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We must be guided by the education sector to deliver effective prevention programmes to young people

Published

6 years ago

July 8, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

YGAM Chief Executive Lee Willows reflects on some of the key topics to emerge from three reports published last week and highlights the valuable contribution the charity is making.

Last week was a significant week for everyone connected the gambling industry. Reading the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) annual progress report; The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report and the Lords Select Committee report, it was pleasing to read these reports all featured insight from people with direct experience of the tragic harm that gambling can cause some individuals, such as the YGAM Founders. As Chief Executive of the YGAM charity and personally as someone who lost everything to a gambling addiction, I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute my insight and experiences. Such inclusion would have been unheard of five-years ago. Having three incredibly helpful reports published in quick succession over a period of five days is in many ways helpful and timely as YGAM continues to evolve our strategy. I congratulate everyone involved in producing three fascinating reports that will inform the debate moving forward.

At YGAM, we strongly believe that prevention, including education is an essential component to reduce gambling-related harms. We engage with the education sector daily and we are constantly listening to the needs of teachers, practitioners and young people. It is very clear from these conversations that teachers and practitioners need and appreciate our resources more than ever. The feedback we get from teachers, practitioners and young people and the insight from external evaluations is overwhelmingly positive and there is an enormous demand for information on gambling and gaming. Whilst it was pleasing to see education feature in all three reports, the voices of the professionals working in that sector should also be taken into consideration. We must continue to be guided by professionals working in the education sector to deliver effective prevention programmes to young people.

The focus on the blurred lines between gaming and gambling is welcomed. The YGAM workshops help build digital resilience and educate people on the different types of games accessible to children. We agree with the DCMS Select Committee and the Children’s Commissioner that loot boxes that contain the element of chance should not be sold to children under 18. The concern about allowing children to access loot boxes is that it is conditioning them to gambling behaviour from an early age. Building on our discussions with DCMS we look forward to contributing to the government’s call to action on loot boxes which will hopefully lead to consideration of an appropriate regulatory intervention.

The debate around gambling advertising and the impact it has on younger generations is imperative. You do not have to work in this sector to notice that gambling adverts dominate the promotional spaces at most sporting events. The YGAM resources tackle this topic head on as we continue to raise awareness of the potential harms and the support available. We believe concerns about marketing and sponsorship should be addressed by evidence-based analysis that puts the safety of young people first and we look forward to contributing to this debate.

When the Gambling Commission launched the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling-Related Harms, there was real hope for change and there has been some positive change; yes more can be done and some actions need to move in a more expedient manner, but change does take time. I also worry that in the desire to affect structural change, or radically change strategic direction part way through a national strategy may result in valuable insight being lost. I do see many people and organisations coming together to deliver the strategy which is superb and that is where we will continue to have a relentless focus.

Certainly in my time in YGAM I have seen Safer Gambling teams within operators increase from one employee, who led Safer Gambling work on a part-time bases, to now large Safer Gambling teams with twenty plus employees working full-time in this area of work. In that time, I have also seen and been fortunate to work alongside others who have been affected by gambling-harms set up their own organisations and I have witnessed the rise of passionate campaigners who demand change, often following tragic circumstances. At the heart of all this work is a shared commitment to reduce-harms and it would be so oxygenating if more time can be spent finding common goals and delivering the national strategy.

As a prevention charity we will continue to focus on the delivery of education, building and sharing insight and demonstrating impact. This is a crucial period for the future of this sector and everyone at YGAM looks forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholder groups to ensure all young and vulnerable people are safe from gaming and gambling related harms.

Finally, YGAM has published its strategic plan 2019 – 2021 and within our annual review filed with the Charity Commission and Companies House we share progress against our strategic goals and insight. However next week, we will have a dedicated page on our website which will also show this progress, insight, and our impact in a succinct manner. I am incredibly proud of the YGAM team and many colleagues from all parts of the sector (inc charities, trade bodies, operators, regulators, ABSG, DCMS, teachers, young people, EbEs); working hard to make a difference in this space.

Lee Willows
Chief Executive, YGAM

Latest News

Feel the Thunder: Thor’s Hammer Time Brings Colossal Wins at Reflex Gaming

Published

7 minutes ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

feel-the-thunder:-thor’s-hammer-time-brings-colossal-wins-at-reflex-gaming

Reflex Gaming, the largest independently owned omni-channel game supplier in the UK, is invoking the might of the gods with the release of Thor’s Hammer Time Thunder Zone, the thrilling sequel to its well-received Thor’s Hammer Time game.

Fueled by Yggdrasil, this high-volatility 6×3, 20-payline video slot harnesses the powerful essence of Asgard, delivering a storm-laden gaming experience filled with progressive jackpots, rising multipliers, and impactful bonus features.

Situated under a sky brimming with storms, where Thor’s hammer thunders with relentless strength, the game presents the Storm Eye, an electrifying core of energy that gains intensity as Lightning Prize symbols appear on the reels. These rewards drive the gameplay and can activate the Jackpot Reels feature, a trio of reels providing the opportunity to access Mini, Minor, Major, Ultra, or Mega jackpots as participants advance along the jackpot pathways. One of the jackpots is assured!

The storm escalates when the storm link function is triggered by 8 or more Lightning Prize symbols appearing on the reels. When activated, the grid changes into 18 separate reels in an exciting hold-and-spin feature filled with Lightning Prizes, Lightning Bolts, +1 Respins, and X-HAMMER symbols. As reels accumulate prizes, they transform into thunder zones, securing values that are amplified by the progressive thunder multiplier upon feature completion. Lightning bolt symbols can gather and merge all values from active thunder areas, resulting in significant fluctuations in win potential as the feature progresses.

The main goal is to complete six fiery thunder zones, immediately granting the Mega jackpot. Golden Bet can be engaged to enhance the likelihood of activating Storm Link and other essential features, while Bonus Buy options, where allowed, enable players to jump directly into the Storm Link feature for instant high-energy gameplay.

Commenting on the launch, Mat Ingram, CPO at Reflex Gaming, said: “Thor’s Hammer Time Thunder Zone takes everything players loved about the original Thor’s Hammer Time and turns the dial up even further.

“The Storm Link feature creates incredible tension, thunder zones keep building the potential, and the progressive jackpots add that extra level of excitement. It’s bold, cinematic and packed with energy, exactly the kind of high-impact experience players expect from Reflex games.”

The post Feel the Thunder: Thor’s Hammer Time Brings Colossal Wins at Reflex Gaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Infingame

Infingame set to “Unleash Your Beast Mode” at SiGMA São Paulo

Published

1 hour ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

infingame-set-to-“unleash-your-beast-mode”-at-sigma-sao-paulo

Infingame, one of the iGaming industry’s fastest-growing aggregators, is set to return to Brazil this April for SiGMA São Paulo, launching its bold “UNLEASH YOUR BEAST MODE” campaign at the heart of the Latin American market. Inspired by the jaguar, a symbol of speed, power, and dominance across Brazil and LatAm, the campaign underscores Infingame’s focus on scalable, reliable technology, rapid integrations, and a curated ecosystem of top-tier providers.

Representing Infingame at the event will be Jana Filagina, Head of Commercial, and Yerassyl Yelemessov, Senior Partner Success Manager, who will meet with operators seeking a performance-driven, stable aggregation partner in the region.

Reinforcing a Leading Position in Latin America

At SiGMA São Paulo, Infingame will spotlight its position as a leading aggregation provider in Latin America. With over 16,000 games from more than 150 providers, the aggregator will demonstrate the platform’s technical strength and the depth of its provider network.

A particular focus will be on Infingame’s tournaments and challenges, engagement tools built to help operators drive structured and repeatable player activity. Fully integrated into the aggregation layer, these tools allow operators to launch campaigns quickly while maintaining full control over performance, localisation, and player experience.

Supporting Growth in a Competitive Market

As Brazil continues to develop as a regulated and highly competitive iGaming market, Infingame’s aggregation platform has been designed to support operators in building sustainable growth across Latin America.

Jana Filagina, Head of Commercial at Infingame, said:

“Brazil is one of the most exciting iGaming markets today, but it’s also one of the most demanding. Operators need infrastructure that performs consistently—not just at launch, but over the long term.
“At Infingame, we provide more than content. Our platform includes tools such as tournaments and challenges that can be implemented quickly and managed efficiently. SiGMA São Paulo is an ideal opportunity to connect with partners who are serious about long-term performance and growth in LatAm.”

Infingame will also use the event to strengthen its network across the wider Latin American region, supporting operators as they navigate regulatory developments, increasing competition, and evolving market dynamics.

About Infingame

With a portfolio of more than 16,000 games from over 150 providers, Infingame has firmly established itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing iGaming aggregators and a market-leading sweepstakes provider.

Delivered via a single API, the platform offers technical excellence, some of the fastest spin times in the industry, exclusive tournaments, and strategic partnerships with top-tier operators across North America, LatAm, and beyond.

Infingame’s offering spans slots, crash games, sweepstakes, and live casino content. To book a demo or learn more, contact the team via LinkedIn, the company website, or [email protected].

The post Infingame set to “Unleash Your Beast Mode” at SiGMA São Paulo appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Booming Games

Booming Games Partners with Interwetten to Accelerate Expansion into Greece

Published

1 hour ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-partners-with-interwetten-to-accelerate-expansion-into-greece

Booming Games will engage with Interwetten’s customers in Greece, showcasing its dedication to expanding in regulated international markets.
Interwetten clients initially enjoy access to 19 games, with upcoming intentions to broaden this selection.

Booming Games, a top supplier of high-quality gaming content, has today revealed a strategic alliance with Interwetten, one of Europe’s biggest online betting and iGaming firms. The collaboration will support Booming Games’ growth in Greece, showcasing its dedication to enhancing its position in regulated markets throughout Europe and further afield.

By accessing one of the largest catalogs of casino games in the iGaming sector, the collaboration will enable Booming Games to explore new opportunities in a burgeoning market. Statistics indicate that the iGaming sector in Greece experienced the highest growth rate in Europe during the second half of 2025, and Booming Games is now positioned to capitalize on this substantial growth potential. The shift also illustrates Booming Games’ dedication to driving growth via innovative technology, as Interwetten aids Booming Games in their client acquisition efforts in Greece.

An initial 19 game releases are currently accessible to players in Greece through Interwetten, and Booming Games intends to swiftly expand this number. Booming Games possesses a robust schedule of game launches and intends to enhance both the quality and number of releases this year, featuring localized versions adapted for particular markets.

Simona Lanzoni, Commercial Director at Booming Games, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Interwetten to power our expansion into Greece. The collaboration marks yet another landmark moment in Booming Games’ growth journey, broadening the reach of our product suite in Europe. With clear plans to rapidly expand the number of games available on Interwetten, we look forward to building successful, long-term relationships with new customers.”

The post Booming Games Partners with Interwetten to Accelerate Expansion into Greece appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.