Industry News
Covid-19 – A message from UKGC chair, Neil McArthur to online gambling operators
Since I wrote to you last week, the response to Covid-19 has affected everyone in Great Britain.
Over the last week, I have spoken to representatives across the industry and understand the significant impact that these uncertain and unsettling events are having on your businesses, your customers and your employees. We have been drawing up an initial assessment on the impact recent events will have on the gambling industry and assessing how we should approach our own work over the coming months.
Protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed by gambling has always been a major priority and we are very mindful – as you should be – of the fact that the risks of harm arising from online gambling have increased as a result of recent events. As you know, the social distancing measures that have been imposed this week now mean that anyone other than key workers will be at home for most of the day. We are already seeing reports of an increase in online slots, poker, casino gaming and virtual sports.
In light of these developments, whilst I recognise the enormous challenges businesses are facing, I want to make the Commission’s expectations absolutely clear:
- Consumer protection must be paramount
- We expect you to act responsibly, especially around individual customer affordability checks and increased social responsibility interactions.
- We expect you to be very mindful that customers may be vulnerable and experiencing financial uncertainty, whilst others may be experiencing other effects of being isolated including, for example, feelings of anxiety, loneliness or boredom.
- We expect you to know your customers and step in if they are showing signs that they are experiencing or at risk of harm.
- Marketing must be conducted responsibly
- We expect you to on-board new customers in a socially responsible way.
- You must not exploit the current situation for marketing purposes and should be very cautious when seeking to cross-sell online gaming products to customers who signed up with you in order to bet.
- We expect you to ensure that your affiliates are conducting themselves appropriately.
- Compliance with licence conditions and codes of practice
- We expect you to act in a way that minimises the risks to the licensing objectives.
- Treat consumers fairly and communicate with them in a clear way that allows them to make a properly informed judgment about whether to gamble.
- Work with the Commission in an open and co-operative way and act in accordance with both the letter or the spirit of the regulatory framework we have set.
If we see irresponsible behaviour we will step in immediately. So, whilst I know that the current climate is unprecedented, gambling operators must play their part in making sure that people are kept safe.
If you want to share your own analysis of impacts to the industry, or share other information that may be relevant to our work on this issue, you can talk to Ben Haden, Programme Director for Industry Insight, who is collating all of the information about how Covid-19 is affecting the industry.
If you have information or concerns about the behaviour of an operator then our Confidential Intelligence Hotline is continuing to take calls or you can email the team. Finally, you can continue to contact your Account Manager in the normal way to notify of any key events or questions you have during this time. If you have other questions or queries, please let us know and we will do our best to get you an answer.
Yours sincerely,
Neil McArthur
Industry News
Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025
Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025
Join the most influential gaming industry professionals from throughout the world when ICE opens at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, 20 –22 January 2025. The first edition of the world-leading business event to be held outside the UK will feature a record 1,000 exhibitors following unprecedented demand for space from world gaming’s leading innovators covering every sector and every jurisdiction.
ICE and the co-located iGB Affiliate – which will occupy 120,000 square metres compared to the 100,000 sqm used in London – connect the entire global industry and provide access to the very latest cutting-edge innovations, technological solutions, regulatory updates, and insights which assist entrepreneurial businesses to enter new jurisdictions and build market share.
ICE is the event where the industry launches tens of thousands of game-changing, landmark products and where visitors can explore the future of gaming. For more information on the event where the world of gaming goes to do business and to register: icegaming.com
The post Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
casino games
BetMGM is launched in the Netherlands, bringing an authentic Vegas experience to the Dutch market
The golden Vegas offerings and entertainment of BetMGM is coming to the Netherlands, following a successful launch in the UK. BetMGM will offer a best-in-class Las Vegas experience to deliver a new golden era of online casino and sports betting in the Netherlands. Leveraging LeoVegas Group’s proprietary technology and platform, the launch marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.
BetMGM, the entertainment and sports brand known for its golden offerings and authentic Vegas experience, is launching in the Netherlands. The new brand is set to provide customers with exciting new product features, including large-scale jackpots, loyalty rewards, exclusive slots, as well as unique and compelling sports promotions. Utilising LeoVegas Group’s proprietary technology and platform, this expansion into the Dutch market represents the second European launch, succeeding a well-received rollout in the United Kingdom.
Gary Fritz, President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, said “We are thrilled to launch BetMGM in the Netherlands and build on BetMGM’s successful expansion into global markets. The Dutch market offers an exciting opportunity and will be an important part of our international expansion efforts and strategy to become a global gaming leader.”
Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO at LeoVegas Group, said “Our launch in the UK was tremendously successful, and we eagerly anticipate bringing the golden Vegas experience to the Netherlands. This launch in the Dutch market is an important step in our international expansion, but we have much more in store.”
The post BetMGM is launched in the Netherlands, bringing an authentic Vegas experience to the Dutch market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
“Royal Flash” Unveiled by PopOk Gaming – An Exciting Journey Back to Classic Slot Gaming!
PopOK Gaming, a trailblazer in the world of iGaming, is happy to announce the launch of their latest slot game, “Royal Flash.” This classic-style slot game takes players on a fruity escapade, promising an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and grand wins fit for royalty.
Drawing inspiration from traditional fruit machines, “Royal Flash” exudes classic charm with its timeless design and iconic symbols. Set across 5×3 reels and featuring 10 paylines, this game is adorned with familiar fruit symbols such as strawberries, cherries, grapes, and the illustrious Seven symbol.
But the real excitement lies in the gameplay – each Wild symbol that graces the reels expands to form a Wild reel, ramping up the intensity and offering thrilling win potential with every spin. Additionally, keep a keen eye out for the coveted gold bar symbol; landing three or more unlocks a prize from any position on the reels, adding an extra layer of thrill to your gaming experience.
Players can expect to bask in the glory of majestic wins, with the opportunity to claim up to 1,500 times their bet in this modernized twist on a retro-inspired classic. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of gaming, “Royal Flash” promises an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, thrills, and the chance to win big!
Experience the Majesty of “Royal Flash” Today!
The post “Royal Flash” Unveiled by PopOk Gaming – An Exciting Journey Back to Classic Slot Gaming! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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