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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.
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In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage
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Groove Technologies, the powerhouse aggregator renowned for its elite content portfolio, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with breakout studio InOut Games, the creative force behind the viral sensation Chicken Road. This move integrates InOut Games’ innovative content directly into Groove’s vast ecosystem, providing its global operator network with access to one of the industry’s most talked-about new providers.
This partnership arrives as InOut Games makes its highly anticipated leap into the slot market with Chicken Royal. Inspired by the iconic crash game that captivated a global audience, this new slot transports the beloved chicken into a dynamic, feature-rich format. Designed to engage both seasoned slot players and fans of the original, Chicken Royal marks a pivotal “in” for the studio, expanding its portfolio beyond crash mechanics and signaling its commitment to versatile, high-impact entertainment.
With the addition of InOut Games, Groove’s entertainment ecosystem now blankets over 150 top-tier game providers. Operators worldwide, connected via Groove’s single, streamlined API, will gain immediate access to a catalogue renowned for its fast-paced thrills and unmatched player engagement.
This partnership is a direct reflection of Groove’s strategy to identify and distribute the content that defines the next wave of player preferences.
Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said: “Our mission is to keep our partners on the cutting edge, and InOut Games represents exactly the kind of innovative talent that moves the needle. This partnership isn’t just about adding games; it’s about injecting our ecosystem with a unique energy that drives retention and revenue.”
Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, equipped with advanced player engagement tools and real-time analytics, ensures that titles from studios like InOut Games achieve maximum visibility and profitability from day one.
“We are confident this partnership will catapult us to an entirely new level of distribution,” said Vladislav Snak, CEO of InOut Games. “Groove’s reach and technological prowess are the perfect accelerants for our growth as we roll out our expanded portfolio.”
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, added: “The ‘In’ and ‘Out’ of success in this industry is having the right content with the right partners. With InOut Games, we’re not just bringing a studio in; we’re helping to phase out the ordinary. Their bold transition into slots is a game-changer, and through our platform, that change will resonate across the entire operator landscape.”
The post In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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EvenBet Gaming Presents Spins Poker: A Revolution in Online Poker
EvenBet Gaming, a well-known developer of online gaming software, has announced the launch of its new innovative product – EvenBet Spins. This project promises to completely redefine the perception of poker by combining elements of classic poker games with the dynamics of slot mechanics. Even in the online gambling world, where genuine innovations are rare, EvenBet Spins stands out as a genuine breakthrough poised to attract a broad audience of players.
What is EvenBet Spins?
EvenBet Spins is a unique solution that blends poker mechanics and casino game experience into a single product. Unlike traditional poker, which involves long sessions and deep strategies, Spins Poker offers fast-paced and thrilling rounds that last only a few minutes. It is a perfect choice for players who prefer quick games where the outcome can change in a matter of seconds.
In addition, the inclusion of random win multipliers and hyper-turbo rounds adds an extra layer of excitement reminiscent of slot and jackpot games. This means every round can deliver a surprise, making the gameplay even more engaging. EvenBet Spins opens new horizons for those seeking shorter, more dynamic, and visually exciting poker experiences – without losing the familiar core mechanics of the game.
Integration with Casino and Sportsbook Platforms
Spins Poker offers a streamlined integration process tailored for casino and sportsbook operators seeking to expand their product offerings without the operational complexity of a traditional poker environment. The system integrates seamlessly with existing platforms, enabling operators to introduce poker-style gameplay to audiences accustomed to slots or sports betting, while minimizing the management overhead typically associated with a full poker room.
A simplified product structure eliminates the need for a dedicated poker operations team, extensive onboarding, or continuous oversight. Fraud monitoring and AML workloads remain significantly lower when compared to comprehensive poker solutions. As a result, Spins Poker becomes an accessible addition for operators aiming to diversify engagement tools with minimal resource commitment.
According to Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, the concept behind Spins Poker focuses on reducing operational barriers for operators. He highlighted several key advantages:
- Straightforward integration into websites or applications;
- No requirement for an internal poker management team, since the product only needs initial setup with periodic adjustments of buy-ins and multipliers;
- Lower operational effort compared to full-scale poker platforms, which typically demand more preparation, configuration, and ongoing optimization;
- The ability for operators to test poker demand among casino and sportsbook audiences without investing in dedicated staff, lengthy integrations, or extensive marketing campaigns.
In essence, Spins Poker serves as a low-risk, low-maintenance entry point into poker verticals. Its simplified mechanics, flexible configuration, and compatibility with casino and sportsbook platforms make it an efficient tool for testing audience interest and expanding engagement without the commitment required for traditional poker solutions.
Design and Mobile Optimization
Special attention has been given to design and mobile optimization in EvenBet Spins. Considering the growing popularity of mobile gaming, the product was developed with a mobile-first approach to ensure maximum user comfort and convenience. The simple interface, intuitive navigation, and fast loading times make the game accessible to players of all experience levels.
The overall design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, ensuring a smooth and comfortable gaming experience. The product also adheres to the latest UX design trends, making it equally convenient on smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices. The mobile version of the game is ideal for players who enjoy gaming anytime and anywhere, making EvenBet Spins accessible to a wide range of audiences.
How EvenBet Spins is Changing the Online Poker Market
EvenBet Spins is not just another poker format – it’s a true revolution in the world of online gambling. It transforms the perception of online poker from a niche game to a new level, where speed and excitement become central to the gameplay.
This product opens new opportunities for both players and operators. The integration of random multipliers, hyper-turbo rounds, and other innovations within poker mechanics not only makes the game more appealing to newcomers but also introduces new engagement tools for experienced players. EvenBet Spins has the potential to set a new standard in the online poker industry and open up new perspectives for online casinos and sportsbooks.
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TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader.
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TCSJOHNHUXLEY, the leading global supplier of world-class casino equipment and services, today announced the strategic acquisition of the dice manufacturing business from Gaming Partners International (GPI).
This landmark acquisition provides TCSJOHNHUXLEY with immediate ownership of GPI’s dice manufacturing capabilities, significantly expanding the company’s production footprint and product portfolio.
With this purchase, TCSJOHNHUXLEY is reinforcing its position as the definitive industry leader. The company will now offer three premier dice brands: TK, Paulson, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY. Crucially, operations will be maintained in both Mexico and Missouri, USA, providing customers with dual supply capabilities for enhanced supply chain resilience and flexibility across all global markets.
This acquisition is a strategic move that enhances TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s core offering, secures its dominance in the dice sector, and ensures the continued delivery of the highest quality and most secure gaming dice to casinos worldwide.
The combined capabilities solidify the company’s commitment to producing the highest standard of precision gaming dice. TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s own “Certified Perfects” Dice are globally acknowledged as the world-wide industry standard for casino gaming dice and are trusted globally for accuracy, quality, and security. Available for Craps, Sic Bo, and Pai Gow, the dice can be specified with razor edge or ball corner profiles, come in various sizes, and are manufactured with dots flush to the surface before being wrapped in the signature gold foil, with options for monogramming or serialization to a casino’s specifications, ensuring complete security.
Tristan Sjoberg, Executive Chairman of TCSJOHNHUXLEY, commented “The acquisition of the GPI dice business is a truly transformative step for TCSJOHNHUXLEY. By immediately securing the renowned TK and Paulson brands, we are fundamentally consolidating our position as the definitive global leader in casino dice manufacturing. Leveraging this increased scale and our dual production capabilities, we can provide customers with unmatched supply security and sustained access to the world’s most precise, trusted, and high-quality gaming dice.”
The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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