Latest News
UKGC Data Analytics Manager Jason Davies Explains the Changes to Regulatory Returns Submissions Required by Licensees
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has recently made a significant shift in regulatory reporting requirements for all licensed operators. Previously operators were obligated to submit regulatory returns annually, but under the new rules submissions will be required every quarter.
UKGC Data Analytics Manager, Jason Davies, explains the changes to regulatory returns submissions required by licensees.
“On 1 July 2024 the Gambling Commission updated Licence Condition 15.3.1 – General and regulatory returns of the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice (LCCP) to require all licensees to submit their regulatory returns on a quarterly basis within 28 days of the end of the reporting period. Quarterly returns support our aim to be a risk-based, evidence led and outcomes focused regulator and contribute towards our aspirations outlined in our Corporate Strategy 2024 to 2027 to use data and analytics to make gambling regulation more effective.
“As well as quarterly submissions for all licensees, we have introduced harmonised reporting periods which means all licensees submit data for the same time period, in the first instance for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024. This is important as more regular data, coupled with harmonised reporting periods will ensure the Commission can analyse changes in the market on a timely basis and manage our income more effectively. It will also mean we can publish this information more frequently, for those wanting to use our official statistics on the gambling market for their own work.
“Whilst we are aware that when we consulted on this change to regulatory returns there was a concern amongst some licensees about the increased frequency of reporting, we have tried to balance this out by removing a significant number of questions from regulatory returns across all return types. We’ve listed all of the questions we have removed within the Question removal section of Regulatory returns changes – effective from 1 July 2024.
“The transition to quarterly regulatory returns on the 1 July 2024 means that most licensees will have seen their last regulatory return (whether they were previously on an annual or quarterly cycle) changed to have an end date of 30 June 2024. We’ve had to do this to align licensees to the new reporting schedule from 1 July, but it means that most licensees will need to submit a partial return. These partial returns are due by the 28 July 2024 (for any licensees who previously completed a quarterly return) or 12 August 2024 (for any licensee who previously completed an annual return). You can log into eServices and complete this now.
“We’ve also updated the Regulatory returns guidance, so far we’ve removed any reference to fields which have been removed from regulatory returns from 1 July 2024 onwards and also added in definitions for fields which were previously automatically calculated within eServices.
“We have some more work to do on the guidance, acting on feedback that licensees shared with us in an early part of the regulatory returns project, where they told us that the guidance for some questions was unclear. We’ll be reviewing these and make sure they are updated by the end of August. Fundamentally we would not be changing what we are asking for, but we’ll try and add some more clarity.”
The post UKGC Data Analytics Manager Jason Davies Explains the Changes to Regulatory Returns Submissions Required by Licensees appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Thunderkick partners with pioneering streaming provider Livespins
Slot studio’s titles integrated into Bet with Streamers product
Independent slots studio Thunderkick has partnered with Evolution-owned Livespins, making its portfolio of content available for the Bet with Streamers social gaming experience.
Livespins’ first-of-its-kind Bet with Streamers game involves influencers broadcasting live footage of slots from industry-leading providers, allowing players to bet alongside the streamer and receive the same multipliers they generate, all while following them from game to game.
There is also a strong social element to Bet with Streamers, with a chat function enabling viewers to interact with one another as well as the influencer, enhancing engagement and delivering an immersive experience.
Thunderkick’s diverse range of games will now be accessible to streamers, including The Gunman of Goldwood, Eager Beavers, and the iconic Esqueleto Explosivo trilogy.
Livespins will drive brand awareness on behalf of Thunderkick by delivering its games directly to players worldwide, enhancing global exposure as the supplier continues to expand its footprint in emerging markets.
Svante Sahlström, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunderkick, said: “Bet with Streamers is a truly innovative concept, providing a unique way for us to reach prospective players and strengthen our visibility in target markets.
“Some of Thunderkick’s most popular titles will be made accessible to streamers, ensuring that players associate our brand with distinctive, engaging games that are enjoyed by the most reputable influencers.”
Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins, added: “At Livespins, we consistently update our content offering to include the biggest and best titles from those providers that drive the industry forward.
“The inclusion of Thunderkick’s fan-favourite games will supplement our existing catalogue, ensuring streamers can deliver an optimal viewing experience for players.”
The post Thunderkick partners with pioneering streaming provider Livespins appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Balancing Regulations and Opportunities in 2025: Insights from SOFTSWISS
Growing regional fragmentation, the emergence of new legal frameworks, and the rising importance of sustainability and social responsibility are reshaping the regulatory landscape in the iGaming industry for 2025. Recognising the critical role regulation plays in the sector’s future, SOFTSWISS, a global tech expert with over 15 years of experience, has highlighted these trends in its latest report.
The SOFTSWISS team identifies the evolving regulatory environment as one of the key challenges and opportunities for operators and suppliers in the coming year. As global markets, including untapped regions, adopt stricter compliance measures, the ability to adapt and innovate within these frameworks is becoming a decisive factor for success.
The recent iGaming Trends 2025 Report from SOFTSWISS delves deeper into these transformations, exploring the impact of heightened regulation on industry dynamics. Key trends in the regulatory sphere include:
Regional Fragmentation:
During the research, industry experts were asked to rate the current legal environment in iGaming on a scale of 1 to 10. The average score was 6.1. While this indicates the environment is generally functional, it also suggests considerable room for improvement.
At the same time, compliance requirements are becoming increasingly fragmented, with countries implementing diverse rules regarding taxation, advertising, and player protection. To overcome this challenge, companies must demonstrate agility in adapting to localised demands effectively.
Emerging Markets:
As regions like Latin America, Asia, and Africa introduce formal regulatory structures, operators have unique opportunities to establish a foothold in these high-growth markets. However, navigating these emerging regulations will be essential for long-term success.
Max Trafimovich, CCO at SOFTSWISS, comments: “The key to identifying the right markets goes beyond upfront costs or immediate profitability. True capital lies in market knowledge, operational flexibility, and the ability to build meaningful partnerships. These are the assets that lead to sustainable growth and the most promising opportunities.”
Sustainability in Compliance:
Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming integral to regulation. Governments are focusing on ensuring fairness, preventing problem gambling, and increasing transparency in licensing.
This shift drives up operators’ costs and raises the bar for trust. Compliance is no longer just about meeting minimum standards; it is about building businesses that players, regulators, and investors can trust over the long term.
The iGaming Trends 2025 Report comprehensively analyses the industry’s most important directions for the year ahead. From the convergence of AI and cybersecurity to evolving marketing strategies and business development trends, the report is a must-read for anyone shaping the future of iGaming.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post Balancing Regulations and Opportunities in 2025: Insights from SOFTSWISS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 18-24
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Two of Alabama’s leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry — Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and the McGregor family, owners of Birmingham Racecourse and Casino and Victoryland Casino — announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Wind Creek will acquire the Birmingham Racecourse. The sale is expected to be finalised by early 2025.
Kaizen Gaming Colombia, owner of the Betano.co brand, was authorised by Coljuegos to operate online betting in the country. With this new operator, there are now 16 web platforms that have the approval of the entity to market games of chance online. The entity is also in the process of authorising an additional operator called Bingo Casino, which is expected to begin offering bets in the coming weeks.
Gaming Laboratories International has become the first laboratory to achieve accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil. The accreditation allows GLI to perform tests and certification for the gambling and lottery industry interested in working with lottery and fixed-odds betting operators in the state of Maranhão. The milestone is the latest in a series of regulatory achievements for GLI in Brazil.
BetConstruct has announced their participation at this year’s GAT Caribbean Cancún that takes place in Mexico from November 26-28. Taking place at the Cancún International Centre, the GAT Caribe Cancú is a prestigious event that gathers manufacturers, operators and marketers to broaden the horizons of the online and land-based markets in Mexico, the Caribbean region and Central America.
Legendz Social Casino & Sportsbook announced its highly anticipated launch, offering players an unparalleled social gaming experience across 43 states in English and Spanish language. With a vast array of games, innovative features and a player-first philosophy, Legendz is set to redefine the online social and sweepstakes gaming landscape.
Partnerships
International Game Technology PLC has announced that it has launched its first wide-area progressive (WAP) compatible game in Colombia with the all-new Condor Link. Players across the country now have the opportunity to spin for large-scale WAP jackpots at nine properties operated by Winner Group Cirsa, one of Colombia’s largest gaming operators. Delivering a highly engaging entertainment experience to the gaming floor, IGT’s Condor Link game features four jackpot levels and a reset value of 75,000,000 Colombian Pesos (COP).
Cisco and MGM Resorts International announced that the companies have signed a Whole Portfolio Agreement (WPA), empowering MGM Resorts with the majority of Cisco’s software portfolio. This includes cybersecurity, software defined networking, software defined-WAN, digital experience assurance, full-stack observability, data centre and services. This agreement spans 5.5 years, benefiting guests and employees across all of MGM Resorts’ properties.
Endorphina has entered into a partnership with Luckia, a leading company in the gaming sector. Combining Endorphina’s passion for slots with Luckia’s innovative spirit, this partnership is set to provide incredible gaming experiences to all iGaming enthusiasts. Luckia is a commercial brand of Luckia Gaming Group that combines offline and online gaming, including traditional businesses such as gaming machines in bars and restaurants and gaming arcades, new online gaming activities and land-based sports betting.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 18-24 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News2 months ago
BlueOcean Gaming Wins Best Aggregator 2024 Award at SiGMA East Europe Awards
-
Latest News2 months ago
EGT’s bestseller Bell Link with another great success: Its bells are now ringing in the Czech market
-
Latest News2 months ago
BOS/The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling commissions Advisense to strengthen efforts against money laundering
-
Latest News2 months ago
MIRACL partners with Continent 8 to offer its single-step passwordless MFA solution to simplify the login experience
-
Latest News2 months ago
Applications invited to become safer gambling charity for 2025 editions of ICE, iGB Affiliate and iGB L!VE
-
Latest News2 months ago
ACR Poker’s OSS XL Exceeds Guarantee With Over $46 Million In Prize Pools
-
Latest News2 months ago
Match of LeGGends: Double Down. Highlights of the show match between NAVI and Team Vitality
-
Latest News2 months ago
FBMDS and FBM Foundation host solidarity keepy-uppy initiative at G2E Las Vegas 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login