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GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals
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.
SYNOT Games, a leading provider in the iGaming industry, is excited to announce its latest partnership with Platin Casino in Spain. The collaboration introduces over 30 of SYNOT Games‘ most popular and engaging slots.
By joining forces, SYNOT Games and Platin Casino aim to solidify their positions in the Spanish market, offering exceptional value and entertainment to players while adhering to the highest demand.
Among the standout titles now available at Platin Casino are fan favorites such as Fruiti, Joker 5, Realm of Lions, and the highly anticipated seasonal release, Respin Joker 81 Xmass. These games highlight SYNOT Games‘ dedication to delivering visually captivating, high-quality, and diverse gaming experiences tailored to various player preferences.
The collaboration emphasizes the vital role of partnerships in the ever-evolving iGaming sector, showcasing how mutual efforts can lead to expanded market presence and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Leticia Millán, Product Manager at Platin Casino, emphasized the significance of the partnership: We are thrilled to partner with SYNOT Games and bring their engaging slots to our platform. Their innovative approach to game design and ability to deliver player-favorite titles perfectly complement our mission to provide top-tier entertainment.”
Martina Krajčí, Chief Commercial Officer at SYNOT Games, added: „Collaborating with Platin Casino represents an exciting step for SYNOT Games as we expand our reach in Spain. Together, we bring an outstanding portfolio of games to a broader audience, ensuring players enjoy the premium gaming experience they deserve.“
The post SYNOT Games partners with Platin Casino for a broader Spanish audience reach appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Playson, the fast-growing digital entertainment supplier, has moved to strengthen its distribution reach across the European market following a partnership with B2B aggregation platform provider St8.
The tie-up sees a broad collection of Playson’s top-performing games made available to St8’s partnered operators via a seamless API, enhancing the quality of their portfolios significantly. This includes the integration of popular titles such as Coin Strike: Hold and Win and Energy Coins: Hold and Win, as well as latest offerings Pink Joker: Hold and Win and Lightning Clovers: Hit the Bonus.
St8 boasts decades of experience in B2B iGaming operations, delivering fast and scalable solutions and will launch Playson’s industry-renowned portfolio initially in Estonia and Finland, with further European regions to be announced.
The partnership underlines Playson’s ever-expanding global footprint and its ability to cater for large operator networks. By delivering engaging titles with sort-after mechanics, Playson continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading force in the iGaming European landscape.
Cristhian Andre Zito Sudoarg, Sales Manager at Playson, said: “We’re very pleased to partner with St8 and add our portfolio of captivating content to its ever-growing aggregation offering.
“As we continue to navigate a period of strong commercial growth across Europe, collaborations with providers such as St8 allow us to continue expanding our distribution to new markets and players.”
Alex Zvezdochkin, COO at St8, said: “We are thrilled to announce the integration of Playson as our latest games supplier, which marks an important milestone for us.
“We’re always looking to bring the very best games studios to St8, and Playson absolutely fits into that category. The titles are now available to St8 operator partners alongside all the usual features and functionality, including our bespoke selection of thumbnails.”
The post Playson goes live with St8 partnership to further expand European audience reach appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has announced its latest partnership with leading Baltic operator Optibet, part of Entain, marking a strategic expansion in Lithuania and Estonia.
Through the agreement, Optibet now offers over 70 of Evoplay’s premium slot titles to its customers in both markets, including popular games such as The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy, Elven Princesses, and Fruit Super Nova.
Optibet, part of global gaming giant Entain, is a trusted operator across the Baltics, providing Evoplay with a solid foundation to grow its presence in the region.
This exclusive partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to delivering top-tier gaming experiences and increasing engagement within these key markets.
Ihor Zarechnyi, CBDO at Evoplay, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Optibet, a trusted name across the Baltics, to bring our games to players in Lithuania and Estonia.”
“This collaboration marks an important step in our commitment to expanding in regulated markets and offering tailored experiences that resonate with local audiences.”
Janis Bariss, Entain Head of Gaming Baltics & Nordics, said: “Optibet is dedicated to providing our players with the best in gaming entertainment and partnering with Evoplay allows us to deliver an exciting range of content that adds real value to our portfolio.”
“Evoplay’s innovative approach and diverse game selection will be a fantastic addition to our online casinos in Lithuania and Estonia, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact it has on our audience.”
The post Evoplay expands Baltic presence with new Optibet collaboration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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