Connect with us

Press Releases

UKGC: Information for operators re-opening land-based gambling premises

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

As restrictions on the lockdown ease the UKGC has published a number of frequently asked questions covering its expectations from land-based operators.

These FAQs are aimed at helping operators manage compliance with Government guidance on reopening with continued compliance with the Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).

The Commission is also reminding operators they are still expected to continue to follow Customer Interaction guidance as doors are reopened to consumers.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Frequently asked questions

Which premises can open from 15 June?

Just betting offices in England are able to open from 15 June.

 

Do Operators still have to meet all the Gambling Act and LCCP requirements?

Yes, there are no changes to operators’ obligations. We therefore expect operators to have confidence in their ability to be fully compliant with our requirements when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.  

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

 

Will the Commission undertake premises-based assessments?

The Commission’s approach will support the following Government objectives as set out in guidance:

  • To minimise the contact resulting from visits to stores or outlets
  • To minimise the number of unnecessary visits to offices
  • To minimise non-essential travel

This means that the Commission will look to obtain premises information by remote means. This includes requesting electronic data or recordings and where possible/necessary undertaking Skype meetings.

 

Will Licensing Authorities undertake premises-based assessments?

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

LA requirements remain the same. Individual LAs will undertake their own risk assessments and implement policies and procedures accordingly.

 

Who do I report my concerns to if I think government Covid-19 guidelines are not being followed correctly?

The Gambling Commission is not responsible for addressing breaches of Covid19 guidance. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Local Authorities, and local Police Forces (England & Wales only) have the relevant information on their websites.

 

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Risk Assessments 

General business risk assessment

Whilst not a requirement, we would expect operators to consider the risks posed to compliance with the Act, LCCP and associated guidance. As such we may seek evidence to support this.

 

Do operators need to review their premises [local] risk assessment(s)?

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Operators may have to implement changes to manage social distancing and to protect staff and customers. Where these changes are significant, and could affect the mitigation of local risks, operators must review and where necessary update their risk assessments.

 

Do operators need to update their AML risk assessment?

Land based operators in the regulated sector are required to regularly review their AML risk assessments. Casinos are not reopening in June, but we would expect them to review the risks when they do. Operators in the unregulated sector are expected to review the risks and if required update any risk assessments.

 

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Premises  

What do operators need to consider if they are putting screens around machines for customer protection?

Operators must ensure that whatever measures they put in place to socially distance customers, staff can continue to supervise the premises, monitor customers behaviour for signs of gambling-related harm and monitor compliance with age-restrictions.

 

Do the social distancing rules mean customer interactions are suspended?

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

No. Operators must ensure that staff can and do undertake customer interactions that are meaningful and effective and that they comply with the LCCP and with our Customer Interaction guidance .

 

Do operators still need to undertake Age Verification (AV) check programs?

Operators are still required to undertake these programs. Suppliers (e.g. Serve Legal) could also be undertaking their own business risk assessments that may require changes to the process.

 

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to undertake AV checks?

Yes, Government guidance states that customers can be asked to remove their masks for AV checks. If customers refuse, then staff should follow operator guidance on refusing service.

 

If customers are wearing PPE (facemasks), are operators still required to enforce self-exclusions?

Yes. There are no changes to an operator’s responsibilities.  Operators are expected to review their policies and procedures and to take a pragmatic approach.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

 

Can operators move their gaming machines to allow for social distancing? Where plans submitted to LA stipulate specific areas for machines (most likely betting shops) operators must contact the LA for advice first.

Can operators expand the use of TITO?

We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities, in particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Operators must ensure that they can evidence appropriate controls when installing TITO and all gaming machines must comply with the relevant technical standards.

 

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Can betting operators increase the number of SSBTs?

We expect full and proper supervision of these facilities. In particular the monitoring for potential money laundering or safer gambling issues. Provided operators can evidence appropriate controls when installing SSBTs, use can be expanded. 

 

Can operators replace safer gambling messaging (posters/leaflets etc.) with social distancing/Covid 19 messaging?

Our guidance on the provision and display of information has not changed.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

 

Will the Commission suspend test-purchasing?

We will continue to carry out test-purchasing to identify those that are operating unlawfully.

 

What will the Commission do about the period of time during which there were no test-purchase exercises?

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

We do not want operators to be disadvantaged and so we will be calculating results only for the periods during which premises are open.

 

Staff  

What happens if staff will not or cannot undertake customer interactions due to social distancing or Covid 19 concerns?

Operators must ensure customer interactions take place. Staffing issues are a matter for individual operators, but our expectation is that they are confident in their abilities to meet all of our requirements, including customer interactions, when they reopen. Where we find evidence of non-compliance, we will take swift action.  

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

 

What happens if a PML goes sick with C-19 or has to self-isolate?

Our expectation is that operators will have in place contingency plans. So long as this is the case, wherever possible the Commission will be flexible on arrangements.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Press Releases

WELCOME TO DREAMLAND: AC MILAN, PUMA AND OFF-WHITE™ UNVEIL BOLD KITS CELEBRATING UNITY AND PROGRESS

Published

on

welcome-to-dreamland:-ac-milan,-puma-and-off-white-unveil-bold-kits-celebrating-unity-and-progress
Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

For the first time, Off-White™ creates a playing kit, marking a groundbreaking moment with AC Milan and PUMA.

Rooted in shared values of ambition and progress, the AC Milan x Off-White™ kit symbolizes the transformative power of dreams.

AC Milan, PUMA and Off-White™ are proud to unveil the highly anticipated AC Milan x Off-White™ 2025 kit, a seamless fusion of football, fashion, and innovation.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

This collaboration is more than just a meeting of football and fashion, it is a celebration of shared values and the transformative power of dreams. It honors the ability of dreams to unite and inspire, transcending sport to create a cultural moment, exemplified by Off-White™ creating its first-ever kit designed to be worn on the pitch.

At the heart of this exclusive collection lies the concept of Dreamland, embodying a rich tapestry of values and symbolism. The number 63, printed on the inner collar of the jersey, serves as a powerful emblem of dreams. Dreams of victory and sporting success for a football club, as AC Milan claimed its first European Cup triumph in 1963, and dreams of progress, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from the same year.

The speech remains a timeless call for social justice and equality, a vision shared by PUMA, AC Milan and Off White™, with the three brands celebrating a shared belief in the transformative power of dreams, offering a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities that dreams inspire.

The new kit, beautifully designed by PUMA and Off-White™, comes in two striking colorways, both infused with Pan-African colors to celebrate black excellence and symbolize unity and progress. The first features a black base that beautifully fades into a power green colorway at the bottom, with sizzle yellow logos and red detailing on the black collar and the jersey cuffs.

The alternative jersey features a red base that fades into a power green color with a monochrome AC Milan crest, collar and cuffs with sizzle yellow details.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Both designs are reimagined with signature Off-White™ touches, including the iconic Off White™ zip tie on both the Authentic and Replica editions of the jerseys. Players surnames feature quotation marks on the back, and the word “Diavoli” – a nod to AC Milan’s historic nickname – incorporated on the badge on the front.

Featuring subtle yet powerful design elements, the kit embodies the idea that change is unstoppable, and progress is continuous. The jerseys represent the notion ‘Unity is Strength’ by featuring the Off-White™ all over print modified to connect the arrows to create unity. The collection launches in February which coincides with Black History month, further elevating the importance of celebrating Black culture and excellence.

Maikel Oettle, Chief Commercial Officer of AC Milan, commented: “This collaboration represents a milestone for AC Milan, bringing together football, fashion, and values in a way that is both bold and meaningful. Partnering with Off-White™ on their first-ever playing kit alongside PUMA allows us to create something truly unique, perfectly aligning with AC Milan’s legacy and vision for the future and celebrating the partnership with Off-White™.

Building on the success of our Fourth Kit strategy with PUMA, this project reaffirms our dedication to pushing creative boundaries and connecting with fans in innovative ways.

We are proud to celebrate this cultural moment and bring the transformative power of dreams to life on and off the pitch.” Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport, said: “This partnership celebrates not only AC Milan’s footballing heritage but also the power of dreams and progress. We are honored to work with Off- White™ to bring this iconic moment to life, blending performance and culture into something truly unique.” This kit is a tribute to AC Milan’s legacy and a celebration of the progress we continue to make both on and off the pitch.”

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Cristiano Fagnani, CEO of Off-White™ added:“The collaboration between Off-White™, AC Milan, and PUMA is not just a tribute to style and innovation but also an opportunity to celebrate the cultural legacy and influence of the Black community in sports and fashion. During Black History Month, this Fourth kit becomes a symbol of connection, identity, and pride, uniting past, present, and future through the universal language of football and streetwear. More than just a kit, it represents a statement of diversity, inclusion, inspiring the next generation on and off the pitch.”

The concept of Dreamland extends into the digital realm, inviting fans worldwide to immerse themselves in its vision through unique activations in Rocket League and Fortnite. In Rocket League, the jersey design has been transformed into car Decals and Wheels, set to debut in the popular sports-action game starting 21 February.

Meanwhile, a custom Fortnite island* takeover inspired by the collection is also launching, offering players the chance to explore, interact, and fully experience the essence of the new kits.

To mark the occasion, a launch event, hosted in Milan last night, brought together art, culture, and entertainment, showcasing the shared values and creativity behind the kits. VIP guests, fans, and community members were invited to explore the collaboration’s theme of Dreamland, reinforcing the cultural impact of this project.

The AC Milan x Off-White™ collection includes both Authentic and Replica jerseys, each engineered for top-level performance and made with sustainable practices. The Authentic Jersey, worn by the players, is made from PUMA’s ULTRAWEAVE fabric to reduce weight and friction, ensuring elite-level performance. It also incorporates dryCELL sweat-wicking technology to keep players and fans dry.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

The Replica Jersey mirrors the design of the Authentic version, offering a more relaxed fit with dryCELL technology and RE:FIBRE, made with at least 95% recycled textile waste and other sustainable materials.

Both versions of the kit reflect PUMA’s dedication to sustainability. The Authentic Jersey is crafted from 100% recycled materials (excluding trims and decorations), while the Replica Jersey incorporates PUMA’s RE:FIBRE technology, furthering the brand’s commitment to a circular production process.

The AC Milan x Off-White™ kit will make its debut on the pitch when AC Milan’s men’s First Team take on Hellas Verona in their Serie A fixture on the 15 February, with the team wearing the black version and the goalkeeper sporting the red version.

The red version will then feature in the match against Lazio, with the goalkeeper donning the black version, showcasing both striking colorways across these two games.

AC Milan’s women’s First Team will also wear this special kit in an upcoming match, with outfield players in red and the goalkeeper in black.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

The AC Milan x Off-White™ is available from AC Milan Official Stores, store.milan.com, PUMA stores, PUMA.com, and select retailers worldwide from the 14 February.

 

The post WELCOME TO DREAMLAND: AC MILAN, PUMA AND OFF-WHITE™ UNVEIL BOLD KITS CELEBRATING UNITY AND PROGRESS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

partnership

Plaza Hotel & Casino launches Stay for a Cause to benefit St. Jude’s Ranch for Children

Published

on

plaza-hotel-&-casino-launches-stay-for-a-cause-to-benefit-st.-jude’s-ranch-for-children

Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino has partnered with the Southern Nevada charity, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, to launch Stay for a Cause.

Any guest who books a room at the Plaza Hotel & Casino for check-in prior to Dec. 31, 2025, via the Stay for a Cause hotel package will have 20 percent of the room rate automatically donated to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. Established in 1966, the nonprofit organization helps provide healing and hope to abused and at-risk children in Southern Nevada.

“The Plaza has previously held toy drives to benefit St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, and we wanted to expand our partnership this year,” said Gary Vickery, vice president of operations at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “With Stay for a Cause, guests can enjoy a great vacation at the Plaza and make a difference in our community at the same time.”

“We are grateful to the Plaza for their generous support through this innovative program,” said St. Jude’s Ranch for Children CEO Dr. Christina Vela. “By choosing to stay at the Plaza, guests are not just enjoying the wonderful accommodations, but also contributing to providing healing and hope to abused, neglected, exploited, and/or homeless children. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Plaza and all the guests who choose to make their stay count for a greater cause.”

The post Plaza Hotel & Casino launches Stay for a Cause to benefit St. Jude’s Ranch for Children appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
Continue Reading

Press Releases

Roll in style with new game Marble Racing at Sportsbet.io

Published

on

roll-in-style-with-new-game-marble-racing-at-sportsbet.io
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Sportsbet.io, the world’s favourite crypto sports betting site, has added a new, first-of-its-kind game, Marble Racing, and is offering lucky players a free bet to get the ball rolling.

Marble Racing builds imaginative marble race tracks and streams races live from its studio. The races are similar to those seen on YouTube, but with an important twist: players can now bet on the winning marble in real time.

It’s a brand new form of high speed entertainment, with races typically lasting between 20 and 60 seconds. Players can pick the winner from eight different marbles, and watch the action unfold from multiple angles.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

To celebrate the launch, Sportsbet.io will drop rewards to lucky users, with the chance to receive up to 10 USDT to bet on Marble Racing.

Alex Haig, Director at Sportsbet.io, said: “Marble Racing brings an entirely new dimension to fun, fast and fair betting, and that’s why we’re so thrilled that Sportsbet.io is among the first to offer this innovative new game. We’re dropping a free bet to lucky accounts because we can’t wait to see players roll into the action.”

Marbles plans to add 20 new races during 2025, giving Sportsbet.io players even more thrilling betting opportunities.

Sportsbet.io has established itself as the place to play, with an unparalleled selection of betting markets and games to choose from.

In December 2023, one lucky sportsbet.io player won a world record slots jackpot, turning a $50 spin into a $42 million prize.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

The post Roll in style with new game Marble Racing at Sportsbet.io appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

Offering comprehensive coverage on all aspects of the gaming sector, our daily posts include online and land-based gaming, betting, esports, regulatory and compliance updates, and technological advancements. Regular features encompass daily news articles, press releases, exclusive interviews, and insightful event reports.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Gaming News Room is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania