Latest News

YGAM launch ‘Parent Hub’ as university research highlights loot box danger amongst children

Published

6 years ago

July 21, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

National charity, YGAM has joined with research teams from Newcastle and Loughborough Universities to help parents and carers understand the danger of loot boxes, with one young respondent in the Economic and Social Research Council funded project confirming how he spent nearly £500 buying packs of random cards.

The expert insight and advice is being posted on YGAM’s new ‘Parent Hub’ website www.parents.ygam.org. The hub which has been developed thanks to funding received from Lottoland, GVC and Playtech, provides families with the resources, information and activities to help build digital resilience and safeguard children. ‘Parent Hub’ helps explain why children are drawn to purchase loot boxes, ranging from the surprise and suspense of opening a box and the desire to win something rare, to receiving specific items that deliver an in-game advantage or boost their social status.

The research covers the potential harm loot boxes can cause, such as young people’s exposure to and normalisation of gambling style systems, as well as the emotional and financial harm from repeat spending – with one young person telling researchers how he spent nearly £500 in a mobile card game by buying packs of random cards, playing for up to seven hours a day. The advice covers how parents can take important steps to safeguard children, including the use of parental controls and identifying potential signs of harm.

“For some children, the act of opening a loot box is as important as what it contains” explains Dr James Ash, Reader in Technology, Space and Society at Newcastle University, who is leading the research. “Feelings of surprise and suspense lead to the repeat purchase of loot boxes. But this is often short-lived.

“Children and young people have told us how they feel disappointment, frustration, anger, and regret at loot box purchases, yet they are still driven to purchase again. This is concerning, given the deliberate design of these mechanisms – the visual stimulus, the randomised contents, and the very unfavourable odds for unboxing rare items – which can lead to repeat loot box purchases.”

Amanda Atkinson, Head of Parental Engagement at YGAM said the research will help inform and develop the charity’s educational programmes so that all young and vulnerable people are safe from gaming and gambling related harms. She stated: “Certainly the enormous variety of games and in-app purchases that are available can make it confusing for parents to keep on top of safety controls. Through our educational resources, we are focused on providing crucial information to parents so they can identify changes in behaviours and understand the effects this may have on mental and financial wellbeing.”

In collaboration with GamCare, YGAM is delivering the UK’s ground-breaking National Gambling Education and Prevention Programme. Supported by members of the Betting and Gaming Council, the £10 million programme will reach over 3 million young people to raise awareness of the risks of potential gaming and gambling related harms.

Latest News

Sports Betting Operator Names Mark McGuinness Editor-in-Chief

Published

23 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Peter White, Publisher of Sports Betting Operator, has announced the appointment of Mark McGuinness as the publication’s new Editor-in-Chief.

A highly respected figure in the global iGaming, crypto and digital marketing sectors, McGuinness brings more than 30 years of international experience in high-performance marketing, brand strategy and growth leadership across regulated markets in the UK, EMEA and Latin America.

Currently operating as a Fractional CMO and strategic advisor, McGuinness has built a reputation for scaling brands, transforming underperforming channels and delivering measurable commercial impact across B2B, B2C and D2C environments. His expertise spans user acquisition, retention, lifecycle marketing, affiliate and SEO strategy, as well as AI-driven growth initiatives.

In addition to his advisory roles, McGuinness is Co-Founder of the iGaming Roundtable, a fast-growing industry forum designed to foster meaningful, solution-led discussions among senior leaders across the sector.

Peter White, Publisher of Sports Betting Operator, said: “Mark’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Sports Betting Operator. His depth of experience, industry credibility, and forward-thinking approach to marketing, AI, and emerging technologies align perfectly with our vision to deliver authoritative, insightful, and commercially relevant content to the global betting community.”

Mark McGuinness, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Betting Operator, said: “I’m delighted to join Sports Betting Operator at such a pivotal time for the industry. The convergence of AI, data, and player engagement is reshaping the landscape, and there is a clear need for intelligent, honest, and forward-looking editorial. I look forward to working with Peter and the wider network to build a platform that informs, challenges, and connects the industry.”

As Editor-in-Chief, McGuinness will lead the editorial direction of Sports Betting Operator, focusing on high-value content, expert insights and in-depth analysis across sports betting, iGaming, technology and regulatory developments. His appointment signals a continued commitment to innovation, editorial integrity and industry leadership.

The post Sports Betting Operator Names Mark McGuinness Editor-in-Chief appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Amusnet

Amusnet’s Type S27 Slot Cabinets Debut in Ireland

Published

23 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet’s-type-s27-slot-cabinets-debut-in-ireland

A new gaming experience has arrived in Ireland. The first Type S27 slot cabinets powered by Amusnet were successfully installed across two Premier Casinos locations by Elite Gaming Distributions (GRUPO ORENES). The machines were deployed across venues in Cork and Dublin, marking the first time this platform has been introduced to players in the country.

The rollout was facilitated by Elite Gaming Distributions (GRUPO ORENES), who partnered with Premier Casinos to bring the latest Amusnet technology to players in Ireland. This launch represents an important step in expanding access to modern, high-quality gaming solutions across the country.

The introduction of the new slot machines brings a fresh selection of engaging content to Irish players. Among the featured titles are 20 Power Hot, Candy Palace, Extra Crown, Bulky Fruits and Diamond Plus, each designed to deliver fast-paced gameplay and vibrant visuals. The installation also includes Jackpot Cards Plus, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for players visiting the venues.

Guillermo Ruipérez, Business Development Manager at Amusnet, said: “Bringing our Type S27 slot cabinets to Ireland for the first time is an important milestone for us. Our partnership with Elite Gaming Distributions Ltd has allowed us to introduce a platform that combines reliable hardware with engaging game content. This launch marks the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and growing presence in the Irish market.”

For Elite Gaming Distributions Ltd (GRUPO ORENES), the launch reflects its continued commitment to enhancing the gaming experience. By working closely with operators such as Premier Casinos, the company continues to introduce new technologies and high-performing content to the market.

Benjamin Fernandez, Head of Sales for Elite Gaming Distributions Ltd, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Type S27 slot cabinets with Amusnet to the Irish market. This rollout in Cork and Dublin represents an exciting step forward, bringing fresh games and new features to players. The early response has been extremely positive, and we look forward to expanding this platform further across additional locations.”

The post Amusnet’s Type S27 Slot Cabinets Debut in Ireland appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications

Published

23 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

ukraine-launches-online-portal-for-gambling-licence-applications

Businesses can now obtain licenses for organising and conducting gambling activities online through the Diia portal, without paper documents or in-person interaction with the state, according to a statement by PlayCity, the state agency regulating Ukraine’s gambling and lottery market.

According to the release, applications can be generated in the Diia electronic cabinet and signed using a qualified electronic signature (QES). Some data will be automatically retrieved from state registries, including information about the company, its owners and beneficiaries.

PlayCity will review submitted applications, and applicants will receive decisions on license issuance or refusal online via Diia.

Companies will be able to apply for licenses covering casino operations, bookmaking, slot machine halls, online poker, as well as B2B services in the gambling sector.

Acting Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Borniakov said on Telegram that the ministry, together with PlayCity, has also prepared amendments to sector-specific legislation aimed at strengthening entry checks for companies in terms of reputation, integrity, ownership structure and absence of ties to the aggressor state.

“Our goal is to create a transparent and controlled market in which digital tools ensure both convenience for businesses and trust in the state,” Borniakov said.

The post Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.