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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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ELA Games to Speak on Sustainable Growth at HIPTHER Prague 10th Anniversary Summit

Published

2 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

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The Head of Business Development at ELA Games collaborates with industry colleagues to explore the forthcoming phase of scalability.

ELA Games is happy to share that Yaroslav Soloshenko, Head of Business Development, will serve as an expert panelist at the forthcoming HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Prague Summit is a focused event for leaders in gaming and technology across Central and Eastern Europe. On Day 2 (March 25, 2026) at 12:00 PM, Yaroslav will take the stage in the QUARTZ Room for a session called: “Game Innovation & Studio Growth: What Scales in 2026.”

Led by the esteemed industry personality Michael Caselli, the dialogue unites a panel of experienced experts, featuring Robert Lenzhofer (Hölle Games), Alexis Wicén (Scatters Group), Alessia Paiano, and Assaf Stieglitz. The session aims to investigate the realities of the contemporary gaming scene, aiding in differentiating between short-term experiments and the sustainable growth strategies that succeed in a competitive, regulated setting.

Yaroslav Soloshenko, Head of Business Development at ELA Games, said of the upcoming session: “Innovation in 2026 is defined by how a good idea adapts to the specific needs of the market. ELA Games is focused on the artistry of our games, making sure every animation and feature meets a standard of quality that itself is a core selling point for our partners. Scaling today requires us to push creative boundaries while finding new ways to maintain a competitive edge in a crowded and ever-changing market. It’s an honor to join such a distinguished panel at the Prague Summit, particularly as HIPTHER marks a decade of bringing together some of the most influential voices in the CEE region.”

The discussion will center on various critical aspects of studio development, such as:

Strategic Innovation Cycles: Syncing ambitious creative experimentation with the practical needs of product-market fit and scalable business success.

Efficient Distribution: Ways specialized studios can broaden their audience via strategic aggregation and partnerships with platforms.

Creative Adaptation: Preserving a studio’s artistic identity while effectively managing the changing technical and regulatory requirements of European markets.

The post ELA Games to Speak on Sustainable Growth at HIPTHER Prague 10th Anniversary Summit appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Cashpoint

EveryMatrix wins Cashpoint omnichannel turnkey platform deal in Denmark

Published

3 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

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EveryMatrix has signed a landmark omnichannel agreement to provide turnkey technology for one of Western Europe’s leading betting and gaming brands. Under the deal, EveryMatrix will power over 1,000 sports betting terminals across 230+ shops nationwide, while also delivering a fully integrated online sportsbook platform and launching Merkur’s first online casino in the second half of 2026.

The agreement represents the second major Denmark-based turnkey deal for EveryMatrix in just two months, following Danske Spil’s selection of the provider to power its casino and bingo operations.

Cashpoint, set to rebrand as Merkur Bets once the platform migration is complete, holds strong market positions in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Denmark, making it one of the most prominent betting and gaming operators across Western Europe.

The brand began searching for a modern technology partner in early 2025, aiming to implement a scalable, omnichannel solution capable of integrating sportsbook and casino offerings. The migration from its in-house system to EveryMatrix’s turnkey platform is scheduled to align with the start of the new football season, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.

Ebbe Groes, Group Co-CEO & Co-Founder at EveryMatrix, said:

“The Cashpoint and Merkur brands are among the most recognisable in Denmark and across Europe. Partnering with their team to deliver a project of this scale is a privilege, and it demonstrates the growing trust tier-1 operators and lotteries are placing in EveryMatrix technology.”

Mathias Dahms, Managing Director Sportsbetting at Merkur Group, added:

“Merkur Bets is taking a major step forward this year. By switching to EveryMatrix technology and rebranding, we are positioning the brand for continued growth and success in Denmark. EveryMatrix offers the ideal foundation to support our omnichannel strategy and future expansion.”

This agreement reinforces EveryMatrix’s position as a leading provider of turnkey sportsbook and casino solutions, delivering both in-store and online experiences for operators across Europe.

The post EveryMatrix wins Cashpoint omnichannel turnkey platform deal in Denmark appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

EGT

24 Years Strong: EGT’s Commitment to Excellence and Timeliness

Published

3 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

24-years-strong:-egt’s-commitment-to-excellence-and-timeliness

EGT was established to quickly rise as one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of gaming equipment worldwide. Today, as the organization marks its 24th anniversary, its narrative can be expressed in years of development, in hours of output, in minutes of accuracy, and even in seconds of engineering brilliance. Let’s reflect on how it accomplished this success.

Throughout this time, the company developed and patented more than 700 products and manufactured over 200,000 gaming devices, which have been placed in many of the most prestigious venues globally.

Numerous advancements from the EGT collection, including the Egypt Quest and Bell Link jackpots as well as the cabinets from the Premier, General, and Supreme series, have established benchmarks within the industry, defining its standards and making EGT synonymous with unwavering quality.

EGT has established 3 factories where it produces its goods and meets orders for clients globally. The company has even taken an additional step, successfully completing its production cycle at 360 degrees, which enables it to supply nearly everything required for manufacturing its machines.

This comprehensive production system enables EGT to assess its efficiency not only over years of expansion but also in seconds, minutes, and hours on the manufacturing floor.

Thanks to this, in just 24 seconds, the machines in the company’s production lines cut over 40 meters of cable used in EGT’s products. At this speed, the height of Mount Everest could be reached in under 90 minutes.

In just 24 minutes, over 16,000 components used in EGT’s products pass through the production process. At this rate, a venue the size of Madison Square Garden could be filled in about 30 minutes.

In 24 hours, 420 slot cabinets come off EGT’s production lines. Placed side by side, they would stretch almost the length of three football fields.

Impressive figures, right? Yet they represent only a fraction of what EGT has achieved over the past 24 years.

EGT is continually expanding its presence, with its products now available in more than 100 markets across 5 continents. Over 4,500 staff members across 28 global offices guarantee that the business remains close to its clientele.

In the last 24 years, EGT has been involved in more than 300 exhibitions globally. It has grown its family by adding 2 subsidiaries – EGT Digital and EGT Steel Production, which have allowed it to enhance its product offerings and now provide an even broader array of solutions to its existing and prospective clients and partners.

Throughout this time, EGT has garnered more than 30 accolades, serving as clear evidence of its standing as a leader in the gaming sector both nationally and internationally, along with its recognition as one of the most reliable firms in the Bulgarian economy overall.

Furthermore, EGT belongs to various Bulgarian and international business and industry associations. It holds more than 10 certifications for its work quality and presently utilizes systems like SAP, supported by internationally acknowledged testing labs like GLI and BMM, ensuring that the company’s products comply with all industry standards.

None of these achievements could have been realized without the company’s most important resource – its staff. EGT has established and fostered a culture of assistance and motivation for its staff to realize their potential and advance their careers within the company. Consequently, in just the past 5 years, its staff have participated in more than 200 varied courses and training sessions to enhance their professional skills and qualifications.

Simultaneously, the organization ensures a healthy balance between professional and personal life by enacting various family-focused social policies and allowing individuals to engage in their interests. EGT fields sports teams in football and athletics that frequently engage in multiple tournaments and competitions, showcasing impressive performances.

The company’s artists have the opportunity to showcase their individual creations in a unique exhibition that EGT hosts each year, and in 2025, the display was open to the public for the first time.

Annually, EGT offers internship programs that allow numerous young individuals at the start of their careers to gain essential knowledge and skills, with some going on to work at the company and utilizing this knowledge in practical applications at EGT.

Consequently, the company takes pride in a substantial percentage of long-serving employees—20% of the workforce has more than a decade of experience with the organization, which is an outstanding accomplishment.

In addition to all this, EGT continues to be accountable to society. Throughout the years, the organization has participated in various charitable initiatives focused on safeguarding the environment and assisting vulnerable individuals and those in distress.

EGT also actively backs various initiatives to encourage responsible gaming, enhancing its reputation as a developer of cutting-edge gaming solutions that lead industry trends.

Vladimir Dokov, CEO of EGT, shared: “Inspired by all these milestones achieved over the past 24 years, we have set ourselves no less ambitious goals for 2026. Along with further modernizing our production facilities, entering new markets and strengthening our leadership on a global level, an equally important priority for us will be to continue contributing to the improvement of the educational and professional environment in the country. This way, we will be able to prove once again that we not only know how to do successful business, but also that we are a socially responsible company that contributes to the overall development of society. This is the true meaning of excellence for us.”

Happy 24th birthday, EGT. Here’s to many more years where every second counts.

The post 24 Years Strong: EGT’s Commitment to Excellence and Timeliness appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.