BF Games, a trailblazing force in the world of game development, proudly introduces the BF HUB aggregation platform. This groundbreaking initiative cements the studio’s standing as an industry leader, transcending the boundaries of traditional online gambling.

More than just a platform, BF HUB is a creative nexus, poised to redefine the iGaming landscape.

Nurturing New Talents

BF HUB is a testament to BF Games’ devotion to innovation and diversity. Designed to be a haven for budding studios, this platform is set to empower and uplift emerging talents. The mission? It seamlessly introduces fresh, avant-garde portfolios to players across diverse markets, sparking a renaissance in the iGaming sphere.

Leading the inaugural charge on BF HUB is none other than Tornado Games, an up-and-coming slots studio that has inked an exciting distribution deal. As the platform’s pioneer, Tornado Games brings its library of 16 titles into the limelight, featuring player favorites such as Party Birdies, Dragon’s Book, and Buffalo Nights Hold ‘n’ Spin. This collaboration heralds the dawn of a new era for Tornado Games, amplified by the dynamic prowess of BF HUB.

Pioneering Excellence in iGaming

The launch of BF HUB adds a new crescendo to BF Games’ symphony of success. Already a dominant force in Central and Eastern Europe, BF Games continues to shape the future of iGaming with strategic partnerships and a portfolio boasting over 80 engaging slots

BF HUB, as the latest addition, propels BF Games into uncharted territories of creativity and player-centric experiences.

BF HUB is not just a platform; it’s a manifesto of creativity, an ode to innovation, and a promise of an unparalleled gaming experience. As BF Games unfolds the chapters of iGaming’s future, BF HUB stands as a beacon, inviting players to embark on a journey where every spin tells a unique story. Get ready to witness the evolution of iGaming, guided by the visionary brilliance of BF HUB.

Rok Hribar, Head of Account Management at BF Games shared his opinion on this successful launch and partnership saying: “After significant growth as a slot provider across Europe we are delighted to launch BF HUB, our content aggregation platform for newly launched studios. After more than a decade in the industry, we look forward to using our expertise and industry know-how to help new slot providers secure their first partnerships, including Tornado Games, who we have no doubt will enjoy huge success.”

Source: ”BF Games Launches BF HUB Aggregation Platform”. European Gaming. November 09, 2023.

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In a speech at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle expressed his optimism about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) becoming a hub for casino resorts. 

MGM’s Dubai Casino Project Awaits UAE Approval

Hornbuckle, during his address at G2E, stated that MGM Resorts is actively working on a project in Dubai, in partnership with Wasl Asset Management Group, which could potentially house a casino. He mentioned that the development, which includes MGM, Bellagio, and Aria, is being designed with a flexible space of 150,000 square feet, awaiting the nod from the UAE leadership to introduce gaming into the mix.

This revelation comes amid the UAE’s recent announcement about the formation of its first gaming regulatory agency, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), chaired by former MGM CEO Jim Murren. While the UAE has traditionally prohibited gambling under Sharia law, recent indications suggest a paradigm shift. 

JPMorgan analysts also recently suggested that the UAE could approve a gambling framework in 2023. The newly-established regulatory body is believed to be accelerating its efforts.

Hornbuckle expressed cautious optimism, stating that they would love to have a presence in Dubai with a functioning product featuring a casino, but emphasized the need to take things one step at a time. 

MGM and Wynn Prepare for Billion-Dollar Market

The potential market value of the UAE’s gaming industry has piqued the interest of major players. Research analysts have estimated that the UAE’s gaming market could be worth up to $6.6 billion annually in casino revenue, rivaling established markets like Singapore and Macau. MGM Resorts, alongside competitors like Wynn Resorts, is gearing up for a market that could surpass even Singapore, home to two major casinos, including the renowned Marina Bay Sands.

While Dubai seems to be at the forefront of these developments, other emirates are also eyeing the gaming industry. A recent survey conducted by Knight Frank revealed that 59% of respondents believe Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, will eventually have at least one gaming venue, as reported by Skift. Additionally, 58% shared the same sentiment about Dubai, and 48% anticipated integrated resorts in other emirates.

The potential influx of casinos is reshaping the UAE’s tourism landscape. The challenge for other emirates lies in matching Dubai’s infrastructure, including the bustling Dubai International Airport, which serviced more than 66 million passengers in 2022. Hornbuckle remains optimistic about the future, highlighting MGM’s longstanding relationship with Dubai and the company’s readiness to adapt to various scenarios, including equity investments or outright leasing of gaming venues.

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Greece-based payment provider OKTO has entered into a partnership with the Italian Digital Hub Foundation (IDH) to solidify its presence in the Italian regulated market and cooperate on digital transformation strategies, especially concentrating on progressing e-money services.

New partnership

As an official member of the Italian Digital Hub Foundation, OKTO says it will be an active participant in mutual information exchanges like conventions, conferences and round tables, taking care to stay at the front line of the digital transformation of the Italian digital market and expansion of the payment industry landscape.

Commenting on the partnership, OKTO’s Director of Corporate Development and Regulatory Affairs in Italy, Francesco Crudo, commented: “We’re thrilled to join IDH, a prestigious foundation dedicated to enhancing Italy’s digital landscape. OKTO remains committed to upholding the most stringent regulatory standards and working closely with local authorities to deliver innovative, secure, and efficient payment solutions to our valued merchant partners.”

Also commenting on the partnership, Maurizio Pimpinella, President of Italy’s Digital Hub Foundation, said: “We warmly welcome OKTO to our Foundation. OKTO’s commitment to compliance and innovation is in line with our commitment to promote digital innovation in Italy, in the Paytech and Fintech landscape. We look forward to an increasingly close collaboration of OKTO with all our members to promote the development of the digital ecosystem and payments in the Italian market.”

More about partners

OKTO provides its partners with the opportunity to enhance client experiences and respond to the aforementioned client demands for digital payments. Additionally, the company introduces the newest digital transformation capabilities for gaming, entertainment and leisure clients and millions of people around the world. This is achieved by enabling responsible transactions in real time, taking care to remove the risk and friction connected with traditional payments, at each touch point. Furthermore, it enhances payment interactions for retail and online gaming by blending payment and gaming expertise, local knowledge with global capabilities. This involves backing up clients across a number of regulatory environments and domains with built-in omni-channel access.

The main objective of the Italian Digital Hub Foundation is to provide innovative and technological consulting services to back up central and local public administrations, trade associations and SMEs and firms in order to promote Digital Transformation and the development of entrepreneurship with a powerful culture of competitiveness and the codification of new business models. Moreover, its purpose is to represent its members in Italy and abroad before public bodies and agencies, administrations, economic and social organizations, business associations and public and private entities in order to cooperate in solving problems, making sure the protection of its members and carrying out sector analyzes and studies.

Source: “OKTO Strengthens its Presence in Italy by Joining IDH”, European Gaming, September 29, 2023

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With the ever-evolving landscape of regulatory requirements, businesses must increasingly rely on external tools to remain compliant with regulations and make informed decisions. VIXIO’s newest solution bolsters high-level decision-making, analyzing available data to improve planning efforts and highlight potentially hidden business opportunities.

The New Solution Answers Rising Market Challenges

VIXIO Regulatory Intelligence is a leading data provider for the gambling and payments industries, enabling businesses worldwide to navigate the increasingly complex modern regulatory challenges. The company’s forward-looking mindset drives it to constantly refine its platform and services to remain relevant despite rising global uncertainty.

The VIXIO Data Hub represents the company’s newest strategic planning and analysis portal. Live updates to relevant regulatory parameters will help partnering businesses remain compliant and better prepare for expansion into new jurisdictions. By consolidating relevant data into a user-friendly interface, the VIXIO Data Hub empowers companies with timely and accurate information critical to their strategic planning.

Global gambling companies can most benefit from this service, accessing over 400 data sets and 4 million data points from regulated markets. Proprietary forecasting tools allow users to generate accurate predictions, basing their growth strategies on up-to-date legislative or market developments. VIXIO’s team of leading analysts is also an expert at quickly identifying market trends, allowing operators to capitalize on potential opportunities before the competition.

Tightening Regulations Necessitate Enhanced Monitoring

Rapidly changing regulations can often catch operators unaware, resulting in potential breaches that can lead to significant fines and tarnish the company’s reputation. This problem is especially prevalent with companies operating in multiple jurisdictions, often sporting distinct regulatory challenges. Such a rapidly evolving landscape has caused many companies to seek third-party assistance, relying on professionals like VIXIO to track relevant changes and reveal new opportunities.

A recent GamblingNews interview with VIXIO senior gambling industry analyst Joe Ewens revealed the company’s stance on the upcoming UK white paper and the rising compliance burden on operators. He noted that such significant changes to a well-developed gaming market would undoubtedly cause local disturbances but were part of a worldwide push toward tightening regulations.

The reality is that all of the planned changes are just the latest developments in a story of tightening regulation over the past few years.

Joe Ewens, VIXIO senior gambling industry analyst

The VIXIO Data Hub’s launch marks an important milestone for regulatory intelligence solutions. Organizations can use this newest tool to ensure compliance and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. The growing need for comprehensive data coverage and advanced analytics capabilities means more operators will gravitate towards such third-party solutions, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve and confidently achieve their objectives.

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The new hub has been published on UKGC’s platform under the “Compliance” tab. Its main purpose is to help operators collaborating with entities that are not licensed to fulfill their duties and carry on their responsibilities with more ease. 

Last month, the Commission announced its intention to fill in evidence gaps under the 2023-2026 plan, as a result of the much-anticipated launch of the White Paper. 

Offering Guidance and Information

The new test hub offers clear definitions of both the responsibilities and expectations of operators who do business with white-label partners and other parties that are not running under valid licenses. 

Information regarding the recommended practices that operators should follow to make sure that all Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LLCP) are carried out efficiently is also part of the new hub.

The decision to launch the hub in its testing phase came after the Commission imposed a number of fines and other punitive measures on several operators who had failed to conduct due diligence checkups on contracted third parties they were running contracts with. 

As a result, UKGC licensees have asked for a thorough review of the LLCP in order to determine the best regulations that would express the obligations that all gambling operators should comply with when working together with third parties. 

According to UKGC, licensees are directly responsible for the third parties they choose to collaborate with, which means the need to make sure the latters’ operations are perfectly aligned with these license conditions and codes of practice.

Operators Must Check Their Partners’ Reliability and Competence

As per the recommendations in the new test hub, gambling businesses should perform a series of due diligence inspections on all the third parties they currently work with or which they plan on working with in the future to determine their levels of trustworthiness and competence. 

Additionally, the commission asks all licensees that rely on third parties to conduct any aspect of their business in relation to the licensed activities to ensure they have “sufficient oversight and controls in place to ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with the LCCP, notably, but not exclusively, social responsibility and anti-money laundering requirements.”

Operators who fail to effectively control the third parties they work with could be subject to regulatory actions including the loss or temporary suspension of their license to operate in the UK. 

The information in the new hub also explains that online gaming operators holding a license are exclusively responsible for the compliance of all of their gambling platforms, including white-labeled websites, and that the responsibility cannot be transferred to other parties.

In May, the Commission fined SkillOnNet $380,000 over a series of license breaches. In January, TonyBet was given a $550,000 fine over a number of similar breaches. 

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