

Press Releases
UK Gambling Commission and industry collaboration makes progress on safer gambling
- Under 25s to be restricted from joining VIP schemes
- Tightened controls to be introduced for other VIP customers
- Online advertising rules strengthened to better protect vulnerable groups
- Progress made on safer product design but industry must go further
Collaborative work with the industry has led to progress following three challenges laid down by the Gambling Commission to make gambling safer and reduce harm across the sector.
The work will lead to restrictions and prevention of under 25s being recruited to VIP schemes, a reduction on intensity of play such as the speed of spin and removing turbo buttons, and a joint effort to shield children and young people from online gambling advertising.
The Gambling Commission welcomes the recommendations made by the industry on safer products but challenges the industry to go further.
This new approach to accelerate progress to protect consumers from gambling harm was set by the Commission’s chief executive, Neil McArthur, in October 2019. Working groups made up of senior leaders from the industry were formed in January 2020 – concentrating on use of VIP incentives, safer advertising online and the use of safer product design.
The Industry working groups featured over 30 operators, co-ordinated by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). As part of this work, the Commission ran workshops with people with first-hand experience of gambling harm, as well as collaborating with GamCare to ensure that its service users’ experience would also help inform any outcomes.
Those involved in the work will continue to develop and rapidly implement the proposals, with some measures around VIP customers being implemented as soon as April 14.
The Commission will now launch formal consultations on these areas to ensure that the new measures are incorporated into its regulatory framework – which means that all operators will have to abide by the new consumer protection rules.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive said: “We have been encouraged by the progress on VIP incentives, safer advertising and safer products. We set these challenges in order to deliver real and rapid change for consumers in key areas of risk. However, it is important these commitments are implemented as soon as possible. It should not take months to implement safeguards many would expect to be in place already.
“By working together with operators and seeking the views of people with lived experience of gambling harm we have been able to make significant progress, although there is always more to do. We will now consult on the necessary changes to our rule book to ensure all operators have to meet the new standards.
“Whilst we are encouraged by industry proposals for making gambling products safer we now call on operators to implement those proposals rapidly; but the proposals do not go far enough and we will now consider what additional measures we should impose on operators.
“I recognise that the Covid-19 outbreak will impact on next steps and actions, in particular land-based operators. I welcome the fact that the operators involved and the BGC have remained committed to progressing this work during these difficult times. That is a positive sign of their commitment to make the industry safer.”
“Ultimately actions speak louder than words and any operator that does not put consumer safety first will find itself a target for enforcement action.”
Industry progress so far in these areas, and the Gambling Commission’s response and next steps:
Use of VIP incentives
This group was established to develop an industry code which addressed poor practices around the treatment and incentivisation of high value and high spending customers also known as ‘VIPs’. The industry has agreed to:
- Restrict and prevent customers under 25 years of age from being recruited to high value customer schemes.
- All customers must first pass thorough checks relating to spend, safer gambling and enhanced due diligence before becoming eligible for high value customer incentives.
- Reward programmes will also be required to have full audit trails detailing decision making with specified senior oversight and accountability.
The Gambling Commissions response:
- The Commission will now consult on permanent changes to the Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).
- The Commission expects the industry to implement its code as soon as possible and considers most measures should be implemented within 3 months.
- The Commission will monitor and support implementation of the industry’s code as an interim measure.
Safer advertising online
This Advertising Technology challenge was aimed at reducing the amount of online advertising seen by children, young people and vulnerable adults. Actions taken immediately by the industry and to be in place by July 2020 include:
- A common list of negative search terms (e.g. how do I self-exclude from gambling?) and suppression websites, which will help shield vulnerable groups from online gambling ads.
- Better and more consistent use of customer data to ensure paid-for-ads are targeting away from vulnerable groups across social media platforms, instead of targeting for business
- Implement an approach which means that advertising is only targeted at +25 age in social media and “Pay Per Click” advertising where platform facilities permit. This will protect young people and increase confidence in the social media platforms’ own age-gating
- Age-gating YouTube channels and content
- Adopting and rolling out to all affiliates a code of conduct which will be amended and updated on a regular basis to ensure all measures undertaken by the industry will be implemented equally by affiliates.
These measures will be adopted across the industry as soon as possible and in any event enshrined in the IGRG’s Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (subject to consultation with Bingo Association and BACTA) and effective by July 2020.
Further, the Working Group will:
- Establish a permanent cross-industry Adtech Forum to ensure an on-going focus on making further progress in this area, including conducting and evaluating trials of advertising technology.
- Continue the proactive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders (including platforms) on agreed areas of work, with the aim of continually setting the highest standards in responsible digital advertising and marketing and ensuring that all relevant technology is utilised to achieve that.
- Work with the Gambling Commission to publish and promote consumer advice, and work with online platforms and broadcasters to identify a more effective, simple and consistent approach, with regard to blocking gambling advertising.
- Commit to monitoring and evaluating all actions to ensure only effective solutions are pursued.
The Gambling Commission’s response:
- The Gambling Commission’s view is that the industry has developed an appropriate set of commitments which should help further limit exposure to online gambling adverts by vulnerable groups.
- The Commission recognises that the online advertising ecosystem is complex, and some progress will be dependent on third parties, such as the social media platforms. In these instances, we expect industry to work collaboratively with the platforms to identify and implement further solutions.
- By virtue of their inclusion in the Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising, The Commission will now hold operators to account for these commitments from July.
Safer products
These groups were tasked with developing an industry code for responsible product and game design. Industry commitment from this work so far includes:
- A minimum spin speed of 2.5 seconds on all slots.
- Removal of game features which may encourage intensive play such as slam stops and turbo buttons.
- Removal of split-screen slots which have been associated with potential loss of control.
- A more detailed work plan which will include in-game messaging and the creation of a Betting and Gaming Council Testing Lab to look into other game features.
- Publication of the final code in September 2020.
The Gambling Commission’s response:
- The Gambling Commission’s view is that while some progress has been made, this work must now go further and faster, in particular around using demographics and behaviours to indicate risk.
- The Gambling Commission will now consult on the priority areas for immediate action as soon as possible.
Brigid Simmonds, Chairman of the new standards body the Betting and Gaming Council said: “I am pleased with our members’ hard work and continued commitment to delivering substantial progress on the three safer gambling challenges set by the Gambling Commission on high value customers, advertising and game design. The progress reported today including restricting under 25’s from qualifying for high value customer accounts; strengthened advertising rules and games with slower speeds and the removal of some functionality comes despite difficult operating circumstances during the COVID-19 crisis. These measures, along with our recently announced 10 pledge action plan for COVID-19 safer gambling and our 22 industry safer gambling commitments will significantly transform and improve the environment for our customers and the wider public. We agree with the Gambling Commission that there is still more work to do and we will rise to the ongoing challenge.”
This update coincides with the publication of the Gambling Commission’s 2020/21 business plan which includes commitment to driving forward these areas of work in regulatory requirements for the whole industry.
Latest News
Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industry’s €123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.
Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation
Atlaslive’s analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.
“The data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,” said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. “Operators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.”
Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share
The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This €66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.
Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:
- Casino games leading digital adoption: €21.5 billion in 2024, growing to €30.8 billion by 2029
- Sports betting momentum: €13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
- Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching €10.4 billion by 2029
Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities
Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.
Digital Leaders:
- Sweden: 68.3% online share
- Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
- Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement
Growth Markets:
- Italy: Europe’s largest market at €21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
- Germany: €14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
- France: €14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth
Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders
The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:
For Operators:
- Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
- Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
- Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration
For Technology Providers:
- Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
- Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
- Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning
Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity
Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains €75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.
“The European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,” added Anastasiia Poltavets. “Rather than simple digital displacement, we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.”
To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
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Latest News
HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn

After two exciting years of iGaming & TECH Run-Off Challenges uniting the industry in fitness, wellness, and camaraderie, HIPTHER is proud to announce the official launch of HIPTHER Movement – where Community meets endurance.
HIPTHER, leading media hub and events organiser for Gaming and Technology across Europe and beyond, has incorporated fitness and wellness networking initiatives across its events since 2023.
The “Morning Networking Run” and “Morning Yoga” sessions have been a part of their summits since 2023, with the participants warmly embracing these opportunities to nurture relationships, body, and soul, ahead of a busy conference day.
iGaming & TECH Run-Off Challenges: Community Relationships & Healthy Competition
In 2024, HIPTHER launched the iGaming and TECH Run Club on Strava, and kicked-off the iGaming & TECH Run-Offs, with the Summer and Winter editions spanning 2024 and 2025.
Many brilliant minds and athletic spirits from gaming and tech joined the Club, and spurred with this momentum of excitement, HIPTHER raised the game – offering exciting prizes at the end of each Challenge to the Top 3 runners in the Female and Male Categories, with the support of GameOn as a Sponsor.
Now, with the launch of HIPTHER Movement, this fitness-forward initiative evolves into a dynamic wellness community powered by year-round running and cycling challenges – bringing together professionals who hustle hard, on and off the road.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoy the grind, the HIPTHER Movement is your new home for HIPTHER-powered challenges hosted under the iGaming and TECH Run Club and Cycling Club on Strava.
With over 100 passionate members and counting, participants can track their progress, climb the leaderboard, and revisit the results from past events. From virtual sprints to multi-week challenges of endurance, HIPTHER fuels industry momentum – one stride and one pedal stroke at a time.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder of HIPTHER, stated about this initiative: “The HIPTHER Movement is about more than logging miles or chasing medals. It’s about showing up for yourself, your peers, and your community. In an industry that never slows down, we believe wellness should move with us. From early morning runs to multi-week endurance challenges, we’re creating a culture where progress, connection, and resilience go hand-in-hand. GameOn has helped us take it to the next level, and we’re just getting started.”
Summer 2025: Run-Off and Spin-Off Challenges Now Live!
The Summer Run-Off Challenge and Summer Spin-Off Challenge, proudly sponsored by GameOn, kicked off on June 9 and will run until September 7, 2025.
🏃♂️ The Summer Run-Off Challenge, hosted by the iGaming and TECH Run Club, invites runners to lace up and power through the summer heat for serious rewards:
– Top 3 finishers will receive exclusive performance gear
– Surprise gifts for the top male and female participants
– 4th and 5th place earn limited edition HIPTHER x GameOn merch
🚴♀️ The Summer Spin-Off Challenge, run via the iGaming and TECH Cycling Club, puts pedal power in the spotlight with equally exciting rewards:
– Top 3 cyclists win exclusive performance gear
– Special gifts for the top male and female riders
– 4th and 5th place receive HIPTHER x GameOn cycling kits
Powered by GameOn: Because Every Effort Counts
HIPTHER is proud to have GameOn as a sponsor of the HIPTHER Movement. Their support helps level up each challenge with better prizes, bigger energy, and even more motivation for the growing community.
With GameOn’s backing – and HIPTHER’s commitment to wellness and engagement – every mile, every ride, and every personal effort truly counts.
Join the Movement
📲 Not in the Strava clubs yet?
Join the iGaming and TECH Run Club and Cycling Club today to get in on the action, track your progress, and connect with fellow professionals.
Because movement is more than motion.
It’s momentum. It’s clarity. It’s how we grow stronger – together.
Let’s move with purpose. Let’s move together!
The post HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
TSG Store hits record-high share in game bookings as the company gets closer to its long-term target
Ten Square Games S.A. reports continued growth in the performance of its proprietary web-based platform, the TSG Store, which in May 2025 accounted for 30% of combined bookings in Fishing Clash and Hunting Clash – the company’s two flagship products. This result marks a major milestone in the development of the platform and brings the Group closer to its strategic target of 25% share in total bookings across the TSG portfolio.
From launch to record-high share
The TSG Store was introduced in May 2023, initially for Fishing Clash, followed by Hunting Clash in September 2023. Designed as a browser-based direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, it allows players to purchase in-game content outside of traditional app stores. Since its launch, the store has grown steadily in terms of user engagement and transaction volume, supported by ongoing feature enhancements such as dedicated currency, loyalty packs, and exclusive promotions.
In March 2025, the store reached a monthly share of 19.1% in total bookings of the TSG Group. Within that result, Fishing Clash reached 26.1% of its bookings through the TSG Store, while Hunting Clash reached 17.5%. In May 2025, 30% of combined bookings in Fishing Clash and Hunting Clash came through the TSG Store marking the highest levels of bookings through the store to date and bringing it closer to its ultimate goal.
Building value through player communication
The success of the TSG Store has been driven not only by technical enhancements, but also by clear and consistent communication with players about the value and benefits of using the direct-to-consumer platform. A major priority from the outset was ensuring a seamless gameplay experience. This was achieved by introducing dedicated in-game currencies for each title – Fishbucks in Fishing Clash and Deerbucks in Hunting Clash – and by designing a user interface aligned with the look and feel of the games.
The platform’s development was also guided by ongoing discussions with the most engaged user groups, particularly VIP players, who not only provided valuable feedback but also helped promote the store within their clans and player communities. This close relationship with the player base proved essential in building trust and driving store adoption.
– The success of the TSG Store reflects not only product innovation, but also our long-term approach to building a more resilient and profitable business model. What made this possible was close cross-team collaboration – from product and monetization to tech, design, analytics, and community management. Creating your own store that strengthens both the player experience and the company’s financial foundation requires more than infrastructure. It requires shared vision, strategic alignment, and deep understanding of what drives player value. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can achieve.” – commented Grzegorz Gierczyk, Head of Game Services in Ten Square Games S.A.
A strategic tool for profitability
The TSG Store was created as a strategic tool to improve game profitability by reducing commission fees paid to third-party platforms. In the current mobile gaming environment – marked by increasing user acquisition costs and growing competition – optimizing margins has become essential. The store enables Ten Square Games to retain a larger share of player spending without altering its user acquisition strategy.
Players benefit from competitive pricing, bonus content, and additional value, while the company gains improved unit economics, more flexibility in shaping monetization strategies, and a direct relationship with its most engaged users.
Changing market dynamics support long-term growth
In a market shaped by evolving privacy regulations, platform policies, and monetization models, owning part of the payment ecosystem becomes a competitive advantage. The TSG Store is now an integral part of Ten Square Games’ long-term strategy to build a more resilient and profitable business model – one where financial performance and player experience go hand in hand. Following recent legal rulings in the United States and ongoing antitrust proceedings in other jurisdictions, the outlook for DTC platforms has significantly improved.
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