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National Centre for Social Research to Lead Monitoring and Evaluation of Gambling Act Review

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The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has been commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the Gambling Commission to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation plan for the Gambling Act Review. The Gambling Act Review was launched in 2020 to examine whether changes to gambling regulation in Great Britain are needed since the Gambling Act of 2005.

The project will establish the evaluation design to address how effective the Gambling Act Review (GAR) has been in preventing gambling-related harm to vulnerable groups and wider communities, gambling behaviours and the gambling market. The GAR evaluation will also aim to consider whether:

  • there is an appropriate balance between consumer freedoms and choice on the one hand, and prevention of harm to vulnerable groups and wider communities on the other; and
  • customers are suitably protected whenever and wherever they are gambling, and that there is an equitable approach to the regulation of the online and the land-based industries.

NatCen will develop a Theory of Change (ToC) for the GAR in co-design with DCMS and the Gambling Commission. This ToC will be supported by document analysis to ensure that the evaluation design is considered in the full context of recent changes in the gambling landscape.

NatCen will deliver a complete evaluation plan considering feasible approaches and practical recommendations for implementing this evaluation of the critical review.

Dr Sokratis Dinos, NatCen’s Director of Health Policy, said: “We are delighted to work on this project, to develop this monitoring and evaluation plan of the vital Gambling Act Review. The past decade has seen a significant shift in the perspective of gambling harms, and this contract is pivotal in providing feasible approaches and practical recommendations. This evaluation will consider the extent to which measures have effectively prevented gambling related harm to vulnerable groups and wider communities, whilst enabling the balance of consumer freedom and informed choice, and explore the wider impact on gambling behaviours and the market.”

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PokerStars Casino adds Skullapalooza as fifth 2026 Slotlist pick

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Psiclone Games and Playtech-built title features three Free Spins modifiers, including expanding reels, sliding wilds and jackpots up to 500x bet.

PokerStars Casino has released Skullapalooza as the fifth game in its 2026 The Slotlist series, making the title the featured slot on the operator’s Casino tab for the month.

Skullapalooza is developed by Psiclone Games and Playtech. The game’s core hook is a Free Spins system built around three “Skull” features that can be triggered individually or in combination: expanding reels, jackpot accumulators and stacked sliding wilds.

According to the company, players can land different coloured gems to randomly trigger one or more Free Spins variants. Pink gems may trigger Free Games with Expanding Reels, blue gems may add Sliding Wilds, and purple gems may activate pots with a grand prize of up to 500x total bet. The company said all three variants can be active at once.

“The Slotlist is designed to spotlight games that deliver a well-rounded player experience, combining innovative features, striking visuals, and immersive gameplay”, said Ed Fogarty, Associate Director of PokerStars Casino Commercial. “Skullapalooza embodies all these qualities, and we’re thrilled to feature it prominently in The Slotlist this month.”

Skullapalooza joins earlier 2026 Slotlist picks including Baozang Empire of Plenty, Magnificent Power Leprechaun, and 12 Burning Baseballs.

The post PokerStars Casino adds Skullapalooza as fifth 2026 Slotlist pick appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Arizona extends Gaming Department for six years; problem gambling budget rises 20%

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Governor Hobbs signs SB 1671; new budget sets $4M spend authority plus $500K a year from event wagering funds.

The Arizona Department of Gaming has secured a six-year continuation after Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1671, following the 2026 legislative session that adjourned June 12, 2026. The continuation also covers the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission and the Arizona Racing Commission.

The Department said SB 1671 affirms its authority to regulate tribal gaming, event wagering and fantasy sports, horse racing and simulcast wagering, and boxing and mixed martial arts.

In parallel, the Department said Senate Bill 1847 and the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget expand expenditure authority for its Division of Problem Gambling. The budget authorizes $4,000,000 in total spending for the Division, which the agency said is a 20% increase from FY26.

The Department also said the legislature granted an annual $500,000 expenditure authority to use Event Wagering funds to support problem gambling, and that the Division will have grant oversight authority for the first time.

Arizona first established the Department of Gaming in 1995 – and more than thirty years later, we remain excited about world-class regulation benefiting the entire state,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “I’m grateful to Governor Hobbs and leaders in the state legislature, particularly continuation bill sponsor State Senator Shawnna Bolick, who thoroughly reviewed our agency with a deep commitment to public service, and I am pleased that the Department secured its continuation, which will allow us to strengthen our focus points in robust consumer protection and integrity.”

“The new state budget will strengthen longstanding investments in problem gambling assistance made possible through partnerships with Arizona’s Tribal Nations and the Arizona Lottery,” said Elise Mikkelsen. “We continue to see strong demand from individuals and families seeking information, resources, and treatment for gambling-related harm. This increased funding will help us expand the continuum of care and ensure more Arizonans have access to effective, inclusive, and timely support.”

The post Arizona extends Gaming Department for six years; problem gambling budget rises 20% appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Ed Fogarty Associate Director of PokerStars Casino Commercial

Time to Fiesta with PokerStars Casino’s Latest The Slotlist Pick ‘Skullapalooza’ from Psiclone Games and Playtech

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PokerStars Casino has unveiled the fifth game release in its 2026 The Slotlist series, Skullapalooza, a vibrant, high-energy slot game which brings a Mexican fiesta to life, combining bold visuals with layered mechanics.

Developed by Psiclone Games and Playtech, Skullapalooza offers classic slot action combined with a dynamic Free Spins system built around three distinct Skull features, allowing players to trigger and combine expanding reels, Jackpot accumulators, and stacked sliding wilds for enhanced gameplay depth and variety.

Players land different coloured gems on reels to randomly trigger one or more of the Free Spins Skulls. Pink gems might trigger Free Games with Expanding Reels; Blue gems might come with Sliding Wilds; and Purple gems might activate pots with a grand prize of up to 500x total bet. All three variants can be active at once for the ultimate Free Games experience.

The Slotlist curates a single headline slot game on the PokerStars Casino tab each month, hand-picked for its creativity, visual appeal, and engaging gameplay. PokerStars Casino continues to offer the broadest and most exciting selection of new slot releases every month.

“The Slotlist is designed to spotlight games that deliver a well-rounded player experience, combining innovative features, striking visuals, and immersive gameplay”, said Ed Fogarty, Associate Director of PokerStars Casino Commercial. “Skullapalooza embodies all these qualities, and we’re thrilled to feature it prominently in The Slotlist this month.”

Skullapalooza is now available to play on PokerStars Casino, joining titles such as Baozang Empire of Plenty, Magnificent Power Leprechaun, and 12 Burning Baseballs as part of The Slotlist’s standout picks for 2026.

For more information about PokerStars Casino The Slotlist visit the website.

The post Time to Fiesta with PokerStars Casino’s Latest The Slotlist Pick ‘Skullapalooza’ from Psiclone Games and Playtech appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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