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UKGC confirms gambling on credit cards to be banned from April 2020

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The Gambling Commission has announced a ban on gambling businesses allowing consumers in Great Britain to use credit cards to gamble.

The ban, which comes into effect on 14 April, follows the Commission’s review of online gambling and the Government’s Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures. A public consultation was carried out between August and November 2019.

24 million adults in Great Britain gamble, with 10.5 million of those gambling online. UK Finance estimate that 800,000* consumers use credit cards to gamble.

Separate research undertaken by the Commission shows that 22%** of online gamblers using credit cards to gamble are classed as problem gamblers – with even more at some risk of harm.

The ban, which will apply to all online and offline gambling products with the exception of non-remote lotteries, will provide a significant layer of additional protection to vulnerable people.

Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive, said: 

“Credit card gambling can lead to significant financial harm. The ban that we have announced today should minimise the risks of harm to consumers from gambling with money they do not have.

“Research shows that 22% of online gamblers using credit cards are problem gamblers, with even more suffering some form of gambling harm.

‘“We also know that there are examples of consumers who have accumulated tens of thousands of pounds of debt through gambling because of credit card availability. There is also evidence that the fees charged by credit cards can exacerbate the situation because the consumer can try to chase losses to a greater extent.”

Mr McArthur said although he understood that some consumers used credit cards because they were convenient, the risk of harm to others was too high to allow the use of credit cards to continue.

“We realise that this change will inconvenience those consumers who use credit cards responsibly but we are satisfied that reducing the risk of harm to other consumers means that action must be taken.” he said. “But we will evaluate the ban and watch closely for any unintended circumstances for consumers.”

Mr McArthur warned that although likely to reduce gambling harm, the banning of credit cards needed to be accompanied by other efforts.

“The ban is part of our ongoing work to reduce gambling harm. We also need to continue the work we have been doing with gambling operators and the finance industry to ensure consumers only gamble with money they can afford to spend.”

Last year Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) ministers also met with banks and gambling operators to discuss their growing concerns, and how companies could use technology and customer data to help those at risk of developing gambling problems, including those using credit cards.

Culture Minister Helen Whately said: 

“Whilst millions gamble responsibly, I have also met people whose lives have been turned upside down by gambling addiction.

“There is clear evidence of harm from consumers betting with money they do not have, so it is absolutely right that we act decisively to protect them.

“In the past year we have introduced a wave of tougher measures, including cutting the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals, bringing in tighter age and identity checks for online gambling and expanding national specialist support through the NHS Long Term Plan. We have also secured a series of commitments from five leading gambling operators that will include £100 million funding towards treatment for problem gamblers.

“But there is more to do. We will be carrying out a review of the Gambling Act to ensure it is fit for the digital age and we will be launching a new nationwide addiction strategy in 2020.

“We will not hesitate to take any further action necessary to protect people from gambling harm.”

Today has also seen the Commission announce changes to licence conditions which will require all online gambling operators to participate in the GAMSTOP scheme and offer their customers the service from 31 March.

Neil McArthur said:

“We welcome the fact that GAMSTOP have got to this stage in their development and encourage them to continue to improve their offer, particularly in relation to preventing those who have self-excluded being targeted by direct marketing.

“It is important that self-exclusion schemes are as effective as possible and they will be most effective when used in combination with other blocking tools such as gambling blocking software and payment card blocking.

Helen Whately added: 

“We have been clear to all businesses that have connections to gambling, such as operators, social media platforms and banks, that they must be socially responsible and use the power of technology and data to help consumers manage their spending and protect them from harm.

“I have been encouraged by the majority of major high street banks introducing measures to allow customers to switch off spending on gambling through mobile apps.

“By making it a regulatory requirement for all online gambling websites licensed in Great Britain to sign up to Gamstop. I am confident that people who have taken the significant step to opt out of gambling will be well supported, alongside a wide range of other tools.”


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 confirms gambling on credit cards to be banned from April 2020

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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Wizard Games brings back unique pay-as-you-see mechanics in Digipays

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NeoGames S.A subsidiary Wizard Games has brought back its fan-favourite visible payout mechanics where combinations of digits are awarded, in the latest release Digipays.

The 3×3 slot offers extremely basic payout mechanics, with no paying symbols on the reels apart from blank diamonds or numbers. Two consecutive digits on the same payline will award the number that it reflects. For example, if the numbers 0 and 1 land on the last two reels, players will win 1x. If 1 lands on the first column, followed by two 0s, they will win 100x.

Digipays offers a respin feature if the golden coin lands on the third reel. This awards three respins, where any number landing becomes sticky for the duration. Wins are awarded after every respin, without the count resetting.

In addition, players can boost their chance of triggering the respins via an increased stake feature. The title is the latest by Wizard Games to use this unique and popular mechanics, following high-performing Teddy’s Tavern and Bier Haus Riches.

Megan Easey, Director of Operations at Wizard Games, said: “This visible digits combination pay mechanics has proven to be a firm favourite with players, with its incredibly easy to understand payouts ensuring that every spin triggers excitement.

“With our respins mode offering significant chances of big wins on all three reels, we’re confident that Digipays will be another bold, popular addition to our slot offering.”

The post Wizard Games brings back unique pay-as-you-see mechanics in Digipays appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Uncover the gold in 3 Oaks Gaming’s 3 Clover Pots: Hold and Win

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Distributor unleashes Magic Pots feature in Irish-themed title

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has unveiled its latest slot, 3 Clover Pots: Hold and Win, featuring an Irish-inspired makeover of its popular 3 Pots mechanic.

In this 5×3 title players will be greeted by the friendly Leprechaun, serving as the game’s Wild Symbol. The path to big wins is illuminated by the shimmering Gold Clover Bonus Symbols; amassing a minimum of six of these symbols sets the stage for the Hold & Win round.

The powerful Magic Pots feature is poised to transform respins into a cascade of epic rewards. As the Red, Green, and Purple Special Bonus Symbols land they fill the corresponding clover pot metres. When full, players will be transported to the Bonus Round with a matching booster – Double, Mystery, or Collect – with the potential to activate all three simultaneously.

During the Hold and Win round’s respins, Mystery Symbols could unveil a Jackpot – Mini, Minor, and Major. To claim the coveted x5,000 Grand Jackpot, players must fill the entire screen with Clovers.

Players can trigger the Free Spins game with three Scatter Symbols, during which Wild Symbols carry a x2 multiplier.

Yuriy Muratov, Chief Commercial Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “With mesmerising graphics and meticulous attention to detail, 3 Clover Pots is designed to captivate and immerse players with a wide range of features.

“We’re excited to introduce this latest addition to our collection and eagerly anticipate its success amongst our esteemed partners.”

The post Uncover the gold in 3 Oaks Gaming’s 3 Clover Pots: Hold and Win appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Wazdan grows in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Admiralbet

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Wazdan, the gain-focused developer behind some of the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences, is set to raise its profile in Bosnia and Herzegovina after partnering with leading brand Admiralbet.

The first batch of Wazdan’s high-performing slots to have gone live with the operator includes player-favourites such as Sizzling Moon™, 9 Coins™, 9 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition, and Magic Spins™ with further titles to be announced in the coming months.

Admiralbet players are now able to enjoy a much-strengthened selection of games that offer Wazdan’s engagement-boosting mechanics, including Cash Infinity™, Collect to Infinity™ and Hold the Jackpot.

This latest European expansion follows several similar partnerships for Wazdan in a first quarter which has seen a significant level of commercial growth following its recent rebrand and consistent game release roadmap.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is the latest territory to see us grow our influence in.

“We’re enjoying an incredible rate of growth now, backed by a rock-solid games portfolio and welcoming major partners like Admiralbet just elevates that success. We’re confident we have the best possible ally in the country thanks to this development.”

Admiralbet’s Online Casino Manager, Nikola Zakic, said: “Admiralbet is a company that strives for constant improvement and development to keep up with world standards.

“Gaining access to Wazdan’s products furthers that strategy fantastically well. It gives us a range of games that we know our players will enjoy and maintains our place as a leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

The post Wazdan grows in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Admiralbet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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