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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.”
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Real-money prediction app designed to fill a current void in the UK market
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Unique player-vs-player game mechanics designed to add excitement to every Premier League gameweek
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UKGC-licensed pool-based product launched on iOS and Android
Sweepmate, a new real-money, pool-based gaming platform, has launched to provide a “sweepstake with a twist” for sport fans in the UK.
Sweepmate, available on iOS and Android, blends the familiarity of a traditional sweepstake, the excitement of fantasy sports and the strategy of trading to give players a unique way to engage with events. The app has launched with Premier League predictions, with further events and sports planned in the coming months.
On Sweepmate, the Premier league table resets every single week and the standing can be seen live in app, with data provided by leading data providers Sportradar.
Sweepmate’s platform facilitates UKGC-licensed pool-based gameplay but does not itself act as a bookmaker or take positions on outcomes.
The prize pool, determined by the number of entrants, is split between players who make successful predictions, with 50% awarded to the team finishing first, 20% to the team finishing fourth and 30% to the team finishing last in a given Sprint.
Another twist comes as players have the option to trade teams during the Sprint, known as “Sweeping”.
Sweepmate was granted a UKGC licence earlier this year and is being officially launched ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
Sweepmate is founded by Lloyd Bidder, assistant director at one of the Big Four accountancy firms, and Johnny Barnes – founder of soft drinks company Soho Juice Co, a non-carbonated beverage sold across three continents.
Picking up where Draftkings left off
Barnes said: “The ambition is to fill the void that Draftkings have left with a novel, original game. The format can apply across almost any sports and entertainment event – from the Euros to Eurovision.
“Sweepmate is simple: pick three teams and if they finish first, fourth or last then you win. No new teams are minted 90 minutes before kick-off so there’s a great scarcity value and you can buy or sell teams during the gameweek.
“Sweepmate is not a bookie as we don’t set odds or take a position. Because we’re a pool-based game, we want people to win and we try to provide as much information as possible to players. We pride ourselves on customer service and offer free weekly preview and review shows as well as a complimentary concierge service.
“Our goal is to create a product that keeps fans engaged right across the weekend, whether their favourite club is winning or not. It’s about adding an extra layer of excitement to the Premier League and giving players a reason to stay invested in every result.”
Leeds are top of the league?
Sweepmate’s unique scoring method means the table at the end of each Sprint doesn’t always look the same as the Premier League table. Teams are ranked based on goal difference, goals scored, shots on and off target, and red and yellow cards.
After 11 Premier League gameweeks so far, nine different teams have finished first, nine different teams have finished fourth and eight different teams have finished last.
Late drama in matches has had a significant bearing on each week’s standings, nine of 11 weeks decided after 80 minutes, and eight of them decided after 90 minutes. Two of the 11 weeks were decided by the final match of the gameweek.
Last season Tottenham had the joint-most first-place finishes in Sweepmate, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League. So far this season, both West Ham and Leeds have finished top and bottom in different weeks.
Sweepmate is designed to provide excitement across the entire Premier League gameweek. As an example in gameweek eight (October 18th to 20th), fourth place was determined by a goal in the last minute of the last game (West Ham vs Brentford) and in seven of the eight Premier League game weeks played so far positions have changed due to goals in the 82nd minute or later.
Download Sweepmate on iOS and Android.
The post Sweepmate launches to blend thrill of sweepstakes, fantasy sports and trading for fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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EGT will send off this year’s gaming events season with another memorable participation in BEGE Expo. Traditionally, guests will be able to enjoy a wide selection of brand-new innovative products and bestsellers, as well as other surprises at the company’s stand 2.22 on November 26th and 27th.
Following their recent successful debut, the two new models from EGT’s Supreme series, S 55 V ST and S 55 S ST, will be presented to the local gaming audience for the first time during the show. Featuring captivating 55-inch UHD 4K displays, they will make a long-lasting impression on visitors with their stunning visuals, numerous interactive features, and smooth gameplay.
Alongside the General mixes, the Supreme cabinets will reveal the fascinating world of Supreme Selection Series multigames, including its latest addition – Jackpot Supreme Purple Selection mix. It will stand out with its premium collection of 50 exciting titles, blending well-established favorites and fresh new offerings with great potential.
Attendees will also be able to get acquainted with another brand-new multigame from the EGT portfolio – Power Red Selection. Including 54 titles, it will provide players with the opportunity to try their luck with both classic slots and roulette games, which can be set as Single Zero (European) or Double Zero (American) roulette.
The company’s jackpot family will be represented by the top-performing Asian-themed Zhao Cai Shuang Yu, Sheng Sheng Bu Xi, the absolute bestseller Bell Link, as well as Bell Link Boost and Gods & Kings Link with their new additions Bell Link Boost 2 and Gods & Kings Link 2.
EGT will also showcase its latest ETG developments. Guests will be able to learn more about the new Parallel Spins roulette center. It provides a state-of-the-art multiplayer experience with dual G RSA roulette centers positioned side by side. It allows simultaneous gameplay across both wheels, while a shared overhead structure delivers attractive options for branding and excellent visibility. Dedicated software enables true parallel spin functionality, which adds even more thrill to the game and increases player engagement.
EGT’s casino management system Spider with its 15 modules will be on display as well to demonstrate that it can be an indispensable assistant to casino managers in organizing daily activities at gaming venues. Numerous AWP and VLT solutions, created specifically for different markets, will complement the company’s product selection for the show.
EGT Digital will also showcase its rich variety of casino games, as well as the in-house developed iGaming platform X-Nave, providing operators with everything they need to build and grow a successful online business.
Nadia Popova, Chief Revenue Officer and VP Sales & Marketing at EGT, commented: “It is always a pleasure for us to take part in BEGE Expo – the largest gaming exhibition on the Balkan Peninsula, bringing together industry professionals from the whole region. Once again this year, we will welcome our partners, clients and friends at our stand to share our upcoming initiatives and discuss how together we can achieve even greater success.”
The post EGT to reveal advanced Supreme cabinets and multigame mixes at BEGE Expo 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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VGCCC has launched consultation on proposed reforms to the application process for Electronic Gaming Machine approvals in Victoria.
“Our Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) application process for new premises approvals under section 3.3.6 and EGM increase applications under section 3.4.17 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 is undergoing a significant uplift to align with modern expectations, recent legislative change, and our strengthened mandate to minimise gambling harm. It also intends to reduce red tape by ensuring applicants focus on priority factors that commonly determine the suitability of an application,” VGCCC said.
VGCCC is inviting feedback from all stakeholders — including, but not limited to, industry participants, councils, experts and community organisations — to provide feedback on:
• the clarity and practicality of the revised application and hearing processes
• ambiguities, redundancies or gaps in the revised application form and practice notes
• any other opportunities to improve the application and hearing process.
Consultation period closes on 19 December 2025.
The post VGCCC: EGM Application Improvements Consultation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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