Entertainment
Great Britain’s 95% decline in VIP clients: Is this a headache for online casinos?
Thanks to a 2020 change in rules surrounding VIP experiences at online casinos in the UK, operators were faced with a new challenge. As tighter regulations were introduced by the UK Gambling Commission, extra pressure was put on operators for the running of their high-value customer schemes (HVCs).
VIP experiences have always been part and parcel of the casino experience, and with the world of gambling heavily shifting online since the turn of the century, the path it has taken has been full of twists and turns regarding the rules surrounding it. Legal online casinos such as those reviewed and ranked by https://legalcasino.uk/, a service which studies and compares UK gambling operators, have to adhere to the regulations as set out by the Gambling Commission to initially get an operating licence. They also face regular checks and audits to ensure that standards of game fairness, finances and Responsible Gambling are all being upheld. This heavy scrutiny is why it is always recommended to only play at UK-licensed operators.
But how did the tighter regulations affect online casinos? The official figure, according to iGB, a portal dedicated to the regulated global online gambling industry, is a 95% drop of VIP customers. Let’s have a closer look at what VIP online casino experience is and what this dramatic decline really means.
What are VIP programmes?
VIP programmes at online casinos are designed to replace the in-person experience of getting levels of service above and beyond that of regular players. They are linked to dedicated players who have higher bankrolls and typically bet big.
They generally operate on a tiered system, where points are earned from gambling to climb through the levels. Naturally, the higher the VIP tier is, the greater the rewards like faster withdrawals, a personal account manager, higher deposit limits and customer support priority.
It’s also common to find tailored promotions and bonuses in the higher tiers of VIP clubs, with things like physical gifts, experiences and invitations to VIP tournaments.
Getting in the club
VIP programmes at online casinos are typically invite-only. Operators will monitor deposit and betting activity and reach out to a player to see if they want to join. Among the main criteria are value and frequency of deposits, along with value and volume of bets placed. Some operators allow customers who believe they should be in the VIP club the chance to reach out to customer support to see if they can get in.
Harder entry
The 2020 regulation changes, which came about after talks between the Gambling Commission and the Betting and Gaming Council, meant that VIP club handling got a little more difficult for operators.
Among the main changes, more rigorous checks on a player’s background, finances and their betting behaviour become a requirement before joining, to help protect players from getting into something difficult to monetarily sustain.
As well as prohibiting anyone under the age of 25 from entering such a scheme, the new rules also forced senior management to oversee them, and perhaps the biggest shake-up was that the new regulations meant that casinos could no longer incentivise VIP experiences based on customer losses.
How did the changes affect operators?
Having studied the impact of the changes in the industry after the new regulations, the Gambling Commission reported that the number of High Value Customer Schemes dropped from 42,349 (22 operators) to 1,616 (18 operators) between April 2023 and March 2024.
That equated to a massive 95% drop in players registered for VIP programmes, leaving operators with an average of just 89.80 VIPs compared to 1,925 at the start of the period.
From the number of operators involved in the survey, around 60% of them were still offering VIP schemes, down from 67% before the regulatory changes were introduced. So the amount of available programmes has remained fairly stable, but just the number of players being onboarded has dropped dramatically.
The bigger headache
This naturally resulted in a big headache for online gambling platforms, namely a significant loss in gross gambling yield (GGY) from VIP programmes. In the 2023-24 financial year, the total generated by VIP programmes, according to the same report, was £10.87 million, down 51% from the 2022-23 period GGY (£22.18 million). The numbers indicate that the tighter regulations have meant a significant depression in this income stream for operators.
Player protections
The measures introduced by the Gambling Commission were designed with player protection in mind, to help prevent vulnerable individuals from getting exploited, by forcing casinos to take more rigorous steps to ensure that what a player was spending as a VIP was affordable.
Further protections by stopping incentives like cashback on losses and bonuses for losing streaks have also played a part in putting the brakes on participation. The concern with tiered rewards is that players can overspend just to achieve new ones or sustain their current levels, which can lead to problem gambling.
VIP Programmes are still available, but it appears to no longer be the powerhouse of an income stream that it once was.
Entertainment
Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall
FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.
Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.
In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.
He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.
Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.
The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.
However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.
Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.
In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.
Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.
They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.
Entertainment
Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events
FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.
The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.
The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.
At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.
Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.
The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities
Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.
Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.
Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism
The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.
With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.
A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”
More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.
Entertainment
Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle
A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).
Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.
Egg hunts and medieval action
A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.
Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.
The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.
Magic, stories and science
Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.
Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.
Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.
Trebuchet returns
One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.
Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”
For full event details, visit the castle’s website.
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