Steve Hoare - Player Protection Hub

Former anti-EU party domain converted to non-GAMSTOP casino platform

Steve HoareMay 23, 20250177 views

Advertisements for non-GAMSTOP casinos have once again entered the mainstream public domain, further putting UK customers at risk.

In a development that few, if any, could’ve predicted, the website of the Brexit Party – the former political entity of Nigel Farage – is now seemingly acting as an affiliate for casinos that proudly boasts their ‘non-GAMSTOP’ offers.

This implies that the websites promoted will accept users who are excluded from regulated UK gaming sites. All operators holding a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) must provide links to GAMSTOP as part of licensing conditions.

SBC News wrote about a similar promotion last week, where a global PR newswire ran an advertisement about such a casino. The website, MyStake, was easily accessible by anyone in the UK and certainly in breach of any UKGC regulations.

The most recent case however led to even more headscratching, as it is unusual to see a politically-related domain promoting these types of casinos.

The name ‘Brexit Party’ is no longer used by any active UK political parties, with the party itself having undergone a rebrand to Reform UK, and subsequently switched to a new website.

However, the domain name for its previous incarnation remains the same. A likely explanation is that the domain expired after Farage moved on to Reform, and was subsequently auctioned or outright bought by the affiliate who is now running it.

ComposedPix/Shutterstock
Spotlight on self-exclusion due diligence
What is even more interesting though is that the names of casinos listed there include those of Betfair and Betfred – two well-known UK brands that are licensed by the UKGC.

Of importance, both operators have previously fully committed to using GAMSTOP and prevent anyone who has self-excluded from using their services.

The UKGC’s general stance against affiliates promoting non-GAMSTOP casinos is very stringent. There are harsh regulatory punishments for operators found to be working with such affiliates.

If Betfair and Betfred are in fact in a contractual relationship with the affiliate running the former Brexit Party website, this could spell trouble for both.

UKGC guidelines dictate that operators should ensure that the affiliates they’re partnered with have removed self-excluded customers from their brand-specific marketing lists.

This means that both Betfair and Betfred should be able to demonstrate proactive actions to prevent their marketing materials from being sent to such customers.

But as they are not responsible for the rest of the affiliate’s business practices, the question remains – what about the other websites and the wider UK online space?

SBC News has reached out to Betfair, Betfred, the UKGC, and GAMSTOP for comments.

Update: Betfred has responded: “We have no partnership with this site and we have asked for the immediate removal of our logo and link.”

Paf upkeeps social funding despite highest compliance scrutiny

Steve HoareMay 21, 20250161 views

Paf, the sole gaming company of Finland’s autonomous Åland Islands, has raised €21.5m to maintain its social activities, public benefit initiatives and environmental projects.

The funds are the result of strong 2024 results, in which Paf upheld its long-standing social responsibility mandate. Notably, it remains the only European operator to self-impose general annual loss limits on customer accounts, a policy first introduced in 2018 and further tightened in 2024.

Despite the self-imposed restrictions, Paf revenues increased by 3% to €183m (2023: €177m). Group earnings were maintained at €54m, representing a slight decline on FY2023’s €55m.

Leadership views the sustained earnings as a success, particularly in the face of heavier taxation across core markets. In 2024, Finland increased its lottery tax from 5% to 12%, while Sweden raised its gaming tax from 18% to 22%, effective 1 July.

“We had a strong 2024, and we can be really pleased with the year. The trend of increased gambling taxes is bringing down earnings, but this was something we were prepared for,” said CEO Christer Fahlstedt.

Fahlstedt also emphasised the sustainability of Paf’s player base, noting that the company’s focus on lower-spending recreational customers enables it to absorb higher taxation while maintaining profitability:
“Paf is well equipped to handle tax increases thanks to our customer base, which generates long-term income from a large number of players who play for smaller amounts.”

The company made headlines by further reducing its general loss limit to €16,000 per year in March 2025, including additional restrictions for customers aged 20–24.

CEO Fahlstedt criticised Finnish gambling monopoly Veikkaus for moving in the opposite direction and raising its own player loss limits — a decision seen as undermining responsible gambling efforts.

“I am genuinely surprised and a little disappointed that our state-owned counterpart Veikkaus in Finland has chosen to raise its loss limit this spring. But we are going our own way and they are going in a different direction,” he stated.
“At a time when the social harms of gambling are well understood, it’s deeply concerning that a government-owned monopoly would choose to loosen protections rather than strengthen them.”

Paf’s transparent approach to responsible gambling was further demonstrated through its audited breakdown of customer segments.

The company reported a 12.3% increase in revenue from low-risk ‘green’ segment players, underlining its long-term commitment to sustainable operations and player wellbeing.

Moving into 2025, Paf leadership and governance will closely monitor forthcoming regulatory changes in Sweden, and the pending legal settlements for Finland to launch its online gambling market as of 2027.

The company, like other Finnish market stakeholders, has been making preparations for a regulated market launch. A notable recent initiative is a marketing one, with the firm securing a deal with F1 driver Kimi Räikkönen, one of the country’s most notable sports personalities.

Chairman Jan-Mikael von Schantz praised the Paf responsible ethos: “The level of Paf funds that can be maintained year after year, combined with the voluntary measures taken in relation to responsible gaming towards customers, is impressive. There is no other company in the industry that is currently achieving anything similar.”

NI urged to take action as ‘serious gap’ on gambling treatment addressed

Steve HoareMay 21, 20250170 views

Northern Irish politicians have expressed alarm at the levels of gambling harm reported in the 2024 Gambling Prevalence Survey.

One of the most significant findings is the low number of people seeking help, with just 1% of those who partake in gambling accessing support or information from betting or mental health services.

Commissioned by the Department for Communities, the survey has led Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan, Chair of The All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling, to urge the government to take action amid a political stalemate on gambling reform.

McGuigan said: “The Minister of Health must act without delay to commission dedicated gambling treatment services. With existing addiction services already under pressure, additional funding is essential.

“The findings of this survey point to a serious gap in provision for addiction treatment in the north. The need is clearly there, but people aren’t getting the help they need.”

Concerning numbers and slow politics
A total 3% of the country’s population are experiencing what the report described as severe gambling-related harms, whilst a further 10% are considered low or moderate risk gamblers.

Another important figure to note is the amount of adults who gambled in the past 12 months who admitted to betting more than they could afford to lose, which stands at around one in seven.

McGuigan highlighted that the figures underscore the serious social and public health implications of gambling addiction.

The politician has been a vocal figure in calling for gambling reform in Northern Ireland, where the industry is governed by the decades old Betting, Gaming, Lotteries & Amusements Order of 1985,

“This isn’t just about individuals losing money; it’s about broken families, damaged relationships, and communities struggling with the fallout of gambling harms,” he continued on the findings of the prevalence survey.

Ripple effects
The survey highlighted that one in eight people admitted needing to gamble increasing amounts to achieve a high level of excitement, and nearly one in 12 said gambling had caused stress and anxiety.

Meanwhile, the survey also found that 10% of people affected by gambling had experienced the breakdown of a close relationship due to someone’s gambling.

McGuigan is now asking the Minister for Communities to bring forward the promised levy on land-based gambling operators without delay to address the funding gap.

Additionally, he has criticised the British Government for excluding Northern Ireland from the proceeds of the statutory levy on gambling operators introduced in Britain on 6 April.

Finally, the Chair has urged the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to implement tighter ad restrictions after the survey revealed 66% of respondents believe there are too many gambling promotions, and 71% support a watershed for gambling ads on TV and radio.

As stated above, McGuigan is one of the more notable politicians vocally calling for gambling reform in Northern Ireland. It was only in November last year that McGuigan urged DCMS to intervene and align online gambling advertising protections for Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK.

The demand was made by members of the All-Party Group of the Stormont Assembly on Gambling Harms Reduction, who wrote to Secretary of State Lisa Nandy to “bridge the gap on gambling advertising.”

New Romanian regulator vows to bring moderation and balance

Steve HoareMay 21, 20250184 views

ONJN begins a new leadership tenure under Vlad-Cristian Soare, who will serve as the President of the National Gambling Office of Romania (ONJN).

Soare’s appointment as the successor to Gheorghe Gabriel Gheorghe as President of ONJN was announced to Romanian authorities in April.

Gheorghe chose to resign ahead of Romania hosting its re-scheduled Presidential Elections on 18 May, won by Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan as an independent candidate.

The presidential elections took place against a backdrop of instability, marked by the annulment of the 2024 presidential vote and widespread concerns over foreign interference by Russia.

A lawyer and former lecturer at the University of Bucharest, Soare has no previous involvement in the management of ONJN.

The department is under significant scrutiny following its failure to audit taxes and authorisation fees, which have cost the Romanian government a near €1bn in lost income.

Taking office, Soare acknowledged the current political sensitivities in Romania, stating: “Today I went from office to office in the institution I run. Not to talk about voting, but to tell my colleagues a simple thing: for me, it doesn’t matter what they voted for. It matters that we are here, together, for the same goal.

Vlad-Cristian Soare
“I admit, I was happy with the result. It was a vote in line with my convictions. But this joy comes with responsibility, care and, perhaps most importantly, moderation. At the same time, I also feel the tension, the frustration, the rupture. And I know that a true victory does not mean being right alone, but building together.”
In addition to its auditing failures, ONJN has been accused of negligence in its enforcement and monitoring of licensed operators.

Filing its auditing report, the Court of Accounts informed Parliament that ONJN executives could be liable for criminal prosecution due to the agency’s regulatory failures.

Calls to disband ONJN are led by the Save Romania Union (USR), of which Nicușor Dan was formerly a member. Senator Ciprian Rus, leader of USR, summoned Gheorghe Gabriel Gheorghe to face a parliamentary inquiry. This was refused by the former ONJN president, who claimed he did not wish to participate in a “political sideshow”.

Gheorghe stated that ONJN’s discrepancies stemmed from outdated IT systems, which hindered effective monitoring and enforcement of gambling regulations.

The systems had not been updated to reflect the tax reforms introduced in 2019, including the 2% monthly tax on online gambling operators, calculated based on total participation fees collected each month.

USR maintains that ONJN must face repercussions for its regulatory failures, and has called for the Ministry of Finance and Tax Office to assume temporary governance of Romanian gambling.

Seeking to place ONJN under review, USR demands that Romanian authorities support its proposed stop-gap measure to impose a limit on gambling expenditure to 10% of a player’s monthly income – a move billed as a new “accountability safeguard for Romanian gamblers”.

Whether ONJN is maintained or not, Romania’s gambling sector requires more stable management, following a period marked by frequent leadership changes since 2018 and significant shifts in taxation, authorisation fees, and regulatory enforcement.

Soare concluded: “My political colour is decency. That’s what I told my colleagues. I think that, beyond the differences, we need to remember what unites us: honest work, professionalism, balance.”

Bulgarian politicians to leverage Eurozone accession against black market

Steve HoareMay 21, 20250211 views

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov has said that the country’s Eurozone entry will deal a blow to the gambling black market.

Speaking to various shareholders at the National Information Centre, Zafirov commented that Bulgaria’s pending accession to the Eurozone next year will help shine more light on the illicit cash flows running through the unregulated gambling sector.

The Minister further added that gambling harm has become a significant threat to the population of the former Eastern Bloc country, and therefore should be treated as a national security issue.

Building stability
Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007, and opened up its borders and markets even more at the start of this year by joining the Schengen zone.

The increased ease of travel, and especially international trade, as a result of both has made the country more appealing not only to legitimate businesses but to bad actors as well – including those from the illegal gambling sector.

However, the country has exhumed confidence in building up a security perimeter against such parties on more than one occasion.

Bulgaria’s national gambling regulator, led by Director General Rumen Spetsov, has spearheaded the battle against offshore operators time and again.

In previous interviews for SBC News, Spetsov has often given examples of how the regulator is fending off the black market by keeping a close watch on the regulated market and subjecting it to strict rules.

This will more than likely continue to be the case even after Bulgaria joins the Eurozone next year, given the comprehensive regulatory frameworks that countries using the Euro as currency need to abide by.

Even more, Bulgaria will be able to take a more active role in supporting the EU’s fight against black market operators, providing valuable feedback and sharing good practices with partnering international stakeholders.

The country has previously criticised the EU’s lack of a unified framework which collectively flags down illegal gambling operators for all nations on the continent.

Aligning itself closer to Brussels through the Eurozone might unlock more opportunities for Bulgaria to lead such an initiative in the future.

GamCare issues ‘family notice’ for Mental Health Awareness Week

Steve HoareMay 21, 20250185 views

GamCare has issued a public warning as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), drawing attention to the often-overlooked psychological toll gambling takes on those closest to the person gambling.

The charity, which provides support to people affected by gambling-related harm, is using the national awareness campaign to highlight a message that is frequently overshadowed: “Gambling doesn’t only affect the person who gambles, but also the people around them.”

Partners, family members, friends and even colleagues can all be impacted by someone else’s gambling behaviour.

According to GamCare, the emotional and mental toll can include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a profound sense of stress. Financial strain, secrecy, and trust issues can also erode relationships and leave individuals feeling isolated or unable to speak out.

“It’s not uncommon for loved ones to experience a complex mix of emotions,” the organisation stated. “Shame, anger, guilt and helplessness are all typical, particularly when someone is trying to support a person who continues to gamble despite the harm it’s causing.”

To address this, GamCare offers a range of services for affected others. A weekly Family and Friends Chatroom, held every Tuesday from 10am to 11:30am, provides a confidential and supportive online space for individuals to share experiences, seek advice, and connect with others in similar situations. The organisation also runs a 24-hour helpline and live chat for those in need of immediate assistance.

GamCare encourages open, non-confrontational communication as a starting point. Rather than accusatory language, it suggests using statements such as “I feel worried about our finances” to express concerns in a constructive way. The charity also urges individuals to establish boundaries, particularly around money, to help protect their own wellbeing.

As the focus of Mental Health Awareness Week turns to how external factors can impact mental health, GamCare is making a clear case that gambling-related harm must be understood as a wider issue — not just one affecting individuals, but entire support networks.

Those affected by someone else’s gambling can contact GamCare’s National Helpline free and confidentially, 24 hours a day, on 0808 80 20 133 or via live chat at www.gamcare.org.uk.

Rise in prison problem gambling leads to GamCare urging reforms

Steve HoareMay 21, 20250170 views

The University of Staffordshire and GamCare have called for more UK prison reforms to address rising gambling harm rates among inmates.

Research commissioned by the university, co-funded by GamCare and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services (HMPPS), revealed that gambling harm is becoming increasingly more prevalent among those part of the UK prison system.

Not only that, but the impulsive behaviour can also be a problem for people under probation supervision, becoming a prominent risk factor for entering debt, homelessness or reverting back to crime, inevitably leading to a repeat incarceration of those under the probation bracket.

Within prison walls, the research highlighted that problem gambling can also lead to prisoners becoming a victim of violence themselves. This was especially pronounced in Wales’ male prisons, affecting 11% of respondents.

The majority of inmates across all UK prisons also revealed that they have never been asked whether they’re affected by gambling.

Associate Professor Sarah Page, Research Lead, said: “Gambling harm is a somewhat hidden crisis affecting people across our prisons and probation services. Our research highlights the urgent need for consistent, effective support services for those harmed by gambling — whether directly or indirectly.”

What is the solution
The university, together with GamCare, now recommends that a mandatory problem gambling recognition training be rolled out for staff across all HMMPS prisons, with lived experience contributions taking a central role in the approach.

In the UK, industry shareholders that can proactively participate in the coordination of such training are plentiful, with widely-recognised national networks – such as Deal Me Out, EPIC Global Solutions, or Gordon Moody – carrying a lot of experience in this area.

Additionally, there could be another reason as to why now might be a good time to consider such action – namely the Gambling Review White Paper’s RET statutory levy, which will unlock an additional £100m in funding for national problem gambling initiatives.

All in all, across the total 15 recommendations made, the bottom line is that the university is hoping for its research to serve as a stepping stone for what would be a more conscious approach towards gambling harm intervention within the Criminal Justice System.

“By sharing our findings, we hope to inform meaningful reforms within HMPPS and community services that reduce reoffending and improve lives,” Page concluded.

Norway authorities take notes as sector responds to state RG strategy

Steve HoareMay 19, 20250181 views

Shareholders from all corners of the industry have had their say on Norway’s upcoming national problem gambling strategy.

Gambling regulator Lotteritilsynet, Norway’s Directorate of Health, and the State Media Authority, Medietilsynet, are co-leading the country’s biggest problem gambling reform in years, scheduled for enforcement in 2026.

The three authorities have each reached out to a large number of relevant industry parties to gather as much of a nuanced response as possible as to which areas in Norway’s national problem gambling strategy need the most attention.

ADHD Norway makes its case…
Speaking to the Directorate of Health, non-profit support organisation ADHD Norway said that it wants to see more efforts being put into helping individuals with various neurological disorders.

The body says that between 70-75% of people with ADHD in Norway suffer from various levels of impulsivity, hence putting them at heightened risk of behavioural disorders such as risk gambling.

Gry Lunde, Secretary General of ADHD Norway, added that ADHD and its relation with problem gambling should be more prominently featured in the national health curriculum and social care education – both across the professional primary health care system and in schools.

Another interesting recommendation from ADHD Norway’s proposal is for the Norwegian Correctional Service to introduce targeted courses for the identification and treatment of gambling disorders among prisoners.

To achieve all of the above, the organisation suggests that more funds be allocated to municipalities for the development of better mental health care.

It also wants to see more problem gambling services rolled out across drug treatment wards, alongside more support tools for affected others. A final proposal includes stricter restrictions on gambling advertising.

…Gambling Addiction Norway’s voice heard…
It is perhaps of no surprise that better family aid is also a top recommendation in Gambling Addiction Norway’s (GAN) response – a support network whose work focuses on helping those suffering from gambling harm and their close ones move forward with their lives.

Magnus Pedersen, Political Advisor for GAN, added that the organisation is currently experiencing a steady influx of people reaching out because they’re in need of assistance.

Some of the recommended measures put forward by GAN include a nationwide educational campaign to help relatives of those affected better understand the specialist support tools currently available.

GAN concluded by welcoming the collaborative approach of the Norwegian Lottery Authority, the Norwegian Directorate of Health, and the Norwegian Media Authority, and that it remains open to further contributions towards the problem gambling action plan.

…and the operator, Norsk Tipping
Writing directly to Norway’s regulator, state-owned operator Norsk Tipping proposed for gambling harm efforts to concentrate more on younger people between the ages of 18 and 25, given the increasing proportion of casino games customers within that demographic.

An interesting take from the operator’s letter was a recommended strategy to investigate which minorities are the most exposed to problem gambling. This would be done through a series of language surveys, which Norsk Tipping says would further inform its safer gambling messaging campaigns.

Another proposed approach to Norway’s problem gambling action plan is to research the effects of government-imposed DNS blocking, or IP address blocking.

The company also viewed treatment in a social setting as a positive practice, directly referring to Gambling Addiction Norway as an ‘exemplary’ service in the field and – among others – in need of better financial support from the government.

Given that Norsk Tipping operates as a state-owned entity in a monopoly market, its recommendations carry significantly more weight compared to other responses in the consultations.

Regardless, the operator’s future is being constantly pondered on by politicians given Norway’s status as the last monopoly market in the Nordics.

Gambling Commission confirms TGP Europe’s UK exit and £3.3m penalty

Steve HoareMay 16, 20250193 views

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed that an investigation into TGP Europe culminated in the firm being issued a £3.3m penalty for due diligence and AML failures. SBC News and iGaming Expert noticed yesterday that the all 15 domain names operated by TGP Europe had ceased accepting both new and existing customers, 13 of which did so on 8 May. A key…