Latest News

GamCare Provides Report on its Services During Lockdown

Published

6 years ago

October 23, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.”

Casino Content

Groove says its casino content library passes 20,000 games

Published

8 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

groove-says-its-casino-content-library-passes-20,000-games

Groove says it has passed 20,000 titles in its aggregated casino content library, delivered to partners via “one API” and managed through its Groove Command back office.

The company said the catalogue includes slots, instant win games, table games, crash games, live dealer and arcade-style titles, plus “emerging verticals including sweepstakes and crypto-native content.” Groove added that the portfolio is now live and available to its partners worldwide.

Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said the company focuses on curation rather than chasing volume: “Twenty thousand games is a number. What matters is what sits behind it…” Says Tourgeman. “We don’t add studios for the sake of volume. We add them because they bring something distinctive: a mechanical innovation, a visual language, a player-engagement hook that our operators can’t get elsewhere. Our partners trust us to curate, not just collect. That trust is why we keep growing, and why the quality curve keeps rising alongside the quantity curve.”

Groove said recent integrations include KingMidas Games (150+ mobile-first titles), Urgent Games and Bryogames, which it described as offering “proprietary mathematics with real-time RTP customisation.” The company said the additions were assessed for technical compatibility and “commercial distinctiveness.”

Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and CEO of Groove, positioned the milestone as part of a broader platform pitch: “The aggregation space is crowded with platforms that offer ‘access’ and little else,” said Meltzer. “Twenty thousand games through a single API is not just scale. It is a statement. It says that Groove has become the default engine for operators who want to move fast, compete smart, and never compromise on content depth. But we are not stopping here. The next 20,000 will be even more selective, more integrated, and more aligned with where player behaviour is heading. Volume without curation is noise. We are building a signal.”

The post Groove says its casino content library passes 20,000 games appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

content-aggregation

Octoplay integrates with Lottomart to expand UK distribution

Published

8 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

octoplay-integrates-with-lottomart-to-expand-uk-distribution

Octoplay has expanded its UK distribution through a new integration with operator Lottomart, making a selection of the supplier’s slot games available to Lottomart players.

Under the agreement, Lottomart has added five Octoplay titles to its casino library: Fire Rail Express: Hold & Win, Break the Diamond Piggy, 777 Hot Reels: Megacharged, Big Bang Bonus: Hold & Win and The Lucky Fella: Hold & Win.

Chris Ruddock, Commercial Director at Lottomart, said: “We’re always on the lookout for exciting content that adds something fresh to our portfolio, and Octoplay’s titles do exactly that. Their distinctive style, engaging mechanics, and wide range of themes make them a fantastic addition to our casino. We’re really looking forward to seeing how our players respond.”

Ralitsa Georgieva, Chief Executive Officer at Octoplay, added: “Going live with Lottomart adds another respected UK operator to our growing list of partners in the market. The UK remains a core pillar of our European strategy, and we are pleased to bring our portfolio to Lottomart’s players.”

The post Octoplay integrates with Lottomart to expand UK distribution appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Commercial Gaming

Momentum forms UAE commercial gaming JV with Fanatics after GCGRA approval

Published

8 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

momentum-forms-uae-commercial-gaming-jv-with-fanatics-after-gcgra-approval

Momentum Group and Fanatics have formed a strategic joint venture to run and expand Momentum’s licensed commercial gaming operations in the UAE, the companies said on 29 June, 2026. The partnership is based in Abu Dhabi and brings Momentum’s existing UAE commercial gaming licenses and operations into the new entity.

The joint venture will operate and grow the activities currently licensed to Momentum in the UAE, including lottery, iGaming, sportsbook, and content websites. Momentum said the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has approved the change in control of Momentum’s existing licensed entities.

Scott Burton, Chief Operating Officer, Momentum Group, said:

“The UAE has built one of the world’s most carefully regulated commercial gaming markets, and this joint venture is a reflection of the confidence that brings. Combining Momentum’s regional experience with Fanatics’ global product capability creates a partnership well placed to grow alongside this market for the long term.”

Conor Grant, President, Fanatics Gaming, said:

“The UAE is establishing one of the most thoughtfully regulated commercial gaming markets in the world, and Momentum has demonstrated what a responsible, credible operation within it looks like. We are entering this market for the long term, committed to building something genuinely category-defining together.”

Momentum said the companies plan to invest through the joint venture in technology, product, and customer experience, and to advance responsible gaming and player protection in line with the GCGRA framework.

The post Momentum forms UAE commercial gaming JV with Fanatics after GCGRA approval appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.