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UK BGC Calls for “Level Playing Field” as Government Considers Roadmap Out of Lockdown


The UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has called for a level playing field as the Government considers the roadmap out of lockdown. BGC urged that betting shops and casinos must be allowed to reopen at the same time as other similar businesses once the country is given the green light to safely emerge from lockdown.
BGC members and their employees have been supporting the national effort against Covid-19 and are continuing to do so, with members offering their venues as test and vaccination centres and employees volunteering to support the vaccine rollout.
The BGC has said that its members – which employ 44,000 people in betting shops and casinos – are ready to support the economic recovery and must be given the same opportunities to reopen as other parts of the economy. For betting shops, that means reopening in line with other non-essential retailers; and for casinos, hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of BGC, said: “The pace at which the vaccine is being rolled out across the UK has been hugely impressive. Britain is at the forefront of this global effort thanks to the hard work of NHS teams and volunteers up and down the country. UK Government Ministers also deserve credit for the success of this roll out and for the support it has given to businesses throughout the pandemic. The past year has been a torrid time for businesses and government support has been a lifeline for many.
“As the vaccine roll out continues and the country begins to emerge from lockdown, it is important that businesses are able to plan effectively for reopening. Ministers must be clear from the outset what the next few months will look like and there should be a consistent approach across the sectors.
“Betting shops must be allowed to reopen alongside other non-essential retail. Last summer, when most betting shops were able to open, they showed that they have best-in-class anti-covid measures compared to any other part of the high street to protect customers and staff. It is vital that ministers allow them to play their part in stimulating the high street, along with other non-essential retailers.
“Likewise, casinos are eager to help Britain get back on its feet. The night-time economy has taken a hammering during the pandemic and draconian restrictions, including the 10pm curfew, have made a difficult situation more desperate for many businesses. Ministers must allow casinos to reopen at the same time as other hospitality businesses including pubs and they must scrap the curfew. It didn’t work last summer and it won’t work now.
“There will be no let-up in our commitment to safety, but we need the economy to open up again – not least if we are to revive the country’s tax take and fund vital public services like the NHS. But the thousands of people employed in betting shops and casinos deserve nothing less than a level playing field, so that everyone gets the same opportunities to recover.”

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AI-Powered Gamification Arrives on Vegangster Platform via Smartico
iGaming operators can now access CRM automation, hyper-personalisation, and engagement tools to maximise player lifetime value. Platform provider Vegangster has partnered with Smartico, a multi-channel engagement marketing platform, to integrate AI-powered gamification and CRM technology across its ecosystem.
The partnership equips Vegangster’s operator clients with a complete suite of retention tools, including missions, leaderboards, loyalty funnels and mini-games. Powered by AI-driven automation and segmentation, these tools enable operators to deliver personalised campaigns in real-time and build stronger player loyalty across casino and sportsbook brands.
“We build our platform to give operators the sharpest tools to launch quickly and scale with confidence. Partnering with Smartico takes that further, as our clients can now set a new standard for retention with AI-powered automation and gamification,” said Michael Oziransky, Chief Product Officer at Vegangster.
Smartico’s integration with Vegangster enables operators to run engagement campaigns seamlessly. Predictive analytics, personalised messaging, and gamified features provide direct control of the player journey and deliver measurable impact on lifetime value.
“Vegangster’s forward-looking approach makes them an ideal partner,” said Yuval Mechoullam, Co-Founder at Smartico. “Together, we’re equipping operators with solutions that elevate engagement and translate it into lasting business growth.”
About Vegangster
Vegangster provides a full-stack iGaming platform engineered for speed, scalability, and operator control. Its turnkey, white-label, and sweepstakes solutions integrate casino and sportsbook content, payments, CRM, compliance, and social features into a single mobile-first system. With Vegangster, operators can launch quickly and scale with confidence.
About Smartico
Smartico is a multi-channel engagement marketing solution redefining CRM automation and gamification for iGaming operators. By combining real-time automation, gamified mechanics, and AI-driven insights, it enables brands to personalise every stage of the player journey. With a global client base and dedicated team of experts, Smartico helps operators boost engagement, improve retention, and drive sustainable growth.
The post AI-Powered Gamification Arrives on Vegangster Platform via Smartico appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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1spin4win unveils Beersburg Fest Hold and Win slot inspired by Oktoberfest
Beersburg Fest Hold and Win recreates the joyful energy of Europe’s most iconic beer festival with bright symbols, playful animations, and upbeat music. From smiling waitresses with frothy mugs to sizzling bratwurst and vibrant Bavarian decoration, every detail adds to the immersion.
On the gameplay side, the online slot features a 3×3 grid with 27 paylines, optimized for smooth play on any device. Beer mugs act as Wilds, while lining up nine identical symbols instantly doubles the payout. Landing three or more Coins triggers the Hold and Win round with three respins and a chance to collect jackpots — the x100 Mini and the x1,000 Mega.
As with all 1spin4win releases, the game is built around fair balance, fine-tuned volatility, and user-focused design. The clean interface, subtle sound, and carefully calibrated RTP create an irritation-free experience for players and strong retention potential for operators.
Olga Bogdanova, the Art Director at 1spin4win, commented, “Festivals have a special kind of spirit. They bring people together and celebrate tradition. We designed Beersburg Fest Hold and Win to capture that feeling, letting players step into the Oktoberfest festival, enjoy its sights and sounds, and experience the joy of the Bonus round.”
About 1spin4win
1spin4win is a fast-growing game provider founded in May 2021 by ambitious developers with over 15 years of experience in the gambling industry. Since its inception, the company has expanded its portfolio to include over 150 classic online slots, all characterized by quality mathematics, transparent mechanics, and well-balanced gameplay — key factors that drive strong player retention. The studio aims to release an average of four new games each month in 2025 and offers effective promotional tools for casino operators to help them enhance player loyalty.
The post 1spin4win unveils Beersburg Fest Hold and Win slot inspired by Oktoberfest appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Mancala Gaming Revolutionizes iGaming with Diego’s Spicy Truck
Mancala Gaming proudly announces the launch of Diego’s Spicy Truck, a bold new game with innovative features. It’s designed to captivate both players and operators, pushing boundaries in interactive gaming.
In a recent interview with Jekaterina Dubnicka – Head of Marketing and Communications at Slotsjudge, Pantelis Spyrou – Head of Game Studio at Mancala Gaming revealed how Diego’s Spicy Truck redefines engagement. Players run a food truck business, collecting spicy rewards while navigating a fast-paced environment. The game’s dynamic rewards and quirky storyline keep players engaged. Operators will see strong performance with a multi-layered gameplay experience that appeals to both seasoned and casual gamers.
Diego’s Spicy Truck is set to be a key player in the iGaming world. Mancala Gaming invites operators to explore its potential and take part in this exciting journey.
The post Mancala Gaming Revolutionizes iGaming with Diego’s Spicy Truck appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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