RPM Gaming

Ian Hogg has been appointed chairman of RPM Gaming as the specialists in online and retail betting and gaming aims to extend its influence and reach across the industry.

Joining former colleague, co-founder and director Richard Thorp at the firm, Hogg is to be charged with helping the company’s clients navigate global operational complexities across all channels.

Hogg commented: “I’ve always based my business relationships on the ability to add value, whether I was at a start-up or a public company. And the RPM Gaming proposition articulates a simple-yet-exciting opportunity: bringing superior products to regions that have traditionally been poorly served by suppliers to date.

“While many are distracted by new dawns in the US, we intend to marshal our efforts in less fashionable countries where an agile mover can strike quickly and effectively. Rich and his partners have already assembled a connected global network that allows us to focus on high-yield, sustainable streams, replacing legacy systems and driving revenues for our partners across growth markets. RPM Gaming has a strong grasp of the space and I can’t wait to get started as chairman.”

Carousel Group

Josh Littin has been promoted to the role of director of digital at the Carousel Group as the growing operator expands into new international markets amid the launch of a major recruitment drive.

Over the past 18 months, Littin has worked hand in hand with the executive team and will be tasked with strengthening the product and development teams with additional top talent.

Carousel Group is hiring over 30 new roles as it expands its team to accelerate the development of its in-house proprietary sports betting and casino platform Raven, with most of the growth focused on its office in Madrid, Spain.

Daniel Graetzer, founder and CEO of Carousel Group, explained: “Josh came highly recommended and has demonstrated his experience and leadership time and time again since joining the team as employee number five back in 2018.

“We are a customer obsessed business and product is at the centre of everything we do, and we believe Josh is the right person to lead our growth as we launch new brands and licences in 2020.”

Gamban

Gamban has welcomed the latest addition to its advisory board in the shape of William J. Pascrell III, a senior partner, lobbyist and strategic advisor with Princeton Public Affairs Group.

In the gaming sector Pascrell has been a lawyer, strategic advisor and consultant throughout the US, Canada, Israel, Europe, South American and Australia, with clients including Trump Casinos, Pinnacle, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Meadowlands Race Track and Monmouth Park Racetrack.

Jack Symons, co-founder and director of Gamban, said: “We’re very pleased to have BPIII’s guidance and support as we navigate player protection and the role of gambling-blocking software in the US market. His background and experience are second-to-none and we are more than excited to be working together.”

UKGC

Four new commissioners have been appointed to the Gambling Commission with immediate effect. Terry Babbs, Brian Bannister, Jo Hill and Sir Martin Narey have been appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as commissioners for five years.

Bill Moyes, chair of the Gambling Commission, stated: “Terry, Brian, Jo and Sir Martin bring a wealth of valuable expertise to the Board of Commissioners.

“Their collective experience will help us as we look to implement further protections for consumers and strongly regulate what is a fast-moving and innovative industry. I’d like to welcome them to the Commission and look forward to working closely with them.”

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Through the partnership, the public in the Netherlands can gain access to a free one-year subscription with Gamban by contacting Loket Kansspel, the country’s national support service, via the website, WhatsApp, email or over the phone. The app is also available in Dutch.

Gamban is also supporting the KSA in its work in detecting unregulated websites as part of its efforts to combat illegal gambling.

“At Loket Kansspel, we believe that taking control of your online environment is crucial for breaking free from gambling addiction,” commented Nathalie Smit, Director at Loket Kansspel.

“By partnering with Gamban, we’re empowering individuals to stay in control and manage their gambling behaviour. We are excited to provide people with free access to gambling blocking software.”

Matt Zarb-Cousin, Co-Founder of Gamban, stated: “Having a self-exclusion scheme in place can lead to the unintended consequence of leaving the most vulnerable individuals exposed to black market operators.

“Layering up blocking software with self-exclusion ensures that devices are unable to access gambling sites and apps, whether regulated or unregulated.” 

The partnership in the Netherlands follows similar agreements in place in Norway and Finland with the operators Norsk Tipping and Veikkaus respectively. Gamban is also available for free on TimeOutOhio, the self-exclusion platform in the US state of Ohio.

Thomas Borghols, Addiction Prevention Fund Adviser at KSA, said: “At present, KSA offers players struggling with their gambling behaviour the option to self-exclude through Cruks. However, Cruks pertains only to operators holding a licence in the Netherlands. Gamban gives players the opportunity to also block access to illegal gambling websites. 

“When used together, Cruks and Gamban provide players a perspective on recovery. Teaming up with Loket Kansspel for the distribution of Gamban subscriptions was a logical choice for us, given that they are the first point of contact for players looking for an independent, judgement-free talk about the gambling issues facing them.”

Zarb-Cousin added: “We always recommend using other barriers in addition to gambling-blocking software, such as self-exclusion. The friction these offer give the individual a chance to think between urge and action. During this time, they can ride out their urge or think again before acting on temptation. 

“In a world where the lure of immediate gratification through digital activity is increasingly tempting, we want to help people regain control and balance – and by using Gamban, they can do that.”

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Central to the proposals is to ensure that “anyone in the Netherlands can obtain a free one-year Gamban subscription by contacting the country’s national support service, Loket Kansspel, via the website, WhatsApp, email, or phone.”

Operating in the UK since 2015, Gamban is recognised as the most comprehensive gambling block and self-exclusion solution in the industry.

Furthermore, Gamban will introduce its new Dutch version of the app in a bid to provide an efficient route to self-exclusion for Dutch gambling consumers, as the focus on social responsibility in the Dutch market elevates. 

Nathalie Smit, Director at Loket Kansspel, said: “At Loket Kansspel, we believe that taking control of your online environment is crucial for breaking free from gambling addiction. By partnering with Gamban, we’re empowering individuals to stay in control and manage their gambling behaviour. We are excited to provide people with free access to gambling-blocking software.”

The Dutch pilot builds on similar collaborations with Norway’s state-owned lottery and gaming operator, Norsk Tipping, which offers software to self-excluded individuals, as well as Finland’s monopoly operator, Veikkaus. Additionally, Gamban is available for free through Ohio’s self-exclusion platform, TimeOutOhio.

Thomas Borghols, Addiction Prevention Fund Adviser at the KSA, stated: “At present, the KSA offers players struggling with their gambling behaviour the option to self-exclude through Cruks. 

“When used together, Cruks and Gamban provide players with a pathway to recovery. Teaming up with Loket Kansspel for the distribution of Gamban subscriptions was a logical choice for us, given that they are the first point of contact for players seeking independent, judgement-free conversations about the gambling issues they face.”

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The agreement will provide free blocking software to Svenska Spel’s customers who wish to stop gambling, offering those individuals who have chosen to self-exclude a free Gamban license and access to more support via the Gamban app.

According to a recent report by Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gambling authority, awareness of the country’s self-exclusion service Spelpaus has grown over the past year.

Spelinspektionen’s annual report on the gambling habits of the Swedish public revealed that 65 per cent of respondents are aware of the Spelpaus self-exclusion service, up on 2022’s figure of 62 per cent and 2021’s 59 per cent, with four per cent of that 65 stating they have used it.

Daniel Harre, Responsible Gambling Specialist, Svenska Spel AB, commented: “We’re convinced that if someone is suffering from their gambling they should not gamble at all.

“Therefore, in the rare cases our customers experience this, we’ll offer them a free Gamban license for up to five years. We believe that using Gamban may give someone the pause from gambling that is required for seeking help, going into treatment and start recovering.”

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The group has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent a commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit. 

This recognition addresses the entirety of a business’ operations and covers five key impact areas of governance, workers, community, environment and customers. 

Applicants are required to reach a benchmark score of over 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. In addition, the company must legally embed a commitment to purpose beyond profit.

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, explained: “We are delighted to welcome Gamban to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. 

“We know that Gamban are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward. 

“We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community – from startups to multinationals and across many different industries. Business is a powerful force and B Corps demonstrate that you can do good in any sector. 

“Welcoming Gamban is an exciting moment because they have an opportunity to lead the way within the responsible gambling industry. 

“We and the rest of the B Corp community are really pleased to support Gamban in paving the way for a new way of doing things”. 

Gamban is now part of a community of over 45,000 businesses globally who have certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the UK, representing a broad cross section of industries and sizes, comprises over 1,000 companies and includes brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.

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The feature, which follows the implementation of an optional freeze being introduced in November 2019 and alliance with Gamban three months later, is hailed as a “first of its kind offered by a UK high street bank”.

This allows those using the Lloyds Bank mobile app to set a monthly debit card gambling limit of any amount to the nearest whole pound, when spending online, in person or over the phone.

Anna Hemmings, GamCare CEO, said: “As many households are having to think more carefully about their budgets, the launch by Lloyds Bank of its new in-app gambling spend limit feature will give those most vulnerable to gambling harms an important means of controlling their gambling – and preventing harms from escalating. 

“This tool complements the range of existing support features that we can recommend to people reaching out for help.”

Lloyds noted that this latest launch is designed to help heighten the understanding of how helpful customers could find the ability to set such limits alongside those existing options already available as outlined above.

With the importance of giving customers more control in budgeting also stipulated, it is noted that the limits can be adjusted or removed at any time and will automatically roll on each month, until the limit is removed.

Philip Robinson, Director, Personal Current Accounts at Lloyds Bank added: “For several years, we’ve helped our customers ‘turn off’’ gambling spend. 

“Our newest feature lets customers set a personalised gambling spend limit, helping them better manage their money and establish boundaries around certain spending behaviour.”

Research cited and carried out by Lloyds Bank of, 1557 respondents during November 2-3, 2021, is said to have found that half of people would like banks to take further action to help prevent gambling harm, with monthly gambling limits being one of the most supported features amongst respondents.

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The enhanced alliance, which the operator hopes will provide a shot in the arm in a wider aim of achieving zero per cent of revenue from harmful gambling, sees Kindred become the first operator in France to offer Gamban to all players who opt out of its platform.

This will be available via the online sports betting and gaming group’s flagship Unibet brand, starting Thursday 10 November, with Gamban available on top of Kindred’s own responsible gambling tools.

“We are very excited to be assisting Kindred on their journey to derive zero per cent revenue from harmful gambling,” commented Stephen Aupy, VP of Partnerships at Gamban. 

“Kindred’s voluntary commitment to offer Gamban for free in France means accessible blocking software can further protect those harmed by gambling from unlicensed operators outside the scope of regulation. 

“Kindred’s commitment to best practice has led to them choosing Gamban to partner with, which illustrates the reliability of our solution to protect players and work toward the sustainability of the industry.” 

While Gamban wasn’t previously accessible in French, Kindred funded its development and localisation to make it widely accessible to players. Even though it is possible to self-exclude or be banned from the 17 licensed operators in France, Gamban, said Kindred, “provides a much wider coverage” by permitting players to block more than 60,000 online gambling sites, including unlicensed operators.

“At Kindred, we want gambling to remain a fun source of entertainment,” stated Mathieu Drida, General Manager France at Kindred Group. 

“As an online gambling operator, we take our responsibility towards our players very seriously and want to provide them with the most effective support tools on the market. 

“This is what the partnership between Unibet and Gamban is all about, and we encourage all gambling operators to adopt this solution in order to make it more widely available in France.”

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This will see the jacks.nl online sports betting and igaming brand offer players a free subscription to the Gamban service, which blocks all websites offering online gambling, Once the software is installed players can’t access any online gaming site, legal or illegal.

James Forman, Business Intelligence Officer at Gamban, commented: “Since 2015, Gamban has gone from strength to strength, setting the standard in gambling blocking software. 

“First-hand experience of problem gambling combined with the most talented minds in the field of gambling blocking software has resulted in the most effective cross-platform solution for creating friction and aiding willpower in the fight against gambling addiction. 

“Used by tens of thousands of people worldwide, Gamban has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback.

“Gamban sees  jacks.nl as a key player that values responsible gaming. Even before obtaining its licence, jacks.nl was actively looking for innovative techniques to provide additional protection for players.”

JOI Gaming, a subsidiary of JVH gaming & entertainment, gained a licence for jacks.nl in November 2021, following which collaborations with the likes of Evolution and Stakelogic have been disclosed. 

Based within the Netherlands, JVH, which originated in Tilburg in 1958, has 85 retail gaming entities under the brand names Jack’s Casino, Flash Casino’s and Flamingo Casino across the Netherlands.

Eric Olders, CEO and Chair of the JVH group, said of this latest deal: “Responsible gaming and the protection of players are both extremely important at JVH. Therefore, we are proud that jacks.nl is the first Dutch gambling provider offering Gamban software for free. 

“We have been offering this software to our players since the launch of jack.nl. We strongly believe that gambling must always be an experience, based on hospitality, safety, variety and, most of all, fun. By offering this software for free – on top of all our other responsible gaming tools and processes – we can provide even greater protection to players.

“We strive for safe and trusted environments for all our players. Simply excluding vulnerable players from our site alone is not enough. It could drive them to other gambling sites, including and especially illegal sites without proper responsible gaming measures. 

“The essence of improving player protection lies in the exclusion of illegal sites. This software enables players to exclude themselves from all sites. 

“The Gamban software blocks all gaming websites worldwide, preventing those players from any gambling online. Gamban is a smart and most effective software for blocking all gambling sites and applications.”

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The company, whose application blocks all online gambling websites when installed on your device, also stated that it has become “the first gambling blocking software” to achieve the certification.

“We have worked extensively to achieve accreditation in these two areas to demonstrate our commitment to both information security and quality management,” stated Jack Symons, Founder. 

“Gamban continues to set the standard in blocking software and we welcome the opportunity to work with like-minded organisations to protect individuals at risk of gambling-related harm.” 

Gamban, which praises ISO 27001 as “one of the world’s most recognised information security management standards,” secured its latest accreditation after obtaining ISO 9001.

“Compliance with this accreditation is about establishing and retaining best-practice information security. It demonstrates our adherence to the highest security standards in handling sensitive information.” added Nick Michalopoulos, Data Protection Officer at Gamban.

Earlier this year, online casino comparison site Time2Play struck a partnership Gamban to provide free subscriptions to the latter’s software to all signed-up users.

This came after the group expanded its international reach after launching a Spanish-language version of its blocking software in Spain and Latin America.

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Following its first year as a pilot programme, Ipsos carried out research into TalkBankStop’s progress – reported by GamCare, one of the three organisations involved in the safer gambling programme alongside Gamban and GamStop.

The results showed that TalkBanStop, which the report stated has been installed 9,000 times since its inception, contributed to a “noticeable reduction” in gambling-related harm, with respondents claiming improvements in financial situations, enhanced relationships, overall wellbeing and performance at work. 

Anna Hemmings, GamCare Chief Executive, said: “Since the TalkBanStop partnership started we’ve seen a huge value in pooling our tools and support together to help people stop gambling online. 

“Throughout the pilot year we’ve seen how having all three of our interventions, layered together, have amplified the impact for individuals who need them most.”

Specifically, participants in the survey reported being in a better financial position after using TalkBanStop tools, with some stating that they had begun to make savings.

A key area of improvement was with regards to overall wellbeing such as better sleep, as other respondents reported a lack of distraction by gambling at work and better professional performance. 

“Additionally, what we’ve heard from people is the value in using gambling transaction blocks offered by banks as an added layer of protection,” Hemmings continued. 

“While the tools and support have been effective, the bank blocks are shown to go one step further in restricting payments in land-based gambling venues such as betting shops. 

“Going forward, we hope to work with more financial services to highlight the positive impact that TalkBanStop can have.”

Launched initially as a 12 month pilot programme last year, TalkBanStop combines support from GamCare advisors, free access to Gamban blocking software and signposting to the GamStop self-exclusion scheme. 

The organisations are currently overseeing a further expansion of the programme’s international remit, having secured funding from the UK Gambling Commission for another year of operations and launching a Spanish-language version of the service.

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