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UKGC Report Reopens Loot Box Debate: Will Video Game Developers Have to Follow UK Online Casino Standards?
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The continued crossovers between video games and the casino industry have had some unintended consequences according to the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Outlined in a recent report on children and gambling trends, the UKGC found that loot boxes could be harmful to minors. Although the latest study showed a decrease in gambling participation among 11-to-16-year-olds, the data suggests that the risks to children have increased. As per the findings, 31% of those surveyed have opened a loot box, while 3% say they’ve placed an in-game bet.
Are In-Game Add-Ons a Gamble?
For the government, the issue of loot boxes has been a talking point since 2017. Identifying an emerging trend among video game developers, Connor Rhys Deeley submitted an online petition to have loot boxes discussed in parliament. In writing his petition, Deeley argued that the in-game add-ons often contain prizes that are worth less than the purchase price. Citing a 2017 law passed in China, Deeley said that the boxes are, in essence, a form of gambling and should, therefore, be regulated by the UKGC.
Addressing the situation, then Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Tracey Crouch pointed to the UKGC previous statement on loot boxes.
“Where items obtained in a computer game can be traded or exchanged outside the game platform, they acquire a monetary value, and where facilities for gambling with such items are offered to consumers located in Britain a Gambling Commission licence is required,” concluded the government and the UKGC.
UKGC Guidelines Don’t Apply
By stating loot box prizes don’t have any real world value, the conclusion was that they fall outside of the UKGC’s regulatory remit. As it stands, any operator wanting to offer betting services in the UK must abide by a strictest of guidelines. For example, 2005 regulations state that gaming companies don’t have to meet a statutory minimum payout percentage. However, they must clearly display the amount a player can, in theory, expect to win (known as the return to player/RTP). In essence, this rule is designed to give players the power to decide how much risk they want to expose themselves to.
In fact, this drive to give consumers more information has been a cornerstone of the UKGC’s policies over the last few years. Today UK casino and betting operators must provide clear and concise insights into every aspect of their product. From their payout structures and software suppliers to the terms and conditions attached to bonuses, everything has to be transparent and fair. Without meeting the expected standards, an operator risks receiving a fine or having their licence revoked. However, when it comes to video game companies, the same standards aren’t in place. For those entering the casino world, a UKGC licence is mark of quality, but no such label applies in the gaming sector.
Regulators Must Set the Standard
This disparity is something that campaigners have been pushing to address over the last 12 months. With loot boxes sharing similarities with casino games such as scratchcards or monetised versions of Deal or No Deal, many argue that UKGC standards should apply. In their defence, video game developers have said that loot boxes aren’t an integral part of a player’s experience.
“A player’s ability to succeed in the game is not dependent on purchasing crates. Players can also earn crates through playing the game and not spending any money at all,” a spokesperson for EA told Eurogamer.net.
However, the figures would seem to suggest otherwise. In addition to the UKGC’s report showing that 31% of child gamers have used loot boxes, estimates project that loot box revenue will hit £32 billion by 2022. Reviewing the current trend, analysts at Juniper Research found that more people are now taking part in so-called skin betting than ever before.
“These items have value depending on rarity and popularity within game communities. On PCs, skins are traded for real money via Steam’s Marketplace; the platform has 125 million registered users globally,” Lauren Foye of Juniper Research said in April 2018.
Licensed Loot Boxes May Happen in 2019
In light of the latest findings, the government is likely to face more tough questions regarding the regulation of loot boxes. In Belgium, ministers have already agreed that the boxes are a form of gambling. British politicians may soon take the same position. Indeed, with the protection of minors something the UKGC has been working hard on in recent times, the recent report will give those in power cause for concern. If that proves to be the case, we may see video game companies become subject to the same controls as UK online casino operators.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
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EGT at ICE Barcelona 2025: Get ready to be stunned
EGT is prepared to make a long-lasting impression on visitors at ICE 2025, which will be held in Barcelona for the first time. The Bulgarian manufacturer of gaming equipment will showcase its compelling selection of bestsellers and high-potential new developments at one of the largest stands at the exhibition 3F30.
Among the novelties that will arouse the greatest interest will be 2 brand-new slot cabinets – 32-32 St and 32-32 Up. These models will certainly not go unnoticed by the event guests.
On display will be the newest addition to the company’s jackpot family – the 4-level Asian-themed Zhao Cai Shuang Yu. It will reveal the astonishing world of its 2 games, Prosperity Strike and Rising Coins.
The attendees will also be able to see and test the latest multigames from the Supreme Selection slot series. The Mega Supreme Fruits, Supreme Red, and Supreme Buy Bonus Prize Selection will present a lot of new slot titles, offering a perfect mix of fascinating themes, attractive bonus features, and great entertainment.
EGT will show its newest ETG developments as well. Among them will be the 32 T terminal, which will make its debut during the show. It will complement the company’s rich portfolio of ETG products, which are the preferred choice in numerous gaming venues around the world.
Expanding its offering, EGT will present the Supreme Series of game mixes, currently including the Supreme Roulette Union and Supreme Green Union multigames. Focusing exclusively on roulette, the Supreme Roulette Union blends the excitement of classic roulette gameplay with innovative jackpot systems and versatile features. Supreme Green Union combines popular games from the company’s portfolio with roulette, Keno, Baccarat, and Blackjack, offering players a unique and engaging experience.
Numerous new AWP and VLT products, created specifically for different markets, will also be at the visitors’ disposal, as well as the casino management system Spider, which will show its latest modules.
EGT Digital will also present its vast array of iGaming solutions, including instant and casino games, jackpots, and its in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform X-Nave.
Nadia Popova, Chief Revenue Officer and VP Sales & Marketing at EGT, commented: “ICE is a very important event for us, which gives us the opportunity to meet with industry professionals from all over the world. We will welcome our current and potential new customers and partners at our stand to present them all new products from our portfolio, divided into zones, covering all gaming verticals. I believe in the positive potential of changes. That is why I think that the relocation of the show to Barcelona will open new business horizons and bring many opportunities for building fruitful partnerships, for which we as a company are ready. “
The post EGT at ICE Barcelona 2025: Get ready to be stunned appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Vibra Group Completes the Acquisition of TSA
Go-to LatAm content and platform developer purchases longstanding Brazil-based tech development partner to accelerate growth plans
Vibra Group, the ‘go-to’ content and platform developer for the LatAm region, has acquired TSA, a Brazil-based technology company and one of its longest standing development partners.
The acquisition will further strengthen the award-winning company and accelerate its growth plans with 55 specialist platform development experts based in Northern Brazil.
TSA and Vibra Group have been long-term partners with TSA contributing significantly to Vibra’s technological growth. TSA, which operates under the ServiceNet brand name, also has existing contracts with several Brazilian lotteries including Loteria do Tocantins, Loteria do Maranhao, Loteria de Sergipe and Loteria da Paraíba.
The integration of TSA’s expert teams will immediately enhance Vibra’s platform development roadmap with additional resources dedicated to the Vibra Solutions business unit and will consolidate the Vibra Group’s structure across the LatAm region. The LatAm based team is focused on game studios, Remote Gaming Server (RGS), and Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM). The Brazil-based team specialising in Player Account Management (PAM) and sportsbook solutions.
Vibra’s product strategy is to service every client need delivering a complete solution on three core areas: sportsbook and casino platform with multiple levels of customization and flexibility; content aggregation platform including proprietary titles and third party games from the main brands in the industry; and a state-of-the-art EGM platform allowing operators to distribute products and content through VLT / retail terminals. The group’s 3 business divisions: Vibra Gaming, Vibra Solutions and Vibra VLT / Retail.
Ramiro Atucha, CEO, Vibra Group, said: “We’re delighted to close the acquisition of TSA and welcome the team to the Vibra family. TSA are one of our closest and most trusted partners with whom we’ve closely collaborated across several significant projects as well as ongoing development work, therefore joining forces makes perfect strategic sense.
“Our expansion and first M&A deal follows significant customer demand and growth across the LatAm region in the last 12 to 18 months so the timing is ideal. We’re very excited to have the TSA team join us as we continue our journey.”
Werter Luna, CEO, TSA, said: “We’re thrilled with the outcome of joining Ramiro and the Vibra team after having worked together for so long. The synergies were very clear and both companies know we are stronger together. The future is very bright and we’re ready to go on the ambitious plans we have to significantly grow our business.”
Founded five years ago by a management team of highly experienced industry experts with decades of land-based and online experience, Vibra has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative content studios and software developers in the industry and rapidly grown to become the LatAm market’s ‘go-to’ partner for local and international operators.
The post Vibra Group Completes the Acquisition of TSA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GIANTX begins its 2025 LEC journey with fresh faces
The global esports organization GIANTX is ready to kick off its journey in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), Europe’s premier esports competition. With a revamped roster and a clear goal of qualifying for the 2025 Worlds in China, the team begins its campaign this Saturday with a challenging schedule.
Led by renowned coach André Guilhoto, the roster features Lot (toplaner), Closer (jungler), Jackies (midlaner), Noah (AD carry), and Jun (support). Jackies, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, returns as the only player from last year’s roster. Lot, a standout in the LFL, joins as a promising top laner. Closer, a three-time Worlds participant and North American champion, brings leadership and experience. Meanwhile, Noah and Jun, from Fnatic, aim to establish themselves as one of the best bot lanes in the LEC.
GIANTX continues to rely on advanced data analytics and statistics in building its roster. “We believe in this roster. It’s a mix of hungry, talented players and experienced individuals. This team has the potential to be a strong contender in the LEC,” said David Alonso, GIANTX’s head of esports.
The journey begins on January 18 against SK Gaming (7:30 PM), followed by Rogue (Sunday, 6:45 PM) and Karmine Corp (Monday, 9:00 PM). In the second week, GIANTX will face Movistar KOI, Team Heretics, and G2 Esports, closing the regular phase against Fnatic, BDS, and Vitality. With a demanding schedule ahead, GIANTX is set to prove it is ready to compete at the highest level.
The post GIANTX begins its 2025 LEC journey with fresh faces appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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