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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.”
El mercado regulado de apuestas en Brasil continúa ganando estructura y dinamismo, a medida que el país equilibra la consolidación regulatoria, las salvaguardas de integridad y el crecimiento comercial.
Durante la última semana, desarrollos clave, desde la implementación de políticas federales hasta asociaciones estratégicas e innovación de productos, ponen de relieve cómo el ecosistema está madurando de cara a grandes eventos deportivos globales.
El Gobierno lanza una política nacional para combatir la manipulación de partidos
Un hito regulatorio importante se alcanzó con la creación de la Política Nacional para la Prevención y el Combate de la Manipulación Deportiva (PNPEMR). Establecida mediante una ordenanza conjunta de los Ministerios de Deportes, Hacienda y Justicia, la política introduce un marco nacional integral diseñado para abordar los riesgos de integridad en el deporte.
La iniciativa se estructura en torno a cuatro pilares centrales: regulación, prevención, monitoreo y fiscalización, con el objetivo de proteger la credibilidad y la imprevisibilidad de las competiciones deportivas en Brasil.
La política enfatiza la cooperación interinstitucional, reuniendo a autoridades públicas, organizaciones deportivas, operadores de apuestas y organismos internacionales. Entre sus principales medidas se incluyen:
- Estandarización de los flujos de reporte de actividades de apuestas sospechosas
• Programas de educación continua para atletas, árbitros y oficiales deportivos
• Mecanismos de protección para denunciantes
• Refuerzo de las investigaciones penales dirigidas a redes organizadas de manipulación de partidos
En el marco de esta política, el Ministerio de Deportes coordinará la implementación, mientras que el Ministerio de Hacienda supervisará la regulación de las apuestas y el cumplimiento por parte de los operadores.
El Ministerio de Justicia y Seguridad Pública, junto con la Policía Federal, liderará los esfuerzos de intercambio de inteligencia y aplicación de la ley, especialmente en casos con alcance interestatal o internacional. Vea-se DOU.
Un comité de gobernanza con múltiples actores será responsable de monitorear los avances y proponer ajustes, garantizando que la política evolucione junto con el mercado.
Este movimiento refuerza la intención de Brasil de alinear su supervisión regulatoria con los estándares globales de integridad, especialmente relevante a medida que el país se prepara para escenarios de alto volumen de apuestas durante competiciones internacionales de gran escala.
Sportradar amplía su estrategia de iGaming con el lanzamiento de Playradar
En el frente corporativo, Sportradar anunció el lanzamiento de Playradar, una nueva marca dedicada a su vertical de iGaming, lo que señala un cambio estratégico hacia experiencias de apuestas más integradas e inmersivas.
La nueva oferta se basa en conceptos de juego híbridos, combinando datos deportivos en tiempo real e históricos con streaming en vivo y contenido de casino.
Entre sus principales características se encuentra un hub de experiencia en vivo 24/7, donde los usuarios pueden interactuar simultáneamente con eventos deportivos y formatos de juego interactivos.
La iniciativa estará liderada por Edo Haitin, un ejecutivo con más de dos décadas de experiencia en gaming en vivo y desarrollo de productos.
La compañía planea lanzar Playradar a partir de 2026, inicialmente en mercados regulados del Reino Unido, América del Norte y América Latina.
Según el CEO Carsten Koerl, este movimiento representa una evolución natural de las capacidades de la empresa, aprovechando su infraestructura existente en datos, streaming y análisis del comportamiento de los usuarios para mejorar el engagement y la monetización a lo largo del ciclo de vida del jugador.
Haitin también destacó la visión estratégica detrás del lanzamiento, subrayando la capacidad de combinar tecnología y contenido en línea con las demandas cambiantes del mercado, especialmente a medida que los operadores buscan experiencias de usuario diferenciadas e inmersivas.
Es importante destacar que Playradar operará exclusivamente en entornos regulados, manteniendo un fuerte enfoque en el juego responsable y la integridad, en línea con las tendencias más amplias del sector y la regulación.
Playson refuerza su presencia en Brasil mediante una asociación con Betnacional
Reforzando aún más la posición de Brasil como un mercado de alto crecimiento, Playson amplió su presencia regional a través de una nueva asociación con Betnacional, un operador local líder propiedad de Flutter Entertainment.
El acuerdo permitirá la integración de un portafolio de títulos destacados de Playson en la plataforma de Betnacional, incluyendo 4 Pots Riches, Diamonds Power y Sugar Teddy x1000, todos reconocidos por su sólido rendimiento en mercados regulados y mecánicas de juego atractivas como Hold and Win.
La asociación refleja una tendencia más amplia de la industria hacia la localización y estrategias mobile-first, a medida que los operadores buscan alinear mejor su contenido con las preferencias de los jugadores regionales.
Cristhian Zito, Head de LatAm en Playson, destacó la importancia estratégica del acuerdo:
“Associarnos con Betnacional es un hito importante para nosotros en Brasil. Es una marca local muy respetada con un profundo conocimiento de su audiencia, y estamos seguros de que nuestro contenido resonará fuertemente con sus jugadores.
“ Este lanzamiento refuerza aún más nuestra posición en el mercado y refleja nuestro compromiso de ofrecer juegos atractivos y de alto rendimiento a operadores en toda América Latina”.
Desde la perspectiva del operador, Frederico Cunha, Head Comercial de Betnacional, también subrayó el valor de la colaboración:
“Estamos encantados de dar la bienvenida al portafolio de Playson en Betnacional. Sus juegos son reconocidos por su calidad, mecánicas sólidas y rendimiento consistente, lo que los convierte en una valiosa incorporación a nuestra oferta. Esperamos trabajar estrechamente y ofrecer una experiencia de entretenimiento mejorada a nuestros jugadores”.
Un mercado que equilibra integridad y crecimiento
En conjunto, los desarrollos de esta semana ilustran una clara doble trayectoria en el sector de apuestas en Brasil: el fortalecimiento de los marcos institucionales y de integridad, al mismo tiempo que se atraen inversión, innovación y asociaciones internacionales.
A medida que las estructuras regulatorias se vuelven más sofisticadas y se profundiza la colaboración entre los actores del ecosistema, Brasil se posiciona no solo como un mercado conforme y seguro, sino también como un hub central de crecimiento para la industria del gaming en América Latina.
SportyBet nombra a DJ Khaled como embajador global para reforzar la conexión entre deporte, cultura y entretenimiento
SportyBet anunció a DJ Khaled como su nuevo embajador global, reforzando su posicionamiento en la intersección entre deporte, música y cultura contemporánea.
Se une a un roster global que incluye a José Mourinho y Éder Militão, fortaleciendo la estrategia de la compañía de conectar con audiencias a través del entretenimiento.
La asociación se desplegará en mercados clave como Brasil, Estados Unidos, México y partes de África, apoyando la expansión de SportyBet como una plataforma centrada en la experiencia.
Según Elias Gallego, vicepresidente de Sporty Group, la colaboración refleja el enfoque de la empresa en asociarse con figuras culturalmente relevantes para conectar con audiencias diversas, especialmente en mercados como Brasil, donde el deporte y el estilo de vida están estrechamente vinculados.
Mayor apuesta por la música y el entretenimiento
El movimiento también señala un esfuerzo más amplio de Sporty Group por integrar la música en su ecosistema de entretenimiento.
A principios de este año, la compañía se asoció con Burna Boy en el proyecto “For Everybody”, combinando música, fútbol y cultura global.
En este contexto, la incorporación de DJ Khaled refuerza una estrategia centrada en el storytelling y el engagement de los fans, especialmente en regiones donde el deporte y la música están profundamente conectados.
Mentalidad global y evolución de marca
DJ Khaled destacó la visión compartida detrás de la asociación, enfatizando la mentalidad, la autenticidad y la conexión global con los fans.
El acuerdo refuerza la evolución de SportyBet más allá de las apuestas deportivas, posicionando la marca dentro de un ecosistema de entretenimiento más amplio.
En Brasil, se alinea con el crecimiento continuo de la compañía y su enfoque en ofrecer experiencias integradas que combinan contenido, cultura y engagement del usuario.
The post Brasil impulsa su agenda de integridad en un contexto de fuerte crecimiento del mercado appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Brazil’s regulated betting market continues to gain structure and momentum, as the country balances regulatory consolidation, integrity safeguards, and commercial growth.
Over the past week, key developments, from federal policy implementation to strategic partnerships and product innovation, highlight how the ecosystem is maturing ahead of major global sporting events.
Government launches national policy to combat match-fixing
A major regulatory milestone was reached with the creation of the National Policy for the Prevention and Combating of Sports Manipulation (PNPEMR). Established through a joint ordinance by the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and Justice, the policy introduces a comprehensive national framework designed to address integrity risks in sports.
The initiative is structured around four central pillars: regulation, prevention, monitoring and enforcement, aiming to protect the credibility and unpredictability of sporting competitions in Brazil.
The policy emphasizes interinstitutional cooperation, bringing together public authorities, sports organizations, betting operators and international bodies.
Among its key measures are:
- Standardization of reporting flows for suspicious betting activity
- Continuous education programs for athletes, referees and sports officials
- Protection mechanisms for whistleblowers
- Strengthening of criminal investigations targeting organized match-fixing networks
Under the framework, the Ministry of Sports will coordinate implementation, while the Ministry of Finance will oversee betting regulation and operator compliance. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security, alongside the Federal Police, will lead intelligence-sharing and enforcement efforts, particularly in cases with interstate or international scope. See DOU
A multi-stakeholder governance committee will be responsible for monitoring progress and proposing adjustments, ensuring that the policy evolves alongside the market.
This move reinforces Brazil’s intention to align regulatory oversight with global integrity standards, particularly relevant as the country prepares for high-volume betting scenarios during major international competitions.
Sportradar expands iGaming strategy with Playradar launch
On the corporate front, Sportradar announced the launch of Playradar, a new brand dedicated to its iGaming vertical, signaling a strategic shift toward more integrated and immersive betting experiences.
The new offering is built around hybrid gaming concepts, combining real-time and historical sports data with live streaming and casino content.
Among the key features is a 24/7 live experience hub, where users can engage simultaneously with sports events and interactive gaming formats.
The initiative will be led by Edo Haitin, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in live gaming and product development.
The company plans to roll out Playradar starting in 2026, initially targeting regulated markets in the UK, North America and Latin America.
According to CEO Carsten Koerl, the move represents a natural evolution of the company’s capabilities, leveraging its existing infrastructure in data, streaming and user behavior analytics to enhance engagement and monetization across the player lifecycle.
Haitin also emphasized the strategic vision behind the launch, highlighting the ability to combine technology and content in line with evolving market demands, particularly as operators look for differentiated and immersive user experiences.
Importantly, Playradar will operate exclusively in regulated environments, maintaining a strong focus on responsible gaming and integrity, aligning with broader industry and regulatory trends.
Playson strengthens Brazilian footprint through Betnacional partnership
Further reinforcing Brazil’s position as a high-growth market, Playson expanded its regional presence through a new partnership with Betnacional, a leading local operator owned by Flutter Entertainment.
The agreement will see a portfolio of Playson’s top-performing titles integrated into Betnacional’s platform, including 4 Pots Riches, Diamonds Power, and Sugar Teddy x1000, all recognized for their strong performance in regulated markets and engaging gameplay mechanics such as Hold and Win.
The partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward localization and mobile-first strategies, as operators seek to better align content with regional player preferences.
Cristhian Zito, Head of LatAm at Playson, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal:
“Partnering with Betnacional is an important milestone for us in Brazil. It is a highly respected local brand with a deep understanding of its audience, and we are confident our content will resonate strongly with its players.
This launch further strengthens our position in the market and reflects our commitment to delivering engaging, high-performing games to operators across Latin America.”
From the operator’s perspective, Frederico Cunha, Head of Commercial at Betnacional, also emphasized the value of the collaboration:
“We are delighted to welcome Playson’s portfolio to Betnacional. Their games are recognised for their quality, strong mechanics, and consistent performance, making them a valuable addition to our offering.
We look forward to working closely together and bringing an enhanced entertainment experience to our players.”
A market balancing integrity and growth
Taken together, this week’s developments illustrate a clear dual trajectory in Brazil’s betting sector: strengthening institutional and integrity frameworks while simultaneously attracting investment, innovation and international partnerships.
As regulatory structures become more sophisticated and collaboration between stakeholders deepens, Brazil is positioning itself not only as a compliant and secure market, but also as a central hub for growth in Latin America’s gaming industry.
SportyBet appoints DJ Khaled as global ambassador to expand connection between sports, culture and entertainment
SportyBet has announced DJ Khaled as its new global ambassador, strengthening its positioning at the intersection of sports, music, and contemporary culture.
He joins a global roster that includes José Mourinho and Éder Militão, reinforcing the company’s strategy of connecting with audiences through entertainment. The partnership will roll out across key markets such as Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and parts of Africa, supporting SportyBet’s expansion as an experience-driven platform.
According to Elias Gallego, Vice President of Sporty Group, the collaboration reflects the company’s focus on partnering with culturally relevant figures to engage diverse audiences, particularly in markets like Brazil where sports and lifestyle are closely linked.
Deeper push into music and entertainment
The move also signals a broader effort by Sporty Group to integrate music into its entertainment ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Burna Boy on the “For Everybody” project, blending music, football, and global culture.
In this context, DJ Khaled’s appointment further strengthens a strategy centered on storytelling and fan engagement, especially in regions where sports and music are deeply connected.
Global mindset and brand evolution
DJ Khaled highlighted the shared vision behind the partnership, emphasizing mindset, authenticity, and global connection with fans.
The agreement reinforces SportyBet’s evolution beyond sports betting, positioning the brand within a broader entertainment ecosystem. In Brazil, it aligns with the company’s ongoing growth and its focus on delivering integrated experiences that combine content, culture, and user engagement.
The post Brazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, recently brought together industry connections for an exclusive two-day golf and padel experience at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The event brought Soft2Bet’s friends and connections together to enjoy a relaxed day of golf and padel, meaningful conversations, and shared moments in an inspiring setting, celebrating the spirit of connection and community that defines the company’s approach.
Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s best-known sporting estates, the day paired competitive play with the camaraderie and shared spirit that are such a valued part of the game. Attendees enjoyed access to Gleneagles’ most exclusive Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed setting encouraged genuine connection and reflected the supportive atmosphere that made the gathering especially memorable.
Gleneagles was a fitting venue for the occasion. With more than a century of golfing history, three championship courses and a reputation built on world-class hospitality, it remains one of Scotland’s standout golf destinations. Its PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the only golfing destination in Europe to have staged both events.
The event reflects Soft2Bet’s belief that strong connections are built through shared goals, trust and collaboration. Creating space for in-person connection allows the company to deepen those relationships and support long-term success.
Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, commented: “Bringing the industry together in a setting like Gleneagles allows us to go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on what truly drives success, while playing golf and padel. Events like this are an opportunity to align on vision, exchange ideas and celebrate the momentum.”
Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO said: “The time spent at Gleneagles, enjoying the incredible courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was an absolute highlight. It is events like these that reinforce the trust and collaborative spirit at the core of our relations.”
The gathering reflects Soft2Bet’s wider approach to the iGaming community engagement, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration and supporting growth across key markets.
The post Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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