Starling  Bank became the first UK bank to introduce a gambling block in 2018. This meant that customers could choose to block all payments made to gambling or betting merchants with one switch, found under the ’Card and Currency Controls’ section of the Starling app. 

How does the 48-hour delay work?
When the gambling block is on, Starling cards and accounts will be locked for all payments made to merchants associated with gambling or betting. Transactions at non-gambling merchants, for example buying a lottery ticket at a newsagent, will still go through. But if you try to bet on a football match on a betting website, this would be blocked. Once you switch it on, the block prevents payments immediately. It works by excluding payments to all merchants with a gambling licence, giving us a unique and reliable way to group these payments together and block them.

The 48-hour delay feature kicks in from the moment you try to switch the block off. It’s what’s known as ’positive friction’, a ’nudge’ or a ’cooling-off period’ for the customer who may change their mind when they’re given more time to think. It makes gambling or betting on impulse more difficult.

Why has Starling added a 48-hour delay for switching off the gambling block?
Starling added this feature following conversations with mental health and gambling charities and feedback from customers. The consensus is that a 48-hour delay makes the block more effective. The delay cannot be overridden by speaking to customer services or redownloading the Starling app. Customers will be told about the 48-hour delay when they first deactivate gambling and betting payments.

When customers try to switch off the block, they will be provided with details of the National Gambling Helpline in case they need free advice or support on gambling. The number to call is 0808 8030 133.

Source: starlingbank.com

The title, inspired by the movie character of actor Alvaro Vitali, is available in a pocket version for mobile funsigned Giocaonline

He is one of the most loved characters for at least two generations, among the symbols of the Italian comedy, where he made his way into National imagination to be the pestiferous prankster with ready joke, gaffes and goliardic sketches that are still in the encyclopedia of Italian hilarity and today he has also become the main theme of the new slot Pierino tenta la fortuna, produced by Giocaonline and available in the Planetwin365’s Fast Games offer.

“Along with preferences, the players’ habits also change – commented Troy Cox, SKS365‘s Chief Commercial Officer – This is why it is important not only to think about what our customers love most, but also how they prefer to enjoy it. Thus was born the decision to make this title the first and only one designed specifically for the flash entertainment and available anywhere and anytime with a simple touch of a smartphone. Finally, the evocative features of this slot, are the cherry on the top of an increasingly tailored offer for the italian customers. Likewise, the recent launch of the iconic Skill Games, Italy’s most traditional card games, such as Scopa, Briscola, Tresette and Burraco, are also produced by the digital master of Giocaonline.”

Pierino tenta la fortuna, in fact, is the first slot conceived exclusively for the Planetwin365 Fast Games environment: a game system with 5 reels and 30 paying lines, with the possibility of inning three special games: Free Spin, Bonus and Jackpot. The scenario is the classic one in which Alvaro Vitali juggled in the role of the terrible Pierino, the school environment with all the typical elements: from the grumpy and irascible headmaster to the sexy teacher, from the blackboard to the keyhole – which represents the Bonus of the game – right down to the iconic slingshot.

“We are proud to launch the first Fast Game slot integrated into Planetwin365’s mobile sportsbook – commented Tommaso Ferranti Giocaonline’s CEO – ‘Pierino tenta la fortuna’ has always been one of our flagship titles and landing on this very important platform, reaffirms the importance and recognisability of this timeless product. The partnership with the SKS365 team is further strengthened, I want to thank them for keeping high their confidence in our solutions and for their attention to the innovative products we offer.”

Pierino tenta la fortuna is currently available for Android devices and on the website’s mobile version for smartphones and tablets.

 Pragmatic Play, a leading content provider to the gaming industry, has strengthened its partnership with BetVictor with an extended agreement to provide its Live Casino offering alongside its slot portfolio.

The supplier’s Live Casino content has continued to go from strength to strength since being launched a year ago, now offering Blackjack, Roulette, including localised and speed variants of this land-based classic, and the recently announced Baccarat.

The deal marks further expansion of Pragmatic Play’s Live Casino offering in the UK, after recently going live with SkillOnNet in the regulated market.

Melissa Summerfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Our Live Casino portfolio is a point of pride in our multi-product offering, and we are delighted to offer it to BetVictor’s customers under an agreement that deepens our partnership.

“We have prioritised growing in regulated markets, so it is very exciting for us to expand with such as well-respected UK operator.”

Turlough Lally, Director of e-Gaming at BetVictor, said: “Pragmatic Play’s slot portfolio has been an excellent addition to our offering, so naturally we are thrilled to add its Live Casino content to our offering.

“Its Live products have a wide scope aimed at players who enjoy a traditional casino experience and players who enjoy swifter gameplay, whilst also accommodating mobile players. It is a very good fit for us, and we cannot wait to see how our customers react.”

Pragmatic Play’s full portfolio of content, including Slots, Live Casino and Bingo products, are available through a single API integration.