Latest News
Special Interview: A Conversation with Tom Farrell, CMO of ClearStake
Affordability is currently the word on everyone’s lips. Operators continue to face a ‘sustainability conundrum’ – they must fulfil their regulatory obligations and commitments to player protection, while ensuring their business remains profitable. For many, affordability can spell disaster, with up to 90% of customers lost when asked to prove they have the money they are wanting to spend. However, using Open Banking to carry out these financial checks as quickly as possible may be the answer to boosting retention and retaining otherwise lost revenues.
The DCMS recently published a public consultation on the UK gambling White Paper, while the Gambling Commission launched its own on financial risk checks, bringing their importance of affordability to the top of the agenda – but operators must now strike the balance between minimising harm and maximising revenue. Affordability checks that take too long risk sending customers to competitors, or worse, the black market.
One of the key remedies to the high level of churn experienced in the past is making sure financial risk checks can be carried out quickly and with as little friction as possible, so that customers can complete them with as much ease as approving a payment while online shopping. Operators have to reach a decision quickly because the longer players wait, the more likely it is they will go elsewhere while they’re waiting.
Of course, there are some people who under no circumstances will share financial data with someone like a gambling operator. There’s also a group of people who won’t share data because they know they are gambling beyond their means. This is of course the system working as it should and that’s a good thing. But there’s a third group of people for whom it’s too much effort. They’re asked to provide bank statements, at which point they go to a competitor, as the hoops they have to jump through are not worth it.
For a customer using Open Bank technology, such as ClearStake, what used to involve downloading and printing bank statements and a wait while the operator reviews the data, now takes just 30 seconds and a few clicks. A decision is recommended to the operator immediately and theoretically, the whole process can take less than a minute. Players click a link, and they are taken to a super slick and simple process where they press a couple of buttons and the relevant financial data is shared securely. They are always in control of their data and they can revoke permission at any time.
Our software categorises every transaction and we can calculate whatever the operator wants to see. It could be disposable income, net gambling spend, total income, or current balance on the account. Our software can also evaluate the rate of change so operators can see accelerating gambling spend or consistently declining savings and work out if the player’s gambling activity is still within the safe bounds of their current financial position.
Without responsible gaming and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) checks, gambling risks being over-regulated out of existence as the product will become unprofitable. To answer the sustainability conundrum many operators face, we need to find a middle ground. Sustainability means not letting people spend beyond their means. It means letting people have a bet if they can afford to, while not taking more money than they can spend.
Over the last two or three years, the Gambling Commission got strict on affordability checks. They asked operators how they know someone could afford to lose ‘x’ amount. The White Paper effectively agreed with the Gambling Commission and has clarified that if someone is losing £2,000 in the space of three months or £1,000 in one month, operators should be confident about the player’s financial situation. The headline was that affordability and EDD checks should be taking place.
This discussion around affordability is not only limited to the UK, and we are seeing lawmakers and regulators in several other countries considering measures in this area.
The industry therefore needs to be proactive as the problem will never go away if it keeps allowing people to bet money they don’t have. In the public mind, gambling will have the same fate as cigarettes which are currently being regulated out of existence.
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.
With Finland’s iGaming re-regulation now firmly on the horizon, Gaming in Europe (Gaming in Holland, Gaming in Spain, Gaming in Germany) will be launching its latest initiative, Gaming in Finland, at ICE Barcelona 2026.
Gaming in Finland will kick off with an evening conference in Barcelona on January 19, 2026, from 18:00 until 22:00.
The event, which is being organized in close collaboration with local stakeholders, will feature networking, tapas and drinks, as well as several highly relevant sessions outlining the opportunities and challenges offered by Finland’s soon-to-be regulated iGaming market.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Pekka Ilmivalta, Head of Finnish Office, Nordic Legal
- Morten Ronde, Founding Partner, Nordic Legal
- Jari Vähänen, Founding Partner, The Finnish Gambling Consultants
- Mika Kuismanen, CEO, The Finnish Trade Association for Online Gambling
- Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital
- Niklas Bondestam, CEO, Ubetec
- Jessica Maier, Co-Founder, EGARA
- Paul Foster, CEO, Crucial Compliance
Morten Ronde, Founding Partner at Nordic Legal commented: “Finland’s move to open its gambling market in 2027 creates a rare opportunity for operators and suppliers to enter a newly regulated European market from day one. Our Barcelona event during ICE will combine expert insight on the Finnish framework with high-quality networking for those looking to establish an early presence.”
Gaming in Europe founder Willem van Oort added: “After a long wait, Finland will finally re-regulate its iGaming market in 2026. Looking at other Nordic markets, it is a safe bet that local demand for regulated gambling will be significant. Naturally, operator interest in this market is large. Together with local stakeholders, we hope to provide interested parties with the knowledge and connections to help make their eventual market entry a success.”
Register your interest now
Places at the inaugural Gaming in Finland event are limited. If you are considering attending this event, please register your interest through this link: https://www.gamingin.eu/finland
We will let you know as soon as possible whether we have a seat available for you.
Please note that the Gaming in Finland Evening Conference @ICE will focus foremost on future B2C and B2B license holders.
Join our Gaming in Finland LinkedIn group
In the meantime, feel free to join our Gaming in Finland LinkedIn group, where we will share the latest news and updates on the Finnish market.
Sponsorship opportunities available
Sponsorship and media partnership opportunities are available. Please contact Willem van Oort at [email protected] for more information.
The post Gaming in Finland to launch at ICE 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Greentube expands Latin American footprint with Brazino777 partnership
Yggdrasil strengthens YGG Masters roster with Nordic game provider Lakka Studios
Gaming in Finland to launch at ICE 2026
Trophy Hunter deepens its social gameplay with a new Club vs Club competitive mode
Spinomenal releases wintery wonder: Majestic Polar Bear
Arena Racing Company awarded United Arab Emirates Gaming-Related Vendor License
Play’n GO games now live with Ivy Casino in the UK
Esportes da Sorte strengthens brand presence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across four Brazilian capitals
Holi Primed For Emerging Markets Via New QTech Games Partnership
Hub88 partners with ZOOT Studios to bring next-generation instant games to operators
-
Latest News2 weeks agoSCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Yellow Elephant Studios to Expand Multi-Channel Gaming Content Worldwide
-
Latest News3 months ago
Announcement: 25th September 2025
-
Latest News1 month ago
JioBLAST Launches All Stars vs India powered by Campa Energy: A New Era of Creator-Driven Esports Entertainment
-
Latest News3 months ago
The Countdown is On: Less Than 3 Months to Go Until The Games of The Future 2025 Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi
-
eSports1 month ago
CS:GO Betting Gains Momentum in the iGaming Sector
-
Latest News3 months ago
Evolution launches Sneaky Slots — a Bold New Slot Studio
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
THE 2025 PUBG MOBILE GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP STAGE WRAPS UP WITH LAST CHANCE IN SIGHT
-
Latest News3 months ago
Leading The Charge! Euronics Group Joins LEC As Official Electronics Retail Partner
You must be logged in to post a comment Login