Latest News
New research shows students are borrowing money to gamble
More than one in three university students who gamble are borrowing money to do so, new research has revealed.
A survey of 2,000 students across the UK found that 80% of them have gambled and 41% of this group admit that gambling has had a negative impact on their university experience, including missing lectures, assignment deadlines and social activities.
More than one third (35%) are using money either from their student loan, overdraft, have borrowed from friends or are taking out payday loans to help fund their gambling. Nearly one in five (19%) admit to using their student loan to gamble.
The independent research, conducted by Censuswide, was jointly commissioned by GAMSTOP, the national online self-exclusion scheme, and The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM), a charity that educates and safeguards vulnerable people against gaming and gambling-related harms.
The mean gambling spend for students is £31.52 per week and almost one in five (18%) admit to spending more than £50 per week, although 45% say they spend no more than £10 a week. Nearly four in ten (38%) say they gamble at least once a week, with 63% gambling at least once a month.
More than one in four (28%) say they are gambling as often, or more often, than before the pandemic and 29% say they are spending as much or more than they did before the pandemic. The most popular gambling products during the pandemic have been the National Lottery (32%), online sports betting (25%) and online bingo (18%).
Almost half the students who gamble (46%) say that making money is a motivation – the most common reason given – and one in four (25%) say they enjoy the risk. More than half (52%) say that gambling makes them feel excited and one in three (33%) say it makes them happy, compared to one in five (21%) who describe feeling anxious.
Amongst students who gamble, more than one in three (36%) have invested in cryptocurrency in the last 12 months – compared to just 17% of students who do not gamble.
Students also revealed that their friends are the biggest influence on their gambling (34%) with nearly one in four (23%) most influenced by social media and 14% of students identifying gambling advertising as a key influence on their gambling.
The new research on student gambling is the first published since the pandemic and follows previous research commissioned by YGAM in 2019. The previous report produced by Red Brick Research found that 264,000 students in the UK were at some risk from gambling harm with around 88,000 already defined as problem gamblers.
Following the publication of the report, YGAM are joining forces with GAMSTOP and RecoverMe, an app that provides self-help tools to those suffering from a gambling problem, to launch a campaign raising awareness of gambling harms amongst students and promoting support available to students who may be struggling. During the ‘Gambling Support University Tour’ the three organisations will visit university campuses throughout the UK to speak to students and university staff. YGAM will also be offering City & Guilds assured training to the university teams to better equip them to support their students. A ‘Gambling Support University Tour’ visit can be arranged by contacting [email protected]
Bray Ash, 29, is studying mental health nursing at King’s College London, having previously studied at Leeds University and has experienced gambling harms first-hand while in higher education. He told how easy it was to get caught up in gambling.
“When you go to university for the first time and you have student finance, money from your parents and other financial support you can be tempted to gamble recklessly. It took over my life – I wasn’t studying, I was just sitting in my halls gambling. At my second year of university, I ended up gambling away my student loan in the first 24 hours.
“It is important that students have access to organisations, such as YGAM, to educate them about gambling and provide support and that they are aware of essential tools such as self-exclusion if they are experiencing problems with their gambling. I know that it would have benefited me when I was at my lowest point”.
Daniel Bliss, Director of External Affairs at YGAM, said: “This research provides us with some valuable insights into the behaviours of students during the pandemic. We’re keen to build on this piece of work to better understand how our programmes can safeguard and support students. The findings reiterate the importance of educating our young people on the risks and harms associated with gambling. Education is a powerful tool to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to help prevent harm.”
Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said: “Gambling-related harm on our campuses is a subject that is rarely addressed, but for any students experiencing problems with their gambling, self-exclusion can give them valuable breathing space whilst they seek additional help. With online gambling increasingly prevalent during the pandemic, the research shows the importance of raising awareness of a free online self-exclusion service, which is accessible to all”.
Adil Nayeem, Co-founder of RecoverMe, said: “This research highlights how the student population can be a high-risk group for gambling-related harm. We created RecoverMe when one of our close friends at university struggled with a gambling addiction and did not know where to turn. RecoverMe gives students multiple strategies to manage acute urges and support those suffering from a gambling problem with a discreet, flexible and evidence-based programme”.
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Conferences
HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 Becomes History: 400 Industry Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Impact in a Landmark Edition
The HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 has officially concluded, marking not only the end of another exceptional edition, but the celebration of a defining milestone: 10 Years of Impact.
Bringing together nearly 400 professionals from across iGaming, technology, fintech, compliance, AI, and blockchain, this year’s summit stood as the most ambitious and dynamic edition to date — two days of high-level insights, meaningful connections, hands-on learning, and unforgettable experiences.
From early-morning wellness sessions to late-night celebrations, HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 delivered a complete, immersive industry experience — one that will be remembered as a benchmark moment for the European Gaming & Tech ecosystem.
A Summit Designed for Insight, Strategy & Real Connections
Held on 24–25 March 2026 at OREA Hotel Andel’s Prague, the summit once again proved why it remains a cornerstone event where technology, compliance, and innovation converge.
The 10th Anniversary edition expanded into its full-scale format featuring:
- Three core conference stages
- The hands-on HIPTHER Academy
- The GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
- Curated networking experiences across every touchpoint
The result? A boutique, high-impact environment where conversations weren’t just happening — they were shaping the next decade of the industry.
Four Stages. One Unified Vision of the Future
The summit unfolded across four stages, bringing together compliance, regulation, business strategy, and innovation into one cohesive narrative. From regulatory deep dives and enforcement trends to cross-industry discussions spanning iGaming, fintech, AI, and media, the agenda balanced specialization with meaningful dialogue between operators, suppliers, and advisors.
A standout element was the dedicated Responsible Gaming & Player Safety focus on Day 2, curated by the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH). This track placed player protection and sustainable industry growth at the forefront, addressing emerging risks, early detection mechanisms, and the need for greater cross-border regulatory alignment through expert-led panels and case-driven discussions.
Elevating the conference, the HIPTHER Academy further expanded the summit’s scope into a practical learning environment, offering hands-on workshops and certifications across AI, compliance, marketing, and leadership. With a clear emphasis on real-world application, the Academy positioned itself as a platform for professionals looking to strengthen both their expertise and strategic impact.
Networking: From Morning Energy to Nights of Excellence
At HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, networking extended far beyond the conference floor, shaping the experience from early morning and delicious breaks, to late-night celebrations.
The days began with intention, from a calming yoga session on Day 1 to the Morning Networking Run on Day 2 — blending wellness, movement, and connection in true #hipthers style.
As evening fell, the spotlight turned to recognition and celebration. The GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 honoured the industry’s standout performers, announced in the exciting Endorphina Club Party & Awards Ceremony at Buddha-Bar Prague. As the official Awards Ceremony & Party Sponsor, Endorphina delivered a premium networking experience where prestige met Asian culture and vibrant energy.
The momentum continued with the Closing Party at Reduta Jazz Club, while the now-traditional Unofficial Karaoke Afterparty added a final, memorable touch — proving once again that the strongest connections are often built beyond the stage.
Powered by Industry Leaders: Our Sponsors
The success of HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 was made possible thanks to the incredible support of its partners and sponsors:
- Grand Stage Sponsor: Tom Horn Gaming
- Grand Quality & Compliance Sponsor: Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
- Silver Sponsor & Badge/Bracelet Sponsor: Kanggiten
- Awards Ceremony & Party Sponsor: Endorphina
- Lanyard Sponsor: DSTGAMING
- General Sponsors: Gaming in Poland, RM Legal, WinSpirit Casino
Their continued support reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation, compliance, and collaboration across the industry.
A Decade of Impact — And the Next Chapter Begins
Under the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact,” the 2026 edition didn’t just celebrate the past — it set the tone for what comes next.
Zoltan Tündik – HIPTHER Co-Founder & Head of Business stated: “Reaching the 10-year milestone with the HIPTHER Prague Summit is a proud moment of reflection for us. With 19 years of navigating the ever-evolving media and news landscape, we have seen firsthand how vital authentic connection is to industry progress. This edition was a celebration of a decade of impact, but it was also a launchpad for our next chapter. Over the next five years, our focus is on consolidation. We are deepening our roots in the CEE, D-A-CH, Baltic, and Nordic regions. However, we aren’t standing still. We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the HIPTHER Balkans Summit in 2027, and we are keeping a very close watch on North America. The market there is ripe for the unique ‘HIPTHER-style’ of boutique, high-value networking, and I suspect we may have some surprises in store for that region very soon.”
Get ready for the next great chapter starting next year — Save the Date & Join us: 23–24 March 2027
Over the last decade, HIPTHER Prague Summit has grown into a trusted platform for knowledge-sharing, cross-border dialogue, and real business connections, bringing together regulators, operators, innovators, and decision-makers shaping the future of Gaming & Tech .
And if this edition proved anything, it’s that the next decade will be even bigger.
The post HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 Becomes History: 400 Industry Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Impact in a Landmark Edition appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
DigerPAM
Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators
International software provider Digicode has unveiled DigerPAM, an enterprise-grade Player Account Management (PAM) system designed to serve as the operational backbone for modern iGaming operators. DigerPAM integrates core account management, CRM, compliance, promotions, analytics, and growth workflows into a single, scalable platform, giving operators full visibility, control, and performance across their brands and player base.
Built for operational excellence and regulatory compliance
Engineered for operators navigating complex regulations and multi-brand strategies, DigerPAM centralises every player interaction—from acquisition and registration to lifecycle engagement and retention—within one intelligent framework.
Key capabilities include:
- Unified operational core: Manage player profiles, wallets, CRM, bonus engines, content, compliance workflows, and reporting seamlessly from a single system.
- Full lifecycle oversight: Track and engage players from first interaction to lifetime value with real-time behavioural insights and segmentation.
- Built-in compliance and reporting: Optional KYC/identity verification, responsible gaming tools, immutable tax logs, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.
- Modular, scalable architecture: Cloud-agnostic microservices built for high-traffic, multi-currency operations and rapid provider integration.
- Optional suite integrations: Full compatibility with Digicode’s ecosystem, including DigerRGS, DigerPay, DigerClick, and DigerCompanion, to expand platform functionality.
A solution for modern iGaming realities
DigerPAM supports both standalone operations and complex multi-brand ecosystems, giving operators actionable insights into player behaviour, campaign performance, compliance readiness, and key business KPIs—all without relying on fragmented legacy systems.
“Operators today need a unified engine that not only manages accounts but drives growth with intelligence and compliance at its core,” said Max Maslii, Global CEO at Digicode. “DigerPAM delivers a single, cohesive view across the player lifecycle, eliminates operational fragmentation, and empowers brands to scale confidently.”
The post Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
Sporting Risk Extends Sportradar’s Agreement to Deliver Player Markets Across 50 Soccer Competitions
Sporting Risk, the sports analytics company specializing in predictive models for market-leading pricing and betting content, has announced the extension of its soccer distribution agreement with Sportradar Group AG.
Sporting Risk’s team and player stat markets are now accessible to Sportradar’s global network of 800 sportsbook operator clients via the Unified Odds Feed (UOF). Covering up to 50 pre-match competitions and 24 in-play competitions, the extensive player market coverage and combinability enhances Sportradar’s existing soccer portfolio. This portfolio already includes exclusive betting data agreements with AFC, Bundesliga, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, MLS, and UEFA, offering operators a comprehensive, standout soccer betting experience.
For the upcoming World Cup, Sporting Risk will expand its offering to include 100+ player markets, spanning singles, head-to-head, micro markets, and multis, ensuring players have a wide range of betting opportunities.
Sporting Risk’s solutions are designed for real-time engagement, delivering fast, relevant, and entertaining betting options that align with player behaviour and market demand.
Andy Phillips, CBDO at SportingRisk.com, said:
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Sportradar and reach its unmatched operator network. With the World Cup on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to enhance our offering for the tournament. Together, we’re redefining how player data and analytics power the next generation of betting experiences.”
Karl Danzer, SVP Business Development, Sports Content at Sportradar, added:
“Partnering with Sporting Risk ensures our operator clients have access to a market-leading soccer portfolio, helping drive engagement with the world’s most popular sport.”
The post Sporting Risk Extends Sportradar’s Agreement to Deliver Player Markets Across 50 Soccer Competitions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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