Gambling News - UKGC Study Shock Reveal & Huge Jackpot Won

Several areas of the igaming industry have seen some notable action over the last few days including the latest figures from the UKGC indicating a perception change when it comes to gambling and casino bonuses, a massive jackpot win on the infamous Mega Moolah, and an interesting development from Pragmatic Play.

UKGC Survey Shows Positive Trend for Fair Operations

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission has released the results of their latest survey conducted to understand the gambling industry from the perspective of the consumer, specifically in the UK but not mentioning Ireland.

In this latest survey - that covers data and respondents from 2021 - 36% of respondents believed that the UK gambling market provides fair operations, an increase from 28.8% that was recorded this time last year.

A spokesperson for the UKGC said: "This is the first year where we have seen a switch towards more positive perceptions of gambling."

Other notable figures include that 59% believe gambling should be discouraged, a decrease from 63% the previous year. The overall problem gambling rate is at 0.3%, with the "moderate risk" groups stable from the previous year at 0.8%.

Punters Scoops Massive Mega Moolah Win

Fans of Microgaming casinos are constantly on the lookout for the Mega Moolah jackpot and for good reason, with multiple millionaires made from the online slot game over the years - 70 in total.

The latest jackpot win came in at a humungous €7,296,286.88, with the winner being paid out in one lump sum. Chief Executive Officer for Microgaming Andrew Clucas was chuffed for the winner.

He said: "Fantastic to see the first Mega Moolah win of the year, particularly as it’s another sizeable seven-figure sum – huge congratulations to the winner! An amazing 15 years after taking its first bet, the mighty Mega Moolah slot continues to be extremely popular and payout massive wins such as this Mega €7.3 million reward. Long may that continue!"

The win pushes the African-themed Mega Moolah close to the €1b mark in terms of payout prizes, with over 18.4 million jackpots paid out exceeding €919 million so far.

World Series of Poker Announce 2022 Dates

Those who play at online poker sites will always keep an eye out for the World Series of Poker where the best poker players around the globe flock for the most prestigious tournament series there is.

The 53rd installment of the tournament, which takes place in Las Vegas every year, is making a move from the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino and instead will be hotly contested at Bally's, soon to be rebranded to Horseshow Las Vegas.

SOP Executive Director Ty Stewart, who is presiding over his 17th WSOP, said, "This year is particularly historic for the WSOP with its move to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and debut in the best facilities we’ve ever had.

"We’re ready to welcome players from all over the world to our housewarming party at Bally’s, soon-to-be Horseshoe, and Paris.

"The schedule is jam-packed with first-class events and we expect this to be the biggest and most anticipated WSOP yet."

The 2022 rendition of the WSOP will take place at both of the casino resort’s convention centers and will boast 600 poker tables on opening day.

Pragmatic Play Boost Live Casino Offering

Software developer guru's Pragmatic Play has boosted their live casino library with the addition of 15 blackjack tables now available to play through their Ruby studio alongside more tables for Baccarat and Speed Bacarrat.

"The new tables offer a fast-paced experience similar to the immersive nature of traditional casinos, and they will help maintain our drive to provide the best in Live Casino to as diverse a player demographic as possible", says chief business development officer Rossu Barzely.

The company created the Ruby studio so that players at Pragmatic Play casino sites would have a greater selection of blackjack tables including for Perfect Pairs and 21+3 blackjack alongside the more well-known version usually played at blackjack casino sites.

Ontario Lottery And Gaming Corporation Announce New Partnership

The OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) has announced a new partnership with the Black Talent Initiative as they look to expand workplace diversity in the industry. The move is particularly pertinent with Ontario casino sites set to regulate in the coming months.

The BTI, which is volunteer-led, connects companies to their talent via their community of business professionals, networks, and other resources. The partnership will see the OLG post prospective job opportunities on the BTI site. New learning opportunities will also be introduced for both BTI talent and OLG employees.

"We’re thrilled to be joining BTI in its mission to provide black talent seeking career advancement with the professional development, mentorship, and community that creates career opportunities and inspires equitable, anti-racist workplaces of today and tomorrow," said Tyjondah Kerr, OLG’s Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

"At OLG, we celebrate our differences and know that our unique perspectives, backgrounds, and orientations are what make OLG a great place to work.

"Through our partnership with BTI, we will further our commitment to creating an environment where current and future black OLGers can excel."

“In our province's history, few organisations can match the contribution that OLG has made to our communities,” said Mark Harrison, BTI’s Founder.