Industry News
Developing slots with player safety in mind
Light & Wonder’s VP Game Development Rob Procter describes how the slot development process is influenced by progress in safer gambling policy and best practice
Keeping players safe is of paramount importance for every stakeholder in the gaming business.
It is a factor that is at the forefront of regulatory and advertising codes in markets around the world, with European Safer Gambling Week serving to bring the issues at play under an especially sharp focus. At Light & Wonder, it is our firm belief that the creation of safe, sustainable playing environments is a necessity if our industry is to continue to flourish worldwide.
We see online gaming as a firm part of the overall entertainment ecosystem. Within this environment, players must be made to feel comfortable enough to play responsibly, having enjoyed an experience that they feel has given them value for their money.
Player safety is about far more than simply being compliant and doing the bare minimum to stick to a set of regulations. It is our belief at Light & Wonder that player safety should be hard-wired into our overall entire content strategy. Within our creative teams, we are always cognisant of the new features and mechanics that we are putting into games and the ways in which they will interact with the player to enhance entertainment levels while also keeping them safe from potential harms.
Landscape
In recent years, the landscape has changed markedly in terms of widespread awareness of the need to protect players. If you look at the example of the UK, buying directly into a bonus feature was prohibited by the Gambling Commission of Great Britain a few years ago, which necessitated a change in approach for game suppliers. We have been focusing strongly on providing compelling experiences within slots to all levels of players across all regulated markets, without them having to stake to high levels, or play for longer in order to access certain features. We don’t want players to feel that a certain level of investment in a slot is a necessity and that numerous spins must be undertaken before a certain level of potential is reached within a game. It is about approaching game design with an ethical, fair mindset, and this comes to the fore when deciding on the distribution of RTP and the way a slot’s mechanics interact with the base game.
Our desire is that we provide players at all stake levels with a positive experience and to show that any top-ranking bonus is attainable by any type of player. Attractive features can no longer only be on offer to the player who is prepared to spend more time and money on their stake – on any given game.
Across all channels
Restrictions in land-based gaming are different in nature compared to the online world, while also varying across different markets. Throughout the process of designing an omni-channel game, we ensure that our content behaves in the same way as our native digital titles with regard to enhancing the game experience, without putting the player in harm’s way.
At Light & Wonder, my colleagues in the land-based creative teams have the same perception of safer gambling as we do in iGaming. We are able to take mutually beneficial learnings as business units, looking at how the land-based teams have incorporated RTP splits and features and mechanics changes, and utilizing those within the online sphere.
Pitfalls
Naturally, operators have a strong imperative to uphold their social responsibility commitments, and to remain as compliant as possible to the regulators. As we see it, though, suppliers certainly have their own part to play in providing operators with content that has player safety already built-in, through entertaining features that can be accessed at all staking levels. Furthermore, we make sure we’re always present in industry working groups, pushing forward the development of best practice in responsible game design – this work is incredibly important to us, and something we’d encourage broader engagement with from others.
In most mature markets, regulation appears to have one direction of travel, towards greater restrictions. Yet in creating new solutions that can cater for evolving guidelines, there lies an opportunity for clever content creators to produce games with original and compelling math models and mechanics. Players can play safely and be entertained but it is up to all stakeholders in our industry to ensure to play their part to ensure that this is the case.
Industry News
Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030 Featuring Bet365, William Hill, Betfair, Paddy Power, 888sport, Bwin, Unibet, Ladbrokes, MGM, and Betsson
The “Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type, Platform, Sports Type (Football, Basketball, Baseball, Horse Racing, Cricket, Hockey, Others), Country, and Segment Forecasts, 2024-2030” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The Europe sports betting market size is anticipated to reach USD 65.54 billion by 2030 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2030
The globalization of sports and the integration of international leagues and tournaments into European betting markets have fueled the growth of sports betting. Major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Wimbledon, and the Olympics attract widespread attention and betting interest from European consumers, driving significant betting volumes and revenues for sports betting operators, thus driving the growth of the sports betting market in Europe.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the European sports betting market. The cancellation or postponement of sports events during the pandemic restrained the market growth. With major tournaments, leagues, and competitions either suspended or canceled outright, the absence of live sports events severely diminished consumer betting opportunities. It led to a significant decline in betting volumes and revenues for sports betting operators.
The presence of favorable betting policies in the region is driving the growth of the sports betting market in the region. Many European countries, such as the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and France, have progressive policies promoting a competitive and well-regulated betting market. It facilitates the entry of new operators into the market and encourages competition, leading to innovation, improved services, and better value for consumers.
Moreover, established responsible gambling initiatives and regulatory bodies in Europe, such as the European Gaming & Betting Association, help build trust and confidence among consumers by promoting responsible gambling practices, ensuring fairness and transparency in betting operations, and providing avenues for dispute resolution, to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the betting market, thus driving the growth of sports betting market in the region.
Europe Sports Betting Market Report Highlights
- Based on the type of betting, the fixed odd wagering segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 27.7% in 2023 due to the stability and predictability of the payouts
- Based on platform, the online segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2030. It can be attributed to the collaborations between sports teams, leagues, and betting companies, thus increasing the visibility of sports betting and attracting a larger customer base.
- In terms of sports type, the football segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. It can be attributed to the popularity of football in Europe due to popular football clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona, and Manchester United.
- The UK held a significant share of 34.6% in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Favorable gambling policies in the country drive the market’s growth.
Company Profiles
- Bet365
- Ali William Hill
- Betfair
- Paddy Power
- 888sport
- Bwin
- Unibet
- Ladbrokes
- MGM Resorts International
- Betsson
Key Attributes:
| Report Attribute | Details |
| No. of Pages | 80 |
| Forecast Period | 2023 – 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 | $33.75 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 | $65.54 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 9.9% |
| Regions Covered | Europe |
Key Topics Covered:
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Outlook
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.3. Competitive Insights
Chapter 3. Europe Sports Betting Market Variables, Trends & Scope
3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.1. Parent market outlook
3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook
3.2. Market Dynamics
3.2.1. Market driver analysis
3.2.1.1. Increasing number of sport events
3.2.1.2. Growing number of sporting events and leagues in Europe
3.2.2. Market restraint analysis
3.2.2.1. Lack of unified regulations
3.2.3. Market opportunity analysis
3.2.3.1. Growth in E-sports audience
3.3. Europe Sports Betting Market Analysis Tools
3.3.1. Industry Analysis – Porter’s
3.3.2. PESTEL Analysis
Chapter 4. Europe Sports Betting Market: Platform Estimates & Trend Analysis
4.1. Platform Market Share, 2023 & 2030
4.2. Segment Dashboard
4.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Platform Outlook
4.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
4.4.1. Offline
4.4.2. Online
Chapter 5. Europe Sports Betting Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
5.1. Type Market Share, 2023 & 2030
5.2. Segment Dashboard
5.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Type Outlook
5.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
5.4.1. Fixed odds wagering
5.4.2. Exchange Betting
5.4.3. Live/In Play Betting
5.4.4. eSports Betting
5.4.5. Others
Chapter 6. Europe Sports Betting Market: Sports Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
6.1. Sports Type Market Share, 2023 & 2030
6.2. Segment Dashboard
6.3. Europe Sports Betting Market by Sports Type Outlook
6.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2018 to 2030
6.4.1. Football
6.4.2. Basketball
6.4.3. Baseball
6.4.4. Horse Racing
6.4.5. Cricket
6.4.6. Hockey
6.4.7. Others
Chapter 7. Europe Sports Betting Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
7.1. Regional Market Share Analysis, 2023 & 2030
7.2. Regional Market Dashboard
7.3. Regional Market Snapshot
7.4. Market Size, & Forecasts Trend Analysis, 2018 to 2030
7.4.1. UK
7.4.2. Germany
7.4.3. France
7.4.4. Italy
Chapter 8. Competitive Landscape
8.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants
8.2. Company/Competition Categorization
8.3. Vendor Landscape
8.3.1. List of key distributors and channel partners
8.3.2. Key customers
8.4. Company Profiles
For more information about this report visit researchandmarkets.com
The post Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030 Featuring Bet365, William Hill, Betfair, Paddy Power, 888sport, Bwin, Unibet, Ladbrokes, MGM, and Betsson appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Leading online slot developer announces launch of Snoop’s High Rollers which will go live exclusively with popular crypto sportsbook and casino
Gaming Corps, a publicly listed game development company based in Sweden, has signed a major deal that will see it launch an exclusive slot game in collaboration with rap legend, Snoop Dogg. The game will drop exclusively on Roobet, the online casino where Snoop Dogg is a brand ambassador.
Snoop Dogg needs no introduction. He made his music industry debut when he appeared on Dr Dre’s 1992 album, The Chronic, and has since sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. He’s also made several movie and TV show appearances, making him one of the most iconic artists of all time.
The game is “Snoop’s High Rollers” and allows players to experience what it’s like to live life as a music legend. The soundtrack is inspired by Snoop’s early and later works and the main man has also narrated parts of the game to really bring it to life.
Snoop has also played a part in creating the gameplay, hand-picking mechanics and bonus features to really put his stamp on the game. Roobet has also got in on the action, leading to a unique online slot that will soar to the top of the charts among its players.
Snoop’s High Rollers will make its debut exclusively on Roobet, the crypto casino and sportsbook that has taken the market by storm since its launch in 2019. The casino’s team has put a comprehensive marketing strategy behind the game with plans to use it to drive new customer acquisition at scale.
“It is with much pride that we at Gaming Corps have had the chance to develop a game in close collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Roobet, where we have combined our unique gaming perspective with Snoop Dogg’s unparalleled style and charisma,” Juha Kauppinen, Gaming Corps CEO, said:-
“Our vision is to offer players an experience where music, culture and gaming merge into something extraordinary. Our close collaboration with Roobet has enabled us to do the impossible, namely world-class marketing, game release is planned for 20 of April. We’re thrilled, and discussions are already underway about several game concepts!”
Anthony Brennan, Head of Partnerships at Roobet, added: “Roobet loves pushing the envelope and never flinches at an opportunity to bring iGaming and pop culture together. Snoop loves his game, we love the game, and we’ve been delighted at the experience of building something that feels fresh in an industry full of remixes.
“We can’t say enough nice things about the Gaming Corps team, and we’re excited to hear what the gaming community has to say!”
The post Leading online slot developer announces launch of Snoop’s High Rollers which will go live exclusively with popular crypto sportsbook and casino appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
IDnow, a leading identity verification provider in Europe, has unveiled VideoIdent Flex, a new version of its expert-led video verification service that blends advanced AI technology with human interaction. The human-based video call solution, supported by AI, has been designed and built to boost customer conversion rates, reduce rising fraud attempts, increase inclusivity, and tackle an array of complex online verification scenarios, while offering a high-end service experience to end customers.
The company’s original expert-led product, VideoIdent, has been a cornerstone in identity verification for over a decade, serving the strictest requirements in highly regulated industries across Europe. VideoIdent Flex, re-engineered specifically for the UK market, represents a significant evolution, addressing the growing challenges of identity fraud, compliance related to Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes and ensuring fair access and inclusivity in today’s digital world outside of fully automated processes.
As remote identity verification becomes more crucial yet more challenging, VideoIdent Flex combines high-quality live video identity verification with hundreds of trained verification experts, thus ensuring that genuine customers gain equal access to digital services while effectively deterring fraudsters and money mules. Unlike fully automated solutions based on document liveness and biometric liveness features, this human-machine collaboration not only boosts onboarding rates and prevents fraud but also strengthens trust and confidence in both end users and organisations. VideoIdent Flex can also serve as a fallback service in case a fully automated solution fails.
Bertrand Bouteloup, Chief Commercial Officer at IDnow, said: “VideoIdent Flex marks a groundbreaking advancement in identity verification, merging AI-based technology with human intuition. In a landscape of evolving fraud tactics and steady UK bank branch closures, our solution draws on our decade’s worth of video verification experience and fraud insights, empowering UK businesses to maintain a competitive edge by offering a white glove service for VIP onboarding. With its unique combination of KYC-compliant identity verification, real-time fraud prevention solutions, and expert support, VideoIdent Flex is a powerful tool for the UK market.”
Whereas previously firms may have found video identification solutions to be excessive for their compliance requirement or out of reach due to costs, VideoIdent Flex opens up this option by customising checks as required by the respective regulatory bodies in financial services, mobility, telecommunications or gaming, to offer a streamlined solution fit for every industry and geography.
Bouteloup added: “Identity verification is incredibly nuanced; it’s as intricate as we are as human beings. This really compounds the importance of adopting a hybrid approach to identity – capitalising on the dual benefits of advanced technology when combined with human knowledge and awareness of social cues. With bank branches in the UK closing down, especially in the countryside, and interactions becoming more and more digital, our solution offers a means to maintain a human relationship between businesses and their end customers, no matter their age, disability or neurodiversity.
“VideoIdent Flex is designed from the ground up for organisations that cannot depend on a one-size-fits-all approach to ensuring their customers are who they say they are. In a world where fraud is consistently increasing, our video capability paired with our experts adds a powerful layer of security, especially for those businesses and customers that require a face-to-face interaction.”
The post IDnow Bridges the AI-human Divide with New Expert-led Video Verification Solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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