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Lee Willows: ‘We should be humbled that addiction levels are coming down: do we really think that big state programmes, funded by a statutory levy and controlled by the NHS could do any better?’
Lee Willows, the long-standing lived-experience leader who came into the gambling space following an addiction that almost drove him to suicide, has warned that the UK risks losing its status as a world-class leader in Social Responsibility. Commenting after the Westminster Media Forum – Next steps for UK gambling regulation and Labour Party MP Carolyn Harris’s Westminster Hall debate on the statutory gambling levy, Willows said: “I firmly believe the UK is a global leader in Social Responsibility, but I worry that flame might be dimming as the funding debate becomes more about a desire to break-up the very eco-system that supported me and today supports many others. It is this Third Sector-led eco-system that to my mind, makes us world-class.”
Addressing the nature of the debate he questioned: “Why have we allowed it to come down to narrow choices between the NHS or the Third Sector to deliver a national programme of treatment – why can’t both co-exist? I have often said we need a choir of voices and organisations in this space. Why is it so difficult for start-up organisations – often led by individuals with Lived Experience – to access funding? Why is the funding debate consistently tarnished by some who feel there is a lack of independence as opposed to recognising the impact of that funding, which in my experience is completely independent. Finally, why are we not humbled that addiction levels are coming down and education and awareness is now at an all-time high, being led by superb charities in a considered, well-thought and evidenced manner?
“These divisions and the potential introduction of a statutory levy carry significant risks to my mind and in many ways undermines a lot of the good work that’s been undertaken. We have built an eco-system to deliver treatment, support and prevention that has impressive reach across the United Kingdom. This didn’t happen overnight, it took time, and a huge collective effort on behalf of many very decent people. A statutory levy risks being seen by operators as another tax and as a result dilute their level of involvement in reducing harms.
“Whilst there is much more to be achieved, we should be humbled by this progress. Do we really think that big state (NHS only) programmes, funded by a statutory levy can do any better? Will big state programmes enable agility and innovation? Will big state programmes deliver better value for money? Will big state programmes really provide the funding for very local services or take a risk on start-up organisations or ideas, particularly from those with Lived-Experience, often starting out as sole-traders? Will big state, one size fits all programmes, be able to deal with the complexities around gambling addictions?
“Several years ago, I led the work of a national reducing re-offending charity at the time when the Probation Services were being privatised. A slightly different scenario, but a similar outcome in that the PLC companies and the state won many of the contracts, forcing many charities to close. Wind the clock forward and re-offending rates today remain broadly where they were prior to privatisation. The tragedy is that re-offending rates were beginning to drop, prior to privatisation. Beneficiaries of services often would say that they had a personal connection with the staff member supporting them from charities, whereas they were more like a number when being supported by the larger companies. It has also been proven consistently that charity-run services almost always deliver better value for money.”
“It will not surprise you that I do not support a statutory levy. There is much comfort to take from the current eco-system and the many charities and non-profit organisations working hard in this space and it would be a big mistake to risk this. Additionally, I believe our prime commissioner of services in this space might want to ask themselves what they can do better to support start-up organisations and foster agility, spending their income in a timely manner, with a percentage aimed at small start-up organisations. I also believe they might consider their ballooning establishment chart, which for many seems excessive.”
Looking to the short/medium-term Lee Willows has identified an action plan in order to facilitate innovation, encourage agility and maintain the UK’s world-class status. He explained: “Firstly the new strategy to reduce gambling-harms should be fully costed (so we actually know how much funding we need as opposed to a blanket 1%); secondly some mandated guidance should be given to operators when making donations, based on percentages for treatment, prevention and research; finally larger businesses should in my opinion, be mandated to commit 50 percent of their LCCP RET donations to fund three-year funding commitments in order to ensure sustainability. Operators need certainty, so they can budget donations; charities and non-profit organisations need certainly so they can plan services”.
“The notion of a Gambling Commission held RET list is something I continue to support, but I would also question if it is appropriate that the Gambling Commission administer Regulatory Settlements. Perhaps having another body or organisation to oversee these would bring about some of the reflections I am proposing, particularly where prevention is concerned. This would enable the Commission to focus on its regulatory responsibilities.”
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In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage
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Groove Technologies, the powerhouse aggregator renowned for its elite content portfolio, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with breakout studio InOut Games, the creative force behind the viral sensation Chicken Road. This move integrates InOut Games’ innovative content directly into Groove’s vast ecosystem, providing its global operator network with access to one of the industry’s most talked-about new providers.
This partnership arrives as InOut Games makes its highly anticipated leap into the slot market with Chicken Royal. Inspired by the iconic crash game that captivated a global audience, this new slot transports the beloved chicken into a dynamic, feature-rich format. Designed to engage both seasoned slot players and fans of the original, Chicken Royal marks a pivotal “in” for the studio, expanding its portfolio beyond crash mechanics and signaling its commitment to versatile, high-impact entertainment.
With the addition of InOut Games, Groove’s entertainment ecosystem now blankets over 150 top-tier game providers. Operators worldwide, connected via Groove’s single, streamlined API, will gain immediate access to a catalogue renowned for its fast-paced thrills and unmatched player engagement.
This partnership is a direct reflection of Groove’s strategy to identify and distribute the content that defines the next wave of player preferences.
Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said: “Our mission is to keep our partners on the cutting edge, and InOut Games represents exactly the kind of innovative talent that moves the needle. This partnership isn’t just about adding games; it’s about injecting our ecosystem with a unique energy that drives retention and revenue.”
Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, equipped with advanced player engagement tools and real-time analytics, ensures that titles from studios like InOut Games achieve maximum visibility and profitability from day one.
“We are confident this partnership will catapult us to an entirely new level of distribution,” said Vladislav Snak, CEO of InOut Games. “Groove’s reach and technological prowess are the perfect accelerants for our growth as we roll out our expanded portfolio.”
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, added: “The ‘In’ and ‘Out’ of success in this industry is having the right content with the right partners. With InOut Games, we’re not just bringing a studio in; we’re helping to phase out the ordinary. Their bold transition into slots is a game-changer, and through our platform, that change will resonate across the entire operator landscape.”
The post In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
EvenBet Gaming, a well-known developer of online gaming software, has announced the launch of its new innovative product – EvenBet Spins. This project promises to completely redefine the perception of poker by combining elements of classic poker games with the dynamics of slot mechanics. Even in the online gambling world, where genuine innovations are rare, EvenBet Spins stands out as a genuine breakthrough poised to attract a broad audience of players.
What is EvenBet Spins?
EvenBet Spins is a unique solution that blends poker mechanics and casino game experience into a single product. Unlike traditional poker, which involves long sessions and deep strategies, Spins Poker offers fast-paced and thrilling rounds that last only a few minutes. It is a perfect choice for players who prefer quick games where the outcome can change in a matter of seconds.
In addition, the inclusion of random win multipliers and hyper-turbo rounds adds an extra layer of excitement reminiscent of slot and jackpot games. This means every round can deliver a surprise, making the gameplay even more engaging. EvenBet Spins opens new horizons for those seeking shorter, more dynamic, and visually exciting poker experiences – without losing the familiar core mechanics of the game.
Integration with Casino and Sportsbook Platforms
Spins Poker offers a streamlined integration process tailored for casino and sportsbook operators seeking to expand their product offerings without the operational complexity of a traditional poker environment. The system integrates seamlessly with existing platforms, enabling operators to introduce poker-style gameplay to audiences accustomed to slots or sports betting, while minimizing the management overhead typically associated with a full poker room.
A simplified product structure eliminates the need for a dedicated poker operations team, extensive onboarding, or continuous oversight. Fraud monitoring and AML workloads remain significantly lower when compared to comprehensive poker solutions. As a result, Spins Poker becomes an accessible addition for operators aiming to diversify engagement tools with minimal resource commitment.
According to Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, the concept behind Spins Poker focuses on reducing operational barriers for operators. He highlighted several key advantages:
- Straightforward integration into websites or applications;
- No requirement for an internal poker management team, since the product only needs initial setup with periodic adjustments of buy-ins and multipliers;
- Lower operational effort compared to full-scale poker platforms, which typically demand more preparation, configuration, and ongoing optimization;
- The ability for operators to test poker demand among casino and sportsbook audiences without investing in dedicated staff, lengthy integrations, or extensive marketing campaigns.
In essence, Spins Poker serves as a low-risk, low-maintenance entry point into poker verticals. Its simplified mechanics, flexible configuration, and compatibility with casino and sportsbook platforms make it an efficient tool for testing audience interest and expanding engagement without the commitment required for traditional poker solutions.
Design and Mobile Optimization
Special attention has been given to design and mobile optimization in EvenBet Spins. Considering the growing popularity of mobile gaming, the product was developed with a mobile-first approach to ensure maximum user comfort and convenience. The simple interface, intuitive navigation, and fast loading times make the game accessible to players of all experience levels.
The overall design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, ensuring a smooth and comfortable gaming experience. The product also adheres to the latest UX design trends, making it equally convenient on smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices. The mobile version of the game is ideal for players who enjoy gaming anytime and anywhere, making EvenBet Spins accessible to a wide range of audiences.
How EvenBet Spins is Changing the Online Poker Market
EvenBet Spins is not just another poker format – it’s a true revolution in the world of online gambling. It transforms the perception of online poker from a niche game to a new level, where speed and excitement become central to the gameplay.
This product opens new opportunities for both players and operators. The integration of random multipliers, hyper-turbo rounds, and other innovations within poker mechanics not only makes the game more appealing to newcomers but also introduces new engagement tools for experienced players. EvenBet Spins has the potential to set a new standard in the online poker industry and open up new perspectives for online casinos and sportsbooks.
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TCSJOHNHUXLEY, the leading global supplier of world-class casino equipment and services, today announced the strategic acquisition of the dice manufacturing business from Gaming Partners International (GPI).
This landmark acquisition provides TCSJOHNHUXLEY with immediate ownership of GPI’s dice manufacturing capabilities, significantly expanding the company’s production footprint and product portfolio.
With this purchase, TCSJOHNHUXLEY is reinforcing its position as the definitive industry leader. The company will now offer three premier dice brands: TK, Paulson, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY. Crucially, operations will be maintained in both Mexico and Missouri, USA, providing customers with dual supply capabilities for enhanced supply chain resilience and flexibility across all global markets.
This acquisition is a strategic move that enhances TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s core offering, secures its dominance in the dice sector, and ensures the continued delivery of the highest quality and most secure gaming dice to casinos worldwide.
The combined capabilities solidify the company’s commitment to producing the highest standard of precision gaming dice. TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s own “Certified Perfects” Dice are globally acknowledged as the world-wide industry standard for casino gaming dice and are trusted globally for accuracy, quality, and security. Available for Craps, Sic Bo, and Pai Gow, the dice can be specified with razor edge or ball corner profiles, come in various sizes, and are manufactured with dots flush to the surface before being wrapped in the signature gold foil, with options for monogramming or serialization to a casino’s specifications, ensuring complete security.
Tristan Sjoberg, Executive Chairman of TCSJOHNHUXLEY, commented “The acquisition of the GPI dice business is a truly transformative step for TCSJOHNHUXLEY. By immediately securing the renowned TK and Paulson brands, we are fundamentally consolidating our position as the definitive global leader in casino dice manufacturing. Leveraging this increased scale and our dual production capabilities, we can provide customers with unmatched supply security and sustained access to the world’s most precise, trusted, and high-quality gaming dice.”
The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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