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UK: Funding Boost for Nationwide Programme on Gambling and the Criminal Justice System

Published

5 years ago

April 12, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Gambling harms are currently under-recognised across the UK Criminal Justice System (CJS), and support for those affected has been underfunded to date. GamCare will now receive two years’ funding to scale up the delivery of its programme to raise awareness and develop pathways to support people experiencing gambling harms across the CJS.

There are evidenced links between harmful gambling and crime, whether crime is committed to support gambling or to pay off gambling-related debts. Gambling-related offending may include fraud, theft, domestic and financial abuse, and links into wider criminality. However, there is a lack of funding, awareness, training, and pathways to support and treatment for people in the CJS experiencing gambling harms.

GamCare recently delivered a two-year pilot project funded by the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner to introduce screening for gambling harms at key points across the CJS there, and identify the best mechanisms to deliver support for those affected. The charity will now be funded to deliver a larger programme of engagement and awareness raising, designed to raise the profile of gambling and offending, and to improve services for those in contact with the CJS. GamCare has secured funding, approved by the UK Gambling Commission, towards delivery of the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, through a dedicated programme focused on gambling and the criminal justice system.

Recently awarded Organisation of the Year at the Howard League for Penal Reform Community Awards, GamCare is working to raise awareness of gambling harms amongst professionals across the CJS as well as developing and testing interventions that work best for clients across police, prison and probation services. The charity will facilitate thought leadership across the sector, as well as consult on and test new approaches, providing training to staff in all areas so they can best support their service users.

Anna Hemmings, CEO at GamCare, says: “As outlined in our recent submission to the Howard League Commission on Crime and Problem Gambling, our work focuses on a ‘whole systems’ approach – with initiatives to screen people at arrest and the early stages of the CJS, and responding to needs at various stages in their journey, be it through police, prison, or probation services as well as the courts.

Through our work in Hertfordshire, we’ve demonstrated that this work is scalable and can have positive impacts for those harmed by gambling across the CJS. I look forward to seeing this work develop across England, Scotland and Wales, to reduce the impact of gambling harms for individual offenders, victims, and their families.”

Julia Fazackerley, Head of Development at GamCare, says: “Existing data from our Helpline and treatment services shows us that around 5% of referrals across Great Britain are from people in touch with the CJS, but we know that criminality often goes unreported or undisclosed. Our work in this area indicates similar prevalence of gambling harm to recent data from the Forward Trust’s survey of prisoners, and we know that there is both a desire for knowledge and awareness, plus greater support for those experiencing harm.

The next phase of our programme will mean we can continue to provide a proactive and comprehensive programme of training for CJS professionals as well as developing and testing a range of support interventions specifically for this cohort. We will provide strategic direction for specialist gambling support and provide real value to all areas of the CJS.”

Tim Miller, Executive Director for the Gambling Commission, says: “We welcome the extension of this significant project, including the collaborative approach GamCare has taken to support a wide range of organisations working in the criminal justice sector. Together, these programmes of work have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to reducing harms as part of the National Strategy. We are pleased to be able to approve the funding, which was agreed through regulatory settlements.”

Africa

Booming Games teams up with Agreegain to power continued African growth

Published

37 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-teams-up-with-agreegain-to-power-continued-african-growth

Booming Games has teamed up with Agreegain to drive growth in various markets throughout Africa.
Booming Games will utilize Agreegain’s aggregation platform to link with casino operators throughout the continent.

Booming Games, a top supplier of high-quality gaming content, has today revealed a strategic alliance with Agreegain, a rapidly expanding iGaming solutions provider. This action will stimulate a fresh surge of growth for Booming Games throughout Africa, as the company aims to quickly broaden its international footprint in regulated markets.

The collaboration will link Booming Games with numerous casino operators in Africa via Agreegain’s game aggregation platform, employing advanced technology to provide compliant, quick integrations effortlessly. Booming Games’ titles will be accessible on Agreegain’s API platform, utilized by top operators throughout Africa. The platform features more than 10,000 games, which encompass slots, live casino options, and table games.

Booming Games is launching more titles than ever and aims to enhance both the quantity and quality of its lineup in 2026. Teaming up with Agreegain further exemplifies its commitment to delivering top-notch games to players worldwide, as Booming Games will extend the availability of these titles throughout Africa.

The collaboration reinforces Booming Games’ dedication to providing an exceptional experience for players through the use of advanced technology. With each new game, Booming Games also creates customized content for specific markets. The gaming sector in Africa has recently exceeded $600 million in revenue, presenting a distinct opportunity for Booming Games to grow its offerings.

Solomon Godwin, Head of Africa at Booming Games, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new strategic partnership with Agreegain, marking an exciting milestone forward in enhancing our gaming offering. This collaboration strengthens our commitment in delivering innovative gaming experience and engaging gameplay to players globally.”

Maria Afzaal, Senior Partner Manager at Agreegain, said: “Partnering with Booming Games marks an exciting step forward in expanding our portfolio with a leading provider known for its dynamic and engaging slot content. Licensed in all major jurisdictions, most notably Malta and the United Kingdom, Booming Games demonstrates a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and innovation — making them a valuable addition to our growing network of trusted global partners.”

The post Booming Games teams up with Agreegain to power continued African growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

EveryMatrix

EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership

Published

37 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

everymatrix-expands-global-lottery-footprint-with-naspl-membership

Leading iGaming technology provider EveryMatrix has expanded its global national lottery footprint by becoming a member of the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the North American market.

NASPL membership highlights EveryMatrix’s strategy of supporting public-sector lotteries as it continues to grow its presence across the continent while strengthening its visibility and credibility within the US lottery ecosystem.

Across the United States, multiple lotteries are currently investing in or exploring digital transformation and omnichannel player engagement initiatives, with a strong focus on responsible gaming. These are areas where EveryMatrix has extensive experience, having delivered large-scale technology solutions to major European lottery operators.

The tier-one turnkey platform supplier already works with several of Europe’s largest national lotteries and holds Associate membership with both the World Lottery Association (WLA) and European Lotteries (EL). In August 2025, the company also joined CIBELAE as an Associate member, the WLA’s regional organisation covering more than 80 Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions across Latin America, Central America, Spain and Portugal.

EveryMatrix has built a reputation as one of the most trusted B2B platform providers to regulated lottery markets worldwide, partnering with leading national operators such as Veikkaus (Finland), Norsk Tipping (Norway), OPAP (Greece), National Lottery Malta, Danske Spil (Denmark) and Szerencsejáték Zrt. (Hungary).

Nikolina Gabelica, Head of Lottery at EveryMatrix, said:
“For EveryMatrix, joining NASPL represents a long-term commitment. We work closely with several leading European national lotteries and understand the balance between innovation, regulation and public responsibility.

“Combined with our broader experience across regulated iGaming markets globally, we bring practical insights and advanced technology to the US lottery community, and we look forward to building and strengthening meaningful relationships there.”

The post EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

Wazdan taps Green Brick Labs partnership via Maverick Games to strengthen Ontario market

Published

37 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

wazdan-taps-green-brick-labs-partnership-via-maverick-games-to-strengthen-ontario-market

Wazdan, the top developer focused on gaming, has initiated its collaboration with Green Brick Labs (GBL) following the launch of several of its titles with Maverick Games, the well-known operator based in Ontario.

The agreement entails an initial selection of Wazdan’s best-performing titles being launched with Maverick Games through an integration from GBL’s seamless aggregation platform, featuring Mighty Fish: Blue Marlin, 36 Coins, Mighty Wild: Panther Grand Diamond Edition, and Mighty Wild: Gorilla.

After Wazdan’s recently disclosed alliance with GBL, the quickly developing North American platform provider, the partnership has now made significant progress by launching with Maverick Games, featuring its extensive slot collection and sportsbook services.

Wazdan’s captivating games and interaction-enhancing features, such as Cash to Infinity, Sticky to Infinity, and the Hold the Jackpot bonus game, are poised to enhance Maverick Games’ collection as it aims for greater growth across North America.

Wazdan’s newest collaboration highlights the studio’s goal to further establish itself in regulated iGaming markets globally, offering players cutting-edge slot experiences.

Magdalena Wojdyla, Head of Account Management at Wazdan, said: “Going live with Maverick Games through our partnership with GBL marks an exciting moment for Wazdan in Ontario.

“Our innovative titles and engagement-boosting features are designed to deliver memorable experiences for players, and we are confident this collaboration will help Maverick Games strengthen its position in one of North America’s most dynamic markets.”

James Gummerson, UX/UI and Product Manager at Green Brick Labs, said: “We are thrilled to launch our collaboration with Wazdan.

“Our mission is to connect operators with world-class content quickly and seamlessly, and this launch demonstrates how our technology helps accelerate growth for both suppliers and operators in North American markets.”

The post Wazdan taps Green Brick Labs partnership via Maverick Games to strengthen Ontario market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.