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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.

ELA Games

Following ICE 2026 Triumph, ELA Games Officially Releases “Wealth of the East”

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ELA Games is excited to announce the official B2B launch of Wealth of the East. The game, now accessible to partners, was initially introduced to the industry as the studio’s highlight during the three-day event in Barcelona, where it attracted the attention of numerous operators and aggregators because of its unique combination of slot mechanics and tabletop gaming.

The unique unveiling at ICE turned out to be a significant triumph, paving the way for the complete rollout. The ELA Games exhibit gathered industry representatives to engage with the game’s distinctive selling proposition: a twenty-sided Dice (D20) element that adds a tactile, physical sensation to digital slot gaming.

A Festivity of Wealth

The reels of Wealth of the East sparkle with the vibrant essence of an Eastern celebration. The gameplay is centered around the charming figure God Fu, a god of wealth serving as the Wild symbol in the game. He may arrive at any moment, and when he shows up, all Dice on the display spring to life, uncovering multipliers that enhance every coin visible or activate instant Jackpots. These empowered coins provide instant payouts, rewarding players as soon as they appear.

Sparking the Hold & Win Safe

The game showcases a visually impressive progression system crafted to uphold the festive theme and decorated with vibrant reds and golds. Every gathered coin also flies upward into the Golden Pot located above the reels, gradually enriching it with festive treasure that players can see and experience.

As the pot overflows, the screen bursts into red and gold as the Hold & Win game starts. Players receive 3 respins and a setup prepared to collect gold. In this intense feature, the elusive Imperial Lotus can appear, boosting multiple rewards simultaneously and elevating the entire round to new levels.

Game Stats:

● Reels: 5×3
● Lines: 10
● Max Win: x5,000
● Max Exposure: €250,000
● Buy Bonus: Yes
● Volatility: Mid
● RTP: 93.97% / 96.06%

Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director of ELA Games, commented: “Wealth of the East was the perfect title for us to showcase at ICE 2026. We took the classic t’Eastern Celebration’ theme and gave it a distinct twist with the God Fu character and his twenty-sided dice. It adds an original, tactile layer of excitement that players really respond to. The ‘Rising Pot’ visualizes the journey toward the bonus, keeping the excitement building spin after spin. We can’t wait for the industry to see the celebration in action.”

The post Following ICE 2026 Triumph, ELA Games Officially Releases “Wealth of the East” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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QTech Games add more content muscle with Reflex Gaming portfolio

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QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for all emerging markets, has signed its latest supplier partnership with Reflex Gaming, the UK’s largest independently owned omnichannel game supplier, enabling its platform customers to access the studio’s expansive slots catalogue.

Established in 2004, Reflex Gaming’s prolific production line run of legendary games has catapulted the supplier to igaming prominence and recognition, offering a diverse array of gaming experiences across both digital and analogue markets, and driving through new innovations in gaming, including the creation of entirely new gaming categories.

Reflex Gaming creates the highest quality digital gaming content for license to many of the world’s leading casino operators, as evidenced by its steady stream of recent hit titles, including Candy Crazed Pandas DoubleMax, Big Game Fishing Christmas Catch, The Cursed Idol, and 8 Balls of Fire Blazing Bounty. All of these games and more are now available via QTech’s premier platform, which is taking the widest range of online games to international markets, with established names sitting alongside the industry’s most exciting up-and-coming providers.

This collaboration naturally broadens Reflex Gaming’s international scope, unlocking untapped regions for diversified growth, above all in Africa and Latin America.

QTech Games CEO, Philip Doftvik, said: “We’re dedicated to constantly launching more and more first-class content and product innovation that drives revenue for our partners. So, this deal with Reflex Gaming extends our impressive sequential pipeline into 2026 – and we’ve so much more to come this year! In today’s marketplace, only premium games of the highest standard separate you from the crowd. So, we look forward to sharing their wide spectrum of games with both leading and challenger operator brands in emerging markets worldwide.”

Mat Ingram, Chief Product Officer at Reflex Gaming, added: “At Reflex Gaming, we pride ourselves on working with the sector’s biggest and most commercially recognised partners, and QTech Games fits our growth plan perfectly, as we continue to expand our horizons into new territories, leveraging our brand’s values which . QTech’s platform is a gateway to global audiences, so we can’t wait to see how our highly engaging games perform across a greenfield landscape of emerging markets.”

The post QTech Games add more content muscle with Reflex Gaming portfolio appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Blokotech

Blokotech serves up Global Padel Tour in collaboration with SiGMA

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Blokotech, a leading innovator in iGaming software solutions, has launched its Blokotech Padel Tour, a new international sporting circuit combining padel, networking and the global iGaming community, delivered in partnership with SiGMA.
The four-stage event is hosted across four international destinations in 2026, beginning in Buenos Aires, followed by Malta and Miami, before concluding in Rome for the Grand Finale during SiGMA World. Each point on the Tour coincides with the same week as influential iGaming events – including SAGSE, SBC Miami, and SiGMA World – underscoring the tour’s positioning at the intersection of sport, business and community.
Starting next month, each tournament will follow the same format, welcoming a minimum of 24 pairs, split across two competitions: a Beginners tournament and an Advanced tournament. First- and second-place finishers in each category will receive prizes, with each event featuring music, catering, and on-site photography and video to create a premium, social experience for players and guests.
All roads lead to Rome where the Grand Finale will introduce a ranking-based qualification system. Players competing in earlier legs of the tour will earn points for participation and performance, with top-ranked pairs qualifying for the final. Additional places will also be made available via open registration.
The best prizes are reserved for the event in Rome, which include an Omega Speedmaster or IWC watch for Advanced first-place winners, Apple Watch Ultra Pro Prizes for Beginners champions, and professional padel kits plus tickets to a Padel World Tour event for second-place finishers in both categories.
Key dates for the 2026 Blokotech Padel Tour:
  • Buenos Aires – 16 March (12:00–19:00)
  • Malta – 28 April (10:00–16:00)
  • Miami – 9 June (time TBC)
  • Rome – Grand Finale – 2 November (time TBC)
Blokotech Co-Founder and CEO Salvatore Messina commented: “Padel has a deep and authentic connection to Latin America where our own roots rest as a business. Our aim with the Blokotech Padel Tour is to bring iGaming movers and shakers together for a competition inspired by community and passion. SiGMA has been the perfect partner to help us deliver global concepts synced with some of the industry;s leading events. Join us in BA where it all begins!”

Additionally, SiGMA CMO Lauranne Urban added: “Blokotech’s Padel Tour is a wonderful idea that we’ve been honoured to help bring to life. It will provide the perfect platform for sporting action, networking and industry culture. This initiative aligns with our event philosophy to deliver engaging, community-driven experiences beyond the conference floor.”

The post Blokotech serves up Global Padel Tour in collaboration with SiGMA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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