Latest News
HSBC UK increases gambling block feature to 3 days

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With lockdown causing an increase in gambling, HSBC UK and first direct have today announced an increased cooling off period to their gambling block feature, from 24 hours to 72 hours.
The self-restriction tool, which prevents customers from being able to make gambling payments on their accounts after it’s switched on, will automatically decline any gambling transactions for three days, to help people control their urge to gamble.
Recently published data from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) highlights that lockdown measures have had an impact on gambling behavior in the UK, with a month-on-month increase of 29% in gross gambling yield (GGY), and a 7% increase in active accounts.
Maxine Pritchard, Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability at HSBC UK said: “This is a challenging time for many of our customers, with some not working and perhaps facing financial difficulty. By increasing the restriction to 72 hours, this will help give our customers time to pause when they are tempted to return to gambling.
“We are always looking for new ways to support our customers and make it easier for them to manage their finances. Customer feedback on our gambling control showed us there was more we could do to help and we’ve worked closely with them and with GamCare to design the solution.”
Available to HSBC UK and first direct customers with an active debit card, the option can be switched on via the ‘Manage Cards’ section on the HSBC UK mobile app (within the ‘Cards’ section of the fd mobile app), as well as via telephone banking or by going into a branch – giving customers added control over their spending.
Anna Hemmings, CEO of GamCare, says: “The ability to block gambling transactions through your bank card or app is an important tool for those struggling with their gambling, and is ideally used together with other practical tools such as self-exclusion, blocking software, and specialist support around the issue – as we have recently emphasised through our ‘TalkBanStop’ partnership and campaign.
“The University of Bristol Personal Finance Research Centre has also highlighted that ‘positive friction’ such as a cooling off period is important for the success of blocks, as this prevents them being turned off in the event of urges to gamble. GamCare is pleased to see HSBC UK and first direct take this positive step to support their customers.”
HSBC UK and first direct both have their own specialist support teams on hand to help vulnerable customers including those at risk of financial harm from gambling and can refer customers to a trusted external organisations where needed.
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: HSBC UK increases gambling block feature to 3 days
Latest News
SolutionsHub opens Dublin office to support iGaming clients entering new €8bn market
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Expansion comes as Ireland rolls out new gambling regulatory framework, with industry valued at over €8 billion annually
SolutionsHub, a trusted provider of regulatory and operational solutions for the iGaming sector, has announced the opening of a new office in Dublin to support clients entering the Irish market as the country implements its new gambling regime.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which established the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) earlier this year, represents the most significant change to gambling oversight in the country in decades. Full licensing enforcement is scheduled for mid-2026, transforming a market currently valued at more than €8 billion annually and positioning Ireland as one of Europe’s most closely watched iGaming jurisdictions.
SolutionsHub’s new Dublin office provides a local base to assist existing clients and international operators seeking Irish or wider EU licences, positioning the firm at the centre of one of the world’s most dynamic technology and financial services hubs.
As part of the application process, the GRAI will conduct a risk-based review of the applicant’s suitability. Applicants must demonstrate sound governance practices, financial health, and compliance frameworks, such as anti-money laundering, responsible gambling, and risk management. Additional requirements include disclosures of beneficial ownership, tax clearance, any criminal history and/or previous regulatory action. SolutionHub’s presence will bolster all operator applications with in-the-market guidance and support.
“With the Gambling Regulation Act now in effect and enforcement deadlines approaching, demand for expert support is at an all-time high,” said Lee Hills, CEO of SolutionsHub.
“Several of our clients are already preparing to apply for Irish licences, and our new Dublin office ensures they have direct, on-the-ground guidance to meet the requirements and enter the market with confidence.”
SolutionsHub is recognised for securing first-of-their-kind approvals in iGaming, fintech, and blockchain, and for guiding companies through complex regulatory lifecycles in multiple jurisdictions. Unlike traditional consultants, the firm supports clients from initial licence applications through to long-term compliance and operational success.
“Dublin is already a global centre for technology and financial services, and Ireland is now set to become one of Europe’s most important regulated iGaming markets,” said James O’Kelly, Head of Corporate Development at SolutionsHub. “By establishing a permanent base here, we can work more closely with clients and partners, while also building our local team to support long-term growth, innovation and job creation under Ireland’s new gambling framework.”
SolutionsHub continues to be a trusted authority in licensing, compliance, and operational support. The firm’s Irish office positions it at the forefront of a new era for the country’s gambling sector, helping operators capitalise on growth opportunities while ensuring robust compliance.
The post SolutionsHub opens Dublin office to support iGaming clients entering new €8bn market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
C-Suite Product Engineering Appointment at Bede Gaming
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Bede Gaming has announced a new leader in its Executive team with the appointment of Andrew Humphreys as Chief Product Engineering Officer.
Humphreys brings 16 years of experience in software engineering, with specialised expertise in end-to-end solutions and player experience. With a valuable customer-minded technical perspective, this addition to the platform provider’s seniormost team demonstrates a dedication to innovative UX in Bede’s product strategy.
An internal promotion, Humphreys climbed the ranks at Bede from a front-end developer and solution architect, progressing on through several positions of leadership and making a significant contribution to many of Bede’s key achievements along the way. As one of its longstanding employees, Humphreys has grown professionally with Bede, influencing its long-term strategic direction and witnessing firsthand the company’s transformational growth from start-up to a market-leading, international full-service platform provider.
Most recently, as Head of Product Engineering and a core member of the company’s senior leadership, Humphreys has led on product and technical solutions for customer projects, forward-thinking roadmap development, and introducing a performance-focused development culture throughout Bede’s product engineering teams.
This experience and tenure within Bede’s engineering department have positioned Humphreys for the newly created C-level position, in which he will retain responsibility for the continued delivery of high-quality products and features for the platform, including player account management, player engagement and front-end web & app.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Andrew to the Executive team. He has already demonstrated exemplary leadership and strategic thinking in managing our product development workstreams,” said Colin Cole-Johnson, Bede Chief Executive Officer. “Andrew has a keen eye for measurement, optimisation and continuous improvement that I’m sure will take our product engineering functions from strength to strength.”
“This promotion is an exciting step forward in my career, and one of many highlights that I have enjoyed during my time at Bede. As an engineering leader, I aspire to bridge the gap between our customers and our development teams. By fostering these relationships, we have delivered cross-functional, end-to-end solutions to an exceptional standard. I’m passionate about what we’ve built so far at Bede, and I’m excited to continue innovating with such a talented, dedicated team. I couldn’t see myself working anywhere else.” Humphreys said.
The introduction of the new Product Engineering C-Suite position comes as Bede’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Dinning announces his retirement at the end of 2025, after 9 years with the company.
The post C-Suite Product Engineering Appointment at Bede Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
iGaming Wise Officially Rebrands to Wise Connections
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Following two years operating as iGaming Wise, and more than three years previously as Affluck, the company is entering a new chapter under its new name: Wise Connections.
The rebrand reflects the company’s continued evolution and its commitment to delivering clear value, stronger matchmaking, and more direct, effective connections for partners across the iGaming sector.
Wise Connections is built on a simple idea: quality beats quantity. Instead of pushing generic introductions or relying on outdated directories, the platform focuses on personal, vetted, and direct connections. Every introduction is made manually through trusted channels like Telegram, LinkedIn, or email, ensuring that both sides meet with full context, purpose, and confidence.
The core services remain the same: Marketing & PR, Consulting, Affiliate Management, but they are now tied together under a stronger single identity. And the biggest focus moving forward is the B2B Matchmaking, which has already proven to be one of the most effective ways to help operators, providers, affiliates, and service companies expand into the right markets.
Founder & CEO Gjorgje Ristikj describes the change as a natural step in the company’s growth: “We wanted a name that reflects what we really do. We connect companies with people who matter, and we do it the right way, personally, transparently, and with purpose.”
Wise Connections is not just a new name, it’s a clearer direction. A more structured approach. And a stronger commitment to building long-term partnerships that actually move businesses forward.
The post iGaming Wise Officially Rebrands to Wise Connections appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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