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Casino Guru’s complaint data reveals scope of UK players gambling at unlicensed websites

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The Gambling Commission’s recent calls for evidence and views from the industry and the public regarding upcoming changes to Great Britain’s gambling regulation has seen a number of professionals emphasize the potential rise of black-market gambling as a consequence of tightening regulations.

These claims have been largely backed up by a PwC report, which estimates the number of UK online gamblers using unlicensed operators to have more than doubled from 2018 to 2020, from c.210,000 to c.460,000 gamblers.

Later on, UK gambling firms have been accused of exaggerating the scale of black-market gambling in an attempt to influence the GC’s decision to introduce tougher regulations. The GC’s chief executive Neil McArthur commented that the report delivered by PwC is not consistent with their intelligence picture and lacked any evidence to show an increase in illicit betting. He added that GC’s own evidence suggests that the impact may be being exaggerated.

Simon Vincze, Casino Guru’s Responsible Gambling Projects Manager, has been keeping up with the heated discussion taking place in British media and looked into their data on player complaints to get an idea about the scope of the issue: “I understand the need for regulation in the gambling market and its usefulness in keeping children and vulnerable players safe. It’s something I deeply believe in and work towards in my position as well. However, it didn’t seem right to me to just disregard the negative effects of tightening regulations altogether.”

Casino Guru operates a casino dispute mediation service, in which players can complain about any online casino if they feel to have been mistreated, regardless of its license, and get assisted for free. After looking into their data, Simon discovered 666 complaints submitted by players from the UK, of which 145 is about casinos with a license from GC and 521 is about casinos without it. This means that 78% of all complaints submitted by UK players have been about operators without a GC license.

“Of course, this doesn’t mean that 78% of UK players gamble at foreign websites. Because of the generally lower quality of service and reputation of these operators, it can be expected that these players will run into issues more often, resulting in a higher proportion of players submitting public complaints. However, it is also a clear sign that there are UK players gambling at casinos without a GC license, and that there is quite a lot of them,” Simon commented on this data.

He also compared the British situation to what has happened in Sweden: “When gambling regulations get more restrictive, an increased proportion of players usually start looking for unlicensed operators to avoid those regulations. Sweden is a great example of this, where 40% of casino players and 34% of sports betters gamble on unlicensed websites or would consider doing so in future, according to a study published back in April 2020. Taking a look at Google search data, there has been a major increase in Swedish players actively looking for unlicensed casinos since introducing the country’s gambling regulations with a strong focus on player safety.”

“With tighter regulations being introduced in Great Britain, the GC should be aware of the possibility of an increasing number of British punters actively looking for unlicensed sites in attempts to avoid the strict regulations. These players then gamble on foreign websites without the strict limits present at UK-licensed ones, ending up more susceptible to problematic gambling habits as a result of lower responsible gambling standards of some foreign operators, on top of other negative qualities that can be present at these websites.”

Data from the PwC report suggests that 4,5% of UK players gamble at foreign websites, while 78% of all complaints submitted to Casino Guru by UK players are related to these foreign websites.

Simon commented: “Combining this data would suggest that 4,5% of players are responsible for 78% of all casino complaints, which would signify a huge imbalance. Of course, the numbers are based on different data and there may be other factors in play, but I think that the imbalance is there, and has to do with the fact that players gambling on foreign websites simply run into issues more often. These can range from unclear bonus terms and bad implementation of responsible gambling features all the way to unscrupulous casinos outright scamming players.”

“If an increasing number of players leave the regulated market and go for foreign alternatives, they may be subject to a higher risk of developing problem gambling and losing money to foreign websites, some of which can have unscrupulous tendencies. This seems like a good enough reason to seriously consider the risk of rising use of black-market gambling websites by UK players,” he added.

While the GC is examining evidence presented by stakeholders and working towards updated gambling regulation, it remains to be seen how the situation ends up being handled and what new rules get implemented. Only time will tell whether tighter regulation really does increase the use of black-market sites or not, and whether the benefits will outweigh possible drawbacks.

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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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Week 31/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

PG Soft has launched its latest all-star game, Galaxy Miner. This space-inspired title is a 3-reel, 3-row video slot featuring Win Vortex symbols and Prize symbols up to 1000x. Players travel to the year 3127, to a world beyond the stars dominated by the legendary X Vortex — a force that swirls in silence, devouring everything in its path and forging Galactic Treasures deep within.

PG Soft launches galactic quest: Galaxy Miner

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has announced the release of three new online slot titles this July across UK and Malta iGaming  jurisdictions: Chili Poppers, Bichos Mágicos, and Bigger Piggy Bank. Each title is designed to provide distinctive gameplay experiences while delivering strong performance for operators.

 

Play’n GO revisit a classic hit with Super Flip Deluxe, bringing back the charm of the original slot while adding new ways to win and a sleek new look. This update to Super Flip keeps everything fans loved, while giving it a modern refresh. The clean, classic layout is still here – now with sharper graphics and smoother gameplay. Players can also enjoy new features that give them more chances to win, such as surprise coin prizes and a second spin when things don’t quite go their way.

Super Flip Deluxe gives a fresh spin to a fan favourite

TaDa Gaming, is giving players another chance to hit the big time with 3 Coin Treasures 2, a three reels, five rows slot with 243 ways to win. Part of the TriLuck™ series and a sequel to hit release 3 Coin Treasure, this new release delivers colourful coins and three separate colour coin Scatters to trigger the three different bonus games. Add in the Firecracker Wilds, the Golden Auspicious Coin, Double Reel multiplier, fixed multiplier jackpots and a Lock & Respin feature and it’s easy to see why players are going coin crazy.

TaDa Spins a Treasure Trail in TriLuck™ Sequel, 3 Coin Treasures 2

Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth: Hunt for Coin, the latest release in its aquatic-themed slot series. Set in a vibrant underwater world, the 5×3 video slot runs across five fixed paylines and features marine creatures, powerful gods, and ancient treasures hidden beneath the waves. Players will encounter seven regular symbols, alongside Wilds, Bonus symbols, and the mighty Trident as they dive into the action.

Evoplay expands underwater universe with Sea of Wealth: Hunt for Coin

Push Gaming returns to the colony with Wild Swarm Triple Hive, blending a fan-favourite setting with the high-engagement 3 Pots system. Wild Swarm Triple Hive builds on the success of 3 Magic Pots, offering the same core mechanic adapted to the world of Push’s beloved bees. The game increases volatility and depth, providing a richer experience for players who enjoy collecting mechanics and multi-stage bonuses.

Push Gaming brings the buzz back in Wild Swarm Triple Hive

 

Play’n GO bring the spirit of the plains to players with Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth, a dynamic new slot rooted in the legacy of our animal-themed titles. Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth is Play’n GO’s answer to the enduring popularity of American wildlife-themed slots. It captures the essence of iconic Play’n GO games while introducing fresh design and mechanics that elevate enjoyment.

Play'n GO Buffalo of Wealth charges onto the reels with mighty power

 

Stakelogic has released its most action-packed slot to date with Turbo Duck, a high-octane title that blends intense gameplay with cinematic visuals and a winged hero who refuses to back down. Set in a post-apocalyptic retro arcade, Turbo Duck follows Quack-9, a fearless duck mecha-pilot ready for action. As the gameplay unfolds, players join Quack-9 in the fight for control and massive multipliers.

Turbo Duck takes flight in Stakelogic’s newest release

Blueprint Gaming™ invites players on its most bountiful fishing trip to date in Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch 3with a host of sumptuous bonus modifiers charging the latest iteration from the industry-renowned series. The leading UK slot supplier has high hopes for its July release following the roaring success of the original Big Catch title and its sequel, which was released in February 2025.

Open a can of lavish rewards in Blueprint Gaming's Fishin' Frenzy The Big Catch 3

Red Rake Gaming presents its latest release, Beating Alcatraz, an exciting video slot that transports players to one of the most iconic prisons in the world to experience the ultimate escape adventure. With a 5×4 reel layout and 25 paylines, Beating Alcatrazdelivers an innovative gaming experience centered around the Sticky Wins feature, where every winning combination sticks to the reels and triggers a Respin—offering players the chance to maximize their winnings while keeping the excitement going with every spin.

Red Rake Gaming launches Beating Alcatraz, the ultimate prison break slot

The latest slot game from Galaxsys takes players on a mythological journey through nine Norse realms, offering unique bonuses, free spins, and up to 7000x wins. Galaxsys, the award-winning games developer, proudly announces the launch of its new slot title: Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms. Rooted in Scandinavian mythology, Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms invites players on a journey across the nine legendary realms of Norse lore.

Step back in time and experience the excitement of Reels Paradise by Booming Games. This classic slot machine features iconic reels and symbols, with modern features that make every spin engaging and enjoyable. Reels Paradise is a 5-reel, 3-row slot game with a unique twist. The first three reels showcase classic slot symbols such as diamonds and bars. The 4th reel is the Value Symbol reel, which exclusively contains prize values.

Gaming Corps is diving into deep waters with the launch of its latest slot, Fishing Pro: Reel Collect — an action-packed release designed to hook players with its unique Prize Collect mechanic. Set against a colourful underwater backdrop, Fishing Pro invites players to bait their hooks and aim for the big one. Every spin in this wild slot brings new opportunities to collect fish, lobsters, and mythical mermaids across a grid bursting with aquatic prizes.

FBMDS just launched Secrets of Scarabs, the first title in its brand-new Titan Series – a premium slot collection created to deliver engaging gameplay, flexible configurations, and high-quality performance across platforms. Inspired by the opulence and mystery of Ancient Egypt, Secrets of Scarabs invites players to explore a world of golden treasures, mystical artefacts, and potential wins.

 

ICONIC21 is letting players experience the pulsing energy of an unforgettable Vegas night in its latest slot release, Neon Paradise Hold & Win. A new kind of glow is lighting up the game board in this bold and bright slot that brings a modern twist to a proven and always popular game mechanic. Players get to experience the thrills of the classic 3×5 reel setup, aiming to collect six or more Diamond symbols to unlock the Bonus Game.

Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Extra Crown Classic Buy Bonus. This new release invites players to embark on a royal adventure across the 5 beautifully designed reels. This classical video slot has 10 fixed paylines offering many chances to score big and feel the thrill of majestic rewards.

 

The post Week 31/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Industry Awards

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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