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Record sign-ups in 2021 push GAMSTOP registrants beyond 200,000
- GAMSTOP recorded its highest ever day for registrations in February 2021
- An average of 5,500 people per month have registered since launch in April 2018
- 96% keep self-exclusion in place once the initial exclusion period has expired
More than 200,000 people are now registered with GAMSTOP, the free, independent national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, after a spike in numbers during lockdown.
Registrations in February 2021 increased 21% year-on-year, with nearly 6,500 people choosing to exclude themselves from all UK-licensed sites, which followed a 14% year-on-year increase in January when more than 7,000 people registered. There were 326 registrations on February 22nd, the highest daily figure recorded in GAMSTOP’s history.
The 200,000 landmark, which was not expected to be reached until later in the year, coincides with the first anniversary of a shake-up in the self-exclusion system. From March 31st last year it became a licensing requirement for all online operators to be registered with GAMSTOP.
According to the Gambling Commission, the total number of online bets rose by 12% from November to December 2020, and the trend towards more online gambling may be leading to more vulnerable individuals choosing to exclude themselves from all sites.
In January 2021, 49,328 GAMSTOP-excluded individuals out of a possible 177,038 attempted to gamble and were successfully blocked by the scheme. While this demonstrates the effectiveness of GAMSTOP, it also highlights that self-exclusion is not a silver bullet for those with a gambling addiction, who should always seek treatment alongside blocks they have in place.
GAMSTOP advocates a layered approach to tackling problem gambling and is collaborating with GamCare and Gamban on the TalkBanStop campaign, which promotes the use of a range of practical tools and support via The National Gambling Helpline.
Registration with GAMSTOP is free, with people asked to fill in personal details and select an exclusion period of six months, one year or five years. More than 120,000 of those who have registered chose to put in place a five-year exclusion, the longest term possible.
GAMSTOP was launched in April 2018 and, of those who chose shorter self-exclusion periods, and therefore became eligible to remove themselves from the scheme from October 2018 onwards, 96% left the exclusion in place. Since that date, 15,400 have removed their exclusion only to reinstate it.
Recently, the number of women registered with GAMSTOP surpassed 50,000, and the gender split on the scheme is 71% male, 29% female. 18-34 year-olds are the most prolific age group using GAMSTOP, accounting for 59% of all registrants.
Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said: “We’re pleased that GAMSTOP is serving as an effective safety net, providing crucial breathing space to those who are struggling with their gambling. With the rate of registrants continuing to rise, I would urge anybody putting self-exclusion from online gambling in place through GAMSTOP to also seek treatment. Awareness around self-exclusion schemes and blocking software has been increasing throughout the last year, and it is important that we continue to spread the message about what help is available to those who need it most.”
Matt Blanks, 35, is a recovering gambling addict who registered with GAMSTOP after his addiction led to him trying to take his own life. He now uses his experience to help other suffering with the addiction.
He said: “Signing up to GAMSTOP was a massive relief to me. I had previously had to self-exclude with each individual operator, and would simply move onto the next site who I hadn’t self-excluded from. It was like a game of whack-a-mole, and I kept relapsing. GAMSTOP helped me self-exclude from all online gambling sites in one go, giving me space to clear my head, seek support and kickstart my recovery journey.”
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000x
Pragmatic Play Sweetens Slots with Sugar Rush Super Scatter and Massive 50,000x Wins
Pragmatic Play, a leading provider of iGaming content, has launched Sugar Rush Super Scatter, the latest installment in its multi-award-winning candy-themed slots series.
This exciting new release offers players the chance to win up to 50,000x their stake, adding even more sweetness to the beloved franchise.
Following the success of the original Sugar Rush and Sugar Rush 1000, this newest release introduces the Super Scatter feature, adding high-volatility thrills to the popular 7×7 grid. Players collect clusters of 5–15+ matching sweet symbols to score base game wins up to 150x, while the tumbling feature and multiplier spots return, applying multipliers from 2x up to a staggering 1,024x on consecutive tumbles.
The Super Scatter bonus game is the highlight, awarding instant cash prizes when one to four special symbols land on a triggering spin. Sticky marked spots and multipliers remain active during the feature, with 3–7 additional scatters retriggering 10–30 extra spins, significantly boosting winning potential.
Select markets also enjoy three ante bet options and two bonus buys, which guarantee multipliers across the grid, ensuring players can maximize their chances of landing massive wins.
Sugar Rush Super Scatter follows Pragmatic Play’s proven formula for fan-favorite slots enhanced with Super Scatter mechanics, joining previous hits such as Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, Sweet Bonanza Super Scatter, and Starlight Princess Super Scatter.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Sugar Rush Super Scatter takes one of our most successful titles and sweetens it further with a 50,000x max win. The release highlights our commitment to creating diverse games designed for long-term player engagement and strong commercial impact.”
With its colorful candy graphics, high-energy gameplay, and record-breaking multipliers, Sugar Rush Super Scatter is poised to be one of the hottest Pragmatic Play slots of 2026.
The post Pragmatic Play Sweetens Slots with Sugar Rush Super Scatter and Massive 50,000x Wins appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Affiliate Succes
Free Bets Appoints The Racing Blogger as Exclusive Horse Racing Brand Ambassador for 2026
Freebets.com, the leading U.K. sports betting affiliate, has announced an exclusive partnership with Stephen ‘The Racing Blogger’ Power, the renowned horse racing influencer.
This collaboration will run throughout 2026, positioning Stephen as the official brand ambassador for Free Bets and delivering expert insights across the National Hunt calendar.
The partnership will see Stephen cover all major racing events, including the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, sharing his unique, energetic analysis with fans via Free Bets’ digital platforms and social media channels. Known to his 300,000+ followers as Blogger or Bloggsy, Stephen will provide betting previews, tips, and expert commentary on both horse racing and football.
Additionally, Stephen will promote Free Bets’ soon-to-launch free-to-play games, offering users a dynamic and engaging betting experience on the Freebets.com website.
Dominic Celica, Head of PR at Free Bets, said: “The Racing Blogger has built an incredible following across X and Instagram and is a leading voice in horse racing content. We’re thrilled to collaborate with him and have an exciting pipeline of content planned for racing fans in 2026.”
Stephen Power added: “I’m delighted to work with Free Bets to bring engaging, insightful content during the biggest race meetings of the year. Together, we’ll provide racing enthusiasts with expert tips, exclusive offers, and a deeper connection to the sport.”
With this partnership, Free Bets aims to strengthen its position as a go-to destination for horse racing fans in the U.K., combining expert insights, exclusive content, and interactive betting experiences.
The post Free Bets Appoints The Racing Blogger as Exclusive Horse Racing Brand Ambassador for 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
casino floor management
Win Systems Showcases Cutting-Edge WIGOS Casino Management System Upgrades at ICE Barcelona 2026
Win Systems, a global leader in casino technology solutions, is set to showcase its latest innovations at ICE Barcelona 2026, one of the premier international gaming industry events, held from January 19 to 21 at Fira Barcelona – Gran Via.
Visitors can explore Win Systems’ groundbreaking solutions at booth 3M30, where the company will highlight the newest enhancements to its WIGOS casino management system (CMS).
Installed in over 660 casinos worldwide, WIGOS CMS empowers operators to manage gaming floors in real time, optimize slot and table performance, improve operational efficiency, and enhance player loyalty. By delivering strategic insights, WIGOS helps casinos maximize profitability while maintaining a superior gaming experience.
At ICE Barcelona 2026, Win Systems will introduce several key upgrades to WIGOS, designed to elevate casino operations and player engagement:
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Advanced Table Games Player Development Tools – These new features track and analyze player activity in real time, enabling operators to strengthen relationships, increase loyalty, and tailor experiences for high-value players.
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Multi-Vault Management – A flexible solution for interconnected vaults, allowing casinos to efficiently manage cash operations, scale according to operational needs, and streamline workflows.
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InTouch Pro Communication Platform – This innovative tool facilitates direct interaction with players via gaming machines, offering personalized promotions, enhanced engagement, and loyalty-building opportunities.
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Player Rewards Enhancements – Featuring new Bonusing game themes and real-time Fun Play promotions, this feature instantly refunds bets, encouraging interaction and creating a more engaging and rewarding experience for players.
“ICE Barcelona is the ideal platform to demonstrate our commitment to innovation in casino management technology,” said Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems. “Our WIGOS CMS solutions simplify operations while generating measurable value for operators, tailored to the unique demands of each market. We invite all industry professionals to visit booth 3M30 and discover how our technology continues to set new standards in efficiency, engagement, and profitability.”
For more information on Win Systems’ participation in ICE Barcelona 2026 and its comprehensive solutions for casino operators, visit winsysgroup.com.
The post Win Systems Showcases Cutting-Edge WIGOS Casino Management System Upgrades at ICE Barcelona 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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