Latest News
UK Gambling Commission announces package of changes which make online games safer by design
The Gambling Commission has announced a package of strict measures which will strengthen the protections and controls for those who gamble through online slots games – including the introduction of limits on spin speeds, and the permanent ban on features that speed up play or celebrate losses as wins.
Following a consultation with the public and players, the gambling industry and other stakeholders, operators will need to implement tough new player protection measures which will make online casino games less intensive, safer by design and hand players more control over their gambling.
The Commission has focused on online slots because of its features which increase the intensity of play and the corresponding risks to players. Slot games have by far the highest average losses per player of online gambling products1.
The new rules include the outright ban of four key features of online slots games:
Features that speed up play or give the illusion of control over the outcome
Slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds
Auto-play – which can lead to players losing track of their play, and;
Sounds or imagery which give the illusion of a win when the return is in fact equal to, or below, a stake
Other changes include:
Operators must clearly display to the player their total losses or wins and time played during any online slots session.
Alongside the changes for online slots the Commission has also introduced a permanent ban on reverse withdrawals for all online gambling – this function previously allowed consumers to re-gamble money they had previously requested to withdraw.
The enhanced protections that have been announced today will need to be fully implemented by online operators by 31 October 2021.
Since the publication of the Commission’s consultation in July 2020, further research has shown that using an auto-play feature has been linked to some players losing track of play, making it difficult for some to stop playing and in some cases gambling on other activities simultaneously.
Evidence shows that reverse withdrawal functions present a risk to players because of the temptation to continue gambling. In addition, the slot features being removed or more closely controlled have been associated with increased intensity of play, loss of player control, or binge play.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive, said: “To make online games safer we are introducing a ban on features that speed up play, or give the illusion of control over the outcome. We are also introducing a ban on auto-play, losses disguised as wins, and slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds. The evidence shows that these features increase the risk of harm to customers.
“This is another important step in making gambling safer and where the evidence shows that there are other opportunities to do that we are determined to take them.”
Minister for Sports, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said: “Today’s steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling related harm.
“I welcome the Gambling Commission’s tough measures as we continue our comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they’re fit for the digital age.”
The new rules are part of the Commission’s comprehensive programme to make gambling fairer and safer which has also seen the introduction of strengthened protections around online age and ID verification, improved customer interaction practices, and the banning of gambling on credit cards.
The announcement of the further consumer protection rules for online games and the design of those games follow the Commission’s announcement on 30 September that it was implementing new rules to stamp out irresponsible ‘VIP customer’ practices. Those rules came into force on 31 October 2020. A consultation on customer interaction was also launched last in November with the outcome expected later this year.
Readers can access the Commission’s online games design and reverse withdrawals response for more details.
1 Our Covid data shows the average spend per slots player is £67 per month, compared with £36 for casino products and £45 for real event betting.
Latest News
CryptoWins Celebrates One-Year Milestone with Birthday Month Bonuses and New Slot Launch: Wild Alaska
This month marks the one-year anniversary of CryptoWins, a cutting-edge cryptocurrency-only casino that has quickly made an impact in the gaming world since its debut.
To celebrate, CryptoWins is rolling out a month of birthday bonuses and gifts for both new and returning players. Earlier this month, players already enjoyed an 80% VIP Match bonus, and the celebration continues with even more rewards, including a 66% match bonus for players who’ve made at least one deposit during the month, as well as a $20 freebie!
To kick off its birthday month, CryptoWins.com has introduced its latest video slot, Wild Alaska, created by Slotland Entertainment. This high-energy 5×3 slot game is packed with adventure and features a max multiplier of 750x, a $20 max bet, and 20 paylines. A standout feature is the Free Spins round, where all winnings are tripled, and Grizzly Wilds become Extended Wilds, giving players even more opportunities for massive payouts.
“This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible players. To show our gratitude, we’ve released a month of exclusive bonuses and a cool new game,” said Michael Hilary, CryptoWins manager. “We’ve built CryptoWins around the values of transparency, fairness, and player freedom. Our provably fair gaming technology ensures every player can verify game results for complete peace of mind, while our no withdrawal limits policy allows players to enjoy our platform to the fullest.”
In keeping with its commitment to providing regular rewards, CryptoWins has continued to deliver ongoing promotions throughout the year, including reload bonuses and cashback offers. The casino also boasts a dedicated VIP loyalty program, designed to reward consistent play with exclusive perks.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY GIFT BONUSES:
1/ THANKSGIVING $20 FREEBIE
Available Nov 26 – Dec 1
* $20 free
* Max cashout: 3x
* Valid for: SE all games
* Wager: 37x
* BONUS CODE: BIGTHANKS
2/ 66% LOYAL MATCH
Available Nov 26 – Dec 1
* 66% for players who deposited at least once in November
* Redeem: 1x per day
* Valid for: SE all games
* Wager: 35x
* BONUS CODE: LOYAL66
The future is bright for this forward-thinking cryptocurrency online casino, and players can look forward to even more developments in the months ahead.
CryptoWins, a cryptocurrency casino operated by Slotland Entertainment offers 500+ games from Slotland Entertainment S.A. and eight other game providers: ELA Games, EvoPlay, Felix Gaming, KA Gaming, Rival Gaming, SmartSoft, Spinthon, and Vibra Gaming. Fast deposits and withdrawals are done using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ether, Monero, Tether, Binance Coin, and USD Coin. Support is available around the clock via live chat and email.
Latest News
Sweepstakes Casinos Sweep the World
GiG (Gaming Innovation Group) has reported significant growth in its media division, Gentoo Media, marking a successful year of transformation following a series of strategic acquisitions. The company’s performance in the second quarter of 2024 highlights a period of expansion, with revenue reaching €30 million, a 39% increase from €22 million in Q2 of 2023. This milestone marks the 14th consecutive year of record revenue for the company, reflecting the positive impact of its ongoing transformation and the continued growth of its rebranded standalone media business.
Group CEO Richard Carter shared with investors that the company’s strategic enablers, including successful mergers and acquisitions (M&A), have been key to its growth trajectory. Notably, the acquisitions of AskGamblers and KaFe Rocks have provided a significant boost to the company’s position in the online gambling space. These deals, alongside other strategic expansions, are set to keep the momentum going, especially in the second half of the year as GiG benefits from the ongoing contributions of Titan SEO and the CasinoMeister community.
As sweepstake casinos’ popularity spread, they are becoming popular worldwide. Everyone can now enjoy the unique aspects of an online sweepstake casino (source: https://listofsweepstakescasinos.com). Gamers cannot wager real money on these sites, which eliminates the financial risk normally associated with online casinos. Instead, these platforms give gamers a place to practice casino games and socialize with other players.
CEO Carter emphasized that this opportunity is not limited to North America, with potential markets in Europe and beyond beginning to show interest in this new type of digital gaming.
A core part of this growth strategy has been GiG’s investment in new technologies and platforms, such as the SweepX social casino platform. According to Carter, SweepX has played a crucial role in expanding the company’s addressable market and is expected to begin contributing to revenue in the latter part of 2024. The platform has already seen success in the US and is positioned to capitalize on a growing appetite for sweepstake-style gaming.
GiG’s Chairman, Mikael Riese Harstad, also addressed the market’s growing interest in sweepstakes, revealing that the company has signed a partnership with one of the largest land-based casino operators to bring its SweepX platform to a broader audience. Harstad expressed confidence that sweepstake opportunities would continue to expand beyond the US, signaling the potential for international growth in this segment. The company’s belief in the potential of the sweepstakes market aligns with its broader strategy to move away from reliance on “exotic markets” and focus more on the stable and rapidly growing North American and European sectors.
In addition to the success of its media business, GiG is in the process of completing a strategic split into two independent, publicly listed entities: Gentoo Media and GiG Platform. This restructuring, set to be finalized by the end of September 2024, is intended to streamline operations and allow each entity to focus on its respective core markets. Despite some challenges faced by GiG’s Platform & Sportsbook division, which saw a 21% decline in revenues to €7.3 million for Q2, the company remains confident that both Gentoo Media and GiG Platform will continue to thrive as separate entities moving forward.
The restructuring process follows a series of changes in both external market conditions and internal organizational shifts. However, GiG Media remains steadfast in its commitment to long-term success. Ever since Richard Carte became CEO, he highlighted the company’s focus on data-driven strategies, cutting-edge technical infrastructure, and deep expertise in the iGaming sector as key drivers for future growth. As the company continues to expand its presence in global markets, it is poised to take advantage of the growing demand for new types of gaming experiences, particularly within the sweepstake and social casino sectors.
With its growing portfolio of brands and platforms, GiG is positioned to maintain its role as a major player in the global iGaming industry, with a particular focus on leveraging new technologies and acquisitions to expand its market reach and revenue potential.
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive Achieves A1 Certification for Greece
CT Interactive has achieved A1 Supplier Certification in Greece, awarded by the Hellenic Gaming Commission. This significant milestone underscores the company’s strategic commitment to expanding its presence in regulated European markets. The A1 certification enables CT Interactive to offer its top-tier gaming portfolio to licensed operators across Greece.
Focused on enhancing the player experience, CT Interactive delivers a meticulously curated selection of games that have proven successful in the market, including titles like Win Storm, Lucky Clover, The Big Chilli, Chilli Fruits and many others. By prioritising quality and player satisfaction, each game is designed to provide immersive, engaging experiences.
Continuously evolving to meet player preferences and utilising cutting-edge technology, CT Interactive ensures a seamless and rewarding gaming journey. This commitment not only fosters long-term player loyalty but also reinforces the company’s dedication to creating lasting value while maintaining the highest standards of performance and entertainment.
-
Latest News5 days ago
Make every pixel personal: Opera GX facelift lets you match your browser to your setup down to the smallest detail
-
Latest News5 days ago
Casino Management System Market to Reach USD 29.09 Billion by 2032 | Enhanced Security and Operational Efficiency Drive Growth | Research by S&S Insider
-
Latest News5 days ago
Fast Track Celebrates Third Year as a Great Place to Work Certified™ Tech Company
-
Latest News5 days ago
Crypto Sportsbook, Sportsbet.io’s player wins huge $3.2m jackpot from $5 spin
-
Latest News5 days ago
IBIA Upgrades Technology Platform to Strengthen Global Betting Integrity Efforts
-
Latest News5 days ago
ACR POKER ADDS BLITZ BONUS BOOST TO NOVEMBER CALENDAR AS $20 MILLION GTD WINTER OSS ENTERS FINAL DAYS
-
Asia6 days ago
Mythpat, GamerFleet, Piyush Joshi Gaming: India’s popular Minecraft Players Gear Up for the Ultimate Battle in Creators Rumble
-
Africa6 days ago
Racing1 partners with SOREC to bring International Racing to Morocco for the first time