Press Releases
UK’s NAO – Gambling regulation: problem gambling and protecting vulnerable people
The UK Gambling Commission and government need to do more to ensure that regulation can protect gamblers effectively, according to a new NAO report.
There are an estimated 1.8 million ‘at risk’ gamblers and 395,000 ‘problem’ gamblers – including 55,000 children, some of whom are as young as 11.1
Gambling addiction can lead to mental health problems, relationship difficulties, large-scale financial loss and, in some cases, crime or suicide.
The NAO’s report looks at regulation of an industry which now yields over £11.3 billion2 for gambling operators every year. The Gambling Commission3, which regulates the industry, has annual funding of £19 million and almost all of it comes from licence fees paid by gambling operators. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) is the government department with overall responsibility for gambling policy and regulation.
The report concludes that while the Commission has improved regulation, there is much more it should do. It has increased enforcement against gambling operators that break rules, for example by revoking licences, and has also strengthened its rule book.4 But it needs to do more to incentivise operators to raise standards and be more systematic and detailed in recording and analysing information about gamblers to plug gaps in its knowledge.
Even if the Commission makes these improvements, it is a small body that is unlikely to be fully effective in regulating a challenging and fast-changing industry within the current system. Gambling regulation does not have features seen in other sectors, such as an ombudsman, and the way it is funded is not flexible meaning the Commission cannot change licence fees to respond to new risks emerging quickly from changes in technology and demand.
The report’s recommendations include that the Commission and DCMS should:
Be more strategic about getting gambling companies to better protect people. This could include incentivising companies to do more to make gambling safer beyond meeting minimum requirements
Ensure gamblers are aware of services to resolve disputes, and review whether these arrangements are working effectively.
Review how regulation is funded so they can keep pace with a fast-changing industry.
“Licensed gambling has grown by 57 per cent – £4.1 billion – over the last decade mainly due to a massive increase in online and smartphone gambling. The risks to gamblers are changing as technologies develop.
“Yet the Gambling Commission is a small regulator in a huge and fast-evolving industry. While the Commission has made improvements, gambling regulation lags behind the industry. The Commission and government need to work together to ensure that regulation keeps pace with the risk to gamblers.” – Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO.
Angela Bernhard Thomas
CAPCOM’S STREET FIGHTERTM 6 GOING TO COLLEGE THIS FALL
- CSMG will create and operate College Street FighterTM Tour in North America for the 2024-25 academic year
- College conference Street Fighter 6 champions will punch their ticket to the national Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) & May Madness in 2025
Industry News
Meridian Donate: Revolutionizing CSR in the Betting and Gaming Industry
- Innovative engagement strategy positions MeridianBet as a leader in CSR within the betting and gaming industry
- Optimized brand loyalty as active customer participation in CSR strengthens connection and loyalty
- Scalable impact, as the model is designed for expansion and could be adapted to new markets, indicating potential for widespread adoption and growth
Transforming Customers into Environmentalists and Humanitarians
MeridianBet’s pioneering initiative, Meridian Donate, is transforming the betting industry by engaging customers directly in corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions. This unique platform allows customers to actively participate in and fund various environmental, societal and humanitarian projects, setting a new standard for customer engagement and community impact.
Key Features of Meridian Donate:
- Direct customer involvement: Customers are not just donors but active participants in CSR decisions
- Diverse programs: Offers choices from global afforestation to local humanitarian efforts
- Partnerships with renowned organizations: Collaborates with entities like the Red Cross and UNICEF
Expanding Impact: A Year-by-Year Growth
The Meridian Donate platform has seen substantial growth in its scope and impact:
- Number of individual campaigns: Grew from 8 in 2021 to 20 in 2023
- National markets Integrated: Expanded from 3 in 2021 to 8 in 2023
- Direct Beneficiaries: Increased from 43 NGOs in 2021 to 159 in 2023
In 2023 alone, the platform’s expansion into eight markets facilitated 20 customer-funded campaigns, directly benefiting 159 NGOs, up from 122 the previous year.
Continued Commitment to Innovation and Community Involvement
Meridian Donate not only showcases MeridianBet’s dedication to CSR but also redefines the role of digital marketing within the industry. By converting sports bettors into active CSR participants, Meridian Donate enhances customer loyalty and brand value, making it a critical element of MeridianBet’s market strategy.
Recent Successes and Future Outlook
In its recent operation, Meridian Donate has launched an ambitious global afforestation initiative, committing to plant 20,000 seedlings across various regions. This project not only underscores our environmental commitment but also enhances our brand’s community presence. Already, several hundred contributions have been recorded in the platform’s first month, indicating robust customer engagement and support.
The post Meridian Donate: Revolutionizing CSR in the Betting and Gaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
Imagine Live Launches Casino Hold’em
Imagine Live proudly unveils its latest game addition – Casino Hold’em. This thrilling new game promises to elevate the poker experience for enthusiasts and novices alike, combining the excitement of traditional Texas Hold’em with the thrill of live casino action.
Casino Hold’em offers players a dynamic and immersive gaming experience. With sleek graphics, intuitive gameplay, and live dealers, players will feel seated at a high-stakes table in a world-class casino right from the comfort of their homes.
Key features of Casino Hold’em include:
Neon-lighting Studio: Casino Hold’em has a very inviting atmosphere. It features an elegant, well-designed studio with neon lighting that evokes a sophisticated gaming environment.
Captivating Gameplay: Stunning graphics and seamless gameplay transport players to the heart of the action.
Bonus Bet: In Casino Hold’em, players can place a Bonus bet alongside their initial Ante bet. Even if the Play bet is lost, the Bonus bet remains unaffected and can still be won if the specific hand criteria are met.
Multiplatform Compatibility: Enjoy Casino Hold’em on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices, allowing players to play anytime, anywhere.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Casino Hold’em to our players,” said Mikayel Aznauryan, Chief Product Officer at Imagine Live. “At Imagine Live, we’re committed to delivering premium gaming experiences, and Casino Hold’em is no exception. With its blend of live action, strategic gameplay, and neon design, we believe it will quickly become a favorite among poker enthusiasts worldwide.”
The post Imagine Live Launches Casino Hold’em appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Baltics3 weeks ago
Lithuania’s Nese enters iGaming with a record sponsorship deal
-
Asia1 week ago
Onlyplay Enters into Strategic Partnership with Ritchie Rabbit
-
Africa4 weeks ago
BMM Testlabs Continues Its Expansion in Africa with New Licenses in Botswana and Nigeria to Test Land-Based and Digital Products
-
Latest News5 days ago
The Importance of Data Quality Review Checks in the Gaming Industry
-
Africa4 weeks ago
KingMakers’ Nigerian operating business, BetKing, selects Genius Sports to power growth with in-play trading services
-
Conferences in Europe3 weeks ago
Altenar becomes General Sponsor of EEGS 2024
-
EurAsia4 weeks ago
Fastex Forges Partnership with Olympionic Foundation to Boost Sports Development in Armenia
-
Press Releases3 weeks ago
OpenBet Powers Record-Breaking 100,000+ Peak Bets per Minute at Grand National 2024