Hacksaw Gaming has acquired a stake in Kitsune Studios
Hacksaw Gaming has significantly strengthened its partnership with Kitsune Studios. In a strategic move, the supplier has acquired a stake in the developer. Kitsune Studios is already a partner on Hacksaw’s OpenRGS platform.
This new agreement also includes an option for Hacksaw to increase its stake in the future. This clearly signals a long-term alignment between the two companies.
Kitsune Studios joined the OpenRGS platform back in March 2025. Since then, their collaboration has been productive. Currently, three of their titles are live on the platform. Furthermore, a fourth game is scheduled for release in December.
This partnership is a key part of Hacksaw’s strategy. They aim to broaden their content portfolio by working with external studios. These partners complement their own in-house development efforts.
Marcus Cordes, Operational CEO of Hacksaw Gaming, commented: “Evolving our relationships with promising studios is a core strategy. Therefore, we look forward to working more closely with the talented team at Kitsune Studios.”
Meanwhile, Hacksaw Gaming continues to expand its presence in regulated markets worldwide. For instance, they recently launched content with BetOCEAN in New Jersey. Additionally, they entered the Czech market through Apollo Games.
Although separate from the Kitsune investment, these moves highlight Hacksaw’s wider focus. They are actively strengthening their distribution channels and diversifying their content sources across different jurisdictions.
New UK Prize Draws Code of Conduct aims to boost player protection
Recently, 23 companies signed a new voluntary code of conduct for UK prize draws. The government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced the move. This initiative aims to strengthen consumer safeguards in the growing prize draws and competitions (PDC) sector.
The PDC sector is booming. In fact, DCMS figures show it was worth £1.3bn in 2023. However, these draws are not covered by the 2005 Gambling Act. Consequently, the UK Lotteries Council has pushed for formal regulation, calling it unfair competition. Instead, the government has opted for this voluntary code first.
Signatories must follow several important rules. These include:
- Spending Limits: Firstly, credit card use is capped at £250 per month. Furthermore, instant-win competitions ban credit cards completely.
- Free Entry: Secondly, the free entry route must be clear and easy for all players.
- Age Verification: Additionally, all participants must be 18 or over.
- Harm Prevention: Operators must also monitor for signs of financial distress and signpost support services.
- Marketing: Moreover, all marketing must follow strict Advertising Standards Authority rules.
Signatories have until 20 May 2026 to fully implement the code. Currently, there is no official trade body. Therefore, signatories are expected to encourage other operators to join them.
The DCMS confirmed the code does not replace existing regulation. However, research shows a link between prize draws and gambling harm. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce player risk and improve industry transparency.
Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross said people should be confident that “reasonable protections are in place.” Meanwhile, major operator Omaze, a founding signatory, stated it welcomes the move and looks forward to all operators committing to the same high standards.
Gambling authorities have launched a coordinated cross-border crackdown
Gambling authorities from seven European nations have formed a new alliance. Consequently, Great Britain Germany, Portugal, Austria, Italy, France, and Spain will now share information and coordinate actions. They aim to tackle the growing threat of illegal online gambling.
Officials confirmed this agreement on 12 November. The meeting took place at the Spanish Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ).
Regulators highlighted key challenges. Firstly, fast-paced technological innovation creates consumer risks. Secondly, the borderless nature of online gambling allows illegal operators to evade oversight. The operators can work across multiple jurisdictions without following national rules.
Furthermore, a major concern is the spread of unauthorised gambling ads. These appear on social media, video platforms, and affiliate networks. As a result, vulnerable groups, including minors, face increased exposure. Therefore, cross-border cooperation is now essential.
The new agreement establishes three main lines of action:
- Information Sharing: Authorities will exchange data on illegal operators.
- Coordinated Complaints: They will jointly complain to social media and digital platforms to limit illicit advertising.
- Best Practices: Regulators will share knowledge to improve the detection, investigation, and enforcement of illegal activities.
Simultaneously, Madrid hosted the 1st International Gaming Congress. This event highlighted Europe’s diverse regulatory approaches. Importantly, regulators from Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain presented their strategies for consumer protection.
This joint declaration aims to strengthen market integrity and support public safety across Europe. Meanwhile, other organisations are also pushing for change.
For instance, the charity GambleAware recently called for stricter regulations. They demand mandatory health warnings on all gambling content.
Similarly, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) welcomed a new European standard on “markers of harm.” This standard will help identify risky gambling behaviours and support harm prevention. National standardisation bodies have approved the framework. It is expected to be published in early 2026 and will be voluntary for use.
