Press Releases
Employees facing increased financial stress in week before payday
fastPAYE finds that almost 78% of UK workers are living payday to payday; anxiety likely to affect staff performance in the gaming sector
Almost half of UK workers who get paid monthly experience heightened money-related worries in the run up to payday, according to research by fastPAYE, the flexible wage application for the modern workforce.
Of those surveyed by the company, which launched a revolutionary wage management system last month that enables betting and casino businesses to pay staff wages on demand, 46% said that their financial concerns increased in the week before receiving their monthly wage packet.
This stress can lead to reliance on high interest credit options to tide workers over, with most people turning to credit cards to see them through the prolonged pay period. More than half of respondents admitted to using one often and at least 20% of those turn to plastic every month.
Overdrafts also provide a fallback with 40% going into the red as payday approaches, while a fifth of employees which took part in the research resort to costly payday loans that can have significant financial consequences.
Credit acquired is most spent on groceries according to the survey, shortly followed by bills, leisure activities and house repairs as workers living payday to payday struggle to cover unexpected costs when they arise.
Backed by sister company ShopWorks, a staff management system provider to some of the biggest gaming and betting brands including Betfred, PaddyPower, Gauselmann, Novomatic, Mecca and Grosvenor, fastPAYE’s research emphasises the impact of the four to five-week pay gap can have on employee financial wellbeing.
Commenting on the findings, Ian Hogg, chairman of fastPAYE, said: “The number of people going through financial anxiety because of the outdated monthly wage system often relied on by the gaming sector is concerning, especially considering that with new technology this stress can be lessened.
“Whether you’re a casino and betting company or a large retailer, if a staff member has money-related worries it is likely to affect their performance in the workplace. But by giving employees early access to a proportion of their earned wages, businesses can give workers greater control over their finances and in turn help to harness a happier workforce.”
fastPAYE launched in January this year to provide a cost-efficient, flexible alternative to the outdated monthly wage system. The application enables businesses to offer salary drawdowns based on completed shifts before payday, and since the fastPAYE model isn’t a loan, it charges no interest.
The company has a strong heritage in the gaming sector through ShopWorks, which has years of experience working in the industry, together with the technical expertise and understanding to address operators’ staff recruitment and retention challenges.
Winter sports fans have a new reason to get excited. The Wildz Group has unveiled a bold and refreshing Winter Sports hub within the Wildz Sports portal, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of cold-weather competition.
From the high-speed drama of Ice Hockey and Speed Skating to the precision of Curling and Biathlon, the new hub brings together the world’s most thrilling winter disciplines. Ski Jumping, Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country, Luge, Nordic Combined and more are all showcased in one immersive space — alongside a dedicated Winter Sports tournament offering players the chance to win a share of €25,000.
Country-Focused Action with Seamless Betting
Wildz Sports is taking a unique approach by organising winter sporting events by country, allowing players to follow their national heroes all in one place. Whether you’re cheering for Team Canada, Finland, or beyond, fans can track events, enjoy live entertainment, and engage with insightful commentary tailored to their region.
Betting goes far beyond the basics. Players can access special betslips with boosted odds directly from the lobby, creating a smoother, more intuitive betting journey and adding extra excitement to every event.
Innovation Built Around “Get More”
Mark Simmonds, Head of Wildz Sports, explains the vision behind the new Winter Sports experience:
“At Wildz, our promise to players has always been to ‘Get More’, and this Winter Sports hub delivers exactly that. Over the coming weeks, punters can immerse themselves in their favourite winter sports as the world’s elite athletes compete at the highest level.
Our creative teams have built a content-rich environment with something for everyone. No matter where you’re playing from — Finland, Canada or elsewhere — you’ll enjoy the very best of winter sports action. We believe this approach speaks directly to the new generation of sports bettors.”
What Players Can Look Forward To
The Winter Sports hub offers a host of standout features, including:
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NHL players returning to the Winter Games for the first time since Sochi 2014
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A content-rich lobby with live streams and instant access to betslips
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Value-packed promotions, such as free bets for every gold medal won and country-specific specials
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Enhanced odds on major winter sports, plus niche markets for added excitement
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Winter-themed slot games to keep the fun going between events
A Complete Sports & Entertainment Destination
Wildz Sports is the flagship sportsbook of the Wildz Group, offering a comprehensive selection of top-tier sporting events including football, basketball, golf and more. The platform features a dynamic live chat environment, guest streamers, and engaging commentary, all brought together through Wildz TV, the home of live sports insights and entertainment.
Importantly, all regular sports markets remain fully available alongside the Winter Sports hub, ensuring players can enjoy every sport, every season, all in one place.
The post Winter Sports Gets Unique Wildz Treatment appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Ebaka Games has taken a major step in its growth journey by securing its first aggregator partnership with Hub88, officially ending its period of exclusivity with menace.com and opening up to new commercial opportunities.
The new agreement will see Hub88’s network of operators among the first to access Ebaka Games’ distinctive portfolio, known for its original mechanics and bold approach to instant-play gaming.
Through seamless integration via the Hub88 API, partner operators can quickly onboard Ebaka’s full suite of instant games. The portfolio is designed to stand out, featuring dynamic gameplay, striking visuals, proprietary Ebaka game modes, high-volatility mechanics, and generous multipliers. The studio’s focus is firmly on delivering instant entertainment and driving strong player engagement.
Commenting on the partnership, Ebaka Games CEO Vitalii Zalievskyi said:
“It is time to bring Ebaka Games’ genuinely thrilling content to players around the world, and partnering with Hub88 is an important step as we scale our operations. We’re excited that operators can now integrate our games so easily, and we look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership with Hub88 as we expand globally.”
The Hub88 deal marks the first phase of Ebaka Games’ wider distribution strategy. The studio has confirmed that additional partnerships are already in the pipeline, with its content set to roll out across major operators and leading aggregators in the near future.
The post Ebaka Games secures first aggregator partner with Hub88 deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
PrizePicks, the leading sports entertainment operator in North America, announced that it has launched its innovative peer-to-peer fantasy sports contest in New York. Players across the state can now compete in engaging leaderboard style fantasy sports games.
“Returning to New York is a testament to the state’s commitment to embracing innovative gaming products,” said Nick Zabriskie, SVP of Government Affairs, PrizePicks. “Players deserve a competitive landscape, allowing them to engage with their favorite contests in a regulated environment. We’re excited to bring our games back to sports fans who have eagerly been awaiting our return and to extend our footprint in the Empire State.”
In October, PrizePicks was awarded an interactive fantasy sports license by the New York State Gaming Commission. New York is the 16th state to formally ratify PrizePicks’s fantasy contests as games of skill under its interactive fantasy sports rules.
As PrizePicks continues to expand to new markets, investment into Responsible Gaming remains a key focus. In 2025, PrizePicks was awarded iCAP accreditation by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for its Responsible Gaming practices and efforts, becoming the first and only fantasy sports operator to earn the certification.
The post PrizePicks Returns to New York appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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