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Exclusive Q&A with Warren Russell CEO/W2 Global Data

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Why is affordability such a focus right now and especially in the UK?

Since the 2005 Gambling Act has been under review from late 2020, affordability has been heavily discussed as being a central part of any changes to requirements that might be brought into force. It has become increasingly common for operators to be fined for failings relating to player protection and safer gambling – the Gambling Commission has handed out more than £54m in fines over the past two years alone – and many stakeholders believe these issues could be mitigated or greatly reduced with more comprehensive and robust affordability requirements.

 

Is it really key to helping better protect players? Or does it need to be combined with other additional safeguards?

Affordability has the potential to greatly improve player protections and ensure players are gambling responsibly. That is why as a result of the review of the 2005 Gambling Act affordability checks will likely become a key requirement for operators to support both their own player protection initiatives and their customers. But affordability is not the only saving grace for the industry. All areas of the industry must come together and collaborate on efforts and technologies in order to fully implement change. In short, affordability is just one piece of the puzzle that makes up comprehensive player protection processes and protocols.

 

What are the current requirements for UK operators regarding affordability? How might that change?

Currently, the Gambling Commission sees affordability as identifying vulnerable players and limiting the amount of marketing that operators can target at them. Regulation is quite ambiguous, so different operators have a different understanding of what is expected of them. But affordability requirements will undoubtedly be more clearly defined following the review of the 2005 Gambling Act. The Gambling Commission has directly said that affordability checks are something it is heavily focused on within the review and that it will play a more centralised role in its updated regulations.

 

How can operators meet these requirements without impacting the player experience? How does your Affordability for Gambling Tool help in this regard?

It all comes down to striking the right balance between player experience and player protection. With problem gambling continuing to rise, more focus needs to be placed on protecting players over the experience that is provided to them, at least to a certain extent. W2’s solution helps operators to strike this balance; it works seamlessly in the background of the onboarding journey or based on various markers of harm triggers so as to not impact the player’s journey. Of course, if something which needs investigating comes back from the affordability check, it is the responsibility of the operator to deal with it further.

 

Do you think the UK market is heading towards over-regulation? What about specifically when it comes to affordability?

As mentioned above, it is all about balance. I wouldn’t say it is heading towards over-regulation, but we can’t be naïve to the fact that operators need to balance player protection with commercial viability. Some current affordability solutions such as open banking (which requires players to agree to give their bank data) could be considered as impacting the player experience too much. A player could simply go to another operator if they don’t want to take the extra steps to pass affordability.

Our solution works seamlessly enough in the background to prevent the player experience from being impacted by affordability checks, whilst still ensuring that operators can truly protect players. It can be a fine line to tread, but that is why we have developed our affordability solution so that operators can be confident they are protecting players while also not negatively impacting their experience to the point where they go to another brand that is perhaps not as stringent in its affordability requirements and checks.

 

Do you think other regulated markets will look to tighten requirements around affordability?

The consultation from the Gambling Commission is being closely watched by regulators around the world. The UK gambling industry is being used as the litmus test for how safer gambling initiatives should be moving forwards. With regulated gambling rolling out across the US, and countries such as the Netherlands opening up their own online gambling marketplace in 2021, it is highly likely these jurisdictions will swiftly follow updated regulations should the work of the UK Gambling Commission be a success.

 

How can operators prepare for any changes that might come now?

It is often overlooked just how much work operators are currently undertaking when it comes to their player protection initiatives. The real issue within the industry at present is the lack of clarity and understanding as to what best-practice safe gaming actually looks like. The review of the Gambling Act has been rumbling on for two years now (with further delays likely due to Boris Johnson’s departure) and quite frankly the industry is still struggling. That is why collaboration between stakeholders is going to be key. W2’s affordability is one part of what the industry needs as a whole, but we believe it can significantly assist operators in protecting players when combined with what those companies are already doing from a safer gambling perspective.

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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From BetBrothers to BC Brothers: Scaling in Regulated Markets

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A few months ago, we had the pleasure of speaking with Borja Imbergamo, BetBrothers’ Head of Growth & Strategy, about their ambitious mission to become a leading affiliate company in regulated sports betting markets.

Since then, the company has rebranded as BC Brothers to reflect its multi-vertical vision, now overseeing both BetBrothers (sports betting) and CasinoBros (online casinos). We sat down with Borja again to discuss the strategy behind this move, the company’s growth, and its commitment to shaping a more transparent iGaming landscape.

 

BetBrothers has recently rebranded as BC Brothers. What was the thinking behind this move, and what does it mean for your strategy going forward?

The rebrand was a natural step in our evolution. BetBrothers had strong traction in sports betting, but as we expanded into online casinos with CasinoBros, we wanted an identity that could unite both brands under one mission. BC Brothers allows each brand to maintain its own voice and focus, while benefiting from a shared growth strategy. It’s about clarity, transparency, and staying true to our mission of connecting players with safer bets across multiple verticals.

 

Every company faces the pressure of quarterly results versus a long-term vision. How does BC Brothers strike that balance?

Our approach is built on organic growth. High-quality organic traffic takes time and consistent effort – it’s not an overnight success. But it’s also the most sustainable path forward.

For instance, in markets like Spain and Greece, where we’re seeing strong traction, we naturally focus on optimizing that performance. We celebrate quarterly results because they validate our initial strategies and provide the resources to invest further. Simultaneously, we dedicate significant resources for new markets and ventures. These are critical investments in our multi-year vision.

We invest today to secure growth for years ahead. It’s about consistent, quality growth rather than quick, unsustainable wins

 

Which markets are currently your strongest, and what new ones are on your radar?

Currently, our primary focus markets, and where we’re already seeing really good traction, are Spain and Greece. These markets were chosen strategically for their established regulatory frameworks and significant potential. Our team has a strong understanding of the local player base and operator needs there. That is certainly paying off in terms of performance.

Looking ahead, while Spain and Greece remain key, we’re very excited about the potential in a number of other regulated markets. Our approach is always to go where we can genuinely add value to both operators and players. This leads us to focus on regions like Mexico, Peru, and Denmark, among others. Our strategy, much like in Spain and Greece, is based on delivering high-quality, compliant traffic. This is precisely where our expertise shines. The focus is always on where we can add real value. We don’t just want to be present – we want to be effective.

 

Beyond geography, are there specific product verticals you’re most excited about?

Sports betting was our foundation, but entering the casino vertical was always part of our roadmap. That’s why we launched CasinoBros, a dedicated platform for online casinos. The strategy and vision here are exactly the same as with BetBrothers. We aim to give players the best and deepest information, guiding them to safe, regulated online operators.

 

What does “deep information” mean in the casino space, and why is it important?

It means helping players understand everything. From game mechanics, RTP percentages, and volatility to responsible gaming tools and bonus terms. Our goal is to empower players to make informed decisions and enjoy entertainment responsibly, instead of just chasing promotions.

 

From an operator perspective, what makes CasinoBros stand out?

From an operator’s perspective, our value lies in bringing highly informed players. These players understand game mechanics, responsible play, and promotions. For operators, this translates into stronger retention and healthier long-term relationships. Educated players are less likely to feel frustrated and more likely to stay with operators they trust. Everyone benefits from that.

 

You’ve mentioned your goal of becoming a globally recognized and trusted brand. How are you working toward that?

Trust is the ultimate currency in iGaming. The rebrand to BC Brothers was a big step. We are uniting BetBrothers and CasinoBros under one strategy while keeping each brand focused. Now we’re rolling it out across all touchpoints and building our community on social media. These channels are crucial for transparency and direct engagement. It’s a long process, but one we’re fully committed to. Our mission remains clear: connecting players with safer bets, across verticals, in regulated markets.

The post From BetBrothers to BC Brothers: Scaling in Regulated Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt

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iGaming just got a new ride. Bet It Drives, GR8 Tech’s new podcast, takes the industry’s most interesting voices out of the studio and into the fast lane. Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, CSO, each episode is filmed entirely in a moving car, with cameras rolling and London as the backdrop.

No predictable Q&As: Bet It Drives pairs high-energy visuals with relaxed, unscripted dialogue. Shot by the award-winning crew behind campaigns for global brands, the format blends high-energy visuals with the kind of candid moments you only get when people are truly relaxed.

“Bet It Drives was born from a simple idea—great conversations happen when people feel at ease,” said Yevhen Krazhan. “Driving through London strips away the formality, lets personalities shine, and captures the pace and unpredictability that define the iGaming industry.”

The premiere kicks off with Alex Pratt, Group Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, who oversees a portfolio of leading B2B events and media brands, including ICE, iGB Affiliate, and iGaming Business. With over two decades in the iGaming industry, Pratt has been instrumental in shaping its evolution and is recognized for his insights into emerging markets, technological advancements, and fostering community within the gaming sector.

During the ride, Alex opened up about:

  • ICE vs. iGB Live—which is his personal favorite, and why.
  • Organizing world-class iGaming events and how major decisions like moving ICE to Barcelona come together behind the scenes.
  • Partnering with big tech and how such collaborations shape the future of iGaming.
  • Advice for startups attending conferences.
  • Alex’s Spotify playlist and the tracks that keep him going.
  • The most jaw-dropping booths he’s ever seen on the exhibition floor.
  • Which panels or attendees would he ban for the greater good of the industry.
  • Memorable after-parties—the kind you don’t forget, even if you wish you could.

“Alex really showed us what is happening on the front and the back of high-end igaming events,” said Krazhan. “From the strategic calls that shape entire conferences to the wild stories that never make the press, this episode is a perfect mix of insider knowledge, candid moments, and the kind of energy that makes you wish the ride was longer.”

With upcoming guests including Stephen Crystal, Rohini Sardana, and Helen Walton, Bet It Drives is set to deliver brilliant storytelling, unscripted moments, and a visual style unlike anything else in iGaming media.

Access Episode 1 with Alex Pratt on YouTube or Spotify—and buckle up.

The post GR8 Tech Hits the Road with New “Bet It Drives” Podcast—First Guest: Alex Pratt appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience

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With four spots, one stage and R60 000 on the line, South Africa’s sharpest squads are gearing up for a Call of Duty clash like no other.

The 2025 Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience is about to get louder, faster and more intense. Hyprop, in collaboration with MTN, is introducing SHIFT COD – a Call of Duty tournament designed to test South Africa’s sharpest squads in a no-excuses, high-pressure arena. Four online qualifiers. One LAN finale. R60,000 in prize money. Only the best survive.

The format stays sharp and unforgiving: each qualifier is a single-elimination best-of-five series. Teams will battle across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. Only the top squad from each of the four qualifier events will earn a shot at the LAN finale, taking place at Canal Walk on 12 and 13 September. Finalists will cover their own travel and accommodation, but the stage – and the spotlight – will be waiting.

“The Shift Gaming Experience is about putting real competition at the centre of public spaces and connecting people through the power of play,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “Adding Call of Duty to the lineup takes the intensity up a notch. We’re giving gamers a serious platform to show what they can do – live, on stage and in front of a crowd.”

The four qualifiers took place online, where teams signed up for free:

All qualifier finals were broadcast, giving fans full access to the action and allowing players to gain exposure beyond the scoreboard.

Four teams qualify for the LAN finale, where they’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket for a prize pool structured as follows:

  • 1st place: R30,000
  • 2nd place: R15,000
  • 3rd place: R10,000
  • 4th place: R5,000

Now in its third year, the Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience has become one of the country’s most visible platforms for esports and casual gaming. Hosted at Hyprop-owned malls including Canal Walk, Clearwater and The Glen, the experience blends competitive tournaments with public engagement to bring gaming into the mainstream.

“MTN SHIFT isn’t about gimmicks. It’s built for players, whether you’re grinding in ranked or showing up to prove a point on LAN,” said Stanbridge. “We’ve seen how gaming can energise our spaces and create new communities. SHIFT COD builds on that energy.”

With only four LAN spots available, the window to make your mark is narrow, and the competition will be ruthless. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift.

Remaining Tournament Dates & Venues:

SHIFT COD is part of the MTN Shift Gaming Experience which takes place at:

Capegate – Online Qualifier: 31 Aug | In-Centre Event: 5 – 7 Sep

Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 7 Sep | In-Centre Event: 17 – 21 Sep

The post Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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