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EPIC Risk Management launch new holistic Gambling Harm Education Programme
With an ever-increasing spotlight on addiction and mental health issues shining on the UK’s schools as they return for the new term, a leading gambling harm minimisation consultancy is teaming up with new partners for a self-funded independent programme to reinforce the importance of education, awareness, and prevention surrounding gambling-related harm.
In a first-of-its-kind development, EPIC Risk Management have teamed up with addiction and mental health practitioners WHYSUP and one of the UK’s most respected independent providers of mental health training, Teen Tips, to create the holistic, fully evaluated, Gambling Harm Education Programme, which will be delivered to students aged 15 to 18 at 200 secondary schools and colleges during the 2021/22 academic year.
Around 500,000 children aged 11 to 16 are thought to gamble every week in this country and 87% of young people in the UK play online games every day, highlighting the importance of bringing a sensitive and often secret topic into open discussion. This is especially pertinent as a topic of concern for the new academic year in light of reports suggesting that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has increased levels of participation in online gambling and gaming, as well as creating a marked rise in mental health concerns among children.
Also catering to parents and teachers, this new programme will involve a combination of online webinars and video content alongside face-to-face delivery. It fuses the delivery of lived experience stories, in partnership with WHYSUP, for students in school years 10 to 13, Teen Tips online webinars for parents and teachers, online resources and information packs for all secondary school aged children, and access to the EPIC information app.
The impactful, market-leading sessions will be offered to state schools, with the aim of increasing awareness around gambling harm in order to identify and mitigate the risks that problem gambling can create. It will cover subject areas such as industry practice including advertising, differing product risk profiles, pathways of support and how to identify the signs of harm in yourself and your classmates.
EPIC will continue to also work with independent schools on a privately funded basis.
The sessions will be continuously adapted to incorporate the ever-changing nature of potential threats to young people, including live developments in esports, cryptocurrency trading and gaming issues, such as skins and loot boxes.
The worrying statistics about addiction and mental health among young people are a matter of huge concern to EPIC’s Director of UK and Rest of the World, Patrick Foster, who explains:
“The workshops we deliver to this sector are crucial in educating young people on the damage that gambling and gaming can cause because despite being a vulnerable demographic, most are oblivious to the potential consequences of their actions.
“Our work with young people continues to be the most important work that we do, and always will be.
“Bringing in the expertise of WHYSUP, who have lived the desperation of gambling harm and other addictions first-hand, and Teen Tips, who are already working in a high number of UK schools and having a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young people, is a powerful combination. We know that bringing them in to enhance the crucial message around gambling harm minimisation that we already deliver at EPIC is going to prevent an immeasurable number of people from falling into the same difficulties as so many before them.”
Founder and CEO of EPIC Risk Management Paul Buck continues:
“The education of our next generation is crucial and EPIC have now worked directly with over 100,000 children aged 14+ directly since 2018. Sharing lived experience, in a professional and engaging manner, is the best way to raise awareness to the next generation of the potential harms of gambling, gaming and new threats such as cryptocurrency and esports. The same as drugs, alcohol, stranger danger and sex, we must educate our next generation around the risks they will encounter growing up.
“There is an undisputed link between mental health and addiction, so it makes perfect sense for us to provide a rounded offering explaining how the various elements affect one another. We are proud to partner with WHYSUP and Teen Tips to ensure that our education is holistic, covers a wider curriculum and raises awareness of the dangers rather than place all the responsibility at the individual’s door. Our programme will be fully, and independently, evaluated.
“By involving the care providers too – parents, guardians and teachers – we’re helping everyone to recognise the tell-tale signs of addiction or a mental health issue that could lead to problems down the line, allowing treatment or mental health services to be sourced before serious problems arise.
“We will be working hand in hand with the school wellbeing and safeguarding officers and we believe that this programme will prevent many families and individuals from being harmed in the future if they’re alerted to why this is such a vital temptation to avoid.”
Thoughts from our programme partners…
“We are extremely pleased to have been able to be part of the development of this ground-breaking education programme.
“Building on our existing relationship with EPIC and working in collaboration with Teen Tips allows us to utilise expertise and experience, which adds value to the programme.
“The outcome is a project that not only addresses gambling related harm, but also increases awareness around mental health and its impact. The sessions will also include information on warning signs and links to support.
“After the last 18 months, never could the timing of this project be more relevant.
“We feel the inclusion of all key stakeholders adds value and holding student, staff and parent sessions will make a huge impact.”
Mark Murray, Director, WHYSUP Ltd
“I am so pleased we are able to contribute to this important and timely project because we have seen first-hand, the devastating impact gambling addiction can have on the lives of young people and their families.
“It is a problem which often goes unseen until it is causing significant damage, and we believe young people need to be informed about how they might be unwittingly lured into gambling.
“Whilst educating pupils is vital, it is also important that those supporting them – i.e. parents and schools – know how to empower young people to manage the risks and avoid harm, how to identify those who are involved in problematic gambling and what we can do to help them.
“This is the first harm reduction programme which is truly independent and speaks to all stakeholders and we are extremely proud to be a part of it.”
Alicia Drummond, Founder, Teen Tips Ltd
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BC Engine
BC.Game’s new CEO Kar Kheng Giam on strategy, structure and growth
Following his appointment as CEO of BC.Game in March, Kar Kheng Giam (KK) speaks about the strategic priorities shaping the company’s next phase, from strengthening operational foundations to navigating the evolving role of crypto within regulated gaming markets.
You’ve stepped into the CEO role at a pivotal time for the industry. How do you assess the current position of BC.Game?
BC.Game enters this stage from a position of strength in terms of product, user engagement and global reach.
At the same time, the broader industry is evolving. Expectations around governance, regulatory alignment and operational maturity are increasing, particularly for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.
So while the foundation is strong, there is a clear opportunity to further strengthen the structure of the business to support long-term, sustainable growth.
That foundation is reflected in the scale of the business today, with more than 9 million registered users and over 500,000 monthly active players, and in the progress we’ve made across licensed markets such as Anjouan, Kenya, Nigeria and Mexico.
How would you define the strategic focus for BC.Game over the next 12 to 24 months?
It comes down to three interconnected areas. First, reinforcing the operational and governance framework of the business, ensuring we are well aligned with the expectations of more established regulatory environments.
Second, continuing to invest in the product – not just in terms of content, but in the overall user experience and platform reliability.
And third, taking a disciplined approach to market expansion, focusing on jurisdictions where we can build a sustainable and compliant presence.
It’s about evolving the business in a structured and deliberate way.
You’ve highlighted governance and structure. What does that mean in practical terms?
It means putting in place the systems, processes and organisational clarity needed to operate at scale.
As companies grow internationally, complexity increases – across regulation, payments, technology and operations. Strengthening governance is about ensuring those elements are well coordinated and consistently managed.
This is not about changing what BC.Game is, but about building the framework that allows it to grow more effectively.
Why has trust become so important at this stage?
At BC.GAME’s scale, trust is no longer just about brand but increasingly becomes a business issue – it affects retention, partnerships, market entry and long-term growth.
And trust is built in very practical ways. People judge a platform by whether the rules are clear, whether communication is smooth, and whether issues actually get resolved. That’s why growth on its own is no longer enough.
Where is the most immediate trust pressure on BC.GAME showing up today?
The pressure shows up most clearly in user experience and issue handling because that’s where people feel it first.
Some of the feedback does point to response times and cases where issues stay in the same entry point for too long. When that happens often enough, it becomes bigger than a service issue, it starts to shape trust.
What changes is BC.GAME putting in place in response to these issues?
We’ve already started making changes. That includes upgrading how user issues are handled, bringing cross-functional teams in earlier, and improving how issues are identified and coordinated internally.
As the business has grown, relying too heavily on a single customer support entry point is no longer enough. The focus now is to make issue handling clearer, more stable, and better suited to the scale of the platform.
What role does organisational development play in this next phase?
As the business grows, it’s important to ensure that the organisation evolves alongside it. That includes strengthening leadership structures, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and building capabilities in key areas such as compliance and market operations.
Ultimately, strategy is only as effective as the organisation delivering it.
From a leadership perspective, how do you approach guiding a globally distributed business?
In a global organisation, alignment is critical – everyone needs to understand the strategic direction and how their role contributes to it. At the same time, there needs to be flexibility to adapt to local market dynamics.
My role is to create that balance – providing clear direction while enabling teams to execute effectively within their markets.
Finally, what does success look like for BC.Game over the next few years?
Success is about building a more structured, resilient and trusted business.
That means strengthening our position in regulated markets, continuing to evolve the product, and ensuring the organisation is equipped to operate at scale. This current period is a crucial one for us as we introduce multiple product rollouts at BC.GAME, with several key updates scheduled to go live. These include BC Engine, along with a broader upgrade to the bonus system and, of course, the World Cup.
If we can achieve that through consistent, incremental progress, then we will be well positioned for the long term.
The post BC.Game’s new CEO Kar Kheng Giam on strategy, structure and growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Belgrade Future Gaming 2026
NOVOMATIC to Showcase Strong Portfolio and Regional Highlights at Belgrade Future Gaming 2026
NOVOMATIC is going to participate in Belgrade Future Gaming 2026 on May 26-27. At the event, the company will showcase a powerful and regionally tailored portfolio, underlining its strong market position and long-standing commitment to Southeast Europe. Visitors to the NOVOMATIC booth can expect a carefully curated mix of high-performing linked progressive solutions, advanced game content and premium cabinet experiences – all designed to meet the specific preferences of the Balkan market.
A key highlight of this year’s showcase is the Impera Line HD Edition 10 – Balkan Special, specifically developed to address regional player demands with a customised selection of popular game content. The presentation is further strengthened by Impera PROLINK 2, delivering engaging linked progressive gameplay and multi-feature performance on international casino floors.
NOVOMATIC’s internationally successful linked progressive portfolio will be prominently featured with multiple entries from the XTENSION LINK series, including Volumes 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as XTENSION LINK Ultimate, offering a broad range of game styles and mechanics that continue to resonate strongly with players worldwide.
Another major attraction is VISION LINK, NOVOMATIC’s latest multi-feature linked progressive concept, combining modern gameplay design, five-pot mechanics and the popular LOCK&SPIN feature to create an engaging and scalable player experience.
The showcase is complemented by the GAMINATOR X5, a proven performer known for its strong game mix and versatile customization options, allowing operators to configure tailored package setups aligned with local player preferences.
Taking center stage is the DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J, NOVOMATIC’s flagship cabinet and winner of the “Best Slot Machine” category at the prestigious European Casino Awards 2026. Combining a striking 55-inch J-curved UHD display with a refined glass touch deck and premium sound experience, the DIAMOND X QUATTRO 1.55J delivers exceptional visual impact and immersive gameplay, making it a standout centerpiece on any gaming floor.
NOVOMATIC will also present a premium setup of V.I.P. X cabinets, including the V.I.P. X Royal 1.85 and the award-winning V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65 cabinet, paired with top-performing content and demonstrating high-end gaming solutions for modern casino environments.
“With our presence at Belgrade Future Gaming, we are reaffirming NOVOMATIC’s strong commitment to Southeast Europe. Our portfolio combines proven international performance with tailored regional content. From advanced linked progressive solutions such as VISION LINK and the XTENSION LINK series to customized offerings like the Impera Line HD Edition 10 – Balkan Special, we are delivering solutions that meet the specific expectations of our partners and players in this region,” said Miloš Pejić, Regional Manager SEE at NOVOMATIC.
The post NOVOMATIC to Showcase Strong Portfolio and Regional Highlights at Belgrade Future Gaming 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Daniel Cuc
REEVO Announces New Partnership with Tuko Productions
REEVO has announced a new partnership with Tuko Productions, a well-established Italian game development studio and content provider. This collaboration further strengthens REEVO’s aggregation ecosystem, expanding its offering with a portfolio of proven, performance-driven titles developed for one of Europe’s most competitive regulated markets.
Through this partnership, Tuko’s extensive catalogue is now available on the REEVO aggregation platform, giving operators seamless access to a wide range of video slots, table games and instant games through a single, efficient integration. The addition of Tuko reinforces REEVO’s commitment to delivering high-quality content that performs across regulated environments.
For REEVO, this partnership represents another important step in building a high-performance aggregation platform that combines innovation with reliability.
Daniel Cuc, Head of Account Management at REEVO, said: “Partnering with Tuko is a strong step forward for REEVO as we continue to expand our aggregation platform with proven and high-performing content. Tuko brings a catalogue that has already demonstrated its strength in one of the most competitive regulated markets in Europe, which adds real value to our ecosystem. At REEVO, we are focused on delivering content that performs and supports operators in achieving strong results, and this partnership reinforces that commitment.”
Tuko’s portfolio reflects years of collaboration with leading operators in the Italian market, resulting in games that deliver consistent engagement and performance across a wide range of player preferences. By joining the REEVO platform, Tuko gains access to a broader international distribution network while contributing to REEVO’s growing content ecosystem.
Vincenzo Tancredi, Head of Sales at Tuko, said: “Our catalogue has been built alongside the most important operators in the Italian regulated market, and that experience is reflected in every title we deliver. Through REEVO’s aggregation platform, we are able to extend the reach of our content and bring a proven portfolio to a wider network of operators.”
The post REEVO Announces New Partnership with Tuko Productions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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