Latest News
GAMSTOP marks fifth anniversary with highest number of self-exclusions in a single month
- More than 8,500 new registrations recorded in March 2023, a 24% YOY increase
- Increase in activity comes as GAMSTOP marks its fifth anniversary
- Independent evaluation shows support for lifetime exclusion option
The UK’s independent online self-exclusion scheme, GAMSTOP, recorded 8,504 registrations in March, its highest ever figure in a single month, and a 24% year-on-year increase.
The unprecedented spike in self-exclusions comes on the eve of the fifth anniversary of GAMSTOP’s inception. The service was launched in April 2018 and in March 2020 it became a licensing condition for all UK operators to integrate with the scheme, in addition to operating their own self-exclusion schemes.
More than 365,000 people have registered with GAMSTOP from its inception to the end of March 2023, choosing to exclude themselves from all UK operators for a period of either six months, a year or five years, with nearly 330,000 still excluded.
The most likely explanation for the surge in self-exclusions was the Cheltenham Festival, which took place from March 12-15th, attracting hundreds of millions of pounds in wagers. The biggest days for registrations were in the immediate aftermath of the festival.
GAMSTOP recently commissioned independent research agency, Sonnet, to interview a sample of its users, following up a comprehensive evaluation of the service in 2021, which showed that 84% felt safer from gambling-related harm and more in control of their gambling after registering.
The interviewees said that GAMSTOP provided an important safety net and knowing an exclusion was in place helped their recovery because it made them feel safe. Many wanted to have the option of a lifetime exclusion and felt it would help to signal the seriousness of gambling addiction, similar to alcohol or drugs, and to remove social stigma.
Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said:
“Our most recent data shows that, five years after our inception, GAMSTOP is providing an increasingly important service to potentially vulnerable consumers who want to take a break from gambling. The record monthly registrations shows that we cannot underestimate the demand for a scheme such as GAMSTOP. It is extremely important that we continue to raise awareness to make sure that anyone who needs us knows about us. We also need to continue to listen to our users and develop and improve the scheme to meet their needs.
GAMSTOP registrant Jack Scott spoke about the impact GAMSTOP has had on his life:
“I signed up to GAMSTOP in December 2020 and its impact has been nothing short of life-changing. Prior to signing up for GAMSTOP, I suffered from a lengthy addiction to online gambling that saw me gamble away a terrifying amount of money, often money which I didn’t have.
Since then, I’ve been able to take comfort in the fact that I am unable to access or gamble on those online sites and have been able to commit myself to my real passion of ultrarunning, something I simply wouldn’t have been able to do without GAMSTOP.
I encourage anyone who thinks that they might be suffering from a gambling-related issue to research GAMSTOP or to take advantage of the TalkBanStop partnership, which combines self-exclusion with device blocking software, bank blocks and getting the support you might need through Gamcare”.
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Blueprint Gaming
Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot
New title adds Fire Spins and Blitz Spins bonuses plus Standard, Super and Ultra Power Play modes at 5x, 10x and 20x stake.
Blueprint Gaming has released a new slot, Wolf Fury Fire Blitz, built around an “evolving Fire Blitz mechanic” and two bonus paths: Fire Spins and Blitz Spins.
The game uses a Fire Blitz logo above the reels as a meter. In the base game and Power Play, the supplier said every Cash and Wolf symbol contributes to the meter, with boosts able to add extra symbols and “guarantees either Fire Spins or Blitz Spins.”
Fire Spins triggers when six or more Cash symbols land in view. Each reel position spins independently to add more Cash or Wolf symbols, with new symbols resetting a three-spin counter and locking in place. Blueprint said the Wolf can land on the centre reel to collect all Cash symbols in view, then collect additional prizes that land for the remainder of the feature.
Blitz Spins activates when a Wolf symbol lands on reel three alongside Cash symbols on two adjacent reels. During the bonus, the Wolf collects every Cash symbol that lands before the reels respin, and additional Wolf symbols can lock in place, with up to three collectors active at once.
The title also includes Blueprint Gaming’s multi-level Power Play, offering Standard, Super or Ultra modes at 5x, 10x or 20x the base stake. In these modes, the company said only Cash and Wolf symbols appear on the reels.
Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming
, said: “Wolf Fury Fire Blitz combines several of our most engaging mechanics into a fast-paced experience that offers players frequent feature opportunities and exciting collection gameplay. The Fire Blitz mechanic creates anticipation throughout every session, while the dual bonus structure ensures plenty of variety.
“The addition of our multi-level Power Play further enhances the experience by giving players greater control over how they engage with the game, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, feature-rich content that performs across regulated markets worldwide.”
The post Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win
Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes
Playson has launched 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win, a new slot built around Hold and Win and Pots mechanics with two bonus modes and jackpots reaching 10,000x.
The game runs on a 5×3 grid and triggers a Hold and Win Bonus Game with Chili Features when red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols land, combining with enlarged matching chilis above the reels. The chilli colour determines the feature in play: red triggers a Multi Feature that adds multipliers up to 5x; orange triggers a Mystery Feature that can award Mini, Minor or Major jackpot values or a coin value up to 75x; and green triggers a Collect Feature that gathers the value of all symbols in play, including any attached multipliers.
A golden Super Chili Bonus symbol can trigger a Super Bonus Game on an expanded 5×5 grid, with random Multi, Mystery or Collect features, including combinations. During the round, the active Super Chili Feature lands random Chili Bonus symbols until six are present, which then activates a new feature or enhances the current one.
Playson said jackpots can be triggered in both bonus modes. Filling all 15 cells in the classic bonus awards the Grand Jackpot at 3,000x, while filling all 25 cells in the Super Bonus Game awards the Super Jackpot at 10,000x. Skull-themed symbols can also appear in bonus play and transform into red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols. The title includes two Buy Bonus levels, allowing players to trigger the Bonus Game or Super Bonus Game with one, two or three Chili Features.
Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Our fiery new title showcases our continued focus on evolving proven mechanics in fresh and exciting ways. By combining two player-favourite features with layered bonus progression, dynamic Chili Features and a Super Bonus Game offering even greater rewards, we have created a title that delivers excitement throughout every stage of play.
“Complemented by its vibrant Mexican fiesta theme and engaging gameplay, we are confident 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win will prove to be another valuable addition to our partners’ casino offerings.”
The post Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy
Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.
In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.
“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.
The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.
The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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