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BGC: Compulsory Affordability Checks Threaten Regulated Betting and Gaming Industry, Warns Major Report by EY

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Britain’s regulated betting and gaming sector has urged Government to publish a White Paper that delivers for business and punters, after a new study showed affordability checks are already hitting revenues.

Research by EY for the Betting and Gaming Council confirmed the sector remained robust despite the pandemic and was now weathering the energy crisis and cost of living crisis.

However, the enforcement of tougher affordability checks, have contributed to reduced revenues, the study said.

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The report backs up recent polling which showed nearly 70% of people who place a bet said they would be unwilling to allow regulated firms to carry out compulsory affordability checks to prove they can afford to wager.

According to EY, despite the external pressures facing all businesses, which have been exacerbated by affordability checks, BGC members’ total Gross Value Added contribution to the UK economy was £7.1bn.

Meanwhile the industry supports 110,000 jobs on high streets, in hospitality and in global tech powerhouses.

The contribution to the Treasury from regulated betting and gaming remained significant at £4.2bn annually.

Across the industry, overall Gross Gambling Yield – total revenues after winnings have been paid but before costs are deducted – was slightly up on 2019 despite massive global volatility.

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A new White Paper setting out new laws for the Gambling Industry is expected within weeks. In expectation of Government limits on spending, BGC members have already started applying more stringent checks, which are hitting revenues.

The EY study, noted: “Online GGY has declined since mid-2021, probably reflecting the re-opening of physical venues, the introduction of affordability checks on online, and the decline in real household incomes.”

The decline in the online regulated betting and gaming sector as a result of factors including the impact of affordability checks could push customers to the black market, the study warned.

The EY study, said these pressures, “could in turn lead to leakage to the black market, i.e. operators offering remote (mainly desktop and mobile) gambling products that do not hold a UK Gambling Commission license for remote gambling.”

European countries applying tough sanctions on betting, including restrictions on stakes, blanket affordability checks and curbs on advertising, have witnessed an increase in black market betting.

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Norway’s black market now accounts for over 66% of all money staked, in France it is 57%, while in In Italy 23% of money bet is on illicit sites.

The figures have prompted renewed calls from the BGC to end the uncertainty presented by the Government’s delayed review of gambling laws, and ensure any new regulations put industry on a sustainable foundation for future growth.

CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council Michael Dugher said: “The UK’s regulated betting and gaming sector is a genuine global leader. Some 22.5m adults enjoy a wager, on the lottery, on bingo, on any number of sports, online and in casinos.

“Our members pump billions into the economy, support the Treasury with more billions and support over one hundred thousand jobs.

“But this contribution is never guaranteed. This industry needs to thrive if it is to maintain its status as a global leader.

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“As ministers consider the regulatory framework for this industry, they should stop and think, and ensure the decisions they make support a sustainable future.

“This is a sector that is ready to invest, on hard-pressed high streets through bookmakers, in tourism and hospitality through world-class casinos and online where our tech giant members are looking to increase the number of apprentices they hire.

“We urge the Government to find an evidence-led, balanced White Paper that protects the vulnerable, allows the vast majority who bet safely to continue to do so, and crucially allows business to thrive.”

The Government has promised a White Paper outlining a review of current Gambling legislation within weeks.

The industry standards body, the BGC, has launched 20 standards and initiatives since it was established three years ago to drive up standards.

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Michael Dugher added: “This industry is serious about safer gambling, and it’s encouraging that the rates of problem gambling among UK adults remains low by international standards at 0.3 percent.

“We want to see technology used to ensure checks on spending are carefully targeted towards the vulnerable, not the vast majority who show no signs of harm.

“But without Government clarity on affordability checks, our members are concerned they are driving frustrated customers to the unsafe, unregulated black market.

“These sites have none of the safer gambling tools employed by our members, do nothing to protect young people, don’t invest anything in the sports we love like horse racing, rugby, darts and football and crucially don’t contribute a penny in tax.”

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Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era

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Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industry’s €123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.

Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation

Atlaslive’s analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.

“The data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,” said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. “Operators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.”

Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share

The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This €66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.

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Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:

  • Casino games leading digital adoption: €21.5 billion in 2024, growing to €30.8 billion by 2029
  • Sports betting momentum: €13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
  • Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching €10.4 billion by 2029

Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities

Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.

Digital Leaders:

  • Sweden: 68.3% online share
  • Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
  • Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement

Growth Markets:

  • Italy: Europe’s largest market at €21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
  • Germany: €14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
  • France: €14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth

Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders

The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:

For Operators:

  • Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
  • Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
  • Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration

For Technology Providers:

  • Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
  • Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
  • Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning

Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity

Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains €75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.

“The European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,” added Anastasiia Poltavets. “Rather than simple digital displacement, we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.”

To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.

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This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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WinSpirit’s Birthday: A Year of Success and Innovation

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Cheers to another year of success! Time flies when you’re having fun — and what a year it’s been! From overcoming challenges to achieving exciting milestones, WinSpirit has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

As we celebrate our birthday today, let’s take a moment to reflect on all our achievements and the exciting journey ahead. This past year has been filled with remarkable moments, including a stunning $361,647 player win, the launch of over 100 local tournaments, and the addition of 1,112 games to our library. We’ve also been honoured with prestigious industry awards, and we’ve continued to make strides with our innovative responsible gaming initiatives. These highlights are just a glimpse of our incredible journey, and we’re excited for what the future holds.

Overview of WinSpirit

WinSpirit is an online casino that has rapidly made its mark in the gaming world. With a vast library of approximately 17,000 games, 24/7 customer support, and fast withdrawals, WinSpirit offers players an exceptional and engaging gaming experience. The platform is built on a robust bonus system, including welcome bonuses and regular offers. In addition, WinSpirit promotes responsible gaming by providing features like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring players’ safety while enjoying their gaming experience.

Biggest Win of the Year

At WinSpirit, huge wins are what keep the excitement alive. On May 2nd, 2025, a lucky player took home an incredible $361,647 after landing a 4000x multiplier. This monumental win serves as a testament to the exciting potential of big rewards available on the platform.

Tournaments and Other Key Activities

WinSpirit continues to engage its community with exciting new activities. Over the past year, several successful initiatives have taken place, including:

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  1. Updated Gift Shop in April:
    One of the key innovations this year was the launch of the revamped Gift Shop — a retention-focused feature that saw impressive engagement, with more than 92% of users actively participating, significantly enhancing player loyalty and satisfaction.
  2. VIP Tournament Series:
    In August 2024, WinSpirit organized the Interstellar VIP Journey, a tournament series with three qualifying tournaments and a Grand Final. The prize pool in each tournament was 350 Free Spins.
  3. Christmas and New Year Promotion:
    From November 2024 to January 2025, WinSpirit launched the “Welcome to Lapland” campaign, distributing $1,500,000 in cash and sports gifts. Players participated in tournaments, received daily gifts, and exchanged promo currency in Santa’s Gift Shop.
  4. 100+ Local Tournaments:
    WinSpirit hosted over 100 local tournaments in collaboration with slot and live providers, awarding more than $300,000 in real money prizes.

Popular Betting Events

Players have shown strong enthusiasm for major global events. Some of the most popular betting events included:

  • Super Bowl 2025
  • Champions League
  • Euro 2024 & Copa America 2024
  • Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
  • Olympic Games
  • NFL Finals

Collaborations with Other Brands

WinSpirit has also expanded its presence through collaborations with slot and live providers, as well as exciting social media campaigns. Partnerships with brands like 1spin4win and OnlyPlay have helped create engaging giveaways for players on platforms like Instagram, providing players with the chance to win Free Spins and bonuses.

Awards and Achievements

Over the past year, WinSpirit has received significant recognition in the gaming industry. In 2024, the platform was honoured with several prestigious awards, including:

  • Rising Star 2023 (SBC Awards)
  • World’s Best Online Casino 2023 (World Casino Awards)
  • AskGamblers Trust Certificate
  • Voice of the People 2024 (Casino Guru Awards)

These accolades are a testament to WinSpirit’s commitment to providing a premium and trustworthy experience for players.

Responsible Gaming Initiatives

WinSpirit places a strong emphasis on responsible gaming. Players are provided with the tools to set deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible play and player well-being.

WinSpirit Moments

With initiatives like WinSpirit Moments, we invited players to share their casino experiences — not just through gameplay but by showcasing real-life stories and moments. By submitting creative photos of WinSpirit Casino in unique locations, players shared their passion for online casinos and the benefits they enjoy.

This campaign helped forge stronger connections with our community, creating a platform for storytelling and engagement, while also encouraging responsible gaming. Through this initiative, we not only engaged players but also deepened our relationship with them, making WinSpirit more than just a casino — it’s a community where players’ experiences come to life.

WinSpirit Stories and Trends

WinSpirit also introduced WinSpirit Stories and WinSpirit Trends, innovative features that engage players in new and exciting ways. These formats provide players with information on bonus rules, showcase top game titles, and offer exclusive offers. WinSpirit Stories helps players reflect on their achievements and discover new opportunities, while WinSpirit Trends focuses on the most thrilling aspects of gameplay, helping players choose their next adventure.

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Feedback from Players

WinSpirit’s high ratings across various platforms highlight its success in providing quality service and entertainment. With strong ratings of:

  • 6/5 on Trustpilot
  • 6/10 on CasinoGuru
  • 9/10 on AskGamblers

These reviews reinforce WinSpirit’s reputation as a top-tier online casino, valued by its loyal player base.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to creating meaningful experiences — for our players, partners, and the entire industry. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and building a stronger community. The journey is just beginning, and WinSpirit is excited for what’s to come!

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DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution

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DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution
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The company opens a new chapter

DATA.BET, the sportsbook solution supplier, strengthened its portfolio capabilities by adding sports betting.

The new sportsbook covers over 50,000 sporting events per month, featuring over 63 pre-match and 38 live sports, along with 1000+ available markets. From the most popular leagues to niche categories, the company delivers comprehensive sports coverage backed by trusted official data providers. DATA.BET’s 24/7 in-house trading team ensures over 93% market uptime, dynamic odds adjustments, and automated settlements.

Combined with Player Props, operators can deliver a broader, player-centric betting experience. Cashout functionality is also available, allowing players to settle bets early on single and multiple bets. User engagement is further increased through integrated Video Streaming of events for football, American football, tennis, and basketball as well as interactive Widgets across key sports — keeping users engaged within the platform and eliminating the need to seek information elsewhere. This seamless access to match insights, player data, and betting markets enhances the overall experience and supports higher retention, deeper engagement, and increased betting volumes.

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Today, DATA.BET’s portfolio includes esports, sports, and virtual sports, providing a complete solution for betting operators. Integration is available via an upgraded SPA or through a direct Odds Feed. Depending on operator needs and market focus, each vertical can be connected individually or as a combined solution.

“With the expansion of our sports betting solution, we are entering a new phase in supporting our partners,” commented Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “This update equips operators with a complete betting solution, while ensuring continued access to DATA.BET’s trusted tools for flexibility, control, and fast content delivery.”

The post DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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