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‘Making a positive difference’: YGAM undergraduate apprentice, Nadia Tarik, reflects on a year studying and working for social change
In 2019 23-year old Nadia Tarik made history when she was among the first students to participate in the ground-breaking apprenticeship degree course in Social Change at Queen Mary University of London. Thanks to pioneering sponsorship from Caesars Entertainment EMEA, Nadia has been able to combine a four year degree course with her work as a Development Officer at YGAM, the UK charity that works to inform, educate and safeguard young people against gambling and gaming related harms. Nadia reflects on her first year of studying and working.
The Social Change degree course attracted six times more applicants per place than Oxford University – can you explain the challenges of being accepted onto the course and what was the interview process like?
Being the first degree of its kind meant that there was very high demand for places. The recruitment process was extremely challenging and detailed to ensure that recruiters were selecting candidates that would make the most of the opportunity as well as identify those with the capabilities to impact social change. The academic requirements were very high with three As at A level in order to ensure that applicants would be academically capable of completing the course and understanding the set modules. I had to present a detailed explanation as to why I should be accepted, what I would bring to the programme and my future goals. We then had a group based interview, followed by a 2:1 interview in which I was asked multiple questions regarding my application and a full explanation of my career and work history. After several phone interviews with recruiters, I met YGAM CEO Lee Willows and Mike Wojcik the Chair of Trustees and then completed a final round interview with the CEO after which I was offered the position.
Can you describe what your post at YGAM entails and what the challenges are?
The Development Officer Apprentice role involves frequent rotations across disciplines including marketing, education and fundraising. The diversity of the apprenticeship programme has, I think, put me in an extremely favourable position with regards to the development of my career that I would not have been exposed to if I had chosen a more traditional route. The accessibility of technology resources has enabled organisations of all sizes to become digitally focused. Regarding the current pandemic crisis, many firms have had to redesign their business plan and create a virtual presence. The introduction of YGAM’s Webinars has allowed me to develop an understanding of numerous programmes such as Salesforce and WordPress. I am now able to utilise my knowledge and incorporate the software on a day to day basis, building my IT literacy and enabling me to contribute to projects such as the design of YGAM’s virtual resources and registrations. This year we’ve introduced Parental Engagement educational resources, allowing me to be part of the development of a new service right from the very start. I have particularly enjoyed working with the team to design surveys for our focus groups and I have now been given the task to create interactive animations for our new educational materials.
In many ways YGAM has been ahead of the curve, as even prior to the pandemic it has operated a remote working environment with employees spread all across the UK. Working remotely at such an early stage in my career has been a definite plus enabling me to experience the challenges of goal-setting, motivation and discipline that are so important whilst working independently.
A lot of people are put off further education due to the fear of accumulating student debt – does the apprenticeship help in that respect?
Yes, student debt is a big deterrent for many individuals especially those from challenging backgrounds. An apprenticeship programme is highly beneficial for those struggling with the decision to undertake a degree or to earn a full salary as it provides the benefits of both options. I am of course extremely grateful for the support provided by Caesars in this respect. The apprenticeship programme eliminates financial constraints by providing free intuition, the standard living wage salary or above as well as any resources required for the course. There is a big misperception that those operating in the third sector/not-for-profit do not become financially successful. The Social Change degree apprenticeship programme provides the training, resources, networks and knowledge to ensure you are on the right path to achieve personal and career goals.
Can you explain how the course operates and the split between working at YGAM and studying at Queen Mary University?
The Chartered Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management (Social Change) is a four-year programme. After completion, apprentices gain a Business Management (Social change) BSc Degree as well as a Chartered Management qualification. During university term time we operate with two full days of education and three full days of working with our employer. Outside university term time I work full time, five days a week at YGAM. Throughout the four-year programme the apprentices are required to create a portfolio which examines how we have met the KPIs for our Chartered Management qualification. Thus, challenging us to translate the skills and experiences from our workplace with the theory taught in our modules. In our final year we will undergo a six-month work project where we take on the role as project manager to showcase our skill sets and finally present it to a panel for grading.
What modules do you study at Queen Mary?
It is a really comprehensive course covering marketing, the law, accounting, leadership, ethics, governance, social responsibility, fundraising management, mentoring and coaching. The course is varied and provides opportunities to deep dive into specialist interests.
Is it difficult combining work and education?
It can be demanding, especially during exam periods. Communication is very important, I have found that being able to liaise with fellow apprentices on my course extremely beneficial. Moreover, having open communication with my line manager relieved any stress I may have had. Management is very understanding and flexible with our work demands during assessment periods.
Can you provide some background – did you go to school in London and do you live in London?
I was born and raised in the London Borough of Bromley whilst living in a traditional Moroccan household. Growing up I spent a lot of time abroad in Holland and Morocco visiting family for extended periods of time. In terms of education I always studied in my local area so I was excited to attend Queen Mary’s University which is situated in the heart of East London. I love the fact that I can now explore a new area of London and experience a whole fresh wave of cultures.
Reflecting on your first academic year as an undergraduate apprentice – what have been the high points?
There have been a lot of high points, not least featuring in an article which was published in The Guardian newspaper which I think demonstrates how ground-breaking and different this course is. The ability to get hands-on experience in a real and relevant work environment, being able to participate in important initiatives and to contribute to the objectives and goals of YGAM are all really significant take outs from my first year. Currently I am part of a team developing interactive animations for our Parental Engagement resources – this is a new and exciting opportunity that allows me to hone into my creativity. It’s been a hugely exciting year of growth and impact at YGAM and I’m proud to be part of it.
If you hadn’t succeeded in being accepted on the apprenticeship degree course what do you think you would be doing?
My lifelong ambition has been to dedicate my career to the third sector. Equally, I am fascinated by the world of business so I think I would have followed a traditional business-related degree, whilst continuing to volunteer until I was able to merge both passions. I feel fully motivated and grateful to YGAM, Queen Mary and Caesars knowing that I am working for an organisation that is making a positive difference and impacting social change – which is exactly what I want to achieve in my career.
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WSOP Online Returns to GGPoker This August with 33 Gold Bracelets and $5,000,000 in Special Promotions!
Play for millions in prizes from August 17 through September 30
GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of WSOP Online this August, bringing the thrill and prestige of the World Series of Poker® directly to players’ screens. The six-week festival will run from August 17 to September 30, featuring 33 official WSOP Gold Bracelet events, tens of millions in guaranteed prizes, and a gigantic $5,000,000 in special promotions designed to reward players across the globe.
This year’s WSOP Online series on GGPoker promises an exhilarating journey for players of all skill levels, offering a direct path to poker immortality and a share of millions in guaranteed prize money. The schedule is packed with can’t-miss events, including:
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August 25: $215 Mystery Millions – Featuring a staggering $1,000,000 top bounty and a $10,000,000 guaranteed prize pool
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September 8: $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER – With an impressive $1,000,000 guaranteed for first place and a total $5,000,000 guaranteed prize pool
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September 22: $5,000 WSOP Online MAIN EVENT – The flagship tournament boasting a colossal $25,000,000 guaranteed prize pool
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September 29: $10,300 GGMillion$ High Rollers – A premier event for high-stakes players with a $10,000,000 guarantee
Adding to the excitement, WSOP Online 2025 will include a suite of innovative promotions offering even more ways to win:
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$3,000,000 Continental Flipouts: As in previous series, players will be assigned to one of four continents, and Continental Flipouts will be held following each bracelet event (open to bracelet-event participants from the same continents as the event winners). These special flipouts will feature prize pools of up to $250,000, fostering incredible regional rivalry
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$1,000,000 Super Pass Bonus: Each of the 33 Bracelet winners will receive a coveted $30,000 Super Pass, granting them direct access to the record-breaking WSOP Paradise $60M Super Main Event in the Bahamas this December
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$1,000,000 Ranking Freeroll: The top 10 countries in the Bracelet Rankings will unlock 10 exclusive freeroll tournaments for their players, with prize pools scaled according to each country’s final rank, adding another layer of national pride to the competition
“WSOP Online is about to deliver another incredible experience,” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador. “With 33 gold bracelets up for grabs, huge prizes, plus millions in special bonuses like the Continental Flipouts and Super Passes to WSOP Paradise, this series is a must-play for any poker enthusiast. It’s a truly global celebration of the game, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the gold!”
The wider poker community can follow the WSOP Online action live at GGPoker.tv, with the final table of the $5K Main Event broadcast on September 23 at 18:45 UTC (hosted by Jeff Gross & special guest) and the final table of the $10K GGMillion$ High Rollers broadcast on September 30 at 18:45 UTC (hosted by Jeff Gross & Daniel Negreanu).
Players can qualify for each monumental WSOP Online event through satellites running around the clock on GGPoker, making the dream of winning a WSOP Gold Bracelet more attainable than ever. New players to GGPoker are also eligible to claim the Welcome Bonus, earn rewards with the Honeymoon for Newcomers promotion, and automatically join the Fish Buffet loyalty program, offering regular cash prizes.
The post WSOP Online Returns to GGPoker This August with 33 Gold Bracelets and $5,000,000 in Special Promotions! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has released 4 Horsemen III: Inferno to complement the wildly popular Mythology series. 4 Horsemen III: Inferno invites players into an apocalyptic hellscape where the reels are engulfed by a scorched wasteland under burning skies. A relentlessly surging and dark soundtrack creates an atmosphere thick with tension. The Horsemen return, Conquest, War, Famine, and Death, each carrying their own Free Spins feature, which is triggered with three or more full-sized Scattered Free Spins symbols.
Following the success of Money Coming and Money Coming – Expanded Bets, leading content provider TaDa Gaming has released Money Coming 2. A straightforward 3×1 grid with a bonus reel for Multipliers and a single payline means Money Coming 2 is all about the numbers. With no symbols, just numbers or blank positions on the first three reels, when the numbers land they are added sequentially to make the payout.
Relax Gaming, the award-winning iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has launched Conquer Babylon, a bold release inspired by the ancient wonders of Mesopotamia. Set amidst the towering structures of Babylon, the high-volatility 6×8 slot offers up to 262,144 ways to win, combining immersive visuals with powerful bonus features and a maximum win of 15,000 times the stake.
Get your mops out, this ship is one big floating mess! Only the dirtiest of sailors can sail the seven seas aboard Nolimit City’s latest release, Seamen. If you’re 6ft tall, love the open sea and have a taste for working with seamen, then join the White Pearl today! This ship is used to carrying some big loads.
Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, has unveiled its latest instant win title: Bass Rewards. Packed with colourful fish and serious prize potential, the game takes players on the fishing trip of a lifetime. In Bass Rewards, every catch counts – inviting players to bait their hook and fish for fortune across a grid swimming with characterful catch.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot game, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo. With a colourful theme and invigorating soundtrack, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo is the perfect summer adventure, complemented by a bunch of special features to guarantee an unforgettable experience. The video slot’s toppling reels mechanics and its 243 ways to pay make the game a fun alternative to slots with standard paylines.
Blueprint Gaming™ has strengthened its long-term partnership with globally renowned operator bet365 through the exclusive release of bet365 Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus. The 6×4, 4,096-way to win slot provides an intriguing update to the beloved Kong series, with revamped cash harvests and a new-look bonus trail.
Spinomenal has launched its mythology-themed Majestic Zeus slot. Set at the foothills of Mount Olympus, Majestic Zeus welcomes players to a Grecian world where the rewards are potentially as large as the mountains themselves. The 5×3 frame is nestled between two towering columns adorned with Grecian goddesses. A thunderous, powerful musical score evokes the might of Zeus and heightens the entertainment.
Just Slots has announced the launch of its latest title, ‘Unholy Mystery’. Building on strong momentum, this marks Just Slots’ fifth release since the breakout success of their debut game, Sugar Heaven. Following the ominous world of their last release, Book of Arcane 100, Unholy Mystery gives the theme a playful twist by blending dark undertones with a party-like atmosphere and a bold visual style that feels like a monster birthday jamboree.
TaDa Gaming has released Fortune Gems 500, a thrilling 3+1 reel video slot that dazzles with elegant visuals and dynamic rewards. Its core innovation lies in the special fourth reel, which randomly displays multiplier values up to 500x or a powerful Ex NUDGE symbol.
Playson welcomes the return of its lucky leprechaun in the charming new release, 4 Pots Riches: Hold and Win, with the mischievous figure on hand to elevate wins with a host of enriched features. The highlight is the Super Pot Bonus Game, which is triggered by the Super Clover Bonus Symbol.
BGaming puts a fresh spin on the popular fishing genre with the launch of Big Tuna Bonanza. This charming adventure pulls inspiration from some of the most popular titles in the category, inviting players to cast their lines and reel in big wins. Big Tuna Bonanza is bigger and bolder than the fishing games that have come before it.
Play’n GO revives one of its earliest icons with Lady of Fortune Destiny Spins. The Lady steps back into the spotlight with a refreshed presence, ushering in a wave of unpredictability that rewards attention and patience in equal measure. With a glowing crystal ball at her side, the Lady of Fortune transforms missed chances into charged potential.
The post Week 32/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
GeoLocs, the specialist geolocation platform for the iGaming, Sports Betting and iLottery industries, has partnered with identity verification provider Shufti to deliver a seamless and secure user experience for both operators and players in regulated markets worldwide.
The integration of GeoLocs’ precise geolocation technology with Shufti’s robust identity verification solutions allows operators to onboard players faster while maintaining full compliance with local regulations. The partnership reduces friction in the registration and verification process, enabling a smoother journey from sign-up to gameplay.
Will Whitehead, Commercial Director at GeoLocs, commented: “We’re excited to be working with Shufti to bring a more seamless, secure experience to clients and players alike. Both of our technologies have been built with compliance and UX at their core, and this partnership allows us to combine strengths—making onboarding and verification faster, smoother, and more robust for operators in regulated markets.”
With regulatory frameworks tightening in both emerging and established jurisdictions, the collaboration ensures that operators have access to integrated tools that deliver high standards of security, compliance, and user experience.
Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk, SVP of Sales at Shufti, added: “We’re proud to be teaming up with GeoLocs to support operators in delivering frictionless onboarding and a high level of regulatory compliance. Our joint capabilities mean operators can verify users quickly and accurately while GeoLocs ensures they are playing from permitted locations—creating an end-to-end experience that puts both security and user satisfaction first.”
This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and player-centric technology in the fast-evolving iGaming space.
The post GeoLocs and Shufti Join Forces to Streamline Player Onboarding and Compliance appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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