Latest News

GambleAware: New gambling prevalence methodology review published

Published

5 years ago

May 14, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

GambleAware has today published commissioned research, authored by Professor Patrick Sturgis and Professor Jouni Kuha of the London School of Economics, which investigates how methodological differences between surveys affect the accuracy of estimates of gambling harms. The research was commissioned following a 2019 YouGov study which found substantially higher rates of gambling harms across Great Britain than had previously been reported by the 2016 and 2018 Health Surveys for England.

The research was commissioned to identify the best way to determine gambling participation and prevalence of gambling harms in Great Britain and to develop a better understanding of how methodological factors might account for the differences between the results of the YouGov study and the Health Survey for England’s results. The surveys reviewed in the report produced widely varying estimates of ‘problem gambling’[1] in Great Britain, indicated by a PGSI score[2] of 8+, ranging from 0.7% to 2.4% of adults.

The research reviewed eight different surveys into gambling participation and prevalence of gambling harms to identify differences in results and what causes them. The key finding is that surveys using predominantly, or exclusively online self-completion responses produce consistently higher estimates of gambling harm compared to surveys which use paper self-completion techniques as part of a face-to-face interview.

The primary cause of this discrepancy was found to be selection bias in online surveys. Selection bias in this instance refers to the fact that online surveys skew towards people who are comfortable using online technologies and who use the internet regularly. These people are also more likely to be online and frequent gamblers, meaning online surveys tend to over-estimate gambling harm.

Given these findings, the researchers shared the following recommendations for future prevalence surveys:

Given the high and rising cost of in person surveys, measurement of gambling prevalence and harm should move to online surveying.
The move to online interviewing should be combined with a programme of methodological testing and development to mitigate selection bias.
In person surveying should not be ceased completely; probability sampling and face-to-face interviewing should be used to provide periodic benchmarks.

GambleAware commissioned this study to better understand the true demand for treatment and support for gambling harms across Great Britain and will use the findings of this study to inform and direct the future Annual Great Britain Treatment and Support surveys. Data from the surveys will continue to be used to update GambleAware’s interactive maps, which show in visual format the prevalence of gambling participation and harms at local authority and ward level across Great Britain.

Professor Patrick Sturgis, Department of Methodology at the London School of Economics, said: “Our research has found that online surveys tend to systematically overestimate the prevalence of gambling harm compared to face-to-face interview surveys. However, given the very high and rising cost of in person surveying, and the limits this places on sample size and the frequency of surveys, we recommend a shift to predominantly online data collection in future, supplemented by periodic in person benchmarks.”

Alison Clare, Research, Information and Knowledge Director at GambleAware, said: “We want our prevention, treatment, and support commissioning to be informed by the best available evidence, and having survey data we can be confident in, within the constraints of data collection in an increasingly online world, is key. GambleAware’s annual GB Treatment & Support survey is an important tool in building a picture of the stated demand for gambling harms support and treatment, and of the services, capacity and capability needed across Great Britain to meet that demand.

betting terminals

Meridianbet Completes Fairbet Acquisition, Expanding Malta Retail Gaming Network Under Golden Matrix Group

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

meridianbet-completes-fairbet-acquisition,-expanding-malta-retail-gaming-network-under-golden-matrix-group

Meridianbet, a leading global sports betting and gaming operator and a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has completed the acquisition of Fairbet Ltd., a licensed retail gaming operator in Malta.

The transaction significantly expands Meridianbet’s physical retail footprint in one of Europe’s most tightly regulated gaming jurisdictions.

Fairbet operates under Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license B2C/195/2011, and the acquisition grants Meridianbet 100% ownership of Fairbet’s retail operations across Malta and Gozo, the archipelago’s second-largest island. The deal expands Meridianbet’s presence beyond its existing locations and further consolidates its position within the Maltese retail gaming market.

As part of the transaction, nine additional retail locations will be integrated into the Meridianbet network, increasing the company’s total number of storefronts in Malta to 20. The enlarged retail estate is expected to operate more than 60 sports betting terminals and over 120 slot machines, significantly boosting Meridianbet’s land-based gaming capacity.

The companies’ previous technology partnership will now transition into full operational integration, with Meridianbet assuming complete operational control of Fairbet’s retail network. All locations will be rebranded under the Meridianbet name, ensuring unified technology, compliance, and customer experience across the portfolio.

Malta’s retail gaming sector is governed by one of the most restrictive regulatory frameworks in Europe, with only three licensed operators permitted to operate retail betting locations: Meridianbet, Izibet (the National Lottery operator), and Fairbet. With Fairbet now wholly owned by Meridianbet, the company effectively controls two of the three retail gaming licenses in the jurisdiction.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) enforces strict licensing criteria, substantial capital requirements, and rigorous compliance standards that create significant barriers to market entry. These conditions limit competition and create long-term scarcity value for licensed operators that meet the regulatory threshold.

“Completing the acquisition of Fairbet strengthens our position in a market where regulatory barriers create inherent scarcity value,” said Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet. “This transaction allows us to expand our retail infrastructure in Malta, while our technology now supports the majority of licensed retail gaming in the country. It reflects our disciplined M&A strategy, targeting high-barrier markets where limited licensing creates durable competitive advantages.”

The Fairbet acquisition aligns with Meridianbet’s broader growth strategy, which combines organic expansion with selective mergers and acquisitions in jurisdictions where regulation encourages consolidation. Malta has been a core operational hub for Meridianbet since 2008, with the company ranking among the country’s originally licensed gaming operators during the early development of the MGA framework.

Malta’s gaming industry benefits from a regulatory regime widely regarded as one of Europe’s most credible. The MGA’s oversight framework emphasizes investor protection, technical compliance, and financial stability, positioning Malta-licensed operators for trust and recognition across international markets.

Meridianbet’s expanded retail footprint across Malta and Gozo enhances its ability to serve both local customers and the island nation’s strong tourism sector. According to Malta’s National Statistics Office, tourist arrivals exceeded three million visitors in 2024, reinforcing the strategic value of a broad, well-positioned retail gaming network

The post Meridianbet Completes Fairbet Acquisition, Expanding Malta Retail Gaming Network Under Golden Matrix Group appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Atlaslive

Atlaslive Reaches Final Shortlist for Best Live Platform Provider at SiGMA Eurasia 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

atlaslive-reaches-final-shortlist-for-best-live-platform-provider-at-sigma-eurasia-2026

Atlaslive, a provider of B2B iGaming platform technology, has earned a place on the shortlist for the BEST LIVE PLATFORM PROVIDER 2026 category at the SiGMA Eurasia Awards 2026.

The SiGMA Eurasia Awards spotlight excellence across the iGaming, affiliate, and online entertainment industries, honoring companies and solutions that drive innovation, sustainable growth, and measurable impact. The shortlist is announced as part of the SiGMA Eurasia Summit, taking place February 9–11, 2026, at Dubai Festival City in the United Arab Emirates.

“Platform performance is measured in milliseconds, uptime, and player trust. Being shortlisted in this category reflects the technical discipline and delivery standards our teams bring to operators every day.”
—Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive

Partners, supporters, and members of the community can participate in the awards process through public voting by submitting their support using the following form:
https://share.hsforms.com/11aCinm5wS92yCSiAtXDGUg3s9oo

Taking place during summit week, the awards ceremonies create a key moment for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and celebrate innovation at one of the year’s most prominent gaming events.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive delivers flexible, scalable iGaming platform technology to operators in regulated markets. Focused on performance, reliability, and continuous product development, Atlaslive enables sportsbook and casino operations aligned with diverse business models.

This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Atlaslive Reaches Final Shortlist for Best Live Platform Provider at SiGMA Eurasia 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Atlaslive

Atlaslive Reaches Final Shortlist for Best Live Platform Provider at SiGMA Eurasia 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Atlaslive, a provider of B2B iGaming platform technology, has earned a place on the shortlist for the BEST LIVE PLATFORM PROVIDER 2026 category at the SiGMA Eurasia Awards 2026.