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UK Gambling Commission and industry collaboration makes progress on safer gambling
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- Under 25s to be restricted from joining VIP schemes
- Tightened controls to be introduced for other VIP customers
- Online advertising rules strengthened to better protect vulnerable groups
- Progress made on safer product design but industry must go further
Collaborative work with the industry has led to progress following three challenges laid down by the Gambling Commission to make gambling safer and reduce harm across the sector.
The work will lead to restrictions and prevention of under 25s being recruited to VIP schemes, a reduction on intensity of play such as the speed of spin and removing turbo buttons, and a joint effort to shield children and young people from online gambling advertising.
The Gambling Commission welcomes the recommendations made by the industry on safer products but challenges the industry to go further.
This new approach to accelerate progress to protect consumers from gambling harm was set by the Commission’s chief executive, Neil McArthur, in October 2019. Working groups made up of senior leaders from the industry were formed in January 2020 – concentrating on use of VIP incentives, safer advertising online and the use of safer product design.
The Industry working groups featured over 30 operators, co-ordinated by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). As part of this work, the Commission ran workshops with people with first-hand experience of gambling harm, as well as collaborating with GamCare to ensure that its service users’ experience would also help inform any outcomes.
Those involved in the work will continue to develop and rapidly implement the proposals, with some measures around VIP customers being implemented as soon as April 14.
The Commission will now launch formal consultations on these areas to ensure that the new measures are incorporated into its regulatory framework – which means that all operators will have to abide by the new consumer protection rules.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive said: “We have been encouraged by the progress on VIP incentives, safer advertising and safer products. We set these challenges in order to deliver real and rapid change for consumers in key areas of risk. However, it is important these commitments are implemented as soon as possible. It should not take months to implement safeguards many would expect to be in place already.
“By working together with operators and seeking the views of people with lived experience of gambling harm we have been able to make significant progress, although there is always more to do. We will now consult on the necessary changes to our rule book to ensure all operators have to meet the new standards.
“Whilst we are encouraged by industry proposals for making gambling products safer we now call on operators to implement those proposals rapidly; but the proposals do not go far enough and we will now consider what additional measures we should impose on operators.
“I recognise that the Covid-19 outbreak will impact on next steps and actions, in particular land-based operators. I welcome the fact that the operators involved and the BGC have remained committed to progressing this work during these difficult times. That is a positive sign of their commitment to make the industry safer.”
“Ultimately actions speak louder than words and any operator that does not put consumer safety first will find itself a target for enforcement action.”
Industry progress so far in these areas, and the Gambling Commission’s response and next steps:
Use of VIP incentives
This group was established to develop an industry code which addressed poor practices around the treatment and incentivisation of high value and high spending customers also known as ‘VIPs’. The industry has agreed to:
- Restrict and prevent customers under 25 years of age from being recruited to high value customer schemes.
- All customers must first pass thorough checks relating to spend, safer gambling and enhanced due diligence before becoming eligible for high value customer incentives.
- Reward programmes will also be required to have full audit trails detailing decision making with specified senior oversight and accountability.
The Gambling Commissions response:
- The Commission will now consult on permanent changes to the Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP).
- The Commission expects the industry to implement its code as soon as possible and considers most measures should be implemented within 3 months.
- The Commission will monitor and support implementation of the industry’s code as an interim measure.
Safer advertising online
This Advertising Technology challenge was aimed at reducing the amount of online advertising seen by children, young people and vulnerable adults. Actions taken immediately by the industry and to be in place by July 2020 include:
- A common list of negative search terms (e.g. how do I self-exclude from gambling?) and suppression websites, which will help shield vulnerable groups from online gambling ads.
- Better and more consistent use of customer data to ensure paid-for-ads are targeting away from vulnerable groups across social media platforms, instead of targeting for business
- Implement an approach which means that advertising is only targeted at +25 age in social media and “Pay Per Click” advertising where platform facilities permit. This will protect young people and increase confidence in the social media platforms’ own age-gating
- Age-gating YouTube channels and content
- Adopting and rolling out to all affiliates a code of conduct which will be amended and updated on a regular basis to ensure all measures undertaken by the industry will be implemented equally by affiliates.
These measures will be adopted across the industry as soon as possible and in any event enshrined in the IGRG’s Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (subject to consultation with Bingo Association and BACTA) and effective by July 2020.
Further, the Working Group will:
- Establish a permanent cross-industry Adtech Forum to ensure an on-going focus on making further progress in this area, including conducting and evaluating trials of advertising technology.
- Continue the proactive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders (including platforms) on agreed areas of work, with the aim of continually setting the highest standards in responsible digital advertising and marketing and ensuring that all relevant technology is utilised to achieve that.
- Work with the Gambling Commission to publish and promote consumer advice, and work with online platforms and broadcasters to identify a more effective, simple and consistent approach, with regard to blocking gambling advertising.
- Commit to monitoring and evaluating all actions to ensure only effective solutions are pursued.
The Gambling Commission’s response:
- The Gambling Commission’s view is that the industry has developed an appropriate set of commitments which should help further limit exposure to online gambling adverts by vulnerable groups.
- The Commission recognises that the online advertising ecosystem is complex, and some progress will be dependent on third parties, such as the social media platforms. In these instances, we expect industry to work collaboratively with the platforms to identify and implement further solutions.
- By virtue of their inclusion in the Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising, The Commission will now hold operators to account for these commitments from July.
Safer products
These groups were tasked with developing an industry code for responsible product and game design. Industry commitment from this work so far includes:
- A minimum spin speed of 2.5 seconds on all slots.
- Removal of game features which may encourage intensive play such as slam stops and turbo buttons.
- Removal of split-screen slots which have been associated with potential loss of control.
- A more detailed work plan which will include in-game messaging and the creation of a Betting and Gaming Council Testing Lab to look into other game features.
- Publication of the final code in September 2020.
The Gambling Commission’s response:
- The Gambling Commission’s view is that while some progress has been made, this work must now go further and faster, in particular around using demographics and behaviours to indicate risk.
- The Gambling Commission will now consult on the priority areas for immediate action as soon as possible.
Brigid Simmonds, Chairman of the new standards body the Betting and Gaming Council said: “I am pleased with our members’ hard work and continued commitment to delivering substantial progress on the three safer gambling challenges set by the Gambling Commission on high value customers, advertising and game design. The progress reported today including restricting under 25’s from qualifying for high value customer accounts; strengthened advertising rules and games with slower speeds and the removal of some functionality comes despite difficult operating circumstances during the COVID-19 crisis. These measures, along with our recently announced 10 pledge action plan for COVID-19 safer gambling and our 22 industry safer gambling commitments will significantly transform and improve the environment for our customers and the wider public. We agree with the Gambling Commission that there is still more work to do and we will rise to the ongoing challenge.”
This update coincides with the publication of the Gambling Commission’s 2020/21 business plan which includes commitment to driving forward these areas of work in regulatory requirements for the whole industry.
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: UK Gambling Commission and industry collaboration makes progress on safer gambling
At EvenBet Gaming, we see firsthand how the marketing landscape is changing. Insights from our iGaming Future 2026 report show that in 2025, success comes from connection, not noise.
As regulations tighten, acquisition costs rise, and audiences scatter across platforms, the brands that win are those that blend precision with personality. Today’s players and partners expect authenticity over aggression and storytelling over sales pitches. Campaigns are no longer about mass impressions but about micro-moments – tailored, data-driven interactions that feel personal, even at scale.
The winners listen first, analyze second, and act third – turning insight into engagement. In this landscape, connection is the foundation of sustainable growth.
The Split Game: B2B vs. B2C
In B2B, the battleground is trust. CEOs and decision-makers are drowning in noise – from events to endless newsletters. What cuts through? Case studies that show ROI, product demos that feel real, and personal networks built at ICE or SiGMA. Social media remains the undisputed king here: 49% of iGaming executives use it as their primary info source, followed by in-person networking and industry events. Long-form content still works – when it’s insightful, not promotional. To stand out in B2B marketing, brands should focus on:
- Building thought leadership through expert commentary and research-backed insights that prove credibility;
- Nurturing long-term relationships via community-led webinars, roundtables, and co-marketing projects that drive collaboration;
- Leveraging data storytelling – turning complex metrics into simple, visual narratives that help decision-makers act fast.
B2C, by contrast, is all about emotion and immediacy – but with a sharper distinction between markets and business models. The latest EvenBet Gaming Social Media Report shows that while short-form and community-driven content remains key, the dominance of platforms differs markedly. In Europe – LinkedIn leads the way as a professional and networking hub, reflecting a B2B-oriented focus on authority building, lead generation, and industry-specific engagement. In Asia – Facebook and Instagram dominate, highlighting a strategy centered on community connection, targeted advertising, and broad audience engagement, with Telegram also playing a significant role. For B2C operators – visual storytelling and entertainment-led platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok continue to drive emotional engagement, while for B2B providers – LinkedIn holds an undisputed lead, supported by Instagram and Telegram as complementary channels. The formula, therefore, is not simply to be social-first, but to be strategically social – prioritizing community and visual impact in B2C, and credibility and professional engagement in B2B.
AI and Automation – The New Marketers
According to EvenBet’s iGaming Future 2026 report, AI has moved from buzzword to backbone – redefining how brands attract, convert, and retain players. Predictive analytics now segment audiences before login, while machine learning powers adaptive CRM systems that personalize offers and retention bonuses in real time. In marketing operations, AI delivers measurable impact through:
- Dynamic pricing and bonus optimization – adjusting rewards by player value and engagement;
- Content intelligence – automating localization and campaign creation, cutting production time by up to 60%;
- Ad fraud prevention – identifying fake traffic before it drains budgets;
- Predictive churn analysis – triggering personalized retention actions;
- Voice and visual recognition – tracking live reactions and sentiment to optimize creative on the fly.
In B2B, AI turns marketing from broadcast to conversation – analyzing partner behavior, flagging high-value leads, and automating follow-ups. The brands that master real-time data interpretation lead the race. In iGaming, AI doesn’t just predict behavior – it shapes it.
Social Channels – The Real Arena
Social platforms have evolved far beyond advertising spaces. They’ve become the central nervous system of iGaming marketing. In 2025, social media is a living ecosystem where customer acquisition, brand positioning, community building, and market research all merge. Every platform has its rhythm and audience psychology; successful brands know how to play them like instruments in the same orchestra.
Whether a B2B partnership or a B2C retention campaign, the rule is simple: go where your audience lives, speak their language, and deliver value before the pitch. How each key platform shapes the iGaming marketing mix? Read here.
LinkedIn – the B2B Heartbeat
This is where credibility is built and deals are born. For iGaming providers, affiliates, and tech companies, LinkedIn serves as the top channel for partnerships, thought leadership, and lead generation. Sharing industry insights, case studies, and event takeaways reinforces authority and keeps brands visible among decision-makers. Paid targeting tools also allow for pinpoint precision, ensuring that every ad or article reaches the right vertical – from operators to regulators.
YouTube & Twitch – Where Entertainment Meets Education
As highlighted in EvenBet’s iGaming Future 2026 report, streaming has become a key growth channel for iGaming brands. YouTube anchors long-form storytelling – developer insights, product demos, and CEO interviews that build credibility. According to the EvenBet Gaming Social Media Report, YouTube accounts for 14% in Europe and 15% in Asia, showing near-equal relevance across regions and reinforcing its universal value for both markets.
Twitch, mentioned in iGaming Future 2026 alongside YouTube Live and Kick, plays a pivotal role in real-time engagement – driving live gameplay, poker tournaments, and influencer collaborations that enhance transparency and community connection. While no percentage data is provided for Twitch, the report emphasizes streaming as a natural fit for gambling content and audience interaction.
Together, these platforms turn audiences into participants – transforming content from promotion into experience.
TikTok & Instagram – Short, Raw, and Honest
Authenticity wins here. These platforms thrive on short-form, story-driven content that prioritizes emotion over polish. According to the EvenBet Gaming Social Media Report (p. 58), Instagram ranks second in both regions – 22% in Europe and 20% in Asia – while TikTok shows stronger traction in Asia (9%) than in Europe (5%), underscoring its growing influence among younger, mobile-first audiences.
Behind-the-scenes clips, quick tips, and relatable humor consistently outperform corporate messaging. Interactive ad formats like reels and hashtag challenges help iGaming brands spark viral loops, amplify influencer reach, and turn curiosity into action.
In a mobile-first world, these platforms don’t just advertise – they convert. The brands that master them know one truth: social is the marketplace, the focus group, and the loyalty engine all at once.
Customer Access and Personalization
Today’s players expect the brand to recognize them before signing in. The data backs it up: operators using personalized onboarding see up to 37% higher retention. Hybrid campaigns – connecting online and live play – are rising fast. A push notification might lead to an app bonus, unlocking a live event seat. That seamless loop is where loyalty lives. For iGaming operators, personalization now stretches far beyond “Hello, [Name]”:
- Behavioral segmentation uses AI to analyze time-of-day habits, game preferences, and betting velocity – letting brands tailor every interaction, from welcome bonuses to tournament invites;
- Cross-channel identity mapping ensures players get a consistent experience across web, app, email, and live venues – no duplicate offers, no irrelevant messages;
- Progressive profiling builds player personas gradually through engagement, balancing data collection with trust. This creates a 360° view without overwhelming the user with long forms;
- Experience-based incentives are replacing static bonuses. For example, completing a “10-hand challenge” online could unlock real-world prizes or exclusive event tickets.
What Next?
As highlighted in EvenBet’s iGaming Future 2026 report, the next phase of iGaming marketing – especially in B2B – is built on access, insight, and shared growth. Partners no longer want to be sold to; they want to collaborate, learn, and co-create. Loyalty now comes from ecosystems of mutual value, not discounts or outreach volume. Next-gen B2B engagement revolves around:
- Micro-communities on Slack, Discord, or LinkedIn – invite-only spaces where suppliers, affiliates, and operators exchange insights and form strategic alliances;
- Account-based marketing (ABM) powered by AI – integrating CRM and social data to tailor outreach, improving conversion rates by up to 50%;
- Virtual demos and co-branded webinars – frictionless entry points for collaboration that combine live interaction with analytics-driven follow-up;
- Shared data dashboards – transparency as the new trust currency, providing partners with real-time access to KPIs and campaign metrics.
In both B2C and B2B, the rule holds: the closer you get to your audience or partner, the harder it is for them to leave.
Innovation: Beyond Buzzwords
Gamification has become the universal language of engagement – missions, badges, leaderboards, loyalty loops. AI adds the adaptive layer; players evolve in real time. This same logic applies in marketing: adaptive storytelling that shifts with user behavior. The future? Predictive personalization. The line between “targeting” and “understanding” is getting thinner, and the best marketers are crossing it first. The new generation of gamified marketing goes beyond points and badges – it builds ecosystems of continuous engagement:
| Category | Tool / Mechanism | Description & Benefits |
| B2C (Players) | Dynamic Missions | AI-driven missions that adapt to player behavior in real time – e.g., switching from “daily spins” to “multi-table hands” based on user habits. Keeps engagement personal and relevant. |
| Reward Tiers & Progression Paths | Data-driven systems that reward consistency, not just spend. Players advance through experience-based milestones, improving long-term retention. | |
| Social Competition | Leaderboards, team missions, and community milestones create peer motivation. Increases engagement by up to 40% vs. solo play. | |
| Narrative Gamification | Marketing campaigns unfold as storylines – every message or promo feels like a new chapter in the player’s journey. Builds emotional attachment. | |
| AR & VR Integration | Combines real-world activity (QR scans, event participation) with digital rewards, creating immersive cross-channel brand experiences. | |
| Predictive Personalization | AI anticipates player mood and intent, adapting visuals, tone, and offers before behavior shifts. Moves from reactive to proactive marketing. | |
| B2B (Partners) | Partner Scoreboards | Tracks campaign performance – traffic, conversion, retention. Encourages friendly competition and higher partner productivity. |
| Gamified Learning Platforms | Turns product training and onboarding into missions, quizzes, and leaderboards. Boosts learning retention and team motivation. | |
| Incentive Ecosystems | Partners earn tiered rewards – access to beta tools, co-marketing funds, or exclusive insights – based on measurable performance metrics. | |
| Community Challenges | Affiliates or resellers compete in group KPIs (e.g., “Top Q3 Converters”). Builds engagement and shared achievement culture. | |
| AI Engagement Analytics | AI monitors partner engagement levels, offering personalized feedback, goal suggestions, and reward triggers automatically. |
Ultimately, gamification in iGaming marketing has shifted from “adding fun” to engineering motivation. It’s about designing systems where engagement becomes the most natural move. When rewards, progress, and storytelling align seamlessly with user behavior, participation stops feeling like marketing and starts feeling like entertainment. The brands that master this balance turn every interaction into a self-sustaining loop of curiosity, reward, and loyalty – where players don’t just play the game, they live inside it.
Final Hand
In 2025, iGaming marketing is a blend of human intuition and machine precision. The era of mass messaging is over – success now means balancing data with emotion and automation with authenticity. In B2B, growth comes from trust, transparency, and measurable ROI rather than lead volume. In B2C, players expect instant personalization, dynamic engagement, and brands that speak their language – making AI-driven personalization and social-first storytelling essentials, not extras.
The strongest brands will merge both worlds, using AI to amplify empathy and data to sharpen creativity. In a market flooded with content, relevance is survival – and trust is the true currency of differentiation.
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This Halloween season, GR8 Tech dares the iGaming world to face its darkest fears. The company has launched an interactive campaign titled “What Scares Operators Most?”, inviting operators to explore the challenges that haunt their daily operations—and to discover how the right solution can turn those fears into fuel for growth.
The mysterious, immersive journey highlights iGaming’s most chilling pain points, and each revealed fear leads to actionable insights and practical solutions, guiding operators toward the tools and strategies that keep their businesses bulletproof, no matter what monsters lurk in the data.
“Fear is a powerful teacher,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech. “Every operator faces moments that test their systems and their strategy. Our Halloween campaign acknowledges those fears and shows that with the right partner, they’re entirely conquerable.”
On the GR8 Tech website, visitors can flip cards, uncover their personalized iGaming “fear,” access GR8 Tech’s expert take on how to overcome it, and view materials that discuss the problem in more detail. They can also share their results or book a meeting to discuss real-world solutions.
Operators brave enough to fight their fears are encouraged to continue the conversation in person at SiGMA Central Europe 2025, Booth 5028. Because in the world of iGaming, even the scariest nightmares can turn into winning stories.
The post GR8 Tech Challenges Operators to Face Their Fears This Halloween appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Relax Gaming is opening the hatch to Frank’s Diner, an apocalyptic slot where Split Symbols, reel multipliers, and Gold Wild re-spins deliver the potential for sizzling wins. Split Symbols take centre stage, with two or three identical single symbols landing on the same reel, forming double or triple stacks that immediately multiply the number of ways to win.
BC.GAME has released Tim & Larry, a new in-house developed slot combining traditional video slot mechanics with a cartoon-inspired theme centered around a kitchen standoff between a cat and a mouse. The game features high volatility, a theoretical RTP of 96.91%, and a capped maximum payout of 15,000× the base bet.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., is excited to announce the launch of Werewolf It Up! featuring Cash Bank and Zeus Legends of Olympus featuring Triple Hit Combo across the UK and Malta iGaming markets. Packed with captivating visuals and engaging gameplay, this online and mobile slot duo is designed to deliver strong results for operators and offers the best in iGaming entertainment for players.
TaDa Gaming invites players to spin for royal rewards in Crown of Fortune, a vibrant 5×3 slot featuring expanding Wilds, locking respins and dazzling payout potential of up to 1000x the bet. Blending nostalgic fruit slot charm with polished, modern mechanics, Crown of Fortune captures the timeless allure of classic gameplay—enhanced by Wild-driven action.
SlotMatrix has launched its latest exclusive title, Aphrodite’s Fortune, an enchanting slot that invites players into the goddess’s golden garden of love and wealth. Set among the clouds of Mount Olympus, Aphrodite’s Fortune celebrates beauty, fortune, and celestial power in a stunning 10,000-ways-to-win format.
Have you got what it takes to take on the Prize Ladder and come out on top? That’s the question players must answer before taking on the latest classic slot title from in-demand content house, Northern Lights Gaming. Bright lights and big wins are the order of the day in Prize Ladder, a game-show style blockbuster that promises twists and turns from the very first game round to the last.
Gaming Corps is preparing to enchant players this October with the launch of its latest slot, 3 Pots of Potions. Arriving just ahead of Halloween, the high-volatility release combines imaginative design with feature-rich gameplay and the potential to conjure wins of up to 10,000x the stake.
Get ready for a spine-tingling splash with Fish Tales: Halloween from Booming Games! This spooky twist on the beloved Fish Tales: Monster Bass takes you to a haunted underwater world where ghoulish fish and creepy cash prizes await. The beloved spook-tacular mechanics remain intact, but with an eerie makeover—fog-drenched waters, zombified fish, and a fang-tastic new design.
Evoplay has released Young Buffalo Coins, the second instalment in its popular Young Buffalo series. Following the success of the original title, the new game takes players back to the wild prairies for another action-packed adventure, combining fast-paced gameplay, sticky coins, and big jackpot opportunities.
Online casino operators can give their players the fright of their lives with Midnight Queen, the latest slot launch from in-demand iGaming content provider, ICONIC21. Midnight Queen is a Vampire-themed slot that’s perfect for entertaining players during the Halloween season and beyond.
TaDa Gaming has returned to the savannah with intriguing new release Golden Explorer. A rich trove of multiplier gemstones sparkling with additional random multiplier bonuses can burst on to the screen, enhancing the win potential and delivering vivid and exciting gameplay for 96.99% and a max win of 30,000x.
To celebrate the launch of Reactoonz 100, Play’n GO’s iconic slot character Garga reached a max altitude of 37,753 metres (117,300 ft) in a two-hour flight to set a world record and become the first slot character ever in space. Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced that one of the most iconic characters in slots, Garga, has set a world record by becoming the first slot character in space.
Tom Horn Gaming is expanding its portfolio with the release of 243 Zeus Fruits, a slot that combines two proven player favourites – fruit slots and Greek mythology. The game delivers short feature cycles, multipliers, and higher stakes through the supplier’s QuickX mechanic.
Amusnet invites players into a realm of mystery and midnight thrills with Vampire Dice, its latest Online Casino portfolio addition. This captivating dice-themed game combines gothic elegance, thrilling features and an immersive atmosphere where every roll reveals secrets of the night.
SlotMatrix has embraced the Halloween spirit with its latest exclusive release, Ghost Pigger. Combining high energy rhythm and rewarding gameplay in a disco-fuelled haunted house, Ghost Pigger makes for a truly unique slot experience. The 96.09% RTP, medium volatility, and maximum win potential of up to 13,712x keep the players engaged.
The post Week 43/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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