Connect with us
gambling-harms-support-delivered-by-third-sector-helped-nine-out-of-10-improve-condition-–-annual-statistics-reveal gambling-harms-support-delivered-by-third-sector-helped-nine-out-of-10-improve-condition-–-annual-statistics-reveal

Latest News

Gambling Harms Support Delivered by Third Sector Helped Nine Out of 10 Improve Condition – Annual Statistics Reveal

Published

2 years ago

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

New GambleAware data from the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) and the newly commissioned National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) highlight high efficacy and impact.

Nine in 10 people (88%) who completed treatment through the National Gambling Treatment Service – commissioned by the charity GambleAware – saw an improvement in their condition, according to the latest data released.

The National Gambling Treatment Service comprises 10 organisations operating across England, Scotland and Wales. The network provides free and confidential treatment, early intervention and prevention services for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms. Every year, nearly 7000 people access structured support through the network, and over 44,000 calls are answered by the National Gambling Helpline.

Despite considerable demand, waiting times were very short with 1 in 2 (50%) people seen within five days after their referral, and 3 in 4 (75%) seen within just nine days.

Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning and Strategy Officer at GambleAware, said: “Today’s data clearly demonstrates the value of the prevention-focused approach applied through our network. It is a timely reminder of the importance of investing in early treatment – especially as recently reported figures from the Gambling Commission suggest prevalence of harmful gambling may be much larger than previously estimated.”

In April, GambleAware relaunched the treatment service as the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) – and demand for services has already risen. In April-June 2023, there was a 24% year-on-year increase in calls to the National Gambling Helpline, and a 46% year-on-year increase in early intervention – including guided, online and in person support – delivered through the Helpline. This is in addition to an 18% rise in demand for structured treatment.

Graham England, CEO at Ara Recovery for All, said: “NGSN services represent the first line of defence in supporting and reaching people before problems with gambling become catastrophic consequences. We are talking about brilliant, dedicated teams making a decisive difference in the lives of thousands of people across Great Britain. The latest data from this network commissioned through GambleAware, highlights just how effective, and desperately needed, those tailored, community-focused, interventions are.”

The figures published by GambleAware highlights the effectiveness of the services provided and the emphasise on early intervention and prevention – but the charity has issued a stark warning that they could collapse under the Government’s current proposals for the implementation of the statutory levy on gambling operators.

Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said: “We welcome the government’s forthcoming statutory levy on gambling operators – it is a measure we have long called for to make sure that funding for vital research, treatment and prevention of gambling harms is both long-term and transparent. However, the focus on specialist-led services means right now, hundreds of dedicated third sector support workers are deeply concerned about their future and the future of the communities they serve.

“There is an urgent need for reassurance from Government that these essential services will be protected during and following the transition. We cannot lose the vast years of experience and expertise contained in the National Gambling Support Network and the wider third sector.”

In addition to hampering the third-sector’s ability to deliver vital services, leading experts have also raised concerns that the Government’s proposed new system would increase pressure on the NHS’ finances and waiting lists.

Professor Dame Clare Gerada said: “From my experience running the NHS Primary Care Gambling Service, which is part of the National Gambling Support Network, I have seen first-hand the benefits of being part of a thriving and connected third sector ecosystem. My experience has also made it abundantly clear that whilst the NHS gambling clinics have a place in the system, what we also need is an approach which aims to prevent gambling harms from escalating – before people find themselves at the much more serious point of needing specialist care.

“Gambling harms are a societal, public health issue – not just a medical one. Whilst the specialist sector has a valuable and important role, relying predominantly on this sector is neither financially viable nor logistically feasible.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Bragg Gaming

Bragg Confirms Cyber Attack – Hackers Access Internal IT Systems

Published

1 hour ago

on

August 18, 2025

By

bragg-confirms-cyber-attack-–-hackers-access-internal-it-systems

Bragg Gaming Group, a leading online gaming technology provider, has confirmed a major cybersecurity incident that compromised its internal IT infrastructure in the early hours of Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The company detected unauthorized intrusion attempts that successfully breached its internal network, triggering an immediate and comprehensive incident response.

Key Takeaways

  • Bragg Gaming Group experienced a cybersecurity breach involving access to internal IT systems.

  • No customer personal data or payment information appears to have been compromised.

  • The company has enacted full containment and investigation protocols.

Details of the Breach

According to a preliminary forensic analysis by Bragg’s internal security team, the attack was a targeted breach aimed at the company’s internal computer environment. While the exact method of intrusion is still under investigation, early indicators suggest a sophisticated exploit of internal network vulnerabilities.

Fortunately, the company’s customer-facing systems, including sensitive user data and financial information, appear to have been unaffected. Bragg’s existing encryption protocols and access control systems successfully prevented the attackers from accessing customer information.

Immediate Response Measures

In response to the breach, Bragg launched a multi-tiered containment strategy, including:

  • Network Segmentation to isolate affected systems

  • Enhanced Monitoring of data flows across its Remote Games Server (RGS) platform

  • Security Audits of critical infrastructure, including the Bragg Hub and PAM systems

  • Engagement of Independent Cybersecurity Experts to assist in incident analysis and system hardening

Bragg’s Security Operations Center has also elevated its alert level, initiating 24/7 monitoring across all server clusters and network endpoints. In addition, company-wide penetration testing is now underway to proactively identify any residual vulnerabilities.

Business Continuity Maintained

Despite the severity of the breach, Bragg reports that its operations remain unaffected. All gaming services, including iCasino and sportsbook offerings across regulated markets, continue to function without disruption.

“While this incident is deeply concerning, we are confident in the rapid and thorough response initiated by our team,” a company spokesperson stated. “We remain committed to protecting our infrastructure, our partners, and most importantly, our players.”

Looking Ahead

As part of its response, Bragg has also launched mandatory security awareness training for all employees to reinforce best practices and prevent future incidents.

Cybersecurity analysts will continue working with Bragg to determine the full scope of the attack, improve system resilience, and maintain the trust of its users and stakeholders.

Bragg’s handling of the incident highlights both the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and the importance of robust, responsive defense systems in the digital gaming sector.

Source: cybersecuritynews.com

The post Bragg Confirms Cyber Attack – Hackers Access Internal IT Systems appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Slovakia Publishes Groundbreaking Report on Illegal Online Gambling

Published

3 hours ago

on

August 18, 2025

By

slovakia-publishes-groundbreaking-report-on-illegal-online-gambling
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Institute for Gambling Regulation in Slovakia (IPRHH) has published the country’s first comprehensive report dedicated to illegal gambling. The study, titled The Black Book of Illegal Gambling, was officially presented at Bratislava’s Einpark and is now publicly available online.

The landmark publication explores the structure, mechanisms, and social impact of illegal gambling operations in Slovakia, with a particular focus on unlicensed online platforms. According to the report, these operators bypass national regulations, exploit vulnerable groups, and deprive the state of hundreds of millions of euros annually in lost tax revenue.

Key Findings From the Report

The study is based on a nationally representative survey conducted by IPRHH in cooperation with the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Among the most striking results:

  • 23.7% of players – nearly 296,000 Slovaks – admitted to gambling on unlicensed platforms.

  • 24.1% of players could not determine whether the sites they used were legal.

  • Younger users and those with lower levels of education were the most likely to engage in illegal gambling.

  • 13.1% of users admitted to gambling illegally because they were listed in the national Register of Excluded Persons (RVO), which should block them from licensed gambling.

“These sites ignore every safeguard that licensed operators must follow,” explained Dávid Lenčéš, Executive Director of IPRHH. “There are no limits, no identity checks, and no protection against addiction. And if you lose money, you have no legal recourse.”

Why Players Choose Illegal Platforms

Survey respondents highlighted several reasons for using unlicensed gambling sites:

  • Higher bonuses (32.5%)

  • Better odds (29.5%)

  • Easier registration (29.1%)

  • Wider game selection (27.4%)

Shockingly, only 42.2% of players actively check for a Slovak license, while 43.2% cannot distinguish between legal and illegal gambling advertisements.

Policy Recommendations

The IPRHH warns that illegal gambling costs Slovakia hundreds of millions of euros each year, money that could otherwise support healthcare, education, and addiction prevention programs.

The institute recommends a multi-pronged strategy to combat illegal operators, including:

  • More effective blocking of unlicensed websites

  • Stronger cooperation with banks and payment providers to block transactions

  • A national public awareness campaign

  • Stable conditions for licensed operators who contribute to the economy

Lenčéš also cautioned against excessive taxation of legal operators:
“If governments dramatically increase taxes on licensed operators, they risk pushing players further into the illegal market. Regulation should protect the public, not unintentionally support criminal ecosystems.”

About IPRHH

The Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRHH) was founded in 2024 to promote effective, transparent, and responsible gambling regulation in Slovakia. Led by Executive Director Dávid Lenčéš, former Chairman of the Slovak Gambling Regulatory Authority, the organization works to address modern challenges such as digitalization, illegal gambling, and player protection.

The full report, The Black Book of Illegal Gambling, is available for free download (in Slovak) here: Download Report. An English version is currently in preparation.

For international inquiries or interview requests, contact: [email protected]

The post Slovakia Publishes Groundbreaking Report on Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Red Rake Gaming strengthens its expansion in Switzerland through partnership with 7Melons.ch

Published

4 hours ago

on

August 18, 2025

By

red-rake-gaming-strengthens-its-expansion-in-switzerland-through-partnership-with-7melons.ch
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Red Rake Gaming, a leading provider of premium online casino content, announces its partnership with 7Melons.ch, the official online casino of the prestigious Grand Casino Bern, further strengthening its position in the regulated Swiss market.

7Melons.ch, launched in 2020 following the legalisation of online gaming in Switzerland, operates under an official Swiss concession (Konzession) and offers an authentic, safe, and fully licensed local experience. Backed by the strong reputation of Grand Casino Bern, the platform stands out for its commitment to player protection, secure transactions, and a mobile-optimised gaming environment.

As part of its growth strategy, 7Melons.ch is focusing on CRM automation, localised acquisition campaigns, and enhancing its VIP experience. The operator is investing in performance marketing, expanding its game portfolio, improving platform features, and building long-term brand equity, with the goal of becoming one of the leading names in Swiss online entertainment.

Nick Barr, Managing Director at Red Rake Gaming Malta, commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with 7Melons.ch and Grand Casino Bern to bring our top content to Swiss players. The platform combines the trust of a historic brand with a modern and secure digital experience, making it the ideal partner to expand our presence in this region. We are confident our games will deliver added value and exciting experiences for players in Switzerland.” 

This collaboration reinforces Red Rake Gaming’s commitment to creating innovative content tailored to local regulations and designed for highly regulated markets. Players in Switzerland will have access to a wide and diverse game portfolio, featuring standout functionalities, interactive mini-games, and a safe, immersive gaming experience.

The post Red Rake Gaming strengthens its expansion in Switzerland through partnership with 7Melons.ch appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending