Latest News
New GambleAware-commissioned Research Warns of High Risks from Gaming Machines, Online Casino Games and Loot Boxes
GambleAware, the leading charity and commissioner of gambling harms prevention and treatment services in Great Britain, has published a new report looking at which types of gambling pose the highest risks of harm.
GambleAware commissioned Bournemouth University to conduct research exploring the relative risks of harm associated with different types of gambling including land-based electronic gaming machines, online casino games, loot boxes and the National Lottery draw.
The research found that land-based electronic gaming machines in bookmakers and casinos and online casino games, which both offer the possibility of quick rewards and a fast pace of play, were associated with the highest level of risk. Usage of electronic gaming machines was the biggest predictor of someone going on to experience future gambling harms and those using land-based electronic gaming machines were found to be over 10 times more likely than average to be experiencing “problem gambling” while those using online casino games were four times more likely than average to experience harm.
The report calls for more restrictions on the availability and design of electronic gaming machines, including reducing the number of machines in venues, lowering stakes and implementing mandatory breaks. More restrictions are also called for on online casino games, to focus on responsible design, as well as for gambling operators to continue to develop and enhance systems to provide personalised support for online customers displaying signs of risk indicators such as spending large amounts of time or money.
The research also looked at other products which are often not viewed as traditional gambling including loot boxes and the National Lottery.
Loot boxes, which often feature in games aimed at children, can blur the lines between gaming and gambling, and were also found to carry risks. The research discovered that fifty percent of people who use loot boxes in computer games are at any level of risk. Those who used loot boxes exhibited a high likelihood of experiencing “problem gambling”, as using them inherently increases the risk due to their accessibility, immersive nature, and the blending of gaming and gambling environments. The report recommends that the effects of gambling-like elements in video games, such as loot boxes, should be investigated and more should be done to restrict their use among young people aged under 18.
The research also showed the National Lottery draw has a high reach into communities experiencing gambling harms. An estimated 600,000 people experiencing “problem gambling” were found to be using the National Lottery draw, while 500,000 people experiencing “problem gambling” use scratch cards. The report recommends that the National Lottery should signpost people to support services such as GambleAware, to help any lottery players who may be experiencing gambling harms.
The number of different types of gambling people take part in was also found to have a major impact on the risk of gambling harm. The report showed that the level of “problem gambling” increases in line with the number of types of gambling activities people participate in, and increases more after two activities. Therefore the report also calls for gambling operators to create shared databases to identify people doing several different types of gambling who are at an increased risk of gambling harms.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said: “No form of gambling is completely without risk. However this new research shows that there are some particular types of gambling which can lead to an increased chance of experiencing gambling harm, which can have a corrosive effect on people’s lives, finances, careers and relationships.
“The research also brings into question some of the measures outlined in the Gambling White Paper such as relaxations in land-based gambling , which could lead to an increase in electronic gaming machines in venues, and having different online slot stake limits for those aged over 25 – we believe people over 25 should have the same lower limits as those who are younger. The report suggests the measures do not go far enough to protect people. This is why we are calling for the recommendations in this report to be adopted as they will help ensure that people can be better protected.”
Dr Ruijie Wang, from Bournemouth University, said: “This research was designed to explore the risks of harm from different types of gambling in the context of regulatory changes that were proposed within the UK government’s Gambling White Paper. The results highlight the need for more stringent gambling regulation, particularly in online slots and land-based electronic gaming machines due to their high risk of harm to young adults. More regulation is also needed to limit gambling-like practices in video gaming, such as loot boxes, to individuals aged over 18 years as the interaction between video gaming and gambling should not be ignored.”
The post New GambleAware-commissioned Research Warns of High Risks from Gaming Machines, Online Casino Games and Loot Boxes appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ELA Games
ELA Games Unveils Tea Party of Fortune — A Magical Multiplier Experience
The newest release from the studio offers a multi-faceted Hold & Win experience wrapped in a charming fairytale theme.
ELA Games has officially launched its newest slot, Tea Party of Fortune. Now accessible throughout the studio’s complete partner network, this story-driven title welcomes players into a Secret Garden where engaging mechanics blend with a beloved fairytale theme.
The studio is building a name for itself by creating games centered around a cohesive narrative, and Tea Party of Fortune aligns with that goal. Brought to existence by a delightfully quirky ensemble, featuring the Mad Hatter and the Red Queen, the game creates a richly layered ambiance resonating with the sounds of chiming china and intrigued laughter.
The game exemplifies ELA Games’ skill in merging high-quality art with clever game design. The core game is notable for its progression system, the Overflowing Teacup, which enables players to see the path to the bonus round with every spin.
The visual appeal embodies the enchantment of a traditional storybook, while the gameplay provides action rich in features. The title focuses on an engaging Hold & Win Bonus Game, crafted to provide greater complexity than typical games in this favored genre.
During this round, uniquely colored tea-coins activate the cup’s enchantment, enabling several features to trigger in one spin:
● Grid Expansion: The Curious Growth coin expands the reel set from 5×3 to 5×5.
● Win Boosting: Mad Multipliers increase the value of existing prizes.
● Bonus Round Extension: The Extra Respin coin prolongs the bonus round.
Game Stats:
● Reels: 5×3 (Expands to 5×5)
● Paylines: 10
● RTP: 93.75% / 95.73%
● Volatility: Mid (3/5)
● Max Win: x5,000 (€250,000)
● Buy Bonus: Yes
The post ELA Games Unveils Tea Party of Fortune — A Magical Multiplier Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
3 Oaks Gaming
3 Oaks Gaming Partners with Superbet Group to Drive International Expansion
3 Oaks Gaming, a prominent iGaming content distributor, has greatly expanded its global presence by debuting its portfolio with Superbet Group, a top operator in Europe and South America.
The deal allows the operator group’s leading Superbet brand in Brazil and Romania to access 3 Oaks Gaming’s entire range of top-performing slot games, featuring recent successes like Coin Volcano 2, Maya Lock, and Magic Clovers.
Mirroring 3 Oaks Gaming’s expanding global strategy, the collaboration showcases the distributor’s capacity to provide its celebrated content concurrently in various regulated markets.
Superbet has positioned itself as a significant player in both regions, integrating a vast retail network with a robust online presence to gain a reputation for providing top-notch and responsible betting and gaming experiences.
The collaboration bolsters 3 Oaks Gaming’s dedication to teaming up with reputable, established operators that align with its emphasis on quality, compliance, and engaging local players.
Iulian Nedelcu, Account Manager at 3 Oaks Gaming said: “Partnering with Superbet marks another exciting step in our international growth journey. As one of the most recognisable brands in Romania and Brazil, Superbet provides an excellent platform to showcase our portfolio to an even wider audience in two key regulated regions.
“We are confident our games will resonate strongly with their player base and look forward to a successful collaboration across both markets.”
Raluca Varzaru, Senior Gaming Performance Executive at Superbet said: “At Superbet, we are constantly looking to enrich our casino offering with quality content that entertains and engages players. 3 Oaks Gaming’s portfolio brings proven performance and diversity to our platforms, supporting our vision to provide a first-class gaming experience in every market we operate in.
“We are delighted to welcome their titles to our casino and look forward to seeing the positive response from our players.”
The post 3 Oaks Gaming Partners with Superbet Group to Drive International Expansion appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Booming Games
Treasure Hunt Revival — Booming Games Launches Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win
Booming Games, a top supplier of high-quality gaming content, has introduced Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win today. The game features a 5×3 layout with 25 paylines, offering significant risks with a top payout of 2,000 times the wager. Offering instant cash prizes at the end of each spin, Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win delivers an exceptional experience for players in search of high-stakes excitement.
The game includes a variety of bonus features. Landing six or more coin symbols activates the Hold and Win bonus, initiating a high-stakes re-spin round. Beginning with three re-spins, each additional coin resets the re-spin total, continuing the round. The opportunity to win immediate cash rewards, including Mini, Major, or Grand bonuses that can reach up to 1000 times the total wager, significantly enhances the thrill of the game.
In addition, players who hit three Scatter symbols will receive eight Free Spins. From this point onward, only premium symbols show up on the reels, including Wilds, Bells, Stars, Gold Bars, and Clovers. Featuring only high-paying symbols, each spin is designed to enhance the likelihood of securing significant combinations, and Free Spins can be retriggered, generating payout possibilities with every spin.
Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “The treasure hunt is on. With a golden chance to strike it rich, Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win is our latest must-play slot. With thrilling bonus features that keep the action going, players can enjoy the potential to unlock massive returns and feel that they are always one spin away from striking gold.”
The post Treasure Hunt Revival — Booming Games Launches Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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