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European Gaming News

Blazing the Trail: Online Casinos Use Technology to Secure and Enhance Gaming

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Blazing the trail: Online Casinos Use Technology to Secure and Enhance GamingReading Time: 3 minutes

People love casinos. There’s a reason places like Las Vegas are such popular tourist destinations, and it’s not just the Cirque du Soleil shows (although most of those are pretty awesome). Casinos have slowly spread in number and popularity across the United States—first by using loopholes in the law to establish casinos on Native American land or by hosting casinos on river boats, but even brick-and-mortar casinos have gained more acceptance with cities like Detroit embracing them.

As casinos in general have gained broader acceptance and popularity, the internet has created a whole different form of gaming with online casinos or internet casinos. While online casinos are increasingly popular around the world, the legality of online gambling in the United States is murky, and is largely decided by the individual states.

For those who can legally use the sites, though, online casinos continue to push the envelope of technology to ensure a safer and more exciting experience. Most modern gaming websites are equipped with technologies which make them safe for users and add to the excitement. Online casinos rely on a variety of technologies designed to ensure customers are secure and satisfied. According to HolyMoly, there are some common technologies used across gambling websites to secure and enhance the experience:

Mobile gaming

Most online casinos are available on smartphones and tablets now. Some platforms are available through a mobile browser, and others have mobile apps available for iPhones and Android devices. With mobile gaming, you can play anywhere and anytime. All you need is a mobile device and an internet connection.

Live gaming

Although the experience is not happening in real life, live dealers are really popular among many gaming participants. Live streaming technologies give players an opportunity to feel like they are in a real casino. Live gaming is also more social than other sections of an online casino.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) used to transfer the data from the real live dealers to the participants online. To create a live casino experience, sites need a camera, at least one live dealer, and a monitor that allows them to view the table the way online players see it. The most important element, however, is the Game Control Unit (GCU), which encodes and decodes data between the dealer and players.

The rules of online games with a live dealer are the same as those with virtual or machine dealers. The main advantage of a live dealer is that the results of a game are determined by a human, rather than a machine. It also allows players to get a more authentic feeling of taking part in the action and excitement of a real, brick-and-mortar casino.

Random Number Generator

All your favorite slot games have one primary thing in common under the hood—a random number generator (RNG). The ability to generate random numbers helps to ensure that games are fair and that only your luck matters in determining the result.

The reality, however, is that computers are not capable of generating truly random numbers. They use a pseudorandom number generator that relies on an algorithm to create something as close as possible to true random. The pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) uses an initial “seed” value that is then used to generate a sequence of numbers that approximate random numbers.

SSL Encryption

SSL (secure sockets layer) is a standard encryption protocol used online security across the entire internet, and online casinos are no exception. On the contrary, they probably have more need for a secure, encrypted connection than most websites. It is not impervious to attack or compromise, but that little padlock next to the address in your web browser generally indicates that the data you share with that website is encrypted as it travels across the internet and protected from compromise or exposure.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency continues to gain popularity and is slowly becoming an accepted form of currency in many different areas of everyday life. Most online casinos accept payments using standard payment methods like Visa/Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal and others. More progressive gaming websites, however, also offer the ability to deposit and withdraw Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency payments are anonymous, and ensure a level of secrecy about your activities.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality casinos are a new trend in gambling. Slots Million was the first casino where you could play with Oculus Rift goggles and have a more immersive experience that approximates what it’s like to actually visit a brick-and-mortar casino. They are expensive for now, but the VR experience is unforgettable. As VR gains steam, you can expect more online casinos to embrace it.

It’s hard to say what online casinos—or the internet in general, for that matter—will look like 5 or 10 years from now. If you want to see what sorts of technologies might make it to mainstream devices and platforms, though, pay attention to online gaming and online casino sites. They have a vested interest in pushing the envelope for online security and enhancing the performance of the online experience, so they tend to be the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” for emerging technology trends.

 

Source: techspective.net


Source: European Gaming News

European Gaming News

Could the Gambling Commission ban wagering requirements?

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Wagering requirements; whether you love them or hate them, with the Gambling Review well underway, there’s never been a better time to debate if they still have a place in modern gambling and whether the upcoming review will ban them once and for all. But first, let’s look at their development and why they are a contentious issue in the industry. 

What are wagering requirements?

Wagering requirements are a common term and condition attached to a bonus that prevents players from taking a promotion and withdrawing it immediately. They are applied differently by each gambling brand. Some, like PlayOJO, Paddy Power, MrQ and Betfair, have revolutionised the casino scene by offering no wagering bonuses. In contrast, others take the predatory route and list bonuses with up to 100x requirements (the average is around 30x).

The requirement is the amount a player must wager at the casino before any winnings made with a bonus are valid for withdrawal. In the case of a £100 bonus, a 30x requirement would mean a player must wager a total of 100×30=£3,000 before they could withdraw any winnings. Most players would easily decimate their winnings before fulfilling the condition and, as most bonuses expire within 7-14 days, may well be forced to play for periods, or at times, they otherwise might not.

Why do wagering requirements exist?

In the early days of online casinos, bonus hunting among players became widely popular. It led to forums where players shared information on where and how to profit from the best welcome bonuses, earning money from the available offers available and never playing at a site again.

As casinos began to notice players taking bonuses and withdrawing without using them fairly, they combatted the practice with wagering requirements and other terms, such as the ability to withdraw a bonus and any winnings made if an account was suspect of this activity.

However, with no limits or official licensing rules to regulate wagering requirements at that time, things soon got out of hand as operators set high limits that were and still are unattainable to most players. Additionally, in many cases, the terms and conditions were not clearly displayed or explained, leading to the confiscation of bonuses and winnings without players understanding how or why they’d fallen foul of the casino’s rules.

Wagering requirements under fire with UKGC

By 2014, and following a flood of player complaints, the Gambling Commission weighed in, creating the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act which prescribed operators were to advertise their bonus terms and conditions clearly and explain them to players. This led to some reducing their requirements to more feasible levels. However, not all operators followed suit, hence why we’re still discussing wagering requirements today.

More recently, in February 2022, the UKGC set its sights on reforming wagering requirements again, issuing new guidance regarding fair and transparent terms and practices, which acknowledged that wagering requirements could lead to excessive play, not in line with social responsibility rules for operators. 

The new guidance rules cited that licensees used potentially unfair terms, with examples including:

  • “terms that allow licensees to confiscate customers’ un-staked deposits
  • terms regarding treatment of customers’ funds where a licensee believes there has been illegal, irregular or fraudulent play
  • promotions for online games that have terms entitling a licensee to void real money winnings if a customer inadvertently breaks staking rules
  • terms that unfairly permit licensees to reduce potential winnings on open bets.”

It also stated that the Commission was aware of:

  • “terms and conditions that are difficult to understand
  • welcome bonus offers and wagering requirements which may encourage excessive play.”

While the guidance did not contain rules for abolishing or limiting wagering requirements, they instructed licensees to review their terms and conditions to ensure they fit consumer protection laws and that; “The LCCP requires rewards and bonuses to be constructed in a way that is socially responsible. Although it is common practice to attach terms and conditions to bonus offers, the Commission does not expect conditions, such as wagering requirements, to encourage excessive play.”

Will wagering requirements be banned?

With the Gambling Review white paper currently overdue and keenly expected by all industry stakeholders, many wonder if it will cover wagering requirements or, more specifically, exclude them from casino practice. The Gambling Review aims to update the 2005 Gambling Act, fit for the modern age, and wagering requirements would undoubtedly slot into the remit of what’s being discussed, which includes greater player protections and affordability checks.

While it’s clear that some big-name operators and affiliates like No Wagering are pioneering the way in bringing zero wagering bonuses to players, many sites have not followed suit. This is despite clear evidence that players favour fairer bonuses (PlayOJO is one of 39 brands operated by the same parent company, it is the only one with zero requirements, and it’s the most successful of all, according to the company).

Realistically, we’re not sure that the new gambling regulations will ban wagering requirements completely (as we covered earlier, they do exist for a reason), but it certainly wouldn’t be beyond the imagination for there to be a maximum cap applied in the view that excessive requirements equate to excessive play.

What’s next for operators and bonuses if wagering requirements are banned?

Bonuses are one of the most important factors for players in picking between casino sites, and they make players feel lucky to score something for free straight off the bat (even if the wagering requirements mean this is not really the case). 

If wagering requirements are banned, operators unwilling to offer bonuses without wagering requirements will have to return to the drawing board and reimagine rewards, especially welcome offers. Alternatively, they could begin competing based on other USPs, such as focusing more on the casino product to pull in the punters by offering unique games, making space for indie developers, having instant withdrawals, or gamified loyalty benefits and better loyalty clubs.

Moreover, it would present a fantastic opportunity for remote operators to move away from the tired system of matched deposit bonuses towards more exciting and fresher ideas like promo wheel spins, mystery gifts on first deposits, prize draws and so on. With brands including PlayOJO, Paddy Power, MrQ and Betfair already doing this, operators do not lack a blueprint to success, just the gumption to embrace a new model.

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Bulgaria

Betway Bulgaria officially launches, offers live and bet-builder options

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Another company has officially launched its activities in the growing niche of online betting in Bulgaria. But here we are not just talking about another operator licensed by national institutions, but about a leading brand worldwide. Betway is one of the largest bookmakers in Europe and globally, and the fact that it already offers its services in Bulgaria speaks positively about the development of the gambling business in the country.

Indications of an increase in the size of the industry appeared last year, when several operators received a permit to operate under Bulgarian jurisdiction. It is unlikely that this process will end with the official launch of betway bulgaria, rather the brand entering the country can be perceived by international operators as a positive assessment of the market in Bulgaria. What can we find at Betway besides the obvious – increased competition and of course more choice for consumers?

What do we find in the sports section?

Sports betting – this is the leading sector of the company, which started operations in 2006. The brand is associated with a number of teams in Europe such as Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Leicester, Alaves, Belenenses, Werder, etc. Of course, the top championships in Europe are present in the latest betting platform, but that’s not all. Betway offers the opportunity to make predictions at less popular UEFA championships. The fans of the Bulgarian championship have options too. All matches of the First League are present in the bookmaker’s menu, and are offered with dozens of choices for each of them.

Real-time bets and long-term combinations

Live bets are a big thrill for many players. This option is present at Betway, and this also applies to the mobile version, of course. It is not difficult to detect current events – they come first when loading the platform. And with them the bookmaker really comes up with interesting offers, some of which are rare on the Bulgarian market. The outcome of the bets become clear in literally seconds if the next goal market or one of the performance options is selected.

In addition, the company accepts predictions with a much longer horizon. It is now standard to bet on who will be the champion in England, Spain, Italy or Germany. However, there are also specific markets and selections for certain teams – will Barcelona take the trophy this season, will Liverpool reach the final in at least one of the tournaments in which it participates, etc. And if users don’t find what they’re looking for in these offers, they can always turn to the betting menu. The bet-builder is still limited to one match, from which we can choose two or more selections until the desired odds are formed. This is the most appropriate way to optimize the bet according to personal preferences and therefore it is increasingly preferred by the players.

Betway’s first steps on the Bulgarian market are impressive. And this is just the beginning, we can expect even more in the near future.

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European Gaming News

EveryMatrix inks RGS Matrix agreement with Wild Boars

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EveryMatrix announces the second RGS Matrix partnership with Wild Boars, newly launched gaming studio that aims to bring creative storytelling and a fresh feel to the gaming industry.

Launched in 2019 as EveryMatrix sixth standalone solution, RGS Matrix enables gaming development teams to distribute, manage, and report upon a proprietary game product portfolio.

This ‘out of the box’ remote gaming server was built on an open architecture and caters for outstanding player experience, consistent deployment, and quicker content integration.

Mathias Larsson, Managing Director of RGS Matrix, says: “This is our second RGS Matrix agreement and it brings me a lot of joy to know that our solution starts gaining momentum in the market. Our remote gaming server aims to help the new generation of game builders by providing all the means to create, design, distribute and manage games.

“The team of Wild Boars is experienced, skilled and highly creative. I am looking forward to seeing their games live and appreciated by players in many countries.”

Oleksandr Yermolaiev, Managing Director of Wild Boars, comments: We truly believe that choosing a right partner is crucial for success. For us, RGS Matrix and its remarkable team is just that partner. We are excited to use EveryMatrix solution, focus on what we do best and bring our innovative games to a wide range of operators, territories and players. RGS Matrix is dashing ahead and we are happy to join the ride.”

RGS Matrix powers slots and table games, and is currently certified for Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Spain, Denmark, Romania, and Colombia, with many jurisdictions to come in the upcoming years.

 

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