While the gambling market in the UK continues to grow, local authorities continue to take measures to protect vulnerable players and bettors. Last week, GambleAware gave the green light to a pilot project that will extend the provision of the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) that helps individuals suffering from gambling disorders.
In other news from the gambling industry in the UK, FA prevented British sportsbooks from streaming any matches from the FA Cup. This decision comes as the governing body is finalizing a deal on the broadcasting rights for its major FA Cup matches.
As for the iGaming industry in the UK, another software provider has received the stamp of approval from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Thanks to studio and security certificates granted by the regulator, Ezugi will now be able to offer UK players a vast variety of high-quality casino solutions.
GambleAware to Expand Program Helping Individuals Affected by Gambling Disorders
Last week, the charity organisation GambleAware, gave Adferiad Recovery the green light for a three-year pilot project that will allow the extension of the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) provision. This project is supposed to ensure residential rehabilitation for individuals suffering from gambling disorders.
For the project, Adferiad Recovery will be joining forces with Gordon Moody, delivering a service that will concentrate on gambling disorders and issues related to the problem, especially among individuals who are also struggling with addictions with alcohol and/or other substances. The two companies have managed to set an evaluation guideline, strict clinical governance, as well as a protection system that will be implemented according to the project’s plan.
The service will allow every individual to choose their own way of treatment and work at the pace they feel comfortable at. Family and loved ones of those who are making use of the service will also be allowed to participate in the recovery process, allowing a more personal approach for the treatment of every individual.
While the service will focus on helping individuals, it also aims to tackle several fields, allowing the improvement of the gambling environment in the UK. The project supported by GambleAware will include detoxification that will be handled medically, proper mental health support as well as rehabilitation, and rehabilitation on a residential basis.
British Sportsbooks No Longer Allowed to Stream FA Cup Matches
Last week, it was announced that bookmakers will no longer be allowed to stream matches of the upcoming FA Cup ties. This decision came as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is about to make its decision on sponsorship deals.
In 2017, the sports media agency giant IMG, on behalf of the FA, signed a deal with several bookmakers, allowing them to live stream FA Cup matches. This type of feature is available to both newly signed bettors or existing members of the said bookmakers, with the only requirement being punters to place a minimum bet of at least £5. The agreements with several UK bookmakers is due to expire in 2024 and the FA is not planning to resign the same type of deal.
The FA announced that it will consider the media rights for the upcoming FA matches before the next tender in 2024. Many believe, however, that the next tender will not allow any live streaming through bookmaker operators. The FA was involved in several conflicts after The Daily Mail revealed that 23 of a total of 32 FA Cup ties were not broadcasted on TV but were exclusively available only to members of bet365. Following this issue, the DCMS ordered the FA to review its media rights agreements.
Ezugi Granted Certificates from the UKGC, Company to Operate on the UK Market
Last week, Evolution-owned Ezugi announced that it was granted permission to operate on the UK market thanks to studio and security certificates from the UKGC. The certificates apply to 11 games of Ezugi’s gaming portfolio, with the provider permitted to soon offer them to players based in the UK.
Some of the 11 popular titles that Ezugi will soon provide to British casino fans include classic table games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Unlimited Blackjack, Roulette, and Auto-Roulette. Other more exotic Live Casino options that will be available to players in the UK include Dragon Tiger, Lucky 7, Teen Patti, Bet on Teen Patti, and Cricket War.
The licenses granted to Ezugi mark a very important milestone in the company’s history. Pang Goh, business director for Ezugi, ensured that the certificates issued by the UKGC will allow the company to further improve the quality of its products and offer games that meet the “highest industry standards”.