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Budget 2019: “Gaming tax rise to spark second wave of large-scale M&A”
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Specialist gaming industry brokerage says RGD rate increase to 21% will see dominant operators claim even more market share
The government’s plans to “end austerity” by further taxing the gaming industry will “spark a second wave of large-scale mergers and acquisitions” according to RB Capital, the specialist gaming industry brokerage.
Julian Buhagiar, co-founder RB Capital, called the rate rise announcement “inevitable but disruptive” as the Chancellor looks to both make up for the shortfall in tax receipts from the decrease in Fixed Odds Betting Terminal stakes and raise more funds to spend in other areas following several years of austerity measures.
“The rise was not unexpected but this doesn’t take away from the further pain many UK-facing operators are going to have to prepare for. In addition to the fallout from changes in Brexit-related legislation, this industry is constantly adapting to wave after wave of regulatory changes and, because of today’s announcement, some operators will feel like throwing in the towel.
“We’ve already seen a spate of mega deals with the likes of GVC and the Stars Group completing major M&A transactions. Today’s rate rise will only mean one thing: that life will get tougher for smaller operators and they will either be forced to downsize UK operations, shift market focus elsewhere or sell to the highest bidder.
“We fully expect this Budget decision to be a catalyst for increased M&A which will start as early as the first quarter of next year, and for already dominant brands to further strengthen their positions by capitalising early on these buy-side opportunities.”
About RB Capital:
RB Capital Advisors is a specialist M&A and funding brokerage, combining best-in-breed expertise for growth, investment and M&A across gaming, fintech and media verticals. Our investment partners have combined experience of funding, building and selling businesses, having held significant strategic and investment positions in several key blue-chip verticals. This high-level knowledge is combined with in-depth expertise of the key issues within sub-verticals such as affiliate networks, blockchain and digital rights management. This enables us to combine strategic vision with structured investment, acquisition and exit strategy to assist with the challenges of funding and growing smaller businesses into profitable cash generative entities. We work with people, products and ideas we believe to be truly disruptive and unique.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

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SKINBARON SUPPORTS GERMAN ESPORTS AND EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG
SkinBaron remains a loyal partner to BIG and supports German esports across the Academy and women’s segments.
Berlin, September 11, 2025 – Berlin International Gaming (BIG) and SkinBaron have been closely connected since late 2019 and are now extending their partnership, continuing a success story that spans more than six years.
At a time when the Counter-Strike community, and in particular BIG’s CS2 men’s team, has experienced a challenging year, this extension sends an important signal: SkinBaron remains a loyal companion through every high and low. In addition to the pro team, SkinBaron also supports BIG’s Academy and women’s teams, helping to develop young talent and strengthen the scene in Germany.
Beyond the server, SkinBaron is deeply connected with the community. At the BIG Overtime Party during IEM Cologne 2025, SkinBaron once again served as an event partner, showcasing its close ties to the German esports community.
Statement from Daniel Finkler, CEO, Berlin International Gaming
“I am incredibly pleased and grateful that we are extending our long-standing partnership with SkinBaron. SkinBaron has been a vital part of our journey for over six years, both during successful and challenging times. My special thanks go to Tobias Andro as the new CEO, as well as to Florian Eckstein, Tobias Herberhold, Hannes Scholdz, and all other shareholders, employees, and partners at SkinBaron. They have brought this partnership to life over the years and actively shaped it. We are proud to move into the future together with such a loyal and authentic partner.”
Statement from Tobias Andro, CEO, SkinBaron
“Our partnership with BIG has stood for loyalty, trust, and collaboration on equal footing for over six years. Together, we share a vision of sustainably supporting the German esports scene and helping talent reach the top. This extension is therefore not only a commitment to our shared past, but above all a fresh start toward a future we want to shape side by side.”
The post SKINBARON SUPPORTS GERMAN ESPORTS AND EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force”
The studio’s latest game blends nostalgic themes and engaging features
The vast plains are alive with the sound of rampant hooves, the roar of predators, and helpful animals along the way. ELA Games proudly presents its latest release, Buffalo Force, an energetic game that celebrates the sheer power of nature.
The Call of the Wild
In Buffalo Force, players roam alongside fearsome buffalo, fierce bears, cunning wolves, and soaring eagles as they work together to hunt for big rewards. The game features 3 energetic mechanics:
- Free Spins: Land 3 Scatter symbols to enter the game’s primary bonus feature. All Wilds pay 2x here.
- Hold & Win Bonus: Unlock this lucrative feature for a shot at powerful coin prizes and even a chance at one of the mighty jackpots!
- Jackpot: Three jackpots give you the chance for mega wins: Minor (25x), Major (100x), and Grand (1000x).
Each spin holds the spirit of the wilderness, blending high-action gameplay with the studio’s signature visually-rich aesthetics.
Join the Herd
Buffalo Force combines visually stunning animations, high-performance mechanics, and well-crafted environmental design to transport players to the heart of the North American wilderness. The studio’s attention to detail and storytelling prowess immerses players as they become part of the stampede, on the hunt for wild riches.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the release, “Buffalo Force represents the studio’s passion for creating visually striking and memorable games that players love. We focused a lot on the game’s visuals and environmental design to immerse players in the North American wild, which helps create an emotional connection and encourages high-performance engagement. We’re excited to see the reception Buffalo Force will receive, and we have many more exciting games in the works!”
Will You Answer the Call?
The raw wilderness is waiting for you. Will you join the herd and hunt for your fortunes and a life of freedom?
The post Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify
With the centre-left retaining a narrow majority, Norway’s gambling framework is set to remain largely unchanged in the near term.
Norsk Tipping’s monopoly will continue, and enforcement tools such as payment and DNS blocking of unregulated operators are likely to remain in focus. While a shift to a licensing model appears unlikely this parliamentary term, the Progress Party’s stronger position as the main opposition keeps the reform debate active.
For industry stakeholders, the sensible course is to concentrate on compliant, sustainable strategies and to track policy signals closely as the debate continues.
The post Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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