Press Releases
Dutch gambling authority acts tough on lootboxes on games
In an unprecedented move, the Dutch Gambling Authority has assumed a tough stance on lootboxes on games. The organisation conducted a research on the activities of 10 popular games with lootboxes containing digital items. The research found that, among these 10 games, four games had lootboxes that could be bought with real-world currency and their contents could be sold on digitally.
Since these items have a genuine value and the players can make money from the rarer items, the authority deemed that lootboxes must be classified as gambling under the Dutch law.
Marja Appelman, the director of the Dutch Gambling Authority, said: “They’re designed to be gambling games and give the player the feeling that they almost won. There are all kinds of audio- and visual effects when you open a lootbox. This gives a player the urge to keep going.”
The lootboxes of remaining six games contain items that cannot be traded and hence there is breaking of the Dutch gambling laws. Still, the gambling authority takes a critical view of these lootboxes, particularly in games marketed for all ages.
Consequently, the Dutch gambling authority has given the game publishers and developers eight weeks to change their games. If they fail to carry out the required changes, it will result in a fine or the ban of the offending games.
While lootboxes aren’t yet classed as gambling across the majority of the world, I do think publishers need to take a long hard look at themselves and think about what they’re doing. At the very least there are discussions to be had about whether they are classified as gambling, and that’s a very different beast to the entertainment gaming products these publishers all originally set out to make. If they’d had the decency to respect their audience and not solely attempt to extract every penny, this wouldn’t have had to reach this legislative level, but a few choice offenders didn’t know where to draw the line.
It’s predatory, it can be dangerous, and in some cases, it’s instilling the risk/reward feeling of genuine gambling, oftentimes in games that are marketed as child-friendly. Any other form of gambling is heavily regulated, and yet you’ve got games like Rocket League which are rated ‘E’ for Everyone, offering up crates, keys and randomised drops that can then be sold through marketplaces. “I call on all game companies not to make loot boxes accessible to children anymore and to remove addictive elements,” said Appelman.
Source: game-debate.com
Industry News
Endorphina Affiliate Hub: Huge Benefits for Affiliates
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.
Industry News
iGB Affiliate attracts registrations from 55 nations in just six weeks
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
Latest News
Former Gambling Minister the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP to speak at Bacta’s Annual Convention
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.
-
Gambling in the USA5 days ago
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 28-November 3
-
Asia5 days ago
FeedConstruct Secures Exclusive International Streaming and Data Collection Rights for Korean Volleyball Leagues
-
Latest News6 days ago
Springbok Casino’s Wild November Feature ‘Backyard Gangsters’ Offers 25 Free Spins on new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion slot
-
Latest News4 days ago
Atlaslive Partners with Oddin.gg to Elevate Esports Betting in LATAM, Offering 24/7 Betting Markets and Cutting-Edge Odds Feed
-
Asia3 days ago
Red Bull, Nissin Cup Noodles, and Kreo Join College Rivals Season 2 as Associate Sponsors
-
Latest News4 days ago
Tom Horn Takes Players on a Hold & Win Adventure in Max Gold. Exploring the Unknown
-
eSports5 days ago
SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Doubles Esports Turnover in Q3 2024
-
eSports4 days ago
IESF and ITTI Open Applications for Scholarships in Esports Management