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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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Carl Gatt Baldacchino Head of Account Management SlotMatrix
SlotMatrix crowns the reels with Gold Pigger 2 Royal Snouts release
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Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has added a seasonal touch to one of its popular titles with the launch of Blackjack Lucky 7s Xmas.
Reimagining the classic casino game, Blackjack Lucky 7s Xmas blends traditional play with a touch of festive magic, inviting players to face the dealer for big wins under the glow of Christmas lights.
Similar to the original version, players can compete with up to three hands, aiming to reach a total as close to twenty-one as possible without exceeding it.
Setting the bet, selecting active hands, and pressing ‘Deal’ begins the game, straightforward, intuitive, and immediately recognisable for blackjack enthusiasts.
Adding a twist to the traditional experience, the game includes the Lucky Sevens Bonus, where drawing three cards worth seven triggers an extra reward of 1.5x the original stake.
With its festive theme, sleek interface, and accessible gameplay, Blackjack Lucky 7s Xmas offers a refreshing take on one of the world’s most iconic card games.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Blackjack Lucky 7s Xmas blends the classic charm of blackjack with festive cheer, offering a seamless and captivating experience for all players.
“It’s a simple yet rewarding title that fits perfectly with the atmosphere and energy of this time of year.”
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B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has launched its latest seafaring adventure, Sea of Spirits, a highly anticipated slot developed in collaboration with CasinoGrounds, one of the industry’s most influential community-driven streaming platforms.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for Push Gaming, combining the studio’s renowned innovation with CasinoGrounds’ direct player insight to craft an experience shaped by the community. Sea of Spirits fits seamlessly into the Push Originals category.
Set in a haunting underwater realm where ghostly captains guard the treasures of the deep, Sea of Spirits immerses players in a world of mystery, risk, and reward.
Every spin offers the promise of discovery through the new Frame and Activator mechanic, unique overlays that appear randomly on the reels. When triggered by one of three activator symbols, they increase anticipation and potential wins across 4,096 ways to win.
The game’s Frames, in bronze, silver, and gold tiers, upgrade through play, unlocking increasingly lucrative rewards. Persistent frame nudging keeps the tension high between spins. At the same time, the fan-favourite Coin Reveal feature makes a triumphant return with a powerful new twist: frame upgrades that elevate the excitement even further.
In the Bonus and Super Bonus rounds, sticky frames and tier upgrades create a sense of momentum and mastery as players pursue treasures guarded by restless spirits beneath the waves.
Meanwhile, Push Bet offers faster access to the game’s most lucrative features, giving players greater control over their journey.
George Fil, Director of Product Strategy at Push Gaming, said: “Working alongside CasinoGrounds has been an incredibly valuable experience.”
“Its understanding of player behaviour and streaming culture helped us refine every layer of Sea of Spirits, from its mechanics to its storytelling. It’s a true community-inspired slot.”
Daniel Giuffra, Brand Manager at CasinoGrounds, added: “Working with Push Gaming has allowed us to integrate some of its great mechanics with our unique streamer-first ideas. I’m excited to see what the community thinks about this one!”
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