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Two in Three People Experiencing Gambling Problems Keep Issue Hidden
As many as 2 in 3 adults (64%) in Great Britain who have experienced any gambling problem have kept their experience hidden, new research from GambleAware has revealed. With almost 2 in 5 (39%) of those who hadn’t opened up stating feelings of stigma such as shame, guilt and fear of judgement represent key barriers to reaching out for support – the charity is issuing a call to end damaging stigma and encourage those who may be experiencing gambling harms to “open-up about gambling”.
Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, said: “It’s alarming to see the number of people who are struggling in isolation. As a hidden addiction, gambling harms can be incredibly hard to spot from the outside. It is therefore critical that people impacted are aware of the wide range of support services available, and that they feel safe to come forward. Anyone can be impacted by gambling harms, but the first step is to open up and have that first conversation, ideally as early as possible.”
The campaign launch comes as research also suggests that most of the public believe certain gambling products, such as instant win games, are addictive, indicating how gambling harm can affect anyone and the importance of building empathy for those experiencing harm. Specifically, over seven in ten (71%) respondents said they believe instant win games are very or fairly addictive, followed by 64% for scratch cards and 62% for casino games.
Noteworthy football commentator Clive Tyldesley said: “I think that since I’ve started to work with charities and meet and talk with both people who gambled which were in recovery and bereaved family members, the thing that has struck me is how normal and unremarkable their backgrounds invariably are. Harmful gambling really can affect anyone and very often those suffering show no outward signs of their issues. It’s a silent, invisible problem because too often the gamblers disappear into their own feelings of embarrassment and guilt. They think they’re to blame when they are not, they think they’re alone when many others are wrestling with the same issues. Getting them to open up and talk is half the battle to beating the problem, either with people close to them or via the professional support the GambleAware website offers. The first conversation is maybe the most difficult but it’s the most soothing and the most important too.”
Professor Dame Clare Gerada said: “When I opened the doors of the nation’s first Primary Care Gambling Service a few short years ago, I was a relative newcomer to the challenges surrounding gambling. However, since then, my eyes have been thoroughly opened.
“Gambling is an addiction which can only be described as ‘uniquely’ awful: the ruin it wreaks on people’s lives can be complete and multi-layered; the collateral damage is also considerable as families and loved ones suffer alongside. Its inherently hidden nature means that, at the moment, people have to see their lives collapse around them before they get the help they desperately need. It doesn’t need to be like this. There is an incredible breadth of support service, from how to deal with debt, to how to stop gambling completely which people can access for free through the National Gambling Support Network, and I urge anyone concerned about their gambling to do so.”
Positively, the research also supports the benefits of opening up, as three out of four (76%) who had talked about their problems stated they felt better after speaking to someone. With gambling harms often manifesting as intrinsically “hidden” and isolating, GambleAware is aiming to bring to the surface the power of conversations and provide reassurance that help is never far.
The campaign has been developed in close collaboration with the gambling harms lived experienced community, and is supported by a range of expert and influential voices including ex-Love Islander Scott Thomas, who has previously experienced gambling harms.
Scott Thomas, Entrepreneur and Presenter, said: “It’s an incredibly scary thing to first tell someone that you’ve got a gambling problem. Many people assume it’s just because you can’t handle your money, but it needs to be viewed as seriously as any other mental health condition. I was terrified when I first opened up about the problems I had been having but, once I did, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I no longer had to hide. I want the same to happen for anyone out there who feels like they might be struggling on their own.”
There is a vast range of resources available and anyone who is worried that gambling might be affecting themselves or someone they love are encouraged to use the self-assessment tool to get free and confidential support tailored to them and their specific needs.
Elissa Hubbard, who has lived experience of gambling harms, said: “Every day was full of anxiety – trying to keep my gambling a secret, whilst finding opportunities to do it more. People think you can ‘just stop’, but you can’t… it’s so easy to be dismissed, and I didn’t want anyone to think bad of me. Finding help changed everything. I discovered that by keeping quiet, it helps no one, and when you start to talk about it, people start to understand you.”
GambleAware has also created tools to help users calculate the time and money spent gambling, served with recommendations in line with the internationally proven Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines. These are expected to become available from early December as part of a soft launch on the GambleAware website.
Dr Ellie Cannon, medical expert and commentator, said: “Gambling harms – or the negative consequences of gambling – are a complex issue that goes far beyond just financial challenges. It can lead to poor mental health, physical health, and relationships break down. They way these issues manifest will vary from person to person, but being aware and recognising the early warning signs of spending increasing amounts of time, money and hiding your gambling can help get people to a better place, sooner.”
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Too often we see the devastating impacts of harmful gambling, and our white paper outlines a host of new measures we’re implementing to protect those most at risk. A key element of our plans is the introduction of a statutory levy on gambling companies to raise sufficient, sustainable and trusted funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling related harm. Stigma is the biggest barrier preventing people from seeking help, and I welcome GambleAware’s vital campaign which is raising awareness of the issue and helping people get the support they need.”
The League of Ireland has announced the rollout of an educational programme to proactively lead on the prevention of gambling harm in Irish football – a first-of-its-kind initiative for League of Ireland clubs.
EPIC Global Solutions – an award-winning consultancy currently working with several other major sporting bodies globally – will lead the sessions, which begin later this month.
Endorsed by the FAI, National League Committee and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland) the programme will also see coaches, match officials and FAI staff receive this vital training.
Former professional footballers and athletes, who have personally experienced gambling harm in the past, will conduct the in-person sessions.
They include ex-EFL footballer Marc Williams, Scott Davies, who played for Ireland U21s and is now a player-manager at Slough Town & former Premier League star and Scotland international Dominic Matteo.
As part of the project, EPIC will also facilitate the delivery of UEFA standard betting integrity training in accordance with FAI rules.
The programme is funded by Flutter who supported EPIC’s launch of the world’s first gambling harm prevention programme in professional football eight years ago.
In 2017, EPIC launched the world’s first gambling harm prevention programme in professional football in partnership with Sky Bet (part of the Flutter family of brands) and the EFL. This collaboration had the goal of increasing preventative education and reducing harm and stigma in the game. Now in its eighth year, the programme’s impact is being positively felt by players, coaches, and youth academies, with more than 10,200 attendees since its inception. This remains the largest and most penetrative programme of its kind ever undertaken in European sport.
Today’s announcement means seventy individual workshops will be held for 32 Senior Teams (20 men’s and 12 women’s), 26 Academies, and 10 Women’s Development League teams at training facilities across Ireland with additional 2 sessions for FAI staff and League of Ireland Match Officials – reaching over 2,000 participants annually.
Breakdown of 70 sessions per annum at a glance:
- 32 sessions to senior LOI teams (20 Men’s & 12 Women’s)
- 26 sessions to LOI Academy clubs (U17s Men’s & Women’s)
- 10 sessions to Women’s Development League senior teams
- 1 session to League of Ireland Match Officials
- 1 session to FAI staff
League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon said: “As the League of Ireland grows each year, it is very important to work with all stakeholders including our players and match officials at the centre of the game to stress the importance of integrity at all levels.
“This partnership with EPIC also means we can also look to prevent potential gambling harm amongst our players.
“We know the vast majority of people gamble without an issue. But the seminars at our Academy clubs will be hugely beneficial and educate for the next generation of Irish footballers. We have seen the work that EPIC is doing with the English Football League and it’s having a measurable impact. We look forward to seeing that replicated in the League of Ireland.”
Speaking on behalf of the Professional Footballers Association, the union representing players, general secretary, Stephen McGuiness said: “This three-year partnership with EPIC and the League of Ireland is about safeguarding the future of our game. By delivering gambling awareness training to both male and female players at senior and academy level, we are ensuring that education and support reaches every player, regardless of where they are in their career.
“EPIC has an excellent reputation and a proven track record working with player organisations in Ireland, which gives us confidence in the quality and impact of this programme. We also look forward to former PFA Ireland members sharing their personal stories of how harmful gambling has affected their lives, bringing a powerful and relatable perspective to the training. Protecting player wellbeing and helping them make informed choices is a responsibility we take seriously and this initiative reflects our commitment to caring for players in the league of Ireland.”
Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC said: “Following the success of similar initiatives we’ve delivered in elite sport, this prevention-based programme looks to empower players to recognise the signs of gambling harm, be more informed about their relationship with betting and better equipped to understand pathways to support.
“More significantly, the message is conveyed powerfully and with real meaning by individuals whom players are likely to respect – former footballers and athletes sharing their individual experiences in face-to-face sessions. They have encountered problems, and they simply did not have the same opportunity or education around prevention that we are now in a fortunate position to provide for the league. We are really pleased to be able to bring this training to Irish players.”
Kevin Harrington, CEO of Flutter added: “As a major betting operator, we pride ourselves in leading the industry on safety and trust, and we take our responsibilities around protecting our customers and the integrity of sport seriously.
“As a global company founded in Ireland, we are incredibly proud to fund this independently provided three-year programme, supporting the League’s commitment to proactive prevention and education.”
The post League of Ireland to kick-off new gambling awareness programme for footballers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
HIPTHER is thrilled to reveal Lex Legas as a Strategic Partner for the HIPTHER Baltics conference series, which includes Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. The collaboration incorporates LexLegas’s extensive knowledge in cross-border regulation, compliance, and high-risk legal structures into the targeted Baltic series.
Updated Date for Riga – Baltic Tech Week
The date for the Riga conference has been officially updated to 11 May 2026 (instead of the previously stated 12 May). The conference will remain the inaugural event of Baltic Tech Week in Riga.
After a robust debut set for 21 April 2026 in Vilnius, and prior to the Tallinn edition later in the series, HIPTHER Baltics: Riga strengthens HIPTHER’s dedication to locally anchored, high-quality discussions throughout the Baltic region, uniting regulatory, legal, fintech, and gaming participants around the most significant issues.
A Tactical Alignment: Lex Legas
Lex Legas is a specialized legal consultancy and research-oriented legal brand focusing on iGaming, fintech, payments, AML/CTF, and international regulatory frameworks, emphasizing Baltic, EU, and high-risk regions.
Integrating practical legal experience with regulatory investigation and strategic guidance, Lex Legas collaborates closely with operators, payment processors, software vendors, and international advisors engaged in regulated and semi-regulated sectors. Their expertise spans:
- iGaming & betting regulation (EU & non-EU jurisdictions)
- AML/CTF frameworks, risk assessments, and compliance structuring
- Payment solutions, PSP integrations, and fintech regulatory analysis
- Licensing, corporate structuring, and operational legal support
- Regulatory trends, enforcement practices, and supervisory expectations
- Cross-border legal risk management for high-risk business models
“At Lex Legas, we work daily at the intersection of regulation, technology, and high-risk business models, exactly where today’s iGaming, fintech, and payments industries are being shaped.
HIPTHER Baltics stands out as a rare platform that goes beyond surface-level discussions and creates space for real, jurisdiction-specific conversations around compliance, licensing, player protection, and operational risk.
Partnering with HIPTHER for the Baltics series feels like a natural extension of our mission: translating complex regulatory frameworks into practical, business-ready solutions. We’re excited to contribute our research-driven perspective and hands-on experience to the dialogue in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, and to help shape meaningful cross-border discussions across the region in 2026” – The Legal Experts of “Lex Legas” Team
HIPTHER Baltics 2026 – Three Capitals, One Vision
The HIPTHER Baltics series brings HIPTHER’s signature focus on regulation, compliance, fintech, and innovation to the heart of the Baltic region through three targeted, one-day conferences each hosted in a Baltic capital and built around locally-relevant themes with regional and cross-border impact.
“HIPTHER Baltics is built as a focused conference series for the region — not just a one-off event. From Vilnius to Riga and Tallinn, our goal is to create a high-level platform where regulators, legal experts, fintech leaders, and gaming stakeholders can connect around the real topics shaping the market: compliance, licensing, payments, player protection, and cross-border operations.
That’s why partnering with Lex Legas feels like a perfect match. Their research-driven approach and hands-on expertise in iGaming, fintech, and regulatory frameworks across the Baltics and beyond brings exactly the depth and clarity we want to deliver through the entire series. We’re proud to welcome them as a Strategic Partner and look forward to building meaningful, practical conversations together in 2026.” — Zoltan “Hawkie” Tundik, Co-Founder & Head of Business, HIPTHER
More information & tickets: https://hipther.com/events/baltics/
The post HIPTHER Baltics Announces Riga Event and Strategic Partnership with LexLegas appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Are you ready for Monopoly Rush Hour? Mr Monopoly is back and revving up the roads in the latest release from Big Time Gaming.
Monopoly Rush Hour will go live exclusively with Gamesys brands on 19 January, before going on global release on 03 February 2026.
Monopoly Rush Hour sees players step into the fast lane, where each spin begins with each Token starting on the four corners of the board while Houses and Hotels are randomly distributed across the board.
Every Token can randomly boost its Multipliers up to a massive 500x.
Tokens spring into action wherever dice symbols appear on the Hat, Boat, Car or Dog – the dice roll determines how far each Token moves and for every three spaces travelled, the Token’s Multiplier climbs by +1.
If a Token lands on a space with a House or a Hotel, players win a Prize – these are Multiplied by the stake and the Tokens Multiplier.
This being Monopoly, there are Chance and Community Chest Card Bonuses in play. If as Token lands on either, one of the following outcomes is revealed:
- Move to a random position
- Move three spaces forward
- Move three spaces backward
- Award a Prize Bonus (multiplied by the Token’s multiplier)
- Trigger Free Spins
With the Free Spins, players get an initial 12 Free Games plus six Extra Spins for every additional trigger. During Free Spins, Token positions and Multipliers persist, keeping the momentum building.
Hit the Water Works or the Electric Company and players scoop up an Instant Prize worth the Token Multiplier times the stake. Landing on Train Stations means retriggers, awarding 1, 3, 7 or 15 Extra Spins when 1, 2, 3 or 4 Tokens land there.
During Free Spins, Tokens that land on Chance or Community Chest reveal cards with one of three powerful Boosts. This includes:
- Advance 2-12 spaces ahead
- Increase the Multiplier meter by 2-12 steps
- Add 2-12 Houses to the board
What’s more, when every property is upgraded to a Hotel, the excitement peaks as each Token’s Multiplier gets a huge +50 to +250 boost.
If players want to supercharge the action, they can tap the Power Play icon – this guarantees a dice roll and costs 8x the stake. For those who can’t wait to pass GO, tap the Bonus Buy icon and head straight to 12 Free Spins for 110x the stake.
Nik Robinson, CEO of Big Time Gaming, said: “Monopoly Rush Hour is our latest Monopoly branded game, offering high speed action with plenty of Multipliers, Free Spins and big wins on the board.
“We are thrilled to see players at Gamesys casinos be the first to step onto the board ahead of the game’s global general release.
“This is a true Big Time Gaming slot – a big brand combined with striking visuals, compelling game play, extreme volatility and massive win potential.”
The post BTG’s Monopoly Rush Hour gets exclusive Gamesys launch ahead of global release appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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