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GambleAware: New gambling prevalence methodology review published
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.
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2025 Ads Safety Report
PropellerAds 2025 Ad Safety Outlook
PropellerAds, a top performance advertising platform worldwide, has just published the 2025 Ads Safety Report, which offers an in-depth analysis of ad fraud trends, protective measures for the platform, and guidance for advertisers on compliance.
The report emphasizes that as fraudulent methods grow more advanced, the organization’s multi-tiered security measures are essential in protecting advertisers, traffic providers, and end users.
Advancing Ad Fraud Methods and High-Risk Areas
In 2025, ad fraud advanced considerably, transitioning from basic techniques to more intricate, infrastructure-intensive schemes. Fraudsters exploited cloaking, malware distribution networks, and social engineering tactics aimed at messenger accounts, frequently across various ad formats. PropellerAds enhanced initial moderation and foundational detection to identify high-risk actions before campaigns launched.
Throughout the year, the platform processed 729,794 campaign rejections, mainly driven by content compliance and user safety issues, with adult content and malware alerts representing the largest portions. These actions guaranteed that campaigns were halted prior to delivery, safeguarding advertisers, publishers, and end users, while upholding a consistent and reliable advertising landscape. In comparison to 2024, campaign rejections rose by 35%, indicating enhanced moderation reach and more robust preventive measures.
Markets of high value, such as Turkey and Spanish-speaking areas, saw increased levels of fraudulent behavior. Approximately 80% of identified attacks aimed at users of Windows and Android. Fraud patterns typically integrated technical, behavioral, and content indicators, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing monitoring and thorough infrastructure evaluation.
High-Risk Accounts and Safeguarding Methods
Cloaking continued to be the primary high-risk infraction, making up more than 80% of verified account suspensions. This method consists of displaying varying content to moderation systems and users, masking the actual essence of campaigns. Ransomware, unsuccessful identity verification, and scam schemes also played a role in account suspensions, albeit to a smaller degree. Fraud that relies on heavy infrastructure necessitates multi-tiered enforcement and ongoing monitoring to guarantee platform safety.
In 2025, schemes of fraud grew more advanced. Cloaking methods encompassed multi-tiered traffic management, selective content distribution, and decentralized architecture. Malware distribution has progressed from basic redirects to immediate file downloads or complex interactions. Incidents of Messenger account hijacking rose, featuring phishing sites, counterfeit login forms, and mobile-centric social engineering assaults. Certain campaigns even utilized compromised or left-behind servers and domains, necessitating thorough technical and behavioral analysis for detection.
AI and automation contributed to fraud prevention by analyzing behavioral patterns, identifying high-risk signals, and aiding expert evaluations. Although fraudsters tried to utilize AI for creating counterfeit documents or modifying creative assets, PropellerAds guarantees that all campaigns undergo expert reviews and infrastructure checks prior to traffic delivery, stopping high-risk operations from accessing users.
Advertiser Adherence and Risk Oversight
PropellerAds advises advertisers to adhere closely to platform guidelines, verify that ad content aligns with format and regional specifications, comprehend the entire user experience, and track infrastructure and domain reputation. The use of cloaking or misleading tactics is deemed high-risk and typically leads to permanent account termination.
The PropellerAds team highlights that preventing fraud is an ongoing and developing process that demands technology, expert evaluation, and collaboration across the ecosystem. The organization continues to prioritize improving platform safety, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding all individuals involved in the advertising ecosystem.
The post PropellerAds 2025 Ad Safety Outlook appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Belatra
Belatra Rings in 33rd Anniversary During SiGMA South America
Belatra Games, the expert in online slots development, is celebrating its 33rd anniversary at this year’s SiGMA South America in São Paulo, Brazil, where the company will host partners, clients, and industry acquaintances to honor the occasion at Booth M70.
The occasion offers an ideal setting for Belatra to contemplate over thirty years of advancements in the worldwide iGaming sector. Since its inception, the company has built a reputation for developing captivating and immersive gaming experiences, partly fueled by enduring partnerships in global markets.
Attendees at the Belatra booth will have the opportunity to connect with the LatAm team from Buenos Aires, headed by Lucila M. Barletta, Head of Accounts LatAm, and learn about the company’s newest titles and the opportunities arising in LatAm. Belatra’s European team members will likewise be in São Paulo to commemorate the milestone alongside partners and guests.
To commemorate the event, Belatra will hold a unique stand celebration, encouraging attendees to toast with the team while engaging in a special booth giveaway that includes various prizes.
Festivities will occur at Booth M70 in the Transamérica Expo Center, as Belatra eagerly invites industry partners to join in celebrating 33 years of innovation.
Sergey Chernyavski, Belatra Games’ CCO, said: “Celebrating 33 years of Belatra at SiGMA South America is a special moment for our team. A huge part of our success has been inspired by relationships within the iGaming community and events like this give us a chance to say thanks to our partners and friends. LatAm and Brazil are big markets for us and we look forward to showcasing our latest titles and plans for the region.”
The post Belatra Rings in 33rd Anniversary During SiGMA South America appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Booming Games
Booming Games Drops Lucky Charms Trio
- Featuring a 5×3 layout, the game provides a highest win possibility of 5,000x.
- Mystery Symbols may show up completely or partially at any moment, producing enchanting rewards when aligned throughout the reels.
- Gamers can dive right into the excitement with the Trio Bonus feature, offering immediate exhilaration.
Booming Games, a top supplier of high-quality gaming content, has officially released Lucky Charms Trio. The game features a 5×3 layout with a highest possible win of 5,000x. Set against a stunning, vibrant backdrop of beautiful green hills and shimmering rainbows, Lucky Charms Trio boasts a variety of thrilling features aimed at enhancing the enjoyment for players.
The grid is adorned with classic symbols of good fortune, including four-leaf clovers, shiny horseshoes, and joyful leprechauns, creating an ideal setting for St Patrick’s Day celebrations later this month. To create a feeling of thrill, Mystery Symbols may show up either partially or completely at any moment, allowing players to align symbols across the reels to produce enchanting rewards.
Activating the Lucky Pots Feature reveals as many as seven unique bonus variations; Boost, Multiply, and Collect, in various combinations. Every pot can provide its own bonus independently or combine with others, and the maximum payout occurs when all three features trigger simultaneously for the largest rewards. To maintain the momentum, players have the option to utilize the thrilling Boost+ feature, or dive directly into the excitement with Buy Bonus and Trio Bonus for immediate enjoyment.
Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Step into the realms of sparkling fortune with Lucky Charms Trio, our vibrant new slot game where shimmering reels and playful surprises build excitement with every spin. With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, our latest release demonstrates our ability to develop games that connect with both local and global audiences. Fast-paced, dynamic gameplay and large win potential combine to create an ultimate gameplay experience packed with adventure. Play Lucky Charms Trio now!”
The post Booming Games Drops Lucky Charms Trio appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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