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New affordability checks: a watershed moment for the gambling industry

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Study Conducted by Bestnongamstopcasinos UK

TALLINN, Estonia, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — After much discussion, a new initiative aimed at implementing further regulation in the gambling industry has been approved by parliament. Multiple stages of new affordability checks are to be introduced for people incurring financial losses to a certain amount from this August. The pilot programme, which is designed to protect players using online casinos or sports betting platforms from getting into financial trouble through gambling, will run for six months starting on 30th August and is designed as a two-stage approach. The first stage of affordability checks focuses on “invisible” checks on players losing £500 a month through gambling. This amount will drop even lower to £150 from 28th February 2025. The second stage involves closer scrutiny of players incurring losses of £1000 in 24 hours or £2000 in 90 days. After the six-month trial elapses, there will be a brief period of assessment to measure the effectiveness of the pilot scheme.

The initiative, which is viewed as the most drastic clampdown on the gambling industry in history, has already incurred the wrath of many operators and investors within the gambling industry, with many already worried not only about the short-term effects, but also the long-term consequences on their daily business and operations. The topic has caused huge debate amongst the public, from top politicians to industry insiders to users of gambling platforms and the debate will not likely dissipate anytime soon. Regardless of the outcome next year, the initiative has sent shockwaves around the gambling industry in what is potentially seen as a period of make or break for the gambling industry.

Our expert team at Bestnongamstopcasinosuk have put together this study and research on just how this is going to impact the industry, as these new regulations and changes continue to be rolled out in the near future and what we can expect to see off the back of these.

Protect the minority at the expense of the majority

The topic of affordability checks has been a divisive one since the initiative emerged in the mainstream, but the conversation is not a new one within the gambling industry, and indeed society. Since the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) was established in 2005 on the back of the Gambling Act being passed by parliament, one of the primary objectives of the Commission was to protect children and vulnerable people from harm. In the proceeding years, there were a few initiatives that brought the topic of vulnerability into the spotlight. In particularly, the British Gambling Prevalence Survey in 2007, which provided statistics about the demographic of person gambling, what they were gambling on, but more importantly, what percentage of gamblers were at risk.

The overall findings revealed that there had been minor change since 1999 in the prevalence of problem gambling. Based on internationally recognised metrics, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Menal Disorders, Edition IV (DSM IV) and the Canadian Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), the UKGC using the latter found that 0.5% of adult gamblers had gambling issues. Once exclusive players of the National Lottery were removed from the findings, this DSM IV percentage rose to 1.2%. These figures might appear relatively low, but once the findings on low and moderate risk gamblers are put under the spotlight, the values jump to 5.1% and 1.4% respectively, highlighted a greater problem amongst gamblers.

Even as of 2022, the PGSI was down to 0.2%, but that value is still enough to prompt a pilot scheme on a wider scale, an indication that the minority does trump the majority when it comes to gambling issues. The strategy employed by the UKGC is the safer avenue, but that has not stopped hundreds of thousands of people petitioning against the affordability checks. To be exact, 103,537 people from all over the UK signed a petition set up by the Jockey Club against such checks. Although individual reasons for signing the petition are unstated in the anonymous movement, there is further fallout found online that suggests that there are other violations that could result from the affordability checks.

Invasion of privacy or protection of the vulnerable?

One of the main arguments against the new affordability checks is the potential access that those carrying out the checks would have into individual’s personal accounts and information. In an age where a lot of everyday life is carried out in the digital realm, the protection of personal data has become a greater priority in people’s lives and the idea of a credit agency snooping around personal accounts, be it bank or online casino, is unsettling for a vast majority. However, not only will people feel potentially violated by this intrusion, but individuals might also need to provide evidence in the form of payslips and bank statements that they are not liable to financial risk if they choose to play online casino games or bet online on sports.

It is a fine line the Gambling Commission has to toe, with the protection of those vulnerable the outstanding argument for the implementation of this initiative. The powers responsible have constantly reiterated that any checks would be “frictionless” and “unintrusive” but without any tangible evidence of that, it will remain hard to persuade the public of that aspect. Although the risk assessments are predicted to be aimed at approximately 3% of gambling accounts, there are still many people sceptical of the actual need to comply with the checks. According to a survey conducted by YouGov, 65% of online gambling users were unwilling to comply with the affordability checks. Couple that with 70% of people that would resist preliminary “fitness” checks before gambling (EY for the Betting and Gaming Council), there is much work to do for the Gambling Commission to persuade the majority that the protection of vulnerable peoples should be the overriding objective.

More clarity about how the process works is always an advantageous method to convince people of the overall benefits of such a significant change in online gambling and would go some way to quell some of the uproar from certain sectors. The UKGC opened up channels where individuals could voice their questions, concerns, or general input. The overarching aim of course was to provide complete disclosure on the initiative but also to explain how seamless and frictionless any checks would be to help put any unsettled minds at ease. However, in the opinion of many, the pilot scheme initiated by the UKGC could be seen as an obstruction to the freedom individuals expect to have not just when gambling online, but in society and life in general. Protection vs Freedom is essentially the argument at hand for the UKGC to consider and ensuring that the process is as transparent as possible by working with the public on consultation platforms is one way to prove good intentions. Ultimately, the outcome of these consultations should provide a more balanced approach to the proposals in what is seen as a pivotal moment for the UK gambling industry.

A nervous wait for the gambling industry

The importance of this new initiative and the concern felt is understandable when one considers the substantial number of people working in or involved with the gambling industry. This could range from roles within online casino, sponsors, marketing companies, investors, even football teams or whole individual sporting industries such as horse racing. The advancement in technology has propelled gambling, especially the online kind, into a new financial stratosphere, and has created a new avenue of profitability that matches up with the constantly evolving online world. As a result of its success, many interested parties from other industries have started to become more involved with the gambling industry. However, the more players involved, the more people that stand to lose something.

For the gambling industry, the pilot scheme poses a massive threat to the industry as a whole and if the pilot scheme is successful, and the planned changes are implemented officially, nervousness might turn quickly to panic at how those involved in the UK gambling industry would proceed. Online casinos for example are already having to deal with the new limit imposed on online slots play by the government which will come into effect in September. The new regulation on online slots, which caps a stake at £5 for adults, and £2 for younger players, is part of the wider attempt that includes the pilot scheme to better regulate the gambling industry in the United Kingdom, but mainly implemented to protect the vulnerable.

The most striking impact for the UK gambling industry with new limits and checks imposed would be witnessed in the income margins. With regards to online casino, the industry is expected to lose £170 million as a result of new online slots limits imposed, which equates to 1.5% of the annual income of £10.9 billion. A reason for this is that players would simply go elsewhere, potentially to overseas online casinos that do not have the same restrictions as UK-licensed online casinos would. Players going elsewhere is a major concern for online casino operators, especially with the range and potency of virtual private networks (VPN) nowadays. The ability to connect and play on non-UK online casinos is remarkably simple nowadays, and the affordability checks are seen by the gambling industry as another reason for players on UK platforms to seek the emergency exit and take their money abroad.

It is an unsettling period for all involved in the gambling industry, but one shred of hope for companies within the industry is that investors were still willing to support online casino ventures when the announcement about online slots limits was made on Wednesday 21st February, with shares in big players such as Ladbrokes and 888 rising faster than the FTSE 100. However, it will be a long, nervous wait to see how the freshly imposed affordability checks affect the thinking of players and their consequent actions.

Is horse racing in the UK likely to suffer the most?

While the online gambling world in the UK will be nervously awaiting the outcome of the affordability checks, physical establishments could also be counting the costs of further spending restrictions put in place on gambling. Horse racing has been an institution in the UK for centuries, and betting on the sport continues to play a crucial role in the funding of the sport. Although affordability checks do not affect physical bets being placed, there might be a potential ripple effect felt if online betting platforms are severely affected by the pilot project affordability checks.

In the UK, some of the biggest sponsors of horse racing are online betting services such as Bet365, Unibet, BoyleSports, and Sky Bet. These companies provide huge financial support to racecourses up and down the country, which is put towards the upkeeping of racecourses, promotion, prize money, indeed all aspects that contribute to the successful running of horse racing. For a racecourse such as Cheltenham for example, which hosts the famous Gold Cup, they rely heavily on Sky Bet’s sponsorship of the Cheltenham Festival to maintain its standing in the horse racing world in the UK and Europe.

However, the horse racing industry right now is facing its own challenges with the incoming affordability checks pilot scheme a potential contributor to them. According to records from the last financial year, the turnover created by online betting fell by £1.75 billion. This is a staggering amount, and online bookmakers are concerned that this amount will only increase if the government is successful in pushing through affordability checks. The UK is renowned worldwide for being one of the greatest destinations for horseracing that attracts the biggest owners and jockeys at classic races and events such as the Gold Cup and Royal Ascot. The UK gambling industry will want to keep it that way and the Jockey Club particularly will be hoping their organised petition gets some legs.

What can we expect over the next year?

The whole gambling industry is holding its breath for the outcome of the affordability checks pilot scheme. Since the announcement was made, there is a chance some individuals might have already altered their gambling habits in advance of potential checks entering their lives. However, the vast majority, especially those not incurring losses to the amounts specified in the scheme, will likely continue as normal, but will still be wary. Regardless of the level of involvement as a provider or a user, the government’s white paper has certainly dropped a bombshell in the gambling industry.

Asides from the financial aspects, there are many other potential side-effects of any checks that are put in place in the future, perhaps most significantly on the general societal attitude surrounding gambling itself. For the main beneficiaries within the gambling industry, the fight against these potential affordability checks will continue, but regardless of the outcome of the pilot project, many within the industry are seeing this as a watershed moment for the gambling industry.

References:

PGSI & DSM IV (2007): https://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/documents/s18211/British%20Gambling%20Prevalence%20Survey%202007%20executive%20summary%20-%20July%2020081.pdf

PGSI & DSM IV (2022): https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/about-us/print/gambling-behaviour-2022-findings-from-the-quarterly-telephone-survey#:~:text=Significant%20increases%20in%20gambling%20participation,in%20year%20to%20December%202021).

Petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/649894

Online slots limits: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/23/online-slot-machine-stakes-capped-great-britian#:~:text=The%20amount%20that%20can%20be,how%20much%20punters%20can%20wager.

Ascot 2022 turnover : https://www.ascot.com/news/ascot-racecourse-announces-2022-financial-results#:~:text=2022%20business%20summary&text=%2D%20Turnover%20rose%20by%20161%25%20to,and%20admission%20revenues%20recovering%20strongly.

Loss horse racing betting revenue: https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain/revealed-the-real-cost-of-the-huge-fall-in-racing-betting-turnover-a8rwu5W3rCRF/

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365 Retail Markets Announces Modular Smart Store Combinations to Expand Operator Business Opportunities

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New Temperature, Size and Age-Verification Options add to 365’s AI and Computer Vision Product Line

TROY, Mich., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 365 Retail Markets, the global leader in unattended retail technology, has launched new modular smart store options to complement one of its flagship products, the PicoCooler Vision.

Building on the success of the computer vision and AI-driven Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision, the new modular cabinets greatly enhance versatility and flexibility for food service operators looking to offer a better consumer experience through the use of AI. The technology opens doors to expanded market placement opportunities and the easy replacement of outdated vending machines.

Selectable build options leveraged with customizable settings create tailored placements for virtually any space. Of particular note is the ability to7 sell age-restricted items by enacting the new age verification feature. With adjustable day and time settings to align with local regulations, the feature will allow operators to offer a unique solution to hospitality spaces and beyond, reducing the staff burden of checking identification while delivering consumers the products they want in a self-service capacity.

Immediately available will be the Ambient Vision add-on, which connects to a PicoCooler Vision. The ambient cabinet is a controlled-access solution enabled through the existing payment terminal on the PicoCooler Vision. With one transaction, consumers can shop both the refrigerated and ambient sides of the smart store, with a seamless, no-scan, transaction enabled by computer vision.

In addition to the standard sized Ambient Vision add-on, 365 will be offering a larger model for expanded merchandising space. With a frame size nearly 40% larger than the base model, its spacious shelving allows for greater product offering capability.

“Data, AI, Computer Vision, Consumer Engagement— these are all technologies invested in and pioneered by 365. Our new products are a combination of these technologies and are already in high demand within our Convenience Services customer base and now being adopted by retail, hospitality and healthcare,” said Joe Hessling, Founder and CEO of 365 Retail Markets. “We believe that these new products will become mainstream tools to get products to consumers in a safe, secure and efficient way for years to come.”

Smart cabinets can be ordered now in custom combinations, with one cashless payment device managing up to three zones. Variable design layouts offer greater opportunities for optimizing available retail space. They also allow for multiple temperature cabinet combinations; ambient and cold products can be offered side-by-side in modular cabinets with variable sizing options, and 365 plans to add a vision-enabled freezer in the coming months.

The PicoAmbient Vision is also in development to be available in a standalone module, for both the standard and wide versions, creating more options to replace a standard snack vending machine while creating a more seamless and enjoyable customer experience.

CONTACT:  
Navreet Gill
VP of Marketing & Communications, 365 Retail Markets
navreet.gill@365smartshop.com

About 365 Retail Markets
365 Retail Markets is the global leader in unattended retail technology. Founded in 2008, 365 provides a full suite of best-in-class, self-service technologies for food service operators including end-to-end integrated SaaS software, payment processing and point of-sale hardware. Today, the company’s technology solutions autonomously power food retail spaces at corporate offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities, hospitality settings and more, to provide compelling foodservice options for consumers. 365’s technology solutions include a growing suite of frictionless smart stores, micro markets, vending, catering, and dining point-of-sale options to meet the expanding needs of its customers. 365 continuously pioneers innovation in the industry with superior technology, strategic partnerships and ultimate flexibility in customization and branding.

For more information about 365 Retail Markets, visit www.365retailmarkets.com and connect on LinkedIn and YouTube.

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SOURCE 365 Retail Markets, LLC

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Deadzone: Rogue Rockets to Steam’s Top 10 Global Sellers with 100K+ Players in Week 1 — Is this 2025’s Must-Play Roguelite FPS?

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ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Deadzone: Rogue, a fast-paced roguelite first-person shooter, has officially launched into Early Access on Steam and the reception has been electric.

With over 200,000 wishlists, a Top 10 Global Seller debut, and over 100,000 players in the first week, Deadzone: Rogue has made a powerful entrance into Early Access. Steam reviews remain “Very Positive”, with praise for its tight gunplay, progression, and intense co-op.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/gzip4t7v2Rg

Set aboard a derelict spaceship overrun by rogue AI and biomechanical enemies, Deadzone: Rogue blends the adrenaline of modern FPS games with the replayability and progression of a roguelite. Players fight through hordes of enemies, collect powerful gear, and grow stronger with each run tackling missions solo or up to 3 players in co-op.

Early Access includes Zones 1 and 2, offering hours of content across different sectors of the spaceship through missions. Players will face dozens of unique enemy types, challenging boss fights, and fast-paced firefights that tell the story of the game and offer unique rewards. With 30+ weapons and a massive library of items, perks, and augments, no two loadouts or playthroughs ever feel the same.

Deadzone: Rogue captures the essence of what makes roguelites so addicting — fast action, constant progression, and meaningful player choice.

The Full 1.0 Release of Deadzone: Rogue for PC will come with Zone 3, containing new enemies, weapons, and gameplay features after Early Access ends. Deadzone: Rogue is actively in development for consoles, with release details coming soon.

Community feedback will play a key role in shaping the future of the game and content creators can claim a free key through this Keymailer link if they meet the requirements.

Deadzone: Rogue is available now on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Users can check out the Discord as well, it’s a great way to submit feature requests and feedback to the developers.

About Deadzone: Rogue
Deadzone: Rogue is a fast-paced roguelite first-person shooter developed by Prophecy Games. Set aboard a derelict spaceship infested with biomechanical threats, the game blends high-speed gunplay with deep roguelite progression. Players build and evolve their combat style using 30+ weapons, elemental affixes, perks, items, and powerful augments.

Launched in Early Access on April 29, 2025, Deadzone: Rogue is already receiving content updates and a full release of the game is coming very soon.

Contact:
Deadzone: Rogue
Prophecy Games
community@prophecygames.com

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SOURCE Deadzone: Rogue

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BCE announces election of Directors

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MONTRÉAL, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ – BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that shareholders voted in favour of all items of business put forth by BCE at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders today, including the election of the Directors by a majority of the votes cast by shareholders present or represented by proxy:

Nominee

Votes For

% For

Votes Against

% Against

Mirko Bibic

280,854,230

97.58 %

6,963,072

2.42 %

Robert P. Dexter

278,934,572

96.91 %

8,884,730

3.09 %

Katherine Lee 

279,198,941

97.00 %

8,620,292

3.00 %

Monique F. Leroux 

278,663,893

96.82 %

9,153,499

3.18 %

Sheila A. Murray 

275,977,442

95.89 %

11,840,086

4.11 %

Gordon M. Nixon

278,153,764

96.64 %

9,661,517

3.36 %

Louis P. Pagnutti

282,361,115

98.10 %

5,456,586

1.90 %

Calin Rovinescu

280,002,483

97.28 %

7,816,572

2.72 %

Karen Sheriff

280,208,791

97.36 %

7,609,333

2.64 %

Jennifer Tory

280,579,412

97.48 %

7,239,613

2.52 %

Louis Vachon

280,736,578

97.54 %

7,077,701

2.46 %

Johan Wibergh

281,936,122

97.96 %

5,882,873

2.04 %

Cornell Wright

279,100,995

96.97 %

8,715,003

3.03 %

Please visit BCE.ca for complete Director biographies. Information regarding all matters subject to a vote during BCE’s Annual Meeting is available on sedarplus.ca.  

About BCE

BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, providing advanced Bell broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communications services. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

_______________________

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:

Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca 

Investor inquiries:

Richard Bengian
richard.bengian@bell.ca

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SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)

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