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NICE Recommends Healthcare Professionals Ask People About Gambling at Health Checks and GP Appointments

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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that general practitioners (GPs) in the UK to ask patients about their gambling habits during health checks and appointments.

The recommendation is included in the first clinical guideline on gambling-related harms: identification, assessment and management.

“Gambling-related harms” is the term used to describe the negative impacts of gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and society. These harms affect people’s finances, relationships and health (particularly mental health).

The new guideline advises healthcare professionals and social service workers to ask about gambling in various situations. This includes appointments related to depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or potential addictions such as alcohol or drug dependence. These groups may be at higher risk of gambling-related harm. NICE recommends identifying these risks as early as possible.

People may also be at increased risk of gambling-related harm for several other reasons, including if they are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Taking medication that may affect impulse control, experiencing safeguarding issues or violence or a family history of gambling that harms could also increase a person’s level of risk.

People should be encouraged to assess the severity of their gambling-related harms by completing a questionnaire available on the NHS website. This is based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a standardised measure for at-risk behaviour. A score of 8 or above indicates that they should seek support and treatment from a specialist gambling treatment service, while those with lower scores may also benefit from available support.

Healthcare professionals and social care practitioners must recognise and take action to ensure that stigma, shame and fear of disclosure does not prevent people experiencing gambling-related harms from seeking and accessing support and treatment.

It recommends using a tailored approach to meet the needs of each person, which could include providing them with access to vocation-specific services, such as veterans’ groups, or that take account of their ethnic background and religion. Treatments for gambling-related harms should also be provided in separate locations from services for alcohol or substance dependence.

The guidance recommends healthcare professionals consider involving a partner, family member or other person close to the person experiencing gambling-related harms in their treatment, if that is what they both want.

Gambling related harm has a devastating impact on those who experience it, and the people close to them. The useful and usable guideline will help healthcare professionals and others to identify those needing help earlier and ensure they get the treatment and support they need.

National Clinical Director for Primary Care, Dr Claire Fuller, said: “We welcome NICE’s decision as gambling can have a massive impact on people’s lives and the lives of the people that care for them, and as healthcare professionals, we need the right tools to help tackle gambling-related harms.

“Over the past few years, the NHS has made significant progress in expanding treatment for gambling addiction with the rollout of 15 specialist clinics across the country. So, if you’re worried about your gambling, there is support available, and you can directly refer yourself to your local NHS gambling clinic.”

Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross said: “We welcome this guidance from NICE on identifying, assessing, and managing gambling-related harms, which will support those experiencing harmful gambling to get access to the right support.

“We know that clinical treatment is not necessarily right for everyone, but it is important that there is a full spectrum of support as we strengthen treatment options.

“The Government’s plans to introduce a statutory levy, which will generate £100 million each year, will provide the investment needed to further expand the support and treatment on offer for those in need.”

The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (2023), which collects data from 20,000 respondents each year, reported that 2.5% of the survey population aged 18 years and older living in Great Britain participate in “problem gambling” (defined as a PGSI score of 8 or more), with an additional 12% of the survey population participating in gambling with an elevated risk of harm (PGSI score 1 to 7). Overall, 2.8% of participants who had gambled in the past 12 months reported experiencing at least one severe consequence, such as the breakdown of a relationship. Rates were higher among male participants and were also higher among younger adults (those aged 18 to 34) than older adults (those aged 55 and over).

NHS England has opened 15 gambling clinics across the country since 2019 – seven of which opened in 2024. These clinics are expected to see 3000 people a year. All specialist clinics are fully NHS-commissioned and funded.

As set out in government’s response to the consultation on the structure, distribution and governance of the statutory levy on gambling operators, published in November 2024, the new statutory levy will provide a significant increase in investment for support and treatment services for gambling-related harm.

The post NICE Recommends Healthcare Professionals Ask People About Gambling at Health Checks and GP Appointments appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

David Mann Chief Executive Officer at Swintt

Martina Muscat joins Swintt as new Marketing Manager

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In-demand software provider appoints experienced iGaming marketing specialist to strengthen brand consistency and ensure all communications really resonate

Swintt, the sought-after software provider celebrated in the industry for its innovative approach to game design and player engagement, has announced it has appointed Martina Muscat as Marketing Manager.

Having previously spent six-and-a-half years at Play ‘n GO as Online Marketing Coordinator before enjoying a more recent spell as Marketing Specialist at IGT, Martina arrives in the role with bags of industry experience that will help Swintt improve its communications across all channels.

Among the primary responsibilities of the new position, Martina will be tasked with ensuring that every upcoming game launch from Swintt tells a story that truly resonates with global audiences and that a consistent approach is taken in regards to all future messaging surrounding the brand.

Of course, given Swintt already boasts a packed product portfolio that includes Premium, Select and Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt titles, Martina will have plenty of inspiration to work with and can use the studio’s previous successes as the blueprint to drive improvement going forward.

Martina Muscat, Marketing Manager at Swintt, said: “I’m really excited to be joining Swintt as the new Marketing Manager at what is an incredibly important time for the brand. With players these days wanting experiences, trust and something that feels tailored to them, I believe Swintt’s mix of in-house creativity and partnerships has put us in a great position to meet their demands.

“With a clear focus on regulated markets and a commitment to doing things the right way, Swintt’s huge portfolio of content means there’s so much variety and creativity to work with – and for someone like me, that’s marketing gold. Couple that with a great company culture that’s both ambitious and collaborative and it’s the exact type of environment where I can do my best work.”

David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Martina to the Swintt team and believe her considerable experience in marketing will help us create an even more engaging and consistent brand persona as we continue to launch new games going forward.

“One of the things that really struck me about Martina was her passion and enthusiasm for the role. She recognises that with new markets opening, rising player expectations and ever-evolving regulations, the pace of change in our industry is relentless – but rather than being put off by the challenges, she’s sees the opportunities and is already thinking about how Swintt can capitalise.”

The post Martina Muscat joins Swintt as new Marketing Manager appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Affilka by SOFTSWISS Partners with Voluum for Smarter Affiliate Campaign Tracking

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Affilka by SOFTSWISS has announced a strategic partnership with the Voluum ad tracking and optimisation platform. The integration provides iGaming affiliates and operators with advanced tools to monitor, analyse, and optimise traffic, turning data insights into higher revenue and efficiency.

Affilka’s API integration with Voluum’s advanced click-tracking system enables affiliates to manage traffic more efficiently and gain deeper insights to maximise campaign results. This collaboration unlocks powerful new features that support smarter decision-making:

  • Fast and simple setup without postback creation, giving affiliates complete conversion data while eliminating unnecessary complexity and delays.
  • Centralised traffic and player activity data in one place within the Voluum panel, making it easier to monitor performance and act on insights.
  • Detailed tracking of campaigns and conversion events, enabling accurate ROI measurement and optimisation.
  • Clear traffic funnel insights, helping affiliates understand player journeys and refine acquisition strategies by accessing data that was previously available only in Affilka.
  • Automated campaign optimisation, reducing manual effort while maximising returns.

Gleb Bichan, Product Lead at Affilka by SOFTSWISS, shares: “Affiliate marketing success starts with data. By integrating Affilka with Voluum, we bring together two powerful platforms to give partners exclusive insights and a unified performance view in one place. This unique data enrichment creates new opportunities for smarter campaign optimisation, stronger decision-making, and ultimately, better business results.”

Operators relying on paid and affiliate traffic also benefit from this partnership with unified dashboards, centralised reporting, and role-based collaboration tools. They can analyse performance metrics such as sign-ups and first-time deposits in real time, gaining clearer insights to refine acquisition strategies.

Kamila Łuksza-Szpyt, Managing Director at Voluum, comments: “In an era of tightening regulation and heightened transparency, the Affilka and Voluum integration revolutionises iGaming acquisition strategies. With centralised player information and no need for individual postbacks, operators can effortlessly optimise their campaigns and focus on what truly matters – acquiring quality players with ease.”

By integrating with Affilka, Voluum performance tracker gives affiliates sharper data and easier collaboration, while equipping operators with the automation and tracking they need to scale efficiently.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

About Voluum

Voluum is an all-in-one ad tracking, optimization, and automation platform that helps iGaming operators and affiliates acquire high-quality players. With over 10 years of experience in performance marketing, Voluum integrates with top traffic sources, affiliate networks, and iGaming operators via s2s postback, pixel, or API. This delivers real-time data insights, simplifies campaign management, and prevents wasted budgets. 

The post Affilka by SOFTSWISS Partners with Voluum for Smarter Affiliate Campaign Tracking appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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3 Pigs of Olympus

Movers and Shakers: The Power of Visual Storytelling in iGaming

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“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape. 

 

By Qianqian Liu, Head of Art and Animation at Gaming Corps

In iGaming, attention is fleeting. Players scroll through lobbies packed with hundreds of titles, and their decision to click on a game often happens in the space of a second or two. While mechanics and math models keep players engaged over time, it’s usually the artwork that determines whether they choose to play in the first place.

Over the course of my career in game art, I have seen how critical those first impressions are. High-quality visuals instantly communicate professionalism, entertainment value, and trustworthiness. They set the stage for the entire player experience. A game that looks polished and approachable has a far greater chance of being tried, while a title that looks confusing or underdeveloped risks being ignored entirely.

A clear example of this philosophy in action is Gaming Corps’ hugely popular title 3 Pigs of Olympus. The game takes familiar Greek mythology and reimagines it through the lens of humour and charm, with Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades brought to life as playful piggy banks. The reinterpretation not only provides an immediate hook in the lobby but also creates a warm, entertaining atmosphere that resonates once the reels begin to spin.

Artwork as the emotional bridge

Artwork does more than simply attract attention; it acts as the emotional bridge between mechanics and the player. Even the most innovative math model will fall flat if it is not supported by visuals that spark curiosity, delight, or connection. In 3 Pigs of Olympus, what could have been a straightforward “three pots” mechanic is transformed into something more memorable through character-driven design. The piggy gods inject humour and personality, transforming a familiar structure into an engaging journey.

When players feel amused, intrigued, or invested in the visual world, they are more likely to keep playing. That emotional response extends gameplay beyond outcomes, making the process enjoyable in itself.

Collaboration from concept to delivery

At Gaming Corps, this philosophy is embedded in the creative process. Artists, designers, and developers work together from the very beginning of a project to ensure that visuals are not only beautiful but functional and aligned with gameplay.

During concept development, sketches and ideas are exchanged with constant input from design and development teams. This ensures clarity in symbols, smooth performance across devices, and readability in fast-paced play. By working as one unit, the final product achieves balance: artwork that is aesthetically striking while seamlessly supporting the game loop.

In a space where milliseconds of attention matter, this alignment makes a huge difference.

The measurable impact of artwork

The impact of quality artwork can be seen in tangible performance metrics. Games with clear, polished, and charming visuals tend to perform better in lobbies, as players are naturally drawn to them. Over time, strong visuals also influence retention, as players enjoy not only the mechanics but the personality and atmosphere of the game.

Clarity plays an important role in this. When symbols are instantly understandable, players can grasp the rules quickly, without unnecessary cognitive effort. This lowers friction and allows them to focus on enjoyment.

In the case of 3 Pigs of Olympus, this combination of charm and clarity translated into strong lobby performance and improved long-term engagement. These results reaffirm what I have long believed: visuals are not just surface-level appeal, but an integral driver of success.

Elevating visual design

For studios and artists looking to elevate their visual design, several principles can make a significant impact. Clarity should always come first: every symbol and element must be instantly readable, no matter the screen size. Personality, however, is what makes clarity memorable. A symbol that is both clear and charming creates a lasting impression.

Drawing from familiar themes can also be powerful, but the key lies in reinterpreting them in unexpected ways. Myths, stories, and cultural motifs are instantly recognisable, but when paired with humour or novelty, they stand out from the crowd. Consistency across all elements, from background art to UI, reinforces trust and gives the game a polished identity.

Most importantly, artists should not work in isolation. Visuals must be part of the game loop, enhancing the mechanics rather than sitting apart from them. When art is integrated into the full development process, it becomes more than decoration; it becomes a core driver of readability, emotion, and excitement.

The post Movers and Shakers: The Power of Visual Storytelling in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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