Industry News

Ireland’s Psychiatrists Urge Government to Ban Betting Ads

Published

5 years ago

December 22, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

After releasing its Gambling Disorder Position Paper last week, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland called problem gambling a “public health crisis” and urged the government to ban betting advertising.

The report created by the College’s Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry points to the national lockdown as a contributing factor in the growth of problem gambling. The professional body of psychiatrists indicated that loneliness times and the modern home working community pressured individuals to fill their time by turning to online betting platforms.

The paper selected five primary channels to counter the “hidden epidemic,” which include public education, new laws, advertising controls, recovery programmes and problem gambling studies.

Professor Colin O’Gara, the paper’s lead author and a specialist psychiatrist for addictions, compared problem gambling to drug addiction: “We cannot continue to ignore the links between problem gambling and the current high volume of betting ads – be that in traditional TV ads or on team jerseys and side-line banners.

“Much like tobacco, in 10 years I think we will look back on the proliferation of gambling advertising in sport and entertainment and ask ourselves how we let it get so out of control. Currently, gambling advertising in Ireland is much too common and, critically, occurs before the adult television watershed.”

President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland Dr William Flannery said: “Even in the absence of live sports, people are finding it difficult to avoid triggers, with increased visibility of online gambling ads and the rollout of new betting platforms.

“We need to support people with tighter controls and responsible gambling measures inbuilt in the industry.”

The paper read: “All gambling advertising-related activity should be closely monitored by an independent regulator. The independent regulator should be aware of the influence social media advertising can have on children and adolescents” and “the independent regulator should also be aware of the use of micro-transactions and loot boxes in online gaming, described as ‘virtual games of chance’.”

GR8 Tech

GR8 Tech Unveils Major Platform Enhancements Ahead of the World Cup

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

gr8-tech-unveils-major-platform-enhancements-ahead-of-the-world-cup

GR8 Tech is implementing a series of platform-wide enhancements designed to help operators maximize performance during the year’s biggest sporting event. With the World Cup expected to drive massive traffic, repeated betting surges, and intense competition for player acquisition, these updates focus on the areas that most directly impact operator results. The improvements aim to help partners convert more traffic, retain more players, and extract greater value throughout the entire tournament journey.

“World Cup traffic by itself does not guarantee better results. What matters is how well operators can turn that attention into acquisition, conversion, retention, and long-term player value,” said Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech. “That is where our focus is right now. We are enhancing the sportsbook experience, expanding engagement and loyalty tools, and advancing our crypto capabilities to help partners make the most of the biggest opportunity of the year.”

Key Areas of Focus

1. Sportsbook
The sportsbook is receiving a comprehensive upgrade, including redesigned navigation for easier event discovery, improved campaign visibility, and enhanced Bet Builder functionality. Additional updates include quick-access, player-specific markets and new Odds Boost features, balancing player appeal with margin control.

2. Engagement and Retention
GR8 Tech is expanding its loyalty and bonus systems with a VIP-focused program, automated bonus mechanics, more flexible bonus selection, and enriched casino and sports-related engagement tools. The update also includes updated tournament settings and the introduction of new game content to enhance player retention.

3. Crypto
The company is strengthening its crypto offering with early-stage player segmentation based on wallet transaction history, more flexible VIP and risk management before first deposit, and smoother wallet-based payments, including ramp payments and direct top-ups via WalletConnect and other wallets.

Across the platform, these updates are designed to help operators capitalize on the World Cup’s peak traffic, delivering measurable improvements at every stage of the player journey. Detailed release notes will follow, highlighting specific product enhancements and the developments shaping GR8 Tech’s World Cup-ready platform.

GR8 Tech – Platform for Champions

GR8 Tech is an award-winning provider of high-performance sportsbook and iGaming solutions that empower operators to lead and win in competitive markets. Its portfolio includes Crypto Turnkey and Hyper Turnkey solutions, ULTIM8 Sportsbook, Infinite Casino Aggregation, and the proprietary affiliate management platform Aff.Tech.

With a geo-specific, operator-first approach, GR8 Tech delivers practical innovations that drive measurable results quickly and efficiently. Trusted by top operators worldwide, the company has over 100 successful deployments and multiple industry recognitions, including Platform Provider of the Year at the SBC Awards 2025.

The post GR8 Tech Unveils Major Platform Enhancements Ahead of the World Cup appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Akshay Khanna

Jackpot.com Launches First of its Kind Loyalty Program, “Jackpot Rewards”

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Jackpot.com announced the launch of Jackpot Rewards, a new loyalty program designed to reward players for their engagement with the platform. The program is the first loyalty program offered by a lottery courier tailored to the lottery industry. It allows customers to earn points on every order while unlocking special challenges, exclusive promotions, and other perks. Players can redeem their points to order more tickets and get more chances to win.

The program introduces a new layer of excitement and engagement for Jackpot.com customers, encouraging regular play while providing meaningful value through ongoing promotions and milestone achievements.

“Jackpot Rewards is an important step forward in how we reward and engage our players. Our goal has always been to build the most player-friendly lottery platform in the market. With Jackpot Rewards, we’re creating a differentiated experience where every order counts toward something bigger – whether that’s unlocking new promotions, completing challenges, or earning rewards just for playing,” said Akshay Khanna, CEO of Jackpot.com.

The program reflects Jackpot.com’s continued focus on enhancing the player experience through innovation and loyalty-driven features. By combining points accumulation with dynamic challenges and promotions, Jackpot Rewards introduces a gamified system that rewards engagement and builds deeper connections with players.

Jackpot Rewards will initially be available to players in Ohio, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Colorado, and Arizona, with additional markets expected to be added over time.

The post Jackpot.com Launches First of its Kind Loyalty Program, “Jackpot Rewards” appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Ainsworth Game Technology

AGEM Announces Board Of Directors Elected at 2026 Annual Meeting

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

agem-announces-board-of-directors-elected-at-2026-annual-meeting

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced that its membership elected a new Board of Directors at its 2026 Annual Meeting. AGEM Board Chair Ryan Comstock, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Ainsworth Game Technology, was not up for election as he transitions into the second year of his two-year term as Chair and led the meeting which approved one-year terms on the Board of Directors for:

• Elaine Hodgson, DIRECTOR (President / CEO, Incredible Technologies)

• Lauralyn Sandoval, DIRECTOR (Vice President of Gaming Strategy & Business Development, Aristocrat Gaming)

• Phil O’Shaughnessy, DIRECTOR (Vice President, Global Communications, Government Relations & Sustainability, IGT)

• Steve DiMasi, DIRECTOR (Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs & Business Development, Light & Wonder)

• Randy Gilbert, SECRETARY (Chief Executive Officer, TableTrac)

• Thomas Jingoli, TREASURER (President & Chief Operating Officer, Konami Gaming).

The AGEM Board of Directors also approved one-year terms as ex-officio/non-voting members on the Board of Directors for:

• Cassie Stratford, EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR (Senior Vice President, Legal Operations & Compliance–Boyd Gaming Corporation; Global Gaming Women Advisory Board Member)

• Bob Parente, EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT TREASURER (Executive Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer, Light & Wonder).

The post AGEM Announces Board Of Directors Elected at 2026 Annual Meeting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.