The government review of the UK’s gambling laws appears unlikely to spring any surprises when it is finally published today, if an article in The Times written by the minister in charge today is anything to go by. One of the biggest changes is the imposition of stake limits for online slots for the first time, with younger players limited to …

Belgian sports betting firm Betfirst Group is likely to be put up for sale after parent media organisation Sagevas SA asked Rothschild Bank to investigate options for the company. Sagevas’ investors, driven by founding shareholder IPM group, have agreed to ‘examine the strategic options’ for the bookmaking operation, with a sale to a third party a likely outcome. Betfirst received …

The UK LBO scene will see content from global slots developer Yggdrasil for the first time after signing an agreement with omni-channel supplier Reflex Gaming to introduce its high-performing Game Engagement Mechanics (GEMs) to the UK land-based industry. The deal sees Reflex Gaming incorporate Yggdrasil’s GEMs to its retail games offering in the UK, available on terminals in betting shops, …

Speed Media, an iGaming digital marketing company owned by JKR Investment Group, has acquired premium blockchain agency CoinPoint Group’s network, including its flagship site BestBitcoinCasino.com. Founded in 2013 as as the first consultation and marketing agency focused on blockchain technology and crypto solutions, CoinPoint Group has created a wide network of websites, including iGaming websites BestBitcoinCasino.com and BestBitcoinSlots.com as well …

SBC spoke to Speed Media CEO Nikola Teofilovic and Tetiana Vozniuk, Senior Investment Manager at JKR, about the expansion plans in the crypto affiliate market.  Last time you spoke to SBC Nikola, you were the Senior Investment Manager at JKR – but now you’re also the CEO of Speed Media. Can you tell us about this soft switch in roles? …

The coroner investigating the suicide of a 24-year-old problem gambler Jack Ritchie has said that he will be writing to a number of government departments with warnings about how future deaths can be prevented, with a particular focus on the need for more training for GPs about gambling disorders. Sheffield coroner David Urpeth said Ritchie’s death in Vietnam in November …

Andreas Koeberl, CEO at BetGames, took time out to reflect on a year of change and growth in 2021 and talk about the company’s plans and ambitions for 2022. Expect incredible new product lines and a different approach to the business.  With more than a year at the helm, BetGames has seen much growth and change in the last 12 …

This year’s delayed ICE 2022 show will be held on 12-14 April, as usual at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre. Associated event iGB Affiliate London will be taking place on Wednesday 13-14 April and ICE VOX, incorporating the World Regulatory Briefing and the International Casino Conference will be held 11-12 April. Stuart Hunter, Managing Director, Clarion Gaming said: “Following consultation with our customers …

Industry-funded body GambleAware has awarded a £250,000 grant for new research into women’s lived experience of gambling harms to a team of experts who will investigate the journeys of both gamblers and/or as ‘affected others’. The grant was awarded through a competitive process to a team led by Kelsey Beninger, Director at IFF Social Research Agency in collaboration with Maria …

888 Holdings CEO Itai Pazner has confirmed the ‘hugely exciting acquisition of William Hill’s non-US business from Caesars Entertainment for £2.2bn.  The deal, news of which broke earlier this week, is expected to deliver ‘significant operating efficiencies’, including pre-tax cost synergies of at least £100 million per year, which 888 says will lead to improved profit margins. On a pro …