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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.
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Play’n GO breathes new life into ancient Chinese mythology with Bao Shi, a visually striking 5-reel slot centred around the mythical Lion God, Lioras. Set amidst mist-shrouded mountains and long-forgotten temples, Bao Shi beckons players to release Lioras from an ancient spell cast by a malevolent warlord, bringing prosperity to those brave enough to beat the drums of destiny.
Players engage with ornate symbols and mystic Drum symbols that pulse with life, creating immersive gameplay wrapped in cultural authenticity. Bao Shi promises not only engaging storytelling but substantial rewards through its innovative gameplay mechanics.
The standout Lioras Blessings feature spontaneously graces the reels, transforming symbols into Coin Wilds with generous multipliers, visually elevating the experience and boosting win potential. Meanwhile, the Free Spins feature intensifies anticipation, activated by resonant Gong symbols; three or more Gongs summon up to fifteen Free Spins enhanced by upgraded Lioras symbols and additional Coin Wild multipliers. The deeper the drumming echoes, the richer the rewards become, ensuring each interaction harmoniously aligns with the tale of prosperity.
Bao Shi joins Play’n GO’s esteemed catalogue of narrative-driven, culturally resonant titles like Imperial Opera and Celebration of Wealth, offering players an enriched experience that blends compelling narratives with sophisticated gameplay.
Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, said: “Bao Shi immerses players in ancient Chinese legends with unmatched authenticity and rewarding gameplay. The Lioras Blessings and Free Spins features offer meaningful interactions directly tied to the slot’s captivating narrative, ensuring a memorable experience for all players.”
Bao Shi offers a visually splendid, culturally immersive experience, captivating players with a compelling narrative woven seamlessly into rewarding gameplay. Fans of intricate storytelling and innovative slots will find Bao Shi an unmissable addition to their gaming collection.
The post Bao Shi Awakens the Legendary Lion God of Prosperity appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
James Jelliffe Head of Slots at Stakelogic
Stakelogic conjures spellbinding wins with new slot Leprechaun’s Loot
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Step into Pip O’Spin’s world of rainbows, golden rewards, and mischievous magic
Stakelogic has unveiled its latest enchanted adventure, Leprechaun’s Loot, where Irish folklore meets inventive mechanics. Starring Pip O’Spin, a cheeky leprechaun from the emerald hills with a gift for turning rainbows into gold, the game combines playful storytelling with exciting Hold ‘N’ Win action.
With 243 Pay Ways, players begin on a 5×3 grid where Rainbow symbols can be boosted into Golden Rainbows, instantly increasing their value. Rainbow Collects deliver instant wins when a Collect symbol lands on reel five, while Lucky Respins give players a chance to trigger the Bonus. Players can also activate Super Stake
to double the likelihood of entering Free Spins or buy directly into the Hold ‘N’ Win feature for 100x their bet.
Once inside the Hold ‘N’ Win Bonus, the real magic begins. Here, Rainbow and Golden Rainbow symbols lock in place while modifiers add layers of excitement.
Expand symbols can unlock additional rows up to a full 5×5 grid, while Double symbols fill a meter that, when charged, doubles all Rainbow values before resetting. Golden Rainbows persist throughout the round, transferring and stacking their value onto other symbols creating a steady stream of treasure.
With high volatility and a max multiplier of x5,000, Leprechaun’s Loot balances whimsical charm with serious win potential.
James Jelliffe, Head of Slots at Stakelogic, said: “With Leprechaun’s Loot, we wanted to create a slot where every feature feeds into the next, building momentum and excitement spin by spin. The Hold ‘N’ Win round really comes alive as modifiers stack, the grid expands, and Golden Rainbows keep values climbing. This release delivers layers of gameplay that will keep players engaged, entertained and wanting to come back for more.”
Leprechaun’s Loot will be available to operators and players from 9 October 2025.
The post Stakelogic conjures spellbinding wins with new slot Leprechaun’s Loot appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
FreakShow Hotel
Million Games and Yugo Workshop Unveil FreakShow Hotel – A Halloween Slot Full of Sticky Wild Multipliers
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Million Games, together with Million Stars partner studio Yugo Workshop, has announced the launch of FreakShow Hotel, a Halloween-themed 5×3 video slot designed to deliver both festive fun and serious win potential.
Set inside Count Drac’s haunted hotel, the game invites players to join a supernatural banquet filled with ghosts, monsters, and high-paying surprises. With 20 paylines, medium volatility, and a maximum payout of 6,000x the bet, FreakShow Hotel combines a seasonal theme with proven mechanics built for strong player engagement.
Feature Highlights
- Pumpkin Party Free Spins – Triggered by 3 or more Medal Scatter symbols, awarding 8–14 Free Spins.
- Sticky Wild Multipliers – Wilds stick to the reels during Free Spins and carry random multipliers of 2x, 3x, or 5x that change with each spin.
- Bonus Buy – A fast-track option for players to access Free Spins instantly.
“With FreakShow Hotel, Yugo Workshop has delivered a slot that is fun, thematic, and highly engaging,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “The combination of Sticky Wild Multipliers and Free Spins makes it a strong performer for operators during the Halloween season, while its polished visuals and playful narrative ensure it appeals widely to players.”
FreakShow Hotel is the latest release from Yugo Workshop under the Million Star Partner Programme, following a series of creative and feature-rich titles launched earlier this year.
The game is now live across all Million Games partner platforms.
The post Million Games and Yugo Workshop Unveil FreakShow Hotel – A Halloween Slot Full of Sticky Wild Multipliers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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