Latest News

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

Cashpoint

EveryMatrix wins Cashpoint omnichannel turnkey platform deal in Denmark

Published

36 minutes ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

everymatrix-wins-cashpoint-omnichannel-turnkey-platform-deal-in-denmark

EveryMatrix has signed a landmark omnichannel agreement to provide turnkey technology for one of Western Europe’s leading betting and gaming brands. Under the deal, EveryMatrix will power over 1,000 sports betting terminals across 230+ shops nationwide, while also delivering a fully integrated online sportsbook platform and launching Merkur’s first online casino in the second half of 2026.

The agreement represents the second major Denmark-based turnkey deal for EveryMatrix in just two months, following Danske Spil’s selection of the provider to power its casino and bingo operations.

Cashpoint, set to rebrand as Merkur Bets once the platform migration is complete, holds strong market positions in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Denmark, making it one of the most prominent betting and gaming operators across Western Europe.

The brand began searching for a modern technology partner in early 2025, aiming to implement a scalable, omnichannel solution capable of integrating sportsbook and casino offerings. The migration from its in-house system to EveryMatrix’s turnkey platform is scheduled to align with the start of the new football season, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.

Ebbe Groes, Group Co-CEO & Co-Founder at EveryMatrix, said:

“The Cashpoint and Merkur brands are among the most recognisable in Denmark and across Europe. Partnering with their team to deliver a project of this scale is a privilege, and it demonstrates the growing trust tier-1 operators and lotteries are placing in EveryMatrix technology.”

Mathias Dahms, Managing Director Sportsbetting at Merkur Group, added:

“Merkur Bets is taking a major step forward this year. By switching to EveryMatrix technology and rebranding, we are positioning the brand for continued growth and success in Denmark. EveryMatrix offers the ideal foundation to support our omnichannel strategy and future expansion.”

This agreement reinforces EveryMatrix’s position as a leading provider of turnkey sportsbook and casino solutions, delivering both in-store and online experiences for operators across Europe.

The post EveryMatrix wins Cashpoint omnichannel turnkey platform deal in Denmark appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

EGT

24 Years Strong: EGT’s Commitment to Excellence and Timeliness

Published

36 minutes ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

24-years-strong:-egt’s-commitment-to-excellence-and-timeliness

EGT was established to quickly rise as one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of gaming equipment worldwide. Today, as the organization marks its 24th anniversary, its narrative can be expressed in years of development, in hours of output, in minutes of accuracy, and even in seconds of engineering brilliance. Let’s reflect on how it accomplished this success.

Throughout this time, the company developed and patented more than 700 products and manufactured over 200,000 gaming devices, which have been placed in many of the most prestigious venues globally.

Numerous advancements from the EGT collection, including the Egypt Quest and Bell Link jackpots as well as the cabinets from the Premier, General, and Supreme series, have established benchmarks within the industry, defining its standards and making EGT synonymous with unwavering quality.

EGT has established 3 factories where it produces its goods and meets orders for clients globally. The company has even taken an additional step, successfully completing its production cycle at 360 degrees, which enables it to supply nearly everything required for manufacturing its machines.

This comprehensive production system enables EGT to assess its efficiency not only over years of expansion but also in seconds, minutes, and hours on the manufacturing floor.

Thanks to this, in just 24 seconds, the machines in the company’s production lines cut over 40 meters of cable used in EGT’s products. At this speed, the height of Mount Everest could be reached in under 90 minutes.

In just 24 minutes, over 16,000 components used in EGT’s products pass through the production process. At this rate, a venue the size of Madison Square Garden could be filled in about 30 minutes.

In 24 hours, 420 slot cabinets come off EGT’s production lines. Placed side by side, they would stretch almost the length of three football fields.

Impressive figures, right? Yet they represent only a fraction of what EGT has achieved over the past 24 years.

EGT is continually expanding its presence, with its products now available in more than 100 markets across 5 continents. Over 4,500 staff members across 28 global offices guarantee that the business remains close to its clientele.

In the last 24 years, EGT has been involved in more than 300 exhibitions globally. It has grown its family by adding 2 subsidiaries – EGT Digital and EGT Steel Production, which have allowed it to enhance its product offerings and now provide an even broader array of solutions to its existing and prospective clients and partners.

Throughout this time, EGT has garnered more than 30 accolades, serving as clear evidence of its standing as a leader in the gaming sector both nationally and internationally, along with its recognition as one of the most reliable firms in the Bulgarian economy overall.

Furthermore, EGT belongs to various Bulgarian and international business and industry associations. It holds more than 10 certifications for its work quality and presently utilizes systems like SAP, supported by internationally acknowledged testing labs like GLI and BMM, ensuring that the company’s products comply with all industry standards.

None of these achievements could have been realized without the company’s most important resource – its staff. EGT has established and fostered a culture of assistance and motivation for its staff to realize their potential and advance their careers within the company. Consequently, in just the past 5 years, its staff have participated in more than 200 varied courses and training sessions to enhance their professional skills and qualifications.

Simultaneously, the organization ensures a healthy balance between professional and personal life by enacting various family-focused social policies and allowing individuals to engage in their interests. EGT fields sports teams in football and athletics that frequently engage in multiple tournaments and competitions, showcasing impressive performances.

The company’s artists have the opportunity to showcase their individual creations in a unique exhibition that EGT hosts each year, and in 2025, the display was open to the public for the first time.

Annually, EGT offers internship programs that allow numerous young individuals at the start of their careers to gain essential knowledge and skills, with some going on to work at the company and utilizing this knowledge in practical applications at EGT.

Consequently, the company takes pride in a substantial percentage of long-serving employees—20% of the workforce has more than a decade of experience with the organization, which is an outstanding accomplishment.

In addition to all this, EGT continues to be accountable to society. Throughout the years, the organization has participated in various charitable initiatives focused on safeguarding the environment and assisting vulnerable individuals and those in distress.

EGT also actively backs various initiatives to encourage responsible gaming, enhancing its reputation as a developer of cutting-edge gaming solutions that lead industry trends.

Vladimir Dokov, CEO of EGT, shared: “Inspired by all these milestones achieved over the past 24 years, we have set ourselves no less ambitious goals for 2026. Along with further modernizing our production facilities, entering new markets and strengthening our leadership on a global level, an equally important priority for us will be to continue contributing to the improvement of the educational and professional environment in the country. This way, we will be able to prove once again that we not only know how to do successful business, but also that we are a socially responsible company that contributes to the overall development of society. This is the true meaning of excellence for us.”

Happy 24th birthday, EGT. Here’s to many more years where every second counts.

The post 24 Years Strong: EGT’s Commitment to Excellence and Timeliness appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Join N1 SEO Traffic Cup by N1 Partners Only Performance Wins the Game

Published

36 minutes ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

join-n1-seo-traffic-cup-by-n1-partners-only-performance-wins-the-game

The N1 SEO Traffic Cup, the first tournament in the N1 Traffic Cups series by N1 Partners, is building momentum. Throughout 2026, N1 Partners’ affiliates can look forward to a full competitive roadmap, from individual cups to a global championship, designed to reward systematic performance growth, strategic planning, and scaling results.

The season opens with the N1 SEO Traffic Cup, an exclusive tournament for SEO teams. Featuring a level-based system and brand coefficients, the tournament challenges participants to drive SEO traffic to N1 Partners’ casino and betting brands, earn points, and climb levels—the higher your level, the better your prizes!

Who Can Participate

Existing affiliates already driving SEO traffic to N1 Partners’ brands are automatically enrolled. For full registration details, contact your account manager.
New partners can register here: https://n1.partners/traffic-cups

Tournament period: March 1 – April 30, 2026
Results announced: May 10, 2026
Participation requirement: Generate at least 20 FTDs per product during the tournament period to qualify.

Tournament Mechanics

The N1 SEO Traffic Cup uses a level-based scoring system where your N1 Cup Score determines your rewards.

N1 Cup Score = FTD × Brand Coefficient

1 point = 1 FTD

The more brands you work with, the higher your coefficient, and the higher your potential score:

1 active brand: coefficient 1x
2–3 brands: coefficient 2x
4–5+ brands: coefficient 5x

Learn more about coefficients: https://bit.ly/n1seotrafficcup_launch_europeangaming

Prizes & Rewards

Teams advance through four prize levels, each offering the opportunity to select a reward from the pool or receive the cash equivalent:

Level 1: 7,000+ points – €25,000 per team
Level 2: 3,500–6,999 points – €15,000 per team
Level 3: 1,500–3,499 points – €7,000 per team
Level 4: 500–1,499 points – €5,000 per team

Prizes include:

VIP trips to Formula 1 in Monaco and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA
Zero-gravity flight experiences
All-inclusive vacations in the Maldives
BMW and Ducati bikes
Apple gadgets, Cartier jewelry, Rolex watches, and much more

Multiple teams can qualify at each level, meaning your results depend solely on your performance—traffic volume and brand diversity.

Even if you don’t reach a prize level, you’re still in the running for three raffle prizes: an iPhone, a PlayStation 5 Pro, and exclusive merch.

A Strategic Growth Tool

Alexa Bond, Head of Affiliates at N1 Partners, said:

“The N1 SEO Traffic Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a systematic growth tool for SEO teams. The level-based system and brand coefficients reward not just volume, but strategic engagement with multiple brands.
“In 2026, we’re focusing on performance, transparency, and long-term partnerships. This tournament marks a new chapter in N1 Partners’ large-scale promotional strategy.”

Tournament registration and details: https://bit.ly/n1seotrafficcup_launch_europeangaming

N1 SEO Traffic Cup – only performance wins the game!

The post Join N1 SEO Traffic Cup by N1 Partners Only Performance Wins the Game appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.