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Emotions test reveals: The online purchases making us 67% happier!

- On average, online purchases are found to raise our positive feelings by 56%
- Participants reported the biggest increase in happiness when purchasing houseplants – positive emotions soared by 67%
- Gaming console purchases saw the second highest increase in positive feelings (+66%)
- Trainers and fiction books are also among the purchases raising positive emotions most
- Holidays abroad came in last; participants noted high levels of excitement but also reported an increase in concern due to its uncertainty
Thanks to ‘doom shopping’, it was revealed that the UK spends three times more when online shopping compared to the global average, costing the average person a whooping £1,382 per year! Clearly these purchases keep us coming back for more, but how do we enjoy splashing our cash the most?
Interested in online shopping, money.co.uk conducted an emotions test among 2,560 participants to discover which online purchases bring us the most joy!
Participants were asked to complete a variation* of the BMIS test (Brief Mood Intensity Scale) and record the intensity of 10 different emotions after making an online purchase. The intensity of each emotion was allocated a score based on its positivity, with a maximum score of 500 points per item – the higher the score, the better. Participants were also asked to complete the same test before making any purchases to uncover the percentage increase in positive emotions when shopping.
Which online purchases make us happiest?
Money.co.uk can reveal that a houseplant purchase increases our intensity of positive emotions more than any other transaction!
Collecting 478 points out of a potential 500, moods improved by 67% after making a plant purchase. Plants are proven to invoke feelings of vitality by improving the state of mind and lifting spirits – no wonder it scores highly!
With the PS5 still proving hard to get, purchasing a gaming console is the second online transaction that makes us happiest.
As many gamers are left on the edge of their seats waiting to snatch the latest console, it accumulated 475 points out of 500, and purchasing a console was found to raise positive feelings by 66% on average.
In third position are trainer purchases. With the demand for sneakers like Jordan 1s only increasing, those who purchased new trainers reported a 64% increase in happiness, and purchases racked up 472 points.
With bookworms reported to be happier than those who don’t read, the transaction that makes us fourth happiest is a fiction book, improving positive emotions by 64% and collecting 470 points.
Due to the huge surge in personal fitness and wellbeing during lockdown, home gym equipment purchases are found to make us fifth happiest! This transaction led to a 63% increase in positive emotions and scored a healthy 468 points.
To complete the top 10 purchases that increase our intensity of positive emotions:
6. Video game: 466 points, +62%
7. Eyeshadow palette: 465 points, +62%
8. Scented candle: 463 points, +61%
9. Exercise clothing: 461 points, +61%
10. Fashion jewellery: 459, +60%
Coming in last is a holiday abroad with 393 points out of 500 (+37%). Those who plan on jet-setting this year reported high levels of excitement and happiness but were pushed down the table as feelings of worry and nerves due to its current uncertainty.
Interested in the reasons behind our vast improvement in positive feelings, money.co.uk spoke exclusively to Lee Chambers, psychologist and wellbeing consultant, to uncover why shopping makes us happy.
“Online shopping has the ability to make us happy through several different mechanisms. Firstly, even in a world of plenty, we are still evolutionarily designed to consider scarcity. Because of this, acquiring new items, especially when discounted or limited, tends to make us happy, the feeling we have satisfied a need and potentially averted a future threat.
Shopping is also an exercise in control. We select from millions of items precisely what we want, and especially in the uncertain times we live in, we know we will get exactly what we have purchased, and it will be delivered straight to us. This control of selection and guarantee of receipt is powerful, as it becomes a defined event. We also build a level of expectation and anticipation from the moment we press the purchase button, as we believe we now have ownership over the item but have a delay until it is with us physically.
From a cultural perspective, we have been conditioned to see shopping as a reward, either an investment in ourselves or for the satisfaction of others. Shopping is likely to activate the nucleus accumbens in our brain, releasing dopamine and motivating us to repeat the behaviour. Buying printed media taps into our desire to better ourselves, gain knowledge, understand the world around us and provide stories and entertainment that can take us on a journey. And let’s not forget how lovely they look on your bookshelf on a video call, as books have become a decorative symbol over the past year.
And why do we keep buying? Our brain is adaptive, and shopping can relieve stress, provide entertainment when bored and give us a hit of dopamine. The rewarding feeling will keep us finding new things to purchase, especially since our excitement and anticipation fade once we’ve received the item.”
Catherine Hilley, mobiles expert at money.co.uk, said: “Our research reveals how small purchases can increase customers’ emotions in a positive way, something we all need after the past 12 months. With an average 63% increase in positive emotions noted across all top 10 purchases, it seems that shopping online for items such as houseplants, trainers and candles are sparking a lot more joy at the moment, than booking a holiday, which comes with a lot of added uncertainty.”
For more information, please see the blog post for the full rankings and a breakdown by sex, and age: https://www.money.co.uk/mobiles/online-shopping-joy
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London Waterfront Experience unveiled for iGB L!VE

iGB L!VE organisers have unveiled designs illustrating the stunning new waterfront social and business networking feature which will be launched at July’s edition, the first to be held in London.
Situated adjacent to the historic Royal Docks, the London Waterfront Experience will involve an iGB L!VE take-over of the Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar part of ExCeL’s ‘Immerse LDN’ Dock Edge entertainment district. It will include a series of entertainment activations including a centrepiece barge which will be moored at the edge of the dock.
Heralding the exciting new feature which represents a celebration of iGB L!VE’s relocation to London, Global Portfolio Director Naomi Barton said: “ With London’s July sun shining and temperatures reaching the mid-twenties, iGB L!VE’s Waterfront Experience will serve as a dynamic networking and social space. Open throughout the show it will provide a vibrant London-inspired ‘twist’ on the social and business opportunities that the industry loves about iGB L!VE.”
She added: “The London Waterfront Experience will enhance iGB L!VE’s unique chemistry and help deliver another world class event with all elements of the igaming industry ecosystem coming together in a city which is widely regarded as being the heart of the igaming industry.
“iGB L!VE 2025 will deliver unparalleled business opportunities with attendees having free access to the sector’s most influential brands and igaming professionals, occupying over 22,000 sqm of cutting-edge innovation and inspiration.”
iGB L!VE’s relocation to London will enable the event brand to continue its upward trajectory and achieve an ambitious four-year plan targeting 30,000 visitors and 550+ exhibitors/sponsors by 2028.
The post London Waterfront Experience unveiled for iGB L!VE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
GR8 Tech to Share AI Insights at Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025

GR8 Tech, an award-winning provider of innovative technological solutions for the iGaming industry, will share its extensive AI expertise at the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025.
Opening the event’s agenda, the panel discussion “The Rise of AI in Gaming: Friend, Foe, or Industry Game-Changer?” will feature Raid Arfua, Head of Artificial Intelligence at GR8 Tech, alongside other industry experts, delving into all the ways artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the gaming industry, reshaping everything from game design to player experiences and content creation.
Following the panel discussion, Raid will host the Hipther Academy Workshop “AI-Driven CRM in iGaming,” providing attendees with a clear understanding of how advanced ML models provide valuable insights, improve crucial CRM processes, and optimize overall strategies. The workshop will also explore the usage of AI Agents, demonstrating their role in improving CRM efficiency through seamless interaction with ML models.
“We at GR8 Tech approach technology such as AI with realism: while it is a very popular topic, full of buzzwords, the truth is that AI has been here for quite some time now. Instead of hyping it up as an emerging technology, we focus on the practical applications, case studies of how AI is implemented across our solution portfolio, and what real impact it is – and has been – driving for the operators’ businesses,” commented Raid Arfua.
Reflecting its industry-leading status, GR8 Tech has also been shortlisted for two GamingTECH Awards 2025 categories: Best Sports Betting Provider in CEE and Best Online Casino Provider in CEE. Winners will be revealed at the GamingTECH Awards Awards Party & Ceremony on March 25, 2025.
For more AI-driven insights and updates, connect with GR8 Tech on the website and LinkedIn. The
About GR8 Tech
GR8 Tech is an award-winning platform provider delivering tailored solutions for operators worldwide.
GR8 Tech’s core strengths lie in its robust technology and focus on a personalized approach based on business needs, geographic focus, or operational verticals. From comprehensive offerings like Hyper Turnkey to specialized solutions such as the Sportsbook iFrame, Infinite Casino Aggregation, or Platform Acceler8 set, GR8 Tech provides UNbeatable flexibility and performance to drive operators’ growth and success.
Trusted by top operators worldwide, GR8 Tech has over 45 successful cases and earned recognition as the Best Online Sportsbook Provider 2024 by SiGMA Award and Best iGaming Platform Europe 2025 by International Investor Awards.
The post GR8 Tech to Share AI Insights at Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Navigating Compliance & Innovation: NSoft’s Vision for iGaming’s Future

HIPTHER, organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is proud to welcome NSoft, an awarded software provider in the betting and gaming industry, as a key participant in this year’s event. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Zlatan Omerspahić, Head of Legal and Compliance at NSoft, to explore the challenges of entering the Brazilian market, the company’s new slot development plans, and the latest updates on its Next Gen Platform and Sportsbook solutions.
As new markets emerge, compliance requirements continue to evolve. What are the biggest regulatory challenges NSoft faces when certifying its portfolio for international expansion, and how do you navigate them?
When facing a new regulatory framework or amendments, one of the main challenges is determining how to adapt your existing portfolio. On the one hand, you need to comply with regulations; on the other, you must remain attractive to players.
Each market typically has its own set of technical standards. Some European jurisdictions require Random Number Generator (RNG) certification from specific labs. Different U.S. states mandate unique reporting formats for game logs or jackpot payouts.
The modular architecture allows us to develop games and platforms that can be easily adapted or toggled on/off for specific features required by different regulators. Our dedicated compliance team tracks each market’s technical updates. We have established an internal process to quickly evaluate and implement changes and we work closely with accredited labs (e.g., GLI, BMM) that have experience across multiple jurisdictions. Early and regular testing in these labs can speed up certification.
The biggest challenge lies in anticipating all necessary steps so that both you and your client have a clear understanding of the time to market. Securing licenses can be expensive and time-consuming.
Some markets, like the UK, have strict guidelines under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Others, such as Malta, follow the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) requirements. The frameworks can vary significantly in scope. Separate licensing is often needed for each new product type (e.g., sports betting vs. online slots).
We start with smaller or simpler markets to fine-tune our processes before moving on to the bigger, more complex ones. We maintain a comprehensive library of corporate and technical documentation (policies, procedures, financial statements) so it can be adapted quickly for each new licensing application.
Different regions have different data privacy requirements. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU requires strict controls on handling personal data, with hefty fines for noncompliance. Some markets have data localization rules (e.g., certain Latin American or Asian regions) requiring that customer data remain on local servers.
We integrate encryption, access controls, and clear data retention policies from the outset. Working with hosting and cloud providers who offer local data centers where required, ensures we meet data residency requirements. We maintain comprehensive privacy policies that clearly outline data usage, storage, and protection mechanisms.
iGaming operators are prime targets for illicit money flows because of high-volume transactions. Regulators impose strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, including identity verification, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.
What to do here? Integrate robust KYC and AML software that automatically flags unusual betting patterns or rapid deposit/withdrawal cycles. Tailor AML protocols to match the specific risk profiles of each jurisdiction. High-risk areas might require enhanced due diligence measures.
Each regulation has its own requirements, and regulatory bodies lack a uniform approach, so there is no single stance on the matter. Fortunately, thanks to my team of experienced professionals who have been in the industry for many years, we can quickly adjust to whatever these regulations entail.
The Brazilian market is currently undergoing significant regulatory changes. From a compliance perspective, what are the key hurdles for suppliers entering this market, and how is NSoft ensuring full adherence to local requirements?
Brazil has undoubtedly been the most important topic in the industry over the past few months. As part of the Sportradar Group, we have big plans for this market and are excited about the opportunities it offers.
From a regulatory standpoint, Brazil is a textbook example of a market transitioning from unregulated to regulated status for the first time. It naturally creates uncertainty and complexity for suppliers entering the market.
The challenges we encountered are interpreting new and evolving legislation around sports betting, online gaming, and taxation, each of which may require different licenses or technical approvals. We also faced regulatory changes during the certification process, which prolonged our time to market.
Also, data protection rules under Brazil’s LGPD mirror GDPR in some respects but introduce distinct obligations, such as potential data localization or particular reporting guidelines. In parallel, suppliers must adapt to local financial and banking processes to fulfill AML and KYC requirements, which can differ significantly from those in North America or Europe.
Through close collaboration with leading certification bodies, we worked diligently to meet all requirements.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our development team, we managed to overcome these challenges. However, there is a sense that the regulatory framework may need further adjustments after some time, once the newly regulated environment begins functioning in practice.
NSoft has been expanding its casino portfolio, particularly in slot development. How do compliance and regulatory standards shape the innovation process, and what are the biggest challenges when launching new video slots?
Balancing innovation and regulation is always challenging. While development focuses on creating the highest-quality product tailored to players’ preferences, regulation aims to protect players through a framework that covers various aspects.
We face a range of challenges, from game design and RTP percentages specific to certain markets to acceptable game names and mechanics.
In highly regulated jurisdictions, for example, a new slot might need to limit the maximum bet, include automatic loss or time-limits, or remove potentially addictive features such as rapid-fire spins.
The biggest challenge lies in balancing innovation with meeting these stringent regulations. Each game feature, like bonus rounds, progressive jackpots, or social elements, must be tested and certified by third-party labs, adding time and cost to the development cycle. Additionally, different markets might impose unique conditions on how results are displayed or how player data is stored.
What sets us apart, however, is our adaptability. We have in-house solutions for everything we offer, which makes the adaptation process significantly faster.
Your Next Gen Sportsbook Platform is built with a strong punter-centric approach. How does regulatory compliance play a role in platform development, and what steps does NSoft take to ensure both operators and players benefit from a secure and compliant environment?
Regulatory compliance is a cornerstone of NSoft’s Next Gen Sportsbook Platform, ensuring that both operators and players benefit from a secure, fair, and legally compliant environment.
Given the ever-evolving nature of global betting regulations, NSoft integrates compliance into every stage of platform development. NSoft’s platform is designed to meet the strictest regulatory requirements across various markets, supporting compliance with multiple gambling authorities, including the MGA, UKGC, and local regulators, to facilitate seamless licensing and adherence to legal frameworks.
As a speaker at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, what key insights will you be sharing with the audience? What makes this event an essential platform for discussing the intersection of compliance, innovation, and market expansion?
At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, I will share key insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, the role of technology in compliance, and how innovation drives sustainable market expansion. My primary focus will be on the Balkan countries.
This event is crucial for networking with regulators and industry leaders, giving direct insights into what’s next in compliance, technology, and market growth. It’s the perfect platform for staying ahead of regulatory challenges and finding practical solutions.
With NSoft at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into the future of iGaming and technology. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!
Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!
The post Navigating Compliance & Innovation: NSoft’s Vision for iGaming’s Future appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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