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UKGC Moves to Increase Consumer Protections in Online Gambling

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The gambling regulator in the United Kingdom has found that under its rules, consumer protections and social responsibility measures around the use of gambling machines could be significantly improved.

In a report issued this week, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) made recommendations that would harden protections for gambling consumers (including those participating in gambling over the internet) following a thorough review of the gambling industry in the country.

The purpose of the review was to “reduce the risks that consumers, especially those that are vulnerable, face from gambling,” and the report calls upon industry stakeholders including the government, the UK Gambling Commission and gambling providers to play a role in the achievement of the stated initiatives.

Many of the headlines coming out of the UKGC’s review focus on recommended changes to range of acceptable stakes for fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs), electronic gambling games that return a predetermined percentage of the overall money wagered to the consumer as winnings over the course of time.

Examples of FOBTs include roulette, slot machines, bingo and simulated horse and dog races. FOBTs are traditionally found in land-based betting shops, but with the growing popularity of online gambling, and in particular online gambling that takes place on mobile devices, the recommendations made by the UKGC will likely have a much broader impact on the gambling industry in the United Kingdom.

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STAKE LIMITS FOR FOBTS

In conjunction with making a recommendation regarding stake limits for FOBT, authorities sought the input of other stakeholders including local authorities, political organizations, faith groups and licensed gaming operators.

Gaming operators suggested keeping the current stake levels and enhancing responsible gaming measures as a way to further protect consumers. However, other stakeholders proposed lowering the maximum stake levels as their preferred strategy.

The report recommends a sharp reduction in stake limits for FOBTs. Currently, these betting devices have a maximum stake limit of £100 and a limit of £500 on the amount of the prize a consumer can win from their wager. The report suggests reducing the stake limit to £2 for FOBT slots games and £30 for other FOBT games.

In addition to revising the allowable stake levels, the regulator also recommends measures that would further limit the amount that a player can lose over a certain period of time by adjusting the volatility of returns and the speed of play.

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THE UNITED KINGDOM’S LIGHT TOUCH APPROACH TO ONLINE GAMBLING

Traditionally, the UKGC has been known for its “light touch” approach to online gaming regulations. Compared to other gaming regulators round the world, The UKGC has imposed fewer restrictions on online gambling operators.

One such example is the way the UKGC treats online poker player pools, commonly referred to as “liquidity.” Most other major online gambling regulators around the world have limited the players that can be included in an online poker operators’ games by creating regulations that require operators to segregate their player pools in their jurisdiction from the companies’ other operations in other countries.

This closed liquidity model has proven detrimental to online poker, and while regulators in jurisdictions such as France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and New Jersey have learned their lesson in this regard and have moved away from the closed liquidity model, current regulations still restrict the sharing of player liquidity to other jurisdictions that have similar regulatory requirements and have established a formal agreement between the government authorities in those jurisdictions.

In contrast, the UKGC allows online poker operators to offer games to those in the UK that include players from outside of the country. This is of particular value to players that choose to play on sites that have a large global presence, as it provides a wider choice of games, stakes and far bigger prize pools for poker tournaments than operators in a closed or limited liquidity jurisdiction.

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However, as part of its review, the UKGC has recognized a number of areas in the online gaming sector in which it can implement improvements to further enhance the effectiveness of the protection of consumers.

UNFAIR PRACTICES IN ONLINE GAMBLING PROMOTIONS

The online gambling market in the UK was established in 2014 and represents the largest regulated online gambling market in the world. In the UK, the industry now generates £4.7 billion gross gambling yield (GGY) per year and growth in the sector is expected to continue. Considering the size of the market, it is no wonder that the regulator paid particular attention to the igaming side of the industry.

The UKGC made recommendations for policy changes in several areas of online gaming.

One area that the UKGC is looking to shore up its regulations is around unclear and/or unfair terms and conditions on gambling sites. A review by the regulator found “widespread instances of unfair terms and practices in relation to promotional offers.”

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These days, at many online casinos no deposit is required to be able to play for real money, but the significant restrictions that accompany some of these promotional offers have angered consumers, which in turn has put the issue on the radar of the gaming regulator.

Warnings have been issued to some licensed operators, and the UKGC has already begun consulting on amendments to the regulations. “We will also publish guidance for operators and ADRs on unfair terms, and provide more information to consumers about the treatment they should expect to receive,” the regulator stated in the report.

UNDERAGE CONSUMERS OF ONLINE GAMBLING

Making sure that underaged people are not engaging in online gambling is an area of particular interest to the regulator. A recent study found that 3% of children ages 11 to 16 years old claimed to have gambled on the internet.

In addition, broader concerns were raised about the availability of some online social games. While these games are not technically considered gambling, in part because they are free and provide no monetary prize, “they may encourage young people to gamble,” the regulator contends.

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As of now, there are no requirements for playing social-style casino games offered by licensed operators, but the regulator has flagged this issue and plans on possibly amending its regulations to require age verification for those seeking to play those games. The UKGC is also concerned about “gambling-style games that are offered by non-gambling operators” which fall outside of the purview of the regulator.

 

Source: Pokerfuse


Source: European Gaming Media and Events

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Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know

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The iGaming industry is advancing at breakneck speed, driven by technological innovation and evolving player expectations. Itai Zak, Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, emphasizes the importance of bridging client aspirations with customized business solutions. Key trends shaping the future of iGaming include live dealer games, blockchain integration, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enhanced personalization, and shifting regulatory environments. Let’s delve into how these trends influence the industry, presenting new opportunities while paving the way for future growth.

A Closer Look at Emerging Trends

  • Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are revolutionizing the online gaming experience, blending the best aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of virtual gaming. Players can now engage with real-life dealers via high-definition video streams, enhancing the social component of online gambling. This bridge between physical and virtual casinos introduces interactive features like live chat and immersive gameplay. Industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt are setting new standards in player engagement with innovative game formats and top-tier studio setups, redefining the realism and appeal of live gaming.

  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration

Blockchain technology is transforming iGaming by offering unparalleled transparency and security. With blockchain’s ability to enable provably fair gaming, players can verify that each round is fair via an immutable ledger. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate faster, more secure transactions, catering to tech-savvy players who value privacy. Platforms like Bitcasino.io are leading the way, leveraging blockchain to ensure fairness and seamless payments. However, the rise of blockchain also attracts regulatory attention, requiring operators to balance innovation with compliance as governments navigate this new technology.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are instrumental in enhancing player experience and operational efficiency. AI algorithms analyze player behavior in real-time, offering personalized game recommendations and promotions. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving user satisfaction. AI-driven predictive analytics also help operators fine-tune marketing strategies based on player preferences. Companies like Bet365 are already using these technologies to stay ahead of the competition, offering more personalized and efficient gaming experiences.

  • Richer Personalization and Engagement

Personalization has become crucial for iGaming operators looking to boost player satisfaction and retention. By leveraging data analytics, companies can offer tailored game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and individualized promotional offers. This level of engagement enhances the player experience and strengthens loyalty. Industry pioneers like DraftKings and FanDuel push the envelope by offering highly customized features, such as personalized fantasy sports leagues and bespoke betting options.

  • Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion

The constantly evolving regulatory landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for iGaming operators. As more regions legalize various forms of online gambling, companies gain access to new markets. With their large populations and increasing internet penetration, emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria represent lucrative opportunities. However, navigating the diverse regulations in these markets requires agility and strict compliance with local laws to succeed.

  • Enhanced Payment Solutions

With digital transactions becoming the norm, the demand for fast, secure, and flexible payment methods is skyrocketing. From digital wallets to instant banking and cryptocurrencies, players expect payment solutions that offer convenience and security. This growing demand is driving innovation in payment processing, giving operators more opportunities to streamline the transaction process while building trust with users.

Future Implications

The Expanding Role of AI and Blockchain

AI and blockchain are not just current trends, but they are poised to play an even more significant role in iGaming’s future. As AI technology evolves, more sophisticated algorithms will emerge, enabling real-time adaptation to player behavior and preferences. Blockchain’s application may extend beyond transparency and security, transforming game mechanics and player interactions potentially redefining how games are designed and played.

Shifting Player Preferences

Player expectations will continue to evolve toward immersive, interactive experiences. As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become more mainstream, they will significantly influence the future of iGaming. Players will demand more engaging, lifelike environments, pushing the industry to create innovative game formats and features that offer deeper immersion and entertainment value.

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Regulatory Developments

The regulatory environment will continue to evolve, and iGaming operators must stay agile to navigate future changes. New regulations may increasingly emphasize responsible gaming and player protection, influencing platform design and operational practices. A more harmonized regulatory framework across jurisdictions could provide stability while requiring operators to prioritize compliance.

Integrating Emerging Technologies

Technologies like 5G and edge computing are set to revolutionize iGaming by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. This will allow for more complex game designs and real-time player interactions, opening new avenues for innovative gaming experiences. As these technologies mature, operators will have greater opportunities to differentiate their offerings. The potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize iGaming is truly exciting and promising for the industry’s future.

Final Thoughts

The iGaming industry is on the cusp of significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and shifting player demands. Innovations like live dealer games, blockchain integration, AI, ML, and enhanced personalization are just the beginning. As the industry evolves, staying ahead of these trends will be critical for operators looking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.

At Digicode, we are constantly exploring new technologies and refining our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our focus on adaptability and foresight ensures that our clients are not just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading it.

The post Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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What makes Turbo Games’ provably fair games so special?

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A partnership between game developer Turbo Games and iGaming solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator began in November 2022 via the APIgrator game integration solution. Since then, the collaboration has been developing successfully — and now it’s time to analyze what made it successful.

Turbo Games has noticed how the new technologies spreading throughout the industry can work for the good of brand transparency and player loyalty: “We can already see how blockchain technology has made it possible to make betting checks more accessible to players. All you need is a blockchain-hash and a decoder service. We think we will continue to move in this direction. Many traditional online casinos do not offer the possibility to check the bet. Sooner or later we all have to come to this. Perhaps the development of artificial intelligence will help here, because we are already seeing its involvement in all spheres of human life.”

Turbo Games specializes in provably fair games. Provable fairness is a concept where players can verify their wins or losses using blockchain technology — the outcome of the game is dictated by a smart contract and is absolutely random, barring the possibility of any human involvement. Using cryptographic hashing algorithms, the gambling site and the player’s device both generate seeds (random strings of numbers). Players receive a key that allows them to check the results; if the results are the same as the game round they witnessed, it proves that there was no foul play.

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According to statistics from Turbo Games, the audience for provably fair games is mostly between 18 and 25 years old. However, there are also players aged 35-40 who prefer traditional games but would like to try something new, and have turned their attention to provably fair games.

There are good odds that the technology of provably fair games will become more popular, if not even commonplace, because it gives players a feeling of transparency and proves that the business is trustworthy without the need to search through dozens of reviews. Whereas many innovations in iGaming simply add entertainment, provable fairness addresses security concerns and reassures players that they’re not being exploited, which is invaluable.

Provably fair games are beneficial for both players and online casinos. Vadim Potapenko, Head of Sales at Turbo Games, comments: “It often happens that the users are not satisfied with the result, because gambling is not only about big wins, but also possible losses. By allowing them to check the fairness of a bet, we make life easier for platforms and players. Of course, this allows us to communicate with partners and users that we work honestly and that’s why they should trust our games.”

Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, adds that “this type of game is now becoming more and more popular and has great potential for both players and game providers in the future. On the part of the player, the advantage is that the player can always be sure that his game is fair and he can independently check any of his bets. And for the game provider, this also simplifies the process of implementing casino games, since now it will not be necessary to obtain the appropriate certificates from independent laboratories before launching new games, they can immediately enter the market with these games and where anyone can check the result and make sure that that there is no cheating with players. Many game providers are starting to look towards this type of game. And as far as I see, many operators are starting to think about adding these games.”

What do players in 2023 need? The iGaming industry is all about reputation and trust. Players have a huge number of platforms to choose from, making them pickier and pickier. There’s an abundance of forums where players leave reviews, so if players view a brand as untrustworthy, there are plenty of places they can share their opinion. Provable fairness not only stops that from happening, it provides evidence to the contrary, giving players something else to talk about.

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Slotegrator also recommends investing time and effort into localization and creating an effective and detailed marketing strategy — before trying provably fair technology players need to get to the platform, and there is no acquisition without marketing.

 

 ABOUT SLOTEGRATOR

Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.

The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.

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The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.

Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.

More information: https://slotegrator.pro/

 

ABOUT TURBO GAMES

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Turbo Games — a provably fair games provider that belongs to Turbo Stars company — has an ambitious goal to establish widespread recognition throughout the iGaming world. Even though it is young, the company consists of professionals who have been working on the brand for over five years and are even planning to introduce a new brand for a wider audience soon.

Turbo Games also works in Europe, India, and South Africa, where the company sees the most potential and expects the same “hype” as in Brazil.

The portfolio of Turbo Games consists of 21 titles, including well-known games like Mines, Crash X, DoubleRoll, Hi-Lo, and Plinko. The studio releases a game every month. However, not all games are developed from scratch. Wicket Blast and Spin Strike, the last two releases, are based on cricket and the Indian Premier League. Crash X remains the most popular fast game in the Turbo Games portfolio, and the studio reports that crash games enjoy stable levels of popularity. Overall, the main focus of the brand is provably fair games.

More information: https://turbogames.io/

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Games Factory Talents has teamed up with Nordic Game to bring you Nordic Game Talents.

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Looking to take your career to the next level in the games industry? Then, Nordic Game Talents is the place to be! Games Factory Talents has teamed up with Nordic Game to bring you Nordic Game Talents.

From Oct 27-29, the online and interactive event is dedicated to recruitment and career building in the creative & games industry within the Nordic region. The event empowers participants to be part of a bigger community and motivates them to explore new paths in achieving their career goals.

Hiring creative & games studios – Supercell, Funcom, Panzerdog, Tactile Games, Gamecan, Fingersoft, Dazzle Rocks, Redhill Games to name a few from the Nordic region will be participating in the event. These studios will share information on their latest projects, work culture and what it takes to be part of their team. The individual games associations from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Estonia will share insights through live sessions on the booming games industry in their respective countries. Career development topics pertinent to job seekers like – How to have a successful first interview, Creative Portfolio reviews will also be discussed.

Experienced game industry professionals and individuals beginning their careers from around the world are welcome to join the event. One-to-one interviews with the hiring studios can be scheduled through the event platform. A great opportunity to get to know the studios and network with game professionals from around the world.

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Participating in the event

As a job seeker attending Nordic Game Talents, take a few minutes to fill out a simple registration form. After filling the registration form you will receive a link to the online event platform – PINE, to join the event on 27th October. Participants joining Nordic Game Talents will also receive a free-of-charge pass to the Nordic Game Conference.

To view the complete agenda, please click here and to learn more about the event please visit Games Job Fair

About Games Factory Talents

A Helsinki-based talent attraction agency dedicated to the games & creative industry. Our services include direct recruitment, organizing game job fairs and managing a community of game industry professionals through our GameDev Talent Board.

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To learn more about Games Factory Talents visit – Games Factory Talents

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