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GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals

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People with gambling issues are more likely to be turning to the activity this festive period than last year, according to new research from the gambling support charity, GamCare.

In a recent survey from YouGov of over 4,000 UK adults, commissioned by the charity, three-fifths (59%) of those who experience problems due to their gambling** say they are more likely to gamble at Christmas than other times of the year – up from 37% last year.

Advisers on GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline are highlighting how the festive period can be a testing time for those struggling with their gambling, as well as family and friends affected.

Last December, the Helpline saw a 39% increase in calls and online chats compared to the same month in the previous year, making it the busiest Christmas period on record.

Additionally, the survey highlights:

  • Over half (53%) of people gambling at harmful levels say they have spent money intended for presents, food, or other seasonal expenses on gambling.
  • Nearly three in five people gambling at harmful levels (59%) are more likely to gamble during the festive season compared to just 6% of people who gamble without issues.
  • For those gambling at harmful levels more than half (53%) reporting increased feelings of stress or anxiety due to gambling and 56% said that gambling made them feel more isolated.
  • Two in three (65%) people gambling at harmful levels have concerns someone in their family or household might overspend on gambling during the festive period. This compares to one in 25 (4%) of those who are not.

Mark Weiss, Deputy Chief Executive, at GamCare said: “The festive period can be a difficult time for those struggling with gambling, but it can also provide a good opportunity to open up about the issues you’re facing. Our new research shows that there has been an increase in people who already have gambling issues saying they are more likely to gamble over the festive period than at other times of the year.

“GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline provides free confidential support 24/7, 365 days of the year – including Christmas Day and the whole of the festive season. There are many ways you can get support, whether it’s calling an Adviser or using our live chat and WhatsApp features in case you are concerned about privacy while family and friends are around.”

GamCare Helpline Advisers often hear about the financial strain caused by early December paydays. One Helpline Adviser said: “An extra temptation to gamble can stem from most people having an early December payday. This, alongside the added financial pressures associated with Christmas, the influence of alcohol, changes in routine, and high-profile sporting events, can conflate the struggles someone with gambling harms may already be going through.”

Another Helpline Adviser said: “There’s a lot of image consciousness around Christmas and people feel the pressure to go further than they can financially afford. Whether it’s presents, food, or family spending, all of these things can lead to debt.

“The anxieties and pressures of Christmas creates a drive to find additional funds. Therefore, some people may be thinking about using gambling to fund the financial pressures that Christmas brings.”

GamCare’s Helpline Advisers are available one-to-one over the phone or on live chat 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. People can also get free one-to-one support sessions through the National Gambling Support Network, wherever they are in Great Britain.

The post GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Jani Kontturi Head of Games at SkillOnNet

SkillOnNet and Playtech Strengthen Ties Through Multi-Market Games Expansion

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Playtech’s casino and bingo offerings launch in various regulated markets.

SkillOnNet and Playtech have solidified their enduring collaboration with a multi-national launch of Playtech’s top-tier casino and bingo offerings.

The global entertainment brand SkillOnNet has successfully incorporated and unveiled the extensive game collection of the software giant in Portugal and Brazil, with Greece expected to go live soon. A launch in Peru is anticipated shortly as well.

Simultaneously, SkillOnNet has introduced Playtech Bingo through its well-known PlayOJO Bingo brand. Playtech’s advanced iBingo platform is renowned as one of the industry’s most robust and scalable options, providing shared network liquidity, improved player engagement features, and a comprehensive range of bingo variations and progressive jackpots.

The contract encompasses a range of customized, market-oriented marketing initiatives in each region, aimed at showcasing Playtech’s top-rated and most well-known games on SkillOnNet’s premier, TV-promoted brands, including PlayOJO, PlayUZU, and BacanaPlay.

The campaigns aim to boost player acquisition and engagement while enhancing the visibility of Playtech’s leading games in every regulated market. The agreement strengthens the already strong relationship between the two firms, highlighting their mutual emphasis on regulated expansion, high-quality player experiences, and sustainable market growth.

Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet said: “Portugal, Brazil, Greece and Peru are all strategically important markets for SkillOnNet, and working with Playtech allows us to deliver premium content that resonates with local players while meeting each market’s regulatory requirements.”

Marat Koss, Chief Interactive Gaming Officer at Playtech, commented: “We’re excited to expand our longstanding collaboration with SkillOnNet into new markets and bring our next-gen iBingo platform to new players. The multi-market launch serves as both a strong testament to the quality of our technology and the trust placed in our long-term Bingo strategy. We look forward to continued shared success with a valued partner.”

The post SkillOnNet and Playtech Strengthen Ties Through Multi-Market Games Expansion appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Adam Miles Director of Sales DEGEN Studios

Why the Slot Market Needs to Move Beyond the ‘Safe Middle’

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Check out our latest Q&A w/ Adam Miles, Director of Sales, DEGEN Studios

You’ve joined DEGEN as Director of Sales at a key moment for the studio. What drew you to the role?

DEGEN has a very defined identity. It’s not trying to sit in the safe middle of the market, and it’s not trying to be everything to everyone. The games are high-volatility, identity-led and built with a specific player in mind. That makes the commercial proposition much stronger.

In a saturated industry, differentiation isn’t optional. Operators don’t need more generic content. They need studios that understand their audience and can deliver something with character and intent. DEGEN already had that direction, which made the opportunity compelling.

DEGEN positions itself as bold and disruptive. Does that make the sales conversation easier or more challenging?

It makes it clearer. When you have a defined identity, you’re not trying to convince every operator. You’re engaging with those who understand the value of differentiated content and who have player segments that respond to high-volatility, high-impact experiences.

Safe content will always have a place. But there is a significant audience looking for something more intense, more distinctive. Our job commercially is to ensure DEGEN’s portfolio is positioned where it will resonate most.

Transparency around who you are simplifies the conversation, shifting the focus from volume to value.

What are your immediate priorities in the role?

First, strengthening global distribution in a targeted way. It’s not about placing the portfolio everywhere. It’s about aligning with operators and aggregators who understand our positioning and can give the games the right context in their lobbies.

Second, deepening partnerships. We want operators to see DEGEN as a studio with a defined role in their content mix, particularly for high-volatility segments.

Internally, it’s also about feedback. Sales shouldn’t operate in isolation. Performance data, operator insight and market trends need to feed back into roadmap discussions. That loop between commercial and creative teams is essential if you want consistent growth.

DEGEN recently launched the DEGEN Powered initiative. How does that fit into your commercial strategy?

DEGEN Powered expands the conversation beyond individual releases. By partnering with studios like Spin Lab, who share a similar philosophy around player-first, identity-led design, we’re building a broader ecosystem.

It’s not a funding model or a traditional publishing structure; it is a strategic alignment. The studios maintain independence, but the DEGEN Powered banner signals shared values and a commitment to high-impact gameplay.

Commercially, that adds depth. It shows consistency in approach and reinforces the idea that this isn’t a one-off tone, it’s a growing segment of the market.

In such a competitive market, what gives DEGEN a genuine edge?

Most studios will aim for the broadest possible appeal, for DEGEN it’s about audience focus and being intentional. The portfolio is built around clearly defined player behaviours, particularly those who engage with higher volatility and stronger thematic identity.

When you understand who the game is for, your commercial message becomes sharper. Instead of promising universal appeal, you can demonstrate defined appeal backed by performance logic.

Operators are increasingly data-driven. They segment their player bases carefully. When a studio understands that segmentation and builds accordingly, the commercial discussion becomes more credible.

As your role develops, what does success look like for you?

Success is about expanding the brand sustainably. That means entering key markets with the right partners, strengthening our global footprint and ensuring the portfolio performs consistently across different territories.

It’s also about reputation. I want DEGEN to be recognised not just as a creative studio with attitude, but as a reliable commercial partner. A studio that delivers differentiated content and backs it with structured, strategic growth.

If operators associate DEGEN with bold, high-volatility experiences that perform for specific segments, and they trust us to support that with strong partnerships and execution, then we’re on the right path.

Ultimately for me, the role is about scaling the commercial side of the business while protecting what makes DEGEN different.

The post Why the Slot Market Needs to Move Beyond the ‘Safe Middle’ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Affiliate Succes

Affilka and Gamblers Connect announce media partnership

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Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, has announced an official partnership with Affilka, one of the industry’s most trusted affiliate management platforms.

Affilka powers the software behind some of the best-run operator programs in iGaming, offering near real-time tracking and automated reporting that help affiliates and operators operate efficiently and transparently.

Throughout 2026, the two companies will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including data-driven content and localized market insights, with the shared goal of helping players make informed decisions while supporting operators in building sustainable and trustworthy affiliate relationships.

Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said:

“Our partnership ensures that operators running on Affilka’s platform are recognised across our network for meeting higher operational standards. Prompt payouts, fair tracking, and robust anti-fraud measures aren’t optional extras — they are the baseline we expect from any brand we recommend to our community.”

The post Affilka and Gamblers Connect announce media partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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