Press Releases
The Arizona Department of Gaming, Arizona Lottery, and the National Council of Problem Gambling Recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”), Division of Problem Gambling (“DPG”), in collaboration with the National Council of Problem Gambling (“NCPG”), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. 2025 marks the 22nd anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The theme of this year’s campaign, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.
“Problem gambling is a serious issue that impacts thousands of Arizonans, including families and young people,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “As Governor, I am committed to raising awareness and ensuring that those struggling with problem gambling have access to the resources and support they need.”
Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 5 to 8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems.
In fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), Arizona’s Division of Problem Gambling provided 3 trainings for clinical providers and connected 992 people across the state to treatment. In the same period, DPG provided $1.3 million to support treatment of individuals affected by problem gambling. This past fiscal year, DPG continued to work with Arizona stakeholders to implement its self-exclusion program for event wagering & fantasy sports (“EWFS”), which allows those who may struggle with gambling to exclude themselves from these games statewide. DPG self-exclusion staff work with tribal gaming facilities and EWFS operators on a daily basis to update the patron self-exclusion list. In FY2024, this resulted in a total of 519 self-exclusions enrolled, bringing the total in Arizona to 2,230.
Today, DPG hosted the 17th Annual Symposium on Problem Gambling in Phoenix, Arizona, with the theme: “Envisioning the Future: A Comprehensive Approach from History to Innovation.”
“Bringing together innovators, leaders, and decision-makers face-to-face is vital to fostering meaningful dialogue and driving impactful change,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG Director. “Our annual DPG Symposium is designed to facilitate discussions, share best practices, and cultivate strategic collaborations. These are key elements in advancing DPG’s mission to provide effective problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs as part of the Department’s broader efforts to mitigate gambling-related harms.”
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Katie Hobbs for once again proclaiming March as Arizona Problem Gambling Awareness Month,” said Elise Mikkelsen, Director of the Division of Problem Gambling. “We recognize that disparities in access to services and treatment outcomes continue to impact historically underrepresented communities, and we want every Arizonan to know—they are not alone. Through DPG’s free, 24/7 confidential helpline and online resources, individuals across the state can take the first step toward getting the support they need.”
“The Arizona Lottery is dedicated to supporting initiatives that alleviate problem gambling as an addition that can impact individuals from all walks of life,” said Arizona Lottery Executive Director Alec Thomson. “That’s why we remain committed to promoting responsible gaming by increasing awareness of problem gambling, recognizing its warning signs, and ensuring that vital resources are available to those in need.” The Arizona Lottery has contributed $6 million to ADG to support statewide problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, DPG urges you to get help now by calling 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1.800.639.8783), DPG’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling. The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling – individuals and affected family members, friends, or co-workers.
The post The Arizona Department of Gaming, Arizona Lottery, and the National Council of Problem Gambling Recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen in the Esports Foundation’s Ambassador Program.
The Esports Foundation (EF) has appointed Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok as a Game Ambassador for the Esports World Cup (EWC) and Esports Nations Cup (ENC) through 2028, the organization said on July 15, 2026 in a statement issued from Riyadh and Paris.
EF said Faker joins Cristiano Ronaldo, listed as the Foundation’s Global Ambassador, and Magnus Carlsen as part of the Esports Foundation Ambassador Program. The Foundation said Faker will represent “the perspective of esports players” across its international events, athlete initiatives, media engagements and leadership forums.
“You can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. He is the defining athlete of competitive gaming: a champion whose excellence, discipline and longevity have inspired an entire generation,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation. “As our Game Ambassador, Faker represents something fundamental to the Ambassador Program: esports creates its own global sporting icons. Across EWC, ENC and NGSC, he will help ensure that the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping where it goes next.”
Faker said: “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador. I want to continue competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who have helped esports grow worldwide. Through the Esports World Cup, Esports Nations Cup and the Foundation’s wider platforms, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, remain resilient and believe in how far competitive gaming can take them. There is still much more to achieve.”
EF highlighted Faker’s competitive record, describing him as a six-time League of Legends World Champion, EWC 2024 winner, two-time MSI champion and ten-time domestic champion with T1. The Foundation also said Faker became the first esports athlete to receive the Blue Dragon Medal in 2026, describing it as the Republic of Korea’s highest sporting honor awarded by President Lee Jae-myung.
The post Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Midnite has agreed a partnership with Middlesbrough FC that will see the UK bookmaker become the club’s principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 campaign, which Middlesbrough describes as its landmark 150th season.
The companies announced the deal alongside a fan activation at Riverside Stadium on Thursday, July 9, branded “This Season’s On Us”. The initiative offered supporters prizes including 2026/27 season tickets, 2026/27 shirts, match tickets, or a £25 club shop voucher, with fans required to answer Middlesbrough trivia and complete a football challenge.
Middlesbrough former players Craig Hignett and David Wheater attended the event, and, according to the company, took bonus attempts on behalf of participants who missed out.
Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said:
“Middlesbrough have a storied history and we’re delighted to announce this partnership during such a monumental year with the club celebrating their 150th anniversary.
“It was great to see so many Middlesbrough fans at the “This Season’s On Us” activation, we hope they enjoyed taking part and meeting club legends, with David Wheater hitting top bins on several occasions and allowing fans to win big with season tickets.
“We can’t wait to get to Riverside Stadium in August to kick-off a new season and we’re excited to say that we have plenty of new and captivating campaigns planned.”
Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough FC Chief Commercial Officer, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our new Principal Partner.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with Midnite to develop engaging campaigns, content and unique experiences that bring our fans even closer to the club.
“We’re confident this partnership will provide real value for our supporters while supporting our ambitions both on and off the pitch.”
The post Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
ThrillTech has been awarded a Gaming-Related Supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), clearing the company to launch in Ontario’s regulated market.
The licence allows ThrillTech to deploy its opt-in side bet jackpots technology with regulated online casino, sports betting and lottery operators across the province.
Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing our AGCO licence is a major step in our mission to transform how jackpots are delivered at scale across regulated markets. This latest certification is testament to our robust technology and trusted compliance frameworks, allowing us to continue our global growth trajectory. We are thrilled to bring our proven, compliant jackpot technology to Ontario, empowering locally licensed operators to uplift revenue without cannibalising existing spend.”
The company said its “ThrillPots” mechanics sit as an independent, player-funded side bet and do not alter the underlying game’s return-to-player mathematics.
ThrillTech said the Ontario approval enables its existing multinational partners that also operate in the province to launch its side bet jackpots locally, while it also holds talks with potential new operator partners. The company lists its regulated footprint as including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Gibraltar, Brazil and Peru.
The post ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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