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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.”
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, is proud to announce that Reactoonz 100 has been named Game of the Year at the SBC Europe Awards 2026, held last week in Malta.
The award recognises the outstanding creative ambition, commercial performance and cultural impact of Reactoonz 100, which has quickly established itself as one of the most significant releases in Play’n GO’s history. Building on the legacy of the much-loved Reactoonz series, the title has delivered exceptional engagement across regulated European markets since launch.
Reactoonz 100 was supported by a record-breaking launch campaign as part of Play’n GO’s 20th anniversary celebrations, most notably sending the series’ iconic character Garga into space – a first for the iGaming industry, since copied. The activation captured attention far beyond traditional industry channels and reinforced Play’n GO’s reputation for creativity that extends well beyond the game itself.
Andrew Pink, Head of Brand & Communication at Play’n GO, said: “Winning Game of the Year is a huge moment for Reactoonz 100 and for everyone across Play’n GO who brought this project to life.
“Reactoonz is one of the most important franchises in our history, and with Reactoonz 100 we set out to push both the creative and cultural boundaries of what a game launch could be. This award is a powerful validation of that ambition, and of the belief that bold ideas, executed properly, still cut through in this industry.”
Since its release, Reactoonz 100 has achieved near-universal rollout across Play’n GO’s partner network in more than 35 regulated markets, delivering strong and sustained performance well beyond launch. Its success reflects both the enduring appeal of the Reactoonz brand and Play’n GO’s continued focus on innovation within a responsible, regulation‑first framework.
The Game of the Year win at the SBC Europe Awards further strengthens Play’n GO’s position as the leading supplier of premium casino entertainment, following a year defined by landmark launches, creative ambition and industry recognition.
The post Reactoonz 100 Crowned Game of the Year appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Cafrino Gaming is entering a new phase of commercial expansion, and it starts with leadership.
We’re excited to welcome Stephen A. Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer of Cafrino Gaming, a move that brings one of the most experienced and globally connected leaders in the gaming industry directly into our growth strategy.
With more than three decades at the forefront of gaming innovation, Stephen has played a pivotal role in shaping everything from tribal and riverboat gaming to modern iGaming and sports betting ecosystems. His career spans the ownership of iconic Las Vegas properties, the development of U.S. operations for major international bookmakers, and the execution of over $3 billion in project finance, M&A, and gaming technology initiatives.
As Founder of SCCG Management, Stephen has built one of the most respected advisory firms in the industry, supporting more than 120 client partners across 100+ countries. His work has consistently focused on scaling emerging technologies, unlocking new markets, and building high-impact partnerships across the global gaming landscape.
Now, he brings that experience directly to Cafrino.
A Leadership Move Built for Scale
Stephen’s appointment marks a strategic step forward as Cafrino accelerates its global commercial efforts.
In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, he will lead:
- Global commercial strategy and revenue growth
- Strategic partnerships and market expansion
- Key account development and deal execution
His experience building large-scale distribution networks and navigating complex gaming markets positions Cafrino to expand faster, partner smarter, and execute at a higher level across regions.
This is not just about adding leadership, it’s about embedding proven global execution into the core of Cafrino’s growth engine.
Aligning Vision with Opportunity
Throughout his career, Stephen has consistently been at the center of industry evolution, from early casino development to today’s rapidly expanding digital gaming ecosystem.
He has secured major partnerships with professional sports organizations, helped establish sports betting frameworks within tribal markets, and worked across both emerging and regulated jurisdictions worldwide.
That perspective is critical as Cafrino continues to scale its poker platform across:
- Social and free-to-play environments
- Sweepstakes and promotional models
- Crypto and Web3 gaming platforms
- Real-money gaming operators
With a deep understanding of both legacy gaming infrastructure and next-generation technology, Stephen’s leadership helps bridge where the industry has been with where it’s going.
Powering the Next Phase of Cafrino Gaming
Cafrino’s poker platform has already reached more than 2 million players, supporting experiences for globally recognized brands including WWE, Hustler Casino, South Point Casino, and CardPlayer Poker.
As demand for flexible, scalable poker solutions continues to grow, Cafrino is focused on expanding its reach and strengthening its position as a leading provider of poker technology for operators worldwide.
Bringing Stephen Crystal into the organization is a clear signal of that direction.
Looking Ahead
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cafrino Gaming.
With Stephen leading commercial strategy, we are positioned to accelerate growth, deepen partnerships, and expand into new markets with greater precision and impact.
We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we’re just getting started.
The post Cafrino Gaming Appoints Stephen Crystal as Chief Commercial Officer appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BETBY, the leading sportsbook supplier, has announced the launch of “90s”, a new genre within its proprietary esports feed, BETBY Games, bringing exclusive retro-inspired content to operators and players.
Designed around the look and feel of classic 90s video games, the new genre introduces a lineup of e-sims that take players back to the pixel era, combining retro-inspired visuals with the simplicity and high-frequency betting mechanics that define BETBY Games. While many modern esports products focus on realism and
advanced graphics, 90s takes a different approach by returning to the roots of gaming, transforming familiar retro aesthetics into a fully optimised betting experience.
The launch responds to a growing demand for greater content variety within sportsbook environments, particularly products that can deliver constant engagement beyond traditional live sports schedules.
With 1-minute match formats, 24/7 availability, and quick settlements, “90s” is designed to offer operators a new layer of always-on entertainment while maintaining the speed and betting intensity that define BETBY.Games.
One of the key strengths of “90s” lies in its distinctive positioning within the modern iGaming market.
By bringing retro-inspired game formats into a fully betting-ready environment, BETBY is offering operators access to a type of content that is rarely available today, creating a differentiated experience inspired by the iconic titles and visual style that shaped a generation of players.
The first wave of titles includes eBasketball’98, eBaseball’95, eTennis’89, and eFighting’93, each bringing its own distinctive retro identity while being fully integrated with modern betting mechanics.
The collection covers a mix of major sports and fighting content, combining familiar retro gaming cues with formats built specifically for sportsbook performance.
eFighting’93 introduces a format that complements BETBY Games’ existing eFighting portfolio, offering fast-paced matchups and simple winner markets across 6,000 monthly matches.
eBasketball’98 delivers a dynamic format featuring a high-speed 1v1 shootout between two players at a single hoop.
Bettors can place wagers on the top scorer, point handicaps, total points, and individual point counts, with the title delivering 6,000 matches per month. eBaseball’95 condenses baseball into a
high-intensity 1-inning format, offering 5,000 monthly events across 1×2, handicap, and totals markets. Completing the lineup, eTennis’89 brings an ultra-fast tennis format focused on single-game action, with 6,000 monthly matches and winner markets.
Inspired by the visual identity of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, “90s” creates a product that feels instantly recognisable to players who grew up with this style of gaming, while also offering younger audiences a distinctive and visually engaging alternative to conventional esports content.
“90s is an exciting new direction for BETBY Games because it brings something completely different to sportsbooks,” said Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Innovation & R&D at BETBY.
“There is still a very strong emotional connection around retro games, from the pixel art to the sounds and the simplicity of the gameplay.
We wanted to take that nostalgia and transform it into a product that works for modern betting: fast, clear, engaging, and available around the clock.”
“Our goal was to increase content diversity for our partners. Operators need engagement tools that work 24/7, and the “90s” genre provides a unique, fast-paced solution.
This initial launch is just the start, as we will continue to expand the portfolio with a wider mix of 90s-themed sports and casual titles,” he added.
The launch of 90s further strengthens BETBY.Games’ position as one of the most innovative proprietary esports feeds in the market, offering operators a broad portfolio of fast-betting content designed to drive engagement, increase event volume, and deliver a differentiated sportsbook experience.
BETBY
BETBY is a leading B2B provider of top-tier sports betting services, renowned for its groundbreaking technology and dedication to excellence.
BETBY’s team of industry veterans tap into their knowledge and expertise to deliver a premium, adaptable, and scalable sportsbook platform tailored to meet the varied demands of operators across the globe.
From dynamic in-play betting options to robust risk management tools and ground-breaking AI tools, BETBY is committed to propelling the success of its partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of online sports betting.
The post BETBY launches “90s”, a new retro-inspired genre within BETBY Games appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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