Latest News
UK Could Classify Loot Box as Gambling Product to Protect Children
Loot boxes could be reclassified as gambling products over concern they are training children to gamble.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is going to launch a call for evidence on the increasingly common feature of games such as the football franchise Fifa.
The move has been spurred by mounting concern that the mechanics of loot boxes are encouraging gambling-style behaviour among children. Loot boxes allow players to spend money on in-game rewards such as special characters or equipment, without knowing what they will get.
If ministers opt to reclassify loot boxes, the decision would have a significant impact on game developers, who could be forced to withdraw some titles or redesign them so that they can be sold to people under 18.
The DCMS select committee heard evidence last year that loot box winnings can be easily exchanged for cash on third-party websites and that their use by game developers was likely to “facilitate profiting from problem gamblers.”
In a subsequent report, the influential committee advised that they should be considered gambling products.
“They are a virtually speculative commodity that only help to normalise and encourage young people to take a chance,” Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who chairs a cross-party group of MPs investigating gambling-related harm, said.
“All too often this will lead to youngsters developing an addiction to gambling.”
Research by academics at the University of York published last year found that loot boxes are increasingly prevalent, featuring in about 71% of the most popular titles on the gaming portal Steam, compared with 4% a decade ago.
Central Europe
IGT Modernizes Central Lottery System for LOTTO Thüringen in Germany via Seven-Year Contract Extension
International Game Technology PLC announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Services Limited, has signed a seven-year contract with the Thuringian State Lottery (“LOTTO Thüringen”) in Germany to deploy its retail central system technology, Aurora™, and related software upgrades. The contract term will begin upon go-live of the new platform, planned for March 2026.
An integral part of OMNIA™, IGT’s player-centric, omnichannel solution for lotteries, Aurora helps drive lottery innovation and profitability. The platform will provide intuitive, user-friendly applications, tools and reporting capabilities which will handle all of LOTTO Thüringen’s transaction processing, game management and back-office operations.
“LOTTO Thüringen has relied on IGT’s versatile and strong-performing central system technology throughout the course of our decades-long relationship,” said Jochen Staschewski, LOTTO Thüringen Chief Executive Officer. “Upgrading our central retail system to IGT’s advanced platform and back-end software will enable us to streamline our business processes and continue operating with the highest levels of efficiency.”
“IGT’s retail central system incorporates a suite of flexible solutions designed to help manage, transform and further grow LOTTO Thüringen’s business,” said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Global Lottery. “With this long-term contract extension, LOTTO Thüringen is well-positioned to continue benefiting from IGT’s secure, responsible and modernized technology and software. Leveraging these best-in-class solutions will aid in the Lottery’s goals of supporting good causes throughout the state.”
The post IGT Modernizes Central Lottery System for LOTTO Thüringen in Germany via Seven-Year Contract Extension appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider, today announced the launch of its new crash game, Velocity, with bet365 in Brazil.
This marks a significant milestone for Incentive Games as it represents their first Pay-to-Play Crash game developed in partnership with bet365. The bespoke game has been meticulously designed by Incentive Games’ expert developers to ensure maximum player engagement.
Seamlessly integrated with bet365’s platform, the game leverages the expertise of Incentive Labs – a powerhouse of data and AI specialists. The Incentive Labs team will continuously analyse player interactions to refine the game and deliver an ever-evolving experience, turning millions of user touchpoints into unique solutions that enhance player satisfaction.
John Gordon, CEO of Incentive Games, said, “While the market is saturated with crash games, Velocity stands out from the crowd. It is the first in a series of exciting crash game offerings and we’re so proud to be launching this groundbreaking game with bet365. With their global reach, there’s no better partner to introduce ‘Velocity’ to the Brazilian market.”
A bet365 spokesperson said of the launch, “We’re delighted to yet again partner with Incentive Games in what promises to be an amazing gaming experience for our players.”
The post INCENTIVE GAMES LAUNCHES CRASH GAME WITH BET365 IN BRAZIL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The new title from leading Spanish e-Gaming provider MGA Games is an innovative game with a truly original theme: a journey through carnival festivities filled with legendary creatures. Its design combines the excitement of street parties with the richness of mythological creatures from around the world, providing a totally unique experience.
This new casino slot features 25 paylines, with winning combinations paid from left to right. By landing 3 or more Scatter symbols, players gain access to the Free Spins screen, which includes an innovative prize system. Players can enjoy an accumulator feature and a final Super Respin spin that awards the accumulated winnings. It also includes Money and Collect symbols, which when combined offer an additional bonus prize.
Global Audience
By showcasing mythologies from all over the world, the game is set to appeal to a global audience, enhancing its market potential and attracting players from various countries. Its visual and auditory elements, featuring vibrant graphics and immersive music, will captivate players and deliver a fully immersive experience in a fantastic world.
In this new release, every spin of the reels will surprise players with its themed symbols. As if that weren’t enough, the game features an optional Buy Free Spins button, speeding up the path to big rewards. Mythical Legends Carnival will be available in all of Spain’s best online casinos starting February 3rd and across .com markets from January 27th.
The post Prepare to be Amazed in Mythical Legends Carnival, a Mythic Video Slot! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
IGT Modernizes Central Lottery System for LOTTO Thüringen in Germany via Seven-Year Contract Extension
INCENTIVE GAMES LAUNCHES CRASH GAME WITH BET365 IN BRAZIL
Prepare to be Amazed in Mythical Legends Carnival, a Mythic Video Slot!
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