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With the growth of the increased use of free spins, promotional bonuses and introductory offers being utilised by operators in a bid to boost new player sign ups, operators also unwittingly incentivise fraud from bonus abusers.

Fraudsters use fake and synthetic identities plus different devices to create multiple accounts across iGaming platforms, exploiting offers aimed at new players and cheating the system of promotional giveaways.

A recent edition of the SBC Webinar series saw host Rebekah Jackson, Director of Gaming at GBG, joined by a team of experts to analyse the most impactful strategy to combating bonus abusers.

Speaking on the panel, Lance McIntosh, Head of Compliance at Playstar Casino, stated that bonus abuse should not be seen as the price of doing business, but that it is very much a problem in the industry.

As the practice continues to grow, he emphasised that it is costing operators ‘time, money and resources’ to combat, describing the inherent acceptance of bonus..

The UK Gambling Commission has announced a full review into Evolution‘s UK operating licence, according to a statement from the igaming giant.

The decision follows allegations that Evolution games were found in the UK on operator websites that didn’t hold a commission licence, leading to a review being commenced under Section 116 of the Gambling Act.

The supplier issued the following statement: “Evolution is cooperating fully with the Commission and has taken requested immediate actions to remedy the situation.

“Games on the identified websites not holding a Commission license have been made unavailable from the UK. Evolution continues to actively work with the Commission to resolve this matter.”

Martin Carlesund, CEO of Evolution, also commented on the UKGC review, noting that the supplier is committed to supporting the licensed UK market, which generates around 3% of its revenue.

“Evolution embraces the objectives of the review by the Commission,” stated Carlesund.

“We are comm..

As we enter into the festive period, GamCare has urged caution when it comes to gambling engagement and for safeguards to be strengthened for players.

The message comes after a YouGov survey, commissioned by the gambling charity, identified that 59% of those at most at risk of gambling harms say they are more likely to gamble around the Christmas Holidays than the rest of year – a 37% increase from 2023.

Additional insights from the survey details that 53% of people gambling at harmful levels have spent money – otherwise needed for food, presents, or other seasonal expenses – on gambling.

Furthermore, 53% of surveyed respondents reported an increase in stress or anxiety levels due to gambling, while 56% say that gambling has made them more isolated.

GamCare has put its own advisers on standby to help anyone who might need support during the holidays, and its National Gambling Helpline remains open for people with gambling issues or those close to them who might be suffering indi..

The Supreme Court of Queensland has ordered Marley Wynter, who allegedly ran a ponzi scheme targeting Australian poker players, to pay AU$4.8m (US$3.2m) as a result of the case.

It has been reported that plaintiffs claimed their efforts for withdrawal were met with friction, with many cases reportedly only being paid out after they had warned they would go to authorities.

Wynter, who according to PokerMedia Australia didn’t contest the claim, spearheaded Marley’s House of Sport and Marley’s House of Investment which allegedly bolstered the profits of its significant portfolio of investors.

The sites were shut down at the start of 2023, having reportedly garnered profits of around AU$30m (US$19.8m), through significant growth of its subscriber base.

Wynter was a prominent figure within the Australian poker scene, having featured in the debut WPT Australia series, he further integrated himself into the space by sponsoring key events and local poker tournaments.

Furthermore, it wa..

Australia’s Minister of Communications, Michelle Rowland, has appointed Richard Eccles to conduct the first statutory review of the country’s national self-exclusion register – BetStop.

Implemented in August 2023 by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, BetStop is being reviewed due to a requirement in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which states a review of the self-exclusion service must be conducted after a year of operations to make sure it is an effective measure to protect those vulnerable from gambling harm.

The Minister’s statement also said that the review will “add to the evidence base on the impacts of BetStop in Australia and voluntary exclusion programs to help inform future policy”.

BetStop covers all Australian licensed iGaming providers, stopping them from opening a new account for self‑excluded individuals, accepting bets from them, or sending them marketing material. Operators must also close existing betting accounts for registered individuals.

Si..