrictions.
Do the social distancing rules mean customer interactions are suspended?
No. Operators must ensure that staff can and do undertake customer interactions that are meaningful and effective and that they comply with the LCCP and with our Customer Interaction guidance .
Do operators still need to undertake Age Verification (AV) check programs?
Operators are still required to undertake these programs. Suppliers (e.g. Serve Legal) could also be undertaking their own business risk assessments that may require changes to the process.
If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to undertake AV checks?
Yes, Government guidance states that customers can be asked to remove their masks for AV checks. If customers refuse, then staff should follow operator guidance on refusing service.
If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to enforce self-exclusions?
Yes. There are no changes to an operator’s responsibilities. Operators are expected to review their policies and procedures and to take a pragmatic approach.
Can operators move their gaming machines to allow for social distancing? Where plans submitted to LA stipulate specific areas for machines (most likely betting shops) operators must contact the LA for advice first.
Can operators expand the use of TITO?
We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities, in particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Operators must ensure that they can evidence appropriate controls when installing TITO and all gaming machines must comply with the relevant technical standards.
Can betting operators increase the number of SSBTs?
We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities. In particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Provided operators can evidence appropriate controls when installing SSBTs, use can be expanded.
Can operators replace safer gambling messaging (posters/leaflets etc.) with social distancing/Covid 19 messaging?
Our guidance on the provision and display of information has not changed.
Will the Commission suspend test-purchasing?
We will continue to carry out test-purchasing to identify those that are operating unlawfully.
What will the Commission do about the period of time during which there were no test-purchase exercises?
We do not want operators to be disadvantaged and so we will be calculating results only for the periods during which premises are open.
Staff
What happens if staff will not or cannot undertake customer interactions due to social distancing or Covid 19 concerns?
Operators must ensure customer interactions take place. Staffing issues are a matter for individual operators, but our expectation is that they are confident in their abilities to meet all of our requirements, including customer interactions, when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.
What happens if a PML goes sick with C-19 or has to self-isolate?
Our expectation is that operators will have in place contingency plans. So long as this is the case, wherever possible the Commission will be flexible on arrangements.
Aviatrix, the groundbreaking crash game renowned for its unique engagement mechanics, is building new partnerships in Italy following the granting of a certificate in the country.
The Italian certificate enables Aviatrix to collaborate with operators regulated by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, introducing casinos fans in Italy to the award-winning game for the first time.
Players at many of the biggest brands in Italy will soon be enjoying Aviatrix.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “We are excited to be bringing Aviatrix to players in Italy for the first time. This is a market where innovation and player engagement are highly valued, so we’re certain our product will be a great fit. And more than that, we have an opportunity to play a central role in one of Europe’s most vibrant online gaming cultures. We can’t wait to get started with operators in the country.”
Aviatrix is fast establishing itself as an important game in regulated jurisdictions, as it already is in emerging ones.
The post Aviatrix flying in Italy following certificate approval appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has launched its pirate-themed title, Tortuga Codex. This 5×4 slot casts players on a journey on the hunt for untold riches buried on a mysterious island.
A Skull symbol acts as the Wild and will substitute for any other symbol to increase the chances of a win. An intriguing element to the game lies in the Additional Reel feature which sits above the main frame. It’s in sync with the main reels, displaying Wild symbols, special pirate icons, and numbers from one to nine. When three or more bomb Scatters come in, numbers on the Additional Reel become active multipliers in the bonus game. The more Scatters appear, the higher each multiplier value, amplifying the potential winnings.
In the main game, the Wild scatters a random number of Wild symbols onto the reels if there is a Scatter underneath it. When the Bonus Game is hit, the Wild symbol will be replaced by the number 9. Pirate Bob, Pirate Patrick and Pirate Girl symbols replace all minor symbols if there is a Scatter symbol underneath them. These symbols will be replaced by the numbers 8, 7 and 6 respectively.
The Treasure Chest symbol awards players with a random win ranging from 5 to 1000 bets if there is a Scatter symbol under it. This symbol is replaced by the number 5 when the Bonus game begins. A Coin gives the player a win of 10 bets on the game if there is a Scatter symbol underneath it – transforming into the number 4 for the Bonus. All numbers on the Additional Reel that fall out or appear in place of symbols will go into the Bonus Game when three or more Scatters appear on the reels. Hitting four Scatters will increase each number by one, landing five Scatters will increase each number by three – the maximum is nine.
Players trigger the Bonus Game with three or more bomb Scatters. Before it begins, the first and second cells open up on the Additional Reel at the top, then players must choose a chest that contains either a Plus, Multiplier, or a noose, which concludes the round. As players move down through the levels, the multipliers can increase depending on the chest’s bounty – the maximum is 59049x.
Sergey Chernyavski, Belatra Games’ CCO, said: “Tortuga Codex takes players deep into the perilous seas filled with hidden mysteries, legendary treasures, and ancient artefacts waiting to be uncovered on the reels. The Bonus feature gives players the perfect opportunity to chart a course to winnings.”
The post Set sail on a pirate quest with Belatra’s Tortuga Codex appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry-leading B2B iGaming marketplace unveils collaboration with the high-performance sportsbook and iGaming platform provider to supply even more solutions to clients
Betbazar – the innovative technology company behind the world’s leading B2B iGaming marketplace – has this month revealed details of a recent partnership with GR8 Tech that will enable it to provide an impressive array of sportsbook solutions to customers.
With GR8 Tech being one of the industry’s most forward-thinking providers of sportsbook and iGaming platform software, the collaboration means all BETBAZAR clients will be able to choose from a wide range of products aimed at providing a more immersive online experience to players.
While GR8 Tech’s award-winning sportsbook platform, MTS (managed trading services), and streamlined iFrame will all be available via the BETBAZAR marketplace, the star of the show from an operator’s perspective will certainly be the company’s critically acclaimed sportsbook data feed.
GR8 Tech developed this innovative solution to empower iGaming companies to supply an enhanced sportsbook experience to their customers. The GR8 Feed delivers real-time odds, scores, and statistics on approximately 100,000 events from the industry’s most trusted providers.
Covering everything from esports to American football, the feed itself is seamlessly integrated through an API and can harness the power of artificial intelligence to deliver live alerts and a dashboard that breathes life into customers’ statistics. All of this is backed up by bulletproof security features and a dedicated support team that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Given the data feed’s scope to improve clients’ revenue streams and the myriad benefits offered by all of the other GR8 Tech solutions, the partnership will further establish BETBAZAR’s marketplace as the go-to destination for customers’ iGaming needs. Both parties are already looking forward to the numerous opportunities the collaboration should bring.
Alex Iaroshenko, Chief Executive Officer at BETBAZAR, said: “It goes without saying that if you want to be the iGaming industry’s leading B2B marketplace, you have to be able to offer the best products available – and in GR8 Tech’s innovative range of sportsbook solutions, we believe we’ve found a selection of services that will empower operators to offer a best-in-class user experience.
“Covering everything from sportsbook platforms, managed trading services, and the company’s celebrated data feed, the GR8 Tech products available in our marketplace will ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation while also offering a comprehensive range of options to customers.”
Oleksandr Feshchenko, Deputy CEO & CRO at GR8 Tech, said: “At GR8 Tech, we really believe in the quality of our products and their potential to help operators stand out and maximise their revenue streams – so the next step is obviously to ensure they’re seen by as many customers as possible.
“By partnering with BETBAZAR and making our solutions available via their industry-leading B2B worldwide marketplace, we’ll be able to guarantee that even more prospective clients will have access to the services we offer. This will in turn allow us to empower even more operators to provide an enhanced experience to their end users.”
The post BETBAZAR strengthens product line-up with GR8 Tech partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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