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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.

Backseat Gaming

Hub88 integrates Backseat Gaming and Clutch Gaming in double supplier deal

Published

56 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

hub88-integrates-backseat-gaming-and-clutch-gaming-in-double-supplier-deal

Aggregator adds high-volatility slots including Hades Harvest, Deep Sea Mafia and Radiate to its operator network.

Hub88 has added Backseat Gaming and sister studio Clutch Gaming to its supplier network via a double integration deal, expanding the content available to operators on its aggregation platform.

The integration makes a number of titles available through Hub88, including Hades Harvest, Deep Sea Mafia and Radiate. Hub88 positioned the move as a way to broaden its catalogue with high-volatility content.

Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, said: “Backseat Gaming and Clutch Gaming bring a level of craft and personality that stands out.

“By choosing both complementary studios run by the same team, our partners gain the flexibility to reach different player preferences. With both brands already making a splash in the industry, we’re sure this content will become an unmissable addition to lobbies.”

Debbie Cooper, Head of Commercial Operations at Backseat Gaming, said: “Partnering with Hub88 marks an exciting next step for Backseat Gaming and Clutch Gaming as we look to expand our reach across the iGaming industry.

“Hub88’s proven aggregation platform and extensive operator portfolio give us the ideal network to get our content in front of new audiences quickly and efficiently. We’re excited to work alongside their team and bring our game content to their partners.”

The studios said they plan to release one game per week from each provider, with both brands managed by the same team and positioned to target different player tastes.

The post Hub88 integrates Backseat Gaming and Clutch Gaming in double supplier deal appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Africa

Mancala Gaming signs QTech distribution deal for emerging markets

Published

56 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

mancala-gaming-signs-qtech-distribution-deal-for-emerging-markets

Mancala Gaming has struck a distribution deal with QTech to roll out its slots and crash games to operators across emerging markets, the companies said on 21 July 2026.

Under the agreement, QTech will add Mancala Gaming’s catalogue to its aggregator platform. Mancala said its current portfolio includes more than 80 games, spanning slots and crash titles such as Panther Legacy, Coin Craze: Supercharged, Diego’s Spicy Truck, Cheese Chase, Beer Halla and Muscle Tussle.

Mancala Gaming CCO Emiliano Sanchez said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with QTech to boost our reach and relevance across emerging markets, seamlessly offering our premium slots and crash content to a range of previously undiscovered operators. We now look forward to elevating our ambitions through the sprawling reach of QTech’s platform, particularly in Africa and LatAm where the crash-gaming genre is in such high demand. Mobile-first consumption and speed are the consequential keys to success in these two continents where players want instant entertainment, short sessions, and quick results, even when mobile connectivity is not optimal.

QTech CEO Philip Doftvik added: “Mancala Gaming’s content brings a level of gameplay and interactive engagement that keeps players coming back for more, improving retention and dwell-time metrics. Their growing gaming suite of slots, instant-win, and crash games is built for rapid deployment across any market. So, we’re confident that our operator partners will soon see strong performance courtesy of some multi-layered gameplay experiences which appeal to both seasoned and casual players.

The companies did not disclose commercial terms or name operator launch partners.

The post Mancala Gaming signs QTech distribution deal for emerging markets appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Avanti

Avanti Studios names former Evolution executive Steven Tabone as Commercial Director

Published

56 minutes ago

July 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

avanti-studios-names-former-evolution-executive-steven-tabone-as-commercial-director

Tabone joins from Evolution, where he served as Head of Region, as Avanti targets new operator and aggregator partnerships.

Avanti Studios has appointed Steven Tabone as Commercial Director, hiring the former Evolution Head of Region to lead its commercial strategy and partnership growth.

Tabone spent two years at Evolution, where he worked on commercial strategy, sales and account management, and supported operator relationships, according to the company. Avanti said his remit will include building operator and aggregator partnerships and developing a scalable go-to-market strategy focused on international expansion.

The supplier also pointed to recent activity in Spain and Brazil, citing partnerships with Entain and Bet365 as it scales operations in those markets.

Steven Tabone, Commercial Director at Avanti, said: “I firmly believe Avanti is the most exciting thing to have happened to the iGaming industry for a very long time, so I’m obviously delighted to be joining as Commercial Director during what is undoubtedly a pivotal period for the company.

“What drew me to Avanti is having the chance to build something genuinely different. The team has a clear vision that will disrupt the industry with its innovation and quality, and as an operator, you can either jump on the train with us or be left standing at the station. Being able to shape that journey from the very beginning is a huge opportunity, and one that I’m really looking forward to.”

The post Avanti Studios names former Evolution executive Steven Tabone as Commercial Director appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.