Connect with us
MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

iGaming Industry

UK: Labour Party plan to impose gambling addiction levy

Published

on

UK: Labour Party plan to impose gambling addiction levy

Betting operators have been warned they could have to pay a compulsory levy to fund the treatment of problem gamblers under new plans announced by Labour on Tuesday.

 

The party’s deputy leader Tom Watson used his speech to the Labour conference in Brighton to unveil the policy, as well as a review into the NHS’ ability to deal with gambling addiction.

Both the Association of British Bookmakers and Remote Gambling Association said they were not opposed in principle to a statutory levy.

Watson, who also renewed his call for a ban on gambling advertising on football shirts, told delegates a Labour government would “finally confront problem gambling” and “introduce a compulsory levy” to pay for its treatment.

Advertisement

He accused some gambling companies of “targeting our poorest communities”, while also claiming some operators were using data to “deliberately target low-income gamblers and people who have given up gambling”.

He went on: “Gambling addiction is an illness and it is about time it was taken seriously.”

Together with shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth, Watson said he was launching “a thorough review of gambling addiction in this country and current provision for treatment on the NHS“.

He added: “Our review will look at how to best fund NHS treatment and help free problem gamblers from the destructive cycle of addiction.

Problem gambling charity GambleAware brought in a record £8 million in 2016-17 from voluntary donations from the industry, but that was still 20 per cent short of its target.

Advertisement

It has been calling for operators to donate 10p from every £100 of their profit to fund its work.

My message to gambling firms today is clear: stop targeting vulnerable people. Start acting properly. And meet your obligation to help those whose lives have been blighted by addiction.You can do it now, because it’s the right thing to do. Or you can wait for the next Labour government to do it for you.” – said Watson.

Reacting to the news, GambleAware said it welcomed the increased focus on the harm gambling can cause:  “Gambling addiction is a recognised mental health condition, but treatment is not available on the NHS. We are woefully short of the funding needed to treat all problem gamblers in the country. We need the support of GPs, social workers, citizens advice and teachers before we can even come close to treating all those in need.

The ABB said it would support Watson’s review if it facilitated an evidence-based approach to problem gambling: “We also would not oppose an appropriate, compulsory levy on the gambling industry to fund problem gambling treatment, as we have long argued that the gambling industry needs to work together to reduce the number of problem gamblers and address the fact that most problem gamblers move between different forms of gambling.” – stated the ABB.

 …

Advertisement

The post UK: Labour Party plan to impose gambling addiction levy appeared first on Eastern European Gaming – News – Interviews – Legal Market Updates – Premium Reports – Events – Directory.


Source: EEGaming.

American iGaming

Supremeland Gaming Gains Interim License Approval in West Virginia

Published

on

supremeland-gaming-gains-interim-license-approval-in-west-virginia

 

Supremeland Gaming, the emerging brand in American iGaming, announced the approval of an interim Supplier License in West Virginia, further solidifying its position as a key player in the rapidly expanding iGaming industry. This milestone marks the company’s third approval following the successful acquisition of the first approvals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Supremeland Gaming is approved to operate under this interim license and is now authorized to offer its cutting-edge innovation to the Mountain State.

Supremeland’s game portfolio has garnered international appeal since its debut in November 2023. The innovative brand promises cutting-edge slot play, combining immersive storytelling, state-of-the-art graphics, and impressive bonuses.

Rickard Öhrn, CEO of Supremeland Gaming, said: “The acquisition of our interim Supplier License in West Virginia is a pivotal step in our journey, reflecting on our dedication to delivering innovative experiences to a broader audience. As we expand our footprint, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we look forward to contributing to the vibrant gaming landscape in the Mountain State.”

Advertisement

​​Supremeland is gaining traction for its emerging portfolio of top-notch games, including Red Panda Rising and the international debut title, Munition Mine, underscoring its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the iGaming industry.

Continue Reading

Albert Bellavista

Pragmatic Play Expands LatAm Reach with Betsala Deal

Published

on

pragmatic-play-expands-latam-reach-with-betsala-deal

 

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is continuing its momentum in the Latin American market, after signing an agreement to take its three biggest products live with Betsala.

The agreement will see Pragmatic Play’s full portfolio of award-winning Slot content go live, including recently released Slot titles Loki’s Riches and The Big Dawgs in addition to familiar player-favourites such as Sugar Rush and Gates of Olympus.

Betsala customers will soon gain access to Pragmatic Play’s Live Casino products upon integration being completed. The sector has been a focus for the provider over the previous 12 months with releases such as the dynamic Treasure Island game show which complements Pragmatic Play’s comprehensive range of casino classics such as Roulette, Mega Roulette, and Blackjack which are also available on the platform.

Completing the product offering is Pragmatic Play’s cutting-edge 3D renderings of popular sports such as horse and greyhound racing, football, and motorsports.

Advertisement

The latest LatAm development for Pragmatic Play sees it further boost its profile across the region where it has cemented its status as a leading supplier of casino experiences.

Victor Arias, Vice President of Latin American Operations at ARRISE powering Pragmatic Play, said: “Proving LatAm is still a key source of growth, Pragmatic Play is delighted to now count Betsala as another valued partner in the region.

“Pragmatic Play’s three leading products will soon be on the platform, and we look forward to even more players discovering its robust and engaging offering.”

Albert Bellavista, CEO at Betsala, said: “Pragmatic Play has built a stellar reputation across Latin America for its high-quality experiences, and we welcome them as our latest partner to bolster our offering and provide more thrills than ever.

“Most iGaming enthusiasts worldwide are already familiar with Pragmatic Play’s titles and we know the upcoming addition of its content will come with a great response from our players.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Conferences

Pragmatic Play Gears Up for SAGSE LATAM 2024

Published

on

pragmatic-play-gears-up-for-sagse-latam-2024

 

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is set to make another appearance at a Latin American summit, at SAGSE LATAM in Buenos Aires.

Taking place across two days from March 20th-21st, the event sees iGaming professionals gather at Buenos Aires’ Hilton Hotel for the 32nd edition of the iconic exhibition.

SAGSE LATAM marks the second summit attended by Pragmatic Play in Latin America in 2024, with its new immersive proposal Pragmatic Play Experience, after an extremely successful exhibition tour in 2023, which saw the provider make inroads across the continent and impress industry representatives.

The gaming provider will be at Stand 120 to showcase its diverse portfolio, including Slots, Live Casino, Virtual Sports and Bingo content, alongside its brand-new Sportsbook solution.

Advertisement

In addition, Pragmatic Play will be a platinum sponsor of the event, highlighting the importance of such industry exhibitions and the vital role the leading provider plays in them.

Victor Arias, VP of Latin American Operations at ARRISE powering Pragmatic Play, said: “Pragmatic Play is proud to be a platinum sponsor of SAGSE LATAM and to be influential in shaping the future of the Latin American iGaming market. With a comprehensive multi-product offerings and solutions, it is poised to capitalise on the immense opportunities that the region presents.

“With an exciting range of panel discussions and interactivities that the conference brings, it is set to be yet another momentous date in the LATAM gaming calendar.”

Continue Reading

Trending