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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.”
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Conferences in Europe
Unforgettable Networking in Warsaw: HIPTHER Announces Venues for the European Gaming Congress 2025
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HIPTHER is excited to announce the official networking venues for the European Gaming Congress (EGC) 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit, taking place between 29–31 October 2025 in Warsaw.
This year’s networking program is sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB – HIPTHER’s PR Distribution Hub powered by PICANTE Today with a reach of 200,000+ articles and Human-reviewed content trusted by thousands of startups.
The networking agenda combines sophistication, celebration of excellence and Halloween tradition – creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections, business discussions, and unforgettable memories.
First Handshakes & Catch-ups: Welcome Meet (Day 0)
- Date: 29 October 2025
- Time: 19:00 – 22:00 (local time)
- Venue: Charlie Bar (Mokotowska 39, 00-551 Warszawa, Poland)
We kick off the Summit with a cozy pre-conference gathering at Charlie Bar, where attendees are invited to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones in a relaxed, family-like atmosphere. With complimentary drinks (Open Bar), laughter, and good company, the Welcome Meet sets the stage for two inspiring days ahead. Raise your glass to new beginnings and shared adventures!
EiGE Awards Ceremony & Evening Social Gathering Sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB (Day 1)
- Date: 30 October 2025
- Time: 19:30 – Late night (local time)
- Venue: Podwale Bar and Books (Wąski Dunaj 20, 00-256 Warszawa, Poland)
Celebrate excellence in iGaming at the EiGE Awards Ceremony and our exciting Evening Social Gathering, hosted at the iconic Podwale Bar and Books. Nestled in Warsaw’s historic “White House,” this New York–style venue blends elegance and intimacy across two floors: a cozy ground floor with an outdoor patio and an upstairs cigar lounge with plush seating, a fireplace, and balcony views.
Known for its refined British colonial style, Podwale Bar and Books offers an outstanding drinks variety: from Scotch and Japanese whiskies to premium spirits, fine champagnes, wines, and signature cocktails. Cigar lovers will appreciate a curated selection of world-renowned brands alongside the bar’s own handmade exclusives.
This evening promises an atmosphere perfect for networking, celebrating achievements, and connecting with industry peers in one of Warsaw’s most distinctive lounges.
Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, shared his thoughts: “We’re thrilled that PICANTE PR HUB is sponsoring all three evening networking parties at this year’s European Gaming Congress. From the Welcome Meet at Charlie Bar, to the EiGE Awards Ceremony and social gathering at Bar & Books, and closing with our traditional Halloween Party at Steam Bar, we’ve lined up incredible venues. What started as a Halloween tradition in Warsaw has grown into a full series of memorable nights, and we can’t wait to take the networking experience to the next level.”
EGC Closing Party: Halloween Edition 
- Date: 31 October 2025
- Time: 19:30 – 24:00 (local time)
- Venue: Steam Bar (Nowogrodzka 23, 00-511 Warszawa, Poland)
The Summit wraps up in true HIPTHER style with the 3rd annual Halloween Closing Party at the beloved Steam Bar. Once again falling on October 31st, this year’s edition invites attendees to embrace the spooky spirit and dress to impress (or scare!) in their best Halloween costumes.
And while costumes are optional, conversations are mandatory! Expect a night of great company, delicious food, flowing drinks, and a lively atmosphere as we close out EGC 2025 with fun, flair, and celebration.
Join us in Warsaw
The European Gaming Congress 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit is not just about premium learning opportunities, panels and discussions – it’s about the people, the stories, and the connections made to last beyond the conference halls. With these three unique venues, attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable networking experience in the heart of Warsaw.
Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your European Gaming Congress Tickets Today!
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BetterGambling
BetterGambling Exclusive Report: 800+ UK Casino Operators Face Closure as 2026 Regulations Trigger Industry Apocalypse
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BetterGambling, the UK’s independent gambling industry think tank, released its comprehensive Market Intelligence Report, indicating over 800 casino operators will be forced out of the UK market by 2027, the largest industry slump in British gambling history.
The study, authored by BetterGambling’s stable of former casino bosses and regulatory experts, projects a precipitous 30-40% drop in authorised operators as the 2026 regulatory landscape renders continued operation economically non-viable for the low-to-midsized players.
“We are witnessing the greatest scale of change since the Gambling Act 2005. Our analysis proves that this is not just market consolidation – it’s a structural realignment of an industry that today supports 2,262 licensed operators as of March 2024,” said Diana Tunsu, Reviewer at BetterGambling.
Key findings from the BetterGambling report include:
• 680-900 operators anticipated to exit the market by the end of 2027 (30-40% of the current market)
• New casino launches will drop by 60-70% relative to 2024 levels
• White-label operations will see a 45-55% closure rate as a result of shifts in platform economics
• Stand-alone casinos will see 40-50% market consolidation as a result of compliance barriers
• Total first-year compliance investment of £800,000-2.8 million per operator.
The Compliance Investment Reality
BetterGambling’s in-depth analysis of operators reveals the true cash investment required for 2026 compliance. The regulatory fee alone will remove £100 million from the industry annually, and technology infrastructure upgrades will cost individual operators between £500,000 and £2 million.
“The economics are straightforward. Operators with GGY below £3 million per year are faced with a stark choice: spend significantly on compliance or consider strategic options including withdrawing from the market,” explained Diana Tunsu.
For more detailed analysis of the impact on different forms of casinos, see our in-depth UK Casino Reviews section.
White-Label Market Transformation
White-label casino businesses are recognized as being severely tested in this report, with 45-55% predicted to merge or close down. Of the estimated 350-450 current white-label businesses, BetterGambling predicts 200-300 will survive past 2027.
“White-label operators have a complex equation,” said the BetterGambling research team.
“They must navigate through the same compliance for independent operators when handling revenue-sharing arrangements with platform providers.”
The post BetterGambling Exclusive Report: 800+ UK Casino Operators Face Closure as 2026 Regulations Trigger Industry Apocalypse appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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