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NHS to Open Seven New Gambling Addiction Clinics

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Seven new gambling addiction clinics will open this summer as NHS services face record demand, chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced.

The NHS said it was “adapting to new healthcare needs” and rapidly expanding the support services for thousands of people experiencing gambling-related harms.

New figures published reveal that around 1400 patients were referred for help last year, an increase of more than a third on the previous 12 months and up by almost four fifths compared to two years ago.

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The seven new clinics are in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield.

There are already eight gambling harms clinics open in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Telford, as well as an additional national clinic, which treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people, in London.

The NHS plans to treat up to 3000 patients a year across the 15 clinics, fulfilling the NHS Long Term Plan commitment six months ahead of schedule.

NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “This expansion shows the NHS once again adapting to the new healthcare needs that have emerged over the last 75 years.

“In 1948 when the NHS was founded, you had to go to a bookies to place a bet, but now people can gamble on their phone at the touch of a button and everyone, young and old, is bombarded with adverts encouraging them to take part.

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“Record numbers of people are coming to the NHS for help to treat their gambling addiction, a cruel disease which has the power to destroy people’s lives, with referrals up by more than a third compared to last year.

“As it has done since 1948, the NHS is responding at speed and rolling out seven new gambling harms clinics across England, so that even more people can be supported by the NHS in their time of need.”

Around 138,000 people could be problem gambling according to Gambling Commission figures, with around a further 1.3 million people engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling – although other research estimates that this figure could be higher.

One patient who received help from the Northern Gambling Harms Service, said: “Gambling addiction took over my life to the extent I was suicidal and relationships with my family and friends had broken down. Engaging with NHS services has helped me get control of my life back and I’m rebuilding trust with my family and friends, once again having happy and healthy relationships with people close to me.”

The latest clinics will treat people with serious addiction issues through cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, support groups and aftercare.

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NHS teams including psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and peer support workers also offer support to patients’ family members, partners and carers.

NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch said: “Addiction is a cruel disease that can take over and ruin lives, whether it be destroying finances or ruining relationships, but the NHS is here to help, so if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction please come forward.

“Although progress has been made on clamping down on this billion-pound industry with the Government’s White Paper, I hope further action can be taken to protect our young people and future generations from being bombarded by gambling advertisement while watching sport.”

Public Health Minister Neil O’ Brien said: “The stark rise in the number of people seeking NHS treatment for gambling-related harms shows the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives and health.

“These new clinics will bring vital support to more parts of the country, so thousands more people can get the help they need. We have taken firm action to tackle gambling-related harms through our White Paper, which includes our commitment to introduce a statutory levy so gambling companies pay their fair share towards the costs of treatment services.”

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Casino Guru

Casino Guru enriches its portfolio with a dedicated sweepstakes casino database and updated safety index

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Casino Guru, the global authority on online casino transparency and player safety, is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of a dedicated sweepstakes casino overview tailored to the rapidly evolving U.S. market.

Following months of in-depth research and development, the company has unveiled a new initiative focused on social sweepstakes casinos — a unique and increasingly popular segment of the online gaming space. As part of this expansion, Casino Guru has adapted its trusted Safety Index to reflect the specific characteristics of sweepstakes casino models.

“We’ve been hearing about sweepstakes casinos for quite some time, from social media buzz to community discussions and expert panels,” said Jozef Krucay, Branch Operations Lead at Casino Guru. “It became clear this wasn’t just a passing trend, but a notable shift in how people engage with online entertainment.”

Unlike traditional online casinos, sweepstakes casinos use virtual currencies such as Gold Coins, Sweeps Cash, or Vegas Gems. Players can enjoy games for free or use purchasable coins to enhance their experience. With some luck, they may receive a special sweepstakes currency, which can be redeemed for real-world prizes — presenting both exciting opportunities and important considerations for player protection.

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Casino Guru’s newly launched content includes:

  • Listings for 11 published sweepstakes casinos, with over 60 more identified and currently in development
  • An adapted Safety Index that reflects the distinct risks and rules of sweepstakes platforms
  • Educational materials and player resources, including complaint-handling tools
  • Planned detailed reviews to provide deeper insights into each platform

“Our goal is to help players navigate this growing space with the same clarity and confidence we’ve brought to traditional online casinos,” Jozef added. “As always, our focus remains on transparency, safety, and informed decision-making.”

This new direction positions Casino Guru at the forefront of player advocacy in emerging casino formats — with a clear path toward future expansion in the broader world of social and sweepstakes gaming.

The post Casino Guru enriches its portfolio with a dedicated sweepstakes casino database and updated safety index appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Gaming

Physics-Based Strategy Meets Mixed Reality: Battle Orb Redefines Competitive Gaming

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MixRift unveils brand new strategic PvP arena gaming experience

MixRift, an innovative mixed reality (MR) gaming developer, today announced the official launch of Battle Orb, a competitive strategy game which invites players to challenge each other and transform their physical surroundings into dynamic battlefields. Available now for Meta Quest platforms, Battle Orb represents the next evolution in mutli-player MR gaming.

A first PvP game for MixRift, Battle Orb allows players to step into immersive arenas where physical and digital worlds collide. Skill meets chaos in this fast-paced multiplayer strategy game, which challenges players to aim, shoot, and dominate with speed and precision across customized battlefields, combining tactical thinking with physics-based gameplay. Every hit counts as players collide, strategise and outplay opponents from around the world, from the comfort of their own homes. Players can compete in 2-player or 4-player battles, earn trophies, unlock and upgrade powerful units, and master unique arenas to climb the leaderboard.

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“With Battle Orb, we’re not just launching a game, we’re basically turning your living room into a fantasy battleground.” said Bobby Voicu, CEO of MixRift. “We wanted to create something where anyone can jump in and start having fun in seconds, but that you could also master and keep replaying. I think this is what the future of gaming looks like, and it’s a blast!”

Key Features:

  • HD Graphics: Cutting-edge MR design technology creates a truly immersive gaming experience
  • Creative Character Options: Choose from tens of monsters, creatures, and cartoons to play with – each one zanier than the last
  • Real-Time PvP Action: Face-off in 2-player or 4-player matches full of high-stakes action
  • Physics Meets Strategy: Master the perfect angle, power, and timing to outmaneuver opponents, and perfect your shots to climb through the ranks
  • Unique Units & Powers: Earn wins and open loot chests to unlock and upgrade special characters and abilities
  • Environmental Integration: Scale your battlefield to fit any space, turning living rooms into competitive arenas
  • Competitive Progression: Climb global leaderboards through a rewarding rank system and prove you’re the righteous winner

The game’s intuitive controls ensure players of all skill levels can jump in immediately, while the strategic elements provide long-term engagement for competitive gamers. Battle Orb’s intuitive and quick matchmaking system means players are matched with others in similar ranks within seconds.

Battle Orb has been designed with comfort and safety in mind, earning a “Comfortable” rating and PEGI 3 classification, making it appropriate for players of all ages while still delivering compelling gameplay for serious competitors.

“We’ve created Battle Orb to be a really special mixed-reality competitive experience,” said Voicu. “The way it transforms your physical environment into a strategic battlefield creates moments of gaming magic that simply aren’t possible in traditional formats.”

Availability:
Battle Orb is available now on the Meta Quest Store for Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest 2 platforms. The game requires an internet connection for its online features.

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For more information, visit https://mixrift.com/ or follow MixRift on social media for updates, tournaments, and community highlights.

The post Physics-Based Strategy Meets Mixed Reality: Battle Orb Redefines Competitive Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Conferences

Fast Track showcases AI-driven CRM, gamification and bonus abuse prevention at SBC Americas 2025

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Fast Track announces its participation at the upcoming SBC Summit Americas 2025, taking place between May 13-15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event is one of the most significant gatherings for the Latin American and North American iGaming markets, and will bring together operators and suppliers from across the region, offering a unique platform for innovation and collaboration.

As Fast Track continues to strengthen its’ market regional presence, the tech supplier will showcase its full lineup of solutions that set it apart in the iGaming industry: CRM, AI-driven gamification, and bonus abuse prevention. These core three pillars work together to help operators across Latin America and North America to enhance player engagement, manage risks, and drive sustainable growth.

“Fast Track has established a solid presence across several North and Latin American markets, and the SBC Summit Americas is the perfect platform for us to connect with both existing partners and new operators,” said Simon Lidzén, Co-Founder and CEO of Fast Track. “We’re excited to showcase how our AI-driven ecosystem is helping operators transform player engagement and achieve exponential growth.”

Visitors to Fast Track’s stands D430 and D440 will have the opportunity to explore the company’s complete product offering, including:

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  • CRM: Built around the innovative concept of Singularity, Fast Track’s CRM enables operators to deliver highly personalised, dynamic player experiences that boost retention and loyalty.
  • Rewards: An AI-driven gamification ecosystem designed to seamlessly integrate with CRM operations, turning every player visit into a rewarding experience.
  • Greco: The only Gameplay Risk Engine offering operators real-time insights and advanced risk management capabilities by providing detailed insights into player activity.

The post Fast Track showcases AI-driven CRM, gamification and bonus abuse prevention at SBC Americas 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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