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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.
eGaming Integrity has been named Independent Online Gambling Assurance Provider of the Year 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards, organised by SME News. The company is based in the Isle of Man and works with operators in regulated online gambling markets.
According to the company, the award recognises its assurance work aimed at helping gambling operators evaluate whether their compliance processes are prepared for regulated market requirements, as regulatory expectations increase around compliance standards and customer protection.
eGaming Integrity said its internal audit reviews assess how gambling businesses operate in practice, including whether procedures and controls meet standards expected by regulators. The company added that the process is designed to help operators identify where controls are effective and where improvements may be needed before issues emerge.
Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, said,
“This award recognises the reason eGaming Integrity was created. Responsible operators want to know where they stand before problems appear, and independent assurance provides that outside perspective.
“Our team has seen regulation from both sides, which helps us understand where processes can break down and how operators can make practical improvements.”
Speaking on the accomplishments of the 2026 winners, Laura O’Carroll, Awards Manager, said,
“The announcement of our UK Enterprise Awards is perhaps one of our most anticipated milestones every year, and the 2026 launch is no different. We are truly pleased to deliver our digital magazine and winners list, showcasing such excellence, to our readers again this year. Atop this, to our winners, and from our team to yours, we wish you all a sincere congratulations on your success in this year’s programme.”
The post eGaming Integrity wins SME News UK Enterprise Award for gambling assurance appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Booming Games has launched Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter, a new online slot released on 16 July 2026 from the supplier’s Malta base. The title is the second game in its Max Scatter series and uses a 6×4 grid with Scatter Pays, cascading wins and a stated maximum win potential of 15,000x.
The game pays when eight or more of the same symbol land. Winning symbols are removed and remaining symbols cascade down, with new symbols dropping in until no further wins are formed.
Free Spins are triggered by landing four or more Scatter symbols, including Scatters and Max Scatters, awarding 10 Free Spins. During the bonus, Random Multipliers can appear with values from 2x to 100x and remain active until the cascade sequence ends, after which multiplier values are combined and applied to the total win. Three or more Scatter symbols during Free Spins add five additional spins, while the feature ends if the max win is awarded.
Booming Games also includes Bonus Buy options priced at 100x the bet amount and a “Super Buy Bonus” at 500x, which the company says offers multipliers from 15x to 100x. A BOOST+ option increases the bet by 25% and increases the chance of triggering bonus features.
Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter is a great example of how we’re innovating within one of our top performing franchises. By adding exciting new Max Scatter mechanics to one of our most popular slots, we are confident the game will appeal to players looking for top-quality entertainment and high-stakes gameplay.”
The post Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming Realms has launched its Slingo portfolio in Switzerland with Swiss4Win.ch, the online casino brand of Casinò Lugano, on 16th July 2026.
The supplier said the agreement is its second operator launch in the Swiss market and extends distribution of its content library through Playtech’s platform.
Swiss4Win.ch players now have access to a selection of titles including Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Xxxtreme and Slingo Gold Cash.
Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Building on our recent debut in Switzerland, this partnership with Swiss4Win.ch will see us reach an even greater audience in the country where our unique content has been popular with local players.
“Switzerland represents an attractive market for us and this launch with a reputable local operator sees us strengthen our foothold in the region.”
Paolo Sanvido, CEO of Casinò Lugano, said: “We’re committed to offering our players a diverse portfolio of premium gaming content, and Gaming Realms’ Slingo titles bring something truly unique to our casino lobby. We’re excited to introduce these games to our customers and further strengthen our entertainment offering with engaging and innovative experiences.”
The post Gaming Realms launches Slingo games with Swiss4Win in Switzerland appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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