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New GambleAware-commissioned Research Warns of High Risks from Gaming Machines, Online Casino Games and Loot Boxes

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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.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Gamblers Connect Named Finalist in Three Categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026

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Gamblers Connect has been officially shortlisted in three categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026, one of the most respected global recognitions within the gaming and iGaming sectors.

This announcement marks an important milestone for the company, reflecting its continued growth, consistent industry presence and long-term commitment to responsible and high-quality affiliate operations.

Gamblers Connect has been shortlisted in three distinct categories: Affiliate (Company) of the Year, recognising its public-facing affiliate excellence; the Great Place to Work Award (Operator), highlighting the strength of its internal culture; and the Safer Gambling Award, which reflects the company’s commitment to responsibility standards across its operations.

The 19th annual International Gaming Awards will be held on 18th January during ICE Barcelona. It is regarded as one of the leading global recognitions for excellence across the gaming industry. Each year, the IGA highlights companies that show innovation, quality, responsibility and meaningful contribution to the sector.

Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “Being shortlisted across three very different categories shows our strength on multiple levels. It recognises our public-facing work, the culture behind it and the responsibility standards that guide everything we do.”

The post Gamblers Connect Named Finalist in Three Categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 47/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Spinomenal has expanded its successful Mythology series with the launch of Mega Zeus Hold & Hit 3×3. Set among the golden columns of Mount Olympus, Mega Zeus transports players to the realm of the mighty god of thunder. 

Galaxsys proudly announces the launch of its latest slot game, Guardians of Glory, an action-packed game that combines medieval warfare, innovative slot mechanics, and massive win potential for players worldwide. Blending classic slot mechanics with high-octane action, Guardians of Glory is a 5-reel, 3-row cascading line slot designed to keep players on the edge of their seats.

Evoplay has launched Imperial Relics: Three Pots, a vibrant new slot inspired by the grandeur, treasures, and mysticism of Imperial China. Players are transported to a golden city overseen by a wise emperor, where sacred relics and intricate symbols adorn the reels.

Relax Gaming has enhanced a fan-favourite with the launch of Snake Arena 2: Kinesis Unleashed. The futuristic, feature-packed 6×4 ways slot pits Slayers against Snake in an entertaining game experience that offers huge win potential with a maximum prize of 50,000x bet.

Get ready for the slot event of the year, from Booming Games, in Black Friday Cart Craze, where every spin feels like a mega sale! Load up your carts to trigger the Coin Craze collect feature or the Super Sale Spins, where everything must go. Eliminate Minor symbols and upgrade Major symbols to increase your shopping spree haul!

In Nolimit City’s latest release, Bizarre, peek into the window of Dr. Bizarre’s wild experiments. This slot falls under the eccentric category of Nolimit City slots such as Munchies, Outsourced and Ugliest Catch. The farm has been… busy. Bizarre plays out on a 4-4-4-4-4 layout across 5 reels, with a number of variations of xSplit®.

Push Gaming has launched its latest seafaring adventure, Sea of Spirits, a highly anticipated slot developed in collaboration with CasinoGrounds, one of the industry’s most influential community-driven streaming platforms. Set in a haunting underwater realm where ghostly captains guard the treasures of the deep, Sea of Spirits immerses players in a world of mystery, risk, and reward.

 

SlotMatrix, the world’s largest casino content aggregator, invites players to step into the Royal palace of popular characters Richie and Peggy in Gold Pigger 2 Royal Snouts. Set in a golden Kingdom ruled by regal pigs, Gold Pigger 2 Royal Snouts combines vibrant visuals and dynamic mechanics for a lavish slots experience.

 

Play’n GO’s Stadium of Riches captures the raw energy of the world’s favourite sport, placing players at the heart of the action in this high-stakes football showdown. Stadium of Riches doesn’t just replicate the spirit of football – it elevates it.

Blueprint Gaming is kicking off the festive season with the launch of Saint Nicked 3 Present Tense, the first of three Christmas-themed releases that see some of its most iconic series reimagined with charming festive visuals, enriched graphics and immersive seasonal experiences designed to delight operator player bases worldwide.

BGaming invites players to wrap up warm and explore an icy kingdom in Divine Queen: Heart of Ice. Watch the wins snowball in this Olympus-genre pay-anywhere game. Divine Queen: Heart of Ice pulls inspiration from the iconic Bonanza gameplay mechanics, repackaging them in a winter retro style.

This holiday season, Santa’s traded in his sleigh for a private jet and touched down on the Vegas Strip! Santa in Vegas delivers festive fun and flashy riches in a vibrant 5×4 slot packed with luxurious symbols, glittering lights and that famous Booming Games excitement.

Get ready to gather the family around the table and celebrate the harvest season in style in Extra Win X Thanksgiving – the new holiday-themed twist on Swintt’s classic retro slot formula where landing full table wins can lead to massively multiplied payouts.

TaDa Gaming has released Clover Ladybug, a vibrant slot where expanding Wilds, playful multipliers and the lucky ladybug herself lead the way to exciting 1500x wins. Set on a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines, Clover Ladybug transforms the simple joy of nature into a lively slot experience.

 

The post Week 47/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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HIPTHER’s European Gaming Media Joins Forces with Frank Gaming in a Strategic Media Partnership

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HIPTHER’s flagship media outlet, European Gaming Media, is delighted to announce a new Media Partnership with Frank Gaming – the strategic nexus connecting game providers, casino operators, and industry leaders worldwide.

This collaboration marks a shared mission to accelerate partnerships, amplify exposure, and empower sustainable growth within the global iGaming ecosystem. Through this agreement, Frank Gaming will feature HIPTHER’s renowned international events across its platform, providing its expansive network with direct access to some of the industry’s most influential conferences.

In exchange, European Gaming Media will provide ongoing editorial and social media coverage for Frank Gaming’s key announcements, while Frank Gaming representatives will receive complimentary passes to attend HIPTHER’s premium events, including the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, European Gaming Congress (HIPTHER Warsaw Summit), and the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit.

A Partnership Built on Shared Vision and Reach

Frank Gaming serves as a powerful connector within the iGaming ecosystem, driving measurable results through strategic networking, exclusive events, and actionable industry intelligence. Their ecosystem features over 500 verified suppliers, 250 active operators, 1,200 successful connections, and 50+ exclusive events – all designed to foster collaboration and growth.

The platform’s comprehensive toolkit includes a Supplier Directory, Strategic Networking, Industry Intelligence, Exclusive Events, Custom Marketing, and Strategic Advisory services, making it a go-to destination for gaming businesses seeking to scale with purpose.

As a leading media voice reaching over 300,000 monthly readers, European Gaming Media delivers trusted news, interviews, and insights across gaming, betting, esports, and tech innovation. The partnership strengthens both brands’ commitment to building bridges and driving excellence across the gaming value chain.

Statements from the Partners

Zoltán Tűndik, Co-founder of HIPTHER, commented: Our collaboration with Frank Gaming is a natural fit, rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening the core of the iGaming industry. We are focused on delivering crucial insights, and Frank Gaming excels at creating actionable connections. With a joint effort we can offer immense value, ensuring that the critical discussions taking place at our HIPTHER events are amplified across their robust network of suppliers and operators.

Julian Arabadjiyski, Frank Gaming strategic advisor added: Partnering with HIPTHER is a strategic step forward in our mission to connect innovation with opportunity across the global iGaming landscape. HIPTHER brings industry-shaping insights and global reach through their events and media, while Frank Gaming empowers suppliers and operators to turn those insights into growth. Together, we’re bridging knowledge and execution ensuring the right voices are heard and the right connections are made.

About Frank Gaming

Frank Gaming is the strategic nexus connecting game providers, casino operators, and industry leaders across the global iGaming ecosystem. With over 500 verified suppliers, 250 operators, and 1,200 successful connections, the platform accelerates partnerships and drives growth through strategic networking, exclusive events, and targeted intelligence.

About European Gaming Media

Part of HIPTHER, European Gaming Media (EuropeanGaming.eu) is one of the most trusted publications in the iGaming and gambling sector, reaching more than 300,000 readers monthly. The outlet delivers daily news, in-depth interviews, regulatory updates, and event coverage, shaping the future of gaming and betting across Europe.

About HIPTHER

HIPTHER is a global brand dedicated to connecting people and businesses through innovative media, PR, and events. With leading conferences and media outlets spanning Gaming, Tech, and Fintech, HIPTHER empowers industries through connection, collaboration, and creativity.

The post HIPTHER’s European Gaming Media Joins Forces with Frank Gaming in a Strategic Media Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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