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Gambling White Paper Update
Statement
I wish to inform the House that His Majesty’s Government will today publish its response to the consultation on measures relating to the land-based gambling sector. This will introduce a range of liberalising measures for venues like casinos, bingo halls and arcades, alongside other provisions to protect young people and children, as well as increasing the fees licensing authorities can charge for gambling premises licences.
Many of the current restrictions on venues like casinos and bingo halls derive from the assumption that restrictions on the supply of gambling, such as the number of gaming machines available in a venue, were an important protection. The legislation had not envisaged the rise of online gambling and the ability to gamble at any time, regardless of location. In light of this, restrictions on availability are now less important for protecting customers than factors such as the characteristics of the product and the quality of monitoring a customer’s play in a venue. As set out in the Gambling Act Review white paper, the measures we consulted on are therefore necessary to modernise the outdated and overly restrictive regulations that apply to the land-based gambling sector.
The consultation ran from 26 July to 4 October 2023 and invited views on the details of a range of proposals relating to casinos, arcades and bingo halls. Following consultation, the Government will introduce the following measures:
Casinos
We will make a number of adjustments to relax the existing rules that apply to casinos. There are currently two types of casino licence – those originating from the Gaming Act 1968 and those created by the Gambling Act 2005. 1968 Act casinos are generally allowed only 20 gaming machines regardless of their size, compared to up to 80 for Small and 150 for Large 2005 Act casinos. Following consultation, we will bring the regimes closer together so that 1968 Act casinos can offer more machines to meet customer demand where it is proportionate to their size and non-gambling space. We are also extending the ability to offer betting as a product in casinos, which will bring Britain’s casino product offering more in line with international jurisdictions.
Machine allowance in arcades and bingo halls
We will adjust machine allowances for arcades and bingo halls to allow greater flexibility over their gaming machine offer. Currently, no more than 20% of gaming machines in adult gaming centres and bingo premises can be Category B machines (with a £2 maximum stake), with the others required to be lower stake (Category C or D machines). The Gambling Act Review concluded that this rule is no longer required to offer customer protections, unnecessarily restricts operators and can lead to a number of machines being placed in venues that are not used by customers. Therefore, we will introduce a 2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines. This measure will apply on a device type basis, meaning that the ratio applies to the three different types of device on which gaming machines content is currently offered in arcades and bingo halls, namely large cabinets (such as traditional fruit machines), smaller cabinets placed in between larger machines (in-fills) and tablets.
Cashless payments on gaming machines
We will remove the prohibition on direct debit card payments on gaming machines, alongside the introduction of appropriate player protections. The prohibition on the direct use of debit cards on gaming machines was intended to protect players. However, the use of non-cash payments has increased greatly across society since these rules were put in place and some sectors, particularly machines in pubs, are seeing business disappear because customers do not carry cash. We will help future-proof the industry by removing this prohibition subject to appropriate player protections being put in place. The Gambling Commission will also consult on a number of player protection measures that may be included in their Gaming Machine Technical Standards to ensure that appropriate frictions are in place when direct debit card payments are used. These protection measures may include minimum transaction times, cardholder verification, transaction limits, breaks in play and staff alerts when mandatory and voluntary limits are reached. This measure will only come into force when we are confident that the right player protections are in place. Existing limits on stakes and prizes for all categories of gaming machine will remain unchanged.
Age limits for certain gaming machines
We will introduce an age limit for certain Category D gaming machines. Category D machines are low-stake games that can be played by anyone regardless of age. The Gambling Act Review concluded machines which mirror adult slot machines and pay out cash should be made unavailable to children. These are also known as ‘cash-out’ slot-style Category D machines. Therefore, we will make it a criminal offence to invite, cause, or permit anyone under the age of 18 to play these particular types of machines. This builds on the existing voluntary commitment implemented in 2021 by Bacta, the amusement and gaming machine industry trade body, banning under-18s from playing this type of machine in their members’ venues.
Licensing authority fees
We will increase the maximum cap on the premises fees that can be charged by a licensing authority. Licensing authorities (local authorities in England and Wales, licensing boards in Scotland) play an important role in regulating gambling through licensing premises and enforcing licence conditions. The cap for their licensing fees has not been updated since 2007, while the costs associated with licensing have increased. We will therefore increase the maximum cap that licensing authorities can charge by 15%. The gambling fees payable in Scotland will continue to be set by Scottish Ministers.
Together we believe these measures will support the land-based gambling sector and modernise the current outdated restrictions, as well as helping to protect young people and supporting licensing authorities. These measures also complement the other changes that we are progressing relating to gambling regulation, including the introduction of a stake limit for online slots and a statutory levy to fund research, prevention and treatment. As outlined in the gambling white paper, we are making sure that we have the right balance between consumer freedoms and choice on the one hand, and protection from harm on the other.
Gambling policy is devolved in Northern Ireland but substantially reserved as regards Scotland and Wales. In some cases, the power to deregulate (e.g. to increase the number of gaming machines a casino may make available) is reserved, but the power to put appropriate protections in place to support that deregulation is devolved in Scotland. Where this is the case, our deregulation will extend only to England and Wales unless and until appropriate protections are in place in Scotland. It will be for Scottish Ministers to decide how to exercise the powers conferred on them by the Gambling Act 2005.
We will lay the necessary legislation to implement these measures in due course.
The post Gambling White Paper Update appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Stretch Network Unveils MEGA FREEBUY Tournaments in World Poker League Season 3
Stretch Network announces the continuation of the MEGA FREEBUY tournaments in the third season of the World Poker League. Designed to captivate players and showcase the power of our online poker platform, these events deliver high stakes, excitement, and player engagement.
The MEGA FREEBUY tournaments feature a €5,000 prize pool guarantee, with a €0 buy-in and rebuys available for just €1. Taking place on 30 November, 7, 14, and 21 December at 16:00 (UTC+0), each tournament accommodates up to 4,000 players.
For media partners, these tournaments highlight the capabilities of Stretch Network’s industry-leading online poker software and its ability to drive player retention and acquisition. By offering such tournaments, poker platforms powered by Stretch Network can set themselves apart in the competitive online gaming market.
Our solutions are designed for B2B poker providers seeking innovative tools to deliver exceptional gaming experiences. The World Poker League and the MEGA FREEBUY tournaments serve as a testament to the scalability, reliability, and engagement opportunities our platform provides.
We welcome our media partners to collaborate with us in promoting this exciting series, further establishing Stretch Network as a trusted name in online poker solutions.
The post Stretch Network Unveils MEGA FREEBUY Tournaments in World Poker League Season 3 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SuperGaming’s Indus Battle Royale surpasses 5 million downloads; concludes first international playtest in Manila
SuperGaming’s highly anticipated Indo-futuristic Battle Royale game, Indus, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store and over 100,000 installs on the iOS App Store. This remarkable feat solidifies its position as one of India’s fastest-growing games. The title has also been recognized as the Best Made in India Game by Google Play in their prestigious Best of 2024 awards.
Indus has captivated players with its distinctive Indo-futuristic world setting that seamlessly blends Indian culture with futuristic aesthetics, immersive gameplay, and community-driven innovation. Key gameplay features like the Cosmium Clutch, Grudge Mechanic, and culturally inspired avatars and weapons have particularly resonated with players, offering strategic depth and adrenaline-filled matches.
Building upon this momentum, SuperGaming recently hosted its first international community playtest at the YGG Play Summit in Manila, Philippines. The event featured some of the region’s top esports talent, with Kadiliman Esports emerging victorious. This successful international debut aligns with SuperGaming’s vision to expand its player base while maintaining a deep-rooted connection to its community.
“Surpassing 5 million downloads is more than a milestone—it’s a reflection of the enthusiasm our players have for Indus,” said Roby John, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperGaming. “Hosting our first international playtest at the YGG Play Summit was another defining moment for us, and a reminder of what gaming can achieve—bridging cultures and bringing people together. We’re driven to keep breaking new ground and taking Indus to even greater heights, reaching newer players across the world,” he adds.
Furthermore, in a move to strengthen India’s esports ecosystem, SuperGaming has also announced its year-long Clutch India Movement. The initiative kicks off with the Indus International Tournament, running from October 2024 to February 2025, featuring a massive prize pool of INR 2.5 crores. The tournament will bring together top Indian and international teams across four competitive phases.
SuperGaming remains committed to keeping Indus fresh with regular updates based on player feedback, ensuring the game continually improves. These efforts demonstrate the studio’s commitment to creating a gaming experience that reflects its players’ needs and aspirations while redefining the global perception of Indian gaming.
The post SuperGaming’s Indus Battle Royale surpasses 5 million downloads; concludes first international playtest in Manila appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Slotegrator unveils the first part of the iGaming trends 2025 report
Leading B2B iGaming solutions provider Slotegrator has released part 1 of the iGaming trends 2025 report, offering a comprehensive look at the trends set to define the industry in the coming year. The report highlights innovative strategies and technologies that operators and providers can leverage to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
The report highlights transformative shifts in the iGaming landscape that are reshaping the way operators and providers approach their businesses.
The report contains information about AI and how it is set to revolutionize the iGaming industry by becoming a game-changing tool for operators. Its advances are enabling unprecedented levels of personalization, fraud detection, and player engagement, setting a new standard for the industry. Faruk Aydin, Chief Revenue Officer at Revpanda Group, expressed his opinion on the AI trend: “As we navigate the AI era, I believe it’s more important than ever for iGaming brands to ensure their content is local, relevant, and human-wr0itten to truly connect with players and build trust”.
William Sarto, PR & Marketing Specialist at CasinoRIX, believes that in 2025, iGaming trends will reflect global shifts and technological advancements. According to Sarto, “AI continues to transform the iGaming industry. In 2025, its application will expand in areas such as data analysis and processing to enhance the gaming experience, content creation and process automation, and tools for personalization and creating added value for players.’’
According to Slotegrator, payment technologies are also evolving rapidly. With the integration of cryptocurrencies, biometric authentication, and instant cross-border transactions, in 2025 it will become key to meeting player demands for speed, security, and convenience.
In addition, the growing importance of social gaming and community building is redefining player expectations. No longer just about entertainment, iGaming platforms are increasingly becoming spaces for connection, where features like live dealer games, player chats, and tournaments foster a sense of belonging and enhance retention.
William Sarto highlights that “responsible gambling, social and charitable initiatives, and addressing ecological concerns are becoming integral. These factors influence not only the external perception of companies but also their internal corporate culture.’’
Sarto also puts a focus on brand and values: “Building a strong brand is becoming a core development vector. Establishing values, communicating them to both B2B and B2C audiences, and creating added value for “consumers” are critical. Players will choose companies offering not just quality products but also emotional connection.’’
Slotegrator also delves into the emergence of innovative game formats, such as crash games, skill-based gaming, and immersive VR and AR experiences, which are attracting a broader and more diverse audience.
Meanwhile, the evolution of affiliate marketing strategies emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and localization, allowing operators to connect more deeply with their target demographics.
The report emphasizes the importance of forward planning, urging operators to adapt to shifting player preferences and adopt the latest technologies to maintain competitiveness in the dynamic iGaming market.
Faruk Aydin has added his predictions about iGaming trends for 2025: “I think 2025 will be another year where we’ll see new trends emerge, while still needing to stick to the fundamentals. If iGaming brands want to stay ahead in the marketing game, they’ll need to focus on a smarter, more strategic approach.
Multi-channel marketing will take center stage, enabling brands to engage players through a mix of social media, email, influencers, and more—creating seamless, personalized experiences. At the same time, SEO will remain a cornerstone of success—optimizing for search intent will help brands stay visible and competitive.
Finally, exploring new and emerging markets, especially in regions with growing online gaming adoption, presents a huge opportunity for brands that localize their approach and adapt to regional preferences. Overall, adopting a marketing strategy that balances technology with a human touch will be the key to success for iGaming brands in 2025”.
The iGaming Trends 2025, Part 1 is now available for download on the Slotegrator website. For additional information or inquiries, please contact the Slotegrator team.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
The post Slotegrator unveils the first part of the iGaming trends 2025 report appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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