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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 OntarioSaskatchewan 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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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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Push Gaming’s DJ Cat Spins the Discs and the Reels

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B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has released the second in its series of DJ games, DJ Cat, which brings a range of new features to amp up engagement.

Following the success of DJ Fox, this new follow-up retains the easy-to-understand, win-what-you-see gameplay, adding in larger win multipliers.

Lining up CD symbols helps players to build big prizes while VIP icons grant access to spin the decks and feed the Multiplier Meter. Arrow symbols crank the volume and unlock more reels using the iconic Push-Up feature.

Following a growing trend within iGaming, DJ Cat omits a bonus feature and instead is designed to deliver volatile gameplay throughout the title.

DJ Cat is the first second-quarter release from Push Gaming and launches ahead of much anticipated upcoming titles like Retro Sweets and Cats of Olympuss.

“Win-what-you-see games have enjoyed a surge in popularity recently and we’ve taken that trend and framed it in a contemporary theme, delivering something fresh to players and operators,” the Senior Game Producer for Push Gaming, Craig Turner, said. “In another unique twist from most of our catalogue, we decided not to implement a bonus round but instead designed the entire game with a fast-paced feel that we’re sure players will love.”

The post Push Gaming’s DJ Cat Spins the Discs and the Reels appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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4ThePlayer Evolves MoneyWays for Ultra Entertainment in 4k Ultra Gold

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4ThePlayer in collaboration with Yggdrasil is unveiling its new release, 4K Ultra Gold MoneyWays, through the YGG Masters platform.

This game evolves 4ThePlayer’s popular MoneyWays mechanic as seen in the top-performing 4 Fantastic series where cash on the reels is won by forming ways wins without the need for additional symbols or features. In 4K Ultra Gold, every cash symbol is boosted when it lands on the reels, creating additional excitement and anticipation.

In addition, cash can now be collected via scatters on every reel, magnifying the potential wins and creating more ways to win than any other MoneyWays game.

The game features four increasing Boosting Fortunes Prizes; the Ultra, Mega, Super and Big Fortunes can land on the reels and be instantly won along with cash prizes. If a Boosting Fortunes Prize is not won on a spin, then it will be increased for future spins.

The entertainment does not stop there as players can choose between free spins or Collect Spins. In free spins, wilds turn into multiplier wilds to increase your wins. In Collect Spins, a Collect scatter lands on every spin to award every cash prize in view.

“Our newest game with 4ThePlayer is a fantastic addition to our portfolio,” the Senior Product and Program Manager for Yggdrasil, Zoe Bird, said. “4K Ultra Gold is a high-octane experience that offers a host of different ways for players to snag cash prizes thanks to MoneyWays and, with the four Boosting Fortunes Prizes available, there’s so much to go at. This is another game that exemplifies Yggdrasil’s partner programme and offers an incredibly fun addition to any casino lobby.”

“We’re celebrating the return of MoneyWays in this feature-rich release, 4K Ultra Gold,” the co-founder and Commercial and Marketing Director for 4ThePlayer, Henry McLean, said. “With super vibrant visuals, powerful maths and a soundtrack that is as exciting as the gameplay, we’re confident we’ve got an ultra-high-performing game on our hands.”

The post 4ThePlayer Evolves MoneyWays for Ultra Entertainment in 4k Ultra Gold appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Games Global and PearFiction Studios Excite with Three Thrilling LockNWin Features in Cerberus Gold

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Features combine for ultimate thrills in captivating new title

Games Global exclusive studio PearFiction Studios has unveiled its latest release, Cerberus Gold, incorporating three engaging LockNWin bonuses that can be combined for great win potential.

This mythological title boasts an exciting triple collection mechanic that sees each collection pot protected by a head of the fearsome guardian of the underworld, Cerberus, who precariously sits above the reel set.

Multiply, Jackpot, and Supreme LockNWin bonus games can be triggered whenever orange, yellow or pink Cerberus coins land on the reels.

Each colour initiates a different LockNWin round with Multiply seeing the total multiplier applied to all new fireballs that land on every spin, Jackpot offering the chance to win one of five different jackpots worth up to 5,000 the bet and Supreme seeing yellow fireballs collect all red fireball values and purple fireballs collect all yellow and red fireball values for bigger wins.

The different bonuses can be activated individually, in tandem or all together, meaning that as many as seven LockNWin bonus games can be triggered with all features appearing at the same time, offering players exciting and varied experiences.

During base gameplay, fireballs worth up to 10x the stake can land on the first four reels and if a collect symbol also lands on reel five, it instantly collects and multiplies the fireball values. Every soul symbol landing is collected by an orb alongside the reels, increasing its multiplier by +1 up to maximum 10x the bet. Split symbols can also appear on the top row, adding up to three additional symbols to each reel and boosting the number of pay ways up to a hefty 7,776 ways.

This feature-filled title contains elements players have become accustomed to from PearFiction Studios with vibrant designs depicting the ominous landscape of the underworld, featuring pools of green liquid and dark caves.

PearFiction Studios has quickly established a reputation as a studio that creates games that contain standout graphics, high-end production values and an array of engaging features. Winner of the coveted Rising Star award at the 2023 International Gaming Awards and recently shortlisted for four CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards 2024, the brand prides itself on developing content that stands the test of time.

“In Cerberus Gold, our team has elevated the mythological theme with outstanding graphics and gameplay to stunning effect,” the Commercial Director for PearFiction Studios, Jeremy Coleman, said. “Especially exciting is the number of LockNWin games for players to get stuck into, our take on the popular three-pot mechanic. With the beautiful creative elements dovetailing with its array of engaging features, Cerberus Gold is proving to be a winner for operators who have already launched the game.”

“PearFiction Studios has yet again delivered a title that represents its ethos and Cerberus Gold is set to a be a huge success when it goes live globally,” the Chief Product Officer for Games Global, Andy Booth, said. “Indeed, it’s already shown great potential for operators during an exclusive early release period. The popular LockNWin features add extra depth and excitement to the game while the mysterious backdrop of the underworld sets the stage for an unforgettable slot experience.”

The post Games Global and PearFiction Studios Excite with Three Thrilling LockNWin Features in Cerberus Gold appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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