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Study: Free online casino games linked with higher risks of gambling problems for young people
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Type “slots” into a search engine, and free online games and apps will appear, easily accessible on a phone or computer. A new CAMH study shows that free gambling-themed games may be a gateway to paid gambling for young people, and gameplay is linked with a higher risk of gambling problems among some adolescents.
While bricks-and-mortar casinos and legal gambling websites are off-limits to adolescents, free online games are open to anyone. Called social casino games, they let people try their hand at casino table games, slots, poker or bingo without betting real money. Like monetary gambling, people place bets in hopes of winning rewards, in this case, points or prizes within the game only. Because these games don’t involve betting or winning money, they’re not legally classified as gambling and remain unregulated.
“Adolescents’ participation in seemingly risk-free social casino games is a concern because we know that early exposure to gambling activities is a risk factor for developing gambling problems in the future,” says Dr. Tara Elton-Marshall, Scientist in CAMH’s Institute for Mental Health Policy Research.
In a new CAMH study published this month in BMC Public Health, 12 per cent of teens in three Canadian provinces said they had played social casino games in the past three months. The findings are from a survey of 10,035 students in grades 9 to 12 (ages 13 to 19) in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador. The survey asked about three game types: Internet poker, Internet slots and social casino games on Facebook.
The study also found that adolescents who participated in social casino games were significantly more likely to participate in monetary gambling, either online or land-based forms, compared with peers who did not play social casino games.
“While it’s not clear whether young people begin in social casino games and move to gambling for money, or if adolescents who are gambling for money also seek out these free games, there is evidence that social casino gaming may build excitement for gambling and encourage the transition into monetary gambling,” says Dr. Elton-Marshall, senior author of the study.
As well, 37 to 50 per cent of young people who gambled for money and played social casino games met criteria for low to moderate or high problem gambling. By contrast, roughly 10 per cent of teens who participated in monetary gambling but not in social casino games scored as having a degree of problem gambling.
Scores were calculated using a problem gambling scale created specifically for adolescents, with questions such as how often teens missed activities such as team sports or band due to gambling.
Dr. Elton-Marshall says that social casino games may have higher odds of winning than monetary gambling, giving young people the false impression that they are luckier or better at gambling.
“It’s important for young people, parents, teachers and others to be aware that these risks exist,” says Dr. Elton-Marshall.
The results are based on responses to the 2012-13 Youth Gambling Survey. “With the growing number of social casino games over the past five years, and high levels of screen time among young people, we believe our findings may under-represent social casino gaming by adolescents today,” says Dr. Livia Veselka, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at CAMH and lead author of the study.
The study also investigated characteristics of young people who play each game type. For example, males were significantly more likely than females to play Internet poker but only slightly more likely to play Internet slots or social casino games on Facebook. “Understanding who is more likely to play may help tailor interventions and awareness programs to prevent gambling problems,” says Dr. Veselka.
Related link:
Teens are gambling online at a significantly higher rate than previously reported, CAMH study finds
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental illness and addiction. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. For more information, please visit camh.ca or follow @CAMHnews and @CAMHResearch on Twitter.
SOURCE Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
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Play’n GO announce exclusive US release of hit title Piggy Blitz Disco Gold
Piggy Blitz sequel now exclusively available with DraftKings and Golden Nugget in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has announced the exclusive US network release of its hit title, Piggy Blitz Disco Gold.
Piggy Blitz Disco Gold is a sequel to Piggy Blitz, which took the US by storm in 2024. Piggy Blitz Disco Gold sees the piggies move from breaking piggy banks to busting disco moves on the dance floor in a bid to collect Cash Coins and pile up Instant Rewards in a high-stakes dance-off.
The game is now exclusively available with DraftKings and Golden Nugget in the states of Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut until February 5th.
Anna Mackney, Head of Regional Sales US at Play’n GO added “Piggy Blitz was such a hit in the US last year, we couldn’t wait to release this eagerly anticipated sequel. Piggy Blitz Disco Gold has already hit the ground running since its release last week, and we’re excited to expand our US games portfolio with such a high-quality title.”
To find out more about Piggy Blitz Disco Gold, please visit playngo.com/games/piggy-blitz-disco-gold.
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FBMDS obtains certification to operate in Brazil
FBMDS proudly announces its certification to operate in the Brazilian iGaming market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. This achievement reinforces FBMDS’s leadership in the video bingo category and its commitment to deliver spotless quality, innovation and compliance to Brazilian operators and players.
With this certification, FBMDS becomes one of the few iGaming providers authorized to deliver certified, high-quality games tailored to the Brazilian market in which the brand is deeply enrooted because of its cultural background. This development not only strengthens the brand’s position in a rapidly growing sector but also offers Brazilian players and operators access to a portfolio of games that combine cutting-edge technology, cultural match, and world-class security standards.
“This certification represents a pivotal moment in our journey,” said Renato Almeida, Director at FBMDS. “It demonstrates our commitment to the Brazilian market, ensuring a safe, exciting, and fully compliant gaming experience for players, while empowering operators with premium certified content that drives engagement and growth.”
For FBMDS, this milestone aligns with its 2025 narrative: a roadmap focused on market expansion, innovation, and leadership in key iGaming segments. Brazil’s rapidly expanding market provides a prime opportunity to bring FBMDS’s renowned expertise in video bingo to a whole different level.
For operators, FBMDS’ certified games provide assurance of compliance with Brazilian regulations, while its innovative products and collections are designed to captivate players and drive business growth.
On what Brazilian players is concerned, online casino gaming enthusiasts can look forward to a personalized gaming experience that reflects their culture, preferences, and expectations, underpinned by the highest standards of excellence and safety.
Following this certification, FBMDS will launch a series of targeted marketing campaigns, event participations such as the SBC Summit Rio, in Rio de Janeiro, this February, and direct engagements with new clients. In the first quarter, FBMDS plans to strengthen its partnerships with operators and expand its footprint in Brazil through strategic initiatives and localized offerings.
FBMDS has long been a pioneer in the video bingo category, delivering innovative, culturally relevant titles that resonate with global audiences. Certification in Brazil is simply the recognition of its expertise and dedication to raising the bar in iGaming. By aligning its operations with local regulatory requirements, FBMDS ensures that its games offer a seamless, enjoyable experience while meeting the market’s unique demands.
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Terragon integrates Greco’s Gameplay Cliff Engine for advanced player insights and cliff control
Greco, the leading provider of innovative game risk management solutions, has signed a new partnership with Terragon to integrate its innovative Gameplay Risk Engine. Terragon is a back office platform prepared for cryptocurrencies, created by global game specialists for worldwide game operators.
As an integral solution and personalization partner, Terragon satisfies the exclusive needs of any game market. By integrating Greco’s Gameplay Risk Engine, Terragon will raise its risk management capabilities to a higher level. The Gameplay Risk Engine provides operators with information in real time through theoretical value models and behavioral risk analysis.
This allows proactive decision-making, reduces risks, improves player experience and decreases operating costs. “Greco’s Risk Gameplay Engine is transformative. We are excited to take advantage of this advanced tool to offer improved information and a perfect experience for our gaming partners, helping to reduce risks and improve the satisfaction of players,” commented a Terragon spokesperson.
“We are delighted to partner with Terragon, one of the leading providers in the cryptocurrency gaming space.”, commented Ozric Vondervelden, co-founder and CEO of Greco. “Our Gameplay Risk Engine will help the partners of Terragon games to reach new levels of efficiency, guaranteeing a safer and more pleasant experience for players”.
Greco will be present at ICE Barcelona from January 20 to 22. Visit us at stand 2C44 to find out more about the company’s innovations.
The post Terragon integrates Greco’s Gameplay Cliff Engine for advanced player insights and cliff control appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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