As the UK Gambling Commission announces the launch of its consultation on proposed new rules for gaming machines, Nick Arron, lead partner for the Gambling Team at Poppleston Allen urges stakeholders to ensure they are heard

The UK Gambling Commission this week announced the launch of a 16-week consultation, seeking input on proposed new rules for gaming machines in retail venues.

The consultation focuses on technical standards and related testing strategy and aims to improve consumer protection through a number of proposed changes. The consultation is due to end on May 20.

Nick Arron, lead partner for the Betting and Gambling Team at Poppleston Allen, encouraged stakeholders such as operators and licensees to have their say on what impact these proposed changes will have, including the potential costs.

He said: “Robust stakeholder engagement is an important part of this progress. It’s important that operators have their say so that the regulatory framework balances both consumer safety and industry sustainability.

“Changes will require affected businesses to update their processes and technologies to ensure that any changes are not only implemented by the required date but also properly enforced.

“As this consultation progresses, operators will need to weigh the implications of adopting these new standards, not least the cost. While the intention is to enhance consumer protection, businesses must carefully assess the operational and financial implications of the proposed changes.

“While the Gambling Commission’s initiative is a positive step in prioritising consumer safety, the real challenge will be ensuring that the proposed regulatory adjustments are manageable for businesses already operating under thin margins.”

Tim Miller, Gambling Commission executive director for research and policy, said: “We recognise that regulatory changes that impact the design of machines can come with considerable costs.

“We are encouraging consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups to share evidence that will assist us in measuring both the likely regulatory impacts of the proposed changes and the likely costs of implementing them.

“This evidence will be invaluable to helping make a robust assessment on whether the benefits to consumers are proportionate to the costs involved.”

Pateplay is thrilled to unveil its latest strategic partnership with WWin, a premier online operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Martin Yonovski, BDM & CMO at Pateplay, on the collaboration: “Partnering with WWin is a significant step forward for Pateplay. We’re eager to combine our strengths and expertise, and we’re confident this collaboration will open new doors for growth and huge success for both parties”.

Through this alliance, Pateplay is further accelerating its global expansion efforts, poised to achieve extraordinary milestones and deliver unparalleled experiences to players worldwide.

GoldenRace, leading provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, is thrilled to announce the renewal of its Maltese certification, successfully tested by BMM lab and approved by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This renewed certification keeps unlocking opportunities in Romania, Poland, Serbia and other MGA-regulated territories, giving operators a golden ticket to tap into new revenue streams in highly regulated markets.

In Romania, where 88% of the population has internet access, the online gambling market is thriving, offering significant opportunities for operators to attract a tech-savvy audience. Serbia, ranked 8th in Europe for gambling revenue, continues its rapid expansion with over 2,200 betting shops and a flourishing online gambling sector. Meanwhile, Poland’s well-regulated and mature market is a compelling destination for operators seeking sustainable growth.

Any games that have been approved under its newly recertified license in Malta, are also eligible for inclusion under its Class II license in Romania, upon the successful completion of the ONJN approval process. While this certification eases the path in these markets, local regulators may require additional approvals. Operators are advised to present these certifications to their respective regulatory authorities to ensure seamless compliance.

Markets on the rise demand winning content

Compliance may open the door, but content is what keeps players loyal. GoldenRace is helping operators target new demographics and grow market share by offering an incredible portfolio of certified games.

In markets such as Romania and Serbia, football is the main revenue force. GoldenRace continues to dominate this space with its newly certified football games, including its most new football format and games such as Football League, World Cup, Euro tournaments (Champions League & Euro League), La Libertadores and Single Soccer.

With online sports betting making up 58% of Romania’s gambling market and Serbia’s sports betting sector projected to grow by 4.93% between 2025 and 2029, GoldenRace has certified games such as Penalt2Win, Basketball 3×3, Horse and Greyhound racing, MMA (Single & Tournament) and several thrilling motor racing titles, such as Grand Prix Indianapolis 60, Motorbike and Speedway racing.

Eastern Europe’s enduring love for number-based games creates another profitable avenue for operators. Certified games such as Keno & Keno Deluxe, Spin2Win (Royale & American) and Perfect6 are designed to meet the unique preferences of players in these regions.

Insights show that players in Poland and neighboring regions prioritise financial rewards, with 56% listing it as their top motivator for gambling. For those players seeking big payouts potential, Crash Games are leading the charge. After a stellar debut in GoldenRace’s Crashmas campaign, games like Jet Escape, Boom Ball Juggle, Fire Crash, Bank Run and Meteoroid are now part of the certified portfolio.