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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%).
Psiclone Games and Playtech-built title features three Free Spins modifiers, including expanding reels, sliding wilds and jackpots up to 500x bet.
PokerStars Casino has released Skullapalooza as the fifth game in its 2026 The Slotlist series, making the title the featured slot on the operator’s Casino tab for the month.
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The post PokerStars Casino adds Skullapalooza as fifth 2026 Slotlist pick appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Governor Hobbs signs SB 1671; new budget sets $4M spend authority plus $500K a year from event wagering funds.
The Arizona Department of Gaming has secured a six-year continuation after Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1671, following the 2026 legislative session that adjourned June 12, 2026. The continuation also covers the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission and the Arizona Racing Commission.
The Department said SB 1671 affirms its authority to regulate tribal gaming, event wagering and fantasy sports, horse racing and simulcast wagering, and boxing and mixed martial arts.
In parallel, the Department said Senate Bill 1847 and the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget expand expenditure authority for its Division of Problem Gambling. The budget authorizes $4,000,000 in total spending for the Division, which the agency said is a 20% increase from FY26.
The Department also said the legislature granted an annual $500,000 expenditure authority to use Event Wagering funds to support problem gambling, and that the Division will have grant oversight authority for the first time.
“Arizona first established the Department of Gaming in 1995 – and more than thirty years later, we remain excited about world-class regulation benefiting the entire state,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “I’m grateful to Governor Hobbs and leaders in the state legislature, particularly continuation bill sponsor State Senator Shawnna Bolick, who thoroughly reviewed our agency with a deep commitment to public service, and I am pleased that the Department secured its continuation, which will allow us to strengthen our focus points in robust consumer protection and integrity.”
“The new state budget will strengthen longstanding investments in problem gambling assistance made possible through partnerships with Arizona’s Tribal Nations and the Arizona Lottery,” said Elise Mikkelsen. “We continue to see strong demand from individuals and families seeking information, resources, and treatment for gambling-related harm. This increased funding will help us expand the continuum of care and ensure more Arizonans have access to effective, inclusive, and timely support.”
The post Arizona extends Gaming Department for six years; problem gambling budget rises 20% appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Ed Fogarty Associate Director of PokerStars Casino Commercial
Time to Fiesta with PokerStars Casino’s Latest The Slotlist Pick ‘Skullapalooza’ from Psiclone Games and Playtech
PokerStars Casino has unveiled the fifth game release in its 2026 The Slotlist series, Skullapalooza, a vibrant, high-energy slot game which brings a Mexican fiesta to life, combining bold visuals with layered mechanics.
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The post Time to Fiesta with PokerStars Casino’s Latest The Slotlist Pick ‘Skullapalooza’ from Psiclone Games and Playtech appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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