Author: Charles Shephardson

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) is reportedly close to acquiring evoke’s share of B2C sports betting brand 888Africa, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Nasdaq-listed platform supplier is understood to be targeting evoke’s 80% shareholding in 888Africa, structured as a 20% direct ownership stake with the remainder held as a convertible loan. Evoke is said to be seeking between €20m and €30m for its share in the African venture, as the William Hill owner looks to raise cash ahead of its acquisition by Bally’s Intralot. The remaining 20% of 888Africa is held by the operator’s senior management team, who…

The UK Gambling Commission has issued a formal warning to remote operators after finding that some licensees are still failing to meet existing identity-verification requirements. The regulator revealed that more than a quarter of complaints received by its Contact Centre relate directly to identity verification issues across the industry. Disputes over the verification process are also among the most commonly referred complaints sent to alternative dispute resolution providers, highlighting the scale of the problem. The Commission identified a number of instances where licensees were not collecting sufficient information from customers at the point of registration to satisfy Licence Condition 17,…

The UK Gambling Commission has issued a formal warning to remote operators after finding that some licensees continue to fail existing identity-verification requirements. The regulator revealed that more than a quarter of all complaints received by its Contact Centre relate directly to identity verification issues experienced by customers. Disputes over the verification process are also among the most common complaints referred to alternative dispute resolution providers, underlining the scale of the problem. The Commission identified a number of instances where licensees were failing to collect sufficient customer information at registration to satisfy Licence Condition 17, which governs identity verification. As…

Evoke chief financial officer Sean Wilkins has confirmed the group is deliberately prioritising higher-value players over raw customer volume following a notable decline in active users. The operator reported a 6% year-on-year fall in active customer numbers during the first half of 2026, prompting questions about whether the drop reflected a strategic choice. Wilkins addressed the issue directly during the company’s H1 earnings call, making clear the decline was not simply a consequence of market conditions but an intentional shift in approach. He explained the strategy was focused on “getting significant value from our players”, with Evoke targeting both average…

Midnite has had a major advertising campaign banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority following concerns over its core messaging. The ASA ruled against two television ads, two video-on-demand ads, and one radio spot that aired during April and May of this year. The campaign generated 125 complaints from the public, making it one of the more heavily scrutinised gambling advertising cases of the year. Each advert followed a consistent structure where everyday technology failed, frustration mounted, and Midnite’s betting or casino app appeared as the dependable solution. The television ads visually reinforced that irritation by depicting pulsing veins on…

Bacta, the trade body representing amusement arcades and Adult Gaming Centres, has warned it would seriously consider judicial review proceedings if the UK moves toward revoking existing AGC licences. The warning came in response to calls from prominent reform campaigner James Noyes, who urged the government to include licence revocation powers in its consultation on changes to the so-called “aim to permit” rules. Prime Minister Andy Burnham sparked controversy this week by targeting the gambling industry, controversially grouping betting shops alongside “dodgy businesses” in language that has drawn widespread criticism across the sector. Burnham announced the government intends to remove…

OG Esports has secured its place at The International 2026, returning to Dota 2’s biggest stage after a four-year absence from the tournament. The organisation, a two-time International champion, earned qualification through the Southeast Asia Qualifiers earlier this 2026 season. OG famously became the first organisation to win The International back-to-back, claiming the Aegis of Champions in both 2018 and 2019. Rather than chasing short-term results after their absence, OG chose to undertake a complete rebuild of their competitive Dota 2 programme. In a move that surprised much of the esports world, OG relocated to Southeast Asia and fielded its…

SOFTSWISS, a global technology partner for the iGaming industry, will attend SiGMA North America 2026, which takes place in Mexico City from 1 to 3 September. The event marks SiGMA’s debut in Mexico, reflecting the country’s growing importance within the regional iGaming landscape and international operator interest. Mexico’s online gambling market is projected to reach EUR 1.73 billion by 2030, making it one of the most attractive regulated markets in the Americas. SOFTSWISS already supports licensed gaming brands operating in Mexico through a fully compliant iGaming ecosystem backed by round-the-clock technical and client support. The company’s attendance reflects its strategic…

Catena Media’s second-quarter results triggered a sharp 24% drop in share price, prompting CEO Manuel Stan to explain why management is accelerating away from traditional affiliation. The company reported revenue of €9.5m for Q2 2026, representing a fall of just 1% year-on-year, but the profitability picture was considerably more troubling for investors. Adjusted EBITDA declined by 11% to €1.2m, a result that Stan attributed to deep structural issues rather than short-term operational setbacks. The CEO diagnosed the root cause as “structural challenges that traditional affiliation is facing relating to the shifting dynamics of organic search.” Stan was candid with investors…

EvenBet Gaming, a leading developer of online poker and casino software, has rolled out two new dynamic cash game features aimed at boosting operator revenue and player engagement. The two additions, Straddle from any position and No Look All-In, are designed to help operators win the battle for player attention and accelerate table velocity. Both features target increased player lifetime value and overall rake, giving operators powerful new mechanics to differentiate their poker offerings in a competitive market. Straddle from any position removes traditional positional restrictions, allowing the first eligible player at the table to place an initial straddle at…