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GamCare Provides Report on its Services During Lockdown
Responsible gambling charity GamCare has provided a report on its services during lockdown. The report also highlights how COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people experiencing gambling harms.
The National Gambling Helpline During Lockdown report shows that despite lockdown exacerbating existing anxieties surrounding finances and isolation amongst gamblers, their ability to seek help was limited as they struggled for privacy.
Privacy concerns also drove a switch to more live chats than phone calls, as this channel can offer more discretion if families or housemates are in close proximity – many people contacting the Helpline have not yet spoken to their loved ones about what they are going through and want to know how to broach the subject.
Engagement with online group chatrooms increased. Anxieties about COVID were key themes of online conversations, alongside gambling-related issues. Staff on the Helpline flagged increased concern around domestic abuse being experienced by callers.
At the start of lockdown, there was a significant minority of calls asking for self-exclusion via GAMSTOP– highlighting that callers were seeking to gamble again despite previously removing the temptation. This trend has since abated. The report also mentions that, although existing engagement with GamCare treatment services remained high, the number of people beginning treatment during this period was lower than the previous year.
Research from the Gambling Commission, published alongside the report, shows the although overall gambling participation has dropped nationally, 18-34-year-olds and the most “engaged gamblers” have both reported increased time or money spent on gambling, plus using online gambling products they had not tried before.
Anna Hemmings, Chief Executive of GamCare, says:
“There is no doubt that the pandemic has impacted people’s help seeking, particularly in the initial phase of the pandemic when our daily lives were immeasurably changed. Our service users are speaking to us about increasing anxiety, isolation and money worries.
As we now look at further lockdowns across various areas, we need to be aware of the impact and risks for gamblers experiencing harm. We need to be more vocal about encouraging people to seek help despite the external pressures, and to remind people that we’re here to help as we did in the summer with our #ReadyToTalk campaign.
There is no doubt that gamblers and their loved ones will continue to need support, perhaps increasingly so. GamCare is doing all it can to be flexible and tailor its services to meet those complex and changing needs during the pandemic and beyond. From the very first contact you have with us, we can make a difference – if you’re worried about your gambling or anyone else’s, talk to us now.”
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Eastern Europe
ELA Games reports 244.52% active user growth in Romania
Supplier links the uplift to classic-style slots with modern features, including Joker Winpot, as bet counts rise 239.74%.
ELA Games says it has expanded in Romania after rolling out titles that pair classic slot aesthetics with modern gameplay features.
The supplier reported a 244.52% increase in active users in Romania and a 239.74% rise in bet counts. The company attributed the performance to what it described as a “natural path” for traditional players to move into more feature-led play.
Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director of ELA Games, said: “It is great to see how Romanian players are enjoying the way we combine classic symbols with modern features. Joker Winpot works well for those who love the traditional look but actually want more excitement from their play. We also see that once players feel comfortable with these mechanics, they are happy to explore our other top titles which have proved to be successful in Romania like Cash of Gods and Flames Fruit Frenzy. It proves that respecting what players like is the best way to introduce new ideas to the market.”
ELA Games did not disclose the timeframe for the reported increases, which operators it works with in Romania, or how the metrics were calculated.
The post ELA Games reports 244.52% active user growth in Romania appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Belatra
Belatra Games confirms Lima trip for Peru Gaming Show 2026
Slots developer plans partner meetings and private events around PGS on 17-18 June at the Jockey Exhibition Center.
Belatra Games will attend Peru Gaming Show (PGS) 2026 in Lima on 17-18 June, with the company confirming plans to use the event for meetings with existing clients and prospective partners.
PGS, now in its 23rd year, will be held at the Jockey Exhibition Center. Belatra said it will have a team present throughout the show to discuss its slots portfolio and explore commercial opportunities in Peru as part of its broader Latin America strategy.
Alongside the trade show schedule, Belatra said it will host a private “Belatra Cocktail Experience” for partners and run a watch party on 16 June for Argentina’s match against Algeria.
The company also noted it will attend SBC Americas in Fort Lauderdale ahead of PGS, describing the event as an opportunity to meet operators from North and Latin America and present “LatAm-ready content”.
Lucila M. Barletta, Head of Accounts LatAm at Belatra, said: “Peru is an exciting and growing market and PGS is the perfect place to build on our relationships with partners already working with us and to connect with new ones. We look forward to an amazing couple of days in Lima and, of course, rooting for Argentina with our friends and partners throughout the evening. It’s going to be a special occasion all around.”
The post Belatra Games confirms Lima trip for Peru Gaming Show 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BC.GAME
BC.GAME adds BETBY to BC Engine as staker rewards pass $2.5m
BC.GAME has partnered with sportsbook supplier BETBY, bringing the supplier into BC Engine, the platform’s rewards and participation model powered by its native $BC token.
BC Engine launched in April and is positioned by BC.GAME as a mechanism that links platform-generated profits and activity to ongoing rewards for $BC holders. Under the model, players earn $BC by playing casino games on BC.GAME, with tokens allocated and staked in BC Engine. Rewards are then distributed based on users’ holdings.
BC.GAME said stakers have earned more than $2.5 million in rewards since launch. The company also cited on-platform data showing more than $74.3 million in total wager and over 5.8 million bets.
Kar Kheng Giam, Chief Executive Officer of BC.GAME, said: “Our vision for BC Engine has always been to create a model where platform growth and player participation are more closely aligned.
“The addition of BETBY is significant because it demonstrates how the ecosystem can continue to expand through strategic partnerships. Every new contributor helps strengthen the engine, creating additional utility for $BC and reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the model.
“As we continue to grow the network, our focus remains on delivering a simpler and more transparent rewards experience that allows players to participate more directly in the success of the ecosystem.”
Christos Nikolopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer at BETBY, said: “We’re pleased to become part of the BC Engine ecosystem and support an initiative that brings a different approach to player engagement.”
“At BETBY, innovation has always been at the heart of our business, and BC Engine represents an interesting evolution in how gaming platforms can connect product performance, community participation and rewards. We look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”
BC.GAME said the BETBY deal is part of a wider push to expand $BC utility and add more ecosystem partners contributing to BC Engine. The company also pointed to recent international expansion, including moves in Africa via Nigeria and Kenya, alongside initiatives in Latin America.
The post BC.GAME adds BETBY to BC Engine as staker rewards pass $2.5m appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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