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Two in Three People Experiencing Gambling Problems Keep Issue Hidden

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2023

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

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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Big Betty Partners

Big Betty Partners Launches the Big Deal Promo for Affiliates

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Big Betty Partners, an iGaming affiliate program operating since 2021, has announced the launch of its new large-scale campaign, Big Deal Promo, designed for both new and existing affiliates working with Tier-1 markets.

Over the past several years, the program has built a reputation as a fast-growing affiliate platform offering flexible monetization models, high-converting brands, and transparent analytics tools that help partners scale their traffic effectively. Working directly with advertisers, Big Betty Partners provides affiliates with multiple cooperation models, including RevShare, CPA, and hybrid structures.

The newly launched Big Deal Promo introduces an additional reward layer to the standard affiliate revenue model. During the campaign, partners continue earning their regular commissions while simultaneously participating in the Big Deal Show rewards campaign, creating a double-benefit structure for traffic monetization.

For new affiliates joining the program, Big Betty Partners is also offering RevShare of up to 65% for the first three months with the promo code BIG-65, providing an additional incentive to start working with the program during the promotional period.

Affiliates can already join BigBetty.io, activate the promotion, and begin accumulating Betty Points through their traffic performance.

How the Big Deal Promo Works

The promotion runs from March 10 to June 1, 2026, giving affiliates several months to test strategies, scale their campaigns, and accumulate Betty Points.

The campaign operates alongside the standard affiliate model. Partners generate FTDs as usual, while each new deposit contributes to their Betty Points balance. These points later determine which rewards affiliates can claim.

The accumulation rules are straightforward:

PPC and SEO traffic
1 FTD = 2 Betty Points

ASO, Influencer, Email, and SMS traffic
1 FTD = 1 Betty Point

As affiliates generate deposits during the campaign, their Betty Points balance steadily increases. The structure rewards consistent performance over time and allows partners to scale their activity throughout the promotion gradually.

Partners who join earlier gain more time to accumulate points, while affiliates entering later in the campaign can still build a competitive balance through effective traffic strategies.

Markets and Campaign Scope

The Big Deal Promo focuses on Tier-1 markets and includes all projects operated by Big Betty Partners.

Affiliates working with these markets can integrate the promotion into strategies across multiple traffic sources, including:

SEO
PPC
ASO
influencer marketing
email marketing
media buying campaigns

Each FTD generated during the promotion adds Betty Points to the partner’s balance, turning performance directly into reward potential.

The campaign includes 100 prize positions, allowing affiliates to exchange their accumulated points for rewards depending on the number of Betty Points they have earned during the promotion.

Throughout the campaign, affiliate managers provide partners with guidance on GEO selection, campaign optimization, and traffic strategies to help maximize results.

What Happens at the Big Deal Show?

The campaign will conclude during the Big Deal Show, streamed live on June 5, 2026, on the official Big Betty Partners YouTube channel.

During the broadcast, the Big Betty team will unveil the full catalogue of prizes available within the promotion. Each reward will correspond to a specific Betty Points value, allowing partners to determine which items they can claim based on their accumulated balance.

The prize catalogue remains undisclosed throughout the campaign, building anticipation until the live reveal.

Following the broadcast, affiliates will be able to exchange their Betty Points through their affiliate managers. The reward exchange window will remain open until June 10, 2026.

Join the Big Deal Promo

Registration for the Big Deal Promo is already open.

Affiliates interested in participating can sign up at BigBetty.io, activate the promotion, and begin accumulating Betty Points while continuing to earn their regular affiliate commissions.

With several months available before the finale, partners have time to test traffic strategies, scale their campaigns, and build their Betty Points balance ahead of the Big Deal Show reveal.

For affiliates looking to combine traditional revenue models with additional incentives, the Big Deal Promo introduces a campaign format built around measurable performance and long-term partner engagement.

The post Big Betty Partners Launches the Big Deal Promo for Affiliates appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Carsten Koerl Founder and CEO of Sportradar

Sportradar Introduces Playradar, Delivering Sports-Data-Backed Casino Content to Operators Around the Globe

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

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New brand to link sportsbook and casino experiences via exclusive hybrid content.

Sportradar Group AG, a prominent worldwide sports technology firm that develops engaging experiences for sports enthusiasts and bettors, today unveiled Playradar, a specialized brand providing a comprehensive ecosystem of interconnected gaming experiences for international operators. This signifies the subsequent phase in the development of Sportradar’s iGaming operations.

Sportradar has recently appointed Edo Haitin, the former CEO of Playtech Live, to head its iGaming division as part of this expansion. Haitin offers over 20 years of experience in iGaming operations, live casino development, and executive leadership, contributing senior-level knowledge to enhance Sportradar’s iGaming expansion.

Playradar will leverage Sportradar’s live and historical sports data and AV streams, combined with casino games, to create unique, proprietary, hybrid products featuring:

Live 24/7 Experience Centre – players will be offered a game and a live stream to watch simultaneously on the same screen, blending sports viewing and gaming for pure engagement or betting real money. This creates a community and opportunities for players to interact in real-time, sharing tips, game preferences and reactions.
Live & Historical Streaming Sports/Casino Hybrid Content – transforming real sporting moments into interactive event driven gameplay by blending live and historical sports streaming with casino mechanics to create innovative hybrid gaming experiences. A live prediction product will also be powered by Sportradar’s live data.
Premium iGaming Content – virtual sports and a full suite of casino games, from slots and table games to arcade and crash, developed to the highest standards for a positive player experience.

Sportradar is exceptionally poised to expand its iGaming operations by leveraging its current game studio, sports data knowledge, streaming abilities, and worldwide distribution network. The marketing, acquisition, and retention technologies of the company utilize profound understanding of player behavior across both betting and iGaming sectors, strengthening Sportradar’s connections with sportsbook and casino operators globally. Since most of Sportradar’s clients already function in both areas, iGaming serves as an organic pathway to foster sustained monetization and lifetime value in conjunction with betting.

Playradar will function solely in regulated markets, incorporating responsible gaming and integrity into each product it offers. Game launches are planned for 2026, starting in the UK, North America, and Latin America. The complete product lineup will include classic table games, arcade games, slots, and virtual sports.

Carsten Koerl, Founder and CEO of Sportradar, said: “iGaming represents a natural and scalable extension of our business, and a strategic acceleration of our long-term growth roadmap. Playradar content is designed to provide optimized cross-sell between the worlds of sport and casinos, helping operators to increase player value and session length at a time when engagement and retention are key to operational sustainability. In Edo, we have an experienced and proven industry leader to drive the business forward, with the support of a passionate and dedicated team.”

Edo Haitin, EVP of iGaming added: “By combining our unrivalled experience in sports data and live streaming, along with a proven track record of product development, we aim to create hybrid content and gaming experiences to capitalize on the rising popularity of sports casino consumption. We’re uniquely positioned to seamlessly blend live and historical sports events, innovative gaming mechanics, and casino content and have the advantage of being able to distribute games to an already licensed portfolio of operators. I’m incredibly excited to be further strengthening our iGaming business through Playradar and to grow it into a leader in iGaming content, leveraging Sportradar’s existing resources and the highly experienced and skilled team already in place.”

The post Sportradar Introduces Playradar, Delivering Sports-Data-Backed Casino Content to Operators Around the Globe appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Games Global

Games Global and Just For The Win® continue the ghostly adventure in Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage™

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

games-global-and-just-for-the-win-continue-the-ghostly-adventure-in-dark-waters-iii-power-combo:-the-cursed-voyage

Games Global, in collaboration with studio partner Just For The Win, has launched Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage, the latest entry in its established pirate-themed slot franchise.

The release builds on the success of previous titles in the Dark Waters series, introducing new mechanics and enhanced progression systems designed to increase player engagement. As competition intensifies in the online slots market, sequels that evolve proven formulas are becoming a key strategy for suppliers looking to retain player interest.

Set within a supernatural seafaring world, the game features a 6×4 grid with 4,096 ways to win. A central addition is the Sail into Riches progression meter, which guides players through a six-stage journey, unlocking feature upgrades and gameplay enhancements as they advance. This progression-based approach reflects a broader trend in slot development, where layered mechanics are used to extend session time and improve retention.

At the core of the gameplay is the Cash Collect feature, allowing Money Symbols ranging from 5x to 5,000x to land across the reels. Wins are triggered when a Collect symbol appears, creating the potential for high-value payouts.

The game also incorporates a Free Spins mode activated by Bonus Tokens, showcasing the signature Power Combo mechanic. This includes features such as Giant Reels, Stack Collect, and Golden Reels, which can combine and upgrade across four levels. At maximum progression, the reel layout expands to a 6×8 grid, offering up to 262,144 ways to win and significantly increasing payout potential.

Additional gameplay depth is introduced through the Diamond Menu, which offers features like Bonus Hunt, Coin Burst, Crew’s Choice, and Captain’s Choice—each providing alternative paths to access or enhance bonus functionality.

Commenting on the release, Edward Eklund, Account Manager at Just For The Win® Studios, said:

“With Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage, we wanted to build a sense of progression that players can really feel, where every spin contributes to something bigger.

“Combining that journey with the flexibility of the Power Combo mechanic allowed us to create a game that constantly evolves and keeps players engaged.”

David Reynolds, Director of Games Strategy and Partner Management at Games Global, added:

“This latest instalment shows how Just For The Win® continues to refine and elevate a proven concept, building on the strong success of the Dark Waters series so far.

“Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage stands out for the way it keeps gameplay fresh while staying instantly accessible. It is a fantastic addition that strengthens what has already been a hugely popular trilogy.”

The release aligns with broader industry trends highlighted by organisations such as the Malta Gaming Authority, where innovation in mechanics and responsible engagement remain central to market growth.

For more on slot development trends, see Europa Gaming’s coverage on Slot Mechanics Evolution and iGaming Game Design Trends.

As suppliers continue to refine successful franchises, releases like Dark Waters III demonstrate how iterative innovation—rather than entirely new concepts—can play a key role in sustaining long-term player engagement in the iGaming sector.

The post Games Global and Just For The Win® continue the ghostly adventure in Dark Waters III Power Combo: The Cursed Voyage™ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.