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Exclusive Q&A with Warren Russell CEO/W2 Global Data
Why is affordability such a focus right now and especially in the UK?
Since the 2005 Gambling Act has been under review from late 2020, affordability has been heavily discussed as being a central part of any changes to requirements that might be brought into force. It has become increasingly common for operators to be fined for failings relating to player protection and safer gambling – the Gambling Commission has handed out more than £54m in fines over the past two years alone – and many stakeholders believe these issues could be mitigated or greatly reduced with more comprehensive and robust affordability requirements.
Is it really key to helping better protect players? Or does it need to be combined with other additional safeguards?
Affordability has the potential to greatly improve player protections and ensure players are gambling responsibly. That is why as a result of the review of the 2005 Gambling Act affordability checks will likely become a key requirement for operators to support both their own player protection initiatives and their customers. But affordability is not the only saving grace for the industry. All areas of the industry must come together and collaborate on efforts and technologies in order to fully implement change. In short, affordability is just one piece of the puzzle that makes up comprehensive player protection processes and protocols.
What are the current requirements for UK operators regarding affordability? How might that change?
Currently, the Gambling Commission sees affordability as identifying vulnerable players and limiting the amount of marketing that operators can target at them. Regulation is quite ambiguous, so different operators have a different understanding of what is expected of them. But affordability requirements will undoubtedly be more clearly defined following the review of the 2005 Gambling Act. The Gambling Commission has directly said that affordability checks are something it is heavily focused on within the review and that it will play a more centralised role in its updated regulations.
How can operators meet these requirements without impacting the player experience? How does your Affordability for Gambling Tool help in this regard?
It all comes down to striking the right balance between player experience and player protection. With problem gambling continuing to rise, more focus needs to be placed on protecting players over the experience that is provided to them, at least to a certain extent. W2’s solution helps operators to strike this balance; it works seamlessly in the background of the onboarding journey or based on various markers of harm triggers so as to not impact the player’s journey. Of course, if something which needs investigating comes back from the affordability check, it is the responsibility of the operator to deal with it further.
Do you think the UK market is heading towards over-regulation? What about specifically when it comes to affordability?
As mentioned above, it is all about balance. I wouldn’t say it is heading towards over-regulation, but we can’t be naïve to the fact that operators need to balance player protection with commercial viability. Some current affordability solutions such as open banking (which requires players to agree to give their bank data) could be considered as impacting the player experience too much. A player could simply go to another operator if they don’t want to take the extra steps to pass affordability.
Our solution works seamlessly enough in the background to prevent the player experience from being impacted by affordability checks, whilst still ensuring that operators can truly protect players. It can be a fine line to tread, but that is why we have developed our affordability solution so that operators can be confident they are protecting players while also not negatively impacting their experience to the point where they go to another brand that is perhaps not as stringent in its affordability requirements and checks.
Do you think other regulated markets will look to tighten requirements around affordability?
The consultation from the Gambling Commission is being closely watched by regulators around the world. The UK gambling industry is being used as the litmus test for how safer gambling initiatives should be moving forwards. With regulated gambling rolling out across the US, and countries such as the Netherlands opening up their own online gambling marketplace in 2021, it is highly likely these jurisdictions will swiftly follow updated regulations should the work of the UK Gambling Commission be a success.
How can operators prepare for any changes that might come now?
It is often overlooked just how much work operators are currently undertaking when it comes to their player protection initiatives. The real issue within the industry at present is the lack of clarity and understanding as to what best-practice safe gaming actually looks like. The review of the Gambling Act has been rumbling on for two years now (with further delays likely due to Boris Johnson’s departure) and quite frankly the industry is still struggling. That is why collaboration between stakeholders is going to be key. W2’s affordability is one part of what the industry needs as a whole, but we believe it can significantly assist operators in protecting players when combined with what those companies are already doing from a safer gambling perspective.
‘World-first’ racing crash game Quackinator among high-performing titles made available
Hub88 has partnered with Solidicon, the Swedish game studio famed for creating bold, artistic casino experiences that bring a fresh wave of excitement to players.
Founded in 2006 by ‘a collective of nerds and dreamers’, Solidicon has earned a reputation for crafting games that combine technical precision with playful creativity.
The developer’s portfolio, now available via Hub88’s seamless API, includes standout titles such as Navigator, Supershoot Crash and the world’s first-ever racing crash game Quackinator.
This collaboration strengthens Hub88’s catalogue of content, reinforcing its commitment to delivering in-demand, novel and creatively distinctive experiences to audiences worldwide.
Jess Inglott, Head of Supplier Relations at Hub88, said: “Solidicon’s games bring a bold, unforgettable touch to the casino experience.
“Adding their titles to our platform allows operators to offer visually striking, memorable content that stands out in a crowded market.”
Robert Ackerman, CEO of Solidicon, said: “Partnering with Hub88 provides a practical way to broaden distribution of our games and simplify access for operators.
“Their platform is well regarded for its stability and ease of use, which makes this partnership a strong fit for us.”
The post Hub88 adds Solidicon’s visually striking portfolio to aggregation platform appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, has strengthened its presence in Latin America after partnering with Brazino777, an online casino and sports betting brand known for its player-first experience and fast withdrawals, to roll out a selection of its top-performing titles to the Brazilian market.
Following the agreement, Greentube’s platform is now live with Brazino777 in Brazil, marking an important milestone in the supplier’s regional growth strategy and reinforcing its commitment to delivering market-relevant content in newly regulated jurisdictions.
As part of the collaboration, Brazino777 players can enjoy some of Greentube’s most popular new releases, including Piggy Prizes:Wand of Riches 2, Trinity Treasures Wukong Buy Bonus, and Caichen Triple Blossom.
Alongside these titles, a curated selection of Greentube’s iconic classic games have also been integrated, including Book of Ra deluxe, Diamond Link: Mighty Sevens, and Cash Connection – Golden Sizzling Hot.
These games were selected for their proven performance in regulated markets and their strong appeal to Brazilian players, making them an ideal fit for Brazino777’s growing casino offering.
Now, with Brazil’s regulated online gaming landscape offering fresh opportunities, the collaboration is well positioned to reach new heights as the region continues to thrive.
Greentube’s latest Brazilian partnership further reinforces its strategic focus on Latin America as a key growth market. With a diverse portfolio of innovative slots and well-established fan favourites, the company continues to strengthen its position as a leading supplier worldwide.
Wilson Francisco, Sales and Key Account Manage at Greentube, said: “Our launch with Brazino777 is a major step forward for our strategy in Brazil. Their deep understanding of the local audience, paired with Greentube’s commitment to delivering top-performing, culturally relevant content, is a powerful combination.
“We’re confident that this partnership will elevate the player experience and help set new standards in the market.”
Andre Medeiros, Country Manager for Brazil at Brazino777, said: “Greentube’s portfolio is recognised globally for its quality, performance and player appeal. As a brand rooted in Brazilian culture, Brazino777’s focus is simple: a fun, smooth experience our community can enjoy every day.
“Partnering with Greentube reinforces that promise by expanding the entertainment options available to our players in Brazil.”
The post Greentube expands Latin American footprint with Brazino777 partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Yggdrasil has expanded its standout YGG Masters program with the addition of Nordic independent game studio Lakka Studios, introducing fresh concepts to its premium global content portfolio.
As the 20th studio to join the YGG Masters family, Lakka Studios aligns with Yggdrasil’s vision of elevating the iGaming landscape through innovative, high-quality content from the industry’s most exciting creators.
Steeped in Nordic spirit, Lakka Studios introduces a refreshing blend of clever mechanics, polished visuals, and player-first design. Its approach to light-hearted and engaging gameplay adds a new dimension to the YGG Masters catalogue, enhancing the variety of games available to Yggdrasil’s operator partners and players worldwide.
Lakka Studios will be another early adopter of Yggdrasil’s cutting-edge Game in a Box platform, created to streamline the end-to-end development process, as well as offering a ready-made path to market through its distribution network.
Zoe Bird, Head of Masters at Yggdrasil, at Yggdrasil, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Lakka Studios as the 20th studio to join our Masters community.
“The studio brings a familiar Nordic identity that complements the broad range of studios within our network. We have every confidence that Lakka Studios will quickly build a devoted following across our global operator partners.”
A spokesperson for Lakka Studios added: “Joining the YGG Masters program marks an exciting step in our journey, and we’re incredibly proud to collaborate with a partner that shares our passion for quality and innovation.
“Yggdrasil’s support and technology provide the ideal foundation for us to bring our creative vision to life.”
The post Yggdrasil strengthens YGG Masters roster with Nordic game provider Lakka Studios appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Hub88 adds Solidicon’s visually striking portfolio to aggregation platform
Greentube expands Latin American footprint with Brazino777 partnership
Yggdrasil strengthens YGG Masters roster with Nordic game provider Lakka Studios
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