Latest News

YGAM’s Student Hub website receives NUS endorsement as universities return

Published

5 years ago

October 2, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The National Union of Students (NUS) which represents 7 million individuals engaged in higher and further education has welcomed the launch of YGAM’s new Student Hub website which has been developed to raise awareness of the risk of students experiencing gaming and gambling-related harm while at university/college. The NUS described the YGAM initiative as ‘vital for students and crucial in helping to provide advice on how to make the most of university life while avoiding the risks.’

Created with input from current students, the website features bespoke advice and guidance to help students make the most out of university while avoiding the risks of gaming and gambling-related harm. It features interactive elements along with lived-experience case studies to further highlight the real issues of gambling and gaming harms on university campuses.

Pete Woodward, Head of Delivery for University and Student Engagement at YGAM, said: “Research commissioned by YGAM and undertaken by Red Brick Research found that 264,000 students are at some risk of gambling-related harm in the UK, while around 88,000 may already be problem gamblers. Student life has changed dramatically this year due to Covid-19, and this could have a detrimental impact on student wellbeing and increase the risks associated with gaming and gambling at university. Our Student Hub is the first of its kind; supporting students to enjoy a university experience free from gaming and gambling-related harm. We will use this online portal to gather insights and share findings with our partners at other universities and students’ unions.”

He added: “Research published by The Lancet in July suggests that the mental health of young people aged 18-24 has deteriorated this year, likely due to the ongoing pandemic. This is a concerning development, as YGAM’s research on the topic suggests that students often turn to gambling and gaming when they are depressed, as a desire to feel more ‘in control’ of their day-to-day activities. One third of students said their gambling habits have had a negative effect on their wellbeing.”

Karen Rowlingson, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham said: “Students are under huge pressures, more so than ever this year. Gambling and gaming problems can sometimes be a consequence of those pressures and sometimes a further cause. YGAM’s new student hub provides an incredibly important resource to help students avoid the risks of gaming and gambling-related harm at this time.”

To support the Student Hub and its additional university projects, YGAM has also announced the appointment of part-time student positions to drive their programme and to ensure the voice of students is consistently used in their work. YGAM will also be training staff at 25 different universities across the UK, enabling an unprecedented number of young people to benefit from the additional safeguarding this will allow.The Student Hub will sit alongside other tools such as GAMSTOP the free, independent, self-exclusion tool which enables people to exclude from all UK-based online gambling operators for a period of six months, twelve months, or five years.

Casino Guru

Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming

Published

2 hours ago

November 20, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Casino Guru proudly unveils four new award categories for the upcoming Casino Guru Awards 2026, further expanding its mission to recognize individuals and organizations shaping a fairer, safer, and more forward-thinking iGaming industry.

Following three years of continued growth and rising influence, the Casino Guru Awards remain the only industry awards focused primarily on fairness, transparency, integrity, and responsible innovation. The 2026 ceremony, scheduled for May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge in Malta, in partnership with NEXT.io during NEXT Valletta, will spotlight outstanding achievements from across the global iGaming landscape.

This year’s newly introduced categories reflect Casino Guru’s commitment to acknowledging emerging talent, ethical leadership, and positive workplace culture.

New Award Categories for 2026

Woman Leader of the Year

This category celebrates an exceptional female leader whose vision, resilience, and strategic influence have helped transform her company and the industry as a whole.

Judges will look for measurable achievements in 2024–2025, including business growth, crisis management, innovation in user experience, safety, transparency, and responsible gambling.
The award is open to women driving meaningful impact while championing diversity, mentorship, and collaborative progress within iGaming.

Rising Star in Responsible Gambling

Designed to recognize organizations making remarkable early strides in safer gambling initiatives, this category highlights innovation and genuine commitment from companies of all sizes.
Whether through impactful tools, awareness campaigns, or fresh approaches to player protection, nominees must demonstrate provable results that contribute to higher standards of responsibility and safety across the industry.

Young Changemaker Award

Honoring an individual under 30, the Young Changemaker Award shines a spotlight on rising professionals whose ethical innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking actions have made a visible impact in 2025.

Judges will consider originality, leadership ability, and tangible contributions that set a new benchmark for integrity and progress in iGaming.

Industry Culture Shaper

Recognizing that true industry progress starts within organizations, this award honors companies that cultivate positive, transparent, and supportive workplace cultures.

Nominees will be assessed based on measurable outcomes such as employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity, alongside initiatives that support wellbeing, mental health, professional development, and ethical HR practices.

Additional weight will be given to organizations whose efforts inspire better standards beyond their walls through partnerships, advocacy, or shared knowledge.

A broader vision for industry progress

“The addition of these categories marks an important evolution for the Casino Guru Awards,” said Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and leader of the Awards project.
“By spotlighting leadership, emerging talent, responsible innovation, and culture, we are amplifying the people and values that will define the future of iGaming. These awards aim to inspire positive change at every level, from individual contributors to global operators.”

The new categories will stand alongside Casino Guru’s established awards, including The Fairest Bonus Policy, The Most Transparent Casino, The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools, and others that reflect Casino Guru’s core values.

The post Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Stadium of Riches kicks off a legendary contest of champions

Published

2 hours ago

November 20, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

The stadium lights are blazing, the chants are deafening, and a golden trophy gleams in the distance. Play’n GO’s Stadium of Riches captures the raw energy of the world’s favourite sport, placing players at the heart of the action in this high-stakes football showdown.

Stadium of Riches doesn’t just replicate the spirit of football – it elevates it. Surrounded by roaring fans and legendary symbolism, this 5-reel slot draws inspiration from the grandeur of cup finals and last-minute heroics. With immersive design and a theme steeped in international pride, the game taps into the drama of the beautiful game and the glory it promises to those bold enough to compete.

Rather than simply layering on football imagery, Stadium of Riches channels the atmosphere of a decisive match – from referee whistles and goalkeeper gloves to glistening boots and the unmistakable roar of a packed arena. Every detail contributes to the sense of being moments away from glory, giving players the feel of a clutch performance on the world stage.

Football fans will find familiar ground here, but there’s more beneath the surface. Players who enjoyed Legacy of Dead will recognise the layered gameplay structure and visual weight of symbols, bridging a connection between ancient mythologies and modern sporting legends. And for players across Latin America and Spain, where football transcends sport and becomes culture, Stadium of Riches offers a compelling new home fixture.

Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, said: “Football is universal – its narratives, passion, and unpredictability connect fans globally. With Stadium of Riches, we’ve captured that energy in a way that feels authentic and exhilarating.”

This title is set to resonate with players who live for the big moments – when legends are made and the world watches.

The post Stadium of Riches kicks off a legendary contest of champions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

CT Interactive

CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro

Published

2 hours ago

November 20, 2025

Niji Narayan

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

CT Interactive is further expanding its presence in the regulated Romanian market through the launch of new gaming content on Maxbet.ro. This collaboration introduces a selection of top-performing titles designed to boost player engagement and enhance the overall gaming experience across the region.

As part of the collaboration, Maxbet.ro will feature two exclusive titles available only to its players — Kyoto Magic and Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus.

Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, said: “Our collaboration with Maxbet.ro reflects our commitment to developing high-quality content that meets the demands of the modern Romanian player. Titles like Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus and Kyoto Magic showcase the best of our portfolio – dynamic gameplay, strategic depth, attractive bonus features and excellent math models.”

“We are confident that our exclusive titles will enhance the gaming experience for Maxbet’s players, offering them a richer, more immersive, and engaging journey,” added Bogdan Smeu, Regional Manager for Romania at CT Interactive.

In addition to the exclusive titles, Maxbet.ro will now feature a selection of CT Interactive’s most popular games, including 20 Mega Star, Lucky Clover 10, The Shining Globe, Zet Fruits and Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus.

The launch of this new content underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to the Romanian market, delivering premium gaming experiences that enhance player engagement and contribute to the long-term success of its partners.

The post CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.