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High speed gambling reduces self-control even among non-problem gamblers, experimental study shows

Published

6 years ago

August 18, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

High speed gambling can reduce self-control even among non-problem gamblers, according to a study by psychology researchers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

The findings reveal how the structure of games – in this case speed of play – can contribute to problem gambling.

As part of the research, 50 regular non-problem gamblers gambled with real money on a simulated slot machine across five speed of play conditions.

Participants were asked to withhold responses when a specific colour cue was present. They performed significantly worse during faster speeds of play, suggesting that rapid play and higher levels of stimulation made them more impulsive with less control over their actions.

Contradictory to the results, when measuring their own self-control, participants perceived themselves to be in control of their actions throughout the experiment.

Lead researcher and senior lecturer in Psychology at NTU’s School of Social Sciences, Dr Andrew Harris, said: “Previous research shows a consistent finding that games with faster speeds are preferred by problem gamblers and are associated with more negative gambling outcomes, such as difficulty quitting the game and increased monetary loss.

“The results here are of particular importance, as they show that when playing faster forms of gambling, self-control is impaired relative to slower speed games, even among non-problem gamblers.”

The findings have implications for gambling legislation and harm-minimisation approaches, with the researchers recommending that cues which may assist self-control be made more prominent.

Dr Harris added: “Recent gambling legislation changes have seen caps in the maximum stake size allowed on fixed odds betting terminals as a harm-minimisation measure, but yet to be considered is the contribution of lower stakes but faster speed gambling games, such as slot machines, and the contribution this has towards gambling-related harm

“Any reduction in speed would need to be balanced with the impact this could have on enjoyment, as this could result in compensatory gambling behaviours, where gamblers might play more gambling lines, bet larger amounts, and play for longer periods of time on slot machines to compensate for the reduced speed of play.

“However, there are a number of useful measures which could be introduced, such as making clocks and monetary spend displays more noticeable to ensure they are regularly processed and attended to by gamblers.”

The full paper, The Relationship Between Gambling Event Frequency, Motor Response Inhibition, Arousal, and Dissociative Experience, has been published in the Journal of Gambling Studies. Researchers include Dr Andrew Harris, Dr Georgina Gous, Bobbie de Wet and Distinguished Professor Mark Griffiths.

Casino Content

Groove says its casino content library passes 20,000 games

Published

7 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

groove-says-its-casino-content-library-passes-20,000-games

Groove says it has passed 20,000 titles in its aggregated casino content library, delivered to partners via “one API” and managed through its Groove Command back office.

The company said the catalogue includes slots, instant win games, table games, crash games, live dealer and arcade-style titles, plus “emerging verticals including sweepstakes and crypto-native content.” Groove added that the portfolio is now live and available to its partners worldwide.

Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said the company focuses on curation rather than chasing volume: “Twenty thousand games is a number. What matters is what sits behind it…” Says Tourgeman. “We don’t add studios for the sake of volume. We add them because they bring something distinctive: a mechanical innovation, a visual language, a player-engagement hook that our operators can’t get elsewhere. Our partners trust us to curate, not just collect. That trust is why we keep growing, and why the quality curve keeps rising alongside the quantity curve.”

Groove said recent integrations include KingMidas Games (150+ mobile-first titles), Urgent Games and Bryogames, which it described as offering “proprietary mathematics with real-time RTP customisation.” The company said the additions were assessed for technical compatibility and “commercial distinctiveness.”

Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and CEO of Groove, positioned the milestone as part of a broader platform pitch: “The aggregation space is crowded with platforms that offer ‘access’ and little else,” said Meltzer. “Twenty thousand games through a single API is not just scale. It is a statement. It says that Groove has become the default engine for operators who want to move fast, compete smart, and never compromise on content depth. But we are not stopping here. The next 20,000 will be even more selective, more integrated, and more aligned with where player behaviour is heading. Volume without curation is noise. We are building a signal.”

The post Groove says its casino content library passes 20,000 games appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

content-aggregation

Octoplay integrates with Lottomart to expand UK distribution

Published

7 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

octoplay-integrates-with-lottomart-to-expand-uk-distribution

Octoplay has expanded its UK distribution through a new integration with operator Lottomart, making a selection of the supplier’s slot games available to Lottomart players.

Under the agreement, Lottomart has added five Octoplay titles to its casino library: Fire Rail Express: Hold & Win, Break the Diamond Piggy, 777 Hot Reels: Megacharged, Big Bang Bonus: Hold & Win and The Lucky Fella: Hold & Win.

Chris Ruddock, Commercial Director at Lottomart, said: “We’re always on the lookout for exciting content that adds something fresh to our portfolio, and Octoplay’s titles do exactly that. Their distinctive style, engaging mechanics, and wide range of themes make them a fantastic addition to our casino. We’re really looking forward to seeing how our players respond.”

Ralitsa Georgieva, Chief Executive Officer at Octoplay, added: “Going live with Lottomart adds another respected UK operator to our growing list of partners in the market. The UK remains a core pillar of our European strategy, and we are pleased to bring our portfolio to Lottomart’s players.”

The post Octoplay integrates with Lottomart to expand UK distribution appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Commercial Gaming

Momentum forms UAE commercial gaming JV with Fanatics after GCGRA approval

Published

7 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

momentum-forms-uae-commercial-gaming-jv-with-fanatics-after-gcgra-approval

Momentum Group and Fanatics have formed a strategic joint venture to run and expand Momentum’s licensed commercial gaming operations in the UAE, the companies said on 29 June, 2026. The partnership is based in Abu Dhabi and brings Momentum’s existing UAE commercial gaming licenses and operations into the new entity.

The joint venture will operate and grow the activities currently licensed to Momentum in the UAE, including lottery, iGaming, sportsbook, and content websites. Momentum said the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has approved the change in control of Momentum’s existing licensed entities.

Scott Burton, Chief Operating Officer, Momentum Group, said:

“The UAE has built one of the world’s most carefully regulated commercial gaming markets, and this joint venture is a reflection of the confidence that brings. Combining Momentum’s regional experience with Fanatics’ global product capability creates a partnership well placed to grow alongside this market for the long term.”

Conor Grant, President, Fanatics Gaming, said:

“The UAE is establishing one of the most thoughtfully regulated commercial gaming markets in the world, and Momentum has demonstrated what a responsible, credible operation within it looks like. We are entering this market for the long term, committed to building something genuinely category-defining together.”

Momentum said the companies plan to invest through the joint venture in technology, product, and customer experience, and to advance responsible gaming and player protection in line with the GCGRA framework.

The post Momentum forms UAE commercial gaming JV with Fanatics after GCGRA approval appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.