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BGC: Further Tax Raid on Betting Threatens 40,000 Jobs and £3B Blow to UK Economy, Warns New Analysis

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A further tax raid on Britain’s betting and gaming industry would devastate jobs, undermine the economy and drive billions into the hands of the gambling black market, according to independent analysis by EY.

New research, commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council, reveals plans being championed by the SMF and IPPR think tanks would risk over 40,000 jobs, channel £8.4bn in stakes to the black market, and wipe £3.1bn off the sector’s UK economic contribution, while raising a fraction of the amount claimed by the think tanks.

BGC members currently contribute £6.8 billion to the UK economy, pay £4 billion in tax and support over 109,000 jobs across the country – including thousands of high-skilled tech roles in areas like Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Sunderland and Warrington.

But new tax hikes threaten to dismantle that success, with serious consequences for workers, the Treasury and Britain’s high streets.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC, said: “It is now clear these further tax rises are a direct threat to British jobs and economic growth.

“The figures speak for themselves – tens of thousands of jobs lost, billions diverted to the black market, and a possible £3 billion hit to the economy.

“Tax raids like those proposed would mean fewer betting shops, casinos and bingo halls, fewer jobs, and a huge boost to the growing, unsafe gambling black market, while not raising anywhere near the tax claimed.”

Both the SMF and IPPR recommended increasing – and in some cases doubling – taxes on betting and gaming.

Currently, bookmakers pay tax on Gross Gambling Yield – takings minus customer winnings – at 21% for online games like bingo, 15% for sports betting and 20% for machine gaming.

Both the SMF and IPPR recommended rates of 50% for online gaming, or Remote Betting Duty, and 25% for sports betting, termed General Betting Duty.

While the IPPR’s plans would cost 40,000 jobs, channel £8.4bn in stakes to the black market, and wipe £3.1bn off the sector’s economic GVA, an analysis of the SMF proposals showed it would cost 30,200 jobs, drive £8.1bn in stakes to the black market, and cost the sector £2.5bn in lost GVA to the economy.

The IPPR had claimed these tax increases would generate £3.2 billion in revenue. However, analysis by EY indicates the actual short-term gain would be closer to just over £1 billion.

But when additional factors such as lost employment, reduced corporation tax, lower National Insurance contributions and venue closures are taken into account, EY’s modelling suggests the Treasury’s net gain could fall to under £500 million.

Industry experts warned that the short-term gain would plummet as the hikes bed in and punters abandon the regulated sector amid worse odds, fewer promotions and a reduced offer for bookmakers.

Both think tanks have also ignored the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper – the most comprehensive reform of UK gambling laws in a generation –which is already projected to reduce sector revenues by around £1 billion.

Their projections also assume a 31% growth rate for the sector by 2025, whereas EY calculates that growth between 2023 and 2026 will sit at just 4%.

Hurst added: “Balanced regulations and a stable tax regime guarantee a growing regulated sector. But these proposals would achieve the absolute opposite of that and undermine the very consumer protections that keep people safe by pushing customers towards the unregulated black market, where there are no safeguards, no tax receipts, no jobs, and no support for the sports we all love.

“Britain’s betting and gaming sector is a world leader – employing thousands, paying billions in tax, and investing in British sport.

“The choice is clear: back a successful, sustainable, regulated British industry – or risk losing jobs, investment and growth.”

The post BGC: Further Tax Raid on Betting Threatens 40,000 Jobs and £3B Blow to UK Economy, Warns New Analysis appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Sneaky Slots reveals a bunch of freaks in its second release, Freak Show Revelation

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The show is about to begin… so find your seats, sit back and enjoy The Freak Show Revelation! B.T Parnum has gathered the freakiest freaks and created a program that is meant to shock the people! This is the second release from Sneaky Slots since the launch of Nip Tuck last month, with Gopnik and Gods Go Pew Pew up next!

Reel Area

The Freak Show unfolds across a 3-3-3-3-3 reel setup with a couple of sneaky Host tricks above the reel. Each linked to a Host symbol that can land anywhere on the reels. When a Host Symbol lands, the corresponding feature above the reel activates:

  • Host Multiplier: Awards a random Multiplier 5x, 10x, 25x and 50x.
  • The Generous Host: The Host will expand to cover the entire reel and acts like a wild.
  • Host Cash: Instant cash prize will be awarded and the Host will add a random multiplier between 2x and 10x.

xBomb®

Well, well, well… look what decided to make an surprise appearance! It’s one of Nolimit City’s iconic xMechanic, xBomb®, making its first ever appearance in another provider’s game!

In Freak Show Revelation, xBomb® explodes removing all adjacent symbols and increases the Multiplier for the next collapse.

Pick Your Bonus!

The beauty of this show is that get to choose between Heaven and Hell. Land 3 Bonus Symbols and choose between either the Heaven Spins or Hell Respins. Landing 4 Bonus Symbols will unlock the choice for the Super Variants of each bonus.

Heaven Spins

So, you think you have a good cocnscious. When selecting the Heaven Spins, you get 10 free spins. During this feature the Host activation increase in frequency.  A single Bonus Symbol will activate Super Heaven Spins and will award +3 Spins.

Super Heaven Spins

The difference between Heaven and Super Heaven Spins is that the Host is guaranteed to land at least once in each spin.

Hell Respins

Maybe you’re feeling a little mischievous. When selecting the Hell Respins Bonus, you are award 3 respins where the only symbols that can land are; Multipliers between 1x-10x, Blank, Bonus and the Host.

When a multiplier lands on the reels, it’s value will be added to the current multiplier on top of the relevant reel.

Whenever the Host lands on any reel, he will double the value of the multiplier above that reel.

Landing a Multiplier or the Host will always award +1 respin. At the end of the feature all Multipliers will be added up and added to the bet.

Landing a single Bonus Symbol will upgrade Hell Respins to Super Hell Respins and award +2 respins. Super Hell Respins will also keep the collected Multipliers above the reels.

Super Hell Spins

The difference between Hell and Super Hell Respins is that in Super Hell Spins you start with 4 free respins . During Super Hell Spins whenever the Host lands it will triple the value of the Multipliers above that reel. Landing at least 1 Multiplier Symbol or Host will award +1 respin.

Sneaky Buy

Do you want the best seat in the house? The Sneaky Buy feature lets you jump straight into the action:

  • The Host – Guaranteed to land at least 1 Host symbol
  • Bonus – Guaranteed to land 3 Bonus Symbols and pick either Heaven Spins or Hell Respins
  • Super Bonus – Guaranteed to land 4 Bonus Symbols and pick either Super Heaven Spins or Super Hell Respins

Sneaky Boost

Sneaky Boost makes for an unforgettable performance in Freak Show Revelation.

Sneaky Boost is activated for 2 times the base bet, where there is an increased chance of triggering the Bonus rounds. Landing 1 or 2 active Sneaky Symbols in a spin trigger a normal bonus feature.

Super Sneaky Boost can be activated for 5 times the base bet for an increased chance of triggering the Super Bonus feature. Landing 1 Super Sneaky symbol will trigger a normal Bonus and landing 2 Super Sneaky symbols will trigger a Super Bonus.

The Stats

Max Win: 13,000x

Volatility: Extremely Volatile

 

Ivelina Balova, Product Owner at Sneaky Slots, said: “We’ve gotten great reception after our first release and now we’re looking to capitalise off that momentum. Freak Show Revelation has been in the works for a while, we have even changed the name a few times, but the Host? He has always been the star of the show. Sit back, enjoy the spectacle and keep an eye out for those easter eggs!”

Freak Show Revelation will be available to all Sneaky Slots partners on October 29th, 2025.

The post Sneaky Slots reveals a bunch of freaks in its second release, Freak Show Revelation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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VGCCC: Footy Legends Team Up to Champion Limit Setting

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Aussie Rules football legend Sam Docherty and rugby league superstar Cameron Munster are teaming up for Gambling Harm Awareness Week to encourage people to set limits before they bet.

Both footballers use practical tools when they gamble and are sharing their advice with others, particularly males aged 18–34 who are the biggest users of wagering and sports gambling products.

“I’m committed to raising awareness and encouraging safer gambling habits. I know from experience the highs and lows that can come with gambling. Now, I want to focus on supporting change so that gambling harm can be minimised.

“In the last few years, I have grown immensely as a person and by setting limits, I’ve had the occasional gamble but have been able to focus on what matters most,” Munster said.

Sam Docherty said: “I’ve had my struggles with gambling in the past and now I set a weekly deposit limit. I’ve found it really helps keep my gambling activity in check. People struggling with gambling harm can feel stuck and alone because of feelings like shame and guilt – and I want them to know that it’s okay to seek help.

“It’s important that people, especially young guys, think about their actions before they place a bet. I wouldn’t take to the field without warming up and making sure my body was match fit. Setting a limit is the same. It will help protect you.

Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO, Suzy Neilan said safety should be front of mind as the state’s sporting calendar ramps up.

“There is always a spike in wagering and sports gambling at this time of year, which is why it’s crucial we reach people that are statistically at greater risk of experiencing gambling harm.

“This is about safety. Setting a limit is like putting on a seatbelt as soon as you get in the car. Limits can reduce the likelihood of you experiencing gambling harm.”

Victorians spend more than $7 billion a year on gambling, including approximately $2.5 billion on wagering and sports betting products.

Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an annual event that encourages people to understand the risks of gambling. The 2025 campaign “Set before you bet” focuses on how setting limits can reduce someone’s risk of experiencing gambling harm. Protective behaviours that can be used include:

• Gamble no more than 2% of take home pay.

• Gamble no more than once a week.

• Gamble on no more than 2 different products.

“Sam and Cameron have unique experiences with gambling, and I commend them for implementing their own strategies, including setting limits when they gamble.

“What’s more, it’s great that these role models are now sharing their lessons and advice with other young men who are the cohort most at risk from experiencing gambling harm from sports betting,” Ms Neilan said.

The VGCCC has released findings from the annual Community Attitudes Survey, which asked more than 3000 Victorians about their views on gambling. The survey shows that most Victorians overwhelmingly agree gambling is addictive and can damage families and communities.

“With the widespread popularity of sports betting, it is so important for people to understand our Gambling Harm Awareness Week message and set limits before they bet,” Ms Neilan said.

“Gambling is a personal choice, and it’s vital that people are equipped with the knowledge and practical tools to manage their activity and participate safely.

‘The gambling industry must act with integrity, comply with their licence conditions and Code of Conduct obligations, and care for their customers who may be showing signs of gambling harm.”

The post VGCCC: Footy Legends Team Up to Champion Limit Setting appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Amusnet Releases 40 Fruits and Gold

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Amusnet has released 40 Fruits and Gold, the newest addition to its vibrant online casino lineup. This game brings together the juicy charm of classic fruit slots and the shimmering sparkle of gold for a play experience that’s as refreshing as it is rewarding.

From the first spin, the reels burst with colour – cherries, oranges and lemons mixed with golden bells that promise excitement on every line. With 40 paylines, every round opens the door to more ways to win and more reasons to keep spinning.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Wild symbol, your golden ticket to bigger payouts as it helps complete winning combinations. But that’s not all, the two Scatter symbols light up the reels to unlock bonus thrills and boost your rewards.

And when the Jackpot Cards feature appears, the real treasure hunt begins! Uncover dazzling prizes and chase your share of golden jackpots that turn every spin into pure excitement.

Step into the fruity gold rush and let the reels sparkle with possibilities – because with Amusnet’s 40 Fruits and Gold, every spin could be your sweetest win yet.

Expanding Wild

The Golden Apple Wild symbol can appear and expand on reels 2, 3 and 4, substituting for all other symbols except the Dollar and Star Scatter symbols.

Gamble

Play the game and multiply the winnings through the Gambling feature.

Jackpot Cards

The Jackpot Cards bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive jackpots.

The post Amusnet Releases 40 Fruits and Gold appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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