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Independent Evaluation Reveals Impact of Pilot Training for Health Professionals
Health professionals feel more confident supporting young people after completing Ygam’s training on gaming and gambling harms, an independent evaluation has revealed.
An evaluation undertaken by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) revealed 91% of survey respondents rated the Mindful Resilience workshops as “good” or “very good”, with two-thirds already implementing their learnings into their day-to day practices. Those trained saw their level of knowledge on gaming and gambling harms almost double as a result of partaking in the programme.
The “Mindful Resilience” programme was developed in collaboration with Bournemouth University. It enables health professionals, including GPs and nurses, to have access to City and Guilds assured training on the harms and health risks associated with gaming and gambling harms. The full pilot phase of the programme ran from 2021 to 2022.
Ratings of confidence in ability amongst delegates almost doubled for each area of enquiry, including signposting to information sources, approaching children and young people about the subject, and assessing participation in gambling and gaming, knowing how to intervene and when to respond.
Linda Scollins Smith, Director of Programmes at Ygam, said: “The findings of this evaluation are encouraging and a positive step in addressing the need for better understanding of gaming and gambling harms within the health care sector. The programme has already supported over 1000 health professionals and garnered very positive responses from participants regarding content, resources, and ongoing support.
“As with every pilot, there are areas of the programme that we can effectively improve. As an evidence-led organisation, these evaluations are vital to ensure that we continue to develop our educational offering, and that we continue to be a figurehead of good practice within the sector.”
Shelley White, CEO at RGC, said: “RGC’s Research and Advisory Services team is pleased to deliver this independent evaluation of the Mindful Resilience programme, which has shown very promising results for health care professionals during its pilot phase. We know that young people are at risk of experiencing gaming and gambling harms, therefore it is essential to educate and train those who work with young people on the practical ways to assess and respond to these risks. We are confident that our findings and recommendations will support Ygam in their commitment to delivering and refining this innovative programme, which will ultimately help to ensure the improved safety and care for young people.”
Dr. Melissa Salmon, Senior Researcher at the RGC found that within three months of completing the training, 64% of trained delegates reported that they had implemented their learning into their work with children and young people. 73% of participants reported that the implementation of knowledge and learnings from the training had been a positive process and easy to apply, with few obstacles.
The majority (84%) of participants said that they would not make any changes to the programme content covered or resources available, with 91% of participants rating the workshop as either “good” (14%) or “very good” (77%).
Veikkaus will deploy the latest version of OpenBet’s Neccton AI-enhanced responsible gambling platform across its digital and retail channels, the companies said on 16 June 2026. The rollout comes as Finland’s newly approved Gambling Act increases operator obligations to spot and address risky gambling behaviour early, including active intervention where risk indicators emerge.
OpenBet said the Neccton platform is designed to identify potentially risky gambling behaviour in real time, generate automated alerts, and support tailored player interventions. The system summarises behavioural data, risk markers and historical context in plain language, and provides AI-assisted explanations intended to support compliance teams while maintaining human oversight.
Susanna Saikkonen, Vice President for Sustainability at Veikkaus, said: “Veikkaus’ individual gambling safety net model is based on identifying risky gambling as early as possible and offering players both support and concrete limitations. The Neccton platform provides us with an ISO-certified, extensively security tested and scientifically validated tool that strengthens our ability to identify risk and support our customers in gambling responsibly.”
Dr Michael Auer, Managing Director of Neccton at OpenBet, said: “In today’s regulatory environment, operators must demonstrate how they actively prevent gambling-related harm. The latest version of the Neccton platform enables real-time, data-driven intervention and measurable duty of care. We are proud to expand our partnership with Veikkaus to further strengthen its responsible gambling framework.”
The Neccton deployment extends Veikkaus’ existing relationship with OpenBet. OpenBet has been powering Veikkaus’ next-generation sportsbook platform and providing Managed Trading Services across digital and retail channels since May 2025, according to the companies. Veikkaus is preparing for Finland’s expected market liberalisation in 2027.
The post Veikkaus rolls out OpenBet’s Neccton responsible gambling platform ahead of 2027 reform appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Jani Kontturi Head of Games at SkillOnNet
SkillOnNet adds Octoplay casino games across its UK brands
Octoplay titles go live on PlayOJO, Genting, SpinGenie and MegawaysCasino, with more regulated markets planned.
SkillOnNet has launched Octoplay’s casino games across its UK iGaming sites, making the supplier’s content available to players on brands including PlayOJO, Genting, SpinGenie and MegawaysCasino.
The UK rollout includes Octoplay titles such as Vegas is Dead: Battle Arena, Shaolin Panda: Chaos Reels, and Serpent Gold: Hold and Win. SkillOnNet said it plans to expand the partnership into additional regulated markets in the coming months.
Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet said: “We’re delighted to welcome Octoplay to our platform in the UK. The studio has built a strong reputation for developing high-quality games that combine engaging mechanics with blockbuster production values. We are confident our players will love the content, and we’re excited to extend the partnership into additional regulated markets in the near future.
Ralitsa Georgieva, CEO at Octoplay: “Launching with SkillOnNet in the UK represents another important milestone for Octoplay. SkillOnNet operates some of the industry’s most established iGaming sites, and this partnership allows us to bring our games to a wider audience of players. We look forward to building on this initial launch and expanding together into further markets.”
The post SkillOnNet adds Octoplay casino games across its UK brands appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Microgaming has launched Playboy Gems and Desires, the latest addition to its official Playboy-branded games portfolio.
The slot uses a reel set featuring Wild stacks that land on reels two, three and four. The game also uses a ways win structure as part of its presentation.
Free Spins are triggered by landing the letters B-U-N-N-Y. During the bonus, an active Win Multiplier can build, while Reel Jackpots and a Jackpot Wheel are also included.
Microgaming said the game includes “Personal Persistence”, which allows the Free Spins Multiplier and Reel Jackpots to carry across all bet levels. The supplier stated a maximum win potential of up to 5,000x the bet.
A Microgaming spokesperson said: “Playboy is a brand with instant recognition, but also a very clear sense of style, confidence and premium entertainment. With Playboy Gems and Desires, the aim was to capture that atmosphere in a way that feels authentic to the brand, while delivering a slot experience with real energy and broad player appeal. It is another strong addition to our official Playboy portfolio and one that reflects the quality and ambition behind the partnership.”
The post Microgaming launches new Playboy-branded slot, Playboy Gems and Desires appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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