Latest News
GambleAware Research Finds People from West Midlands up to 25% More Likely to Experience Gambling Harm Compared to National Average
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A recent research conducted by GambleAware has shed light on the West Midlands region, revealing that it faces a higher risk of problem gambling compared to the rest of the country.
GambleAware’s latest report highlights the West Midlands as the region most exposed to gambling harms. According to the research, approximately 168,000 adults in the West Midlands, equivalent to 3.9% of the local population, are experiencing problem gambling. This figure is 25% higher than the national average, indicating a significant concern within the region.
The data serves as a wake-up call, emphasising the urgent need for proactive measures and support systems to address problem gambling in the West Midlands. By shining a light on this issue, GambleAware aims to encourage public discourse and reduce the stigma associated with problem gambling.
Stigma plays a significant role in preventing individuals from seeking help for problem gambling. GambleAware’s research reveals that 75% of those experiencing problem gambling do not feel comfortable discussing their struggles with family and friends. Moreover, feedback suggests that three in five individuals often choose not to engage with those facing gambling harms due to the associated stigma.
Dr. Joanne Lloyd, an Associate Professor and gambling harms expert at the University of Wolverhampton, emphasises the impact of stigma on seeking treatment. She states, “Stigma is a massive issue in relation to gambling harms as it is one of the biggest barriers to people seeking treatment.” Dr. Lloyd underscores the importance of understanding and addressing stigma to facilitate individuals’ access to the help they need.
Recognising the significance of stigma in preventing individuals from seeking support, GambleAware has launched a comprehensive stigma campaign. This campaign aims to encourage people to open up about their experiences with gambling and to seek the free help and support available.
The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Andrew Rhodes, the Chief Executive Officer of the UK Gambling Commission. He commends the GambleAware stigma campaign, stating, “Acknowledging the courage it takes to initiate conversations about gambling, any efforts to dismantle barriers to addressing gambling harms are truly appreciated.”
GambleAware emphasises the importance of ensuring that individuals impacted by problem gambling in the West Midlands and across Great Britain are aware of the wide range of support services available to them. By increasing awareness and reducing stigma, they aim to create an environment where people feel safe to come forward and seek help.
Zoe Osmond, the Chief Executive of GambleAware, emphasises this point, stating, “This is why our stigma campaign is working to encourage people to open up about their experiences of gambling and seek the free help and support that is available.” Osmond recognises the vital role of support services in assisting individuals affected by problem gambling.
The government is also taking steps to protect those at risk of gambling harm in the West Midlands and throughout the country. Stuart Andrew, the Minister for Gambling, recognises the role of stigma as a barrier to seeking help. He highlights the benefits of opening up about gambling struggles and the importance of informing others when facing difficulties.
The government’s commitment to addressing problem gambling is evident in their gambling white paper, which includes measures to tackle gambling harms. Recent initiatives, such as stake limits for online slot games, demonstrate their determination to protect vulnerable individuals.
Latest News
Week 8/2025 slot games releases
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Tom Horn Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest Hold & Win slot game, Majestic Coins. This high-volatility 3×3 slot takes players on a winning quest, where shimmering coins, respins, and grand jackpots lead to massive wins. Set against a sleek black 3×3 reel grid with 5 win lines, Majestic Coins offers classic slot excitement with a modern twist.
Candy Links Bonanza 2 is the newest slot game from Stakelogic, inviting you to wander through magical realms filled with delightfully sweet treats. Amidst this charming backdrop, two 5×5 grids are placed side by side. The grid on the right is where all the gameplay unfolds, while the other grid collects coins. Forming lines of coins wins their values and activates the powerful Wheels of Fortune!
Step into a world where opulence meets nature in Zillion’s latest release, Royal Crown Fruits – a dazzling slot experience filled with vibrant fruit symbols, golden crowns, and thrilling rewards. With 20 winning lines, the game blends classic charm with modern excitement, offering players a chance to strike royal-sized wins.
Big Time Gaming is back with its most exhilarating instalment yet. Max Megaways III invites players to gear up and embark on a high-stakes Arctic mission that’s shaken, stirred, and loaded with epic rewards. In this 6-reel Megaways™ slot, players get up to 117,649 ways to win, and that’s just the start of the action. Armed with MegaDozer™ mechanics, Free Spins, and a treasure trove of bonuses, Max Megaways III is set to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement like never before.
Play’n GO delves into the mysteries of ancient Egypt with the release of Myth of Dead, a visually stunning slot that combines engaging gameplay with the allure of legendary treasures. This 5-reel, 3-row game with 10 paylines offers a captivating journey into a world ruled by powerful deities and golden riches.
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has released Blast the Bass, a brand new title that immerses players into an adventure on the open seas. Set out in the deep ocean, Blast the Bass brings together engaging mechanics, big bonus features and fun graphics that entertain players on every spin. A salty old skipper acts as the Wild symbol and will substitute for all regular symbols to combine for winning lines.
Push Gaming has launched Mad Blast, a volatile, multiplier-focused, pay-anywhere game that builds crazy robots along with wild winnings. Set in the workshop of the Mad Tinkerer, quirky, colourful bomb symbols populate the reels, with eight or more required to award a win. Winning symbols are removed from play, and the cascade of replacement icons allows subsequent wins to be formed.
Relax Gaming has revealed Glyph of Gods, an Egyptian-themed slot where hieroglyphs hold the key to wins. Bringing a fresh take on the much-loved Egyptian theme, this game features Glyph Positions which allow for Wild, Bonus, and Glyph symbols to land in dedicated spots, opening up multiple opportunities for big winning moments.
Blueprint Gaming returns in style with Big Catch Even Bigger Bass, offering a plethora of modifiers to maximise players’ winning potential. After years of success with its iconic Fishin’ Frenzy™ series, Blueprint has moved from the ocean to a picturesque lake where a bait box of aquatic symbols take their place on the 6×4, 4,096 win matrix, nestled in a mountainous landscape.
Amusnet announces the exclusive launch of 20 Wild Goals at Betano in Romania from February 20th to March 24th, 2025. 20 Wild Goals is a 5-reel video slot set in a stadium environment, offering 20 paylines. The Wild symbol, represented by a ball, expands to cover the entire reel, boosting the potential for higher wins. The tumbling reel feature adds a layer of excitement by removing winning combinations and increasing multipliers with each subsequent spin.
The post Week 8/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Amusnet Deepens Collaboration with Betano for Exclusive Launch of 20 Wild Goals
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Amusnet announces the exclusive launch of 20 Wild Goals at Betano in Romania from February 20th to March 24th, 2025. This collaboration further strengthens the company’s long-term partnership with the operator and reflects Amusnet’s focus on providing localized gaming solutions to meet the needs of the Romanian market.
“With a clear focus on delivering localized, high-quality content, we continue to foster our mutually beneficial collaboration with Betano. By providing tailored gaming experiences, we ensure both Amusnet and our partners drive growth, meet player expectations, and strengthen our collective presence in the region,” said Andreea Popa, Commercial Manager at Amusnet Romania.
20 Wild Goals is a 5-reel video slot set in a stadium environment, offering 20 paylines. The Wild symbol, represented by a ball, expands to cover the entire reel, boosting the potential for higher wins. The tumbling reel feature adds a layer of excitement by removing winning combinations and increasing multipliers with each subsequent spin. The game presents a dynamic and engaging experience designed to appeal to players seeking thrilling gameplay.
Features
Expanding Wild
During the base game, the Wild symbol expands on the whole reel and substitutes for other symbols, increasing the winning potential.
Tumbling Reels with Increasing Multiplier
Winning symbols disappear, making way for the symbols above them while increasing the multiplier with each consecutive win. If new winning combinations appear on the screen after filling the empty positions, they are multiplied by Multiplier, which starts from x2 and increases by 1 with every consequent Tumbling Reels Feature.
Jackpot Cards
The four-level mystery jackpot bonus game Jackpot Cards is also available, just like in the rest of Amusnet’s Online Casino portfolio.
The post Amusnet Deepens Collaboration with Betano for Exclusive Launch of 20 Wild Goals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell
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International Game Technology PLC announced that it has achieved an environmental, social and governance (ESG) Score of 4.3 out of 5.0 from FTSE Russell, positioning IGT in the 97th percentile within the Travel and Leisure sector of FTSE Russell’s ESG Scores. This was an improvement from IGT’s previous ESG Score of 4.2 out of 5.0 in 2023, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to enhancing ESG performance.
“As a company committed to continually elevating our sustainability practices and leadership, IGT is proud to once again achieve an improved ESG score from FTSE Russell. Through our global Sustainable Play program, we execute sustainable practices and policies throughout our company and this improved score validates our ongoing efforts,” Wendy Montgomery, SVP of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability at IGT, said.
FTSE Russell’s ESG Scores and data model allows investors to understand a company’s exposure to, and management of, ESG issues in multiple dimensions. The ESG Scores are comprises an overall rating that breaks down into underlying pillar and theme exposures. Scores built on over 300 individual indicator assessments are applied to each company’s unique circumstances. The ESG Scores align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all of which are reflected in FTSE Russell’s ESG framework.
The post IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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