Must Read UKGC to Prioritise Supplier Enforcement Action in 2025

[Webzcas]

Addressing the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), the UKGC's Andrew Rhodes emphasised the Gambling Commission’s ongoing commitment to leveraging its enhanced tools, including covert test purchasing and other investigative methods, to identify businesses facilitating unlicensed operators.

His remarks follow renewed scrutiny of the Commission’s policy in this area, particularly after Evolution disclosed late last year that its license was under review due to its games being accessible through unlicensed operators.

Rhodes stated: “If the Commission deems it necessary to suspend or revoke the license of any operator or supplier, their operations cease immediately. Whatever they are providing to you will stop—immediately."

“So, I would advise anyone relying on a third party to ensure they are confident in that relationship and the associated risks. If you suspect you are vulnerable, I would strongly suggest taking action now.”

Rhodes underscored the Commission’s intensified focus on disrupting the supply chain and highlighted its significant investment in combating unlicensed football gambling.

This approach reflects a broader European regulatory trend, where authorities are increasingly targeting suppliers and payment providers to curb illegal activity, according to industry analysts.

When asked whether the Commission expects the industry itself to take responsibility for policing unlicensed gambling instead of relying solely on regulatory oversight, Rhodes expressed surprise at the notion.

“Frankly, I don’t understand why any licensed business would choose to associate with a company that supports illegal competition. It defies logic and suggests that the illegal market may not be as significant an issue as some claim, if this is seen as acceptable behaviour.”

Joining Rhodes at the event, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chief executive Grainne Hurst reaffirmed that the organisation’s supplier members are committed to refraining from supporting illegal gambling.

Rhodes also addressed the complex and contentious nature of gambling regulation in the UK, noting that the challenges are unlikely to ease in the near future.

“With the Statutory Levy, Ombudsman, and other changes approaching, I question whether the frequent ‘absolutism’ we see in commentary from various stakeholders will persist.

“This ties into debates about data, statistics, and the evidence base. There’s a real danger that entrenched and overly simplistic positions may obscure the core issues entirely.”

 

[dunover]

About time, but of limited use considering the crooks' capability of reverse ngineering and faking games.

 

[slot_zombie]

I expected this. Pressure on Crypto gambling via the suppliers. So if Mr. UKGC test purchaser gets to play a slot on a Crypto site, then the supplier is in hot water with their UKGC gambling license...

I imagine this will lead to enforced KYC on the offshore Casino side, very strict restrictions on VPN use at the supplier end, or both.

Either way it looks like the party could be about to end for UK gamblers.

 

[Avernite]

I envy you lot having the UKGC sometimes

 

[mulven]

I envy you lot having the UKGC sometimes

you guys are having a go at it now though!

In 5 years maybe all of us brits will be jealous of the regulated gaming environment new zealand has fostered.

 

[Avernite]

you guys are having a go at it now though!

In 5 years maybe all of us brits will be jealous of the regulated gaming environment new zealand has fostered.

What regulation? They're laughably behind, and I wouldn't trust the current lot in power to organize a piss up in a brewery.

They did a public submission for gambling on credit cards around 6 years ago.. not a peep since.

 

[mulven]

What regulation? They're laughably behind, and I wouldn't trust the current lot in power to organize a piss up in a brewery.

They did a public submission for gambling on credit cards around 6 years ago.. not a peep since.

Thread 'New Zealand confirms 15 online casino licences available'

Nov 19, 2024

Online gambling in New Zealand is set to be regulated by 2026, with their Internal Affairs Minister announcing that there will be up to 15 licenses up for grabs for operators.

Operators who have shown an interest, include the likes of bet365 and Betway.

New Zealand is set to introduce regulation for online casinos which was first announced in July. The government has established a framework for online casino regulation aimed at harm reduction, enhanced tax collection efficiency, and strengthening consumer safeguards.

The regulatory timeline sets key milestones, with legislation...

• Webzcas
• licensing new zealand nz casinos
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Online Casinos

• 

 

[Avernite]

Thread 'New Zealand confirms 15 online casino licences available'

Nov 19, 2024

Online gambling in New Zealand is set to be regulated by 2026, with their Internal Affairs Minister announcing that there will be up to 15 licenses up for grabs for operators.

Operators who have shown an interest, include the likes of bet365 and Betway.

New Zealand is set to introduce regulation for online casinos which was first announced in July. The government has established a framework for online casino regulation aimed at harm reduction, enhanced tax collection efficiency, and strengthening consumer safeguards.

The regulatory timeline sets key milestones, with legislation...

• Webzcas
• licensing new zealand nz casinos
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Online Casinos

• 

The minister for internal affairs is incompetent, and that's being kind. She has absolutely no idea what she's doing.

It's also basically during an election year so expect them to kick that down the road.

 

[mulven]

The minister for internal affairs is incompetent, and that's being kind. She has absolutely no idea what she's doing.

It's also basically during an election year so expect them to kick that down the road.

Interesting, well atleast that means that you'll maintain the status quo for a while longer. From what I've seen New Zealand has it pretty good. It's not as good as canada but maybe near Ireland (not sure if above or below!) in terms of casino availability.

 

[Avernite]

Interesting, well atleast that means that you'll maintain the status quo for a while longer. From what I've seen New Zealand has it pretty good. It's not as good as canada but maybe near Ireland (not sure if above or below!) in terms of casino availability.

Not sure 100% no regulation is a good thing. I've lost out at a few rogue operators over the years with zero recourse (banks and regulators don't care and aren't obligated to).

We also can't get certain providers like Aristocrat and Konami which sucks (lobbying by the land based operators is my guess).

Hopefully that improves in the next few years but won't hold my breath.

 

[ritae]

No limit are now restricting players using a VPN when playing in GBP on crypto sites it seems.

When loading any game, it says your IP is restricted to play in this currency. If you reload in USD it works fine.

 

[dunover]

So the question will be for the affected developers: Do we gain sufficient revenue from the UKGC jurisdiction to comply and remove games from unlicensed sites taking UK players, or do we simply withdraw from the market altogether?

The financial implications, one way or the other, will become apparent over the coming months.

 

[satchnz]

I envy you lot having the UKGC sometimes

If they develop anything back home as bad as the shit show the UKGC is then god help us…

 

[Avernite]

So the question will be for the affected developers: Do we gain sufficient revenue from the UKGC jurisdiction to comply and remove games from unlicensed sites taking UK players, or do we simply withdraw from the market altogether?

The financial implications, one way or the other, will become apparent over the coming months.

UK is a huge market for gambling, second to Australia I reckon.

 

[andysbetting1187]

So the question will be for the affected developers: Do we gain sufficient revenue from the UKGC jurisdiction to comply and remove games from unlicensed sites taking UK players, or do we simply withdraw from the market altogether?

The financial implications, one way or the other, will become apparent over the coming months.

I was thinking the same thing re the options to developers. I agree with @Avernite that the UK market is huge, but if a developer has to choose between UK only or rest of the world, I can't see many (if any) saying they will stick just to the UK

 

[Reefer]

About time, but of limited use considering the crooks' capability of reverse ngineering and faking games.

 

[neilw]

UK is a huge market for gambling, second to Australia I reckon.

They are much bigger markets than the UK. Asia, India for two. Evolution, for example, the UK represents 3% of their income, which is tiny compared to other areas across all their brands.

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[dunover]

They are much bigger markets than the UK. Asia, India for two. Evolution, for example, the UK represents 3% of their income, which is tiny compared to other areas across all their brands.

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And companies like Bet365 effectively subsidize their domestic market from huge overseas operations.

 

[Avernite]

They are much bigger markets than the UK. Asia, India for two. Evolution, for example, the UK represents 3% of their income, which is tiny compared to other areas across all their brands.

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A bunch of areas in Asia ban their citizens from playing to be fair, and I'd argue that a majority of indians aren't anywhere close to the average UK wage. I always figured EU/CAD (and more recently US) made up the bulk of Evolutions profits.

In any case counting players playing illegally is the whole point of beginning to make providers bear responsibility no?

 

[slaman29]

A bunch of areas in Asia ban their citizens from playing to be fair, and I'd argue that a majority of indians aren't anywhere close to the average UK wage. I always figured EU/CAD (and more recently US) made up the bulk of Evolutions profits.

In any case counting players playing illegally is the whole point of beginning to make providers bear responsibility no?

Judging from the fact that Evolution has specific dealers assigned for Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Brazilian Portuguese, and German, I always assumed that these were the biggest markets. And if you play their tables, the chatters are actually many Indian, Turkish.

I'm sure you are right about wage but I think volume is Evolution game here.

 

[mulven]

Judging from the fact that Evolution has specific dealers assigned for Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Brazilian Portuguese, and German, I always assumed that these were the biggest markets. And if you play their tables, the chatters are actually many Indian, Turkish.

I'm sure you are right about wage but I think volume is Evolution game here.

This lines up with what I've seen while cataloguing a LOT of sites, thousands.

Massive number of indian, turkish and brasilian sites. I saw plenty of japan only casinos and prior to this had no idea they had a decent sized market. Tons of sites for various east asian countries which I can only assume are where many chinese players play.

 

[Avernite]

This lines up with what I've seen while cataloguing a LOT of sites, thousands.

Massive number of indian, turkish and brasilian sites. I saw plenty of japan only casinos and prior to this had no idea they had a decent sized market. Tons of sites for various east asian countries which I can only assume are where many chinese players play.

Isn't gambling illegal in Japan?

 

[mulven]

Isn't gambling illegal in Japan?

most forms of gambling are illegal in Japan, save for horse racing and lottery. Gacha is a result of the loophole in the legislation.

Similar to a post i just made in another thread about canadian provinces, these laws do little to affect offshore offerings.

I believe the japanese government is looking into offshore crackdowns but as of right now these sites are not affected. I believe some sites actively reassure players that "yes you can actually gamble here its okay".

 

[Avernite]

most forms of gambling are illegal in Japan, save for horse racing and lottery. Gacha is a result of the loophole in the legislation.

Similar to a post i just made in another thread about canadian provinces, these laws do little to affect offshore offerings.

I believe the japanese government is looking into offshore crackdowns but as of right now these sites are not affected. I believe some sites actively reassure players that "yes you can actually gamble here its okay".

Which circles back to why providers should be held more responsible as to who they offer their services too. It's illegal for many jurisdictions to gamble to begin with, we shouldn't really be condoning the practice.

 

[mulven]

Which circles back to why providers should be held more responsible as to who they offer their services too. It's illegal for many jurisdictions to gamble to begin with, we shouldn't really be condoning the practice.

Unlike illegal operations for the UK, the situation and japan is different. It's not illegal or legal. It's a grey area.

The entire canadian market (well, most provinces) hinges on this grey area. Most provinces like Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan etc only have one "legal" licenced site. Due to there being no legislation banning offshore casinos, they are able to offer their games and players are allowed to play their with neither side being penalised for doing so.

 

[Avernite]

Unlike illegal operations for the UK, the situation and japan is different. It's not illegal or legal. It's a grey area.

The entire canadian market (well, most provinces) hinges on this grey area. Most provinces like Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan etc only have one "legal" licenced site. Due to there being no legislation banning offshore casinos, they are able to offer their games and players are allowed to play their with neither side being penalised for doing so.

A quick Google search confirms online gambling in Japan is illegal.

 

[mulven]

A quick Google search confirms online gambling in Japan is illegal.

Looks like I didn't Google hard enough. I inferred some incorrect conclusions from information I had read about it. In Japan it's not the same as Canada as it is actually Illegal but is seldom ever enforced, atleast up till now.

There was apparently a massive boom during COVID.

This article is a good read

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[slaman29]

Unlike illegal operations for the UK, the situation and japan is different. It's not illegal or legal. It's a grey area.

The entire canadian market (well, most provinces) hinges on this grey area. Most provinces like Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan etc only have one "legal" licenced site. Due to there being no legislation banning offshore casinos, they are able to offer their games and players are allowed to play their with neither side being penalised for doing so.

Yes, AFAIK online gambling in Japan is not regulated, but it is also not illegal. They are asking a lot to regulate, so they can tax it. But not a priority.

Back to the question, Asia is a big volume market. It doesn't matter if wage is inequal. They are culturally more attuned to gambling, we make movies all about gambling, we even have gods of luck and gambling. So maybe an Asian gambles cents, but he will gamble that cents 100s of times. House edge wins in the end.

 

[Reefer]

Yes, AFAIK online gambling in Japan is not regulated, but it is also not illegal. They are asking a lot to regulate, so they can tax it. But not a priority.

Back to the question, Asia is a big volume market. It doesn't matter if wage is inequal. They are culturally more attuned to gambling, we make movies all about gambling, we even have gods of luck and gambling. So maybe an Asian gambles cents, but he will gamble that cents 100s of times. House edge wins in the end.

This is one way they get round regulation in japan. You win prizes instead of cash, then sell the prizes for cash in the shop next to the casino
It's a bit like how they used to get round it in the uk with the AWP (amusement with prize) games where kids could play away in arcades back in the day in places like blackpool

 

[Avernite]

Yes, AFAIK online gambling in Japan is not regulated, but it is also not illegal. They are asking a lot to regulate, so they can tax it. But not a priority.

Back to the question, Asia is a big volume market. It doesn't matter if wage is inequal. They are culturally more attuned to gambling, we make movies all about gambling, we even have gods of luck and gambling. So maybe an Asian gambles cents, but he will gamble that cents 100s of times. House edge wins in the end.

See above. Online gambling is illegal in Japan, yet you have providers knowingly providing their services illegally. It's time they're held accountable it.

 

[Reefer]

See above. Online gambling is illegal in Japan, yet you have providers knowingly providing their services illegally. It's time they're held accountable it.

Well that's life, where there is a market someone will take advantage, legal or not.
The people that are silly enough to deposit knowing they are breaking tos are taking a gamble.. even before they gamble, but that's what they are there for anyway

 

[Guntis]

That's how some online casinos work everywhere - if something isn't regulated, it doesn't mean it's illegal. And, if something isn't prohibited, it means it's allowed, lol

---

Japan is building a massive casino resort in Osaka, by the way.

 

[Reefer]

That's how some online casinos work everywhere - if something isn't regulated, it doesn't mean it's illegal. And, if something isn't prohibited, it means it's allowed, lol

---

Japan is building a massive casino resort in Osaka, by the way.

If i were to have a punt which i don't these days i would deffo pick a crypto casino. i don't have up to date photo id and other docs required if a cashout happened and couldn't be assed with the stress uk casinos seem to put on players these days
From what i can tell all you need to sign up to the cryptos is a phone number, well and some crypto
Guess you pick ya poison

 

[Avernite]

That's how some online casinos work everywhere - if something isn't regulated, it doesn't mean it's illegal. And, if something isn't prohibited, it means it's allowed, lol

---

Japan is building a massive casino resort in Osaka, by the way.

Again, and I'm not sure what people don't understand here, online gambling in Japan is illegal full stop. No exceptions. It's not a gray area, it's fully illegal.

As for the resort, it may be like the casinos in Malaysia and South Korea where only foreigner's are allowed to play. In any case it's not really relevant to online.

 

[Avernite]

Well that's life, where there is a market someone will take advantage, legal or not.
The people that are silly enough to deposit knowing they are breaking tos are taking a gamble.. even before they gamble, but that's what they are there for anyway

That doesn't excuse operators and businesses engaging in illegal activity.

 

[Guntis]

Again, and I'm not sure what people don't understand here, online gambling in Japan is illegal full stop. No exceptions. It's not a gray area, it's fully illegal.

As for the resort, it may be like the casinos in Malaysia and South Korea where only foreigner's are allowed to play. In any case it's not really relevant to online.

Yeah that's true. Online is definitely illegal, and for land-based as far as i remember they can bet on speed boats and horse races. About the resort, they're making it for local s as well, but there will be certain requirements.

 

[electronictonic]

So UKGC has spent the last few years destroying and dismantling gambling in the UK and they are surprised that people have run to offshore crypto sites? so they can play like it used to be before UKGC ruined it, they are just pissed off that people are playing where it's out of the reach of being taxed....like it always comes down to it they couldn't give a shit about the players.

 

[slaman29]

As for the resort, it may be like the casinos in Malaysia and South Korea where only foreigner's are allowed to play. In any case it's not really relevant to online.

Not true for Malaysia. I've been to the casino, only local Muslims are not allowed in there I went as a foreigner, but the friends who brought me were all Malaysian locals (not Muslim).

 

[Avernite]

Not true for Malaysia. I've been to the casino, only local Muslims are not allowed in there I went as a foreigner, but the friends who brought me were all Malaysian locals (not Muslim).

Correct, but given that around 90% of Malaysians are Muslim you're not likely to find many locals allowed to gamble there to begin with. Went there about 18 months ago myself, quite an expensive casino to play at too imo.

Funnily enough I found more Malaysians at the South Korea casino.

 

[slaman29]

Correct, but given that around 90% of Malaysians are Muslim you're not likely to find many locals allowed to gamble there to begin with. Went there about 18 months ago myself, quite an expensive casino to play at too imo.

Funnily enough I found more Malaysians at the South Korea casino.

I worked in Malaysia and Singapore for almost 20 years. Muslim majority is just around 60%. And most of that is in rural areas, in the cities you would say only less than half are. The only reason you won't find locals there is it's far to get, and expensive. They all prefer to do online Malaysians overseas are first class earners. No surprise to find them in other fancier casinos overseas

 

[Avernite]

I worked in Malaysia and Singapore for almost 20 years. Muslim majority is just around 60%. And most of that is in rural areas, in the cities you would say only less than half are. The only reason you won't find locals there is it's far to get, and expensive. They all prefer to do online Malaysians overseas are first class earners. No surprise to find them in other fancier casinos overseas

That still effectively bans it for most of their population by default.

Notably online gambling is illegal for the most part in Malaysia and Singapore as well.