

Latest News
UK Gambling Firms Accused of Exaggerating Scale of Black Market Betting
UK Gambling firms have been accused of concocting a “dodgy dossier” to exaggerate the scale of black market betting, in an attempt to influence an upcoming government review expected to result in tougher regulation.
Gambling industry figures recently seized on a report claiming that 200,000 people in the UK spend £1.4bn on black market sites every year, warning that tougher regulation could drive more people into the arms of “unscrupulous” operators.
But in a letter to a cross-party group of MPs examining gambling-related harm, the Gambling Commission’s chief executive, Neil McArthur, delivered a withering assessment of the report.
The boss of the gambling regulator said the report, written by consultancy PwC, was “not consistent with the intelligence picture” and did not distinguish between real consumers using black market sites and bots or other automated systems.
He said the report should be treated cautiously, adding that it lacked any evidence to show an increase in illicit betting.
“We know that licensed operators and their trade bodies are concerned about the impact of the illegal market, but our own evidence suggests that the impact may be being exaggerated,” he said.
McArthur said black market concerns should be kept in proportion “despite … reports from consultants paid for by the industry, and should not distract from the need to continue to drive up standards and make gambling safer in the regulated market.”
Such direct criticism from the regulator will be a blow for the industry lobby group, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which has repeatedly referred to the report to back its arguments against stricter regulations.
The government is considering a range of measures that could involve limiting stakes on online virtual slot machines, or forcing web-based casinos to carry out thorough affordability checks if customers deposit a certain amount per month.
McArthur dismissed BGC’s suggestion that such measures could fuel a surge in black market operations.
“In any event, we are not convinced by the argument that suggests that raising standards in the licensed market will prompt consumers to gamble with illegal operators,” he said.
The Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who chairs the MPs’ group that receive the letter, said: “The online gambling industry talks up the threat of the black market in an attempt to resist regulation and protect its profits, but trying to hijack the debate by manufacturing dodgy dossiers of information to further their own ends is an incredibly transparent tactic and will not be any kind of excuse to hold down standards.”
The BGC and several of the UK’s major betting companies, which commissioned the report, refused a request to provide a copy.
But the Guardian has since obtained both a draft version, dated April 2019, and a final version, dated July 2019.
The two appear identical except that the final version removed a reference to the three firms that commissioned it, Ladbrokes owner GVC, William Hill and The Stars Group, which owned SkyBet and has since merged with Paddy Power owner Flutter.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, a former adviser to Jeremy Corbyn who runs the campaign group Clean Up Gambling, said: “The gambling industry has been quoting from this report as it attempts to drive a race to the bottom in regulation. Having finally seen the contents, it’s clear why it was reluctant to make this report available for public scrutiny.”
A BGC spokesperson said countries with tougher regulation than the UK had bigger black market problems.
“We have repeatedly called on the government to use the online harms bill to crack down on access to these sites, and we would support financial service providers being obliged to block black market transactions,” he said.
Ivan Montik Founder of SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello Extend Strategic Collaboration in Latin America

SOFTSWISS, a global technology company and leader in iGaming software solutions, announces the extension of its strategic collaboration with legendary Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello, who will continue in his role as Non-Executive Director in Latin America.
This renewed agreement builds on a successful first year of collaboration, which has become a cornerstone of SOFTSWISS’ positioning across Latin America and beyond based on shared values of partnership and cultural connection.
Since April 2024, Barrichello has served as an authentic voice for SOFTSWISS at key industry and business events, both across Latin America and internationally. His role has gone far beyond traditional brand endorsement, encompassing leadership visibility, market engagement, and relationship-building with clients and communities.
Over the past year, Barrichello has played a pivotal role in reinforcing SOFTSWISS’ growth, hosting high-level partner engagements that combine cultural relevance with exclusive experiences. His voice was also central to the company’s response to the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Through the Help Brazil initiative, Barrichello assisted in amplifying calls for support and raising awareness around the urgent need for action. What began as an emergency relief effort evolved into a commitment to clean water access – a deeply personal initiative for him and SOFTSWISS, grounded in empathy and solidarity with affected communities.
In addition, Barrichello participated as a speaker at the SOFTSWISS Excellence Talks series, where he shared his unique expertise with the company’s global team.
“Rubens brings an unmatched level of authenticity, integrity, and passion to everything he does,” says Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS. “Over time, he has become a true friend. His presence within our team has helped us connect with Latin American partners, clients, and audiences on a deeper level – not only as a brand but as a long-term, responsible partner in the region.”
“I’m proud to continue this journey with SOFTSWISS,” says Rubens Barrichello. “Our first year together has shown how shared values can translate into meaningful impact – for business, regional markets and local communities. I look forward to helping take this partnership even further.”
As part of the renewed collaboration, Barrichello will continue supporting SOFTSWISS in strategic market growth, high-level representation, and cultural localization. His most recent appearance was a keynote speech during the opening day of SiGMA Americas 2025 in São Paulo – one of the most important iGaming events in the region.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello Extend Strategic Collaboration in Latin America appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Cinco de Mayo party
Plaza Hotel & Casino to host downtown’s largest Cinco de Mayo party

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will again host downtown Las Vegas’ biggest party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 5, in and around its iconic Carousel Bar.
The Plaza’s Cinco de Mayo party is free to attend and will feature a variety of entertainment, including a Mariachi band, Folklorico dancers, and a DJ spinning top radio hits with a mix of Latin music, all under the bright lights of the property’s iconic Main Street dome. The high-energy fiesta will also feature downtown’s largest piñata.
Guests will be able to commemorate their fun by taking selfies inside the Plaza’s photo house that will include various festive props.
Fresh churros will be available for purchase from Churros 101 as well as street tacos and Mexican street corn salad (Esquites) from Fresh Mexican Grill.
Carousel Bar will offer drink specials all night long: Dos Equis on draft (a pint for $11 or 32 oz. for $14), the Kickin’ Caballo (Teremana Tequila, lime, chili agave, and ginger beer for $16), and a beer and shot feature with Dos Equis and Teremana Blanco Tequilla for $16.
Next to Carousel Bar, Pinkbox Doughnuts will feature fun and delicious Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnuts.
The post Plaza Hotel & Casino to host downtown’s largest Cinco de Mayo party appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
SCCG Becomes Sponsor of SFT Combat

SCCG Management has become the sponsor of SFT Combat, one of Brazil’s premier MMA promotions. As a long-time client partner, SFT Combat continues to push boundaries in the world of professional fighting, delivering high-quality events that captivate both local and global audiences. The sponsorship reflects a strategic investment in Brazil’s sports and gaming ecosystem, where MMA plays a central role in both cultural identity and entertainment value.
“At SCCG, we recognize the cultural and commercial significance of MMA in Brazil—a country with a deep-rooted history in combat sports and a passionate community of fans, athletes, and operators. Our support of events like this goes beyond sponsorship; it reflects our commitment to fueling the growth of sports and gaming ecosystems across LATAM. By helping bridge new sports concepts with established combat platforms, we continue to create strategic opportunities for innovation,” the Company said.
The post SCCG Becomes Sponsor of SFT Combat appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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