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GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals

Published

6 months ago

December 19, 2024

Reading Time: 2 minutes

People with gambling issues are more likely to be turning to the activity this festive period than last year, according to new research from the gambling support charity, GamCare.

In a recent survey from YouGov of over 4,000 UK adults, commissioned by the charity, three-fifths (59%) of those who experience problems due to their gambling** say they are more likely to gamble at Christmas than other times of the year – up from 37% last year.

Advisers on GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline are highlighting how the festive period can be a testing time for those struggling with their gambling, as well as family and friends affected.

Last December, the Helpline saw a 39% increase in calls and online chats compared to the same month in the previous year, making it the busiest Christmas period on record.

Additionally, the survey highlights:

Over half (53%) of people gambling at harmful levels say they have spent money intended for presents, food, or other seasonal expenses on gambling.
Nearly three in five people gambling at harmful levels (59%) are more likely to gamble during the festive season compared to just 6% of people who gamble without issues.
For those gambling at harmful levels more than half (53%) reporting increased feelings of stress or anxiety due to gambling and 56% said that gambling made them feel more isolated.
Two in three (65%) people gambling at harmful levels have concerns someone in their family or household might overspend on gambling during the festive period. This compares to one in 25 (4%) of those who are not.

Mark Weiss, Deputy Chief Executive, at GamCare said: “The festive period can be a difficult time for those struggling with gambling, but it can also provide a good opportunity to open up about the issues you’re facing. Our new research shows that there has been an increase in people who already have gambling issues saying they are more likely to gamble over the festive period than at other times of the year.

“GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline provides free confidential support 24/7, 365 days of the year – including Christmas Day and the whole of the festive season. There are many ways you can get support, whether it’s calling an Adviser or using our live chat and WhatsApp features in case you are concerned about privacy while family and friends are around.”

GamCare Helpline Advisers often hear about the financial strain caused by early December paydays. One Helpline Adviser said: “An extra temptation to gamble can stem from most people having an early December payday. This, alongside the added financial pressures associated with Christmas, the influence of alcohol, changes in routine, and high-profile sporting events, can conflate the struggles someone with gambling harms may already be going through.”

Another Helpline Adviser said: “There’s a lot of image consciousness around Christmas and people feel the pressure to go further than they can financially afford. Whether it’s presents, food, or family spending, all of these things can lead to debt.

“The anxieties and pressures of Christmas creates a drive to find additional funds. Therefore, some people may be thinking about using gambling to fund the financial pressures that Christmas brings.”

GamCare’s Helpline Advisers are available one-to-one over the phone or on live chat 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. People can also get free one-to-one support sessions through the National Gambling Support Network, wherever they are in Great Britain.

The post GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Game On! Win Acer’s New RTX 50 Series Laptop + PC Game Pass

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Acer UK Levels Up the Game: Win a Brand-New NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Gaming Laptop and Unleash Hundreds of Titles with Included PC Game Pass!

Acer UK is thrilled to announce an electrifying competition giving gamers the chance to win a state-of-the-art Predator or Nitro laptop, powered by the brand-new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs! This grand giveaway celebrates the highly anticipated arrival of Acer’s latest gaming powerhouses and highlights the incredible value of PC Game Pass, now included with all new Nitro and Predator devices.

Enter the Competition Here: gleam.io/PQDpw/50-series-laptop-and-pc-game-pass-competition

The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and Acer is at the forefront, delivering cutting-edge technology designed to immerse players in unparalleled virtual worlds. The new Predator Helios Neo 16 AI laptop, featuring the formidable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, is now available at leading retailers including Amazon, Box, and Currys. For those seeking even more power, Acer’s official store is now stocking models with the groundbreaking RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080, offering next-generation performance and AI capabilities for the most demanding games and creative tasks.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Every new Nitro and Predator device now comes with PC Game Pass included, ensuring that gamers have immediate access to a vast library of hundreds of high-quality titles from the moment they unbox their new machine. No more waiting, no more separate purchases – just plug in and play!

To amplify the buzz, this competition will be supported by renowned gaming influencers Two Angry Gamers and Frankie Ward. Their extensive reach and passionate communities will help spread the word, giving more gamers the chance to win and experience Acer’s cutting-edge hardware paired with an incredible game library.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the power of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series to our Predator and Nitro laptop lines,” says Mike Newson, Gaming Notebook Business Manager at Acer UK. “These new machines, especially the Predator Helios 18 AI and the Predator Triton 14 AI, represent a significant leap in gaming performance and AI integration. By bundling PC Game Pass and collaborating with beloved gaming personalities like Two Angry Gamers and Frankie Ward, we’re not just offering powerful hardware; we’re providing an instant gateway to an endless world of gaming entertainment and ensuring our message reaches the heart of the gaming community. It’s about delivering the complete, immersive experience our users deserve.”

PC Game Pass: Your Ultimate Gaming Library Just Got Bigger!

Microsoft’s PC Game Pass continues to grow, offering an incredible selection of games for every taste. Recent exciting additions that gamers can dive into include:

FBC: Firebreak – A cooperative first-person shooter available day one on Game Pass!
Rematch – A thrilling third-person, team-based football game.
Warcraft I: Remastered, Warcraft II: Remastered, and Warcraft III: Reforged – Relive the epic beginnings of the legendary Warcraft universe.
Call of Duty: WWII – Experience intense historical combat.
Looking ahead, July brings even more to the service with Little Nightmares II and Rise of the Tomb Raider returning to the library.

With new titles added regularly, PC Game Pass ensures there’s always something fresh and exciting to explore on your new Acer gaming laptop.

Don’t miss your chance to win the ultimate gaming upgrade! Enter the competition today and prepare to experience gaming like never before with Acer’s new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops and PC Game Pass.

Availability: The new Predator Helios Neo 16 AI laptop with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series is available now at Amazon, Box, and Currys. Models featuring the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 are available directly from the Acer Store.

Social Media: #Acer #Predator #Nitro #RTX50Series #PCGamePass #GamingLaptop #Competition #Giveaway #TwoAngryGamers #FrankieWard

The post Game On! Win Acer’s New RTX 50 Series Laptop + PC Game Pass appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

iGB L!VE confirm London iGaming Week program

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Clarion Gaming has announced details of London iGaming Week, a program of immersive curated events, seminars and parties centred around iGB L!VE and taking place at iconic London venues.

Confirming the programme, Naomi Barton, Global Portfolio Director responsible for iGB L!VE said: “London iGaming Week is an amazing opportunity for the global iGaming industry to come together for a week of connection, innovation, and celebration.

“Running 1 July – 4 July it features social events such as the iGB Affiliate Awards, the EGR B2B Awards, Welcome Drinks in Canary Wharf, and the Legends by Fire and ICE celebration.

“It also includes unique opportunities to network and learn at the iGB Start-Up Accelerator, the Affiliate and Operator Mixer and Technology in Gaming, the inaugural conference for senior technology professionals sponsored by Pretty Technical on Tuesday 1 July.

She added: “An initiative that we are extremely excited about is our deeper partnership with LatAm Media Group which will see us stage the first ever London LMG Futbol Experience. Taking place on Friday 4th July, the live-streamed 6-a-side football tournament will be played on a state-of-the-art 5G pitch with games officiated by fully qualified referees.

“Delivering a mixture of competition and camaraderie it’s a fantastic milestone which will build on iGB L!VE’s reputation for running the most popular business, networking and social iGaming events of the year.”

London iGaming Week represents a high profile addition to what will be the biggest edition of iGB L!VE on record. The first show to take place in London following its relocation from Amsterdam it will provide attendees with access to over 22,000sqm of product innovation and inspiration.

Connecting igaming operators, affiliates, tech vendors and game providers, iGB L!VE will welcome a projected 15,000 iGaming and affiliate pioneers helping businesses throughout the ecosystem to navigate the iGaming landscape, provide networking opportunities, showcase cutting-edge innovations and share crucial market knowledge.

For more information and to register for iGB L!VE, 2 – 3 JULY 2025, ExCeL London: igblive.com

The post iGB L!VE confirm London iGaming Week program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Mind Sports South Africa’s Protea Female CS2 team, led by captain Jess Greeff and featuring Avonique van Rooyen, dominated IESF’s AEC24, and emerged undefeated, and punched their ticket to the world stage. The female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title are trailblazers in female esports and are already making their mark internationally.

To qualify for IESF’s World Esports Championships 2025 (WEC25), South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title will be taking on Namibia at15H00 on 21 June 2025.

South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title has never lost to Namibia, and both MSSA and the team are confident that the result will be the same as all previous encounters.

The team has shown a few changes from 2024. Jessica Greeff remains the captain, and Avonique van Rooyen and Megan van der Westhuizen too stay on the team with their vast international experience. The two new additions are Kiera McCullum and Kalee Ludick who further add to the team.

MSSA is of the belief that the 2025 Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title is the strongest female Counter Strike 2 team to ever represent South Africa.

The full team to represent South Africa at15H00 on 21 June 2025 is:

Name	Club	Nick	Province
Jessica Eleez Greeff (Capt.)	ZAG Academy	heartjess	KwaZulu Natal
Avonique van Rooyen	ZAG Academy	avo	Gauteng
Kiera McCallum	ZAG Academy	queen	KwaZulu Natal
Megan van der Westhuizen	ZAG Academy	m3gz	Gauteng
Kalee Ludick	ZAG Academy	creative	Gauteng