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New support for NHS to treat gambling addiction
The NHS is set to benefit as new levy will raise an estimated £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.
Following publication of the gambling white paper in April, the Government is now taking the next step in mandating payments from the sector by launching a consultation on the design of the proposed gambling operator levy.
Currently, not all gambling companies contribute equally towards the existing voluntary levy, with some operators paying as little as £1 towards research, prevention and treatment. The Government is therefore acting to ensure all operators contribute their fair share.
In order to improve research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm, the Government is minded to set the levy as a new 1% fee on gross gambling yield for online gambling operators, while traditional betting shops and casinos will pay a proposed fee of around 0.4%.
The white paper has proposed a fair and proportionate approach to levy rates between various operators, taking into account the difference, for example, in operating costs and the levels of harmful gambling associated with different gambling activities.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
We are taking the next step in our plan to protect those most at risk of gambling harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and research.
All gambling operators will be required to pay their fair share and this consultation is an opportunity for the industry, clinicians, those who have experienced gambling harm and the wider public to have their say on how the proposed gambling operator levy should work.
The introduction of this levy will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to gamble safely.
Technology has reshaped where, when and how people gamble and there has been a significant rise in online gambling behaviour due to the ease of access on smartphones, with people able to gamble anytime and anywhere.
Figures from the NHS Digital Health Survey also indicate that some of these online products are associated with elevated levels of gambling-related addiction and harm with ‘problem gambling’ rates eight times higher for online slots and casino game players than in the population as a whole.
Under the proposed levy, the gambling industry will no longer have a say over how money for research, prevention and treatment is spent. Instead, the Gambling Commission will distribute funding directly to the NHS and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which coordinates research and innovation funding, under the strategic direction of government. The levy will be underpinned by legislation meaning firms will be required to pay.
The funding delivered through the levy, which will deliver substantial new investment for the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales, will increase access to treatment and support for those experiencing gambling-related harm. It will also help to develop a truly national approach to prevention and fund independent, high-quality research to inform policy and practice.
In July this year, the NHS announced that seven new specialist gambling addiction clinics will open in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Derby, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield this year. This is in addition to the seven clinics already in operation in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford, as well as an additional national clinic, which treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people, in London.
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said:
We know that gambling addiction can devastate lives, which is why we are working quickly to implement our bold plans for reform.
This consultation brings us a step closer to being able to provide £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment, including ring fenced investment for the NHS to help gambling addicts.
Gambling firms should always pay their fair share and this new statutory levy will ensure that they are legally required to do just that.
Health Minister Neil O’Brien said:
Harmful gambling can affect people’s savings, ruin relationships, and devastate people’s lives and health.
Gambling companies should pay their fair share towards the costs of treatment services, but we want to hear from as many people as possible about how the new statutory levy should work.
We continue working to support those affected by gambling harms. Twelve of the planned fifteen NHS gambling addictions clinics have now opened across the country providing vital support services for thousands of people experiencing gambling-related harms as well as their loved ones. The remaining three are expected to open by the end of the year.”
Henrietta Bowden-Jones, National Clinical Advisor for Gambling Harms, said:
I welcome this Levy which reflects the government’s decision to fund gambling treatment, prevention, research and education in an independent and evidence- based way allowing us to continue our work of eradicating all gambling harms from society.”
NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch said:
Gambling addiction destroys people’s lives and with record numbers turning to the NHS for support, the health service has met this demand head on by opening four new specialist clinics in recent months, with a further three opening later this year.
The NHS has long called for a statutory levy because it is only right that this billion-pound industry steps up to support people suffering from gambling addiction and I am pleased that action is being taken to prevent people from coming to harm in the first place. It is now vital we continue working in partnership to ensure we provide effective prevention, education and treatment for this condition.
The Government’s gambling white paper, published in April 2023, set out a range of measures to improve player protections and reduce the risk of gambling addiction and harm in the smartphone era. Measures such as financial risk checks to better alert operators to risky behaviours, stake limits for online slots, tighter controls on marketing of bonuses and a new mandatory gambling operator levy are designed to reduce risk and improve player protections.
The Government and Gambling Commission continue to implement the measures set out in the white paper with a view to having key elements in place in summer 2024.
Online casinos are in a race to meet the growing demands of players, but many operators are being left behind. Slow payment systems, high transaction fees, and outdated software are limiting growth and hurting the player experience. But with the right tools, operators can break free from these limitations and create fluid, player-first experiences.
Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame, offers solutions that many operators have been waiting for. With NuxGame’s crypto-ready turnkey platform, operators can quickly solve common issues and roll out future-forward digital casinos that appeal to modern players. The crypto market is growing fast, with an expected $5 billion by 2030. Find out in this interview how making the most of crypto can take your casino to the next level and leave competitors behind.
The impact of crypto in iGaming is undeniable. Bar, do you believe Bitcoin is here to stay, or are we just seeing the beginning of a temporary trend?
The truth is, Bitcoin and crypto are here to stay, and it’s not just a “cool new thing” for players. They offer fast transactions, more security, and a level of transparency that players are increasingly looking for. The iGaming scene is modernizing, and those who aren’t adopting crypto solutions are definitely going to fall behind. You don’t want to watch everyone else pass you by.
So how does NuxGame support the crypto trend? What makes your platform stand out in this fast paced environment?
At NuxGame, we’re not simply handing over a crypto solution and calling it a day. We provide a fully integrated crypto casino software solution that supports multiple cryptocurrencies, but more importantly, we’re here for you every step of the way. Our customer service managers understand that each operator has unique priorities, so we work closely with you to make sure that everything works exactly the way you want it. The dashboard shows everything in real-time, while players get quicker transactions and a better overall game. And the best part is that you’re not left alone with the system integration. Our team is always ready to make your operations work exactly how you want.
I know you’ve got a lot of experience with turnkey solutions. What makes NuxGame’s turnkey casino solution a perfect fit for operators looking to add crypto into their business?
The whole idea behind a turnkey casino solution is to give operators everything they need to go live as soon as possible. When you add crypto, that means offering everything from crypto-friendly payment systems to blockchain-backed gaming for transparency and security. But the important part is that it’s not merely about putting a “crypto” label on your website and leaving it at that. We provide full integration with multi-coin support, crypto bonuses, and even real-time analytics. For operators, it’s the peace of mind that comes with knowing that upon making the switch, everything works — and it works fast. No waiting, no stress, just a revenue-boosting crypto experience. And you’ll be seeing profits in no time. Because you’ll get the tools to start engaging players immediately.
Bar, let’s talk about the notable transition from traditional casinos to online. Are operators who come from land-based casinos jumping on the crypto train? How are they adapting?
Absolutely! A lot of traditional operators are taking their first steps into the online scene and realizing crypto’s impact in it all. They already have local brand recognition, and now it’s time to take that trust and build it online. The great thing is, with crypto, they don’t have to worry about those annoying international payment delays or high fees. We help them adapt without the growing pains, offering localization for both payments and content. It’s basically taking what they already know and applying it to the online space: no need to rebuild everything. You’ve got your brand and audience — now let us help you go digital. It’s that easy.
One last thing: with all the changes happening in the iGaming space, especially with the crypto’s growing presence, what do you think operators should be focusing on in 2025?
2025 is all about speed and adaptability. Markets are moving at record pace, and operators who are stuck in the “perfect platform” mentality are going to miss the boat. Players expect fast, secure experiences, and with crypto, that’s what they get. But to keep up, operators need to launch fast, learn fast, and be ready to grow quickly. That means not over-complicating things: you don’t need to build from zero when you’ve got the right tools. With platforms like ours, operators can quickly adapt to trends, integrate new features, and focus on what really matters: delivering a fantastic player experience. The market’s moving, and those who move with it are the ones who win.
The post Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SOFTSWISS, a leading global provider of iGaming software, celebrates the first Sportsbook Network Jackpot win, which occurred during one of the industry’s largest events – SiGMA Americas.
SOFTSWISS launched the first Sportsbook Network Jackpot with an initial prize pool of €35,000. The lucky player claimed the first Jackpot on 9 April, taking home a prize of €80,294.89 – more than double the initial sum. The winning bet was a combo bet placed on live events, with a stake of €166 and a total odds of 4.38.
The Sportsbook Network Jackpot is underpinned by a progressive, cross-operator infrastructure that enables a shared prize pool across all participating brands. Clients using the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook could join this campaign without additional individual costs while offering a grand prize to their players. The setup ensures equal winning opportunities for all players, regardless of the operator they play with.
“This is a remarkable event for our team – not only because it marks the first drop of the Sportsbook Network Jackpot, but also because it’s happening here at SiGMA Americas. We can celebrate it together with our colleagues and share the joy with the lucky player.
I see big potential in the Network Jackpot in the near future. It’s still rare in the market, but it provides additional value and entertainment for players. We are happy to announce the launch of the next campaign and invite our partners to participate in it,” stated Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook.
“Our team has done significant work to make this event happen. Previously, the Network Jackpot was available only to SOFTSWISS casino clients. Now, we’re able to offer this solution to all operators on the market – including Game Aggregator clients, clients using third-party platforms, and even Sportsbook clients.
We’re proud to deliver this engagement solution and be part of this significant jackpot drop,” commented Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator.
The team is focused on providing the market with tools for engagement. Recently, the Sportsbook introduced Player Chat to enhance user engagement.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post First SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Network Jackpot Hits €80,294.89 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has released its cool new slot, City Heat. The game joins Spinomenal’s Adventures series to celebrate the tropical nightlife vibe celebrated in luxurious Miami. A stunning beachside cityscape at sunset lined with palm trees creates an inviting scene for players to jump into the action. City Heat’s Wild symbol is represented by a chic lady and will count for all symbols except free spins and bonus symbols.
Ancient traditions meet exciting gameplay in Toutatis – the new tribal-themed release from hit software provider, Swintt, that sees players enlist the help of a powerful shaman to brew up potent concoctions that could boost their Free Spins winnings to up to 2100x! As the latest title in the provider’s ever-popular Premium line-up, Toutatis is a five-reel, 10-payline game that combines the simple gameplay of a classic land-based slot machine with an exhilarating bonus feature that can be extended up to three times for truly transformative prizes.
Push Gaming’s latest slot takes player favourite mechanics and blends them with a slot staple theme in its latest release, 10 Pharaohs. Players must brave the Pharaoh’s resting place and uncover untold riches via the beloved scatter pays mechanic. The excitement is elevated with the introduction of jackpot symbols that behave like regular versions but also award an instant prize, giving players more to aim for while ramping up the engagement.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., is thrilled to announce the release of Catch of the Day Extra Spins™ – the latest addition to the popular Catch of the Day™ franchise from Astra Games Studio. Now available in the UK LBO, B3 market, this new release builds on the franchise’s success with even more engaging gameplay. Catch of the Day Extra Spins is a captivating fishing-theme slot with a 5×3 reel layout and 10-win lines. Packed with thrilling features, this game offers players plenty of opportunities to reel in rewards.
A powerful new slot sees Play’n GO revisit the world of Alador, Yasmine, and their enigmatic ally in 1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes. But peace in the Kingdom doesn’t mean all is as it seems… After overthrowing the villainous Zafar, the realm enjoys tranquillity under the rule of Sultan Alador. However, the Genie who helped secure victory has vanished into the Oasis – and whispers tell of a chest brimming with unpredictable power. This 5-reel, 20-line slot invites players to explore what secrets lie within.
Reflex Gaming, the omni-channel gaming supplier are back in the sands of Egypt with Anubis II DoubleMax™, an exhilarating sequel to the hit title Secret of Anubis Doublemax, developed in partnership with Yggdrasil. Set against the majestic backdrop of ancient tombs and golden treasures, Anubis II DoubleMax™ invites players to take on a thrilling 5×3 reel journey where wins pay both ways – from left to right and right to left – giving double the chances to land a prize.
Evoplay has released Rush Riches, a feature-filled title set in a mining-themed Wild West landscape. Set across a 5×5 reel layout with up to 3,125 ways to win, the game introduces the Rocks and Drops mechanic, where blocked reel spaces are removed when adjacent to winning combinations. This creates a dynamic grid that expands with each win, unlocking more potential pay lines as the round progresses.
Kendoo has launched Pig Up, a playful and energetic game packed with Hold and Win mechanics and surprise-filled gameplay. Played on a classic 3×3 layout, Pig Up introduces an Extra Reel feature that expands the grid during the Bonus Game, unlocking enhanced win potential and dynamic reel interactions.
Step into a springtime fairytale with Easter Classics—Booming Games’ festive twist on a beloved classic. This 5×3 slot with up to 20 paylines brings all the charm of Easter bunnies, blooming meadows, and colourful eggs, wrapped in the timeless feel of a traditional fruit machine. Stacked symbols fill the reels, boosting your chances for sweet wins whether they land fully or partially.
The highly anticipated Dollar Storm slot is back, and it’s better than ever! Originally released in 2017, this fast-paced, 5×3 slot game is returning to Slotland and Winaday, now with its premiere at CryptoSlots. With newly added features, this revamped version promises to deliver bigger wins. Dollar Storm remains a fan favorite since its launch, offering 20 paylines and a bet range from $0.40 to $10, making it accessible for all types of players.
The post Week 15/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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