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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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George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Stats Widgets Introducing H2H Widget for Land-Based Terminals

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FeedConstruct’s Stats Widgets is excited to introduce its new type of H2H widget for Land-Based terminals, designed to enhance user interaction and interface. This widget simplifies the presentation of head-to-head (H2H) data, providing deep insights into team performances with its non-clickable and screen-optimized design.

The H2H widget showcases detailed analysis across various metrics, including team performances, H2H comparison data, and recent match results. Here is the data you can find in this widget:

· H2H Comparison Data: Detailed comparisons between two teams, including historical matchups and relevant statistics.

· Team Performances: Highlighting the recent form and efficiency of both teams.

· Last 5 Matches: Reviewing the outcomes of the last five matches of the teams.

· Current Standings: Quick reference to the teams’ positions in the current league.

The widget is a ready-to-go solution, with easy iFrame integration into the sportsbook, and individual branding to reflect a personalized touch. The introduction of the new type of H2H widget makes a big step forward in simplifying the sports data presentation for the Land-Based terminals, thus enhancing the user experience and supporting our partners.

The post Stats Widgets Introducing H2H Widget for Land-Based Terminals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Slotsjudge Expands Its Presence on Discord and Kick

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It has been announced that Slotsjudge has expanded its presence by launching on new digital platforms, including Kick and Discord. The expansion will allow the team behind the brand to reach a wider audience for valuable reviews and insights. By introducing Kick video live streaming and a social Discord server, Slotsjudge aims to foster its vibrant community and provide even more interactive ways for users to discuss and engage with their insights, reviews and recommendations.

Details of the Expansion

Slotsjudge on Kick
The video live-streaming service from Kick offers a myriad of streaming topics and interactive features. It allows users to engage with Slotsjudge streamers in real-time through chat discussions and polls. By bolstering its digital platform expansion with Kick, Slotsjudge can create a dynamic and immersive streaming experience with community engagement and interaction at the forefront.

Slotsjudge’s Discord Server
Discord is a versatile communication platform that provides users with seamless cross-device syncing. By joining the Slotsjudge Discord community, users can benefit from in-built game streaming capabilities, and a wide range of chat and voice features for collaboration and community engagement within the iGaming industry. Additionally, the Discord community from Slotsjudge provides a streamlined platform for content sharing and community support, while maintaining a focus on creating a welcoming environment without promoting iGaming activities.

Impact and Expectations

For the iGaming Entertainment Community
With its new digital platform expansion, Slotsjudge brings a host of mutual benefits to the community. These include enhanced access to information and increased opportunities for engagement. Ultimately, it broadens the platform and reaches for shared experiences, strengthening the bond between players and creating a thriving iGaming community.

Future Directions
Leveraging the community foundations already established, Slotsjudge’s Kick and Discord channels are poised to build upon previous successes and bring even more engagement and enjoyment to users. They will foster a thriving community that continuously evolves and adapts to meet the needs and interests of its members.

Closing Remarks
With the expansion onto Kick and Discord, Slotsjudge aims to bring more fun and interaction to the experience. It is consistently creating spaces where like-minded users can easily connect, engage, and interact with one another, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community.

Pauls Spakovskis, live streamer and game expert at Slotsjudge commented:

“This is amazing news as Discord is the number one community hub to have and where I and Krista can interact with everyone interested in and about Slotsjudge. And streaming on Kick was just a question of time – fast growing streamer-friendly platform where we can build an even bigger community!”

The post Slotsjudge Expands Its Presence on Discord and Kick appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Play with the Ugliest, Quirkiest Pets Around in Stakelogic’s Fugly Pets

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Get your eyes ready because it’s time to take a trip to the pet centre to meet the ugliest, quirkiest, wildest-looking pets you’ve ever seen in the brand new slot, Fugly Pets, from Stakelogic.

Fugly Pets takes players to a banged-up old pet store to explore its collection of weird and charming, downright ugly pets. Meet a scruffy parrot, a catnip crazed kitty, and an unfortunate-looking little dog.

The slot uses a 5×5 grid with 3,125 ways to win on each spin and is packed with a plethora of unique and exciting bonus features.

Landing Bonus symbols trigger up to 15 Free Spins! Keep your eyes peeled for symbol multipliers of up to 64x landing on any spin. What’s more, these become persistent during the Free Spins, only adding to the game’s huge winning potential.

Roadkill might spell bad news for these fugly-looking creatures, but it is a great thing for players! The Roadkill symbol lands on reel five and will remain inactive until no cascades are possible. The Roadkill symbol then moves across the reels, destroying everything its path or turning it into Wilds.

Fugly Pets is a Stakelogic slot, so there is always something a little extra. If you thought those animals were ugly in regular size, wait until they land in super-size! Super Symbols can land in 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4, allowing players to win big!

Speaking of big wins, players can grab wins of up to 5,000x their stake in this slot, with RTP models up to 96% available.

Daniela Fricchione, Head of Account Management at Stakelogic, said: One thing we love to do at Stakelogic is to play with player expectations. When you think of a pet-themed slot, you imagine something cute and cuddly. Well, we’ve taken that rulebook and fed it to the dogs, putting a fresh spin on the genre with Fugly Pets.

It’s not just the theme that is unconventional, either. The game is jam-packed with special features, with the Roadkill bonus and Super Symbols really helping the slot stand out from the pack.

The post Play with the Ugliest, Quirkiest Pets Around in Stakelogic’s Fugly Pets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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