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GambleAware publishes new report on the lived experience of gambling and gambling harms among Minority communities in Great Britain
GambleAware, the leading charity commissioning gambling harm prevention and treatment services in Great Britain, has published research focusing on the experiences of gambling harms among people from minority communities in Great Britain.
The study by Ipsos UK and ClearView Research, supported by the University of Manchester, has confirmed the role that stigma and discrimination can play not just in driving harms, but also in preventing people accessing help and support.
The report shows that people from Minority communities who have any kind of gambling problem.2 are 50% more likely to have experienced racism or discrimination in public, compared to those who do not have a gambling issue (48% vs. 32%). Some participants in the qualitative research described a link between their experiences of discrimination and racism, and susceptibility to gambling harms. These participants pointed to the role of racism and discrimination in exacerbating gambling behaviour, including feelings of social exclusion, reduced employment opportunities and heightened risk of mental health issues.
The report also shows that people from Minority backgrounds who gambled are three times more likely to say their gambling is a ‘coping mechanism’ to deal with challenges in their life, compared to White British people who gamble (18% vs. 6%).
Participants in the qualitative study also identified many barriers stopping them seeking support for their gambling, some of which were because they were members of a Minority community. People from Minority communities were less likely than people from the White British majority group to say they would feel comfortable talking to friends and family if they were worried about their gambling, and also less likely to say they would feel comfortable talking to a gambling support service provider or a healthcare provider.
There was also a relative lack of awareness in Minority communities of where gambling support was available, and some even had a lack of trust in healthcare providers and support services due to previous experiences of racism and discrimination they had faced when seeking healthcare.
Some participants in the study also said they felt they and others from Minority groups could be disproportionately influenced by gambling marketing and advertising. They noted that having limited understanding about the risks involved in gambling could have made them more susceptible to the gambling marketing and advertising they saw.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, said: “Gambling harms can affect anyone, but they can be more common and more damaging in communities that face social inequality – such as these minority groups. Fortunately, help is out there. The National Gambling Support Network offers confidential, tailored support for people from all backgrounds. It also does a lot of community outreach to raise awareness and increase early intervention, so that people from all backgrounds know where to turn and can get help before gambling problems turn into an addiction.”
Daniel Cameron, Research Director at Ipsos, said: “The findings from this study increase our knowledge of why people from Minority communities may experience gambling harm. The study shows that the unique experiences individuals from Minority communities face in their everyday lives can exacerbate the drivers of gambling behaviour and increase the likelihood of facing gambling harms.”
Wendy Knight, who has lived experience of gambling harm and took part in the study, said: “Looking back, I started gambling compulsively after having issues at work. During that period, I spent a lot of my time and money in casinos as gambling became my way of escaping.
“Also, my parents came to the UK from the West Indies during the Windrush era. Since arrival our lives have been about struggling for money. I think that because of the lack of opportunities in disadvantaged communities gambling seems like one of the few ways we could ever get big money.
“When I started recovery, I found it isolating as there weren’t any other black people there. When I walked into the recovery room it was full of white men, but I stayed because I wanted to recover. Plus, I am used to being the only minority in the room.
“However, much more needs to be done to make people from minority backgrounds feel comfortable to go to recovery services for help.”
Dr Dharmi Kapadia, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at The University of Manchester commented: “This research study has shown that minoritised people facing difficult, and often traumatic, life circumstances such as financial hardship, racism and other forms of social exclusion are at risk of gambling harms. Worryingly, gambling help services are often not seen as trustworthy by minoritised people due to past discriminatory experiences of statutory services. Gambling support services need to work on increasing confidence amongst minoritised groups, including how they organise, advertise and deliver services.”
This latest research builds on a Minority Communities & Gambling Harms: Quantitative Report that GambleAware released in March.
GambleAware will also be opening a new funding programme in December 2023, building on the recommendations from this Minority communities research. A total of £4.3m will available to organisations in England, Scotland and Wales.
Anna Hargrave, GambleAware Chief Commissioning Officer, said: “Our new funding programme is a response to research which demonstrated that both women and people from minority ethnic and religious communities face additional burdens of gambling harm as well as barriers in accessing services which meet their needs. Through the fund we will aim to reduce the inequality of experience of gambling harm for women and people from minority religious and ethnic communities.”
1/ST
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is excited to announce a transformative partnership with 1/ST, the premier North American Thoroughbred racing, gaming and entertainment company. Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST is a leader in modernizing horse racing by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality and lifestyle experiences.
As leaders of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment events, 1/ST is also committed to advancing racing’s global profile through cutting-edge technology and international collaboration. This partnership brings a unique opportunity to connect three prestigious racedays: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day (March 8 – featuring The G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, named after legendary 1987 Australian Horse of The Year Champion and NZ Hall of Famer, Bonecrusher) alongside 1/ST’s Pegasus World Cup (January 25) and California Crown (September 27).
This collaboration will introduce “Golden Ticket” pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races including:
From the Pegasus World Cup (25 January 2025) to Champions Day (8 March 2025):
- The US$500,000 Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner earns entry to the NZ$600,000 Group 1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
- The US$1,000,000 Group 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner gains entry to the NZ$1,000,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m).
From Champions Day (8 March 2025) to California Crown (27 September 2025):
- The NZ$500,000 Rich Hill Stud Champion Middle Distance Series winner secures a Golden Ticket to the US$750,000 Group 1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m).
- The NZ$500,000 Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series winner earns entry to the US$750,000 Group 2 California Crown US$750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m).
To further enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries.
“This partnership marks an exciting milestone in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage,” commented Chief Operating Officer of NZTR, Darin Balcombe. “The Golden Ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.”
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: “This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our commitment to elevating Thoroughbred racing globally. By linking these iconic racedays and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.”
Lachlan Fitt, Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operators of the NZ TAB, also welcomed the announcement:
“Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this exciting outcome. The partnership will continue the opportunity for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing participants to consider. And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brands, we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.”
This partnership paves the way for significant growth in Thoroughbred racing across both regions, with both NZTR and 1/ST excited to build on this promising foundation moving forward.
For more information about the partnership and Golden Ticket races, contact NZTR’s Head Handicapper Bruce Sherwin by emailing [email protected].
The post New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
SOFTSWISS has successfully obtained compliance certification for the Peruvian market for its Game Aggregator, the largest content hub in the iGaming sector. This milestone solidifies the company’s position as one of the first technology providers ready to work under the country’s new regulatory framework.
As part of Peru’s revised Regulatory Framework, initiated in February 2024, all operators, platforms, game providers, and technical suppliers are required to obtain certification by 1 January 2025 to legally operate in the market. SOFTSWISS achieved this certification through GLI, an accredited testing laboratory, ensuring that its product meets all technical and legal requirements set by Peruvian authorities.
The Peruvian gambling market is among the fastest-growing and most promising in Latin America, with projections estimating a CAGR of 5.97% and a market volume of USD 420.60 million by 2029. Furthermore, smartphone penetration is expected to hit 77.78% by the same year, providing significant opportunities for the iGaming industry.
“The newly regulated framework is set to attract international gaming companies and investors, paving the way for further expansion in the iGaming sector,” said Max Trafimovich, CCO at SOFTSWISS. “We’re proud to be among the first companies to complete the necessary procedures and be fully prepared for this promising market.”
This achievement comes shortly after the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator’s certification in Brazil, showcasing the company’s ambitious plans to expand and strengthen its leadership across the Latin American region.
Currently, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator boasts the largest game portfolio in the market, offering over 27,000 titles, alongside consistent 99.999% uptime and top-tier services. According to a recent Kantar survey conducted in November 2024, the product received an overall satisfaction score of 8.1 out of 10 from its clients, underscoring its reputation as a reliable and industry-leading solution.
By obtaining certification in Peru, SOFTSWISS continues to demonstrate its commitment to compliance, innovation, and delivering premium services in rapidly evolving markets.
The SOFTSWISS team will be available to discuss partnerships in Brazil and other markets at the first major iGaming event of 2025 – ICE Barcelona, taking place on 20–22 January, at stand 2G42.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Certified for Peru Market appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Tom Horn Gaming and AKNEYE, the innovative art initiative by AKN, have joined forces to launch a unique project, Akne Fruits. More than just a slot game, Akne Fruits fuses online casino gaming, traditional sculpture, and NFT technology to redefine the iGaming ecosystem and the future of iGaming.
A Visionary Blend of Art, Technology, and iGaming
Akne Fruits is groundbreaking in its exploration of the intersection between the physical and digital worlds in an entirely new way. Inspired by AKN’s signature AKN EYE motif, the game is accompanied by nine exclusive artefacts meticulously hand-painted by Rafayel Nersesyan, a famous Armenian artist, who also played a role in shaping the game’s visuality. Each object mirrors the fruit symbols from the game and serves as a tangible representation of AKN EYE’s iconic aesthetic.
Own and Share in the Success of Akne Fruits
Available globally, Akne Fruits invites players to connect with the game on multiple levels – enjoy it in their favourite casino, invest in its digital assets, or own their own piece of its physical representation.
Through NFTs offered via the Ortak marketplace, players can acquire game-inspired NFTs and become stakeholders in the game’s ongoing success. This experience is further expanded by the introduction of nine exclusive sculptures and their NFTs. These one-of-a-kind pieces allow players and art collectors to own a physical piece of the game and gain a significant share in its financial achievements.
Official Launch and Sell-Out at Harmony VI
The exclusive physical NFT collection of Akne Fruits made its debut at BetConstruct’s prestigious Harmony VI Meetup in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. In addition to the game’s digital collection available on ortak.me, art lovers and gaming enthusiasts had the chance to purchase one of nine exclusive physical representations of the Akne Fruits game on the spot. The response was overwhelming, with all physical NFTs selling out within just one hour of the official announcement – a historic milestone for Tom Horn Gaming and Ortak.
Pushing the Boundaries of iGaming
The partnership between Tom Horn Gaming and Ortak is redefining how the supplier perceives the future of iGaming. Akne Fruits goes beyond being just a slot game. It delivers an immersive experience that connects players and art enthusiasts with the game and its artistic assets on different levels.
“This collaboration is a perfect synergy of two innovative companies, combining our strengths to introduce new products, redefine iGaming, and multiply the success of our innovative approach to entertainment. With Akne Fruits, we’re not just delivering a game. We’re shaping the future of how players experience iGaming,” said Ondrej Lapides, CEO of Tom Horn Gaming.
Explore the Future with Akne Fruits
Players and art lovers are invited to discover the Akne Fruits experience by visiting the Ortak NFT marketplace and becoming part of this exciting journey. Whether through owning a digital NFT or acquiring a stunning physical sculpture, the possibilities are as limitless as the creativity behind the project.
By transcending the concept of a traditional slot game and embracing new technologies, Tom Horn Gaming continues to lead the iGaming industry into new frontiers, offering unique opportunities for players to engage with games and their creators.
The post Akne Fruits: Redefining the Future of iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing
SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Certified for Peru Market
Akne Fruits: Redefining the Future of iGaming
SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Certified for Peru Market
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