Latest News
Safer Gambling: UK Govt Shows its Cards on the Trajectory of Gambling Reform for Digital Age
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has recently presented a white paper to Parliament, outlining the ill-equipped and outdated standards for protecting vulnerable players, and how they have failed to adapt to the digitalised age of gambling. There seems to be a disconnect between the technological advancements of gambling itself, and the technological advancements intended to protect its players.
According to the paper, there are an estimated 3,000,000 people in Great Britain who struggle with “problem gambling” – defined as “a degree which compromises, disrupts or damages family, personal or recreational pursuits”. The impact of problematic gambling can destroy lives and, given the impact of the current economic crisis on the lives of so many, it is imperative that the industry is supported to take on board the new approaches to gambling protocol as put forward by the white paper.
Despite the technological advancements within the industry making gambling accessible online, there is still a demand for land-based gambling enterprises such as casinos, betting shops and racecourses as they offer an authentic experience and atmosphere. Such a vivacious atmosphere cannot be emulated online which is indicative that land-based gambling sites will always be popular among players, whether regular or first-timers.
The white paper acknowledges that these are subject to outdated regulations, and looks to bring these in line with the proposed changes to the online gambling reformations. These intend to enable better monitoring of land-based gambling, in the same way that controls can be placed online to help protect players wherever they play.
From betting shops to pubs with arcade machines, discover more about what the recent white paper recommends for implementing Player Protection protocols in the business and providing responsible restrictions for customers.
Player Protection
Gambling operators are responsible for identifying customers who are susceptible to harmful play and must act accordingly. However, the operators have not had to date the adequate tools or assistance in performing checks on every person that enters their premises. Technology can be utilised to aid operators in this challenging but necessary task in protecting their players.
Biometric technology can help the operator in three core tasks
1) Age Estimation to prevent underage gambling
2) Player Tracking to limit daily spend or excessive losses
3) Identifying Self-Excluded Players
Underage Gambling
In the UK, most forms of gambling are illegal for those under 18s, and the government has the intention of strengthening this further by enacting legislation to ensure consistency. Gambling organisations are obliged to have stringent procedures in place to prevent underage gambling.
Recent figures released by Serve Legal reveal a vast rise in the number of bookies preventing young people from entering their shops. Instances of betting shops carrying out spot checks on underage players have increased from 67% to 91% over the last ten years. This is a promising statistic, and concrete evidence that the new infrastructure put in place to protect players is working.
“However, there are still too many instances of insufficient age verification in some venues, particularly those such as pubs, which can offer adult-only gaming machines but are not adult-only venues like many gambling premises.” – UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2023.
To further help reduce access to premises, ICU Pro can detect if an underage person is entering the premises and send an alert to the operator. A MyCheckr can be placed at the counter to aid the till operator in estimating the age of the customer and also reduce risk of abuse in asking for ID. Analytic and appropriate advertisements is also an attractive feature of the MyCheckr and can be used both as a return on investment and a valuable tool to extract the demographics of the customer base.
Biometric technology can be also used to automate age checks at a machine. ICU Lite, for example, is a compact age estimation device that can be seamlessly integrated into existing software and machines to help businesses comply with adherence to age restrictions. Through more stringent and consistent checks it can help prevent play from vulnerable persons who are underage from accessing the machine.
This new technology gives the operator 3 touchpoints where underage gambling can be prevented, 1) at entry to the premises 2) at the counter 3) at the gaming machine itself.
Player Tracking
Under the Gambling Act 2005, the Gambling Commission was established to regulate the industry and ensure responsible gambling among both individuals and businesses involved in gambling in Great Britain. In their review, the Department of Culture and Sport worked with the Gambling Commission to develop a two-form financial check preventative procedure.
The first will be background checks for moderate levels of spend, to check for indicators of financial vulnerability such as County Court Judgements, and should occur at £125 net loss within a month or £500 within a year. The next check is for higher levels of spending, suggestive of a harmful gambling binge or irrecoverable financial losses as a result of gambling, proposed at a threshold of £1000 net loss within 24 hours or £2000 within 90 days.
Biometric technology can again help operators in this vital task. An ICU Lite can be placed in every machine. Once a player accesses the machine, their age is initially checked. If the person is overage, then their face can be converted into a FaceID. This FaceID can be anonymously linked to the session and shared with all connected machines. Information such as daily spend and losses can then be linked to this FaceID and any necessary interventions can be easily alerted to the operator.
Additionally, the FaceID of a person can be used to set tailored restrictions and can be uploaded to the operators’ database with the agreed restrictions. For each session, the FaceID can ensure that the player will adhere to playing with the restrictions they have set. The FaceID can be automatically deleted after 24 hours and as such no data is stored permanently on the device.
Self-Exclusion
The Betting and Gaming Council enforces that anyone concerned about their gambling habits can exclude themselves from on-premises gambling facilities. Self-exclusion has the potential to help those suffering from gambling addictions to have more control over their lives and build a healthier relationship with gambling.
If a player has self-excluded, the device with facial recognition technology will store that player’s information as FaceID. If the player attempts to play again, the device will detect a match on the system for an attempt of play by a person who is self-excluding and alert the operator. This intervention can occur at multiple touchpoints, such as access to the premises, at the counter or at the machine itself.
Bolstering the Gambling Commission
The white paper also discusses the powers and resources given to the Gambling Commission. The paper acknowledges the difficult feat that the Commission is faced with; in an ever-evolving industry that has long been subject to outdated regulations, there is a lot of work to be done.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport envisions a future where the Commission has greater powers as regulators of the industry and supports the Commission in gaining cooperation from operators to share data to help identify non-compliance to licence conditions.
This is made even more prevalent as the Commission has recently issued its largest fine in history. A British online gambling company was recently fined £19.2m for widespread social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures, a record-breaking figure in the UK. The organisation had previously been fined £6.2m in 2018 for the same reasons, illustrating a repeatedly negligent pattern.
Protecting vulnerable players is a vital but complex task. Operators need the right support and tools to maintain and advance player protection as technology develops. Biometric technology will play a key role in implementing these key reforms designed to improve player protection.
The future for gambling certainly looks like one of change for the better. The restrictions are there not to impede the recreational joy of gambling, but to protect those most vulnerable to addiction. As stated by MP Lucy Frazer, who penned the ministerial foreword of the white paper, “prevention of harm will always be better than a cure, so we are determined to strengthen consumer protection and prevent exploitative practices”.
Latest News
G2 and Logitech G Team Up for Logitech G PLAY 2025: A Celebration of Breakthrough Moments and Women in Esports
G2 Esports and Logitech G join forces for Logitech G PLAY 2025, Logitech G’s annual flagship event, set to take place on September 17 at 18:45 CEST. This year’s event celebrates Breakthrough Moments in play, and highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in esports and gaming.
The event kicks off with a Logitech G Keynote, broadcast on YouTube via @LogitechG, and sets the tone for the evening highlighting new products, new designs and innovations for gamers, and the future of esports.
Following the Keynote, G2 will host a panel featuring leading women in the industry, and will dive into the defining breakthrough moments that have shaped these women’s careers, as well as the broader challenges and opportunities for women in esports.
- Laure Valée – On-Air Talent
- Athena “Kitty” Jiang – Influencer and content creator
- Michaela “mimi” Lintrup – Professional VALORANT player and G2 Gozen captain
- Petra “Petra” Stoker – Professional VALORANT player for G2 Gozen
- Hosted by ChelseaBytes – G2 content creator and advocate for diversity in gaming
The panel will be broadcast from the G2 HQ in Berlin on mimi’s Twitch channel – mimimimichaela, and feature a Q&A from the live audience. If you’re local to Berlin and would like to attend, let us know and we can add you to the guestlist.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday 17 September
- Time: 18:45 CEST
- Location: Berlin @ G2 HQ, online mimimimichaela, and keynote via @LogitechG
- Agenda: Logitech G Keynote, G2 Panel
The post G2 and Logitech G Team Up for Logitech G PLAY 2025: A Celebration of Breakthrough Moments and Women in Esports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
IGT announced that its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin electronic table game (ETG) recently made its world debut at Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The vibrant standalone ETG game includes many of the attributes that have propelled the success of the Wheel of Fortune slots franchise for nearly three decades including word puzzles, wheel spins and exciting jackpot rewards. The game is accompanied by an attention-grabbing, 9-plus-feet upright video wheel that stands independent of the ETG terminals and entertains casino guests with the famous “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” chant.
MGM Resorts International has announced that Corey Sanders, Chief Operating Officer, will retire from the company after more than 30 years of dedicated service and leadership. Sanders has agreed to remain COO through Dec. 31, 2025, and to serve as an advisor to the President and CEO through Dec. 31, 2026. The Company intends to name a new COO to serve as Sanders’ successor later this month. Sanders is currently MGM Resorts’ Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and regional properties as well as multiple corporate departments, including Hospitality, Gaming, Human Resources and Strategic Initiatives. Prior to that, he served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
Members of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria gathered outside the State Capitol in Sacramento to protest Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831). If passed, the bill would limit economic opportunities available to less wealthy tribes in the state by banning legitimate online social games using sweepstakes promotions. It would also eliminate more than $1 billion of existing economic activity generated by the industry in California, and close off a potential new revenue source for the state via sensible, modern regulation and taxation.
Partnerships
Genius Sports Limited has expanded its long-term partnership with Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook (Hard Rock Bet) to power the top-rated platform with its market-leading official data, trading and marketing solutions, as well as its ground-breaking BetVision product. Genius Sports has worked in partnership with the leading operator since 2021, providing the highest quality official data and pinpoint trading solutions across top tier leagues globally, including the Premier League, Serie A, European Leagues, Liga MX, NFL and more. Hard Rock Bet will be able to provide its customers with Genius Sports’ first-of-its-kind BetVision low latency streaming solution.
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of data-driven casino intelligence and player engagement platforms, has announced that Dania Beach Casino is continuing to benefit from its deployment of the QCI Nimble platform. While the property currently focuses on the QCI Host and QCI Marketing modules, it has expressed enthusiasm about the capabilities of the new AGI56 release and its impact on future customer engagement strategies. AGI56 represents the most ambitious release in QCI’s history, with the platform undergoing a full refresh of its technology stack, improved integration of advanced analytics, and the introduction of generative AI-driven tooling through Chatalytics.com. QCI’s platform is currently deployed in more than 350 casinos worldwide.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 8-15 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The iGaming industry is one of the fastest-changing landscapes in the world. New technologies, shifting regulations, and evolving player expectations create both challenges and enormous opportunities. In this environment, only those who dare to innovate, adapt, and partner wisely are able to thrive.
One company that embodies this journey is Stellar Bets — an ambitious software provider that began in Africa and is now preparing to reshape the future of retail betting in Europe. Our story is not just about creating games. It’s about building a complete ecosystem for operators, affiliates, and entrepreneurs — and opening doors for long-term partnerships across continents.
🌍 Humble Beginnings, Bold Vision
When we entered the African market, the industry was already crowded with solutions. Many thought there was little room left for innovation. But we believed otherwise.
From the start, we knew the secret to success wasn’t just about building games — it was about designing ecosystems. Operators needed more than entertainment; they needed reliable tools, sustainable margins, and technology that would support them in real conditions — including low internet speeds, limited hardware, and highly competitive retail environments.
Our first big step was the launch of Stellar Rocket, a crash game that quickly captured the imagination of African players. With stunning visuals, a dynamic multiplier, and an innovative balance between player wins and operator profitability, it became much more than just a game — it became a movement.
Within months, betting shops from Nigeria to Kenya were reporting higher engagement, stronger retention, and more stable revenue. The success of Stellar Rocket proved that innovation could transform even the most traditional retail setups.
📈 Growth Backed by Numbers
Success stories are powerful, but in iGaming the numbers matter most.
- In 2024–2025, Stellar Bets expanded into more than 15 African countries.
- Successfully achieved the ideal balance between player satisfaction and operator profitability with our Next-Gen RTP System.
- Operators reported 30–45% revenue growth after integrating our solutions.
This growth wasn’t accidental. It came from a deep commitment to R&D, continuous improvement, and a philosophy that sees technology as a service to both operators and players.
And here’s the key: we didn’t just help operators earn more — we also made sure players enjoyed fairer, more exciting experiences. In a market where achieving both can be challenging, this balance clearly sets Stellar Bets apart.
🎮 Beyond Games: Building an Ecosystem
The heart of Stellar Bets has always been innovation, but we quickly realized that individual games are not enough. Operators need comprehensive solutions to scale their business.
That’s why we built an ecosystem:
- Stellar Box — a plug-and-play solution that allows operators to deploy instantly.
- Stellar Kiosk — an all-in-one machine with built-in computer and receipt printer.
- Cloud-based admin tools — for user management, analytics, and cashier control.
- Proprietary hardware — designed for stable operation even in areas with low bandwidth.
- AI-powered RTP engine — balancing fairness for players and profits for operators.
And perhaps the most groundbreaking innovation of all — HomePlay.
📱 HomePlay: Bridging Offline and Online
Retail betting shops are still the heartbeat of many markets. But until recently, their biggest limitation was the number of physical terminals. Only so many customers could play at the same time.
With HomePlay, we changed that forever.
This breakthrough technology transforms every smartphone inside a betting shop into a personal gaming station. Customers join live Stellar Rocket sessions using their own devices, while the cashier desk continues to handle all deposits and withdrawals.
✅ No waiting lines.
✅ No need for extra hardware.
✅ Every customer becomes an active participant.
✅ Revenue per square meter grows exponentially.
In essence, HomePlay gave new life to retail betting, transforming it from a simple place to play into a vibrant community where thousands of players share emotions and experiences — while providing operators with a scalable, compliant, and seamlessly integrated tool.
For many partners, this feature alone was a game-changer — and it’s one of the clearest examples of how Stellar Bets delivers innovation designed for real-world business impact.
💡 The Secret Behind Our Success
One question we often get is: how can a startup compete with legacy companies in the iGaming space?
The answer is simple — being a startup is our biggest advantage.
🔹 Agility over bureaucracy — We test, pivot, and bring innovations to market quickly, while larger companies get stuck in long decision-making cycles.
🔹 Innovation in our DNA — We don’t just rely on proven models. We experiment, take risks, and introduce features that others are too slow to try.
🔹 Closer to the player — Our teams listen, analyze, and adapt in real time, creating products that reflect what players actually want.
🔹 Growth mindset — Every market matters. Every operator matters. Every affiliate matters. For us, every partnership is a chance to grow together.
🔹 Constant rapid development — We continuously expand our product portfolio, scale operations, and evolve to meet the needs of new markets.
But above all, we recognize the importance of technological excellence — investing in R&D, proprietary hardware, and resilient software that deliver security, stability, and reliability for both operators and players. It’s this mindset that has powered Stellar Bets from a small startup into one of the most recognized software providers in Africa.
🤝 Reshaping the Future of iGaming Together
After building a strong foundation across Africa, we are now preparing for the next chapter — entering the European market. We see great potential in several EU countries where many operators still depend on outdated systems and solutions.
Our goal is not just to expand, but to bring real value: technology that has proven itself in highly competitive retail environments, tools that balance innovation with compliance, and products that boost both player satisfaction and operator revenue.
For us, Europe is an opportunity to share what we’ve learned, adapt to new contexts, and grow together with forward-looking partners who are ready for benefit from:
✅ A personal account manager.
✅ 24/7 technical support.
✅ Access to a constantly evolving ecosystem.
We know our success depends on the success of our partners. That’s why we treat every collaboration as a joint venture — where both sides grow together.
And here’s our invitation: if you are looking for an iGaming software partner who delivers not just games, but full-scale solutions designed for growth — Stellar Bets is ready to work with you. Let’s reshape the future of iGaming — together.
📩 Contact us: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: stellar-bets.com
💼 LinkedIn: Stellar Bets
The post 🚀 Stellar Soft: From Africa’s Betting Shops to the Future of Global iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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