iGamingExpert

Research reveals worrying unregulated market trends in the Philippines 

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Research firm, the Fourth Wall, has identified the key differences between the regulated and the unregulated markets in the Philippines, sharing severe concerns over the continued offering of e-sabong, also known as cockfighting.

Utilisation of promotions was also integral to the differences between the two sectors, with promotions for the unlicensed sector being more prevalent and having elevated incentives compared to the regulated sector.

High value bonuses of up to 108% were found as being used to entice players on the unregulated market, underpinning the challenges faced by the regulated market in terms of competing.

At the heart of the differentiation in marketing approaches is the affiliate strategy undertaken by both the regulated and the unregulated sector.

The report revealed that many unregulated operators provide lucrative affiliate programs, sometimes offering 45–65% of Gross Gaming Revenue to attract strong collaborations.

The presence of e-sabong also caused concern, as unregulated operators continue to offer the illegal sport and even tap into audiences that engage with the sport through private groups.

John Brylle L. Bae, Research Director at The Fourth Wall, stated: “Our latest report demonstrates how prohibited games like e-sabong remain easily accessible on unregulated platforms even to high-profile figures, underscoring persistent enforcement challenges.

“Our report shows that the operational differences between regulated and unregulated platforms do not just define how platforms function but also shape the risks and potential harms players face, especially in unregulated spaces.”

He also revealed the need for targeted enforcement and increased public awareness as the threat of the sector continues to grow.

Unsurprisingly, the KYC approach of the unregulated sector is minimal, and according to the report elevates the level of risk associated with the sector – enabling underage players to engage with unregulated gambling sites.

The report also provides details of the impact of payment limitations on the sector and the AML checks implemented by the regulated market.

It leads to the experience of the unregulated market being more frictionless as the challenge for the regulated market to compete intensifies significantly.

The report arrives as the market sits at a crossroads of a vital moment for the gambling sector in the Philippines, with it being reported that a total of four bills, three resolutions and a privilege speech addressing the impact of the online gaming industry will be discussed by the Philippine Senate’s committee on games and amusements.

The outcome will determine whether the industry will be subject to tighter regulations or a total ban.

While increased regulation is not always preferable for the development of an industry, it is clear that change is afoot and greater scrutiny is preferable to an outright ban.In the days before the inquiry began, 19 operators, including Digiplus formed the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines. The group states that in doing so they have demonstrated their commitment to responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, consumer protection and combatting illegal gambling.

September 15 will see SBC organise a groundbreaking charity football event in Lisbon. Make sure you get the chance to see some of the most legendary names in football by securing your ticket today at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/

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Trinidad and Tobago PM seeks +25 age for gambling

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A Bill proposing sweeping social reforms is set to be presented to Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament, as new Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivers on key campaign pledges targeting youth welfare and broader public health objectives.

“As promised by Kamla” the UNC Party is committed to raising the legal drinking age to 21, while gambling and cannabis use would be restricted to those aged 25. The reforms mark a major policy shift, to position Trinidad and Tobago as the strictest Caribbean state on adult activities.

Persad-Bissessar unveiled the measures during her first official address since her general election victory on 28 April, reaffirming the UNC Party’s ambitions and promising “tough decisions” to bring long-term stability and fairness.

The reforms are being bundled into a wider legislative manifest that also includes a review of pension tax laws. The Prime Minister pledged to exempt retirement benefits from taxation for individuals over 60, arguing that taxing pensions after decades of contribution amounts to double taxation and imposes undue strain on seniors with fixed incomes.

“These changes are about fairness, safety, and building a healthier future. You don’t want the next five years to be as terrible as the last ten,” she told supporters during a UNC meeting in Penal.

Cautious Support from Business Community

The proposal has received early backing from three major business chambers, including the Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce (GSFCC), whose president Kiran Singh praised the government’s focus on addiction prevention and urged it to go further by restricting vaping among minors.

Singh downplayed concerns about potential losses to nightlife and gaming industries, stating that the societal benefits would outweigh economic costs, and noted that most youth spending in these sectors is marginal or reliant on borrowed money.

However, Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) president Baldath Maharaj urged greater consultation, warning that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment could face setbacks during an already fragile post-pandemic recovery. He recommended a phased implementation strategy, backed by education campaigns and support measures for affected businesses.

The Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the intent but called for a balanced approach, citing concerns that the age increase may inadvertently hurt local businesses that cater to younger demographics. Its president, Anjie Jairam, emphasised the need for evidence-based policymaking and engagement with both the private sector and youth groups.

In Parliament Opposition to Kamla plans, have cautioned that stringent age restrictions—particularly if applied to nightlife, casinos, and recreational venues—could deter western visitors, opting for neighbouring Caribbean destinations perceived as more permissive

Unfinished Oversight of Gambling

While the government seeks to raise the legal gambling age, Trinidad and Tobago has yet to fully implement its 2021 Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act. Though passed and partially proclaimed, the Act’s full regulatory framework including licensing, inspections, and enforcement remains inactive, in need of a final proclamation.

The law would establish a dedicated Gambling Control Commission to oversee five casino venues and 80 gambling/betting establishments (public and private) operating in Trinidad and Tobago

In parallel, the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (FIUTT) has stepped up enforcement in the gambling sector to combat money laundering and financial crime. In 2024, it held multiple stakeholder engagement sessions and public consultations, and collaborated with the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT to align the sector with international standards.

The FIUTT has become a key actor in bridging the regulatory vacuum while the 2021 Act awaits full implementation, with increased scrutiny on unregulated gambling environments and risk-based supervision.

The proposed social reform Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament in the upcoming session, yet the new government has made no statement on the proclamation of the Gambling Control Act.

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ACMA calls Betfair Australia ‘irresponsible’ after VIP spam failures

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Betfair Pty Limited, owned by Crown Resorts and operating under the brand Betfair Australia, has paid an AUS $871,660 penalty to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for failure to comply with the country’s spam laws.

Following an ACMA investigation, it was revealed that Betfair had sent commercial messages to its VIP programme customers without their consent, offering incentives such as account deposits and free event tickets.

In total, 148 emails and text messages were sent to customers who hadn’t consented or had withdrawn their consent to receive such messages between March and December 2024.

Over the same timeframe, the operator had sent six texts and emails which didn’t contain an unsubscribe option for customers.

“VIP programs are generally designed to attract and retain customers with high betting activity, however this doesn’t mean VIP customers are well off or can afford losses,” commented ACMA member Samantha Yorke.

“Sending promotional gambling messages to these customers without consent or with no option to opt-out is incredibly irresponsible in addition to being non-compliant. The spam laws have been in place for over twenty years and it is simply unacceptable for businesses not to respect the rights of their customers.”

Betfair is also entering a two-year court-enforceable undertaking, which will require investment in an independent marketing message review to see where improvements need to be made, as well as staff training, quarterly internal audits and regular reports to the ACMA.

Betfair isn’t the only operator recently to be subject to a penalty for spamming VIP customers.

Tabcorp Holdings was issued a penalty in excess of $4m after an ACMA investigation found the operator had sent over 5,700 marketing messages to its VIP programme customers between 1 February 2024 and 1 May 2024.

In total, 2,538 SMS and WhatsApp messages were sent to VIP customers without an option to unsubscribe from the messages, while 3,148 SMS and WhatsApp messages were sent over the same period without adequate sender information, and 11 SMS messages were sent without consent between 15 February and 29 April 2024.

Yorke added: “This is the second recent ACMA enforcement action concerning VIP customers in the gambling sector. Providers are on notice that they need to have their compliance systems in order.”

September 15 will see SBC organise a groundbreaking charity football event in Lisbon. Make sure you get the chance to see some of the most legendary names in football by securing your ticket today at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/

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Google proposes PlayStore changes to settle India RMG antitrust 

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Google seeks to apply a policy change to allow the distribution of all ‘permissible real-money games (RMGs) on PlayStore for Indian consumers. The changes aims to address competition concerns to ensure equal access for developers in the RMG category.

A policy revision has been submitted to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in response to an ongoing antitrust claim made by Winzo Games. A developer of skill and RMG titles, Winzo alleges that Google’s current policies unfairly deny market access to its games, but allow PlayStore to promote and distribute apps for fantasy sports and rummy verticals.

Reviewing Winzo’s complaint the CCI is examining whether Google rules set by its ‘pilot programme’ are unfairly restrictive to other RMG developers who have been denied a distribution channel on Android systems.

“Distribution on Google Play is essential for app developers to reach a large audience,” the CCI noted on preliminary findings. “The exclusion of certain RMG apps could result in a denial of market access.”

Playstore has distributed fantasy sports and rummy games since 2022, as they are qualified under Indian law as ‘skill games’. Last year, Google expanded RMG categories under a new ‘pilot porgamme’ for the markets of Brazil, India and Mexico, a decision taken with a view of forthcoming regulatory changes.

However due to a lack of regulatory clarity, Google paused the ‘pilot programme’, choosing to review PlayStore policies on an individual market basis.

In response, Google confirmed that it was willing to review the structure of its pilot programme for India. New policies would see Google accept “all real-money games deemed legal under Indian jurisprudence”.

Eligibility for the Playstore distribution would be granted on the condition of developers securing third-party certification from a recognised industry body, such as AIGF, EGF or FIFS, confirming the game qualifies as a “permissible game of skill.”

Google cites that “The RMG Policy Update ensures that any alleged advantage previously conferred to DFS and rummy apps is eliminated, and the competitive field is levelled.”

For India, Google is prepared to update its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) and Developer Programme Policies (DPP) to reflect the new terms. Developers would be required to meet compliance standards not only under Indian law, but also Google’s own platform rules.

Alongside the store update, Google has also proposed revisions to its advertising policies, which currently permit ads only for DFS and rummy games. The new ad policy would similarly apply to all certified RMGs, provided advertisers demonstrate legal standing and obtain third-party validation.

“Google will allow all RMGs… that constitute games of skill to be advertised in India,” the company added. “Any alleged concerns of restrictions imposed on non-DFS or Rummy RMG apps can or will no longer persist in relation to the Ads Policy.”

The CCI is reviewing whether Google’s conduct may have violated Section 4 of India’s Competition Act, which prohibits abuse of dominant market position. Its preliminary view raised concerns about “selective onboarding,” prolonged restrictions on distribution, and “potentially discriminatory enforcement” of Google’s advertising policies.

A final ruling is pending, but if the proposals are accepted, Google would be required to implement the new Play Store framework within 120 days and its ad policy overhaul within 150 days of the CCI’s approval.

“These commitments ensure inclusive access to Google Play and Google Ads for all compliant RMGs,” Google concluded, “eliminating any alleged competitive disadvantages.”

India is one of the largest mobile gaming markets globally, with over 600 million smartphone users and a rapidly expanding real-money gaming ecosystem. However, the space remains tightly contested and frequently litigated, with legal definitions of “skill” vs “chance” under constant scrutiny in state and federal courts.

Google’s proposed policy shift reflects both legal pressure and strategic recalibration, as it seeks to navigate an increasingly regulated and politically sensitive digital ecosystem. The outcome of this CCI case could have broader implications for how global platforms manage legal compliance and content governance in emerging markets.

“We welcome fair competition and are committed to working constructively with regulators to improve developer access and consumer choice,” Google noted.

September 15 will see SBC organise a groundbreaking charity football event in Lisbon. Make sure you get the chance to see some of the most legendary names in football by securing your ticket today at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/

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Government warned about threat to gambling harm support network after GambleAware closure

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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has told iGaming Expert that the UK Government’s move to a statutory levy “must not mean handing control to a narrow group of anti-gambling campaigners or creating a publicly funded cottage industry driven by ideology rather than evidence”.

Representing the regulated UK betting and gaming industry, the standards body’s statement comes in response to GambleAware announcing last week that it would undergo a “managed closure” by the end of March next year as a result of the new levy system.

The BGC highlighted the work achieved by GambleAware in providing gambling harm support, before reminding the UK Government that it is important to make sure funding is still made available to services who can offer help to those that need it the most.

A BGC spokesperson said: “GambleAware has played a central role in funding and commissioning independent research, education and treatment for more than two decades, underpinned by the voluntary contributions of the betting and gaming industry.

“This long-standing commitment, unmatched by other sectors, has helped establish and fund services that support thousands of people every year.

“While we campaigned for and support the Government’s decision to move to mandatory contributions, this must not mean handing control to a narrow group of anti-gambling campaigners or creating a publicly funded cottage industry driven by ideology rather than evidence.

“What matters is that funding remains independent, ringfenced and focused on delivering real outcomes for those at risk of harm.”

Industry concerns

Many in the gambling industry have raised concerns about the funding of services once the switch to the statutory levy takes place.

Deal Me Out has written to the Government asking for services to be treated fairly, while GAMSTOP Group highlighted the vital work GambleAware has done and stated that it believes this will continue under the statutory levy, adding that player welfare must be the focal point of all work.

GambleAware’s CEO Zoë Osmond has called on the levy’s Research, Prevention and Treatment Commissioners – the UK Research and Innovation, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, as well as NHS England and relevant bodies in Scotland and Wales – to build on the charity’s work.

Dan Waugh, Partner at Regulus Partners, believes the funding system is not living up to its billing and is creating more uncertainty for gambling harm treatment providers. BetBlocker Founder and Trustee, Duncan Garvie, added that service providers must be protected during the statutory levy transition period

Some of these statements were also echoed by the BGC, calling for any decisions that will be made to be based on facts.

The standards body said: “Industry contributions have totalled over £170m since 2020 alone, supporting NHS clinics, third-sector providers, and national education programmes. BGC members remain unequivocally committed to safer gambling, and to a robust, independent, and evidence-led system.

“The transition to a statutory levy must protect existing expertise, maintain service continuity, and ensure that decisions are based on data, not dogma.”

UK Gov wants ‘smooth and stable transition’

In response to GambleAware’s closure, the UK Government’s Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, praised the charity’s work and the wider third sector, adding that the levy will build on their work and that a smooth transition to the new system is a priority.

“GambleAware and others across the third sector, including the National Gambling Support Network, have worked with tireless commitment over the years to commission and deliver effective services for people experiencing gambling-related harm,” noted Twycross.

“As the new statutory gambling levy system comes into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority, and we are taking significant steps to maintain service provision. The new levy system will build on the successes of the current system to improve and expand efforts to further understand, tackle and treat harmful gambling.

“I want to thank GambleAware and all their staff for their efforts to support those in need across our country.”

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GambleAware closure labelled ‘a tragedy’ ahead of levy implementation

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The Statutory Levy has been described as causing an ‘exodus of talent’ from the UK’s gambling harm treatment and prevention sector, following news of GambleAware’s closure.

GambleAware stated that as a result of the statutory levy it will undergo a “managed closure” by the end of March 2026. The charity had been acting as the commissioner of gambling harm treatment programmes since its foundation in 2002.

Jordan Lea, Founder of DealMeOut, reacted to the news on LinkedIn, describing GambleAware as the most recognisable, and respected brands to the population, and holds vast, specialised expertise in research, evaluation and commissioning.

He added: “It is an aberration that the implementation of the Statutory levy is causing so many job losses, creating an exodus of talent from our sector.”

What is the statutory levy?

Following changes made by the government, operators in the UK are now required to contribute to a statutory levy to support research, education and treatment (RET), with contributions determined by companies’ gross gambling yield.

As a result, the NHS will now take over from third sector organisations, such as GambleAware, as the main administrator of the treatment and prevention of gambling harms.

Up to £100m per year is expected to be raised by the new levy. 20% of which will go to the Research Commissioner, UK Research and Innovation, to research to establish a bespoke Research Programme on Gambling, as well as the UK Gambling Commission, to direct further research in line with licensing objectives.

The Prevention Commissioner, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), will receive 30% of the levy funding. OHID will develop a comprehensive approach to prevention and early intervention.

Meanwhile, 50% of the levy funding will go to the Treatment Commissioner, NHS England and relevant bodies in Scotland and Wales, who will commission treatment and support services in collaboration with the third sector.

Andy Boucher, Chair of trustees, GambleAware, commented: “The introduction of the new statutory levy and the appointment of the three new commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention and treatment means that, as expected, the work historically delivered by GambleAware will now transition to the UK government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales.

“We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation. Alongside this, we are also proud of the impact GambleAware’s prevention and treatment activity has had in supporting tens of thousands of people over the years, through our national campaigns and our commissioned partners, including the National Gambling Support Network.

“Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm and to ensure stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as the new commissioners take over. The GambleAware website and critical prevention resources continue to provide accessible support for all.”

Building on current progress

Whilst Boucher welcomed the new era, he urged NHS England, OHID, UK Research and Innovation, and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales to ‘build upon the current system’s achievements and insights to ensure learnings are carried forward’.

Reacting to the news, the Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross, who is being charged with leading this new approach to addressing gambling harms, praised the work of GambleAware, and the wider third sector, and promised that the new levy will build on the work of such organisations.

She said: “As the new statutory gambling levy system comes into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority, and we are taking significant steps to maintain service provision. The new levy system will build on the successes of the current system to improve and expand efforts to further understand, tackle and treat harmful gambling.

“I want to thank GambleAware and all their staff for their efforts to support those in need across our country.”

A crucial junction

GambleAware highlighted the importance of its work in May, revealing that it had witnessed a 50% increase in self-referrals to regional support providers since April 2023.

The figures from the charity revealed that over 110,000 people had accessed some level of support from its National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) since its foundation in April 2023. Brief interventions, typically a short conversation on how to reduce the risk of gambling harm saw a 93% increase.

As a result, this underlines the importance of a smooth transition to the stewardship of gambling harm treatment by the NHS to ensure that those in need get the necessary help.

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September 15 will see SBC organise a ground breaking charity football event in Lisbon. Make sure you get the chance to see some of the most legendary names in football by securing your ticket today at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/

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Peru gambling sector unites against Dina’s punitive tax 

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Gambling Licences in Peru are ready to demand a repeal of President Boluarte 1% revenue tax, deemed as an unconstitutional measure, SBC Noticias’ Lucia Gando writes for iGaming Expert.

Tensions are high in Peru, as licensed gambling operators say they are united in their demand for the government to repeal the 1% Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) on wagers — a levy they describe as unconstitutional, anti-competitive and financially unsustainable.

Introduced in February 2024 under Legislative Decree 1644, the tax was pushed through by President Dina Boluarte’s administration as a means to underpin Peru’s newly regulated online gambling framework. The ISC applies a flat 1% charge on the total value of all bets placed including those made using promotional bonuses — regardless of an operator’s licensing status.

For operators holding Peruvian licences, the tax has become a threat to business, as international platforms can offset the tax by passing it onto consumers, domestic firms must absorb the cost directly, eroding margins and distorting competition.

Dina punishes Good Actors…

Industry insiders describe the tax as a blunt instrument that fails to account for the commercial realities of licensed operators. Promotional bonuses a core acquisition and retention tool are now being taxed as though they represent actual turnover.

“Taxing a bonus like real money is the equivalent of charging someone for a prize before they’ve even won,” said one executive involved in the legal campaign to overturn the measure.

Constitutional expert Carlos Fonseca Sarmiento, CEO of Gaming Law Peru, has gone further —branding the tax “openly unconstitutional.” He argues that Decree 1644 breaches Peru’s constitutional principles of equality, legal clarity, and non-confiscatory taxation. Crucially, the decree fails to clearly define the taxable event, making it vulnerable to legal challenge.

MINCETUR has no powers

While the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has defended the ISC as a necessary fiscal tool projecting annual revenues of up to 284 million soles – critics accuse the government of undermining its own regulatory ambitions.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), tasked with formalising the gambling sector, has seen its work destabilised. Industry voices say the MEF is working at cross-purposes with MINCETUR, penalising compliant businesses while doing little to police unlicensed operators.

“Every step MINCETUR takes to bring order, the MEF seems determined to dismantle,” said Fonseca.

The tension reached new heights last month when Congress voted to amend the tax — excluding promotional wagers and applying the levy only to cash-based bets. The move was welcomed by the industry, but swiftly vetoed by President Boluarte, who warned of a 95% drop in ISC revenues if the changes were passed.

Settlement in Congress

That veto has only hardened the industry’s resolve. Domestic operators are now preparing coordinated legal and constitutional challenges to strike down the tax in its current form. Many are also calling on Congress to override the presidential veto — a move that would require a qualified majority but could signal a decisive policy shift.

Meanwhile, questions remain over whether SUNAT — Peru’s tax authority — has the capacity to enforce the tax across unregulated or foreign platforms, many of which operate beyond its reach. As it stands, critics say compliant firms are being punished for playing by the rules.

All eyes now turn to the upcoming national gambling policy conference in Lima, where the industry is expected to present a united front. With market sustainability, regulatory integrity, and foreign investment on the line, pressure is mounting on the government to rethink its fiscal strategy — or risk watching the sector slip back into the shadows.

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September 15 will see SBC organise a ground breaking charity football event in Lisbon. Make sure you get the chance to see some of the most legendary names in football by securing your ticket today at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/

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UKGC to address data concerns after stats regulator critiques flagship survey of gambling habits

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued a response to the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) following its review of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), outlining a timetable for addressing any outstanding recommendations.

Within its response, the UKGC said that most of the recommendations will be addressed in October this year, which is when the second annual GSGB report is scheduled to be published.

GSGB reflections and OSR recommendations

Reflecting on the past year since the first official GSGB statistics were published, the Commission noted that the GSGB hub on its website had 5,271 user visits and includes a variety of outputs from the statistics, including a series of supplementary tables and two deep-dive reports.

Nearly 50 users downloaded the first GSGB raw data, published in the UK Data Service in February 2025, with the data being included in several externally published studies.

Back in May, OSR published its review of the GSGB from Professor Patrick Sturgis of the London School of Economics, outlining seven recommendations for the UKGC to act on. These recommendations were:

Research to better understand the relationship between the survey topic and the propensity of gamblers to respond to survey invitations

Undertake additional research to understand the role of socially desirable responding as the driver of the difference in gambling estimates between in-person and self-completion surveys.

Undertake a randomised experiment to evaluate the effect of the updated list of gambling activities on estimates of gambling prevalence and harm.

Take steps to assess the extent of potential bias in the subset of questions administered to online respondents only.

Continue to monitor best practice in the area of household selection of adults in push-to-web surveys.

Research the prevalence of gambling and gambling harm in groups that are excluded from the GSGB because they are not included in the sampling frame.

Seek opportunities to benchmark the estimates from the GSGB against a contemporaneous face-to-face interview survey in the future.

UKGC’s progress so far

Publishing its response to the OSR recommendations, the UKGC stated it has completed the following:

Updated the GSGB hub’s survey improvements page with information about experimental research commissioning – April 2025.

Hosted a webinar to launch experimental research implementing recommendations 1-3 from Professor Sturgis’ report – April 2025.

Provide a GSGB feedback channel for users – June 2025.

Created and published a user engagement strategy outlining how it will interact and understand the needs of users – July 2025.

Develop and implement a GSGB communications strategy – July 2025.

In terms of recommendations that are ongoing, the Commission stated that it will continue:

Updating the improvements page with the latest developments.

Incorporate user feedback to ensure the survey remains relevant.

Offer user feedback on contributions that can or can’t be addressed via GSGB.

Review and broaden the stakeholder engagement network where possible.

Build on partnerships with other official statistics producers.

Inform users on GSGB page updates in a timely and transparent manner.

Commission’s schedule ahead

As for what still needs to be completed, the UKGC has scheduled to:

Publish research governance framework – July 2025.

Receive feedback from the GSGB statistics user group on other information they would find useful regarding usage of statistics – July 2025.

Feedback from users on GSGB content they want to see published and how they would like to access data – July 2025.

Publish a report from experimental research – August 2025.

Show how GSGB links to evidence roadmaps – September 2025.

Provide additional quality assurance information in the GSGB technical report to combine UKGC and National Centre for Social Research processes – October 2025.

Publish information on how GSGB data is validated against other data sources within the technical report – October 2025.

Add links to guidance on using GSGB data from GSGB statistical landing pages and technical report – October 2025.

Tailor outputs to different users and potentially provide notes to editors when appropriate – October 2025.

Bring two GSGB technical support sections together – why the survey may underreport (people with lived experience may not respond) and why it may overreport (gambling focused) – into the same section – October 2025.

Potentially update guidance after experimental research based on Professor Sturgis’s recommendations and share with the statistics user group – October 2025.

Update materials relating to GSGB consistency and comparability with other related statistics after experimental research to implement Recommendations 1-3 from Professor Sturgis’s report is completed – October 2025.

Expand Power Bi dashboard, offering more granular data, cross-tab potential and smaller geographical area data – October 2025.

Bring hyperlinks from Excel contents page to tables and data tables – October 2025.

Investigate adding Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for publications to track how GSGB is being used and/or published – October 2025.

Publish communication on how GSGB data fits within the broader gambling data landscape and how data is integrated with other sources – December 2025.

Benchmark GSGB data against Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) – December 2025.

Benchmark GSGB data against the 2024 Health Survey for England – March 2026.

Additional questions have also been incorporated into the GSGB, including questions on consumer trust in gambling, unlicensed gambling and if respondents have registered with GamStop, while the question set about bingo has been expanded to understand the locations where bingo is being played in person.

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Nigeria set for domestic collision on gambling overhaul 

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There have been significant objections raised in Nigeria as the central gaming bill passes its third reading and approaches completion.

The Federation of State Gaming Regulators (FSGRN) has vehemently objected to the bill and shared concerns over its progress, as the regulatory framework for the sector edges closer to change.

The Central Gaming Bill is looking to shift the current oversight of the National Lottery Act, which has been deemed unconstitutional. It would mean the building of a federal framework.

However, opposition to the bill from the FSGRN has highlighted that the bill would be a significant constitutional overreach, as well as a threat to destabilising the federal structure in Nigeria.

Warnings from the FSGRN underline that it could intrude on constitutional provisions and have a profoundly negative impact on the country’s gambling framework.

The bill would see the formation of a commission that would oversee the country’s gambling sector and governance of the industry.

Central to the incentives of the bill is to strangle illicit operations and boost efficiency within the licensing process.

The shift comes as the Nigerian gambling industry rides a wave of momentum in terms of engagement and traffic.

Driven by youth and fintech tapping into the gambling industry, it was recently predicted that Nigeria’s iGaming sector is set to grow by 16% and hit NGN $500m in revenue by the end of the year.

The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority emphasised that this has been significantly accelerated by the growth of mobile tech in the country.

The body’s CEO, Bashir Abiola-Are, praised fintech such as mobile wallets and QR-codes that have increased the efficiency in the way players access the betting industry.

A growth in internet penetration has also had a widely positive impact on engagement with the gambling sector, as the report revealed more than a doubling of the internet users in the country.

Key operators in the country, such as Betway, NairaBET, Bet9ja, 22Bet, and 1xBet, have all seen positive growth through fintech collaborations, utilising mobile wallets to elevate the user experience for gambling.

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UKGC won’t make any changes to VIP and HVC schemes for now

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has published the results of an updated exercise which looks at the ongoing impact of policy change related to VIP or High Value Customer (HVC) schemes.

In a blog post, the UKGC’s Head of Evidence Assurance and Evaluation, David Taylor, detailed that such VIP and HVC schemes were “no more commonplace” in 2024 than they were in 2021 after the regulatory change, which changed how an operator can make a customer a VIP so that they wouldn’t be used to exploit gamblers.

Operators can only make customers VIPs now once they have checked that their spending is affordable and sustainable as part of their leisure spend; assessed if there is evidence of gambling-related harm or heightened risk linked to vulnerability; make sure they have up to date identity, occupation and source of funds evidence; and continue to verify information provided and conduct ongoing gambling harm checks on each individual.

Individuals at operators are also made personally accountable for the scheme’s management via a senior executive who holds a personal management licence.

In response to the High Value Customer and VIP Scheme Monitoring Report‘s publication, Taylor noted that the report, based on 2024 data, followed a similar process to the report from 2021, so the results can be considered comparable.

However, it was added that the new report “benefits from the addition of further questions and a consideration of whether HVC or ’VIP’ schemes are referenced in Commission casework”.

Land-based casinos

Alongside the fact that the schemes are no more commonplace than they were previously, the number of people in such schemes has remained consistent, with every HVC scheme having a senior executive appointed to oversee operations as well.

The report also found that HVC schemes were “less often assessed as being a contributory factor in issues under investigation within Commission casework”.

The UKGC calculated the proportion of gross gambling yield which is produced by HVC schemes in the sample as being around 3%.

Yet, there was a significant difference between operators and sectors, with land-based casinos having “a greater reliance on scheme members as a proportion of GGY”.

The Commission did acknowledge that staff supervision and interventions can help provide gambling harm support when necessary, and that the vast majority of customers in high-end casinos are high-net-worth individuals based overseas.

Taylor stated: “This factor, in particular, may have led to the difference in GGY proportions compared to other sectors and it’s worth noting that this finding isn’t accompanied with any allegations of consumer harm, but it is something that can be factored into the Commission’s assessment work.”

Outlook

In his closing comments, Taylor noted that while the intended impact of the VIP and HVC scheme changes is being accomplished, it’s important to remember that the exercise was “reasonably modest in scope”.

“Limitations are detailed in the report and include details about the sample of operators and how this is intended to provide a relatively high-level overview of the policy’s effectiveness. It’s also worth noting that the impact of this policy is also influenced by other changes to regulatory requirements on topics such as customer interaction, for example.”

Taylor concluded that, for now, no additional changes will be made to VIP and HVC schemes, but the UKGC is still ready to step in when required.

“Although evaluation exercises like this will never be able to give total assurance, it does provide an indication that the regulatory objectives have been delivered and further changes are not currently required.

“Where operators fail to meet requirements, we will continue to take action.”

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