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Gambling Harms Support Delivered by Third Sector Helped Nine Out of 10 Improve Condition – Annual Statistics Reveal
New GambleAware data from the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) and the newly commissioned National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) highlight high efficacy and impact.
Nine in 10 people (88%) who completed treatment through the National Gambling Treatment Service – commissioned by the charity GambleAware – saw an improvement in their condition, according to the latest data released.
The National Gambling Treatment Service comprises 10 organisations operating across England, Scotland and Wales. The network provides free and confidential treatment, early intervention and prevention services for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms. Every year, nearly 7000 people access structured support through the network, and over 44,000 calls are answered by the National Gambling Helpline.
Despite considerable demand, waiting times were very short with 1 in 2 (50%) people seen within five days after their referral, and 3 in 4 (75%) seen within just nine days.
Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer at GambleAware, said: “Today’s data clearly demonstrates the value of the prevention-focused approach applied through our network. It is a timely reminder of the importance of investing in early treatment – especially as recently reported figures from the Gambling Commission suggest prevalence of harmful gambling may be much larger than previously estimated.”
In April, GambleAware relaunched the treatment service as the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) – and demand for services has already risen. In April-June 2023, there was a 24% year-on-year increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline, and a 46% year-on-year increase in early intervention – including guided, online and in person support – delivered through the Helpline. This is in addition to an 18% rise in demand for structured treatment.
Graham England, CEO at Ara Recovery for All, said: “NGSN services represent the first line of defence in supporting and reaching people before problems with gambling become catastrophic consequences. We are talking about brilliant, dedicated teams making a decisive difference in the lives of thousands of people across Great Britain. The latest data from this network commissioned through GambleAware, highlights just how effective, and desperately needed, those tailored, community-focused, interventions are.”
The figures published by GambleAware highlights the effectiveness of the services provided and the emphasise on early intervention and prevention – but the charity has issued a stark warning that they could collapse under the Government’s current proposals for the implementation of the statutory levy on gambling operators.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said: “We welcome the government’s forthcoming statutory levy on gambling operators – it is a measure we have long called for to make sure that funding for vital research, treatment and prevention of gambling harms is both long-term and transparent. However, the focus on specialist-led services means right now, hundreds of dedicated third sector support workers are deeply concerned about their future and the future of the communities they serve.
“There is an urgent need for reassurance from Government that these essential services will be protected during and following the transition. We cannot lose the vast years of experience and expertise contained in the National Gambling Support Network and the wider third sector.”
In addition to hampering the third-sector’s ability to deliver vital services, leading experts have also raised concerns that the Government’s proposed new system would increase pressure on the NHS’ finances and waiting lists.
Professor Dame Clare Gerada said: “From my experience running the NHS Primary Care Gambling Service, which is part of the National Gambling Support Network, I have seen first-hand the benefits of being part of a thriving and connected third sector ecosystem. My experience has also made it abundantly clear that whilst the NHS gambling clinics have a place in the system, what we also need is an approach which aims to prevent gambling harms from escalating – before people find themselves at the much more serious point of needing specialist care.
“Gambling harms are a societal, public health issue – not just a medical one. Whilst the specialist sector has a valuable and important role, relying predominantly on this sector is neither financially viable nor logistically feasible.”
Gaming Corps unveils industry veteran Adam Pentecost as new Director of Customer Success as it lays out its plans for growth in 2025.
Gaming Corps, a publicly listed game studio based in Sweden, is proud to announce the appointment of Adam Pentecost as their new Director of Customer Success. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Adam provides a proven track of helping established providers achieve growth.
Adam has been in the iGaming industry for 11 years, working in key roles for respected providers like 1X2 Network, iSoftbet, Play’n Go, IGT, and Hacksaw Gaming. In three jobs, he held Head of Commercial Account Management roles, managing a global workforce across the UK, Asia, Romania, Sweden, and Malta and reporting directly to C-suite level management and board members.
His time in the industry has seen him amass a wealth of experience in many key areas, including regulated and emerging markets, aggregation distribution, and crypto and streaming operations. He also had a deep knowledge of the constantly evolving North American landscape. These qualities will be valuable assets to Gaming Corps as they continue their global expansion strategy throughout 2025.
Adam will hit the ground running in his new role as he will be responsible for driving revenue and maximising the business performance across the board. During his first few months, he will analyse the status of key relationships, ensuring they are reaching their full potential while also formulating a strategy that will benefit the company’s rapidly growing ecosystem.
With market access and distribution at an all-time high and a dramatically expanded product roadmap emphasising innovation, Gaming Corps’ appointment of Adam Pentecost is perfectly timed to build on this momentum.
Adam Pentecost, Director of Customer Success, said: “I am excited to join Gaming Corps at such a pivotal time in their journey. It has some incredibly ambitious expansion plans, and I am eager to roll up my sleeves and help make them a reality.
“With over a decade’s worth of experience behind me, I am well aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The team and I share a vision of what we can achieve, and I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues at Gaming Corps to help take the company to new heights.”
Alex Lorimer, Gaming Corps COO, said: “Adam’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the perfect match for Gaming Corps’ plans for 2025 and beyond. He is a respected figure within the industry, and he will be able to leverage his extensive network of contacts and industry expertise to help accelerate growth across the board. Adam is the latest piece in a collaborative jigsaw that continues to solidify our position as a leading game studio.”
The post Adam Pentecost Joins Gaming Corps as Director of Customer Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ADG
Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commissioner, Joe Pennington, Retiring After 24 Years of Service
After serving over 24 years as a Commissioner on the Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (“MMA”) Commission, Joe Pennington presided over his final commission meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Pennington was appointed to the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission in 2001 by Governor Jane Hull and served under the next four administrations of Janet Napolitano, Jan Brewer, Doug Ducey, and Katie Hobbs.
During his tenure, Commissioner Pennington played a key role in strengthening safety protocols for fighters and reinforcing Arizona’s position as a leader in combat sports regulation. He is most proud of the Commission’s commitment to combatant safety, exemplified by the adoption of the concussion protocol and testing, the passage of 581679, the Boxing/MMA Omnibus Bill, in 2024, and the adoption of rules for Boxing, MMA, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Tough Man competitions. Last fall, the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission was recognized as “Commission of the Year” at the North American Boxing Federation Awards Banquet for its regulatory efforts.
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Commissioner Pennington over the last few years,” said Danny Vella, Executive Director of ADG’s Boxing and MMA Division. “I am grateful for his nearly two and a half decades of dedicated service and commitment to enhancing combat sports regulation in Arizona. I wish Mr. Pennington the best in his retirement and look forward to the continued impact of his tremendous contributions.”
“On behalf of the Arizona Department of Gaming, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Commissioner Joe Pennington for his unwavering dedication and service to the Boxing & Mixed Martial Arts community in Arizona,” said Director Jackie Johnson, ADG. “Through multiple administrations, his commitment to integrity, fairness, and the growth of combat sports has left a lasting impact on the industry and the state. We thank him for his years of leadership and public service.”
Serving in his final commission meeting, Commissioner Pennington was presented a commendation from Executive Director Vella on behalf of Governor Katie Hobbs, receiving well wishes from several attendees of the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, The Department and its staff wish Mr. Pennington a joyous and adventurous retirement, and we are forever grateful for his 24 years of service to combat sports safety and regulation in Arizona.
The post Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commissioner, Joe Pennington, Retiring After 24 Years of Service appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The agreement signed between MGA Games, a leading provider of slots and casino games, and the operator Betano has resulted in the launch of 51 titles for the Portuguese and Belgian markets. Betano, one of the most prominent online casinos worldwide and part of the international Kaizen group, has entrusted the Spanish provider with the release of these new products, which include 3-reel slots, 5-reel slots, Megaways, and video bingos.
Among the 28 titles already available in Portugal are high-grossing games such as Popeye Caça Tesouros and the Portuguese Celebrities collection, an innovative series of slots featuring renowned figures from the country. Characters like chef Chef Chakall, DJ Diego Miranda, and other well-known personalities such as football legend Paulo Futre and TV star Teresa Guilherme provide a 100% localized experience.
MGA Games’ entry into the Belgian market has materialized with the launch of 23 slots, including hits like The Explosive Bandit and The Wizard Cat. With this move, the Spanish company strengthens its international presence and offers Belgian players an innovative gaming experience.
“This launch on Betano Portugal and Belgium reinforces our presence in the market and allows us to offer our games to a broader audience through a top-tier operator. We are confident that the combination of our technology and content, along with Betano’s expertise, will be a resounding success,” said Javier Lanfranchi, Commercial Director of MGA Games.
The post Betano, a Global Leading Operator, Launches MGA Games Content in Portugal and Belgium appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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