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Michael Silberling, CEO of Metropolitan Gaming, has issued a strong warning to the UK Government regarding the potential increase in Machine Gaming Duty (MGD) as the Treasury prepares for the upcoming Budget. He argues that such a move could derail essential reforms, freeze investment, and lead to the closure of numerous casinos. Following the Department for Culture, Media and Sport modernization package this year, operators, including Metropolitan Gaming, have committed over £300 million to new and upgraded venues in the UK. However, a rise in MGD, currently set at 20%, could render many of these projects unviable. Silberling emphasizes the serious consequences of this potential increase: “We invested millions in good faith. A sudden rise in Machine Gaming Duty undermines the very reforms introduced to support growth. It threatens jobs, freezes investment, will almost certainly lead to further venue closures, and destroys investor confidence. You cannot build growth on shifting goalposts.” His comments reflect growing concern within the sector, with industry analysis indicating that an increase to 25% MGD could result in the closure of up to 40 casinos and put 3,500 jobs at risk. With land-based casinos still operating at 43% smaller capacity in real terms compared to pre-pandemic levels and facing rising operational costs, Silberling asserts that stability and predictable taxation are crucial for protecting employment and fostering long-term investment. Michael Silberling’s message to policymakers is clear: - Protect the reforms - Maintain a stable regulatory environment - Don’t jeopardize a fragile recovery Read the full statement here https://lnkd.in/ea74FTxR #CasinoIndustry #GamingRegulation #BettingAndGamingCouncil #LandBasedGaming #UKBudget #CasinoLifeMagazine #MachineGamingDuty #MGD #GamingReform

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Transforming fresh trainees from the training table to dealing baccarat on the casino floor in just 45 minutes by AACASINO Solutions. The most challenging aspects of baccarat dealing include the need for self-confidence in announcing card hands, managing the players and adhering to the crucial 3rd card rule. The significance of dealers announcing the game cannot be overstated. Not only does it enhance the overall ambiance and atmosphere of the game, but it also provides a level of customer service by simplifying the hand totals for players. This practice minimizes dealer errors in multiple ways: dealers are more likely to catch and correct their own mistakes, players have the opportunity to intervene before errors escalate, and pit managers and surveillance teams can effectively monitor the game and prevent errors. While some training schools may require days or weeks to master the necessary skills, AACASINO breaks down the baccarat dealer role into manageable segments, focusing on core skills and providing trainees with practical experience. Language barriers are not a hindrance to the training process at AACASINO, as also qualified English teachers we can instruct trainee dealers in both dealing and announcing in English. https://lnkd.in/d9kvmMdD

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Two sunny and insight-packed days at iGX London ☀️🎰 It was a pleasure to join the panel “Modernising Casino Culture: Data, Influencers, and Real-World Connections” alongside Marcela Torres, Ian Turnbull, and Daniel Grabher. One of the takeaways: a strong multi-channel strategy – combining online and offline experiences – is critical. Both Caesars Entertainment and Swiss Casinos are already embracing this to meet evolving customer expectations. 🎯 And if you're looking for even more insights, Justin Deaville has summarised 292 actionable tips from iGX 2025 – a goldmine for anyone in iGaming: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eFDVRxA8 #iGX2025 #SwissCasinos #CasinoInnovation #iGaming #CustomerExperience #Leadership #Multichannel #CasinoCulture

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🎰 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻? 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀)? 🤔 Whilst still a great market to be in, the UK online casino space is changing fast. More and more operators are either closing their doors or exiting the market entirely. But why is this happening? 🔎 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 📉 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 ⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆 In our latest article, we break down: ✅ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 ✅ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 ✅ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✅ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁 Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e8JpT694 #️⃣ #iGaming #OnlineCasino #AffiliateMarketing #UKGaming #FruitySlots #CasinoIndustry

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Last week’s Autumn Budget introduced tax changes that will take time for the UK gambling industry to fully evaluate, with significant adjustments to operating models expected. Given its significance, Future Anthem has taken time this week to reflect on the details of the reforms with a considered view and data 1st approach as you might expect. We plan to share a clear analysis next week. What is already evident is this: to survive and win in the next phase, UK operators must make fundamental changes, adjusting their product mix and promotional strategies in real time to orchestrate journeys with financial efficiency whilst retaining players for longer. Only data and AI can do this at scale - personalised, data-led interactions must be at the forefront for operators to be in a stronger position to navigate with confidence, clarity and control. #RealTimeisNow #WinnersWillAdjust

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Now that the new Gibraltar Gambling Bill has been published and is awaiting Parliamentary debate, the volume of enquiries from the sector and advisers has increased. We will be issuing administrative guidelines and draft codes once the Parliamentary debate is complete, but until then here are a few points to consider. Sections 17-19 defines the scope of B2C and B2B ( regulated activities). Gambling marketing and Holdcos ( holding more than 25% in a relevant gambling company - including outside Gibraltar) are also brought within scope. S19 defines “ providing facilities for gambling” and this now extends to managenent control in or from Gibraltar. This may capture certain multi jurisdictional models that were previously not in scope. S19 also extend the scope of what constitutes B2B activity both in or from Gibraltar, but also what constitutes licensable supply chain business to Gibraltar licensed operators. So CRM support in or from Gibraltar to an operation outside the jurisdiction may be licensable B2B activity or, if the external business is managed or controlled from Gibraltar, it may even be B2C activity. Whilst existing licensees will be “grandfathered” into the new regime, those business will need to look to see if any other functionality conducted in or from Gibraltar falls within scope. Gambling marketing companies in Gibraltar will also need to start a dialogue, ideally having taken advice, with the Gibraltar Gambling Division regarding the licensing process as the grant of marketing licenses is on a prima facie restrictive basis and at the discretion of the Licensing Authority. Gibraltar is host to a number of multi jurisdictional business models and also acts as a service centre. We will take a pragmatic approach and will be supportive of any business that does not pose a risk to the reputation of the jurisdiction. Once the Act is implemented there will be a transition period, but if you are a gambling B2C, B2B ( supplying services to, in or from Gibraltar), marketing co or Holdco, now is the time to start thinking whether or not the activity you perform is defined as “Regulated” and subject to licensing down the line. We would prefer all businesses to engage early (a) so that we have a complete understanding of all the different business models out there (b) so businesses can plan strategically by understanding our position and risk appetite. What we can’t give are opinions based on a tailored ( partial) version of the business model. Businesses will need to be clear and transparent about their models and be prepared for in depth questions. I am commited to engage ( alongside advisers) to ensure an effective and pain free transition to a new Act as possible.

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GAMRS has today published a major investigative report exposing a large-scale offshore gambling network that has continued to target UK consumers without authorisation, bypassing consumer protections and regulatory safeguards. The report focuses on the unlicensed online casino brand MyStake and its associated network of sister sites, operated through entities including Santeda International B.V. and Ryker B.V. Despite being registered and licensed offshore, the investigation finds that the network’s core technical infrastructure, operational control, and day-to-day management are concentrated in Georgia through the Upgaming / Inplaynet ecosystem. Download the full PDF, link in the comments. #MyStake #Santeda #BlackMarket #Ryker #Rolletto #DonBet #UpGaming #UpCo #Report #illegalGambling #iGaming #Casino #UK GAMRS Deal Me Out Gambling Commission Gambling AML & FinCrime Alliance Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

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Scottish Soft Play Operators Call for Urgent Support Ahead of Budget Announcement Less than a week before the Scottish Budget is signed off, operators from the indoor play industry are urgently calling on the Scottish Government to correct what they see as a critical oversight in the proposed Non-Domestic Rates relief package. In a recent meeting with Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Public Finance, and Anouk Berthier, Head of Non-Domestic Rate Policy, industry representatives highlighted their exclusion from the 40% rates relief granted to hospitality businesses. This decision, they argue, places them at an unfair disadvantage compared to counterparts in England and Wales, where Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure (RHL) businesses benefit from financial support. READ MORE... https://lnkd.in/eWz_ShmE UKHospitality Darren Margach #ScottishBudget #SoftPlay #IndoorPlay #SmallBusinessSupport #BusinessRates #ScotlandEconomy #SaveSoftPlay #FairFunding #ScottishGovernment #NonDomesticRates #RHLRelief #SupportLocalBusinesses #PlayMatters #ScotlandBusiness #TourismAndLeisure #UKHospitality

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We have released our June ’25 Canada Online Game Performance Report, highlights include Pragmatic Play leads in GGR share, capturing 15.4% of Gross Gaming Revenue and outperforming its share of games tracked of 8.9%, indicating a positive fair share. IGT’s Cash Eruption maintains its position as the top overall game, while Pragmatic Play holds 4 of the top 5 slot ranks, showcasing top themes in the slot category. NEW Slot Ranks: 1.     Games Global – Amazing Link Boosted Riches​ 2.     Pragmatic Play – Gates of Olympus Super Scatter​ 3.     Gamecode – Triple Stones​ 4.     Octoplay – Super Cash Boost Hold and Win​ 5.     Light & Wonder – Huff N More Puff Canada game performance data was collected from 10 online casinos across 5 Provinces and includes 4 Ontario Operators. The overall OGPD has expanded to 116 casinos tracked across 19 countries including 14 in Europe as we prepare to release monthly editions of that report soon. Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and Fantini Research #igaming #casinonews #casinos #onlinecasino #analytics

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MERKUR EXPANDS UK PRESENCE. FIRST VENUES IN NORTHERN IRELAND Merkur Casino UK has completed the acquisition of Oasis Retail Services, Northern Ireland’s largest and most successful gaming and amusement machine operator. With this acquisition, Merkur is now active in Northern Ireland for the first time, continuing its consistent growth strategy in the United Kingdom. Oasis Retail Services operates 16 venues and several hundred machines in the single site business, primarily located in pubs and betting shops. The acquisition marks another significant milestone in Merkur Group’s international expansion and underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the UK economy. “We are delighted to welcome Oasis Retail Services into the Merkur family,” said Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer of Merkur Casino UK. “Oasis is a business built on strong values, quality and a long-term commitment to its customers and employees.” It is particularly pleasing that Oasis has long operated to the same high standards that define Merkur. This quality and reliability will be maintained and further developed together – for the benefit of both employees and customers. Merkur employs over 15,000 people worldwide and operates over 220 Gaming Centres in GB. By integrating Oasis Retail Services, Merkur Casino UK further strengthens its position in one of Europe’s key gaming markets and expands its presence in the land-based sector.

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