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Majority of gamblers hit with affordability checks have handed over info, but wider betting population unwilling

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2 years ago

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  • Most bettors asked to undergo financial checks agree
  • Higher spending players more willing than lower spenders
  • Most who’ve not yet faced affordability checks say they will refuse

The majority of bettors who have been asked for proof they can afford to gamble have provided it, but there are big questions over how things will play out if checks become mandatory or more common, the results of a new study by sports betting community OLBG show.

A survey of bettors carried out online by YouGov for OLBG found that the majority of those who had been asked by gambling operators to provide documents such as payslips, bank statements or other documents had complied with the request.

The survey, which polled 1,007 bettors, found that 21.8% of bettors had already been asked for documents by at least one bookmaker. Of these, 74.3% had provided them, but 17.9% had refused and started playing with a different licensed operator instead. Of the remainder, 4.1% refused and moved to an unlicensed operator, while 3.7% stopped betting entirely.

The willingness to provide documentation was less widespread among those who had not yet been asked to do so, however.

Of the 78.2% of punters who had not yet faced affordability checks, 37.3% said they would refuse and simply stop betting, 35.0% said they would move to a different licensed operator and 4.1% said they’d go to an unlicensed company. Only 23.5% indicated they would be willing to provide the documents.

“Most bettors who have been asked to provide documents have done so. More importantly, very few of those who were asked stopped gambling or went to the black market, the latter being the worst unintended consequence of measures aimed at making gambling more responsible,” said Richard Moffat, CEO at OLBG.

“However, there is a stark difference between those who have been asked and those who haven’t in terms of willingness.”

As the below table shows, overall 65% of bettors reported not being willing to comply with affordability checks. Those betting lower monthly amounts were the least open to handing over financial documents, with more than three in four (75.4%) of those betting less than £5 a month and 72% of those betting £6-15 a month unwilling to undergo affordability checks.

“Few people who are spending at this level are likely to think it is proportionate for a bookie to ask for proof they can afford it and it’s quite surprising how many lower spending players report already having been asked. From the rumours about what level mandatory checks might come in, it seems unlikely checks will be forced on players at levels under £100 per month,” said Moffat.

Players spending less than £100 per month

Have you been asked by a gambling company to provide payslips, bank statements or similar documents as part of an affordability or proof of funds check? All bettors Less than £5 £6-15 £16-25 £26-50 £51-100
Unweighted base 1,007 235 224 147 154 93
Yes, I have and I provided the required documents 16.16% 6.00% 10.08% 20.86% 16.55% 14.27%
No, I have not but I would provide the documents if asked 18.45% 18.20% 18.06% 23.14% 20.31% 21.62%
Yes, I have, but I didn’t provide the documents and bet with a different licensed company instead 3.92% 0.40% 1.77% 4.22% 4.53% 6.57%
Yes, I have but I didn’t provide the documents and bet with a different unlicensed company instead 0.90% 0.00% 0.47% 0.71% 1.29% 1.08%
Yes, I have but I didn’t provide the documents and stopped betting 0.79% 0.00% 0.43% 0.70% 1.94% 1.10%
No, I have not and if asked I wouldn’t provide the documents and would bet with a different licensed company instead 27.40% 20.40% 31.52% 24.80% 35.25% 38.36%
No, I have not and if asked I wouldn’t provide the documents and would bet with an unlicensed company instead 3.20% 1.30% 3.57% 4.17% 3.27% 1.11%
No, I have not and if asked I wouldn’t bet 29.18% 53.60% 34.10% 21.40% 16.86% 15.88%
Total willing to provide documents 34.61% 24.20% 28.14% 44.00% 36.86% 35.89%
Total unwilling to provide documents 65.39% 75.70% 71.86% 56.00% 63.14% 64.10%

Players spending more than £100 per month

Have you been asked by a gambling company to provide payslips, bank statements or similar documents as part of an affordability or proof of funds check? All bettors £101-200 £201-300 £301-500 £501-1000
Unweighted Base 1,007 57 16 16 20
Yes, I have and I provided the required documents 16.16% 30.04% 31.87% 50.63% 40.65%
No, I have not but I would provide the documents if asked 18.45% 19.41% 12.94% 0.00% 4.79%
Yes, I have, but I didn’t provide the documents and bet with a different licensed company instead 3.92% 12.40% 6.73% 0.00% 15.35%
Yes, I have but I didn’t provide the documents and bet with a different unlicensed company instead 0.90% 1.77% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Yes, I have but I didn’t provide the documents and stopped betting 0.79% 1.70% 0.00% 6.45% 0.00%
No, I have not and if asked I wouldn’t provide the documents and would bet with a different licensed company instead 27.40% 24.19% 36.36% 30.49% 28.90%
No, I have not and if asked I wouldn’t provide the documents and would bet with an unlicensed company instead 3.20% 5.19% 12.10% 6.45% 5.12%
No, I have not and if asked I wouldn’t bet 29.18% 5.31% 0.00% 5.98% 5.20%
Total willing to provide documents 34.61% 49.45% 44.81% 50.63% 45.44%
Total unwilling to provide documents 65.39% 50.56% 55.19% 49.37% 54.57%

* Players spending more than £1,000 per month were excluded as numbers were too small to be statistically significant.

However, while willingness to undergo affordability checks does seem to increase among players who spend more on a monthly basis, even among those spending £100-plus per month, less than half were open to affordability checks.

One big difference between players at lower spend levels and those spending more than £100 was the likelihood of players stopping gambling if asked to undergo checks. While 53.6% of those betting less than £5 said they wouldn’t gamble if faced with affordability checks, just 5.31% said the same in the £101-200 per month category.

Higher spending players were more likely to have moved to a different licensed company rather than provide documents, but across all spending amounts a significant proportion of players reported plans to do so if asked to provide documents.

“Many players reported either having already moved to a different licensed operator or being willing to do so over affordability checks. Therefore, there is now a big question mark over what might happen if affordability checks become mandatory and all licensed operators have to impose them at certain levels,” said Moffat.

The survey also found that younger players were more willing to submit to financial checks. About one-third (33.34%) of those aged 18-24 said they had been asked for and provided documents, while 22.86% said they hadn’t been asked but would do so. In the 55-plus age group, the percentage of players reporting the same fell to 6.40% and 15.37%, respectively.

More details on this breakdown can be found in the full survey report, along with various other findings on the UK’s gambling habits.

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RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS NAMES TOM MCMAHON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SLOT OPERATIONS AND MARKETING

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9 hours ago

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July 1, 2025

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Resorts World Las Vegas is continuing the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Tom McMahon as Senior Vice President of Slot Operations and Marketing.

A respected leader with more than two decades of experience in gaming and hospitality, McMahon steps into his role effective immediately.

“Tom’s deep expertise in luxury casino operations and marketing makes him a powerful addition to our team,” said Carlos Castro, President and Chief Financial Officer of Resorts World Las Vegas. “We look forward to the leadership he will provide in this essential function at Resorts World Las Vegas.”

McMahon has held senior roles at some of the most recognized names in the industry, including Wynn Resorts, Bellagio Resort & Casino, Las Vegas Sands, Venetian | Palazzo and most recently Sycuan Casino Resort. At Resorts World Las Vegas, he will lead initiatives across slot operations, marketing and the Genting Rewards Loyalty Program, with a focus on innovation, guest engagement and operational excellence.

Said McMahon, “Returning to Las Vegas to join a forward-thinking property like Resorts World is an incredible opportunity. I am eager to help shape the next chapter of growth by enhancing the guest experience and building on the strong foundation already in place.”

For more information about Resorts World Las Vegas, please visit rwlasvegas.com. 

 

The post RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS NAMES TOM MCMAHON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SLOT OPERATIONS AND MARKETING appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

Expanse Studios (GMGI) Obtains Croatian iGaming Certification

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15 hours ago

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July 1, 2025

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Expanse Studios, the B2B game development division of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has received official certification from Croatia’s Ministry of Finance for its flagship game Super Heli, with additional titles in the company’s 56-game portfolio expected to receive approval in the coming weeks for the EU member state.

The certification marks a strategic entry into a market that generated US$484.70m in 2024, with projected growth at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2024-2030. Super Heli, Expanse’s most popular crash-style game, becomes the first of the studio’s titles approved for the Croatian market, paving the way for broader portfolio distribution.

Tapping Into High-Growth European Market

Croatia represents a compelling opportunity for B2B gaming suppliers, with the Online Casinos segment alone projected at US$218.10m in 2024. According to iGamingToday’s latest market research, Croatia’s gambling market will reach €720.42 million by 2025, making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated markets.

Among the key market benefits are:

  • Accelerating digital adoption – Internet penetration jumped from 76% in 2020 to 83% in 2023
  • Over 20.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023 following Schengen Zone entry
  • Over 500,000 Croatians expected to engage in regular online gambling by 2027

Strategic Value for the Company

The certification strengthens Expanse Studios’ European footprint at a critical juncture. With 56 proprietary titles and 500+ B2B partners globally, Expanse is expected to capture a meaningful share in the growing EU market.

“Croatia certification is more than market access—it’s validation of our content quality and compliance capabilities in demanding EU jurisdictions,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. “With our flagship title Super Heli already approved and more games in the pipeline, we’re very excited for the opportunities this markets brings us”

Competitive Advantage in Regulated Markets

Croatia’s regulatory framework favors established, compliant B2B providers. Operators must obtain licenses requiring significant capital investment, and only licensed casino games operators who have at least one brick-and-mortar casino can offer online gambling. This creates high barriers to entry and positions certified B2B suppliers like Expanse as essential partners for operators.

The post Expanse Studios (GMGI) Obtains Croatian iGaming Certification appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Kristina Jakovleva Represents Slotsjudge at iGB London 2025

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16 hours ago

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July 1, 2025

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The iGB London 2025 event is set to push the boundaries of the online gambling market, and Kristina Jakovleva, Business Development Manager at SEOBROTHERS, will represent Slotsjudge. The event is expected to gather over 15,000 attendees and more than 300 sponsors, and Kristina plans to cover technological trends, discuss affiliate marketing strategies, and foster industry-specific networking.

Event Overview: About iGB London 2025

As one of the iGaming industry’s key global events, iGB London brings together thousands of professionals to drive innovation and growth. Following the success of previous editions, with over 6,500+ affiliates and 150+ programs on offer, the upcoming event promises even greater opportunities for business and collaboration.

Over 15,000+ industry specialists are to join the event this time. This year, participants will discuss technological trends, regulatory updates, affiliate marketing, and branding strategies. Participants can gain actionable insights and learn from successful case studies, making the event both exciting and informative.

About Kristina Jakovleva: Expertise & Plans

Starting her career in education at Liverpool John Moores University, Kristina has been in the iGaming market for years, working as a customer support specialist, affiliate manager, and ultimately as a Business Development Manager at SEOBROTHERS.

Years of experience and a focus on growth enabled Kristina to understand which approach best suited the company quickly, and she successfully implemented strategic partnerships and business growth initiatives to benefit from industry-specific networking.

Expectations & Final Thoughts

Attendees can enjoy iGB London 2025 on 2–3 July 2025 at ExCeL London, and an exclusive AI Concierge service will be available to cover basic questions about the event. Nick Hill, Executive Director at Premier Hill, says that ‘it represents the entire industry, and it is a must-attend show.’

It’s an excellent opportunity for the Slotsjudge team to gain performance-driven insights and plan future growth over the next 12 to 24 months, while other participants can learn from Kristina Jakovleva’s work, reinforcing Slotsjudge’s ongoing commitment to innovation and the overall growth of the iGaming industry.

The post Kristina Jakovleva Represents Slotsjudge at iGB London 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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