Latest News
Lee Willows: ‘We should be humbled that addiction levels are coming down: do we really think that big state programmes, funded by a statutory levy and controlled by the NHS could do any better?’
Lee Willows, the long-standing lived-experience leader who came into the gambling space following an addiction that almost drove him to suicide, has warned that the UK risks losing its status as a world-class leader in Social Responsibility. Commenting after the Westminster Media Forum – Next steps for UK gambling regulation and Labour Party MP Carolyn Harris’s Westminster Hall debate on the statutory gambling levy, Willows said: “I firmly believe the UK is a global leader in Social Responsibility, but I worry that flame might be dimming as the funding debate becomes more about a desire to break-up the very eco-system that supported me and today supports many others. It is this Third Sector-led eco-system that to my mind, makes us world-class.”
Addressing the nature of the debate he questioned: “Why have we allowed it to come down to narrow choices between the NHS or the Third Sector to deliver a national programme of treatment – why can’t both co-exist? I have often said we need a choir of voices and organisations in this space. Why is it so difficult for start-up organisations – often led by individuals with Lived Experience – to access funding? Why is the funding debate consistently tarnished by some who feel there is a lack of independence as opposed to recognising the impact of that funding, which in my experience is completely independent. Finally, why are we not humbled that addiction levels are coming down and education and awareness is now at an all-time high, being led by superb charities in a considered, well-thought and evidenced manner?
“These divisions and the potential introduction of a statutory levy carry significant risks to my mind and in many ways undermines a lot of the good work that’s been undertaken. We have built an eco-system to deliver treatment, support and prevention that has impressive reach across the United Kingdom. This didn’t happen overnight, it took time, and a huge collective effort on behalf of many very decent people. A statutory levy risks being seen by operators as another tax and as a result dilute their level of involvement in reducing harms.
“Whilst there is much more to be achieved, we should be humbled by this progress. Do we really think that big state (NHS only) programmes, funded by a statutory levy can do any better? Will big state programmes enable agility and innovation? Will big state programmes deliver better value for money? Will big state programmes really provide the funding for very local services or take a risk on start-up organisations or ideas, particularly from those with Lived-Experience, often starting out as sole-traders? Will big state, one size fits all programmes, be able to deal with the complexities around gambling addictions?
“Several years ago, I led the work of a national reducing re-offending charity at the time when the Probation Services were being privatised. A slightly different scenario, but a similar outcome in that the PLC companies and the state won many of the contracts, forcing many charities to close. Wind the clock forward and re-offending rates today remain broadly where they were prior to privatisation. The tragedy is that re-offending rates were beginning to drop, prior to privatisation. Beneficiaries of services often would say that they had a personal connection with the staff member supporting them from charities, whereas they were more like a number when being supported by the larger companies. It has also been proven consistently that charity-run services almost always deliver better value for money.”
“It will not surprise you that I do not support a statutory levy. There is much comfort to take from the current eco-system and the many charities and non-profit organisations working hard in this space and it would be a big mistake to risk this. Additionally, I believe our prime commissioner of services in this space might want to ask themselves what they can do better to support start-up organisations and foster agility, spending their income in a timely manner, with a percentage aimed at small start-up organisations. I also believe they might consider their ballooning establishment chart, which for many seems excessive.”
Looking to the short/medium-term Lee Willows has identified an action plan in order to facilitate innovation, encourage agility and maintain the UK’s world-class status. He explained: “Firstly the new strategy to reduce gambling-harms should be fully costed (so we actually know how much funding we need as opposed to a blanket 1%); secondly some mandated guidance should be given to operators when making donations, based on percentages for treatment, prevention and research; finally larger businesses should in my opinion, be mandated to commit 50 percent of their LCCP RET donations to fund three-year funding commitments in order to ensure sustainability. Operators need certainty, so they can budget donations; charities and non-profit organisations need certainly so they can plan services”.
“The notion of a Gambling Commission held RET list is something I continue to support, but I would also question if it is appropriate that the Gambling Commission administer Regulatory Settlements. Perhaps having another body or organisation to oversee these would bring about some of the reflections I am proposing, particularly where prevention is concerned. This would enable the Commission to focus on its regulatory responsibilities.”
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Dear passengers, welcome aboard Flight NLC25! Flight Mode is cleared for takeoff and let’s just say, it’s not a typical family trip to Hawaii. After delivering signature slots like Tombstone Slaughter: El Gordo’s Revenge and Duck Hunters, Nolimit City is now taking it to the skies with Flight Mode and definitely not in a boring way.
Imagine having a crying baby as your only soundtrack, permanent turbulence and a seatmate who thinks deodorant is optional. The Bud Jet airline might not get you from A to B but it’ll drop you into a feature-packed slot and the kind of excitement you can always expect when playing a Nolimit City slot.
In Flight Mode, winning combinations will explode, making room for new symbols to drop in. With every win, the next multiplier value climbs by +1 and applies to new symbols that fall in.
Wild Symbol: The regular Wild symbol that can land on any reel and substitute for any regular symbol.
Multiplier Increaser: Triggered when they land and add its value to the next multiplier value. Multiplier values of symbols are 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x and 10x.
Golden Multiplier Increaser: Triggered when it lands and doubles the value of the next multiplier.
Explosive items are strictly prohib… well, not on this aircraft. The Bomb symbol clears all regular paying symbols on its reel and row when there are no winning combinations. Only Scatter and Wild symbols are saved from the explosions.
Apologies dear passengers, the lavatory is currently occupied! The signature xHole™ is back in Flight Mode, this time disguised as a toilet. All symbols from the main reels are flushed down and then spat out to random positions with the next multiplier value. Just to add an extra twist to it, xHole™ then transforms itself into a Wild symbol that also gets the next multiplier value. Not so hygienic…
Flee Spins
This is the captain speaking – we’re going down! Prepare your life jacket and be ready for a spontaneous meet-up with the sharks during Flee Spins! Land 3, 4, or 5 Scatter Symbols to trigger 6, 9, or 12 Flee Spins, respectively.
Upgrade your seat to Bud Jet’s nice price class when purchasing one of these Nolimit Boosters:
-Print Spins: guarantees a spin that starts off with a 30x multiplier on each paying symbol.
-Printier Spins: guarantees a spin that starts off with a 268x multiplier on each paying symbol.
-Printiest Spins: guarantees a spin that starts off with a 911x multiplier on each paying symbol.
No legroom, no peanuts – but you do get Extra Spins. After a round ends, players may get the option to purchase an additional spin, maintaining the current multiplier state of all previously landed symbols.
The special xGod™ mechanic is locked away disguised as passports on the bottom row, secured behind bulletproof glass and a seatbelt that actually works. Each Bomb explosion breaks the panel of its respective reel, bringing you one step closer to landing a Max Win.
The maximum payout of Flight Mode is 5,051x the base bet. Flight Mode is rated as “Extremely Volatile” delivering the thrilling high-stakes gameplay that Nolimit City fans know and love.
Per Lindheimer, Head of Product at Nolimit City, said: “This isn’t your standard trip from A to B. Flight Mode is what happens when you let a slot company rewrite the in-flight safety manual, handing out dynamite instead of peanuts.”
‘Flight Mode’ will be available to all Nolimit City partners on June 17th, 2025.
The post Nolimit City boards a wild ride at 35,000 feet in Flight Mode appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
International iGaming holding PIN-UP Global will participate in IGB L!VE, one of the industry’s premier events taking place July 2-3 in London. Booth K40, spanning 168 square meters, will feature two distinct zones – PIN-UP Global and PIN-UP Partners. The holding will create valuable networking opportunities for industry professionals.
Visitors to the PIN-UP Global booth will have the opportunity to meet with the holding’s teams to explore the B2B portfolio designed to boost operational performance and drive business growth in the iGaming sector. The holding’s team will focus on growing its partner network and demonstrating the company’s latest technological developments.
PIN-UP Global team will be on hand throughout the event to explore potential investment opportunities and discuss partnerships with promising startups. The holding continues to identify and support promising teams developing innovative solutions in MarTech, iGaming, FinTech, AI/ML, and analytics.
PIN-UP Partners is joining iGB Affiliate London with top-performing offers, exclusive merch, and proven partnership models. Recognized as the Best iGaming Affiliate Program by AW’2024, MAC’2024, and SiGMA’22, PIN-UP Partners team is ready to build strong, long-term partnerships.
For industry professionals seeking new career opportunities, HR representatives from PIN-UP Global will be present at the event. Interested candidates can book meetings to discuss current openings within the international holding.
With the holding growing rapidly — a remarkable 58% just over the past year — new opportunities and prospects are opening up every day, both for existing team members and for those looking to join. As a result, the holding is actively seeking strong specialists for managerial positions, as well as professionals in tech, marketing, media buying, and more. Visit our booth to become part of the PIN-UP Global team.
For convenient meeting scheduling with holding representatives, exhibition delegates can use the touchscreen booking system and conduct meetings in specially equipped meeting rooms.
PIN-UP Global welcomes all IGB L!VE London attendees – industry experts, potential partners, and talented professionals – to connect with their team during the event to discuss tech solutions, collaboration opportunities, and career prospects.
PIN-UP Global is an international iGaming holding company specialising in developing and implementing advanced technologies, B2B solutions, and innovative products for the iGaming industry.
The post PIN-UP Global to Participate in IGB L!VE London appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight Launch Cinematic Tribute to Boxing Legacy Starring Oleksandr Usyk
What does it take to become truly great? GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight find an answer in the roots of their partnership and share it in the story of “Inspired by Greatness”—an epic cinematic tribute to boxing legacy starring Oleksandr Usyk himself.
Watch Inspired by Greatness on YouTube
The video takes viewers on a journey through eras that honors the discipline passed down through generations. From shadow-filled gyms of the past to a high-tech arena of the present, it reflects how the spirit of champions endures and shapes history through an unyielding resolve to fight for greatness and perform beyond limits.
From Screen to Reality: The Heavyweight Club Experience
“Inspired by Greatness” message doesn’t end with the video. It comes to life through GR8 Tech’sHeavyweight Club—an exclusive community for bold thinkers, fast movers, and top performers in iGaming. Built on shared values of excellence and execution, the Club transforms inspiration into tangible opportunity.
This journey continues at iGB L!VE London, where GR8 Tech will immerse attendees in the full Heavyweight Club experience:
Augmented Reality Activation, inviting everyone to step into the champion’s mindset with an exclusive AR experience featuring Oleksandr Usyk, crafted to ignite ambition of the inner fighter.
GR8 Tech Demo Zone, offering to explore the Platform for Champions—from the ULTIM8 Sportsbook iFrame and Hyper Turnkey solution to the Infinite Casino Aggregation and Platform Acceler8 suite, built to help operators fight and perform at the top of their game.
The B2B Bar, Powered by GR8 Tech, a perfect spot for networking with fellow heavyweights, exchanging insights, and recharging in a space where the future of iGaming is being written.
Raffle of Usyk vs. Dubois Tickets, an opportunity to win big and get exclusive tickets to the upcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
Are You Ready to FIGHT & PERFORM at a Champion Level?
If your brand is ready to stand among the industry’s elite, join GR8 Tech at booth U34 at iGB L!VE. If you’re ready to lead like a champion, this is where your fight begins.
The post GR8 Tech and Ready to Fight Launch Cinematic Tribute to Boxing Legacy Starring Oleksandr Usyk appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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