UK – Page 7 – WireUp

Copper Box Arena, the Home of eSports, as the Positive effects of gaming are revealed in new study

October 22, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Better gyms and leisure surveyed over 2,000 people in the UK, including almost 1,000 gamers, on the benefits of gaming and their perceptions of what a gamer is.

95% underestimate the physical activity and training regimes of pro gamers.
86% of people in the UK don’t think eSports athletes deserve the same recognition and respect as traditional athletes.
Non-gamers get just 12 minutes more sleep per night than gamers.
Over a third of gamers say their attention has improved since starting gaming.

Copper Box Arena on Queen Elizabeth Park in East London celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary this year and is fast becoming the home of eSports in the UK, with a new study revealing the diverse image of gamers and eSports professionals across the country, as well as a host of positive impacts associated with gaming.

The research from Better, operators of the Copper Box Arena, found that 96% of gamers report positive impacts in their day-to-day lives, with benefits including improvements to their attention span (33%), stress relief (50%), a sense of escapism (48%), and improved mental health (30%). For many, gaming allows players to connect with others online and temporarily escape the stresses of the real world, with Copper Box Arena providing a huge platform for the gaming community to share in these benefits.

Copper Box Arena is drawing in avid eSports fans from all over the world, and Stuart Hutchison, General Manager at Copper Box Arena, said: “We’re immensely proud to be part of the emergence of eSports. Copper Box Arena is rapidly becoming the home of eSports in the UK after hosting huge tournaments such as League of Legends, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone Global Series Finals already this year.”

86% of people in the UK don’t think eSports athletes deserve the same recognition and respect as traditional athletes.

Despite the gaming industry’s rapid growth and the evident benefits of gaming, the study revealed that there is still some way to go to convince non-gamers, with many misconceptions of gaming still prevalent.

Overwhelmingly, 86% of respondents in the UK do not believe that eSports athletes deserve the same recognition and respect as traditional athletes. Furthermore, only one in five respondents viewed eSports as a legitimate form of competitive sport compared to traditional sports like football and rugby, and almost 9 in 10 Brits were unwilling to accept eSports into the Olympics.

Additionally, over half of the UK population (54%) believes gaming can cause some form of social isolation, and three in 10 feel it would encourage poor mental health. While our study showed gamers were actually spending more time outside than non-gamers, Brits still believe gaming would lead to a lack of exercise (58%), an unhealthy lifestyle (47%), and a poor diet (42%).

However, there is a glimmer of hope for eSports enthusiasts, as a quarter of Brits believe that eSports has the potential to attain the same level of popularity as traditional sports in the future, signifying potential growth amongst fans of the industry.

Commenting on the comparison, Nathan David, Head of Foundation at the College of eSports (CoEs), which offers innovative and practice-focused degrees in a range of international eSports business areas, said: “If you speak to any performance athlete, they will tell you that despite the physical aspect of sport and competition being key, the mental and psychological factors are just as important; dealing with stress and performing under pressure are two parallels often referred to.

“I think you will see an attitude change in the perception of eSports over the next 5 to 10 years or so as misconceptions and further understanding of our industry is addressed.”

Non-gamers get just 12 minutes more sleep per night than gamers.

The prevailing stereotype of gamers as isolated, sedentary individuals glued to screens has long persisted. However, the research reveals that gamers actually spend longer on average outside each day than non-gamers. With regards to sleep, over half (56%) of Brits felt gaming would encourage a lack of sleep. However, non-gamers stated they get an average of just under six and a half hours a night, compared to gamers’ six hours and 16 minutes, revealing a minuscule 12-minute difference between the two.

Nathan David said: “We always promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes promoting your wellbeing socially, mentally, and physically. It is undeniable that gaming is almost entirely sedentary, but it is achievable to still be physically and mentally healthy despite playing games. Good sleep/recovery, a balanced diet, and physical activity are necessary in all forms of life, including for esports players or gamers.”

Distinguished Judging Panel Announced to Select This Year’s William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award Winner

October 21, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The most prestigious literary prize in the sporting world has announced its esteemed judging panel. Comprising six highly respected individuals, the distinguished panel will be responsible for selecting the William Hill Sports Book of the Year shortlist and ultimately crowning the award’s 35th winner.

The award is one of the most esteemed literary honours in the sporting arena and is the world’s most valuable sports-writing prize. Established in 1989, it recognises and celebrates outstanding writing across a wide range of genres.

Alyson Rudd (pictured) will lead the panel as Chair for the fifth year running. As an acclaimed award-winning sports journalist at The Times with a deep passion for the written word having overseen the paper’s Book Group, a qualified football coach and referee and author of two sports books and two novels, Alyson’s extensive experience in the field makes her an ideal choice to guide the panel in their quest to identify the finest sports book of the year.

Joining Alyson on the panel are five renowned personalities, each bringing their unique expertise and perspective to the selection process:

Dame Heather Rabbatts will make her inaugural appearance on the panel this year. She is renowned for her ground-breaking accomplishments in the field of sports administration and broadcasting and her commitment to diversity and inclusivity has been widely recognised. As the first woman to hold the position of Director of the Football Association, she has been instrumental in driving positive change within the industry. Her profound understanding of the sports landscape and dedication to excellence will provide valuable support to the other judges in their deliberations.

Also joining the panel for the first time is Elis James. As a prominent sports podcaster, presenter and comedian, Elis infuses humour and wit into his analysis of various sports. His ability to engage and entertain audiences will undoubtedly give a refreshing perspective to the judging panel.

Michelle Walder has re-joined the judging panel for a second year. As a Brighton and Hove Albion FC non-executive board member and chair of Brighton and Hove Albion Women’s FC, Michelle has a wealth of experience in the sporting industry alongside running her own business specialising in leadership and coaching since 2004.

Accomplished broadcaster, writer and journalist Mark Lawson also joins the panel once again. As a critic and feature writer for The Guardian and theatre critic of The Tablet, Mark has a profound appreciation for the art of storytelling. He was the first presenter of Radio 4’s Front Row and has written six books. In 2006, he described becoming a William Hill Sports Book of the Year judge as one of his greatest ambitions in sport.

Former professional footballer-turned-broadcaster Clarke Carlisle brings his unique perspective as an athlete and commentator to the judging panel. His football career spanned almost two decades and all four top-flight divisions and, as a regular ITV football pundit and co-commentator, his deep understanding of the inner workings of the sporting world will provide valuable insight during the selection process. Clarke is also no stranger to the award with his first appearance as a judge back in 2012 but stood down in 2013 to write his autobiography A Footballer’s Life, which reached the 2014 longlist.

Following a rigorous process that reviews all entries to produce a longlist, the judging panel will evaluate each one to reveal the award shortlist. Finally, the panel will crown the overall winner of the 35th William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award at an official award ceremony on November 30 at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London, ensuring that only the most exceptional sports book receives this prestigious accolade.

Chair of the Judging Panel, Alyson Rudd, said: “I am truly honoured to serve as Chair of Judging for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award once again. The award celebrates the power of storytelling and, whilst sport is a huge field, entries are quite intimate and stories very personal.

“The award has a long-standing tradition of celebrating first-class sports writing and I’m excited to be leading our new and diverse judging panel as we preside over exceptional stories and the authors who bring these tales to life.”

The longlist will be revealed on September 28, with the shortlist being announced on October 26. The winner will be declared on November 30 and will receive a cash prize of £30,000. All shortlisted authors will each receive £3,000 and a specially produced leather-bound copy of their book.

Last year, Beryl: In Search of Britain’s Greatest Athlete, Beryl Burton, from Jeremy Wilson (pictured) scooped the 2022 award.

For more information about the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, please visit: https:// news.williamhill .com/sport/sports-book-of-the-year/.

Comments on the Gambling Commission from Lord David Lipsey

October 21, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Gambling Commission Consultation

Memorandum from Lord David Lipsey (pictured), Chair for Premier Greyhound Racing

“Much public criticism has been levied at the Gambling Commission’s proposals on affordability; including by me. However, most of this concentrates on the possible effects of the proposals on horse racing.

“Practically nothing has been said about the corresponding effects on greyhound racing. Greyhound racing remains Britain’s fifth largest spectator sport, so this is a strange omission.

“By way of background, greyhound racing gets helpful support from a levy on bookmakers. This levy, unlike the horseracing levy, is voluntary. However, all but a few minnows amongst bookmaking pay it. It is collected by a body called the British Greyhound Racing Fund (BGRF), chaired by Joe Scanlon, an experienced bookmaker. Its board comprises a mix of bookmakers and representatives of the sport. They, in turn, allocate the funds they collect as they see fit to greyhound racing.

“The BGRF is focussed on something of great importance: the welfare of racing and retired greyhounds.

“It is channelled through the sport’s national governing body, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). The GBGB has welfare as its predominant objective. Its document, A Good Life for Every Greyhound is the sport’s guiding light on welfare. Welfare used to be a much lower priority for the BGRF. Much of its money went, for example, on equipment for tracks; a straight business subsidy.

“However, the percentage devoted to welfare has steadily increased. Greyhound welfare now comprises some £3.9 million (51.4%) of the BGRF’s expenditure. A further 19% goes to regulation such as kennel inspection, which is also important for the dogs’ welfare.

“As a direct result of the BGRF’s increased emphasis on welfare, there have been huge improvements in the outcome for greyhounds. When I chaired the then-British Greyhound Racing Board in the 2000s. fewer than one in six greyhounds were rehomed after racing. Many were euthanised. Today on the latest GBGB figures a staggering 95% of dogs are rehomed after racing. Meanwhile, there has been a huge investment in improving track surfaces.

“However, the voluntary levy has not been buoyant. In the latest available year, 2022/23, it raised £7.6 million in levy. In money terms this compares with £8 million a decade ago. But in real terms it has fallen from nearly £11 million in 2012/13 to £8.2 million in July of 2023.

“There was a one-off hike in 2019/20 to £8.8 million following an extension of the levy to overseas bets on greyhounds. I was responsible in negotiating this at the request of the then-Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch. However, it has since declined. The GBGB has been talking to various bookmakers about increasing the levy. However, the near universal response has been for the bookmakers to say ‘we will pay more if all the other bookmakers do’. The result has been stasis.

“Premier Greyhound Racing has no independent evidence on the impact of the proposed crackdown on affordability proposed by the Gambling Commission. However, greyhound racing, like horse racing, has some heavy hitter punters who would plausibly be put off betting on greyhounds if they were subject to onerous affordability checks.

“I can offer here my own experience. £5/£10 is my normal stake. However, as a ‘politically exposed person’, I was subjected to rigorous checks by my bookmaker, responding as they were to Gambling Commission pressure. It took an exchange of 32 e-mails before I was finally allowed to keep my account.

“Of course, I, like other parliamentarians, have received direct assurances from ministers that affordability checks will be automatic and seamless. However, the consultation paper itself makes clear that this is not the intention of the Gambling Commission. It admits that 2/3% of punters may have intrusive affordability checks carried out.

“These will almost by definition be the big punters. Big punters are a mix of those with gambling problems and those who just enjoy a good bet. Greyhound racing like horseracing has done everything it can to encourage safer betting. But if the Gambling Commission insists on probing big punters, they will simply disappear. Some will go to the ‘black market’. Some will seek their kicks elsewhere.

“The loss of greyhound punters will directly impact the yield of the voluntary levy. But equally important, if the bookmakers are hard hit by the new affordability rules (and they all think they will be) that will be a huge blow to their willingness to contribute to the voluntary levy.

“So far bookmakers have stuck with the levy. They have done so partly because they are sentient human beings, many with a huge affection for this most loveable breed of animal. But they do so also because they regard the levy as a price they must pay for the ‘social licence’ for greyhound racing to continue. The RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross are already agitating for a ban on the sport. If the bookmakers are under financial pressure because of the impact of affordability checks, they are not likely to be in a mood to up their contributions in line with the sport’s needs.

“It would be horrifying if the progress of the last couple of decades was undone. Some trainers might dispose of dogs in unacceptable ways. Track maintenance might be neglected. Vets might no longer be in attendance at some tracks. Yet if the money to pay for welfare is not forthcoming due to the impact on bookmakers of the new affordability requirements all these are possible. GBGB would resist but it might be powerless to insist.”

Newcastle United stars celebrate LeoVegas Group bringing 50 jobs to the North East

October 16, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Newcastle-based iGaming business signs Newcastle United stars to help promote its open roles

LeoVegas Group, the global iGaming operator and subsidiary of the global entertainment company MGM Resorts International, has partnered with Newcastle United FC to produce an employer branding film to drive the business’s team expansion, featuring popular Toon stars Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Paul Dummett.

Through its already established association with Newcastle United FC, LeoVegas Group taps into the team’s talent and popularity to help reach and maximise engagement with those living in the North East of England to showcase the scope of jobs available at the company.

Looking to bring 50 new roles into the region, Burn, Longstaff and Dummett celebrate the many benefits of working at LeoVegas Group, including its four weeks ‘work from anywhere’ programme, health insurance, hybrid working, roaring discounts, training and development, and wellbeing support. The growing company, having recently launched the latest brand on its roster in the UK market, BetMGM, is recruiting individuals that want to work at a leading and expanding iGaming business.

Filmed at the club’s Darsley Park training ground the video shows the players dressed in their training kit, speaking to the camera about the benefits of working at LeoVegas Group. Scattered throughout the one-minute video are visuals of iconic landmarks and places Newcastle has to offer, including the Angel of the North.

To date, the business employs over 120 people in Newcastle and over 1,400 people across Europe, all enriching the company through their different backgrounds, skills and experiences. The 50 new roles in the North East will be the biggest recruitment effort for LeoVegas Group in the UK since establishing itself in Newcastle in 2018.

Sam Behar, Director of UK & Ireland at LeoVegas Group, said: “We’re proud to be based in the incredible city of Newcastle, the home of Newcastle United FC, and are excited to discover more winning talent as we look to expand our team in the region. The Magpies share our same passion for Newcastle and we’re grateful for their support to help us attract the best talent! If you’re looking for your next opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.”

Exciting and innovative new horse racing service launched in betting shops

October 12, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Betting shop punters’ experience of wagering on horseracing is being transformed via a new and stimulating Self Service Betting Terminal (SSBT) product.

Quantum Leap Solutions (QLS) and Pythia Sports have combined to provide the innovative service for content from 37 British racecourses – via Racecourse Media Group (RMG) – on Playtech terminals.

Phase 1 of the enhanced SSBT racing product delivers a range of new betting opportunities in shops, via:

Enhanced, data-rich racecards for the traditional racing customers
New derivative markets for the traditional SSBT user and new racing customers
These new markets include head-to-head, betting without the favourite, odd vs even, place only betting, fancied horses vs the field, and much more
Intuitive and easy design, making betting simple for all customers
Deeper data and insight providing hints and tips for the novice and expert

Phase 2 of the product is set to include in-play betting, which currently isn’t available over the counter in shops.

RMG have collaborated with Pythia Sports, who have created seamless pricing for bookmakers, and Quantum Leap Solutions (QLS), who have provided the slick design and easy-to-use navigation to provide an innovative racing product for Playtech SSBTs.

Racing from the 37 British racecourses will be displayed on the new SSBTs and available in the shops of Entain (Coral and Ladbrokes), Betfred, Boyle Sports, Paddy Power and Jennings, as well as all UK and Irish independent shops.

Nick Mills, Chief Commercial Officer of RMG, said: “Around 80% of football bets are now staked via SSBTs in betting shops, but the number drops off spectacularly when it comes to racing. This exciting new product provides markets and an experience that is much better suited to the preferences of SSBT users and will accordingly directly drive revenues and engagement with the sport.”

Yori Arami, VP, Sports Commercial at Playtech, said: “Having rolled this fantastic product out to our entire UK and Irish customer base, we are delighted with the positive feedback from customers as well as the popularity of this innovative, new betting offering. For example, the new betting markets are already delivering over 10% of business from these racetracks, with our expectation that this will increase significantly in the coming months.”

Mark Fellows, of QLS, said: “We have delivered an innovative product for the traditional horse racing customer and one which attracts non-racing SSBT customers. We have made the form study quicker and more fun by providing an interactive tool that visualises the effect of factors that determines the outcome of the day’s races. We also wanted to cut to the chase in determining ‘where is the value?’, ‘who’s the form horse?’; ‘what do the tipsters fancy?’ and ‘what does the market say?’”

Freddy Galliers, Director at Pythia Sports, said: “This has been an exciting project for Pythia Sports to work on with RMG in delivering odds to Playtech and its SSBT clients in the UK. RMG’s decision to introduce innovative betting content from all of its tracks is being well-received by SSBT users and has the potential to reshape the way horse racing is bet on in shops.”

Longlist Revealed For The William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023 Award – and £30,000 Top Prize

September 28, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 3 minutes

18 books selected for the longlist including current professional snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan, and three-time winner Duncan Hamilton
13 different sports featured including two fiction books
100% growth for longlisted female authors

The longlist for the 35^th William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award – the world’s most valuable literary sports-writing prize – has been revealed today (Thursday 28^th September), featuring a diverse selection of sports from squash and snooker to swimming and surfing.

The 18-book longlist was selected from more than 150 entries following a rigorous judging process from a panel with expertise in both sports and literature including The Athletic’s Nancy Froston, sports presenter Matt Williams and William Hill’s Neil Foggin.

Books making this year’s longlist celebrate a diverse world of sports literature, covering tales and insight from 13 different sports. From gripping memoirs to thrilling narratives and insightful analysis from some of the most compelling sporting stars, the longlisted books have one common thread: a profound passion for sports and sporting literature.

Six female authors make this year’s cut, doubling the number from previous years.

Three-time William Hill Sports Book of the Year winner Duncan Hamilton is in the running for this year’s Award, alongside arguably one of the greatest snooker players of all time, Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023 Longlist (alphabetical by author surname):

1923: The Mystery of Lot 212 and a Tour de France Obsession by Ned Boulting
Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher’s Britain by Anthony Broxton
Inshallah United: A Story of Faith and Football by Nooruddean Choudry
Unfair Play: The Battle for Women’s Sport by Sharron Davies with Craig Lord
Good for a Girl: My Life Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman
The Silence of the Stands: Finding the Joy in Football’s Lost Season by Daniel Gray
Answered Prayers: England and the 1966 World Cup by Duncan Hamilton
Tinseltown: Hollywood and the Beautiful Game – a Match Made in Wrexham by Ian Herbert
Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson by Sally H. Jacobs
Nazaré: Life and Death with the Big Wave Surfers by Matt Majendie
Western Lane by Chetna Maroo

The Hard Parts: A Story of Courage and Triumph by Oksana Masters
Unbreakable by Ronnie O’Sullivan
Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth by Sam Peters
On Days Like These: The Lost Memoir of a Goalkeeper by Tim Rich
Nowhere to Run: The Ridiculous Life of a Semi-Professional Football Club Chairman by Jonathan Sayer
Kick The Latch by Kathryn Scanlan
The Tour: The Story of the England Cricket Team Overseas 1877 – 2023 by Simon Wilde

Award panellist and renowned sports broadcaster, Matt Williams said: “This year’s longlist showcases the diversity of sports and the many ways in which they inspire, entertain, and unite communities.

“We received an unprecedented number of outstanding entries from talented authors this year, including a high volume of contributions from both female authors and international writers. Whittling these down was no small feat, resulting in an historic moment for the Awards as we reveal a list of 18 longlisted books, which encompasses fiction and non-fiction.

“These remarkable titles explore the depths of sportsmanship, triumphs and challenges across the sporting industry including sexism, and the devastating effects that head injuries have on sportspeople. All the longlisted books not only have a great story to tell but their writing captivates the reader and is the best in sporting literature.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading so many inspirational books from the most talented of authors and I’m excited to see which of the 18 books comes out on top.”

Now in its 35^th year, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is dedicated to rewarding excellence in sports-writing and provides authors and publishers a platform to showcase and promote their book. The first William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award took place in 1989, earning it the title of the longest-established competition in the industry.

The shortlist for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023 Award will be unveiled on 26^th October, with the winner declared on 30^th November 2023 at an official award ceremony at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, London. The Award has a £30,000 cash prize for the winner and the shortlisted authors will each receive £3,000 and a leather-bound copy of their book.

ISD Completes Castle Leisure Maxim Integration

September 28, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: < 1 minutes

ISD, part of the NRM Group of technology companies, is celebrating an important business win that has seen it complete the integration of its Maxim platform across the eleven bingo clubs operated by the leading United Kingdom independent Castle Leisure. The smooth migration of Castle Leisure’s membership data was completed without incurring any loss of trading or operational interruption.

The Managing Director for ISD, Chris Wrigley, underlined the value of being able to apply the company’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of the bingo sector.

“ISD has more than 50 years combined senior level experience of working in bingo,” Wrigley said. “What this means in a practical sense is that we know what running a club entails, we understand the pressures and stress points and we are fully conversant with the benefits of having a sector-leading membership system as part of a club’s marketing armoury.

“Our customers see Maxim as being something akin to the central nervous system of a club, connecting and enabling all of the various functions and disciplines including CRM, apps, marketing data, compliance and membership intelligence.

“Maxim delivers granular data on the behaviour and profile of members that, in turn, enables marketeers to build targeted, relevant and cost-effective campaigns. The competition for discretionary leisure spend has never been more intense, which means that businesses are actively seeking those marginal gains which make a difference.”

“The client/supplier relationship works best when there’s a shared culture and philosophy,” the Managing Director for Castle Leisure, Lisa Morgan, said. “ISD’s attention to detail, forensic knowledge of the bingo sector and commitment to getting what is a complex undertaking over the line and to our complete satisfaction made for a smooth and hassle-free integration.”

Bacta to Escalate Political Campaign Against Illegal Music Streaming

September 26, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: < 1 minutes

Bacta, the trade body representing the UK amusements, leisure and low-stake gaming sectors is mobilising its political lobbying expertise in order to address the commercial threat posed by the use of illegal music streaming across a broad range of retail businesses including pubs.

Following the summer meeting of bacta’s Music Users Group the trade association has pledged to again take-up the use of personal streaming accounts in public environments with politicians and the relevant representative bodies including the PPL – the UK’s music licensing company and the British Beer and Pub Association.

Bacta Chief Executive John White said: “Using a personal music streaming account in such a way is totally illegal and I am writing to the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer MP, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport as well as contacting the All Party Parliamentary Group on Music to explain how juke box operators and providers of background music services are losing legitimate business due to an illegal practice.

He added: “Bacta members have confirmed that this practice is growing unchecked and is having a significant detrimental impact on business during what is already a challenging trading environment.”

Star Guests Boost Viewing Figures as Successful Big Sam Show Provides Returns for William Hill

September 22, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Checkd Media production No Tippy Tappy Football with Sam Allardyce makes headlines and hits 750,000 short-form views as show returns for second season

Sports content specialist Checkd Media has enjoyed record-breaking figures from its latest run of the successful William Hill-sponsored show No Tippy Tappy Football with Sam Allardyce generating over 750,000 short-form social views across the first five episodes.

Having proved to be a major hit across Checkd’s Footy Accumulators social channels both before and after the World Cup last season, the show featuring leading names from the football world recorded 4.63 million impressions in the opening month of 2023/24 and just under 350,000 YouTube views.

On its return for a second season, star guests have included Jermain Defoe, Steve Bruce and Alan Stubbs with the latter episode in particular generating major coverage in Scotland thanks to the ex-Celtic player’s experiences of referees in ‘Old Firm Derbies’ in a chat with stand-in host Tim Sherwood.

Former Tottenham and England star Les Ferdinand was the latest scheduled guest to appear with his episode going out on YouTube and across the regular audio channels last weekend.

The first month of shows generated an impressive number of stakes for William Hill as casual bettors took advantage of the tips promoted within the content.

A further range of high-profile guests have been lined up to provide exclusive insight, opinions and anecdotes for the remainder of the season.

“We enjoyed a lot of success in creating an open, honest and engaging discussion with some of the game’s best names in the first season of No Tippy Tappy Football with Sam Allardyce and it’s fantastic to have hit the ground running in 2023/24,” UK Media Director for Checkd Media, Will Tyrrell, said. “With Sam Allardyce on board again to share his influential opinions on the game, we have attracted a range of excellent guests with the content produced making waves both on social channels and across traditional media. We are very grateful again for the support of William Hill as we continue to provide quality entertainment as well as insightful betting selections for viewers.”

“No Tippy Tappy Football with Sam Allardyce continues to provide compelling viewing for football fans and it’s great to have it back for a second season,” the Head of Sponsorship, Social and PR for William Hill, Daryl West, said. “The guests we have had on already have been big hitters, providing suitably weighty opinions, and we look forward to generating more positive results moving forward.”

You Win Some, You Lose Some; Lindar Media and the Gambling Commission Agree to a Regulatory Settlement

September 20, 2023 Published by EuropeanGaming.eu

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In September of 2022, the Gambling Commission conducted a compliance assessment and initiated a licence review into Lindar Media’s operations. After acknowledging the shortcomings and proactively presenting an action plan to the Commission, the operator has agreed to pay a regulatory settlement.

The Gambling Commission acknowledged Lindar Media’s transparency, cooperation and proactive approach to rectifying the failings; noting the shortcomings predate the many changes made to the safer gambling and anti-money laundering (AML) processes that have been introduced since the audit period. Lindar Media was also noted to be making significant efforts towards addressing some of the failings before the investigations were finalised. None of the failings showcased evidence of criminal spending within Lindar Media or that there was any financial upside for the business as a result.

The Chief Executive Officer for Lindar Media, Savvas Fellas, commented on the evolution of Lindar Media since 2022 by saying: “My focus since 2022 has been centred around maturing the day-to-day operations through the development of the senior leadership team. We’ve implemented scalable processes that provide consistency as we grow andbuilt technology-driven models that underpin compliance and safer gambling promises to our players; all of which are aligned with our mission of offering progressive, value entertainment with delight and transparency.”

Since 2018, MrQ.com has strived to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a casino brand. Growing from a small team of professionals with ambitious visions, the brand has been working meticulously to keep up with the demands of the industry. The failings listed by the Gambling Commission took place during a period of exponential growth with the investigations being conducted prior to the organisation’s implementation of its core senior leadership team. Significant investments were allocated to AML and safer gambling to raise the standards of the policies and procedures that guarantee MrQ continues to be a reference of excellent practice within the industry.

Lindar Media shares the Commission’s commitment to improve compliance standards across the industry and continues to work proactively with the Gambling Commission to ensure these oversights are not repeated.

Tag: UK

Copper Box Arena, the Home of eSports, as the Positive effects of gaming are revealed in new study

86% of people in the UK don’t think eSports athletes deserve the same recognition and respect as traditional athletes.

Non-gamers get just 12 minutes more sleep per night than gamers.

Distinguished Judging Panel Announced to Select This Year’s William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award Winner

Comments on the Gambling Commission from Lord David Lipsey

Newcastle United stars celebrate LeoVegas Group bringing 50 jobs to the North East

Exciting and innovative new horse racing service launched in betting shops

Longlist Revealed For The William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023 Award – and £30,000 Top Prize

ISD Completes Castle Leisure Maxim Integration

Bacta to Escalate Political Campaign Against Illegal Music Streaming

Star Guests Boost Viewing Figures as Successful Big Sam Show Provides Returns for William Hill

You Win Some, You Lose Some; Lindar Media and the Gambling Commission Agree to a Regulatory Settlement

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