Principle Networks has announced a major wireless transformation project with Buzz Bingo, a part of the Buzz Group Ltd.

The new project, which will be co-managed by Principle Networks and Buzz Bingo’s IT team over a five-year term, will see the implementation of Cisco Meraki wireless access points. These enterprise-grade cloud-managed access points are designed to connect IoT devices and security solutions and will enable Buzz Bingo to offer a range of new services and improve customer experiences across its clubs.

“Absolutely delighted to share news of this partnership! David Cutts (CTO) is driving an ambitious technology transformation at Buzz Bingo to enhance overall customer experience and we’re super proud to be playing our part in supporting its success,” Principle Networks CEO said.

“A key part of our growth will be driven by enhancing customer experiences through investments in our clubs and the latest technologies. The concept of bingo has evolved. Today, customers have a wide range of choices of how they want to play — and our omnichannel approach is unique — with technology sitting at the heart. Principle Networks demonstrated a deep understanding of our objectives and have the expertise required to deliver them. We’re excited about this partnership’s possibilities and look forward to working with the team,” David Cutts, Chief Technology Officer at Buzz Bingo, said.

“A secure and reliable network infrastructure is central to delivering the best possible customer experience, whether online or in a club. As the UK’s biggest bingo operator, Buzz Bingo is continually looking for innovative ways to enhance its offering, and we’re very proud to have been chosen as its IT partner for the next five years,” Russell Crowley, Co-founder of Principle Networks, said.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced changes aimed at increasing consumer control over deposit limits and greater transparency of customer funds protection by operators.

A further change to the Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) will also pave the way for implementation of Government’s upcoming statutory levy.

The changes follow a consultation and are consistent with the 2023 White Paper High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age.

New rules will give consumers more effective ways to manage their gambling by making it easier to set and maintain deposit limits on their online accounts, in ways that work best for them.

From 31 October 2025 all gambling businesses must prompt their customers to set a financial limit before they make their first deposit and make it easy to review and alter this limit at any point after.

These rules will take good practice already offered by some operators and expand that so customers can expect the same standards across the industry.

Gambling businesses will also be required to remind consumers every six months to review their account and transaction information – this will help consumers consider if they want to change existing, or set new, deposit limits.

Operators who hold customer funds must set out in the terms and conditions whether these are protected in the event of insolvency, the level of such protection and the method by which this is achieved. They must also make this information available at the point at which a customer first deposits money.

The Commission’s LCCP currently requires operators to make annual financial contributions to a list of research, prevention and treatment organisations. This requirement will be removed close to the introduction of the government’s statutory levy (opens in new tab) (expected to come into force on 6 April 2025) as it will become obsolete.

“These changes illustrate our commitment to ensuring gambling is fair and open by improving consumer empowerment and choice. These changes will help consumers decide on deposit limits, enable them to keep track of their spending and ensure they are fully aware of what happens to their funds should an operator become insolvent. We will now continue our work to deliver our remaining White Paper commitments, including our programme of evaluation,” Tim Miller, Commission Executive Director for research and policy, said.

BlueBet Holdings has signed a binding Asset Sale Agreement to acquire certain assets of Merlehan Booking Pty Ltd (TopSport).

To support the acquisition, BlueBet is undertaking an institutional placement to raise approximately $15.0 million by issuing around 44.1 million new shares. The proceeds will fund the upfront payment to TopSport and support integration, migration costs, working capital and further growth initiatives. The placement is priced at $0.34 per share, representing a premium over recent trading prices, and is set to settle on 12 February 2025.

The acquisition leverages BlueBet’s repeatable M&A model, driving industry consolidation and creating shareholder value. TopSport is expected to enhance BlueBet’s margin advantage, share of wallet, and customer engagement through BlueBet’s technology platform, including its personalised promotion engine.

“The acquisition of TopSport materially enhances BlueBet’s profitability and scale, is highly accretive for our shareholders and brings us closer to our strategic target of 10%+ market share in Australia. Inorganic growth remains a key opportunity for BlueBet and we have a laser focus and a repeatable M&A model to drive shareholder value by further consolidating the Australian wagering market. This transaction is a blueprint for further M&A and delivers a high conversion of Net Gaming Revenue to EBITDA as we leverage our previous investment in our proprietary technology, brand and best-in-class management team. Tristan Merlehan is one of this country’s most-respected bookmakers and will further strengthen our market-leading risk and trading capability, driving margin improvement and sustainable profitability for shareholders,” BlueBet CEO Andrew Menz said.