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Trading cards – A Hidden Casino Game?

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Every single one of us must have experienced at least once the thrill of tearing open a trading card pack, the quality of the feeling is undeniable; one might even say the anticipation of maybe uncovering a rare card creates a rush quite similar to that we can experience while playing the usual casino games, but perhaps in a more innocent fashion. This playful activity has known a pretty amazing increase in popularity throughout time, with brands such as Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering leading the charge. There are many aspects different to actual gambling activities, perhaps the most important of them all is that opening card packs is accessible to all ages, so even your nephew or son has  or will have experienced the thrill at some point.

In the late 1990s, Pokémon cards became a huge phenomenon, captivating both the hearts of children and adults. Magic: The Gathering, which started its story in 1993, laid the groundwork for collectible card games with cool strategies and rare cards that could be attained for high prices. Today, the market for rare trading cards is surreal, with some individual packs selling for as much as $15,000. The chance of pulling a rare card from these expensive packs makes the collecting more similar to playing a casino game.

Another example would be trading cards with football players (especially during major competitions, such as the World Cup). During the timeframe of the event, it’s usually a huge thrill for people of all ages to start collecting cards with their favourite players. Even following the event and years later, you can find such cards at huge prices.

Continuing the parralel, both activities involve an element of chance and the potential for significant reward or even bigger disappointment. The excitement of possibly uncovering a rare card mirrors the anticipation felt when spinning a roulette wheel or playing a hand of blackjack. This comparison raises the question: Is really opening trading card packs a form of gambling?

In many jurisdictions, gambling is strictly regulated to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors. However, purchasing trading card packs remains largely unregulated, and children can easily participate everywhere in the world. The ethical implications are significant. Without age restrictions or oversight, children are exposed to the same dopamine-inducing mechanics that make casino games so addictive. Some might feel that this exposure could influence their behavior on long term, potentially leading to unhealthy habits, related to the feeling of seeking for rewards and taking risks.

Trading cards is a global thrill. The phenomenon is not isolated to Western cultures. In Japan, for instance, the lines between gaming and gambling blur even further. There are many type of games similar to standard slots, which are available to a broader audience, even young people. There is a tendency to somewhat normalize gambling for all ages.

The presence of this chance based type of experience in entertainment suggests that gambling might be an almost biological part of human nature. From ancient dice games to modern casino games, people have always been drawn to activities that offer an amount of uncertainty.

There are some questions arising from the lack of regulation in the trading card market, we should perhaps address consumer protection and the responsibilities of game manufacturers. Should there be age restrictions or warnings similar to those found in casinos? As the line between gambling and gaming continues to blur, society must consider the potential long-term effects on behavior and ethics, especially among younger generations.

As we’ve seen, there are many common aspects of trading cards and different casino games, such as thrill of the feeling, the rarity of the win, the potential very high win etc. Perhaps regulators should consider re-evaluating how these activities are perceived and under which gaming category they should be placed. Is it an innocent thrill or it could lead to a more clear of future gambling activity as an adult?

Industry News

Endorphina Affiliate Hub: Huge Benefits for Affiliates

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Endorphina, a leading developer of online casino games, has announced its new, groundbreaking Affiliate Hub. This centralized information base offers an improved user experience and a wide range of benefits for Endorphina’s affiliates.

Among the number of benefits, Endorphina’s Hub offers:

  • Access to a wide range of downloadable materials including videos, high-resolution images, banners, brand guidelines, graphic sets, and other resources.
  • Staying informed through a centralized hub for all Endorphina news, updates, and announcements.
  • A fully localized affiliate page in Spanish, allowing Spanish-speaking affiliates to access all necessary resources in their native language.

Take advantage of the updated Affiliate Hub – visit endorphina to check.

The Affiliate Hub also simplifies the registration process for new affiliates and is now available for access. Endorphina promises further exciting developments in the future. Joining the Endorphina Affiliate Hub gives affiliates access to contacts of relevant people and quick support from Endorphina’s team.

 

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Industry News

iGB Affiliate attracts registrations from 55 nations in just six weeks

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iGB Affiliate which runs 20th – 23rd January alongside ICE at its new home at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona has affirmed its growing international credentials with igaming professionals from 55 nations already registering to attend, placing the show on course to break through the 100-nation landmark for the first time.

With the ‘Nuevos Horizontes’ (New Horizons) theme spearheading an international marketing campaign which went live in September the most represented nations comprise the UK, Israel, Malta, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and India.

Additional insights drawn from the data confirm the growing influence of Latin America with 35% of those registering operating in the region. In important news for exhibitors seeking fresh business opportunities, 1 in 12 of the total iGB Affiliate 2025 registrations are poised to attend the expo for the first time, bringing brand new attendees and potential partnerships to iGB Affiliate 2025.

Naomi Barton, iGB Events Global Portfolio Director, believes the registration data provides a window on the industry and the trends which underpin it. She stated: “One of our stakeholders predicted that iGB Affiliate 2025 would be – to quote him – a ‘really monstrous event’ and the data is supporting that opinion.

“All of our numbers are significantly up and the geographical distribution, in particular the 35% who operate in LatAm, reflect accurately what’s happening in the sector where the region, spearheaded by Brazil, has taken over from the US as the main geographical focus for affiliates.”

She added: “The industry is responding enthusiastically to a show which will feature a record 250 industry-leading exhibitors and sponsors and host a vibrant community of 8000+ iGaming Affiliates and Tech Vendors.

“The iGB Affiliate pledge is to facilitate outstanding business networking, deliver high-quality content, and provide thought leadership that fosters trust-based partnerships and drives growth throughout the iGaming affiliate ecosystem.

“By consistently delivering on these core objectives iGB Affiliate Barcelona will deliver a critical platform and opportunity for profitable business expansion.”

For more information including access to free Affiliate passes: barcelona.igbaffiliate.com

 

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Former Gambling Minister the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP to speak at Bacta’s Annual Convention

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The former Gambling Minister the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP who was named Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport in Kemi Badenoch’s top team has agreed to speak at the forthcoming Bacta Annual Convention which is taking place on Thursday 28 November.

Bacta members are on course to be at the 2024 Convention in record numbers based on the number of pre-event registrations received for the high-profile industry event.

With three weeks to go registrations are ahead of the same stage last year with members responding positively to Bacta’s ‘Going for Growth’ theme set against the new political landscape punctuated by Labour’s landslide General Election victory in July and November’s election of Kemi Badenoch as Leader of the Conservative Party. The confirmed attendance of the former Gambling Minister is likely to accelerate registrations.

Looking ahead to Convention George McGregor Bacta’s Executive Director (Government Relations) said: “First of all I am delighted that Stuart Andrew who oversaw the White Paper only to see it paused by July’s snap general election has agreed to join us at our Annual Convention. Members are responding in great numbers to both the Parliamentary Reception which is officially at full-capacity and to the Convention taking place the following day.”

He added: “Our keynote speakers which will include Stuart Andrew will feature in a panel which will explore amongst other topics the dynamics of the relationship between the industry and government, the fate of the White Paper and how we can collectively determine a future in which gaming operators are not expected to wait over a decade before they can raise their prices!”

He continued: “The Annual Convention is an important benefit of Bacta membership. It represents an invaluable opportunity to network with colleagues and quiz the politicians and officials who play such an important role in determining the future of an industry which pays an estimated £270 million in tax and contributes £1.9 billion to UK GDP.

 

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