Showing results for: ""
Following FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) approval, United Kingdom-based Open Banking payments platform, Ecospend is now officially a Trustly acquisition. As a result, the two companies are officially the United Kingdom's leading Open Banking Payments Corporation, connected to 80+ banks, with an approximate customer reach of 50 million people. The United Kingdom ranks among the fastest-growing account-to-account markets in Europe, and it represents a strategic growth market for Trustly. Combined with Ecospend's robust UK Payment Initiation Services & Data Services, it's now possible to deliver identity verification solutions and affordability to customers across the board. All of these value-added benefits operate within the realm of UK banking connectivity. This fits perfectly with Trustly's international appeal and its collection capabilities. The synergistic units are well-positioned to provide a value-added product to UK customers, line for massive growth and expansion across the UK and continental Europe. Combined, Trustly and Ecospend deliver on expectations with the following benefits: Connectivity to 80+ banks across the United Kingdom Immense payment volume was £7.5 billion in the UK in 2022 Far-reaching potential with access to 50 million+ consumers across the UK Already, millions of customers are enjoying all the benefits of Trustly's new partnership with Ecospend. Thanks to the Open Banking Technology solutions of Ecospend, Trustly's services are bolstered by enhanced technology, connectivity, and accessibility. Johan Tjärnberg, Group CEO of Trustly stated: It's now official - the acquisition has been completed, and we couldn't be more thrilled. This milestone perfectly aligns with Trustly's mission to become the leading provider of Open Banking solutions for consumers and merchants in the UK. We're thrilled to continue our growth as a unified team, providing the best Open Banking technology on the market. James Hickman, Ecospend CCO, stated: The UK is a major hub for digital payments i
European lottery operator Allwyn now owns Camelot UK Lotteries. Final Piece The finalisation of Allwyn’s purchase of Camelot UK from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (OTPP) makes Camelot a subsidiary of Allwyn. Earlier Approvals The deal was originally announced last October 2022 and received approval from the Great Britain Gambling Commission last month. Passing the Torch Allwyn takes over Camelot UK operation rights to operate the National Lottery until February 2024. Allwyn’s awarding of the fourth National Lottery licence concluded Camelot’s 28-year run as the sole UK Lottery operator. Current Licence The third License award to Camelot will continue to run commensurately, keeping Camelot operating separately from Allwyn but as an Allwyn holding. Allwyn Benefits Allwyn looked forward to the acquisition facilitating a smooth transition of operations, and producing “greater clarity and certainty” for the future of the National Lottery, the social causes of the lottery funds, and all Camelot and Allwyn employees. New Leaders Camelot chief financial officer Clare Swindell and commercial director Neil Brocklehurst were tabbed last month to supervise Camelot through the conclusion of the third licence. Shakeup at Camelot Five-year Camelot chairman Sir Hugh Robertson has been replaced by Sir Keith Mills as the new chair of the business, with Nigel Railton leaving the chief executive of Camelot spot. Value Financial terms have not been disclosed, with Sky News estimating the agreement’s worth at £100m (€112m/$121m), according to unnamed sources close to the deal. Ontario Teachers Deal Part of the transition process includes Allwyn’s key acquisition of US-facing Camelot Lottery Solutions unit of companies from Ontario Teachers, with the completion of this transaction finalising the transfer of all Camelot holdings to Allwyn. Allwyn is Confident and Prepared Despite all the changes, Allwyn assures that Lottery operations will continue as normal. More Offerings The deal further provides Camelot
A UK charity known as GambleAware has announced that it received a total of £430,813 in donations and pledges during the first quarter of the 2023-24 financial year, which ended on June 30th. This contribution reflects the ongoing commitment of operators to support vital research, education, and treatment initiatives aimed at promoting responsible gambling. The donations were made up of £320K from operators, which were specifically for Research, Education, and Treatment contributions. Additionally, £114K came from non-RET donations, all of which were given by 888. Such donations encompass unclaimed winnings or funds derived from dormant betting accounts. Although the overall donation amount saw a marginal 1.1% decrease compared to the previous year's first quarter, it highlights the continuing commitment from operators to collaborate in the fight against gambling-related harm. Operators are encouraged to donate at least 0.1% of their gross gaming yield (GGY) to GambleAware annually. However, the Gambling Act review white paper has proposed a mandatory levy, which GambleAware has publicly endorsed. This could further enhance the charity's capacity to effectively address and mitigate gambling-related harm. Notably, operators with an annual GGY below £250,000 are requested to contribute a fixed amount of £250 to support the charity's endeavors. During the quarter specified, there were no contributions from regulatory settlements. However, GambleAware remains focused on pursuing collaborative partnerships to secure the necessary funding for its initiatives. A breakdown of the donations revealed an average RET donation of £2,757 for the quarter, indicating a 9.0% decline compared to the previous year. However, GambleAware highlighted that major operators typically make RET contributions towards the end of the financial year, accounting for the absence of donations from these entities during Q1. Among the notable contributors during Q1, BetFred made the largest donation of £50,000, followed by Games Global with
Star-Led Campaigns: In a move to garner widespread attention, BetMGM has launched a series of marketing campaigns featuring Chris Rock. The first of these campaigns is already live, with Rock spotlighting the assorted special offers to mark the brand’s UK launch. Prospective customers can look forward to bonuses, price boosts, and a sneak peek into exclusive content accessible through BetMGM. Additionally, a responsible gambling advertisement tailored for the UK audience is part of BetMGM’s promotional activities, with campaigns spreading across live sports, TV, outdoor mediums, digital platforms, radio, and social channels. MGM Resorts' Bold Entry: BetMGM UK Director Sam Behar expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s UK launch, highlighting that the campaign melds MGM Resorts’ reputable Las Vegas entertainment heritage to present a distinctive proposition for the UK market. According to Behar, the involvement of Chris Rock accentuates BetMGM’s intent of offering a fresh and delightful approach to the market. Transition without Entain: The news of BetMGM's foray into the UK surfaced last month, revealing a shift from the established partnership with Entain, which shared a 50% joint venture with MGM. Instead, MGM has allied with LeoVegas, utilizing its technology and platform for the new international venture, following MGM's acquisition of LeoVegas last year at $604 million. This development pits BetMGM UK directly against Entain's UK brands, which command a strong presence with names like Ladbrokes, Gala, and Coral. Competitive Offerings: BetMGM is opening the doors to a vast array of online casino content and sports betting options for UK players. It's a competitive move aimed at carving a niche in a market dominated by seasoned players. Ready for the Challenge: Earlier this month, LeoVegas CEO, Gustaf Hagman, shared his optimism about partnering with BetMGM for its UK launch in a conversation with iGB. He asserted that LeoVegas is well-prepared for the challenge ahead, indicating a solid backing for Be
In a recent op-ed, David Williams of Rank Group emphasized the urgent need for proposed casino sector changes. These reforms are deemed crucial for the industry's survival, particularly in light of the upcoming rise in the National Living Wage and the freeze on casino duty bands. According to the BGC, the latter could cost the sector an additional £5m annually. Sequence of Reforms Over Costs: Williams, Rank's director of public affairs, stressed that the industry's survival hinges on implementing policies outlined in the white paper before these increased costs come into effect. Key reforms include: Changes to gaming machine allocations. Allowing casinos to offer sports betting. The expansion of electronic payment methods. Williams asserts that modernization is the only way to drive revenue and offset rising costs. Industry Catch-Up and Legislative Timeliness: The BGC urges the government to maintain momentum in delivering responses to the land-based consultation, laying necessary statutory instruments, and passing legislation by the first half of 2024. With time being a critical factor, Williams points out that UK casinos lag behind their global counterparts and the broader gambling ecosystem. He highlights the need for modernization to make UK casinos more appealing and competitive. The Alleged £5m Casino Stealth Tax Raid: In November 2023, the BGC accused the government of a stealth tax raid on casinos, potentially costing the industry £5m annually. This accusation stems from freezing gaming duty bands in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement. The BGC had hoped these bands would rise with inflation, but the freeze effectively resulted in a £25m tax increase over five years. Impact on the Casino Sector: Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, expressed concerns that this "stealth tax" could hinder the sector's recovery and future growth. The stakes are high, with the industry contributing £300m annually in taxes and providing an estimated £800m annually in gross value to the economy. The sector
In May 2022, the Gambling Commission undertook a detailed compliance assessment of Gamesys, a prominent operator of 16 UK gambling sites such as Ballycasino and Jackpotjoy Casino. The evaluation revealed critical failings in the operator's systems and controls, active between November 2021 and July 2022. Consequently, Gamesys, owned by Ballys Corporation, faced a heavy financial penalty for these lapses. Social Responsibility and AML Shortcomings The Commission's investigation unearthed several instances where Gamesys did not adequately identify customers at risk of gambling harm. Notably, the company's reliance on individual voluntary arrangements or insolvency indicators as signs of gambling harm was deemed inappropriate. Furthermore, their system of deposit limits failed to flag potential risks of harm in several cases, with instances of significant losses by customers over short periods raising red flags. Inadequate Customer Interactions and record-keeping Another area of concern was Gamesys' inadequate interactions with customers who might be at risk of or were already experiencing gambling-related harm. In some cases, the company's interactions could have been more robust and better timed, with one instance involving a recommendation of new games and promotions to a player who had already lost a significant amount. The Commission also criticized the operator for not recording sufficient details about these interactions and the rationale behind decisions, contrary to its responsible gambling procedures. Failures in Anti-Money Laundering Measures On the anti-money laundering (AML) front, the Commission found that Gamesys had failed to conduct due diligence checks on several customers who had deposited large sums of money. These failings included an over-reliance on third-party information or verbal assurances from customers. The Commission also noted that Gamesys' policy on the reinvestment of winnings was inadequate to mitigate risks related to the origin of deposited funds. Consequences and Corrective Actio
SportsBroker has emerged as a trailblazer in the betting industry, transforming traditional pool betting with its unique system that pits two pools against each other. This system not only considers the match outcome but also rewards based on the statistical performance of teams, offering an engaging new way for bettors to increase winnings or mitigate losses potentially. The Core of SportsBroker's Innovation At the heart of SportsBroker's innovative betting platform is a new take on pool betting that leverages the competitive nature of sports in a head-to-head pool system. This approach allows bettors to back a team not just for victory but for performance, adding a layer of strategy and excitement. Performance-Based Returns: A Game Changer The uniqueness of SportsBroker lies in its performance-based returns system. Unlike traditional betting, where outcomes are binary, SportsBroker awards points based on in-game performance, which can amplify winnings or reduce losses. This system ensures the battle isn't over until the final whistle, keeping bettors engaged throughout the match. The Financial Dynamics Explained The financial mechanism of SportsBroker is designed to reward intelligent betting and risk-taking. If the backed team wins, bettors can claim up to 70% of the opposing team's pool, with potential bonuses for superior performance. Conversely, a loss doesn't mean all is lost; better performance can salvage up to 30% of the losses. Furthermore, SportsBroker's commission system favors winners, taking only a 20% cut from the winning pool's profits. Maximizing Your Stake What sets SportsBroker apart is how it calculates returns. Post-match, the winnings or losses are proportionally distributed among bettors based on their stake in the winning or losing pool. This system encourages thoughtful betting and in-depth team analysis, offering the thrill of potentially high returns, especially when backing an underdog. A New Era in Betting SportsBroker's introduction of performance-based pool betting is more than jus
In a dramatic turn of events, 888 Holdings breathes a sigh of relief as the UK Gambling Commission decides to take no regulatory action following a thorough license review. This review was ignited by an attempted management overhaul led by Kenny Alexander via FS Gaming, drawing widespread industry attention since its initiation in July of the previous year. Unraveling the FS Gaming Saga Initial Stirrings: The intrigue began when FS Gaming, supported by former Entain CEO Kenny Alexander, acquired a 6.57% stake in 888 Holdings. Plans soon emerged for a new leadership team from Entain to steer 888 into the future. This proposed transition, however, quickly caught the Gambling Commission's eye, leading to a comprehensive investigation. A Leadership Overhaul Averted: Kenny Alexander was slated to become CEO under the proposed changes, with Lee Feldman and Stephen Morana assuming pivotal roles at 888. This shift would likely elevate FS Gaming's stake beyond the 10% threshold, necessitating approval from the Gambling Commission. A rejection from the regulator could have resulted in the revocation of 888's operating license. Strategic Withdrawal: Recognizing the potential risks to its UK licenses, 888 Holdings terminated discussions with FS Gaming. The decision was driven by the realization that the proposed appointments could have been more of a chance of approval, posing immediate and substantial threats to the company's operational continuity in the UK. Commission's Decision and Implications Clearance Granted: In a significant announcement made on 22 March, 888 Holdings revealed that the Gambling Commission has concluded its review without imposing any penalties, license conditions, or remedies. The Commission was satisfied that 888 Holdings effectively managed and mitigated the risks leading to the review. Commission's Rationale: The Gambling Commission's decision to discontinue the review stems from 888 Holdings' decision to halt the management changes proposed by FS Gaming. Assurances regarding the operator's manag
Bet365 Games has launched the exciting Prize Matcher game, a daily free-to-play adventure where you can win fantastic rewards! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to Bet365, this promotion offers an engaging way to enhance your gaming experience. Here's how you can join the fun and claim your prizes. How Prize Matcher Works Every day from 17:00 local time, you can reveal three tiles in the Prize Matcher game. You can win free spins, golden chips, or bets by matching symbols. You'll receive an instant free spins prize if you're lucky enough to uncover a particular tile! Steps to Play: Log In: Ensure you're logged into your Bet365 Games account. Open Prize Matcher: Navigate to the Prize Matcher game (or click on the image above of this article to reach out directly). Reveal Tiles: Click on three tiles daily from 17:00 local time to see if you've won. Collect Prizes: Match symbols to win prizes or uncover a unique tile for instant free spins. Using Your Prizes Once you've won, it's time to enjoy your rewards. Here's how you can use them: Free Spins: Use these on popular games like Book of Horus, Sizzling 7s Fortune, or Spin O'Reilly. Golden Chips: Try your luck on Blackjack and European Roulette. Free Bets: Head over to the Sports section, add a selection to your bet slip, and select 'Use Bet Credits' before placing your bet. Important Terms to Remember Bet365 wants to ensure that all participants have a great time and understand the key terms of this promotion. Here are the significant points: Promotion Duration: The Prize Matcher game runs from 17:00 local time on July 29, 2024, to 16:59 local time on July 28, 2025. Daily Tiles: You can reveal up to three times daily; unused reveals do not carry over to the next day. Eligibility: This offer is available to new and eligible customers only. Prize Crediting: Prizes are credited automatically, but it may sometimes take up to 72 hours. Expiry: Free spins and golden chips must be accepted within seven days and used within seven days after acceptance. Bet Credit
No single player had ever claimed the £250,000 jackpot alone—until now. With thrilling late-game twists, one lucky predictor walked away with the top prize in bet365’s free-to-play 6 Scores Challenge. Now in its third season, the 6 Scores Challenge had previously awarded three winners who split the jackpot earlier this season. But this time, a lone customer won the full £250,000, marking a historic first for the game. Think you can predict six correct scorelines? Try bet365’s 6 Scores Challenge! The jackpot win rested on pivotal moments. Aston Villa conceded to Bournemouth in the 96th minute with Evanilson’s header, tying the game 1-1. Wolves also staged a dramatic comeback, scoring in the 88th and 93rd minutes to draw with Brighton. Fulham looked set to defeat Everton until Beto’s 94th-minute goal evened the score. Over at Stamford Bridge, Cole Palmer’s brilliant pass assisted Nicolas Jackson’s goal, which Alexander Isak leveled before Palmer’s strike confirmed Chelsea’s 2-1 win. Play bet365’s 6 Scores Challenge for a shot at the jackpot! More late-game drama came as Casemiro’s header for Manchester United canceled Summerville’s opener for Leeds, but Jarrod Bowen’s 92nd-minute penalty gave West Ham a 2-1 victory. With four players still in the running, the final match—Arsenal vs. Liverpool—would determine the jackpot. Bukayo Saka scored for Arsenal, countered by Virgil van Dijk to make it 1-1. Two players could split £125,000 if the score held, but Mikel Merino’s header for Arsenal made a consolation prize for five correct picks likely. Yet, Mohamed Salah’s late equalizer secured the 2-2 finish, crowning a single player as the first individual winner of the £250,000 jackpot. 6 Scores Challenge Results Aston Villa 1-1 Bournemouth Brighton 2-2 Wolves Everton 1-1 Fulham West Ham 2-1 Man United Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool Bet365’s Steve Freeth noted, “Late goals dominated, and with Arsenal 2-1 up, one participant needed a 2-2 draw to win. When Salah de
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Video Poker
Craps
Baccarat
