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Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming


- 28% of internet users play games to meet new people
- A third of gamers say they play because they like to challenge themselves.
- There are 20,000 gaming jobs in the UK, providing plenty of opportunity for a career in the industry
- We spoke to three experts in the field who gave their insights into the gaming industry
There are lots of negative misconceptions about gaming, many of which are far from the truth. A new study turns stereotypes on their heads and reveals the emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming. Dr Rachel Kowert, Research Director of Take This – a mental health non-profit; Dr Matthew Barr, a lecturer of Game Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Noel McDermott, a psychotherapist and presenter of The Well-Being Show podcast, provide their thoughts and insights. Here are some of the highlights:
Gaming can boost mental wellbeing and help with feelings of loneliness
- Thanks to well-crafted storylines and lifelike graphics, games are the perfect form of escapism
- 34% of gamers identify the feeling of being immersed in a game as a key motivation to play
- The global gaming population is likely to have increased by 4% since the outbreak of Covid-19
Especially in challenging times, activities that provide a positive distraction and allow an individual to put their worries to the back of their mind can have a beneficial impact on mental wellbeing. Gaming is an excellent example of this, offering an immersive experience that can mentally transport you to another world.
Barr says, “Video games are good at getting players into the state of optimal experience that psychologists call ‘flow’, by offering an appropriate balance of challenge versus achievement. It’s that feeling of being ‘in the zone’, where you’re totally absorbed in the task at hand, and you’re operating at the top of your game. In turn, this has a positive impact on how players feel.”
This is because the sense of reward releases feel-good hormones called dopamine that boost the player’s mood. What’s more, gaming can offer meditative benefits by fully occupying your mind with the objectives of the game.
Kowert adds that, “Gameplay can also teach skills that have long been associated with increased happiness and prolonged life satisfaction, including openness to experience, self-care, a growth mindset, solution-focused thinking, mindfulness, persistence, self-discovery, and resilience.”
Gaming can maintain and build new relationships
- Half of gamers play with their real-life friends
- 28% of internet users play games to meet new people
- 1 in 3 internet users in the UK say the main reason they game is to have fun with people they know
Contrary to popular belief, gaming can be a sociable activity. Many games offer multiplayer modes or are designed to be played in teams, providing the opportunity for individuals to join forces with their existing friends or virtually meet new people – located anywhere in the world.
McDermott says, “Gaming, especially online, can provide immeasurable benefits to those who are lonely and isolated. It provides safe social contact and a place where skills can be developed. These skills can provide a much-needed boost to self-esteem.”
Research found that 60% of gamers report playing more games with social elements since the beginning of the pandemic, suggesting gaming can play a positive and pivotal role in connecting people at a time when face-to-face contact isn’t always possible.
Kowert explains, “Shared experiences, like playing games together, have been linked to increased self-esteem and a sense of belonging, as well as decreased feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.”
Gaming can teach life skills and cognitive abilities
- There are 20,000 gaming jobs in the UK, providing plenty of opportunity for a career in gaming
- Minecraft: Education Edition, for example, has applications in geography, history, engineering, and physics
- A third of gamers say they play because they like to challenge themselves.
While gaming can provide a fun form of entertainment, it can also contribute to the player’s cognitive development. For example, many titles involve problem solving, strategy and multi-tasking, among other skills.
Kowert explains, “Games are fantastic learning tools, particularly for children, because they are so engaging. Video games are also great vehicles for sharpening cognitive skills because they provide a range of different challenges within a single space. Gameplay has been associated with the improvement of a range of cognitive skills, including:
- improved creative thinking
- problem solving
- time management
- leadership skills
- goal setting
- initiative taking
- decision making
- persistence in the face of difficult challenges.”
It’s estimated that children aged 12-15 years old spend an average of 11.6 hours a week gaming. So, with gaming being such a widely enjoyed hobby, it’s encouraging to note that it could be effectively harnessed as an educational tool to teach numerous skills and knowledge. What’s more, with the gaming industry growing year-on-year (and estimated to be worth £3.86 billion in 2020), it could also open doors for careers in the industry.
Barr explains, “We all learn new skills through practice, whether that’s learning how to play an instrument or training to play sports more proficiently. Learning from a video game is no different – you’re exercising skills all the time, whether it’s figuring out puzzles or using your communication and language skills to talk to and strategize with your fellow players.”
Gaming myths debunked
- 52% of Brits play video games, demonstrating its popularity and prevalence in daily life
- Gaming is the nation’s second favourite pastime, after watching TV
- Brits spend an average of 7 hours a week gaming, which is just a third of the time spent watching TV (22.5 hrs)
Over the years, gaming has been associated with negative stereotypes and behaviours, such as laziness, violence, and isolation. There is little evidence to prove any of these correct. Instead, in many cases, gaming can be more beneficial for the player’s health, development, and social abilities than it is detrimental. In fact, with over half of Brits playing games, it’s apparent that gaming is just a part of modern life for many.
Kowert explains, “There is no evidence to suggest that playing games online has a negative impact on our ability to socialise. However, research has found that playing games with our friends online can strengthen our offline friendships and relationships.”
Another concern that often arises is the amount of time people spend gaming and whether gaming has addictive qualities. Talking on the topic, Barr explains that, “People talk about players becoming ‘addicted’ to games, without really considering what that word means, in a clinical sense. We don’t bat an eyelid when someone becomes so engrossed in a book that they sit there reading for hours on end, but somehow this sort of behaviour is perceived as problematic when it comes to games.”
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming

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Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – August 25-31
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry. Read on and get updated.
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DraftKings has introduced credit card deposit ban for US customers. This decision aligns them with other major gambling operators, such as Fanatics Betting & Gaming, Betr and Sporttrade, which have already banned credit card funding for wagering accounts. It also comes on the heels of another major announcement by DraftKings. Starting September 1, DraftKings will charge a 50-cent fee for every mobile and online bet placed in Illinois using its Sportsbook platform.
Virginia lawmakers are actively debating whether to establish a new regulatory agency to oversee iGaming. The joint subcommittee discussed a bill to create the Virginia Gaming Commission. It would manage all gambling verticals beyond the lottery. Currently, the Virginia Lottery regulates sports betting and casinos, while other agencies manage charitable gaming and horse racing. Lawmakers also considered legalising online casinos, including real-money platforms.
This summer is shaping up to be a strong one for the Atlantic City casinos and their online gambling operating partners. According to the latest data collected by the state, the total gambling revenue for the casinos and their operating partners from in-state online gambling was nearly $250 million during July. That represents a nearly 27% increase over last year’s total revenue for July, and it comes on top of a more than 23% year-over-year increase measured during the month of June. In all, revenue this year from online gambling through the end of July topped $1.6 billion, up 23.3% compared to the same period last year, according to a report from the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, which regularly tracks gambling revenue earned legally in New Jersey.
The Uruguayan Government has taken an important step towards legislating and taxing gambling activities. A new decree, decree number 167/025, gives life to a special tax on bets placed with electronic game machines and automatic betting systems installed within casinos and authorised entertainment spaces. It was signed into law by President Yamandú Orsi and Minister of Economy Gabriel Oddone and is a careful step in the direction of allowing more direct contributions to the state’s fiscal system. The new regulation imposes a 0.75% tax on the total amount of each wager. That is, regardless of whether the wager is placed in chips, coins, bills, e-money or other equivalent sources, the initial amount wagered by the player is subject to tax.
Leading gambling companies Caesar’s Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands have recently been spotlighted in the 2025 “Low-Wage 100” report. This annual publication by the Institute for Policy Studies and Inequality.org identifies S&P 500 companies that show the smallest median wages for their employees compared to the large earnings of their top executives. These pay gaps have sparked ongoing criticism of the casino industry. Since 2019, the top executive pay at Caesar’s has more than doubled, surpassing the 40% wage increase seen among its workforce. Though MGM and Las Vegas Sands have also raised executive salaries at a faster rate than employee wages, their growth was less dramatic compared to Caesar’s. Industry critics suggest these pronounced salary gaps damage employee morale and complicate talent retention, ultimately hindering long-term growth.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – August 25-31 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Push Gaming redefines its portfolio, unveiling new game categories and sub-brand for extended player reach
B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming is embarking on a major strategic expansion, introducing two new game categories and a new sub-brand to scale its operations and significantly diversify its game portfolio while maintaining its reputation for high-quality slot experiences. The move aims to attract a wider range of players and secure a substantial market share in key regions.
Known for its premium, quality approach to game design, Push Gaming is broadening its signature style to reach a larger audience while maintaining its commitment to excellence. The new strategy introduces two distinct game categories: Push Originals and Push Actions, which remain within the Push Gaming core brand alongside a new sub-studio, Reel Hot Games.
Push Originals will continue to represent signature Push Gaming titles, targeting slot enthusiasts with complex mechanics and high-volatility gameplay. This category offers thrilling slot experiences, continually pushing boundaries with innovative features and the potential for substantial wins.
Push Actions is an entirely new category aimed at casual players who enjoy fun and easily understandable games. These titles deliver fast-paced, high-energy gameplay with simple mechanics and popular themes. Recent releases, including 3 Magic Pots and 10 Flaming Bisons, have been examples of the provider flexing its creativity with games that are a slight departure from its previous styles, and these and forthcoming games of the same style now officially have a home.
Reel Hot Games is poised to bring its own unique identity to Push Gaming’s portfolio with a classic slots experience. This sub-brand caters to players who appreciate the nostalgia of land-based casino games, featuring iconic symbols and themes enhanced by modern mechanics. It is particularly targeted at markets where classic games are highly popular, such as the regulated US states, Romania, Greece, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and certain Latin American markets.
The successful March 2025 launch of Power Vault in the UK and Brazil was the first unofficial example of a Reel Hot Games release, while the first game to officially launch under this new direction will be Bamboo Ways under the Push Originals category. In addition to all new releases, previous Push Gaming titles will be recategorised accordingly.
George Fil, Director of Product Strategy at Push Gaming, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Push Gaming. Our new direction is a clear commitment to scaling at pace while staying true to the quality that has defined us thus far.
“By diversifying our portfolio with these new categories and sub-brand, we’re not just expanding our offerings, we’re creating ultimate gaming experiences leveraging our heritage in content standards for a broader audience and driving significant growth for our partners in key markets.
“We are laser-focused on pushing boundaries to deliver products that benefit everyone.”
The post Push Gaming redefines its portfolio, unveiling new game categories and sub-brand for extended player reach appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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MegaSportsPro Launches on Labor Day, Bringing a Lottery-Style Jackpot System to Sports Prediction Contests
MegaSportsPro, a groundbreaking player-performance sports competition, officially launches today in 24 states. The platform introduces a one-of-a-kind model that combines skill-based sports prediction with a built-in, lottery-style reward system, giving contestants three distinct ways to win: weekly leaderboards, monthly contests, and three daily progressive jackpots.
MegaSportsPro distinguishes itself by offering a daily slate of 15 player-performance propositions. Contestants leverage their sports knowledge to predict the outcomes for each proposition. This skill-based competition forms the core of the user experience, while the innovative prize structure provides multiple paths to victory.
The platform’s unique reward system is its main attraction. The daily progressive jackpots offer lottery-style excitement, growing in value until a contestant correctly predicts all 15 propositions. For consistent top performers, MegaSportsPro also hosts weekly and monthly leaderboard contests with separate, significant cash prize pools, ensuring that skill is regularly rewarded.
“We created MegaSportsPro to be a one-of-a-kind player performance sports competition with a reward system that is unmatched in the market,” said Pete Korner, Founder and CEO of Mega Sports Progressive LLC.
“Today’s fans want the thrill of a lottery-style win combined with the skill of a sports contest. Our platform delivers exactly that, with three ways to win through our daily progressives and our weekly and monthly prizes. We’re rewarding sports knowledge in a way that is more exciting and engaging than anything available today.”
The platform is now live and available to users in 24 states. To celebrate the launch, new contestants are invited to sign up and enter the first official contests starting today, Labor Day.
The post MegaSportsPro Launches on Labor Day, Bringing a Lottery-Style Jackpot System to Sports Prediction Contests appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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