Press Releases

Employees facing increased financial stress in week before payday

Published

6 years ago

February 19, 2020

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findings, Ian Hogg, chairman of fastPAYE, said: “The number of people going through financial anxiety because of the outdated monthly wage system often relied on by the gaming sector is concerning, especially considering that with new technology this stress can be lessened.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.

Up Next

GiG Secures Gaming Service Provider Authorisation in Pennsylvania for WSN.com

Don't Miss

Leading bookmakers sign up with SIS to stream Saudi Cup

ACOS

Player protection focus for ITL at London’s Autumn Coin-op Show (ACOS)

Published

4 hours ago

October 9, 2025

George Miller

player-protection-focus-for-itl-at-london’s-autumn-coin-op-show-(acos)

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Autumn Coin-op Show (ACOS) celebrates its 10th anniversary this month taking place on 21-22 October at ILEC Conference Centre, Earls Court, London. Innovative Technology (ITL) will be showcasing their latest cash validators and age & identity technology on stand 11.

Commenting on ITL’s involvement, Andy Bullock, Senior Business Development Manager said, “ACOS is a great networking opportunity for the coin-operated amusement and entertainment industry and it’s always good to connect with our customers and partners at the show. A key focus this year will be on player protection and we look forward to showing how we can assist operators comply with the new age verification regulations coming into force. Our tech can help prevent underage gambling and manage self-exclusion schemes. MyCheckr performs accurate and anonymous age checks and is ideal when placed at the entrance to 18+ gaming zones FECs and bingo halls to stop underage access. ICU Lite can be fully integrated within a gaming machine to give an automated on-machine AV solution for land-based gambling venues including pub retailers. When our devices are linked via the MyConnect Hub, operators have full control and monitoring, and can remotely respond to alerts on a tablet or mobile for any underage access or play attempts which improves staff efficiency. Using facial recognition technology we can also help implement self-exclusion schemes, supporting player protection and safer gambling.”

Andy concluded, “We will also showcase a selection of note recyclers at the stand which are now widely used in the UK amusement market. We have options with varying capacities depending on your need, including the NV4000 which is ideal for redemption terminals due to its large multi-bill recycling capacity, NV22S for a compact note recycling solution, and the Spectral Payout for mid-range mixed denomination recycling.”

“Congratulations on a decade of ACOS, we look forward to seeing everyone – be sure to come and say hello to the team on stand 11 if you are attending.”

The post Player protection focus for ITL at London’s Autumn Coin-op Show (ACOS) appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Conferences in Europe

Unforgettable Networking in Warsaw: HIPTHER Announces Venues for the European Gaming Congress 2025

Published

5 hours ago

October 9, 2025

George Miller

unforgettable-networking-in-warsaw:-hipther-announces-venues-for-the-european-gaming-congress-2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

HIPTHER is excited to announce the official networking venues for the European Gaming Congress (EGC) 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit, taking place between 29–31 October 2025 in Warsaw.

This year’s networking program is sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB – HIPTHER’s PR Distribution Hub powered by PICANTE Today with a reach of 200,000+ articles and Human-reviewed content trusted by thousands of startups.

The networking agenda combines sophistication, celebration of excellence and Halloween tradition – creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections, business discussions, and unforgettable memories.

First Handshakes & Catch-ups: Welcome Meet (Day 0)

Date: 29 October 2025
Time: 19:00 – 22:00 (local time)
Venue: Charlie Bar (Mokotowska 39, 00-551 Warszawa, Poland)

We kick off the Summit with a cozy pre-conference gathering at Charlie Bar, where attendees are invited to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones in a relaxed, family-like atmosphere. With complimentary drinks (Open Bar), laughter, and good company, the Welcome Meet sets the stage for two inspiring days ahead. Raise your glass to new beginnings and shared adventures!

EiGE Awards Ceremony & Evening Social Gathering Sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB (Day 1)

Date: 30 October 2025
Time: 19:30 – Late night (local time)
Venue: Podwale Bar and Books (Wąski Dunaj 20, 00-256 Warszawa, Poland)

Celebrate excellence in iGaming at the EiGE Awards Ceremony and our exciting Evening Social Gathering, hosted at the iconic Podwale Bar and Books. Nestled in Warsaw’s historic “White House,” this New York–style venue blends elegance and intimacy across two floors: a cozy ground floor with an outdoor patio and an upstairs cigar lounge with plush seating, a fireplace, and balcony views.

Known for its refined British colonial style, Podwale Bar and Books offers an outstanding drinks variety: from Scotch and Japanese whiskies to premium spirits, fine champagnes, wines, and signature cocktails. Cigar lovers will appreciate a curated selection of world-renowned brands alongside the bar’s own handmade exclusives.

This evening promises an atmosphere perfect for networking, celebrating achievements, and connecting with industry peers in one of Warsaw’s most distinctive lounges.

Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, shared his thoughts: “We’re thrilled that PICANTE PR HUB is sponsoring all three evening networking parties at this year’s European Gaming Congress. From the Welcome Meet at Charlie Bar, to the EiGE Awards Ceremony and social gathering at Bar & Books, and closing with our traditional Halloween Party at Steam Bar, we’ve lined up incredible venues. What started as a Halloween tradition in Warsaw has grown into a full series of memorable nights, and we can’t wait to take the networking experience to the next level.”

EGC Closing Party: Halloween Edition

Date: 31 October 2025
Time: 19:30 – 24:00 (local time)
Venue: Steam Bar (Nowogrodzka 23, 00-511 Warszawa, Poland)

The Summit wraps up in true HIPTHER style with the 3rd annual Halloween Closing Party at the beloved Steam Bar. Once again falling on October 31st, this year’s edition invites attendees to embrace the spooky spirit and dress to impress (or scare!) in their best Halloween costumes.

And while costumes are optional, conversations are mandatory! Expect a night of great company, delicious food, flowing drinks, and a lively atmosphere as we close out EGC 2025 with fun, flair, and celebration.

Join us in Warsaw

The European Gaming Congress 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit is not just about premium learning opportunities, panels and discussions – it’s about the people, the stories, and the connections made to last beyond the conference halls. With these three unique venues, attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable networking experience in the heart of Warsaw.

Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your European Gaming Congress Tickets Today!

The post Unforgettable Networking in Warsaw: HIPTHER Announces Venues for the European Gaming Congress 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

KONAMI Teams Up with Sunil Chhetri to Celebrate Diwali with Exclusive eFootball™ Content and National Tournament

Published

6 hours ago

October 9, 2025

George Miller

konami-teams-up-with-sunil-chhetri-to-celebrate-diwali-with-exclusive-efootball-content-and-national-tournament

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. (KONAMI) today announced a historic collaboration with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, bringing his exclusive player card and avatar to eFootball. Launched today, 9th October, the move is timed with the celebration of Diwali, marking a milestone moment for Indian fans. Adding to the celebrations, Konami also unveils the Diwali Cup, a national level eFootball tournament with a ₹1 Lakh prize pool, allowing fans a chance to celebrate one of the country’s most festive seasons and also play as a national icon.

Registrations for the tournament are now open via the eFootball India Discord server, closing on 16^th October Matches commence between October 16 to 30, with top performers and the winner able to secure an opportunity to meet celebrity guests such as Sunil Chhetri, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Focused Indian and Ahan Shetty at the exclusive event in Mumbai this December. The Diwali Cup is designed to blend competition with festivity, giving fans a chance to celebrate the season on and off the virtual pitch.

To further embrace the spirit of Diwali, the brand will also introduce a special in-game ‘Diwali Campaign’ From themed jerseys and firework goal effects to celebratory profile banners, these exclusive design elements aim to bring an Indian cultural flavor into the game. Ensuring fans can experience both the festival and the beautiful game in a unique way. Additionally, fans can look forward to obtaining the Sunil Chhetri Starter Set on sale from November onwards.

Speaking about the launch, Junichi Taya, eFootball General Producer at KONAMI, said: “India has an incredible passion for football, and Sunil Chhetri stands as a true symbol of that spirit. We are honored to celebrate his career with this special in-game card. Additionally, as we look to build a stronger presence in the sub-continent, we are seeking to embrace localized activations, and this aligns with our vision perfectly. This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to Indian fans as we look forward to seeing them celebrate both their hero and their festival inside eFootball.”

With over two decades of international football, Sunil Chhetri’s arrival in eFootball marks a new chapter in honoring his legacy. For fans across India, the launch is aimed to be a celebration of national pride, passion, and the growing power of Indian football. As KONAMI pushes ahead to deliver meaningful, localized experiences across the subcontinent, the brand seeks to ensure Indian fans remain at the heart of eFootball.

The post KONAMI Teams Up with Sunil Chhetri to Celebrate Diwali with Exclusive eFootball™ Content and National Tournament appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.