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NSW Govt Announces $100M Funding Injection to Reduce Gambling Harm
The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a $100 million funding injection to reduce gambling harm across the state.
The funding for gambling harm minimisation comes as part of the first Minns Labor Government Budget and is the next step in the government’s long-term commitment to tackle money laundering, implement gaming reform, and reduce the harmful impacts of gambling across communities.
The NSW Government will redirect the $100 million fine imposed on Star Casino by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) over 5 years to fund harm minimisation initiatives.
This huge funding injection will allow for the enhancement of services and initiatives to reduce harm in the community from gambling including:
- $10 million additional investment in 2023-24 for the Responsible Gambling Fund, through the Office of Responsible Gambling, for the provision of GambleAware counselling and support services, awareness and education campaigns and initiatives like Reclaim the Game, and to support world-leading gambling research.
- $6.4 million to enhance self-exclusion and introduce third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs.
- $3.4 million for the independent expert panel, established in July this year, to run and evaluate a 12-month cashless gaming trial in pubs and clubs, with expressions of interests recently called for venues to take part.
- $21.7 million each year, for 3 years from financial year 24-25, to fund other gambling harm minimisation initiatives and reforms, including those recommended by the Independent Panel.
“This government has a clear focus and is committed to evidence-based reform. We know that when gambling becomes a problem, it is harmful to the person and the people around them, negatively impacting relationships, work life, finances and physical and mental wellbeing,” David Harris, Minister for Gaming and Racing, said.
Since being elected in March, the Minns Labor Government has banned political donations from clubs involved in gaming, established an independent panel to oversee a comprehensive trial of cashless gaming and recommend a roadmap for gaming reform in NSW. It has also reduced the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 for all new poker machines since July 1, slashed the number of gaming machine entitlements allowed in NSW by more than 3000 and banned all external gambling-related signage since September 1.
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EPIC Restart Foundation joins National Gambling Support Network
EPIC Restart Foundation is excited to announce its new partnership with the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), commissioned by GambleAware, as it begins 2025. The NGSN is a collaborative network of organisations offering free, confidential treatment and support for anyone affected by gambling-related harm, available across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The NGSN has seen an increase in demand for its services, with nearly 11,000 people supported between April 2023 and March 2024 – a 12% rise from the previous year. By joining the NGSN, EPIC Restart will enhance the network’s ability to reach even more individuals, offering a seamless pathway into treatment, through to recovery, ensuring people have the ongoing support they need to rebuild a positive life.
EPIC Restart provides free support through Recovery Coaching, group sessions, online and in-person events, and a vibrant online community. Their team, made up of people with lived experience, creates a welcoming, non-judgmental space where individuals can connect, share, and feel supported – helping to break down the shame and stigma often associated with gambling harm.
The NGSN now includes 13 providers, with Reframe Coaching also joining the network, further strengthening the support available nationwide. With EPIC Restart’s addition, the network’s collective approach to recovery is more comprehensive than ever before, offering a well-rounded range of services to meet the needs of those affected by gambling harm.
Richie Paxton, EPIC Restart Foundation Interim CEO and Head of Programmes said: “We’re excited to join the National Gambling Support Network and continue to work with other providers to offer a seamless and supportive recovery path to those experiencing gambling harm. At EPIC Restart, we are dedicated to offering compassionate guidance and coaching, grounded in lived experience. Our mission is not only to help individuals navigate their recovery, but also to empower them to rebuild their lives with renewed hope and a brighter future.”
Anna Hargrave, GambleAware Deputy CEO and Chief Commissioning & Strategy Officer, said: “The GambleAware commissioned National Gambling Support Network continues to be a staple within local communities across the country and is recognised for the vital support it offers to those affected by gambling harms across Great Britain.
“It has always been the intention for the NGSN to expand and build on the services it offers since it was commissioned almost two years ago, and EPIC Restart Foundation continues that expansion and adds valuable experience and expertise to the network.
“Gambling harms can affect anyone, and it is vital that there is a service for everyone that needs support, regardless of whether they are at the start, or nearing the end, of their journey to recovery.”
Following the publication of the Gambling White Paper last year, GambleAware has called on the Government to ensure the expertise within the NGSN and wider third sector is recognised and protected within the future gambling harm treatment system. This includes ensuring organisations with a long-term recovery focus are factored into future funding plans.
The post EPIC Restart Foundation joins National Gambling Support Network appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Blast Off with Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars!
Play’n GO takes players on a cosmic collision course with Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars, the highly anticipated sequel to Invading Vegas. This intergalactic slot promises high-octane entertainment as Earth’s favourite city collides with Martian mayhem.
Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars reimagines the chaos of its predecessor, introducing a Martian twist to Sin City’s neon chaos in the form of the alien’s very own version of Vegas on Mars. From Space Cowboys to walking Wilds, the game is packed with out-of-this-world features, making it a must-play for fans of quirky, story-driven slots.
Players can expect a five-reel, 20-payline slot filled with thematic symbols and an immersive soundtrack. And while the stakes are high, the thrills are even higher, with the potential to win up to 2,500x your bet.
Key to the game’s unique appeal is its Walking Wilds, activated when full symbol stacks appear on reels one and two, or four and five, without a winning payline. These wilds traverse the reels, leaving Mystery Symbols in their wake, transforming spins into nail-biting experiences as multipliers of up to x10 stack the rewards.
Twelve Free Spins await players who land three Space Car Scatters, and these can be retriggered for up to 120 spins – a feature perfectly suited for players chasing high volatility and big wins. The interplay between Mystery Symbols and Walking Wilds ensures that every spin builds suspense, with multipliers combining for explosive payouts.
Fans of Invading Vegas will love this intergalactic evolution, which takes the cheeky charm of the original and amplifies it with Martian visuals and dynamic gameplay. With stacked high-paying symbols and colourful animations, Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars is a feast for the senses .
Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, George Olekszy, said: “Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars is the ultimate mash-up of chaos and charm. Players will love the Walking Wild feature and the adrenaline-fuelled re-spins that bring big-win potential. It’s Play’n GO doing what we do best – innovating to entertain.”
Play’n GO continues to raise the bar in creative slot design, delivering an intergalactic adventure that’s sure to delight fans of the original and newcomers alike. Strap in and join the invasion – Mars has never been this much fun!
The post Blast Off with Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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TEAM VITALITY AND SKIN.CLUB SUPPORT THE SECOND EDITION OF THE ELITE FE TOURNAMENT ON CS2
Team Vitality is proud to announce its support for the second edition of the Elite FE tournament, organised by streamer and Elite FE founder, Minaleyy.
The women’s Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) event, is organised in collaboration with Skin.Club, and brings together the world’s top players to participate in tournaments for a €1000 cash prize.
With only 6% of women in professional esports, the Elite FE tournament aims to promote female talent within the CS2 scene and strengthen their visibility. This initiative is part of an overall effort to encourage more diversity and inclusion in the esports industry.
A SPRINGBOARD FOR WOMEN’S CS2 TEAMS
The Elite FE tournament will bring together 16 international women’s teams, including 4 selected by Minaleyy in collaboration with Team Vitality and Skin.Club, to compete on the FACEIT platform. In each tournament, the winning team will be awarded €1000 as well as various prizes, including Team Vitality merchandising and gaming equipment.
From 23rd February, the entire tournament will be broadcast live on Twitch and hosted by Minaleyy, who will be accompanied by various casters. Debriefs, game analysis, and engaging video content will be produced to contribute to the visibility of the participating teams and encourage conversations on social media.
Designed as a warm-up for professional teams ahead of the upcoming ESL Impact season, the Elite FE tournaments will be held every two months starting in February 2025, with matches scheduled on Sundays to maximise participation and viewership. By aligning with major esports events, Elite FE aims to be a key tournament for player development and a training ground for teams aspiring to reach the professional level.
This tournament represents a competitive, positive and inclusive vision for diversity in esports. By regularly hosting events, Elite FE aims to become an essential platform for CS2 players, while actively showcasing emerging talent.
TEAM VITALITY CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S ESPORTS
By supporting the Elite FE tournament, organised by Minaleyy, Team Vitality reaffirms its strong commitment to developing women’s esports. The competition provides semi-pro and amateur players with a unique platform to enhance their skills, increase their visibility and integrate into a scene moving towards greater diversity.
This initiative builds on Team Vitality’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity in esports, which to date has included the creation of its women’s League of Legends team, the Rising Bees, and its women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team. These initiatives reflect the club’s commitment to actively supporting the emergence of leaders both in the competitive field and at a community level. Team Vitality and Minaleyy are also thrilled to welcome Skin.Club to the project, ensuring the best conditions for the project’s success and maximising visibility for players within the CS2 ecosystem.
The post TEAM VITALITY AND SKIN.CLUB SUPPORT THE SECOND EDITION OF THE ELITE FE TOURNAMENT ON CS2 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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