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New GambleAware-commissioned Research Warns of High Risks from Gaming Machines, Online Casino Games and Loot Boxes
GambleAware, the leading charity and commissioner of gambling harms prevention and treatment services in Great Britain, has published a new report looking at which types of gambling pose the highest risks of harm.
GambleAware commissioned Bournemouth University to conduct research exploring the relative risks of harm associated with different types of gambling including land-based electronic gaming machines, online casino games, loot boxes and the National Lottery draw.
The research found that land-based electronic gaming machines in bookmakers and casinos and online casino games, which both offer the possibility of quick rewards and a fast pace of play, were associated with the highest level of risk. Usage of electronic gaming machines was the biggest predictor of someone going on to experience future gambling harms and those using land-based electronic gaming machines were found to be over 10 times more likely than average to be experiencing “problem gambling” while those using online casino games were four times more likely than average to experience harm.
The report calls for more restrictions on the availability and design of electronic gaming machines, including reducing the number of machines in venues, lowering stakes and implementing mandatory breaks. More restrictions are also called for on online casino games, to focus on responsible design, as well as for gambling operators to continue to develop and enhance systems to provide personalised support for online customers displaying signs of risk indicators such as spending large amounts of time or money.
The research also looked at other products which are often not viewed as traditional gambling including loot boxes and the National Lottery.
Loot boxes, which often feature in games aimed at children, can blur the lines between gaming and gambling, and were also found to carry risks. The research discovered that fifty percent of people who use loot boxes in computer games are at any level of risk. Those who used loot boxes exhibited a high likelihood of experiencing “problem gambling”, as using them inherently increases the risk due to their accessibility, immersive nature, and the blending of gaming and gambling environments. The report recommends that the effects of gambling-like elements in video games, such as loot boxes, should be investigated and more should be done to restrict their use among young people aged under 18.
The research also showed the National Lottery draw has a high reach into communities experiencing gambling harms. An estimated 600,000 people experiencing “problem gambling” were found to be using the National Lottery draw, while 500,000 people experiencing “problem gambling” use scratch cards. The report recommends that the National Lottery should signpost people to support services such as GambleAware, to help any lottery players who may be experiencing gambling harms.
The number of different types of gambling people take part in was also found to have a major impact on the risk of gambling harm. The report showed that the level of “problem gambling” increases in line with the number of types of gambling activities people participate in, and increases more after two activities. Therefore the report also calls for gambling operators to create shared databases to identify people doing several different types of gambling who are at an increased risk of gambling harms.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said: “No form of gambling is completely without risk. However this new research shows that there are some particular types of gambling which can lead to an increased chance of experiencing gambling harm, which can have a corrosive effect on people’s lives, finances, careers and relationships.
“The research also brings into question some of the measures outlined in the Gambling White Paper such as relaxations in land-based gambling , which could lead to an increase in electronic gaming machines in venues, and having different online slot stake limits for those aged over 25 – we believe people over 25 should have the same lower limits as those who are younger. The report suggests the measures do not go far enough to protect people. This is why we are calling for the recommendations in this report to be adopted as they will help ensure that people can be better protected.”
Dr Ruijie Wang, from Bournemouth University, said: “This research was designed to explore the risks of harm from different types of gambling in the context of regulatory changes that were proposed within the UK government’s Gambling White Paper. The results highlight the need for more stringent gambling regulation, particularly in online slots and land-based electronic gaming machines due to their high risk of harm to young adults. More regulation is also needed to limit gambling-like practices in video gaming, such as loot boxes, to individuals aged over 18 years as the interaction between video gaming and gambling should not be ignored.”
The post New GambleAware-commissioned Research Warns of High Risks from Gaming Machines, Online Casino Games and Loot Boxes appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Red Bull announces brand-new Trackmania tournament ‘Red Bull Faster’, set to descend on Red Bull Racing’s Milton Keynes HQ
Start your engines as Red Bull teams up with top Trackmania creator Øyvind “Wirtual” to bring the ultimate high-speed tournament to Red Bull Racing’s Milton Keynes HQ.
An adrenaline-fueled showdown, Red Bull Faster is set to take place on 1 March at MK-7, with online qualifiers open from 24 January, 7pm CET (6pm GMT / 10am PST) until 7 February. Players globally can head to the in-game club ‘Red Bull Faster’ to access the tournament’s custom maps.
Hopeful competitors can put the pedal to the metal, racing across 3 challenging maps in Time Attack mode to clinch the best cumulative time on the global leaderboard. The Top 100 fastest players will advance to the stage 2 online qualifiers, with the Top 8 securing a coveted spot on the starting line at the offline Grand Finals in Milton Keynes.
Hosted by an iconic Trackmania creator, “Wirtual” will be livestreaming all the daring jumps, hairpin turns, and dizzying loops of the high-octane competition across his YouTube and Twitch channels. With the clock ticking, it’s time for seasoned pros and rising racers to grind the ladder, burn rubber on the virtual speedway, and drift, dive, and drive to pole position before qualifiers close on 7 February.
As Red Bull Faster gears up to be the ultimate test of speed and skill, racing fans can also join the action with limited in-person spectator tickets now available. Tickets include food for attendees and photo opportunities with Red Bull’s F1™ race cars.
The post Red Bull announces brand-new Trackmania tournament ‘Red Bull Faster’, set to descend on Red Bull Racing’s Milton Keynes HQ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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UNdisputedly GR8 ICE 2025 with GR8 Tech, RTF by Oleksandr Usyk, and the Leaders of iGaming
ICE 2025 marked GR8 Tech’s second birthday and a strong start to the year for the company. The provider showcased innovative iGaming solutions and reinforced its position as a high-performing industry leader, unveiling its partnership with Ready to Fight co-founded by boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.
“GR8 Tech is dedicated to excellence in iGaming technology. Our solutions are designed not only to be fast, reliable, and innovative but to empower operators with a competitive edge in their markets. ICE 2025 was a celebration of our journey so far and a showcase of the market-leading solutions that define us. We are thrilled to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming and delivering the tools our partners need to lead their markets as undisputed champions,” said Sergey Ghazaryan, CRO at GR8 Tech. GR8 Tech at ICE Barcelona 2025: The UNbelievably GR8 Recap!
A Game-Changing Partnership Usyk’s RTF Platform
The partnership with Ready to Fight was officially officially unveiled during the third day of ICE 2025 with a presentation by GR8 Tech’s CRO, Sergey Ghazaryan, and Bohdan Salii, CVO at Ready to Fight. The presentation attracted a mix of conference attendees, including industry leaders from organizations like Clarion Gaming and SiGMA Group, who gathered to witness the launch of this exciting collaboration.
Following the presentation, the stand came alive with an engaging arm-wrestling challenge. Prominent industry leaders, founders, and top managers from SiGMA Group, NEXT.io, Gaming Operations Academy, ICS-digital, and others participated, bringing energy and excitement to the event. The ultimate prize—a pair of boxing gloves signed by Usyk—went to the winner of the challenge, Zakaria El Maaroufi, Head of M&A Brokerage at SiGMA Group. To keep the fun going, a lottery draw later in the day gave attendees another chance to win their own signed gloves, making it a truly memorable experience.
Throughout the partnership announcement and celebration, GR8 Tech showcased signed boxing gloves worn by Oleksandr Usyk during his historic victory over Tyson Fury in the spring of 2024. These gloves, complete with a certificate of authenticity, were prominently displayed in the ring area of the stand, symbolizing the unstoppable performance that both Usyk and GR8 Tech bring to the table.
New Deals with a Tailored High-Performance Solution Portfolio
As the first major event of the year, ICE sets the tone for business opportunities and innovation across the industry. GR8 Tech used this opportunity to introduce a refreshed product portfolio solution, known for delivering an adaptable, scalable, and cost-effective platform that guarantees above-market profit margins. Visitors were also introduced to the updated Sportsbook Turbo iFrame, which provides an award-winning sportsbook that can be integrated within a week. The showcase of the Infinite Casino Aggregation impressed attendees with its vast selection of over 15,000 games and over 175 game providers, appealing to those looking to diversify and expand their portfolios with ease.
“ICE 2025 highlighted GR8 Tech’s sharp business focus and the well-organized nature of the event. It was the perfect mix that helped us connect with the right people and have valuable conversations. We had hundreds of productive meetings, setting the stage for some exciting deals and partnerships. This event has once again been a great step forward in growing our presence and solidifying our position as leaders in the industry,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CBDO at GR8 Tech.
Looking ahead
After celebrating its milestone birthday at ICE, GR8 Tech is energized for the year ahead. With an UNprecedented roadmap for 2025, the company’s next major trade show is iGB Live in July—with new surprises from the RTF partnership in store. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from GR8 Tech as the journey continues.
The post UNdisputedly GR8 ICE 2025 with GR8 Tech, RTF by Oleksandr Usyk, and the Leaders of iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Betway signs UFC Champion Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis as Global Ambassador
Leading global online betting and gaming brand, Betway, has signed the Ultimate Fighting Championship Middleweight Champion, Dricus du Plessis, as a global brand ambassador.
Du Plessis, the reigning and undisputed Middleweight Champion is currently undefeated in the world’s biggest mixed martial arts organization, boasting a commanding 10-fight win streak with a stellar 22-2-0 career record.
The African MMA superstar joins the Betway Squad as he prepares to defend his title at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia on Saturday 8 February.
Betway Africa’s Head of Marketing, Mark Rowles, who was delighted to add du Plessis to the impressive Betway Squad commented, “At Betway, we pride ourselves on aligning our global recognised brand with exceptional sporting properties such as the Betway SA20, Betway Premiership, and the Springboks, as well as working with inspirational sports stars and we are immensely proud to have Dricus join us. He is a great ambassador for South Africa and African MMA, he has established himself as one of the top MMA athletes in the world, his International Fighter of the Year award is testament to the incredible year he has had in the UFC, and we wish him well for his title defence at UFC 312. We are all behind the champ.”
du Plessis made history at UFC 297 in Toronto when he became South Africa’s first UFC world champion after beating American Sean Strickland by split decision. He has since continued his meteoric rise by defending his belt against former two-time champion Israel Adesanya, winning by submission at UFC 305 in Perth in August of last year.
“Betway having chosen to invest in me and my sport is a tremendous honour, by and in itself. Knowing that this collaboration creates opportunity for aspiring MMA-athletes and South African sports talents, provides me with a tremendous sense of pride and motivation to maintain our country’s championship status, you can bet on that!
The 31-year-old continues to inspire a nation through his performances in the UFC octagon and hopes to see more people take up the sport after firmly putting African MMA in the spotlight in 2024.
The post Betway signs UFC Champion Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis as Global Ambassador appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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