Latest News
GAMSTOP is putting vulnerable online consumers back in control
More than eight out of ten (82%) consumers have stopped or reduced their gambling since registering with GAMSTOP, according to the first independent evaluation of the UK’s online self-exclusion scheme.
The report by research consultancy Sonnet, based on surveys of more than 3,300 users and in-depth interviews, found that 84% felt safer from gambling-related harm and more in control of their gambling after registering with GAMSTOP. Eight out of ten (80%) said that the self-exclusion scheme had delivered on their intended outcomes, whether they wanted to stop gambling completely, reduce their gambling or simply to take a short break.
Although financial losses were often an important trigger for registering with GAMSTOP, consumers also reported significant improvements in their well-being:
- 77% felt more in control of their personal or household finances
- 72% reported improvements in their levels of anxiety and stress
- 63% enjoyed an improvement in the quality of their family relationships
- 60% found they were better able to focus at work
- 40% reported they were consuming less alcohol
The report’s recommendations include:
- Longer self-exclusion periods – currently, the maximum self-exclusion is five years, which had been selected by 71% of consumers surveyed, but four out of ten wanted the option of excluding themselves from all online gambling for longer
- Helping consumers to access specialist support – 53% of GAMSTOP’s users have not previously used gambling-related support services so the scheme can be a bridge to other organisations offering help with gambling addiction by working more closely with them
- Actively engaging with family and friends of consumers – only 28% of consumers were supported by friends or family, with many too embarrassed or ashamed to seek help, so raising awareness of the service among those affected by a loved one’s gambling will provide a broader support network for consumers and their families
- Responding to the threat posed by unlicensed gambling websites – The scheme’s users are deliberately targeted by unlicensed sites – an issue highlighted in GAMSTOP’s response to the DCMS Gambling Act review – and 10% reported accessing them while self-excluded so greater controls on these sites are required to prevent them being exposed to temptation
- More research into the harmful effects of advertising – consumers consistently expressed their frustration at being exposed to gambling advertising and wanted greater protection
More than 200,000 consumers have registered with GAMSTOP since the scheme’s inception in 2018. The report found that GAMSTOP had reached a broad cross-section of the population across all demographic groups.
Women aged over 44 were identified as an important demographic, making up 53% of all women surveyed, and the report recommends reaching out to older age groups more generally, together with specific initiatives aimed at people with below national average income. It advocates a marketing strategy to target high-risk groups, making the service more visible through online searches and on operators’ websites.
The report concludes:
“This study shows very strongly that GAMSTOP is successfully achieving a reduction in gambling-related harm with far-reaching positive impacts for consumers being clearly shown in our interviews and survey… Our findings show that GAMSTOP is effective across all age groups, gender groups and, importantly, for all types of online gambling.
The vast majority (of consumers) report a very positive experience of using the service, and our research highlights that it is effective both in terms of delivering consumers’ objectives but also in alleviating a wide range of gambling-related harms”.
An office worker in his 30s, who was spending up to £300 per spin on online slot machines and ran up debts of more than £10,000, registered with GAMSTOP after his partner left him and he feared losing his job. He told researchers that, having self-excluded for five years, he felt safe from temptation during lockdown and has stopped gambling completely. He is now paying back his debts to family and friends and said: “I think this service saved my life. Best thing I ever did is cancel my demons by using this amazing service”.
A delivery driver in her mid-twenties, who was spending almost her entire weekly wage on gambling, and had tried self-excluding from individual websites, found that registering with GAMSTOP helped her take control of her gambling. She is getting married this year and has built up her savings. With the support of her family and partner, she has restricted herself to the occasional £5 bet on football at high street bookmakers and intends to renew her self-exclusion every five years to resist the temptation of betting online.
She said: “The last year I haven’t gambled at all, it was hard at first but now I don’t miss it and the money I have saved is unbelievable”.
Fiona Palmer, chief executive of GAMSTOP, said:
“We are grateful to Sonnet for carrying out this very detailed evaluation of the service and are studying their recommendations carefully. We are delighted to know that vulnerable consumers who have registered with GAMSTOP have found it has helped them control their gambling and made a positive impact on their lives.
The insights in this report are extremely helpful and we welcome the opportunity to look at all suggestions for further improvements to the service, including extending the length of the maximum exclusion period to give them peace of mind that they will benefit from the long-term protection that GAMSTOP provides”.
Powered by WPeMatico
ACR Poker will run The High Five Tournament Series from April 19 to 23, 2026, with $4 million guaranteed across 50 tournaments, according to the operator.
The schedule lists 10 events per day, split between five higher buy-in tournaments ($44 and over) and five lower buy-in tournaments ($33 and under).
The operator is also adding new ‘Highest Five’ events—two per day—positioned as “nosebleed” tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $5,200 to $25,500. ACR Poker said these are the biggest stakes it has offered on the platform.
The series Main Event runs Monday, April 20, with a $420 buy-in and a $200,000 guaranteed prize pool. ACR Poker also flagged a rebuy and add-on day on April 20 and a dedicated PLO day on Wednesday, April 22.
A leaderboard promotion will award more than $25,000 in prizes, including $2,650 Venom seats, tournament tickets and “The Golden Bong” trophies. Points accrue via High Five events and are split into a High Leaderboard ($44 and over) and Low Leaderboard ($33 or under).
ACR Poker said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker and CEO Phil Nagy plan to play every Highest Five event. “The High Five Tournament Series has a fun vibe to it and I’m excited to be jumping into the new Highest Five tourneys,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “But what’s great about this series is that players of all bankrolls can get in on the action from small-stakes grinders to high-rollers. We’ll see you at the tables.”
The post ACR Poker brings back High Five Series with $4m guaranteed in April Subheadline appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Creedroomz has launched Road to El Dorado, a new live casino game show it calls its largest production to date. The title is built around a wheel-of-fortune mechanic and four bonus rounds, with a studio set designed around an Aztec theme.
The main wheel has 54 segments, with base numbers 1, 2, 5 and 10, plus four bonus spots. Creedroomz said each segment has its own payout multiplier, and that after bets close a random number or bonus segment may receive an added multiplier of up to x50.
Creedroomz said the game includes four bonus rounds: Marble Race, a physical marble race in-studio with payouts up to 6,250×; Boom Blast, a 3D bonus where players choose one of three cannons with multipliers up to x100 on low risk and up to x500 on high risk; Dice Fight, shown on an LED screen with random multipliers up to 10,000x and rerolls on ties; and Eldorado, a multi-level pick-and-reveal bonus where multipliers combine across four levels, with a fifth “Zenith” level unlocked by finding hidden diamonds.
“With Road to El Dorado, we didn’t just want to build a wheel; we wanted to build a world,” says Arturs Fjodorovs, CPO at Creedroomz. “By combining physical studio elements with RNG-driven 3D visuals, we’ve created a multi-layered experience that offers something for every type of player. It is a true spectacle for operators and a goldmine for engagement.”
Creedroomz: https://creedroomz.com/ Official company site for product and portfolio context.
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): https://www.mga.org.mt/ Relevant regulator for verifying licensing and game supply credentials if applicable.
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC); https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/ Relevant regulator for checking market access and licensing where applicable.
The post Creedroomz launches Road to El Dorado live casino game show appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Midnite will raise its “Midnite Maximum” giveaway to a top prize of £100,000 for the 2026 World Snooker Championship, where it is the official UK betting and casino partner.
The promotion pays a cash prize to a fan if a maximum 147 break is made during the tournament.
The operator is introducing a staggered prize structure by round: £5,000 for a 147 in the opening round, £10,000 in round two, £25,000 in the quarter-finals, £50,000 in the semi-finals, and £100,000 if a maximum is made in the final.
Midnite pointed to prior activations as evidence of traction. At the 2025 World Snooker Championship, Mark Allen hit a 147 at the Crucible, triggering a £25,000 payout to fan Brian Nicholls. The company also referenced the 2026 Johnstone’s Paint Masters in January, where it said there was “up to £16,000 available each session across multiple winners.”
Away from the table, Midnite said its Midnite Lounge fan space will return at BOX in Sheffield city centre for the 17 days of the championship. The schedule is set to include exhibition matches, amateur competitions featuring local snooker clubs, and free-to-play table time.
Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said: “The Midnite Maximum was created to give something back to loyal snooker fans and supporters.
“We’ve seen first-hand the impact it can have for those in the draw. The initiative was a huge success at the Crucible last year, and there’s no more iconic stage to return to with an even bigger campaign.
“At the 2025 World Championship, one fan won £25,000, and at the Masters at Alexandra Palace in January, we had up to £16,000 available each session across multiple winners. This time, we wanted to raise the bar again, introducing staggered prizes throughout the tournament, building all the way up to £100,000 if a maximum is made in the final.
“We’re proud of the partnership we’ve built with WST and excited to keep giving back to the fans who make the sport so special.”
Peter Wright, Chief Commercial Officer at World Snooker Tour said: “Heading into the World Championship we are excited again to be working with Midnite, who always come up with fantastic ideas which really add to the experience for our fans.
“Last year the Midnite Maximum made by Mark Allen was one of the most thrilling moments of the tournament, particularly the reaction from Brian Nicholls who came for a day at the Crucible and went home with £25,000! Raising the prize to as much as £100,000 creates even more drama and let’s hope we see another 147 in the final, which was achieved by Mark Selby in 2023.
“We also love the concept of the Midnite Lounge where fans can enhance their enjoyment of the tournament and get involved with interactive games. ”
The post Midnite hikes World Snooker Championship 147 fan prize to £100,000 for 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Booming Games6 days agoBooming Games targets South American dominance with major investment, flagship partnerships and exclusive Ronaldinho content
-
Betfred6 days ago
Betfred Enters into Partnership with BR-DGE
-
Baltics6 days ago
HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 Agenda Sets the Stage for the Region’s Next Era of iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration
-
Betoro6 days ago
Soft2Bet Launches its New iGaming Brand Betoro in Denmark
-
Affiliate Succes6 days ago
ReferOn Secures “Best Affiliate Software 2026” Title at SiGMA South America Awards
-
Africa5 days ago
Hollywoodbets partnership drives Tom Horn Gaming’s expansion in South Africa
-
Australia6 days ago
RWA: Gambling Ad Crackdown Threatens Shift Offshore
-
Amusnet6 days ago
Lumabet Tbilisi Enhances its Gaming Floor with Amusnet Type S 27 Cabinets
