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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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Pragmatic Play Sweetens Slots with Sugar Rush Super Scatter and Massive 50,000x Wins
Pragmatic Play, a leading provider of iGaming content, has launched Sugar Rush Super Scatter, the latest installment in its multi-award-winning candy-themed slots series.
This exciting new release offers players the chance to win up to 50,000x their stake, adding even more sweetness to the beloved franchise.
Following the success of the original Sugar Rush and Sugar Rush 1000, this newest release introduces the Super Scatter feature, adding high-volatility thrills to the popular 7×7 grid. Players collect clusters of 5–15+ matching sweet symbols to score base game wins up to 150x, while the tumbling feature and multiplier spots return, applying multipliers from 2x up to a staggering 1,024x on consecutive tumbles.
The Super Scatter bonus game is the highlight, awarding instant cash prizes when one to four special symbols land on a triggering spin. Sticky marked spots and multipliers remain active during the feature, with 3–7 additional scatters retriggering 10–30 extra spins, significantly boosting winning potential.
Select markets also enjoy three ante bet options and two bonus buys, which guarantee multipliers across the grid, ensuring players can maximize their chances of landing massive wins.
Sugar Rush Super Scatter follows Pragmatic Play’s proven formula for fan-favorite slots enhanced with Super Scatter mechanics, joining previous hits such as Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, Sweet Bonanza Super Scatter, and Starlight Princess Super Scatter.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Sugar Rush Super Scatter takes one of our most successful titles and sweetens it further with a 50,000x max win. The release highlights our commitment to creating diverse games designed for long-term player engagement and strong commercial impact.”
With its colorful candy graphics, high-energy gameplay, and record-breaking multipliers, Sugar Rush Super Scatter is poised to be one of the hottest Pragmatic Play slots of 2026.
The post Pragmatic Play Sweetens Slots with Sugar Rush Super Scatter and Massive 50,000x Wins appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Affiliate Succes
Free Bets Appoints The Racing Blogger as Exclusive Horse Racing Brand Ambassador for 2026
Freebets.com, the leading U.K. sports betting affiliate, has announced an exclusive partnership with Stephen ‘The Racing Blogger’ Power, the renowned horse racing influencer.
This collaboration will run throughout 2026, positioning Stephen as the official brand ambassador for Free Bets and delivering expert insights across the National Hunt calendar.
The partnership will see Stephen cover all major racing events, including the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, sharing his unique, energetic analysis with fans via Free Bets’ digital platforms and social media channels. Known to his 300,000+ followers as Blogger or Bloggsy, Stephen will provide betting previews, tips, and expert commentary on both horse racing and football.
Additionally, Stephen will promote Free Bets’ soon-to-launch free-to-play games, offering users a dynamic and engaging betting experience on the Freebets.com website.
Dominic Celica, Head of PR at Free Bets, said: “The Racing Blogger has built an incredible following across X and Instagram and is a leading voice in horse racing content. We’re thrilled to collaborate with him and have an exciting pipeline of content planned for racing fans in 2026.”
Stephen Power added: “I’m delighted to work with Free Bets to bring engaging, insightful content during the biggest race meetings of the year. Together, we’ll provide racing enthusiasts with expert tips, exclusive offers, and a deeper connection to the sport.”
With this partnership, Free Bets aims to strengthen its position as a go-to destination for horse racing fans in the U.K., combining expert insights, exclusive content, and interactive betting experiences.
The post Free Bets Appoints The Racing Blogger as Exclusive Horse Racing Brand Ambassador for 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
casino floor management
Win Systems Showcases Cutting-Edge WIGOS Casino Management System Upgrades at ICE Barcelona 2026
Win Systems, a global leader in casino technology solutions, is set to showcase its latest innovations at ICE Barcelona 2026, one of the premier international gaming industry events, held from January 19 to 21 at Fira Barcelona – Gran Via.
Visitors can explore Win Systems’ groundbreaking solutions at booth 3M30, where the company will highlight the newest enhancements to its WIGOS casino management system (CMS).
Installed in over 660 casinos worldwide, WIGOS CMS empowers operators to manage gaming floors in real time, optimize slot and table performance, improve operational efficiency, and enhance player loyalty. By delivering strategic insights, WIGOS helps casinos maximize profitability while maintaining a superior gaming experience.
At ICE Barcelona 2026, Win Systems will introduce several key upgrades to WIGOS, designed to elevate casino operations and player engagement:
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Advanced Table Games Player Development Tools – These new features track and analyze player activity in real time, enabling operators to strengthen relationships, increase loyalty, and tailor experiences for high-value players.
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Multi-Vault Management – A flexible solution for interconnected vaults, allowing casinos to efficiently manage cash operations, scale according to operational needs, and streamline workflows.
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InTouch Pro Communication Platform – This innovative tool facilitates direct interaction with players via gaming machines, offering personalized promotions, enhanced engagement, and loyalty-building opportunities.
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Player Rewards Enhancements – Featuring new Bonusing game themes and real-time Fun Play promotions, this feature instantly refunds bets, encouraging interaction and creating a more engaging and rewarding experience for players.
“ICE Barcelona is the ideal platform to demonstrate our commitment to innovation in casino management technology,” said Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems. “Our WIGOS CMS solutions simplify operations while generating measurable value for operators, tailored to the unique demands of each market. We invite all industry professionals to visit booth 3M30 and discover how our technology continues to set new standards in efficiency, engagement, and profitability.”
For more information on Win Systems’ participation in ICE Barcelona 2026 and its comprehensive solutions for casino operators, visit winsysgroup.com.
The post Win Systems Showcases Cutting-Edge WIGOS Casino Management System Upgrades at ICE Barcelona 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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