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

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

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.  

 

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?

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.

 

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)?

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.

 

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?

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

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.  

 

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.


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: UKGC: Information for operators re-opening land-based gambling premises

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Red Rake Gaming releases Super 60 Stars, the newest slot in its successful Super series

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Red Rake Gaming has released Super 60 Stars, the latest addition to its acclaimed Super series, now available to all partner operators.

This new release retains the fast-paced gameplay and wide variety of features that have made the series one of the most popular in the iGaming industry, while also introducing an exclusive new addition that adds even more excitement to the game.

The new feature in Super 60 Stars is the “Super 60 Stars” symbol, which can appear anywhere on the reels and trigger the brand-new “Super 60 Gold X” minigame. In this minigame, players can land the “Super X” symbol to multiply the value of the silver coins and accumulate big wins through the gold coins. On top of that, the “Super 60 Coins” system brings the familiar “Minor, Major and Grand” prizes, offering great win potential.

The game also includes some of the most successful features from previous titles in the series, such as “Sticky Wins” and progressive multipliers triggered by the “Super 25 Stars Wild” symbol, as well as the “Crystallize Symbols” and “Lucky Multipliers”, with multipliers of up to x50, and the «Star Fusion Minigame», which merges symbols for bigger rewards.

Other popular features also make a return, including the “Super 10 Stars Mini-Slot” and the “Frenzy Wheel Minigame”, with multipliers of up to x100, plus expanding Wilds with Respins, the “Wheel Bonus”, and “Free Spins”.

With its polished design, fast-paced gameplay and broad variety of features, Super 60 Stars strengthens the appeal of an already established series and stands out as a key release for operators looking to offer high-performing, differentiated content to their players.

Now available across all Red Rake Gaming partner casinos, as well as through its renowned tournament tool.

For additional information please contact: [email protected]

The post Red Rake Gaming releases Super 60 Stars, the newest slot in its successful Super series appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GAMSTOP reports record registrations in 2025

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  • 44% increase in under 25s choosing to self-exclude from gambling
  • Younger consumers choosing six-month exclusion to manage their gambling
  • New chair Chris Pond to take up post in September

GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has reported a 19% increase in registrations in 2025, with monthly registrations breaking all previous records twice in successive months.

The increase in registrations has been driven by younger consumers, aged 16-24, with self-exclusions increasing by 44% year-on-year in the first six months of the year. Four out of ten are choosing to exclude for the minimum six-month period, up from 36% in the previous year which could mean they are using GAMSTOP as a flexible, preventative tool to manage their gambling, though more research is needed to understand patterns of behaviour.

With self-exclusion at record levels, the Gamstop Group has announced its new chair will be Chris Pond, who replaces the outgoing Chair Jenny Watson CBE in September after her seven-year stint. Mr Pond is highly experienced in financial services and has worked across the public, private and non-profit sectors.

He is currently Chair of the Money and Mental Health Advisory Board and the Financial Services Consumer Panel at the Financial Conduct Authority. He has previously chaired the Financial Inclusion Commission, served as the CEO of two national charities and was a Work and Pensions Minister during his eight years as a Member of Parliament.

Since GAMSTOP’S inception in April 2018, nearly 600,000 vulnerable consumers have registered for the service and self-exclusion is continuing to increase at record rates. In April 2025, a record 10,281 consumers registered with GAMSTOP – the first time the monthly figure had ever topped 10,000 –and Monday April 7th, two days after the Grand National, was the busiest ever day with 437 registrations. However, the monthly record was eclipsed in May, with 10,344 new registrations.

The 2025 data reveals a growing preference for six-month exclusions across all age groups, a 29% year-on-year increase. However, the maximum five-year exclusion remains the most popular amongst all age groups, except under-25s and currently accounts for nearly one in two of all exclusions (47%). Since 2018, 53% of all registrations have been for the maximum five-year period.

GAMSTOP introduced a new ‘5 years with auto-renewal’ exclusion in December 2024 for vulnerable consumers looking to extend their exclusion from gambling websites and apps. The new 5 -year auto-renewal option was developed in direct response to feedback from users and the take-up has been high, with nearly half of those registering for a five-year exclusion choosing this option.

New registrations – H1 2025

16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+
6 months 39% 27% 23% 21% 22%
1 year 26% 26% 23% 22% 22%
5 years 35% 47% 54% 57% 56%

 

Registrations – all time

16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+
6 months 33% 23% 20% 20% 20%
1 year 26% 23% 22% 21% 22%
5 years 41% 54% 58% 59% 58%

 

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said:Our data shows a significant spike in the number of younger consumers who are GAMstopping to manage their gambling, and this has driven the record registrations in 2025. They are increasingly choosing six-month exclusions, which suggests that GAMSTOP is being used as a tool to allow them a break from gambling. We have worked very hard to increase awareness of GAMSTOP amongst younger consumers and to destigmatise the use of self-exclusion. We want them to realise that GAMSTOP can be used as a preventative tool alongside other solutions, giving them breathing space to take back control”.

 

The post GAMSTOP reports record registrations in 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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STAKE SIGN FOOTBALL LEGEND PATRICE EVRA AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

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Betting giants, Stake has today confirmed that former Manchester United and Juventus legend, Patrice Evra, has signed a deal to become a Global Ambassador for the brand.

Evra is the latest football legend to partner with Stake, joining fellow Premier League icon, Sergio Aguero as part of the Stake family. The former left-back enjoyed a trophy laden career, winning 17 major titles, including the UEFA Champions League, and five Premier League titles as part of an iconic Manchester United squad.

Evra’s larger than life personality has seen him remain a source of great entertainment since his retirement. Now considered a respected pundit, Evra has become known for his strong opinions and sharp wit.

Patrice Evra commented:“I am so excited to be working with Stake, and joining the family. They are such a fun and exciting brand who are at the top of their game, and to be joining their team of iconic Ambassadors is a privilege.

“I am a massive MMA fan, and Stake is a brand that everyone thinks of when it comes to the sport. To be on the same team as MMA Champions is great, and also to have a former rival from Manchester City, Sergio Aguero, now on my team, is fantastic.”

Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake, said: “Patrice is a footballing icon and one of the best players to ever play in his position. As much as his incredible credentials, we love his eccentric, larger than life personality and his strong opinions on the beautiful game. We see great synergy between Patrice and the Stake brand, and are really looking forward to what will be a great partnership.”

 

The post STAKE SIGN FOOTBALL LEGEND PATRICE EVRA AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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