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GambleAware Publishes New Reports and Guide for Financial Services Industry to Help Prevent Gambling Harm

Published

5 years ago

July 15, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

GambleAware has published a new report by the Behavioural Insights Team which analyses behavioural datasets to understand whether these could be used to build a clearer picture of the ways in which people gamble, identify possible harms, and eventually inform prevention, treatment, and support responses.

The commissioned research analysed bank transactional data from Monzo and HSBC, aiming to shed new light on what these datasets can, and cannot, tell us about gambling behaviour. The reports demonstrated that bank customer and transactional data can offer valuable insights into the success of gambling blocking tools and also provide unique profiles of gamblers. For example, of those using Monzo’s gambling blocker, it was found that the week before gamblers activated the block, their average daily gambling spend tripled. Specific profiles of gamblers were also revealed by the research, such as that gamblers had less money on average in their Monzo internal saving pots than non-gamblers, or that gamblers ranked “Very Concerning” by HSBC had on average 35.6 gambling transactions per month, compared to 15.6 in those ranked “Concerning”, and just 1.2 in the “Control” group.

Taken individually, however, these datasets are not enough to understand whether a customer is at risk of experiencing gambling harms. A dataset from a single bank is unlikely to offer a full picture of an individual’s spending, and so these exploratory research projects illustrated that further research is needed to create a fuller picture of an individual’s overall financial wellbeing.

“Our research with HSBC and Monzo has demonstrated that bank transactional data can be a useful tool in identifying gambling behaviours and the unique profiles of gamblers, but further work is needed to understand how such data can be used robustly. Different banks may use different factors, and different thresholds to identify gambling, and future work could look at developing a more standard operating model of how this kind of data should be used to identify those at risk of harm,” Dr Simon McNair, Advisor at BIT, said

“Our research with GambleAware helps us to understand gambling-related behaviours so that we can provide the best support to our customers. This includes opt-in solutions such as a gambling restriction feature to help people control their urge to gamble and automatic declines or referrals for lending to help prevent the customer getting into debt. Customers can also appoint third parties to help manage their finances either through a third-party mandate or our Independence Service. In addition, our specialist support team are on hand to aid customers at risk of financial harm and can refer to trusted external organisations where needed. We continue to work with charities such as Gamble Aware on other ways in which we can ensure these customers have access to the right support,” Maxine Pritchard, Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability at HSBC, said.

“Our work with the Behavioural Insights Team has provided us with important insights into gambling behaviour and the impacts of gambling. At Monzo, this is an area we care deeply about and we’ve had amazing success so far with our gambling block, which has been used by more than 350,000 customers since its launch in 2017. We’re excited to use these insights to inform future work in this area, further reduce gambling harm and provide our customers with even more control over their financial lives,” Natalie Ledward, Head of Vulnerable Customers at Monzo, said.

GambleAware has commissioned the Personal Finance Research Centre at the University of Bristol to produce a practical guide for financial services seeking to protect customers from gambling-related financial harms. The guide offers real-life examples of what firms can do to identify and support customers who are at risk of gambling-related financial harm. It highlights the value of financial firms proactively analysing customer transaction data for spending patterns and behavioural signs that might indicate gambling-related vulnerability and enable firms to take action to prevent harm occurring.

“At a conservative estimate, at least five million people in Britain experience harmful gambling, either because of their own gambling or someone else’s. Regulated financial services firms are well-placed to address the financial harms linked to gambling-related vulnerability and our practical guide shows them how. Doing this may have knock-on benefits for other dimensions of gambling harm, such as people’s mental health,” Professor Sharon Collard, Research Director at the University of Bristol’s Personal Finance Research Centre, said.

“This research from the Behavioural Insights Team is a good first step to explore how bank transactional data may be able to identify behaviours indicative of gambling harm. Whilst more research is needed into this area, we encourage all financial institutions, including those from non-bank settings, to make the most of the new guide to see what they can do to protect their customers from gambling harm. By working with financial services and promoting the advice and support available, we can work collaboratively to respond to customer need to keep people safe from gambling harm,” Zoë Osmond, CEO at GambleAware, said.

HIPTHER

HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-announces-media-partnership-with-nightrush-ahead-of-prague-summit-2026

HIPTHER is proud to announce a new Media Partnership with Nightrush, officially launching alongside the highly anticipated HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026. The event will take place on 24–25 March 2026 at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha, bringing together leading voices from across Gaming and Technology.

Recognised as one of Europe’s premier boutique events for industry decision-makers, the Prague Summit unites professionals from iGaming, fintech, blockchain, AI, compliance, and digital innovation. Across two immersive days, attendees will engage in expert-led discussions, curated networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping regulated digital industries.

This new collaboration marks an important step in expanding industry dialogue and strengthening global connections within the iGaming ecosystem.

Strengthening Industry Connections Through Media Collaboration

Nightrush has rapidly established itself as a trusted media platform dedicated to connecting operators, providers, and players through in-depth content, expert reviews, industry news, and community-driven engagement. What began as a focused review platform has evolved into a dynamic hub that promotes collaboration, delivers practical insights, and supports responsible gambling initiatives across the wider iGaming landscape.

Under the leadership of Brand Manager Olesea Naidion, Nightrush continues to expand its influence within the global iGaming community. Olesea will also take the stage at Prague Summit 2026, sharing expertise on brand strategy, digital marketing, user acquisition, and long-term player loyalty.

Through this Media Partnership, HIPTHER and Nightrush will collaborate to amplify key industry conversations, increase visibility for thought leadership, and support meaningful engagement among stakeholders before, during, and beyond Prague Summit 2026.

Prague Summit 2026: Celebrating a Decade of Impact

Marking 10 years of impact across Gaming and Technology, the 2026 edition of the HIPTHER Prague Summit will feature its most ambitious programme to date. The event will host four dedicated stages, covering compliance, expert panels, strategic industry themes, and practical education through the HIPTHER Academy.

Attendees can expect:

In-depth regulatory and compliance discussions
Responsible Gaming and Player Safety sessions supported by international regulators
High-level networking with operators, suppliers, innovators, and policymakers
The prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026

Within this context, the partnership with Nightrush will play a key role in advancing knowledge sharing, fostering transparency, and supporting long-term growth across regulated digital industries.

A Shared Vision for the Future

HIPTHER and Nightrush are united by a shared vision: to build stronger connections across the iGaming community and enable collaboration that drives innovation, trust, and sustainable industry development.

The Media Partnership debuting at Prague Summit 2026 represents the start of a broader collaboration focused on year-round content creation, community engagement, and cross-industry dialogue—further strengthening the foundations of the global iGaming ecosystem.

The post HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Dream Play

Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

hyper-gems-—-a-new-cosmic-adrenaline-release-from-dream-play

Dream Play continues to grow its lineup with Hyper Gems, a space-themed slot designed around speed, rising tension, and escalating multipliers.

Set within a deep cosmic environment of glowing nebulae and radiant crystal symbols, the game delivers a sharp, modern visual style. The bottom control panel reflects Dream Play’s signature polish — a centered spin button, sleek metallic controls, and a clean layout that keeps attention firmly on momentum and gameplay.

Fast Base Game, Reactive Multiplier

The base game moves at a rapid pace thanks to avalanche mechanics, where winning symbols disappear and new ones fall into place seamlessly.

Multipliers in the base game apply on a per-spin basis.
If a multiplier lands and connects with a win during that same spin, the payout is instantly boosted. Miss the connection, and it resets — keeping each spin dynamic and unpredictable.

The experience feels fast, immediate, and full of energy.

Bonus Game — Where the Adrenaline Builds

The pace shifts dramatically in the Bonus Game.

Once triggered — or activated through the Buy Bonus option — the atmosphere intensifies. The background changes, colors grow bolder, and symbol connections trigger subtle grid shake effects that add impact to every win.

The biggest change comes with the multiplier behavior.

In the bonus round, the multiplier no longer resets. Instead, it accumulates with every spin, even when no win lands. Tension builds as the value climbs spin after spin, until a winning cascade finally connects and the entire payout is multiplied by the full accumulated total.

Several quiet spins can stack significant potential, only for one sudden cascade to unleash it all at once. This is where Hyper Gems delivers its core rush.

Pop-Ups, Sound & Visual Identity

Hyper Gems features distinct Big Win, Epic Win, and Mega Win pop-ups, each with unique animations and visual styling. Transitions are smooth, modern, and fast, designed to maintain momentum rather than disrupt it.

Every win feels lively and visually rewarding.

The soundtrack reinforces the pace with a driving, space-inspired rhythm that rises alongside multiplier growth and intensifies during cascades.

Combined with strong visual effects and subtle grid movement in the bonus round, Hyper Gems delivers a cohesive, high-energy experience.

With its avalanche gameplay, accumulating bonus multiplier, and maximum win potential of x1000, Hyper Gems stands out as a release focused on escalation, tension, and momentum.

Step into the cosmic arena and experience Hyper Gems:
https://api.dreamplay.games/launch/virtual?game=hyper-gems

The post Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Dream Play

Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Dream Play expands its portfolio with Hyper Gems, a space-themed slot built around speed, tension, and multiplier escalation.

Set against a deep cosmic backdrop filled with glowing nebulae and vibrant crystal symbols, the game delivers a sharp, modern presentation.

The bottom control panel follows Dream Play’s polished design approach — centered spin button, smooth metallic controls, clean layout — keeping the focus entirely on action and momentum.

Fast Base Game, Reactive Multiplier

The base game moves quickly thanks to avalanche mechanics — winning symbols disappear and new ones cascade into place without breaking the flow.

Here, the multiplier works per spin.

If it lands and a winning combination connects in that same spin, the payout is instantly amplified. If not, it resets — keeping the gameplay reactive and dynamic.

It’s fast. Immediate. Energetic.

Bonus Game — Where Adrenaline Builds

The real shift happens in the Bonus Game.

Once triggered — or accessed via Buy Bonus — the atmosphere intensifies. The background changes, colors become more aggressive, and during symbol connections the grid adds a subtle shake effect, reinforcing the impact of every hit.

Most importantly, the multiplier no longer resets.

Instead, it accumulates with every spin — even if no win lands. The tension builds. Spin after spin, the number grows. And when a winning combination finally connects, the entire payout is multiplied by the full accumulated value.

Several spins can quietly stack the multiplier — and then one cascade suddenly lands, amplifying the entire win in a single surge.

That is where Hyper Gems delivers its core adrenaline.

Pop-Ups, Sound & Visual Identity

Hyper Gems features distinct Big, Epic and Mega Win pop-ups, each with its own animation style and visual identity. The transitions are dynamic, modern, and fast — designed to enhance momentum rather than interrupt it.

Every win feels energetic and visually impactful.

The soundtrack supports the pace with a driving, space-inspired rhythm, rising alongside multiplier growth and intensifying during cascades.

Together with the visual effects and subtle grid shake in the bonus round, the game creates a cohesive, high-energy presentation.

With its avalanche engine, accumulating bonus multiplier and max win potential of x1000, Hyper Gems stands out as a release built around escalation and momentum.

Step into the cosmic arena and experience Hyper Gems.
https://api.dreamplay.games/launch/virtual?game=hyper-gems