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GAMSTOP is putting vulnerable online consumers back in control

Published

5 years ago

July 14, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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”.

Coco Rush

Million Games Releases its Latest Video Slot Coco Rush

Published

11 minutes ago

May 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

million-games-releases-its-latest-video-slot-coco-rush

Million Games has released Coco Rush, a feature-driven video slot combining Cash Collect mechanics, RushReel bonuses and fixed jackpot functionality.

Developed in collaboration with Million Stars partner studio Yugo Workshop, Coco Rush introduces a vibrant island theme centred around the Golden Mask, a character that reflects the game’s dynamic and unpredictable gameplay.

The title is built on a 5×3 reel layout with 20 paylines and low volatility, offering accessible gameplay supported by strong feature frequency.

At the core of the game is the Mystery Mask mechanic, where all Mask Symbols transform at the end of each spin into either matching paying symbols or Coins and Collector symbols that trigger the Cash Collect Feature.

The Cash Collect Feature includes three fixed jackpots:

• Mega – 1000x base bet

• Major – 200x base bet

• Mini – 50x base bet

An additional RushReel feature can unlock during spins, awarding multipliers or extra Mask Symbols that enhance both base game and bonus payouts.

“Coco Rush is a great example of how our Million Stars partners continue to evolve and push their craft,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games.

“Yugo Workshop has taken proven mechanics and refined them into something that feels both familiar and fresh, witha clear focus on player engagement and repeat play. It’s exactly the kind of progression we want to support and bring to market.”

Coco Rush offers a maximum win potential of 5000x the bet and is now available for operators and aggregators via the Million Games distribution network.

The post Million Games Releases its Latest Video Slot Coco Rush appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Himmel & Hölle

Hölle Games Releases its Latest Video Slot Himmel & Hölle

Published

11 minutes ago

May 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

holle-games-releases-its-latest-video-slot-himmel-&-holle

Hölle Games has released its latest video slot Himmel & Hölle.

This 3×3 title positions an Angel on one side, and a Demon on the other with a tight 5 paylines for that medium-high volatility. A couple of nifty features are included too: players can win Respins with the Expanding Wilds feature. Land either of the Angel or Demon Wilds to trigger an expansion, and then a wheel game. That wheel game pays out up to 500x the bet, and there are also Ladder and Gamble mini-games available, for the more diabolical volatility hunters.

The game also features a thumping Eurodance styled soundtrack.

Lucifer the Light-Bringer and landlord of hell himself, said: “The team have blended two cosmological themes into one beautiful canvas – with top notch graphical fidelity and a very well balanced paytable, I could play this for eternity.”

Hölle Games is a fully independent “Made in Germany” video slots studio. With licences for MGA, Sweden, Greece, UK and ISO 27001 certification, they not only focus on providing “Classic” games German players love, such as Fruits, Bells XL and Höllische Sieben, but also produce a “Premium” series of slots with unique artwork and cutting-edge game concepts. These often carry distinctive German product names that most Germans will instantly recognise, such as “Holla die Waldfee”. Furthermore, Hölle Games has produced a new and unique game mechanic called “Bonus Spin”, a player friendly and compliant solution for the German tax regulation, which they have invited other studios to freely use.

The post Hölle Games Releases its Latest Video Slot Himmel & Hölle appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Amusnet

Amusnet Releases its Latest Online Slot Game Golden Tiger 1000

Published

11 minutes ago

May 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-releases-its-latest-online-slot-game-golden-tiger-1000

Amusnet has released Golden Tiger 1000, a visually striking title that blends joyful gameplay with high win potential, set against a breathtaking cherry blossom mountain village in full bloom. The game invites players into a lively Asian-inspired world where every spin feels like a celebration of fortune, movement and surprise.

From the very first spin, Golden Tiger 1000 delivers an engaging and dynamic experience. Stacked symbols, shimmering Money Bags, Coins and Sycee create frequent win opportunities, while the charismatic Tiger Wild symbol steps into complete combinations and elevate payouts. Designed with a bright and energetic aesthetic, the game maintains a constant sense of anticipation as the reels come alive with each cascade of outcomes.

At the heart of the experience lies a powerful feature set built to amplify excitement and reward potential. The Respin Feature plays a key role, locking symbols in place and opening the door for additional matches and enhanced win sequences. Meanwhile, multipliers can escalate results up to an impressive 25,000x the bet, positioning every spin as a potential breakthrough moment for players seeking high-volatility thrills.

With its playful tone, rich visual identity and strong win mechanics, Golden Tiger 1000 strikes a balance between entertainment and intensity. It is designed to appeal to a broad audience – offering approachable gameplay layered with features that deliver meaningful impact and sustained engagement.

Amusnet continues to strengthen its portfolio with titles that combine immersive design and innovative mechanics. Golden Tiger 1000 stands out as a lively new addition, offering operators a fresh, high-performing slot and players a thrilling journey towards golden rewards.

Random Multiplier

The Random Multiplier feature adds an unpredictable boost to gameplay excitement, activating at any moment during base game spins or feature sequences. When triggered, it applies a random multiplier value that can significantly increase total winnings, turning even standard wins into high-value outcomes.

Respin Feature

The Respin Feature can trigger randomly on any spin, selecting a symbol to dominate the reels. During the feature, only the chosen symbol and Wild symbol appear, increasing win potential. Each time the symbol or a Wild symbol land, it locks and triggers another respin. The feature ends when no new symbols appear or the grid is filled, awarding all wins with the chance for powerful multipliers.

Special Respin Feature

Triggered randomly when the Wild symbols are thrown to the reels, up to three Wild symbols can appear, sometimes filling a full reel. These Wild symbol lock in place and carry into the next spin, instantly activating a Respin Feature and boosting chances for stronger wins.

Gamble

Play the game and multiply the winnings through the Gambling feature.

Jackpot Cards

The Jackpot Cards bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive jackpots.

The post Amusnet Releases its Latest Online Slot Game Golden Tiger 1000 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.