Latest News
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.”
The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, the largest content hub in the iGaming industry, has secured Brazilian certification, becoming one of the first in the market to achieve this milestone.
Regulatory rules for iGaming come into effect in Brazil on 1 January 2025. According to them, platforms, aggregators, sportsbooks, and providers must undergo certification. Companies aiming to provide their services in Brazil in 2025 and beyond have been preparing for this transition throughout the year.
The SOFTSWISS team announces that its Game Aggregator is the first to fully comply with regulations, completing all necessary preparations and receiving the certificate to ensure smooth and efficient operations for its clients.
SOFTSWISS has also obtained certification for integration with the world’s largest game providers – Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and Playtech. These providers offer a diverse range of games tailored to suit the preferences of Brazilian players, from immersive live dealer experiences to engaging slots and table games, ensuring entertainment for every type of player.
According to recent Kantar research conducted in November 2024, the overall satisfaction index for the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is 8.1 out of 10. Remarkably, half of the respondents rated the product a 10 or 9. Customer support service satisfaction scored even higher, at 8.4 out of 10.
The Game Aggregator also boasts a key advantage: consistent 99.999% uptime, which is crucial for the iGaming business.
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, notes: “According to our information, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is the first aggregator fully prepared, both technically and legally, to work in Brazil when the new regulations take effect. This is a significant achievement that the team has worked on diligently and systematically. Our work doesn’t stop here – we are actively adding new providers to help our clients expand their presence in this promising Brazilian market, which is no longer ‘the sleeping giant’. It has awakened, and SOFTSWISS is at the forefront of this exciting transformation.”
To support this high level of performance, earlier this year SOFTSWISS appointed Rubens Barrichello, the Brazilian Formula 1 legend, as a Non-Executive Director, demonstrating its strong commitment to the local market. To ensure efficient operations and promptly address ongoing matters, SOFTSWISS also has a dedicated team of local business development managers in Brazil.
SOFTSWISS team will be available to discuss partnership in Brazil and other markets at the first major iGaming event of 2025 – ICE Barcelona, taking place on 20–22 January, at stand 2G42.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator: Largest Content Hub Certified in Brazil appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Digitain, the leading provider of sportsbook and casino platform solutions, announced today that Edmond Ghulyan, the Group Chief Strategy Officer, has been promoted to CEO of Relum, the casino engine solution provider that is part of the Digitain Group of Companies.
Edmond has held several key leadership positions within the Digitain Group over the past seven years, including Chief of Centrivo Products and Group Chief Strategy Officer. He brings extensive experience in the iGaming industry, along with expertise in digital strategy, product innovation, operations, and market-product fit strategies. His comprehensive understanding of both B2B and B2C iGaming supply chains will be invaluable in further scaling Relum’s product offerings, including casino aggregation services and market expansion.
Digitain’s Group Founder, Mr. Vardges Vardanyan, commented on the promotion: “I am delighted to have Edmond lead the Relum team. With his extensive experience in product and commercial development at Digitain over the years, Edmond will support and facilitate comprehensive solutions as Relum expands its services to B2C partner operators in high-growth markets.”
Edmond Ghulyan, CEO of Relum, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: “I am truly excited to have played my part of Digitain’s growth journey, and now Relum, a company that has consistently expanded its business solutions within the global regulated iGaming supply chain. The company’s customer-centric approach and commitment to its people in delivering complex solutions for today’s multi-jurisdictional regulated operators have always impressed me. I eagerly look forward to scaling the Relum business with new and existing partners and leading the product and sales team in the coming months.”
The post Digitain has promoted Group Chief Strategy Officer to CEO of Relum appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Zitro, a leading global gaming company, has announced the successful launch of its first Wide Area Progressive (WAP) in Argentina, with over 45 slot cabinets initially installed in five gaming halls located at the Hipódromo de Palermo. The product selected for this project is the successful game “Mighty Hammer Ultimate” on Zitro’s premium cabinet, “Altius Glare.”
This system represents the first WAP in South America. A shared jackpot called “Mega Pozo Mighty Hammer” starts at 50 million Pesos and grows progressively, making it the largest accumulated prize in the region. The official inauguration was held on December 19th during the exclusive “Noche de Palermo” event, including a live performance by the renowned Argentinian band Los Totora.
Company Directors commented: “We are very pleased to introduce Argentina’s first WAP at the Hipódromo de Palermo. This project – for which we partnered with Zitro – reiterates Casino Club’s commitment to innovation, always under the premise of offering our customers an entertainment experience that exceeds all their expectations.”
For her part, Alejandra Burato, Regional Director of Zitro for LatAm, commented: “The launch of our first WAP in Argentina is a very important milestone for Zitro, as it confirms our company as a supplier of machines for WAPs. Attending the inauguration event and seeing firsthand how our products connect with players has been a pleasure, providing a unique and different entertainment experience in the region. Additionally, I want to highlight the excellent marketing surrounding the launch, contributing to its success. Finally, I would like to thank Casino Club for their trust and collaboration, which has allowed us to present this innovative proposal in such a renowned and emblematic place as the Hipódromo de Palermo.”
-
Australia5 days agoAUSTRAC Takes Ladbrokes and Neds’ Operator – Entain – to Federal Court Over Serious Non-compliance with Australia’s Money Laundering Laws
-
Africa6 days ago
Altenar obtains National Manufacturer licence in South Africa
-
Australia6 days ago
Christine Howlett Appointed as New Commissioner of NSW Independent Casino Commission
-
Balkans6 days ago
Evoplay joins forces with Slotino to expand Bulgarian reach
-
Latest News5 days ago
Join the Danish Problem Gambling Committee’s Online Conference: A Critical Conversation on Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
SYNOT Games Officially Certifies Over 140 Games in Brazil
-
FreezeNova3 days ago
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
-
eSports6 days ago
ComeOn Group and Astralis unite to drive esports engagement in the Nordics
