Press Releases

GambleAware publishes new research

Published

6 years ago

March 30, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

• Exposure to gambling advertising, including on social media, can have an impact on attitudes towards the prevalence and acceptability of gambling, and in turn the likelihood that a child, young person or vulnerable adult will gamble in the future.

• The attitudes and gambling behaviours of peers and parents are critical in shaping gambling activity; they were significantly associated with both a young person’s exposure to brands and advertising, as well as with current gambling amongst those aged 11-24.

• In the report, researchers identified a number of recommendations, including the need for clearer safer gambling messages and campaigns; a requirement to improve education initiatives; a reduction in the appeal of gambling adverts to children and improved use of advertising technology, to minimise the exposure of such content to children, young people and vulnerable adults.

GambleAware has published the findings of the research commissioned to examine the impact of gambling advertising and marketing on children, young people and vulnerable adults.

The programme of research was conducted by two separate consortia, led by Ipsos MORI and the Institute for Social Marketing at the University of Stirling. The synthesis of findings across the research was written by Ipsos MORI. The research shows that regular exposure to gambling promotions can change perceptions and associations of gambling over time for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Among those who don’t currently gamble, exposure to gambling promotions was one of the most significant associations with whether someone was likely to gamble in the future. However, the attitudes of peers and carers was also critical when looking at whether an 11-24-year-old was a current gambler. The report reveals that if a child or young person has a close friend or carer who gambles, that individual is six times more likely to be a current gambler, than those without such a connection.

However, when specifically looking at exposure, researchers observed that almost all (96%) of the 11-24-year-old participants had been exposed to gambling marketing messages in the last month. Furthermore, participants in the qualitative research were shown snippets of gambling logos and when asked to identify them, correctly identified an average of eight out of ten.

By using an age classifier on Twitter, researchers also found clear evidence of children following and engaging with gambling related accounts. It was estimated that 41,000 UK followers of gambling-related accounts on the social media platform were likely to be under 16 and 6% of followers of ‘traditional’ gambling accounts were found to be children, a figure that increased to 17% when looking specifically at eSport gambling accounts.

Researchers concluded that the rise of new forms of gambling marketing through social media have increased the ways in which children, young people and vulnerable adults can engage with gambling brands, which in turn helps to establish brand loyalty. One of the recommendations from the report was that more could be done to work closely with social media platforms to improve age screening tools, before individuals are allowed to follow accounts that promote gambling.

However, when examining where children and young people came across gambling in the past month, TV remained the most common source of exposure:

• More than four out of five (85%) aged 11-24 reported seeing gambling advertising on TV (including national lottery adverts).

• 70% of children and young people noticed gambling adverts in betting shops on the high street, window displays as well as promotions on shop floors and near tills. However, those aged between 18 to 24 had higher exposure to gambling during sports events, on smartphone apps, through merchandise, gambling websites, emails and from word of mouth.

• Two-thirds (66%) reported seeing gambling promotions on their social media channels, that were most likely to be in the form of video adverts while watching clips on YouTube or ads appearing while scrolling through Facebook feeds.

Researchers identified a risk that some advertising may play on the susceptibilities of children, young people and vulnerable adults, particularly when their understanding of the risk of gambling may be poor. The appeal of a gambling promotions, for example ones that imply limited risk, or inflated suggestions of winning, may not always result in an immediate bet. Instead, these adverts were successful in eliciting a range of emotional and cognitive responses from children, young people and vulnerable adults. This therefore was likely to shape their attitudes and the likelihood as to whether or not they would consider gambling in the future.

Responding to the research findings, Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, has said: “Gambling is an adult activity, but this new research conclusively shows that it has become part of everyday life for children and young people. This constant exposure to it through advertising and marketing, or via close friends and family, has the potential for serious long-term implications for children and young people. The exposure to gambling on social media suggests there is a clear need for social media companies to improve age screening tools and for gambling companies to make full use of existing ones, to help protect children from potential harmful exposure to gambling. We must always be mindful that gambling is a public health issue and it can have serious implications for people’s mental health. This report is an apt reminder for us to ensure that the next generation is made aware of the risks of gambling as well as the help and support that is available via the National Gambling Treatment Service.”

Researchers at Ipsos MORI identified a number of recommendations to help protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from experiencing gambling harms. These included:

• The need for clearer safer gambling messages and campaigns, to increase the awareness of risk of gambling to children and young people.

• Improving safer gambling education initiatives, that extend to parents, as well as children and young people.

• Reducing the appeal of gambling advertising, by addressing specific features that may appeal to children, for example the use of celebrities or humour, while also avoiding references to confusing financial incentives.

• Improved use of advertising technology and age screening tools, to minimise the exposure of such content to children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Steve Ginnis, Research Director at Ipsos MORI, has said: “The research points to the ubiquitous nature of gambling advertising, beyond sports and beyond television; and further demonstrates that the impact of exposure goes beyond traditional selling techniques that elicit an immediate response. The evidence captured in this research suggests that there is value in taking further action to reduce exposure and appeal of gambling advertising, which in turn is likely to help mitigate against the plausible risk of gambling-related harms among children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our recommendations are intended to help stimulate collective discussion and action.”

2025 BGA State of the Industry Report

MENA Emerges as Global Growth Engine for Blockchain Gaming, BGA 2025 Report Finds

Published

5 hours ago

December 10, 2025

Wladimir P.

mena-emerges-as-global-growth-engine-for-blockchain-gaming,-bga-2025-report-finds

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has emerged as the fastest-rising region in blockchain gaming, now representing nearly one-fifth of all industry professionals surveyed by the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA), according to the newly released 2025 BGA State of the Industry Report.

The findings were unveiled on stage at the Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi 2025 by Sebastien Borget, Co-President of the BGA and Co-Founder of The Sandbox, during a panel discussion titled ‘Web3 Gaming’s Big Bet’ with Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, and Cathy Hackl, CEO of Future Dynamics, moderated by Wissam Younane, CEO, Entrepreneur Middle East.

“Sharing this year’s BGA State of the Industry Report in Abu Dhabi shows the promise and huge potential of blockchain gaming’s next phase, and MENA’s rapid growth is a big signal that new regions around the world are stepping into leadership roles,” said Borget. “What we’re seeing in the data is an industry becoming more global, more disciplined, and more focused on building great games for real players.”

MENA’s representation has surged from virtually no presence in the survey sample just five years ago — under 1% in 2021 — to 19.8% of respondents in 2025, marking the most pronounced regional shift since the survey began. When combined with Africa’s steady growth, rising from 0.5% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2025, the two regions now account for more than a quarter of all global responses to the survey.

This momentum reflects a broader realignment in the gaming and technology landscape. MENA has become one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets, underpinned by a youthful, digitally-native population and extensive government investment into gaming, esports, and digital infrastructure. As global capital increasingly flows into the region through strategic acquisitions, large-scale development initiatives, and major esports events, blockchain gaming’s rising professional footprint signals that MENA is actively shaping the future of the sector.

The BGA’s growth across MENA and Africa has been strongly attributed to the leadership and regional advocacy of Yasmina Kazitani, who was elected by the BGA membership as the organization’s first female Co-President in March 2025.

An Algerian-born ecosystem builder with deep ties across both regions, Kazitani has focused on community partnerships and grassroots outreach in emerging markets, broadening participation while championing access for previously underrepresented groups. She is also a long-standing advocate for gender diversity and inclusion as Co-Founder of the Women in Web3 Alliance, working to reduce barriers to entry and elevate female leadership within the industry.

“The survey results reflect what we see on the ground: new communities with new talent and stewardship,” said Kazitani. “With more voices entering the conversation, we are reminded that diverse representation is essential because this is what influences the ideas, products, and priorities that will define our industry’s next phase. A broader range of perspectives strengthens decision-making, contributes to a more resilient ecosystem, and ultimately underpins a global industry that better reflects its players and creates games that resonate across cultures.”

This increasing focus on diversity and broader participation was reflected directly in the survey methodology itself. For the first time, the BGA survey was offered in multiple languages beyond English, resulting in nearly a quarter of responses being submitted in other languages including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese, with the majority received in Arabic. This expansion has provided a more accurate picture of industry participation while lowering barriers to inclusion in non-English-speaking markets.

Beyond its geographic findings, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of a maturing industry navigating a challenging market environment. Respondents highlight rising confidence in regulatory clarity as a key driver of growth, alongside an increasing focus on high-quality game development and sustainable business models. At the same time, industry professionals identify scams and fraud as the greatest threats to credibility, funding scarcity as the most pressing operational constraint, and AI-enabled exploitation as a growing concern.

Key takeaways from the BGA 2025 State of the Industry Report are highlighted below:

Respondent Demographics

19.8% of respondents come from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), up from under 1% in 2021.
22.7% female participation marks the highest level recorded in the survey’s history.
32.6% of respondents work in studios or publishing, dominating industry representation.

Industry Drivers

64.4% expect policy and regulation to have a positive impact on industry development.
29.5% cite high-quality game launches as the primary driver of future industry success.
27.5% point to sustainable, revenue-driven business models as a key growth factor.

Industry Challenges

36.0% view scams and fraud as the greatest threat to industry credibility.
32.6% report lack of funding or investment as their company’s biggest operational challenge.
38.9% fear AI-enabled cheating, bots, and exploits as the largest risk of AI adoption.

The post MENA Emerges as Global Growth Engine for Blockchain Gaming, BGA 2025 Report Finds appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Javier Sacristán Franco International Business Director of R. Franco Digital

R. Franco Digital reinforces growth in Spain with new TikiTaka Play launch

Published

5 hours ago

December 10, 2025

Wladimir P.

r.-franco-digital-reinforces-growth-in-spain-with-new-tikitaka-play-launch

Franco Digital, the Spanish gaming provider, is to power the launch of new Spanish casino TikiTaka Play, after the operator selected the supplier’s IRIS platform to launch and manage its new online gaming operation.

This strategic partnership, which reinforces R. Franco Digital’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to regulated markets, means TikiTaka Play will be provided with a fully integrated, scalable, compliant platform.

IRIS will centralise essential operational functions for TikiTaka Play, including player account management (PAM), KYC/AML, payments, product administration, promotions, CRM, affiliate activity, fraud prevention, and real-time analytics. This will ensure TikiTaka Play begins its digital journey with strength, reliability, and support to optimise its growth in Spain.

This latest deal is a new milestone in R. Franco Digital’s technological roadmap as the company continues to reinforce its successful presence in regulated markets globally.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, said: “We are proud that TikiTaka Play has selected our IRIS platform to underpin its new online gaming operation.

“This partnership reinforces our growth in our home market and is a testament to the platform’s power, security, and scalability. It marks a solid beginning for what is set to be a highly successful collaboration.”

Jesús Muñoz, CEO and founder of Tiki Taka Games group, added: “The choice of platform was paramount for launching our new online operation, and R. Franco Digital’s IRIS solution stood out.

“It provides us with a fully integrated and regulation-ready environment, ensuring we enter the market with confidence and efficiency.”

The post R. Franco Digital reinforces growth in Spain with new TikiTaka Play launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Bulgaria

Wazdan debuts Jackpot Rain™ and 10 new titles with WINBET in Bulgaria

Published

5 hours ago

December 10, 2025

Wladimir P.

wazdan-debuts-jackpot-rain-and-10-new-titles-with-winbet-in-bulgaria

Wazdan, the gain-focused developer, has partnered with WINBET to launch its acclaimed Jackpot Rain feature in Bulgaria for the first time, alongside 10 of its top-performing titles.

The agreement marks a major step forward for Wazdan’s growth in the Bulgarian iGaming market, bringing a mix of innovation and proven performance to one of the country’s leading operators.

Through the partnership, players at WINBET can now enjoy a host of Wazdan player favourites, including Burning Sun Extremely Light, Mighty Wild: Panther, 9 Coins Grand Platinum Edition, 15 Coins, Hot Slot: 777 Coins, 20 Coins, Hot Slot: 777 Crown, 12 Coins Grand Gold Edition, Black Horse Cash Out, and Mighty Symbols: Diamonds.

In addition to the slot lineup, Jackpot Rain will make its long-awaited debut in Bulgaria, bringing with it a new layer of excitement. The feature gives players the chance to trigger four progressive jackpots, adding a dynamic and rewarding dimension to gameplay across multiple Wazdan titles.

WINBET, the leading Bulgarian operator, offers a premium online experience with more than 300 casino slot games, live casino options, and a comprehensive sportsbook. Known for its generous promotions, seamless mobile experience, and variety of payment methods, WINBET continues to set new standards in the Bulgarian market.

This latest collaboration underscores Wazdan’s commitment to expanding its footprint in regulated territories by delivering next-generation features that enhance both player satisfaction and operator performance.

Magdalena Wojdyla, Head of Account Management for Europe at Wazdan, said: “This collaboration marks another exciting milestone as we continue expanding our presence in regulated markets across Europe.

“WINBET has built a strong reputation for quality and player engagement, and we are confident that our portfolio, together with the excitement of Jackpot Rain, will deliver outstanding results.”

Henrieta Nikolova, Head of Casino at WINBET said: “Partnering with Wazdan allows us to enrich our online casino offering with a series of titles known for their innovation and entertainment value.

“The exclusive launch of Jackpot Rain in Bulgaria is a great addition to our portfolio, and it is exciting to become the first operator in the country to deliver this experience to our players.”

The post Wazdan debuts Jackpot Rain™ and 10 new titles with WINBET in Bulgaria appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.