Press Releases
GambleAware publishes new research
• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.”
Baltics
Genome launches SEPA instant payments, adding another valuable feature for iGaming companies
Genome (UAB Maneuver LT) has introduced SEPA Instant Transfers for all its clients. Companies can now make instant euro payments within seconds to optimize cash flow and improve operational efficiency across the Eurozone.
Additionally, SEPA Instant Transfers can be used for batch Transfers, making mass payments even more effective for companies, particularly the iGaming businesses.
“SEPA Instant Transfers enable quick payments in the Eurozone, improving cash flow and scheduling flexibility for business partners – a very crucial feature for modern-day companies that conduct operations online,” explained Genome’s CEO, Daumantas Barauskas.
SEPA Instant Transfers will be priced the same as regular SEPA Credit Transfers, ensuring users enjoy the convenience of instant transactions without any additional costs.
The feature has gone live shortly before the SiGMA Europe conference that Genome’s team will be attending. Businesses can learn more about SEPA Instant Transfers and other iGaming services Genome provides at booth #3102 or by booking a meeting.
“SEPA Instant Transfers is not the only service Genome offers iGaming companies. For one, they can streamline their financial operations with our API for mass payouts and B2C2B payments. We are currently developing the incoming payment notifications service via API (API for pay-ins). This feature will notify iGaming companies about client pay-ins in real-time. We also provide contactless physical and virtual Visa Business cards for media buying and other corporate expenses, with the added convenience of Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Garmin Pay compatibility. Additionally, a dedicated IBAN account simplifies B2B transactions, and the Genome iOS and Android apps ensure real-time financial management anytime, anywhere,” concluded Daumantas Barauskas.
The post Genome launches SEPA instant payments, adding another valuable feature for iGaming companies appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Million Games Welcomes New Creative Powerhouses to the Million Stars Partner Program
Million Games is thrilled to announce the expansion of our innovative Million Stars partner program, welcoming three exceptional game studios: YUGO Workshop, Black Cat Games, and Wagercomms. Each of these talented teams brings a unique vision and creativity to the online gaming landscape, setting the stage for exciting new titles that promise to captivate players worldwide.
At Million Games, we believe in pushing the boundaries of gaming and providing players with immersive experiences. Our commitment to innovation and quality ensures that we partner with studios that share our passion for creating fun-centric games that resonate with a diverse audience.
Meet the New Stars
YUGO Workshop: Adventure Awaits Kicking things off is YUGO Workshop, with their visually stunning and engaging narratives. Their first online slot, Thorfinn’s Journey, invites players on an epic Viking adventure through the icy wilderness of Iceland. With features like the Voyage of Discovery bonus game and the Mystery Respin, players will be plunged into a captivating world of exploration and excitement. Following this, a tropical paradise-themed slot is set to launch in early 2025, further showcasing YUGO’s creative prowess.
Black Cat Games: Creativity at Its Core Next, we have Black Cat Games, who are set to redefine online slots with their imaginative storytelling and top-tier production quality. Their debut title, Captain’s Curse, weaves a thrilling tale of transformation and suspense on the high seas, featuring a veteran fisherman who becomes a fearsome werewolf under the full moon. With an engaging mix of gameplay mechanics and a unique narrative, this game is sure to delight players when it launches in Q1 2025.
Wagercomms: A Fresh Spin on Table Games We are also excited to introduce Wagercomms, a studio founded by an industry veteran with a vision for innovative table games. Their upcoming release, inspired by the classic carnival game Over and Under, will feature a progressive jackpot – a first of its kind. This groundbreaking concept, which has a patent application pending, promises to create buzz among players looking for fresh experiences in the table game category.
The Million Stars Advantage
What sets the Million Stars partner program apart is our unwavering commitment to empowering creativity. Each studio retains full ownership of their intellectual property, allowing them the freedom to chart their own course once they feel ready. Our partner studios benefit from the support of our expert team, including marketing professionals, mathematicians, and project leaders, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.
A Bold New Era of Collaboration
With the addition of YUGO Workshop, Black Cat Games, and Wagercomms, Million Games is entering an exciting new era of collaboration and creativity. These studios are not just part of our program; they are pivotal to our mission of delivering high-quality, fun-centric gaming experiences that resonate with players everywhere.
Stay tuned as we continue to support these creative powerhouses on their journey to release unforgettable games.
The post Million Games Welcomes New Creative Powerhouses to the Million Stars Partner Program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
FullCircl Releases 2025 State of Identify Verification Report
FullCircl, a UK-based RegTech uniquely positioned at the intersection of revenue and regulation, today announces the release of its new State of Identity Verification Report. The report exposes the knowledge gaps and missed opportunities currently costing firms an estimated 38% of potential new customers each year.
The key finding of the report is that many regulated businesses still have significant blind spots around customer onboarding, and that these represent wasted opportunities impacting customer attrition, compliance costs, and profitability. The research found the rate of abandoned sign-ups is potentially 2.9x greater than businesses estimate. The most common reason for this appears to be a total focus on regulatory compliance at the expense of customer experience, the study implies that this imbalance could be costing businesses dearly.
To reveal the true state of identity verification (IDV) today, FullCircl, surveyed over 1000 ‘nationally representative’ consumers in the UK, and then compared their opinions and perceptions against a survey of compliance professionals across a range of regulated industries. In total, FullCircl surveyed 1,521 respondents, comprising 464 professionals and 1057 individual consumers.
Of the 15 major findings contained within the report, key highlights include:
· The average onboarding time is 35 minutes, which is 2.8x longer than customers would like.
· 38% of customers have abandoned account opening – much higher than businesses anticipate. In fact, 98% grossly misjudge levels of drop-off.
· User experience tops the poll as the biggest challenge facing compliance, and yet 54% are still not actively grasping this opportunity to cost effectively boost acquisition.
· 53% of customers abandoned the sign-up process because they felt uncomfortable with the IDV process. But when they do experience secure, uncomplicated, and fast IDV it dramatically increases the number completing onboarding processes successfully
. 59% of business still rely on fully manual or mostly manual IDV processes – driving up onboarding time and complexity, whilst driving down customer satisfaction and profitability.
Andrew Yates, CEO at FullCircl commented: “One of the biggest onboarding challenges facing regulated businesses right now is how to successfully walk the tightrope between customer experience and regulatory compliance. Unfortunately, it’s clear from our report that too many organisations still approach these as mutually exclusive issues. Likewise, too many are still employing manual approaches to identity verification which is compounding the problem even further.”
He continued: “It’s clear that a more sophisticated, future-proof approach to IDV is required to both manage risk and compliance and achieve positive customer outcomes. There are bright opportunities for those that get this right – bringing down the cost of acquisition whilst simultaneously driving up the customer experience and enhancing regulatory compliance.”
The post FullCircl Releases 2025 State of Identify Verification Report appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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