Category Archives: Gaming & Entertainment

Is the UK Leading in the iGaming Industry?

The online gambling sector experienced massive growth, and it is globally recognized for its popularity. The UK is actually a leader in iGaming since it also has a renowned gambling sector known for its rigorous standards since 2007.

Since the inception of the first casino site, the entire UK iGaming sector has gone straight to strength. Today it accounts for about 38.8% of the entire gambling sector revenue. So, it is safe to say that iGaming is a force to be reckoned with in the UK. Below we will learn the main reasons why it has achieved spectacular success.

The Popularity of Online Gambling

The UK Gambling sector in 2007 had a worth of around £8 billion. In 2022, that number has spiked to £40 billion. There are multiple reasons for this success. First, smartphones improved with their innovative features, new capabilities, and performance. The enhanced capabilities open more options for mobile gaming, which also apply to online casinos.

Mobile devices supported mobile data, which further increased the accessibility to online games of chance. Nowadays, we spend 155 minutes on our mobile devices every day. Smartphones are portable computers that support 5G, which even further enhances the interest speed and performance.                   So, it comes as no surprise that iGaming is even more popular than initially when it was only available on laptops.  Mobile casino apps, for example, offer one-point access to a variety of casino games.

Every iGaming provider has optimized the games for iOS and Android devices. Furthermore, online casinos are no longer a rarity. The demand for mobile gaming experience has done its part and almost every casino site is optimized for mobile use.

Regulations of the UK Gambling Commission

The regulations of the UK Gambling Commission are quite strict, and they also create a safe and fair gaming experience for UK players in online casinos due to their stellar global reputation. Many casino players feel safe when they gamble at a local online casino that is licensed by the UKGC. In other words, the work of the UK Gambling Commission provided a good foundation for the UK gambling market to continue to grow and expand, and the same applies to the iGaming providers that hold a valid UK gambling licenses.

They also enjoy higher repeatability and popularity among UK casino players. Moreover, the UK Gambling Commission also promotes responsible gambling and regularly supervises the work of its operators in order to ensure that they offer a safe and fair gaming experience that can also be regulated by casino players.

For example, you can self-exclude for a specific period of time on a gambling site, contact support agents if you have any additional questions about their bonuses and promotions, or limit your deposits and withdrawals. There are also strict regulations regarding the promotion of bonuses on the platform.

Payment Methods

Another reason why the UK is the leader in iGaming is the opportunities to make deposits and withdrawals with globally recognized and safe payment methods such as VISA, PayPal, Skrill and Neteller, Paysafecard, and MasterCard. In most cases, deposits and withdrawals and approved instantly, especially when it comes to advanced digital wallets.

iGaming platforms also accept cryptocurrencies which represent one of the latest innovations in the sector, and it offers another option for any crypto owner that wants to make deposits and withdrawals with their crypto funds.

Bonuses and Promotions

The UK iGaming sector is known for online bonuses and promos on online casinos, betting, and bingo sites.  There are plenty of different types of bonuses to choose from, like deposit-match offers, bonus spins, loyalty points, cashback offers, giveaways, and tournaments. So, based on your preferences, you can find bonuses that let you try different games or make your gaming experience more enjoyable.

They might have loyalty schemes that also include different loyalty rewards, and this is something that online casinos, for example, and land-based casinos, have in common, as there are iGaming sites as well as traditional gambling establishments where you are able to collect loyalty points and reap different rewards. The loyalty rewards might include everything from special bonuses to gifts, personalized rewards, personal account managers, higher withdrawals, and other options.

 

 

 

The Development of London’s Gaming Scene

Gaming has long been a popular pastime in the UK, with 36 million consumers participating in video games in 2020. Since this, the UK gaming population has significantly increased by 63% as more and more people have access to gaming technologies, whether that be at home or out and about at local casinos and other gaming venues.

With access to some of the world’s leading technologies, the UK gaming market continues to thrive, with new and continually developing technologies being incorporated every day. These technologies enable a completely immersive environment where players can get lost in the world of the game.

However, while home gaming is incredibly popular, London is a huge hub for the best gaming venues, which the city received 21.71 million international visitors in 2019. As one of the largest cosmopolitan hubs in the world. The UK’s capital boasts a variety of rich experiences, from a thriving culinary scene to sports events, music and theater venues, unique bars, and most of all, a thriving gaming scene.

Below, we’ll take a look at what London’s gaming scene has to offer.

 

Land-based gaming venues in London

From arcades to large casino venues, e-sports facilities, and more, London has a thriving gaming scene that keeps many tourists entertained.

While internet cafes allow people to seek the company of others while working away on their screens, most recently, London has seen a new social gaming phenomenon where screen time can become social again. Let’s take a closer look at some of these fantastic venues.

 

Electric Gamebox – Southbank

Electric Gamebox is located in the lively and exclusive Southbank area of London, known as an upcoming and quirky area that’s full of arts and culture. Electric gamebox brings groups of players together in a room where they must work as a team to complete the game.

The sophisticated rooms incorporate the very latest technologies, including projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking and even surround sand, making it an incredibly immersive and fun-filled experience for all that attend.

 

Fox in a Box

As another unique gaming location, Fox in a Box is an incredible escape room adventure that takes gamers back to the nostalgia of simple times when everything had to be worked out without the power of the internet. Gamers are trapped in a prison-like interior and must solve a series of challenges and puzzles to be able to get out.

What’s more, the escape room has evolved with the times and now also provides a portable escape room for those that would like to host a gaming event in their own home or location.

 

The Hippodrome Casino

The Hippodrome casino is spread across three floors and offers an incredibly impressive range of games, as well as cocktails, food, and a lively rooftop terrace where guests can chill out after an exciting few hours in the casino.

There’s a whole host of traditional casino games on offer, from roulette to blackjack, electronic slots, poker rooms, and much more. When visiting London, this venue offers the perfect place to spend an evening enjoying a wealth of entertainment.

 

Online gaming options

While London still has a thriving gaming scene, there’s also a variety of online games that visitors and locals alike can access. From popular home consoles like PlayStation that allow you to enjoy a game from the comfort of your own home to more advanced gaming systems like virtual reality and live streaming, there’s so much on offer.

Casino games are another form of gaming that has become popular online. There are now many major casino providers available online in the UK, offering a variety of casino games such as poker, roulette, and slots for people to enjoy anywhere and at any time. These casino providers also typically offer a range of casino bonus offers to redeem on their sites. The transition of online casino games online has helped contribute to the growth of this gaming sector.

After a long day of exploring the capital city, guests can pull out their tablets and headphones and enjoy a vibrant gaming scene, without even having to leave their hotels. This increasing trend meant that more people from London, and across the world for that matter has meant that new demographic groups are getting involved in home gaming who never would have even considered joining a casino before.

 

What makes online gaming so popular?

There are several reasons why so many people are now opting to play online instead of visiting a brick-and-mortar venue. Below, we’ll take a look at what makes online gaming so great.

 

Accessibility

No longer do players need to wait for a casino to open. Whether it’s 3 am or 12 noon, players can play their favorite games at any time, whether it’s on a remote beach, on the commute to work, or just from the sofa at home too.

 

Advanced immersiveness

While online gameplay did not used to be as immersive, today’s continually evolving technologies have meant that gameplay has never been so enjoyable or realistic. Some of the latest technologies include VR headsets and live streaming that allows players to play the same game while adding more of a social aspect to it.

 

Overall, London has a thriving gaming community that would take weeks to explore all the very best spots. However, if you’re tired after a night of exploring in London, there’s also a range of fantastic online games that can be accessed too.

 

 

 

8 Real-Life Benefits Of Playing Poker Games

If you’re like most poker players, you probably love the game for the excitement and challenge it provides. But what you may not know is that poker games can also offer several benefits that go beyond just the fun factor. This article will look at eight real-life benefits of playing poker games. So if you’re looking for a new way to improve your life or want to have some fun, check out these benefits and try playing poker today.

 

1. Poker enhances one’s learning ability.

Poker can be a great way to improve your learning ability. The game requires split-second decisions, and correct decisions often come from understanding probabilities. When you play poker games such as Texas Holdem poker, you constantly do mental math to calculate the odds of specific outcomes. Doing this will help to sharpen your math skills, and over time you will become better at making quick calculations. Poker requires you to pay close attention to the cards on the table and the actions of your opponents. This constant vigilance will help to improve your focus and concentration. And as you become more familiar with the game, you will start to see patterns and trends that can give you an edge in future hands. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your brainpower, poker may be the perfect game.

 

2. Poker improves math skills.

Math is an important life skill, and there are plenty of everyday situations where a strong understanding of math can come in handy. Players need to be able to calculate odds, understand probability, and make quick mental calculations. As a result, poker can be a great way to improve your math skills. Of course, poker isn’t the only game that requires math skills. Any game that involves counting or keeping track of scores silently encourages players to improve their math fluency. So next time you’re looking for a way to sharpen your math skills, consider breaking out the poker chips or the cards.

 

3. Poker develops judgment skills.

Poker is a skill game requiring players to make judgment calls to win. Poker games allow players to assess their opponents, read tells, and make decisions based on incomplete information. Poker also encourages players to develop a poker face or the ability to disguise their emotions to bluff their opponents. All of these skills are valuable in real-world situations. Those who can keep calm under pressure are less likely to make mistakes in high-stakes situations. Poker develops judgment skills and is applicable both inside and outside the game.

 

4. Poker teaches patience.

Patience is a virtue that poker players learn early on. The game is about waiting for the right hand and then making the most of it. Players need to be able to control their emotions and refrain from making impulsive decisions if they want to win. Doing this cannot be easy, especially when real money is at stake. However, poker teaches players how to stay calm under pressure and make rational decisions. As a result, poker can be an excellent way to improve your patience. And, unlike other games where patience is required, poker is also a lot of fun! So next time you feel like your patience is being tested, try sitting down for a game of poker online. You might find that it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind.

 

5. Poker teaches how to manage money.

Poker is more than just a card game; it is also an excellent way to learn about money management. The poker chips represent real money, and the cards represent different values. Players must manage their poker chips to make the best poker hand possible. Doing this requires learning how to budget poker chips, when to bluff, and when to fold. You may apply these life skills to managing actual finances.

 

6. Poker develops logical thinking.

Poker is a game of skill that requires strategic thinking and careful planning. Players must make decisions based on limited information, and they must be able to adapt their strategy as the game progresses. Playing poker online can also help you sharpen your skills and become a better player. Many online poker rooms offer free games, so you can practice your skills without risking any money. So why not give poker a try? You might find that it’s the perfect game for developing your logical thinking skills.

 

7. Poker teaches discipline.

Poker is a game of discipline. It requires you to have self-control and to be able to make decisions based on logic rather than emotion. You need to control your impulses and think long-term at the poker table. This discipline can be applied in all walks of life, from personal finances to business dealings. As a result, poker is an excellent way to learn discipline.

 

8. Playing poker teaches you how to deal with loss.

When you play poker, you constantly deal with the risk of loss. Every time you put a poker chip in the pot, you are risking the possibility of losing that chip. And if you lose enough poker chips, you will eventually be forced to leave the game. This lesson can be difficult for some people to learn, but it is essential. Dealing with loss is a part of life, and poker can teach you how to deal with it gracefully. By learning to accept losses and move on, you will become a better poker player and a more well-rounded person.

 

Poker is more than just a card game; it is also an excellent way to learn essential life skills. Poker can teach you how to manage money, develop logical thinking, and deal with loss. So why not give poker a try? You might find that it’s the perfect game for you.

Visit GGPoker, create an account and start playing poker games today!

Real-time moderation solution, Bodyguard.ai signs new partnership with Team BDS to tackle online hate in eSports

  • 70% of people who play games online experience harassment
  • 4 in every 10 messages targeting players after a defeat are toxic.
  • 92% think solutions should be implemented to reduce toxic behaviour in multiplayer games.
  • The first of its kind partnership will help to further the case to fight online hate in eSports.

Real-time gaming moderation solution provider Bodyguard.ai today announces a ground-breaking partnership with Swiss esports organisation Team BDS that aims to lay down a major marker in the battle against online hate in eSports.

Team BDS is a formidable player in the eSports arena. As one of the fastest-growing teams in the world, it has already won the last Rainbow Six Major in Sweden,, the Rocket League Championship series, and were finalists in the League of Legends’ European Masters in 2022 alone.

Online toxicity continues to be a major issue within the gaming community which seems to be particularly prone to the online fight culture tendency on the internet. From insults to threats, the vast majority of gamers are subject to hateful content when playing online. Analysis from Unity Games shows that 72% of gamers experience harassment while playing online, and 92% think solutions should be implemented to reduce toxic behaviour in multiplayer games. One in four women say that toxicity no longer makes them want to play online multiplayer games, according to Women in Games.

Globally, the esports audience will reach 532 million worldwide by the end of 2022 and is expected to reach 640.8 billion by 2025 with sponsorships accounting for almost 60% of its revenue. Overall, the live-streaming audience in video gaming reached almost 810 million in 2021 and is expected to reach 1.41 billion by 2025. This huge growth comes with the potential to expose even more players and fans to toxicity online.

Through the partnership with Bodyguard.ai, Team BDS is taking a strong stance against all forms of toxicity by becoming the very first eSports team to invest in an automated moderation solution for the wellness of its players, fans and partners.

Arnaud Chemin, Head of Gaming at Bodyguard.ai comments: “The gaming sector, and in particular the esports market is booming. We know that millions of people across the world enjoy participating and watching their favourite players and teams. We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Team BDS, one of the fastest growing eSport teams in the world to help protect their athletes and fans from online hate. We are thrilled to be able to work with such a formidable gaming enterprise to raise awareness about the need to address toxicity in the gaming arena and challenge the industry to make it a better, safer, freer environment for all.”

Bodyguard.ai has been supporting Team BDS since April 2022, connecting to its social network accounts including Twitch, Instagram and Twitter. However, the full-scale partnership will provide the team access to the full suite of Bodyguard.ai gaming services.

Bodyguard.ai’s automated moderation service is able to moderate millions of comments in seconds across Twitch, Youtube, chat rooms, in-game chat, forums, fan communities and other social platforms with a 90% success rate.

Users are provided with an easy-to-use single solution capable of providing a detailed analysis of any gaming community, spanning all player behaviour and interactions. Not only does this allow organisations to reward positive behaviour through comprehensive insights and the ability to filter on specific categories, but it also allows action to be taken against those sharing toxic content.

In a time where toxicity in the gaming community is rife, automated solutions can have a massive impact. If left unchecked, problems can soon snowball, causing both targeted and non-targeted players to leave to avoid toxic behaviours. Not only can this leave organisations and communities with dwindling numbers, but it can also harm reputations and inflict damage to brand images.

Chemin adds: “It is clear that gamers are subject to significant levels of online abuse, and that must change. Behind every toxic comment there is a real person who may be significantly affected by the online hate and abuse that they are subjected to. Interactions are an essential part of the player experience. Gaming organisations need to protect their community from disruptive behaviours and harassment. With an automatic moderation solution, conversations will stay healthy and players remain happy and protected – making the sport better for everyone.”