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Dr Matt Gaskell Awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Services to People Experiencing Gambling Harm
Dr Matt Gaskell, Clinical Lead and Consultant Psychologist at the NHS Northern Gambling Service has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for “Services to People Experiencing Gambling Harm” in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
In his response statement (below) he dedicates the award “. . . to all those affected by preventable gambling-related harm, to the brilliant people who advocate for new gambling legislation, and to many amazing colleagues with whom I have worked over the years treating addictive behaviour.”
For over 25 years Matt has dedicated himself to the treatment and recovery of addictive behaviour and to developing and overseeing high quality evidence-based and compassionate services for those harmed by it.
Matt was born in Chorley, Lancashire, before moving to Ilkley in West Yorkshire aged 10. He joined the NHS in 2007 from the Home Office where he was Head of Addiction Treatment for the directorate of High Security Prisons. He became Clinical Lead for Addictions at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) in 2014 and started specialising in gambling treatment from 2018.
Matt then founded the NHS Northern Gambling Service, the first of its kind in the north of England, which opened its first clinic in September 2019. The Service has since expanded with six regional clinics in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Preston. Matt’s teams have treated and supported thousands of individuals and their families since the first clinic opened its doors.
In addition to leading a successful clinical service, he has provided expert knowledge and advice to the UK Government on gambling related harm and has become an influential advocate for the overhaul of our gambling laws and regulations. His views on gambling harm, treatment and policy are in demand across the UK and internationally. He regularly appears in the media raising awareness that policies and commercial practices hazardous to health should be the priority for action, rather than problematising individuals who are impacted by their exposure.
He was employed as topic advisor for the recently implemented national clinical guidelines on harmful gambling, which ensure that identification and support for gambling harm will become part of routine clinical practice across the country. He is heavily involved in the current transformation to a joined-up evidence-based national treatment and support system for gambling related harm, ensuring a better deal for those harmed, including their families. He is also a lecturer in addiction at several universities at doctorate level, an expert witness, author, researcher, consultant and public voice for those affected by gambling-related harm.
Matt, who currently lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with wife Judith and son Teddy, said: “I have been privileged to be connected to the courageous and moving recovery of so many people and families harmed by gambling and other addictive behaviour over the years.
“I’ve learned so much from their stories. They have inspired me to improve public services treating addiction, and to be a voice for their experience in calling for change. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from, and work with, some of the best minds in addictive behaviour and public health. I’m very grateful to the NHS who have supported and trusted me to do my work.
“This award recognises that gambling harm is a public health crisis of our time. I will continue to strive to prioritise population health over the pursuit of profit, and to create healthier environments for our citizens to thrive in.
“I dedicate this award to all those affected by preventable gambling-related harm, to the brilliant people who advocate for new gambling legislation, and to many amazing colleagues with whom I have worked over the years treating addictive behaviour.
“Like so many others, I have experienced addiction in my family, which served to inspire my commitment to public service in this area. So, it’s an enormously proud moment for my family, and I look forward to sharing it with them and with my colleagues.”
Dr Sara Munro, Chief Executive of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m so proud to see Matt receive this honour. He spearheaded the creation of the NHS Northern Gambling Service and has successfully expanded it from one clinic to several operating across the North of England today in five years.
“The NHS Northern Gambling Service saves people’s lives, supporting thousands of people, as well as their loved ones, to regain their lives after the harm caused by gambling addiction.
“Using his expertise and insights from the gambling service Matt also plays an important role in advising government and positively influencing national policy and legislation to reduce gambling harms. We are immensely grateful for all he does and his steadfast commitment to make meaningful change to protect vulnerable people in society.”
The post Dr Matt Gaskell Awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Services to People Experiencing Gambling Harm appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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EGT to present its latest gaming solutions at SiGMA Central Europe 2025
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EGT is thrilled to announce that it will participate in SiGMA Central Europe 2025. Visitors to the event, which will be held in Rome from November 4th to 6th, will be able to see the newest developments from the company’s portfolio alongside its well-established products at stand 2038.
Among the highlights in the selection for the show will be two models from EGT’s latest series of slot cabinets Supreme – S 32-32 ST and S 55 V ST. Powered by the Exciter IV platform and standing out with an eye-catching outlook with captivating UHD 4K displays, numerous interactive features, and user-friendly ergonomics, these machines are created to provide a superior experience. They will reveal the wide variety of games of the top-performing Supreme Selection series mixes: Mega Supreme Fruits Selection, Supreme Green, and Supreme Red Selection.
The popular General Series will also be presented by two of its most successful cabinet models – the G 50 C ST and the G 50 J2 ST. They will offer the attendees the chance to try their luck and win big with the hit jackpots Bell Link, Bell Link Boost, as well as Gods & Kings Link with its new multigame Gods & Kings Link 2, enriched with even more exciting titles.
The Compact 6 Roulette, the newest addition to the company’s ETG portfolio, will be on display as well. Including sleek design, American roulette, and multiple options for connection to other EGT Automated Roulette units, it will definitely won’t go unnoticed by the guest at the stand. Alongside the Power HD multigames, the roulette will invite players to explore the astonishing world of Supreme Green Union, offering a fascinating blend of video slots, Blackjack, Baccarat, roulette, and Keno.
At stand 2050 EGT Digital will also demonstrate its ever-growing array of iGaming solutions, covering instant and casino games, as well as the in-house developed betting platform X-Nave, providing operators with the technology and tools they need to build and maintain a successful business online.
Nadia Popova, Chief Revenue Officer and VP Sales & Marketing at EGT, shared her enthusiasm regarding the upcoming edition of the show: “SiGMA Central Europe continues to evolve as a high-value meeting point for the industry, and we are proud to be part of it. Our goal is to present not only our strong product selection but also our vision for sustainable growth and technological excellence. The event brings together decision makers shaping the industry’s future, and we are ready to contribute with solutions that combine performance, reliability, and a deep of market insight.”
The post EGT to present its latest gaming solutions at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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FURIA Pulls Off the Reverse Sweep to Win Thunderpick World Championship 2025
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Thunderpick, the leading esports betting platform delivering fans cutting-edge tools and experiences, announced that FURIA has emerged victorious at the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 — one of the tournament’s most competitive editions yet, featuring four of the world’s top 10 ranked teams. FURIA takes home the $500,000 first-place prize, with KSCERATO earning his first Grand Final MVP.
FURIA’s steady performance and relentless focus were on full display throughout the tournament, culminating in a Finals victory over Natus Vincere. After NAVI went up two maps to zero, FURIA did what many thought was impossible and completed a dominant reverse sweep with a 13:1 on the decisive map.
Natus Vincere finished second place, earning $150,000. The MongolZ, who won the Thunderpick World Championship last year, finished third after defeating Aurora earlier in the day, receiving $70,000 and $50,000, respectively. Venom, 9z, Imperial and OG all placed fifth through eighth, taking home $20,000 each.
“It is a privilege to congratulate FURIA as the Thunderpick World Champions! This tournament was thrilling, featuring exceptional gameplay. The success of our World Championship is thanks to the incredible teams, streamers, partners, staff, and everyone behind the scenes who made it possible, as well as the passionate fans who make this event so special,” said Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy at Thunderpick.
This year marks the third consecutive Thunderpick World Championship. Last year, The MongolZ stunned HEROIC to claim their third international title of the season, cementing their status on the global CS2 stage. In 2023, FaZe Clan took the crown after defeating Virtus.pro, with Robin “ropz” Kool earning the MVP title. The TWC 2025 Finals are presented in collaboration with Hotspawn, a leading hub for esports news and analysis.
The post FURIA Pulls Off the Reverse Sweep to Win Thunderpick World Championship 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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The Danish Gambling Authority Wins International Award for Education Programme in Secondary Schools
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For the second year in a row, an initiative from the Danish Gambling Authority has been recognised as the best in the world by international peers. At a major conference in Toronto, Canada, the Authority received the Best responsible / safer gambling initiative award for its engaging educational sessions in Danish secondary schools. The jury particularly highlighted how the programme has clearly influenced young people’s attitudes towards gambling.
The award is presented by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) – a network of 81 gambling authorities from around the world that meet annually to discuss key cross-border issues. Last year, the Danish Gambling Authority won with its campaign The One-Armed Bandit. Now, another trophy is heading to Denmark.
Since 2022, the Danish Gambling Authority has offered free presentations to secondary schools across the country – more than 200 so far.
“Gambling plays a big role in many schools. In some classrooms, gambling has almost become part of the everyday culture. It distracts from learning and can lead to addiction. That’s why we developed our own educational programme to help students understand how gambling works and where to seek help if it gets out of hand,” said Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority.
The presentations are delivered by a team of eight staff members from the Danish Gambling Authority, typically working in pairs. They are held in individual classes to ensure maximum participation. A real roulette table is a key feature, providing students with a tangible understanding of how games of chance operate.
“Our goal isn’t to tell students never to gamble. It’s to make sure that if they choose to play, they understand that the games are designed so the player will lose money over time,” said Heine Jakobsen, Special Adviser and coordinator of the programme, who accepted the award in Toronto on behalf of the Authority.
Impact studies show a clear shift in students’ attitudes towards gambling. The Danish Gambling Authority conducted surveys before and three months after each visit – and the results speak for themselves:
Before the session, 64% said they gambled to win money. Three months later, that number had dropped to 54%.
The share of students gambling for entertainment rose from 70% to 87%.
This shift – from gambling to make money towards gambling as entertainment – demonstrates that the Danish Gambling Authority’s message is resonating with young people.
The interactive approach and measurable results are key reasons why the Danish Gambling Authority has now received the award for the second consecutive year.
The jury’s motivation read: “For an interactive, school-based education programme that engages young people with practical demonstrations and surveys evidencing shifts away from gambling ‘to make money’ towards safer play and awareness of help services.”
“We are truly honoured to receive this award. It’s vital that young people understand gambling as entertainment – not a shortcut to easy money. By meeting them with honesty and engagement, we’ve managed to make responsible gambling relevant and accessible for our target group. I’m proud that the jury recognised this, and that our work can inspire other regulators around the world,” said Anders Dorph.
The post The Danish Gambling Authority Wins International Award for Education Programme in Secondary Schools appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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