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VCGLR recommends responsible gambling provisions for Crown Casino
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The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) has released its sixth review of Crown Casino’s operations, offering a slew of provisions for responsible gambling. Overall, the review provides 20 recommendations. Out of which 11 pertain to the provision of “responsible gambling.” The review indicates that Crown lagged behind in community expectations.
The review arrives at a bad time for Crown Casino. Earlier this year, a whistle-blower accused the casino of misconduct, including providing gamblers with a “pick” to jam poker machine buttons in place. And following another allegation of machine tampering, the VCGLR fined Crown AU$300,000. This was a historically high fine.
Another recent whistle-blower case concerned Woolworth’s subsidiary ALH, Australia’s largest gambling machine operator. Earlier this month, ALH admitted that patrons were “spied upon” and provided with inducements to continue gambling.
The idea of “responsible gambling” is at the core of both these cases.
What is responsible gambling?
Responsible gambling has been a cornerstone of government gambling policy since at least the 1990s. The concept was a gambling industry invention, developed as gambling was legalised and expanded globally. It allowed the industry to circumvent stricter regulations in response to the harmful side effects associated with the spread of gambling. This has been a wildly effective strategy for the gambling industry, but largely ineffective in terms of minimising harm.
Responsible gambling is largely implemented via codes of practice, required in all Australian casinos, pubs and clubs and many other jurisdictions. These require gambling operators to provide warning signs and intervene when someone shows signs of harm, among other measures.
Other responsible gambling regulations impose limits on game offerings. This is especially so with electronic gambling machines (EGMs, or “pokies”). In most Australian states, the maximum bet in a pub or club pokie is A$5. There are other pokie restrictions, as well, such as the load-up (the amount of money that can be inserted at one time) and the speed at which individual bets can be placed (generally every two to three seconds).
But in research I’ve conducted with other academics, we’ve found little evidence that responsible gambling measures are effective.
This is partly because of recent public health research showing that, even with responsible gambling measures in place, gambling harm remains a serious problem. This is partly because gambling mechanisms are ubiquitous in Australia, and partly because responsible gambling measures are unconcerned with preventing harm. At best, these measures act as an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff – not the fence at the top.
As with alcohol, the “responsibility” for over-consumption is generally offloaded by the gambling industry onto consumers. The industry argues that problems affect only a tiny minority, and are a result of flawed individuals who cannot control themselves. Exposure to gambling itself is not considered a cause.
However, recent research in Victoria demonstrates that the harm associated with gambling is of a “similar order of magnitude” as major depressive disorders and alcohol misuse. The social costs of gambling, including family breakdown, relationship problems, domestic violence, and emotional and psychological distress, depression and suicide, are estimated at nearly A$7 billion per year in Victoria alone.
Another recent study found that on average, every “problem gambler” affects six other people in his or her life. Every “moderate-risk” gambler impacts three others. Even “low- risk” gamblers affect one other person.
Thus, the costs and effects of gambling harm are much more widespread than the gambling industry or government concedes. This has also been corroborated by recent research in the UK.
Contradictions between practice and law
Responsible gambling measures were intended to address these social costs, but research shows that some “codes of practice” are rarely enforced and often ignored. ALH has also admitted this is true.
Even more troubling is that Crown is permitted by Victorian law to allow patrons to play pokies in “unrestricted” mode at its casinos. This means gamblers can bet unlimited amounts, at unlimited speed, and on “autoplay.” (The “unrestricted” mode is banned outside casinos.)
Considering the law also requires Crown to pursue “responsible gambling” regulations, the contradiction is quite striking.
There are other contradictions. In its casino review, VCGLR recommended more staff, with time to actually intervene, when patrons display signs of harmful pokie use. However, using the “unrestricted” mode allowed only at Crown would be a clear sign of harmful gambling.
Source: theconversation.com
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Week 31/2025 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has launched its latest all-star game, Galaxy Miner. This space-inspired title is a 3-reel, 3-row video slot featuring Win Vortex symbols and Prize symbols up to 1000x. Players travel to the year 3127, to a world beyond the stars dominated by the legendary X Vortex — a force that swirls in silence, devouring everything in its path and forging Galactic Treasures deep within.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has announced the release of three new online slot titles this July across UK and Malta iGaming jurisdictions: Chili Poppers™, Bichos Mágicos™, and Bigger Piggy Bank™. Each title is designed to provide distinctive gameplay experiences while delivering strong performance for operators.
Play’n GO revisit a classic hit with Super Flip Deluxe, bringing back the charm of the original slot while adding new ways to win and a sleek new look. This update to Super Flip keeps everything fans loved, while giving it a modern refresh. The clean, classic layout is still here – now with sharper graphics and smoother gameplay. Players can also enjoy new features that give them more chances to win, such as surprise coin prizes and a second spin when things don’t quite go their way.
TaDa Gaming, is giving players another chance to hit the big time with 3 Coin Treasures 2, a three reels, five rows slot with 243 ways to win. Part of the TriLuck™ series and a sequel to hit release 3 Coin Treasure, this new release delivers colourful coins and three separate colour coin Scatters to trigger the three different bonus games. Add in the Firecracker Wilds, the Golden Auspicious Coin, Double Reel multiplier, fixed multiplier jackpots and a Lock & Respin feature and it’s easy to see why players are going coin crazy.
Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth: Hunt for Coin, the latest release in its aquatic-themed slot series. Set in a vibrant underwater world, the 5×3 video slot runs across five fixed paylines and features marine creatures, powerful gods, and ancient treasures hidden beneath the waves. Players will encounter seven regular symbols, alongside Wilds, Bonus symbols, and the mighty Trident as they dive into the action.
Push Gaming returns to the colony with Wild Swarm Triple Hive, blending a fan-favourite setting with the high-engagement 3 Pots system. Wild Swarm Triple Hive builds on the success of 3 Magic Pots, offering the same core mechanic adapted to the world of Push’s beloved bees. The game increases volatility and depth, providing a richer experience for players who enjoy collecting mechanics and multi-stage bonuses.
Play’n GO bring the spirit of the plains to players with Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth, a dynamic new slot rooted in the legacy of our animal-themed titles. Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth is Play’n GO’s answer to the enduring popularity of American wildlife-themed slots. It captures the essence of iconic Play’n GO games while introducing fresh design and mechanics that elevate enjoyment.
Stakelogic has released its most action-packed slot to date with Turbo Duck, a high-octane title that blends intense gameplay with cinematic visuals and a winged hero who refuses to back down. Set in a post-apocalyptic retro arcade, Turbo Duck follows Quack-9, a fearless duck mecha-pilot ready for action. As the gameplay unfolds, players join Quack-9 in the fight for control and massive multipliers.
Blueprint Gaming™ invites players on its most bountiful fishing trip to date in Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch 3, with a host of sumptuous bonus modifiers charging the latest iteration from the industry-renowned series. The leading UK slot supplier has high hopes for its July release following the roaring success of the original Big Catch title and its sequel, which was released in February 2025.
Red Rake Gaming presents its latest release, Beating Alcatraz, an exciting video slot that transports players to one of the most iconic prisons in the world to experience the ultimate escape adventure. With a 5×4 reel layout and 25 paylines, Beating Alcatrazdelivers an innovative gaming experience centered around the Sticky Wins feature, where every winning combination sticks to the reels and triggers a Respin—offering players the chance to maximize their winnings while keeping the excitement going with every spin.
The latest slot game from Galaxsys takes players on a mythological journey through nine Norse realms, offering unique bonuses, free spins, and up to 7000x wins. Galaxsys, the award-winning games developer, proudly announces the launch of its new slot title: Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms. Rooted in Scandinavian mythology, Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms invites players on a journey across the nine legendary realms of Norse lore.
Step back in time and experience the excitement of Reels Paradise by Booming Games. This classic slot machine features iconic reels and symbols, with modern features that make every spin engaging and enjoyable. Reels Paradise is a 5-reel, 3-row slot game with a unique twist. The first three reels showcase classic slot symbols such as diamonds and bars. The 4th reel is the Value Symbol reel, which exclusively contains prize values.
Gaming Corps is diving into deep waters with the launch of its latest slot, Fishing Pro: Reel Collect — an action-packed release designed to hook players with its unique Prize Collect mechanic. Set against a colourful underwater backdrop, Fishing Pro invites players to bait their hooks and aim for the big one. Every spin in this wild slot brings new opportunities to collect fish, lobsters, and mythical mermaids across a grid bursting with aquatic prizes.
FBMDS just launched Secrets of Scarabs, the first title in its brand-new Titan Series – a premium slot collection created to deliver engaging gameplay, flexible configurations, and high-quality performance across platforms. Inspired by the opulence and mystery of Ancient Egypt, Secrets of Scarabs invites players to explore a world of golden treasures, mystical artefacts, and potential wins.
ICONIC21 is letting players experience the pulsing energy of an unforgettable Vegas night in its latest slot release, Neon Paradise Hold & Win. A new kind of glow is lighting up the game board in this bold and bright slot that brings a modern twist to a proven and always popular game mechanic. Players get to experience the thrills of the classic 3×5 reel setup, aiming to collect six or more Diamond symbols to unlock the Bonus Game.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Extra Crown Classic Buy Bonus. This new release invites players to embark on a royal adventure across the 5 beautifully designed reels. This classical video slot has 10 fixed paylines offering many chances to score big and feel the thrill of majestic rewards.
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Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025
The studio continues its momentum with two new nominations
ELA Games, a dynamic game development studio, is proud to announce its double nomination at the upcoming SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 in the “Best Game Studio” and “Best Slot Game Provider” categories.
These nominations for two of the most prestigious categories at the event highlight a milestone year for ELA Games, marked by innovative developments, a growing portfolio, and key partnerships. Central to this recognition are standout titles including Shoot Happens, Juicy Crystal, and Joker Winpot. Each title has showcased the studio’s balance of creativity, visually rich design, and technical excellence.
Shoot Happens is a prime example of ELA Games’ progression as a game development studio. It’s a high-energy game that breaks from traditional game formats to give players more agency over their gameplay. Players face off against increasingly tougher and valuable opponents to fill up their “Winpot,” which they can then choose when to cash out. Shoot Happens reflects ELA Games’ ambitions to offer new experiences that connect with modern player preferences and provide high-performing content for operators.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nominations, “The team has been in overdrive working on new titles and rethinking the online gaming landscape. Being nominated for two of the biggest categories at the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 is a testament to the entire team’s efforts to create engaging, visually rich content that’s genuinely fun to play. We look forward to the award ceremony results and continuing to push creative boundaries with new, exciting games!”
Voting is open for the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025.
The post Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Springbok Casino Exposes Unethical Wildlife Tourism in August Feature – Plus 25 Free Spins on Hades’ Flames of Fortune
This August, SpringbokCasino.co.za ewr45is shedding light on the dark side of animal tourism while turning up the heat with a sizzling offer: 25 Free Spins to play the blazing new underworld slot, Hades’ Flames of Fortune, all month long.
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THE WILD SIDE OF WRONG – FIVE ANIMAL ADVENTURES YOU SHOULD NEVER BOOK
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- The Lion Lie – Why petting cubs fuels canned hunting
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- The Elephant in the Room – The suffering behind elephant rides
- Selfie Stress – How cheetah encounters exploit wildlife
- Wild Shows, Trapped Lives – The cruelty of animal performances
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The post Springbok Casino Exposes Unethical Wildlife Tourism in August Feature – Plus 25 Free Spins on Hades’ Flames of Fortune appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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