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ThePOGG and BetBlocker are Proud to Announce the Launch of the Responsible Gambling Directory – Supporting Vulnerable Players Worldwide

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2 years ago

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It is with immense pride, and after an incredible amount of work, that Betblocker.org and ThePOGG can announce the arrival of the Responsible Gambling Directory (RGD).  This incredible resource is a master index of the different organisations – free and commercial – around the world that can offer help and support to those experiencing gambling related harms. The RGD is supremely easy to navigate via its 6 master categories: Phone Lines, RG Information, Blocking Gambling, Support Groups, Therapy and Emergency Help.  Geotargeting ensures that the user is only able to view those organisations that can actually support them from their country of residence meaning their pathway to help is a direct one.

A growing frustration at the lack of a central resource of support mechanisms for those with gambling addiction issues led to the co-development of the RGD by BetBlocker – the responsible gambling charity – and ThePOGG.

Most industry experts agree on the fact that blocking softwares – such as that offered free to all be BetBlocker – are vital in bringing about recovery – but fresh insight is highlighting the fact that they work most effectively as part of a raft of support measures. BetBlocker intends to give those with problem gambling tendencies links to all means of support out there so that they are able to take back control of their lives. The RGD is giant hub for these links.

We were interested to hear more on the RGD project from BetBlocker Trustee, Duncan Garvie.

“The Responsible Gaming Directory has been a vast undertaking due to the global scope of the data involved.  We simply would not have been able to bring this to a successful conclusion without assistance from the team at ThePOGG.com.

We are delighted that we are able to create the RGD to help those with gambling addiction issues find the right type of support for them, with ease.  Some players will merely require information on how to pre-empt problem gambling behaviours whilst others will be in the midst of a crisis precipitated by their addiction – regardless – the RGD will lead them to the appropriate category of help in the country in which they are resident.”

BetBlocker is now at the stage of offering the use of their resource to other institutions who have a need for it.  There is no other tool like this out there and so it is invaluable to those organisations that take safer gambling seriously. The BetBlocker team is most willing to build unique branded versions of their tool for any charity, non-profit, public educational institution or regulatory entity wishing to aid their users by making it clear to them just how many problem gambling support mechanisms are out there providing support.

Should any commercial enterprise wish to procure a branded version of the tool (this will include their personal logo and custom colour scheme) then this is also possible by committing to an annual donation in support of the charity, and the important work it does every day of the year.*

We were keen to find out more about these personalised versions of the tool so asked Mr Garvie to explain:

“Well simply put, iGaming operators and other gambling related agencies have direct contact with thousands of players every single day. Way more than we do. There is the potential for any player to experience problem gambling habits, and by working with these other institutions, we can meet the needs of far more vulnerable players than if we insist on hosting this information ourselves.  We aren’t naïve – we know that in reality commercial organisations and charitable agencies – want things on their sites to look “right”.  They want their logos on the pages, the colours to match those of the branding on the rest of the site.  That’s not a big deal to us if it means more players get the help they need more quickly than ever before.  It’s an idea we were all behind.”

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DreamPlay consolidates its status as a global player in the iGaming industry and opens an office and campus in Cyprus

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24 hours ago

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April 4, 2025

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DreamPlay’s ambitions go far beyond simple game development. With a new office in Limassol, the international iGaming solutions provider is expanding its presence in Europe and laying the foundations for a new philosophy of the iGaming business.

The location in Limassol was not chosen by chance – Cyprus has long become the European center of iGaming. It is here that key market players, large operators and financial structures supporting the industry are concentrated. And the high concentration of technology and talented developers allows DreamPlay to form its own ecosystem of talent.

If in the 2010s Cyprus became a hub for classic iGaming operators, today it is a point of attraction for technology companies that are betting on metaverses and the integration of games into a wider digital ecosystem. DreamPlay is one of those shaping this trend.

Google-style campus for game development talents

The DreamPlay office and campus in Limassol are part of the company’s international network of corporate campuses. Similar hubs already operate in Thailand, Bali, Peru, the UAE and Poland. They offer employees comfortable working conditions and the ability to move between locations, accommodation, meals, legal support for stays in different countries. And all this is at the expense of the company. -And the flexible work format and 4-day work week in the company helps DreamPlay talents maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s all about well-established business processes and taking care of the team.

It’s nice to know that you can come to the country, and there is a Dream Campus where friends, like-minded people and someone who can simply take care of you are waiting for you. They will meet you at the airport, give you a tour, accompany you on medical or legal issues. It’s all part of the team.

“iGaming is an industry of emotions. Therefore, the people who create it should work where they feel best. Therefore, in our campuses we create an environment where the team can feel maximum freedom for creativity, focus on creating new breakthrough products. And not be distracted by everyday issues. And we are sure that this gives us a strategic advantage, because we are sure that our employees have received better conditions than their colleagues in other companies. Comfort, flexibility and freedom are part of our global philosophy of DreamPlay,” shares DreamPlay CEO Alex Tkach.

 

What does this mean for the market?

Opening a DreamPlay office in Cyprus is a wise decision, as the company is preparing to enter new markets and partner with the largest iGaming players. It is also a signal to the entire market that the company is moving into the league of global players who dictate trends, rather than following them.

If today Cyprus is another platform for international expansion, then tomorrow DreamPlay may turn into one of the first technology companies in iGaming, operating on the principle of large IT holdings.

And this is where the main intrigue lies: will DreamPlay become the one who fundamentally rethinks the very nature of the industry?

The post DreamPlay consolidates its status as a global player in the iGaming industry and opens an office and campus in Cyprus appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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International Game Technology PLC

IGT Wheel of Fortune Video Poker Makes Global Debut at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

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1 day ago

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April 4, 2025

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International Game Technology PLC announced that it recently introduced its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Video Poker game in the world’s most prolific video poker market: Las Vegas, Nev. Guests of Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino (Downtown Grand) in Downtown Las Vegas became the first players in the world to enjoy legendary IGT multi-hand video poker paired with the puzzle-solving, wheel-spinning fun of Wheel of Fortune via IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Video Poker game.

“Becoming the first casino in the world to offer IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Video Poker was an exciting moment for Downtown Grand and one that generated palpable buzz and significant play on our gaming floor. For decades, our players have enjoyed IGT video poker and Wheel of Fortune slots, so combining the DNA of those two products to create something new is an exciting proposition for our players,” said Rick Coltor, Slots Manager at the Downtown Grand Las Vegas.

“Launching IGT Wheel of Fortune Video Poker in Las Vegas, the world’s largest video poker market, marked another important milestone in the rollout of our expanded Wheel of Fortune games portfolio. Our Wheel of Fortune Video Poker game delivers an ideal blend of proven multi-hand poker, jackpot excitement and the signature elements of Wheel of Fortune games that have propelled the theme’s success for more than 25 years,” said Nick Khin, IGT President, Global Gaming.

IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Video Poker is currently available on the CrystalCurve cabinet. Wheel of Fortune Video Poker incorporates the franchise’s famous puzzle-solving features and the iconic “Wheel Bonus” that has had players chanting “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” for decades. The multi-hand poker game is available in triple-play, five-play and ten-play configurations and can award players 30,000, 50,000 or 100,000 credits, respectively, for a dealt royal flush.

The post IGT Wheel of Fortune Video Poker Makes Global Debut at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Frank Arthofer

MLB Players Sign Licensing Agreement with PENN Entertainment

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1 day ago

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April 4, 2025

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MLB Players Inc., a commercial affiliate of the Major League Baseball Players Association, and OneTeam Partners announced they’ve reached a licensing agreement with PENN Entertainment.

The agreement designates PENN’s sports betting platforms – ESPN BET in the U.S. and theScore BET in Canada – as Officially Licensed Sportsbooks of MLBPI.

PENN now has the rights to use MLB player names, images and likenesses on its sports betting platforms, marketing assets and promotional campaigns.

The deal also includes PENN’s retail sportsbook operations (32 retail sportsbooks at its casino properties, including 19 under the ESPN BET brand).

Last fall, FanDuel and MLBPI reached a similar licensing agreement after the MLB players’ union sued FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy in New York Supreme Court, accusing them of using the names and likeness of ballplayers on their players without permission.

”As baseball season gets underway, we’re excited to offer fans an enhanced betting experience that includes player likenesses, expanded wagering options and a more dynamic product. Partnering with MLB Players Inc. strengthens our connection to the league and its star players and creates additional opportunities to engage fans throughout the season,” said Jason Birney, Vice President of Operations at PENN Interactive.

OneTeam Partners specializes in commercializing group licensing rights for professional athlates, and is a joint venture between the NFL Players Association, MLB Players Association, Women’s National Basketball Players Association, MLS Players Association, and U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association.

“By integrating MLB player rights into PENN Entertainment’s platforms, this partnership brings fans closer to the game while unlocking new business opportunities in sports betting. It highlights the growing influence of players in shaping premium, fan-focused betting experiences while enhancing player NIL rights and widening distribution,” said Frank Arthofer, President of OneTeam Partners.

The post MLB Players Sign Licensing Agreement with PENN Entertainment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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