Latest News
GAMSTOP records nearly 2,000 new registrants a week on average in 2024
- GAMSTOP recorded 49,494 total new registrants in the first half of 2024, taking the total number signed up for the self-exclusion scheme to 482,815.
- There was a 12% year-on-year increase in the number of 16-24 year old registrants as the average age of those joining the scheme continuing to fall.
GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has today announced that more than 1,904 consumers registered with the service in an average week during the first half of 2024.
More than 49,000 people have self-excluded from gambling sites in 2024 so far. April 2024 was a record-breaking month with 8,686 new registrants – the highest volume of monthly registrations since GAMSTOP’s inception in April 2018.
The Euros also appears to have had an impact, with registrations up 8% for the first half of July (knockout stages) compared to the same period last year. There were unusually high volumes of registrations on three days in particular – the day after England’s group stage victory over Serbia, the day after England’s extra time last 16 victory over Slovakia and the day after the final.
A total of 482,815 people have registered with GAMSTOP from its launch to the end of June 2024. The ongoing increase in registrations suggests that self-exclusion continues to be an important tool for consumers facing challenges with their gambling, giving them a chance to pause and seek additional support.
The age of those choosing to use GAMSTOP’s service continues to get younger. One in two of those who registered in H1 2024 were aged 16-35. Furthermore, there was a 12% year-on-year increase in the number of 16–24-year-olds choosing to exclude themselves from all online gambling sites.
Nearly half of GAMSTOP registrants (49%) signed up for a five-year exclusion – the longest timeframe currently available. Consumers can also choose to self-exclude for shorter periods of six months or one year.
Those registered continue to be mostly men, with 71% of registrants in the first half of the year identifying as male.
Responding to these latest findings, GAMSTOP CEO, Fiona Palmer said: “The increasing number of registrations we have seen in the first half of 2024 could reflect a growing awareness and proactive approach among individuals to tackle gambling-related issues. Particularly concerning is the 12% year-on-year rise in registrations among 16-24-year-olds, indicating the urgent need for targeted support for younger age groups and preventative education to this demographic.
GAMSTOP’s mission remains steadfast: to provide a crucial safety net for those struggling with gambling. The continuing rise in registration figures affirm the importance and effectiveness of our service in helping people reclaim control over their lives.”
The post GAMSTOP records nearly 2,000 new registrants a week on average in 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
casino
Plaza Hotel & Casino adds DJ Exodus to free Cinco de Mayo party on May 5
Downtown Las Vegas event runs from 4 p.m. around the Carousel Bar under the Main Street dome, with themed food, drinks and a large piñata.
Plaza Hotel & Casino will host its Cinco de Mayo celebration on Tuesday, May 5, starting at 4 p.m., in and around the property’s Carousel Bar in downtown Las Vegas.
The event is free to attend and will feature DJ Exodus, according to the casino. The DJ is scheduled to play a mix of “top radio hits with a mix of Latin music” under the Plaza’s Main Street dome.
The property said the party will also include “downtown’s largest piñata” and a photo area with themed props.
Food options listed for purchase include churros from Churros 101 and street tacos and esquites from Fresh Mexican Grill. Carousel Bar will run drink specials, including Modelo Draft 16 oz ($11), Modelo Michelada ($14), Mi Campo Margarita ($14), Mi Campo Blanco Shot ($10), and Mi Campo Reposado Shot ($12). Nearby, Pinkbox Doughnuts will offer Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnuts.
More information is available at plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/cinco-de-mayo/.
- Plaza Hotel & Casino Cinco de Mayo event page; https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/cinco-de-mayo/ Primary source for event details, timing and location provided by the operator.
- Plaza Hotel & Casino official website; https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/ Reference point for property information and related entertainment listings.
The post Plaza Hotel & Casino adds DJ Exodus to free Cinco de Mayo party on May 5 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AI
BetConstruct AI sets SBC Summit Malta 2026 stand to demo iGaming ecosystem
Supplier plans product demos at Stand C50 on April 29–30, including sportsbook, casino aggregation, affiliate tools, retail and AI suite.
BetConstruct AI will exhibit at SBC Summit Malta 2026 on April 29–30, taking Stand C50 in Malta to present its iGaming product ecosystem to operators and other industry stakeholders.
The company said it will demo multiple components including its Sportsbook Platform, Casino Platform, Affiliate Ecosystem, Retail Solutions and AI Suite. BetConstruct AI stated its Sportsbook Platform includes more than 140,000 pre-match events and over 12,000 monthly esports live events.
For casino, BetConstruct AI said its Casino Platform integrates 350+ providers via a unified aggregation API. It will also spotlight its Affiliate ecosystem, which it said includes 7,000+ vetted affiliates supported by AI-based scoring.
On omnichannel, the supplier said its Retail Solutions are designed to connect land-based and digital channels. The company’s AI suite will also be part of the stand presentation, including CRM AI, Umbrella AI, an AI Game Recommendation System and Betting Mate AI, which it said covers “everything from churn prediction and risk management to real-time personalisation and conversational betting.”
BetConstruct AI said a focus at Stand C50 will be “the Best Sportsbook for the World Cup 2026,” supported by two “zero-cost products” — Powerfull for pre-tournament engagement and Bet on League for an in-tournament hub — which it said require “zero development effort from operators.”
More relevant data as follows:
- SBC Summit Malta; https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-malta/ Official event page for dates, location, and exhibitor information.
- BetConstruct; https://www.betconstruct.com/ Company site for product and platform background referenced in the announcement.
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA); https://www.mga.org.mt/ Primary regulator in Malta; useful context for readers tracking Malta-based iGaming activity.
The post BetConstruct AI sets SBC Summit Malta 2026 stand to demo iGaming ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
earnings
Meridian Holdings returns to profit on $50.1m Q1 2026 revenue, up 17% YoY
NASDAQ-listed MRDN posts $2.3m net income and cuts net debt 62% after recent rebrand and ticker change.
Meridian Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MRDN), the Las Vegas-headquartered gaming and technology group, reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $50.1 million, up 17% year over year, and net income of $2.3 million. The company said it was the first profitable quarter under the Meridian Holdings brand, following a rebrand and the start of trading under the MRDN ticker on the NASDAQ Capital Market less than two months ago.
Meridian also reported a lower debt position versus the prior year. Total debt fell by more than half year over year, while net debt decreased 62% to $13.4 million. The company ended the quarter with $16.2 million in cash.
“This quarter marks an important milestone in our growth journey,” said William Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Holdings. “We delivered revenue in line with our guidance, exceeded our profitability target, and continued strengthening our balance sheet, all while expanding our presence across regulated markets and investing in proprietary technology. We are well-positioned for sustained growth through 2026 and beyond.”
Meridianbet, the group’s main operating subsidiary, generated $34.9 million in Q1 revenue, up 26% year over year, representing nearly 70% of group revenue, the company said. Meridian reported nearly 500,000 new customer registrations in the quarter (+41% YoY) and active users up 21% to 333,700.
Across other units, Expanse Studios expanded to 1,519 active operator sites and secured new regulatory certifications in Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, and Portugal, while continuing certification efforts in Ontario, Canada. RKings Competitions posted sales of $7.7 million, Classics for a Cause reported VIP subscriptions surpassing 10,000 for the first time in 12 months, and Mexplay more than tripled new registrations year over year to 74,000.
For Q2 2026, Meridian guided to revenue of $51 million to $53 million, implying 18% to 23% year-over-year growth.
More relevant data as follows:
- Meridian Holdings quarterly results; https://meridian-holdings.com/quarterly-results Source for the full earnings release, investor deck, and call replay referenced in the announcement.
- Meridian Holdings investor relations; https://meridian-holdings.com Company site for corporate background, filings links, and investor materials.
- NASDAQ: MRDN quote and company profile; https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/mrdn Independent listing page to corroborate ticker, exchange, and market data context.
The post Meridian Holdings returns to profit on $50.1m Q1 2026 revenue, up 17% YoY appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Aviator LLC7 days agoAviator Studio Brazil wins two consecutive instances in São Paulo appeal court against SPRIBE injunction
-
Africa7 days agoIncentive Games launches Mega Flight and Velocity with Hollywoodbets
-
Allwyn7 days agoUK High Court Rejects Legal Challenges Relating to the National Lottery Licence
-
1spin4win7 days ago1spin4win & Blask report 7 out of 10 top games in Africa are slots
-
Baltics7 days agoHIPTHER Positions Vilnius at the Centre of Europe’s Fintech Growth with New Annual Fintech Summit
-
Alessandro Sorci Sales Manager at Stakelogic7 days agoStakelogic launches full slot portfolio with Stake Denmark via Relax Gaming
-
1spin4win7 days ago1spin4win & Blask report 7 out of 10 top games in Africa are slots
-
ELYSIUM Studios6 days agoElysium Studios rolls out Jekyll & Hyde Co. slot with 5×5 grid and 5,000x cap



