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Dr Matt Gaskell Awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Services to People Experiencing Gambling Harm
Dr Matt Gaskell, Clinical Lead and Consultant Psychologist at the NHS Northern Gambling Service has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for “Services to People Experiencing Gambling Harm” in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
In his response statement (below) he dedicates the award “. . . to all those affected by preventable gambling-related harm, to the brilliant people who advocate for new gambling legislation, and to many amazing colleagues with whom I have worked over the years treating addictive behaviour.”
For over 25 years Matt has dedicated himself to the treatment and recovery of addictive behaviour and to developing and overseeing high quality evidence-based and compassionate services for those harmed by it.
Matt was born in Chorley, Lancashire, before moving to Ilkley in West Yorkshire aged 10. He joined the NHS in 2007 from the Home Office where he was Head of Addiction Treatment for the directorate of High Security Prisons. He became Clinical Lead for Addictions at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) in 2014 and started specialising in gambling treatment from 2018.
Matt then founded the NHS Northern Gambling Service, the first of its kind in the north of England, which opened its first clinic in September 2019. The Service has since expanded with six regional clinics in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Preston. Matt’s teams have treated and supported thousands of individuals and their families since the first clinic opened its doors.
In addition to leading a successful clinical service, he has provided expert knowledge and advice to the UK Government on gambling related harm and has become an influential advocate for the overhaul of our gambling laws and regulations. His views on gambling harm, treatment and policy are in demand across the UK and internationally. He regularly appears in the media raising awareness that policies and commercial practices hazardous to health should be the priority for action, rather than problematising individuals who are impacted by their exposure.
He was employed as topic advisor for the recently implemented national clinical guidelines on harmful gambling, which ensure that identification and support for gambling harm will become part of routine clinical practice across the country. He is heavily involved in the current transformation to a joined-up evidence-based national treatment and support system for gambling related harm, ensuring a better deal for those harmed, including their families. He is also a lecturer in addiction at several universities at doctorate level, an expert witness, author, researcher, consultant and public voice for those affected by gambling-related harm.
Matt, who currently lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with wife Judith and son Teddy, said: “I have been privileged to be connected to the courageous and moving recovery of so many people and families harmed by gambling and other addictive behaviour over the years.
“I’ve learned so much from their stories. They have inspired me to improve public services treating addiction, and to be a voice for their experience in calling for change. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from, and work with, some of the best minds in addictive behaviour and public health. I’m very grateful to the NHS who have supported and trusted me to do my work.
“This award recognises that gambling harm is a public health crisis of our time. I will continue to strive to prioritise population health over the pursuit of profit, and to create healthier environments for our citizens to thrive in.
“I dedicate this award to all those affected by preventable gambling-related harm, to the brilliant people who advocate for new gambling legislation, and to many amazing colleagues with whom I have worked over the years treating addictive behaviour.
“Like so many others, I have experienced addiction in my family, which served to inspire my commitment to public service in this area. So, it’s an enormously proud moment for my family, and I look forward to sharing it with them and with my colleagues.”
Dr Sara Munro, Chief Executive of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m so proud to see Matt receive this honour. He spearheaded the creation of the NHS Northern Gambling Service and has successfully expanded it from one clinic to several operating across the North of England today in five years.
“The NHS Northern Gambling Service saves people’s lives, supporting thousands of people, as well as their loved ones, to regain their lives after the harm caused by gambling addiction.
“Using his expertise and insights from the gambling service Matt also plays an important role in advising government and positively influencing national policy and legislation to reduce gambling harms. We are immensely grateful for all he does and his steadfast commitment to make meaningful change to protect vulnerable people in society.”
The post Dr Matt Gaskell Awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Services to People Experiencing Gambling Harm appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Gaming Corps partners with Slots Temple to power UK operator arm with exciting new content
Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with UK operator and affiliate brand Slots Temple.
This partnership sees Gaming Corps become a key content supplier to Slots Temple’s licensed UK platform, significantly expanding the reach of its growing portfolio in one of Europe’s most mature and regulated markets.
Originally launched as a free-play site, Slots Temple has evolved into a multi-dimensional gaming platform, offering real-money casino play, industry-first tournaments, and a socially engaging player experience. With its UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence acquired in 2022, the brand now operates as a fully licensed online casino – while continuing to innovate around responsible play and transparency.
Through this new deal, Gaming Corps’ diverse and engaging portfolio – including hit titles across its Slots, Plinko and Smash4Cash categories – will be made available to Slots Temple’s growing player base. The agreement also supports Slots Temple’s ambition to lead the next wave of competitive, socially-driven casino experiences, underpinned by trusted, top-tier game content.
Danielle Calafato, CCO at Gaming Corps, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Slots Temple as they continue their exciting journey from affiliate to operator. Their player-first mindset, commitment to social responsibility, and unique approach to gamification aligns perfectly with our own ambitions. This partnership is another strong step forward for Gaming Corps in the UK, and we’re looking forward to seeing our games reach new audiences through such an innovative platform.”
Fraser Linkleter, CEO of Slots Temple, said: “Our mission has always been to bring something genuinely different to the online casino space, and Gaming Corps fits that vision perfectly. Their content is original, engaging, and ideal for the competitive formats our players love. This partnership will help us deliver even more value to our community as we expand our real-money offerings in the UK market.”
The partnership is now live, with Gaming Corps titles rolling out to Slots Temple players in the coming weeks.
The post Gaming Corps partners with Slots Temple to power UK operator arm with exciting new content appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Casino Guru has made the finalist list for the upcoming 2025 Global Regulatory Awards, organized by VIXIO, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions.
Casino Guru has earned a place at the final table in the “Outstanding Contribution to Safer Gambling” and is part of a list of 12 companies that have secured a spot before the winner is finally announced during the official ceremony on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Simon Vincze, Head of Sustainable and Safer Gambling, had this to say, commenting on the nomination:
“Casino Guru has always been dedicated to giving players real choice and agency when selecting their favorite casino.
We believe responsible gambling can and should be at the heart of a successful business, and we’ve built our casino database with great care, using dozens of criteria to ensure players are fully informed.
We have consistently worked to reduce gambling-related harm in the industry, using our influence and reputation as a trusted affiliate to show that meaningful change is both possible and sustainable
This nomination is a recognition of our ongoing mission to make gambling safer and more enjoyable for everyone: a mission that continues to guide us well beyond any single award.”
Casino Guru has launched a number of projects similarly committed to highlighting the importance of sustainable and responsible gambling at the core of everything operators ought to be doing to provide players with a safe and enjoyable experience.
Through the Online Casino Complaint Resolution Center, Casino Guru has been able to not only mediate in player disputes with operators but to collect actionable data as to why these incidents continue to happen.
As a result, Casino Guru has put forward its unique expertise to provide operators with advice on how to make their offers clearer, fairer, and more transparent.
Apart from this, Casino Guru has launched the Casino Guru Academy, dedicated to training industry professionals about how to adopt safer gambling practices and also recognize gambling-related issues in their jobs.
Notably, Casino Guru has also launched the Casino Guru Awards, an unprecedented awards format, which has brought together 32 gambling and industry experts, combining Casino Guru’s team expertise and actionable knowledge with the expertise of responsible gambling specialists who have dedicated their careers to strengthening the industry’s understanding of gambling-related harm.
Commenting on the reveal of finalists, VIXIO CEO Mike Woolfrey wrapped up: “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. Achieving a place on the shortlist is no small feat, especially in our most competitive year yet. The continued growth of the GRAs reflects how seriously the industry takes compliance and the ongoing drive for excellence in this field.”
The post Casino Guru makes finalist list for 2025 Global Regulatory Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
UK independent bookmaker Ken Howells is live with EveryMatrix’s full turnkey platform, adding to the tier-1 technology provider’s growing list of UK customers.
The long-established brand has migrated from its previous platform provider to the full EveryMatrix tech stack to grow its digital presence and future-proof its operations.
EveryMatrix now powers Ken Howells with a comprehensive sports and casino turnkey solution tailored for the UK, integrating its leading player account management, payments, bonusing, and affiliate platforms.
By equipping Ken Howells with a bespoke, full turnkey platform, EveryMatrix further strengthens its retail and digital position among traditional UK bookmakers.
Established in Wales, Ken Howells is best known for its trusted betting and telebetting services, with a focus on horse racing, football, and rugby.
This launch is part of EveryMatrix’s growing momentum in the UK, with more operators choosing its turnkey technology and increasing its regulated market footprint.
Ebbe Groes, Group CEO and Co-Founder, EveryMatrix, said: “We’re excited to welcome Ken Howells as part of our growing roster of UK partners. This is a brand with deep roots in British betting culture, and we’re proud they’ve chosen our proven platform technology to boost their digital presence.”
Grant Howells, Director at Ken Howells, added: “As a third-generation family-run bookmaker established back in 1963, our partnership with EveryMatrix marks a major milestone for us.”
“With deep roots in Welsh betting culture, we’re proud to take the trusted, personal service our customers know us for into the digital space. The new platform allows us to offer a much wider range of sports and casino products while staying true to the values that have guided our business for more than 60 years.”
The post EveryMatrix live with Ken Howells in full turnkey Sports and Casino launch appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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