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GVC Sets out plan to safely welcome customers back to betting shops

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GVC Holdings PLC, the global sports-betting and gaming group, has today set out the comprehensive plan it is implementing to safely re-open its Ladbrokes and Coral betting shops. From 15 June, all 2,445 shops in England will open their doors, followed by the remainder of the Group’s c.3,000 shop estate, as the devolved administrations in the UK ease their own lockdowns.

The guiding principle behind the plan is to ensure the health and wellbeing of all colleagues and customers. The plan details the social distancing and safety procedures put in place alongside the provision of new protective equipment installed in store and provided to the shop personnel.  The new measures have been designed to meet or exceed guidelines laid down by the UK government and World Health Organisation.

The key elements are summarised below, with each element supported by detailed guidance and the provision of additional equipment and training where required:

  1. Pre shop-opening checks
  • Property maintenance checks.
  • Facilities, screens, bet stations, gaming machines and till systems cleaned.
  • Review of security hardware in shops.
  1. Tools to support social distancing
  • Installation of additional equipment including ‘sneeze screens’, protective barriers between gaming machines and bet stations to act as a physical barrier between colleagues and customers to ensure social distancing.
  • Installation of customer signage and floor markings to provide direction on social distancing whilst in shop.
  • Compulsory social distancing training module for all colleagues.
  1. Health and safety provisions
  • Supply of stylus pens for customers using bet stations and gaming machines, to avoid customers physically touching screens.
  • Provision of additional hand sanitiser stations, hand wash and cleaning products to promote and maintain good hygiene standards.
  • Provision of colleague comfort measures such as face masks, protective shields and disposable gloves.
  • Introduction of enhanced colleague cleaning routines in both the customer and colleague areas.
  1. Shop operation guidance
  • Clear guidance on maximum customer occupancy levels, based on size and layout of each shop, to support social distancing.
  • Guidance on customer entry/exit management procedures.
  • Guidance on bet placement and payment processes, with use of contactless payment encouraged.
  1. Colleague wellbeing
  • Installation of dividing partitions between till positions to act as a physical barrier between colleagues and ensure social distancing.
  • Restrictions on transfer of personnel between multiple shops to reduce exposure.
  • Provision of a third-party app “Unmind” to promote mental wellbeing.
  • Supply of video and printed training materials.
  • Employee Assistance Programme made available to all colleagues and their families.
  • Open and honest communication channels with all colleagues.
  1. Safer gambling
  • Increased monitoring of customer behaviour and wellbeing, to identify potentially vulnerable customers and ensure they are playing within their financial means.
  • Guidance on interactions with vulnerable customers whilst social distancing
  • Review of self-exclusion lists.

Commenting on the plan GVC CEO Kenny Alexander said:

“We are very pleased to be re-opening our shops in England as the UK begins the first steps in returning to some form of normality. Ever since the lockdown was introduced, we have been working tirelessly on a plan which will deliver the safest possible environment for both our customers and our people. I am confident we have achieved that and look forward to welcoming our customers back in the near future.”

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said:

“I’m delighted that GVC, home of some of the world class brands in betting, will be able to re-open their English betting shops safely from 15 June. GVC make a significant contribution to the economy, supporting good jobs in communities across the country, and it’s great to see at first hand their commitment to ensuring that their reopened shops will provide a safe and enjoyable environment for staff and customers alike”.

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WA. Technology Receives GLI Certification in Brazil for Casino Aggregator Product

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Global iGaming solutions provider, WA. Technology has earned Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification in Brazil for its casino aggregator product as it looks to expand its presence in South America.

Certification for its standalone casino aggregator product allows WA Technology to increase its range of integrated iGaming content supplied to operators in the Brazilian market.

This ever-expanding catalogue of content includes tens of thousands of games, cementing it as a more trusted partner for operators seeking to thrive in this market, with the added assurance that it fully complies with Brazilian regulatory requirements.

Meeting the necessary requirements for the casino product builds on WA Technology’s strong record in the region, where it already has an established presence and certified platform, with an experienced team of professionals based out of an office in Recife. This gives the business a unique understanding of the players in the country and the team to simplify any complexities that may arise for operators.

By making the aggregator a standalone product, the team can provide content to operators who are not already on the WA Technology platform, joining the likes of F12 Bet, which already uses the full turnkey sportsbook, casino and player account management.

The certification follows on from recent launches such as its Pick’Em player products for stats-led gameplay and Sportsbook Managed Service, to provide operators with more services and opportunities to grow.

Commenting on the certification, Phyllyp Sedicias, WA. Technology’s
Country Director for Brazil said: “This is a significant milestone for the business and signals our intent to expand further into the Brazilian market. I’m proud of the team’s hard work to secure this certificate and allow us to meet the market demands for casino games within this region.
“GLI certification for our casino aggregator product means we can now provide operators with additional opportunities to enhance their content through an experienced team with a proven track record in the region, which we look forward to growing our partnerships even further.”

The post WA. Technology Receives GLI Certification in Brazil for Casino Aggregator Product appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025

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The studio continues its momentum with two new nominations

ELA Games, a dynamic game development studio, is proud to announce its double nomination at the upcoming SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 in the “Best Game Studio” and “Best Slot Game Provider” categories.

These nominations for two of the most prestigious categories at the event highlight a milestone year for ELA Games, marked by innovative developments, a growing portfolio, and key partnerships. Central to this recognition are standout titles including Shoot Happens, Juicy Crystal, and Joker Winpot. Each title has showcased the studio’s balance of creativity, visually rich design, and technical excellence.

Shoot Happens is a prime example of ELA Games’ progression as a game development studio. It’s a high-energy game that breaks from traditional game formats to give players more agency over their gameplay. Players face off against increasingly tougher and valuable opponents to fill up their “Winpot,” which they can then choose when to cash out. Shoot Happens reflects ELA Games’ ambitions to offer new experiences that connect with modern player preferences and provide high-performing content for operators.

Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nominations, “The team has been in overdrive working on new titles and rethinking the online gaming landscape. Being nominated for two of the biggest categories at the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 is a testament to the entire team’s efforts to create engaging, visually rich content that’s genuinely fun to play. We look forward to the award ceremony results and continuing to push creative boundaries with new, exciting games!”

Voting is open for the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025.

The post Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Playzia secures strategic UK market deal with Midnite, bringing Love Island-themed games to players

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Playzia, a rapidly growing force in the iGaming industry, is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with Midnite, one of the UK’s fastest-growing operators. This agreement significantly expands Playzia’s presence in the UK’s highly competitive and regulated market while delivering a wave of new, engaging content to Midnite players, headlined by Playzia’s new Love Island games.

As part of this strategic deal, Midnite will offer its UK players access to Playzia’s full portfolio of in-house developed titles, including player-favorites such as Grand Ocean Megaways™, Zeus’s Thunderstrike, Billionaire Buffalo Hold ‘n Win, and Piggy Clusters.

The partnership will also introduce Midnite’s audience to Playzia’s much-anticipated Love Island-branded content, launching this summer to coincide with the 2025 season of the hit ITV Studios reality show. The recently launched flagship title, Love Island – Love in a Spin, is an exclusive online slot created under a three-year licensing agreement with Zoo 55, part of ITV Studios, which will produce a total of 10 Love Island Games.

Joe Caetano, Head of Commercials at Playzia, commented on the partnership: “Teaming up with Midnite is a significant milestone as we expand our footprint in regulated markets, particularly the UK. Midnite is known for delivering cutting-edge betting experiences to its players, making them an ideal partner for our games. We are especially excited to bring our new Love Island titles to their platform just in time for this summer’s series. It is the perfect moment for UK players to step into the villa and experience something truly unique.”

Midnite’s Senior Casino Manager, Chelsea Pinho, said: “We are constantly striving to enhance the Midnite casino experience for our players and this partnership adds to our rich offering of content. We are particularly excited to offer a selection of Love Island games – including Love in a Spin – and I am sure they will be a perfect match for our players. At Midnite, we are passionate about bringing fans closer to the games they love – or in this case a TV show they love.”

This latest agreement further cements Playzia’s reputation as an innovative, top-tier content supplier with a roadmap that spans slots, crash, instant win, table, and probability-based games. With its strong focus on localised, branded content and new gameplay mechanics, Playzia is poised to deliver unforgettable experiences to players in the UK and beyond.

The deal also follows Playzia’s recent industry recognition, with nominations in the Slot Supplier (Under 5 Years) and Software Rising Star categories at the prestigious EGR B2B Awards 2025.

The post Playzia secures strategic UK market deal with Midnite, bringing Love Island-themed games to players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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