

Latest News
How 2 Bolton Based Businesses are Tackling Addiction in the Aftermath of Lockdown
Two Bolton based businesses, Acquiesce and WHYSUP, recorded a podcast discussing addiction, and how they are tackling it following the coronavirus lockdown.
Acquiesce is a private rehabilitation centre, offering luxury accommodation and an urban recovery model that integrates recovery into everyday life. Tina, the senior practitioner at Acquiesce, oversees each individual’s entire journey.
WHYSUP was founded by Mark and Liam. They work to deliver presentations, workshops and keynotes to schools and businesses across the UK to educate and raise awareness of mental health and addiction.
Mark’s Story
Mark begins by explaining his battle with a gambling addiction that started with a bet when he was just sixteen. By 21 he realised he needed help and attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
“I remember going to a GA meeting, looking around and thinking ‘Well I’ve not lost my house, not lost my wife, not lost my family. I’m not as bad as these so I don’t need help.”
By 25 he had a girlfriend and a professional job. Everyone around him thought he had left his old life behind and was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.
At 29, he was kidnapped and held hostage by a group with machetes who were demanding ransom from his mother. Luckily, the police tracked his phone and rescued him.
Mark finally hit rock bottom when his family turned their backs on him. Without his family, he felt that suicide was the only way out of his mess but knew the impact this would have on everyone around him, including his children.
With help from his mum, Mark went to rehab in Birmingham. He took part in the fourteen week programme but stayed there for another five and a half months.
In rehab, Mark wrote down all of his debts. He initially thought he owed a total of £100,000 but now says it was closer to £306,000.
“It’s like I’m talking about a different person now when I look back. Thankfully that’s where it turned around for me. Rehab saved my life.”
Liam’s Story
Around the age of 13, Liam started to experiment with alcohol and drugs like many teenagers at the time.
“There was no prevention or awareness, no knowledge of addiction. My decisions were based on ‘Am I going to get caught?’”
“By 15 I was taking Class A drugs several times a week. I thought drinking and drugs were a normal part of life. I also thought I was good at it because I could do it and still do what I was supposed to be doing.”
Liam got his GCSEs, enjoyed Thai boxing, got his A levels and had a long term girlfriend, all whilst taking drugs.
“I was living a double life. No one knew. From the outside I was seen as popular and successful, the things that you don’t associate with addiction. That’s why I never thought I had a problem.”
He also started struggling with his mental health, dealing with feelings of shame, guilt and paranoia. Liam finally acknowledged his problem after crashing four cars in one week and his family started to ask questions.
“From the minute rehab was mentioned I booked myself in. I pretty much destroyed everyone I loved because I had to tell them what had been going on. When I came out, I went back to normal life, the life where I’d taken drugs for 19 years.”
Following rehab, Liam continued to take drugs after he relapsed at a funeral. His wife became frustrated with the chaos and arranged for him to stay with Mark.
“It wasn’t easy but I was given a safe place. I was able to build a recovery in the real world, which is very important because you can’t just live in a bubble.”
Mark encouraged Liam to make weekly plans, give up his cash card and attend the gym in the same way that he did when he was in recovery at the halfway house.
“I didn’t need to change my location, I needed to change my mindset. People, places, routine, structure- I had to relearn it all to get where I am today. This is why we got in touch with Acquiesce. It integrates the real world into your recovery.
Acquiesce
Acquiesce provides a discreet, highly supported and safe environment within the community to recover in. Without being hidden from the real world, the urban recovery model allows individuals to gain all the tools and experience necessary whilst maintaining a carefully monitored level of responsibility over their own recovery.
This makes the transitional period from treatment a much smoother process, resulting in a more sustainable recovery journey.
WHYSUP
Mark and Liam started WHYSUP after discussing how their addictions started and the mental challenges they had faced. They wondered if anything would have changed had they been given a talk in school.
Three years later, their service is well established and works in three different sectors; education, business and sport.
They have spoken to over 30,000 people nationwide. Over the last 18 months, people with some form of experience have joined the team. Initially their key focus was addiction but they now focus more on mental health and wellbeing.
Support During Lockdown
The team were managing the number of calls well, especially once they hired a professional who helped with more severe cases. Unfortunately, when lockdown started, calls quadrupled and they could no longer meet the demand.
“We underestimated how many and how severely people were declining. They were threatening suicide and we had to drop off flowers at funerals of people who would likely still be here if it wasn’t for lockdown.”
Acquiesce also had an increase in calls, with people experiencing anxiety and fear from a loss of jobs and uncertainty about the future. Tina explained that the number of individuals at high risk from drinking has doubled according to Public Health England.
“We found that some clients have relapsed after being clean for many years and have had to come back into treatment.” Tina added.
When defining addiction from a professional point of view, Tina says they look at withdrawals, tolerance, loss of control, broken promises and consequences, but that in reality it’s a much wider perspective.
“I define addiction as a compulsive behaviour that is impossible to stop without professional help and support. As much as you try to convince yourself you can do it alone, I know from experience that you just can’t.” Added Mark
Liam’s definition of addiction has changed over time. He said, “Two and a half years ago, I’d have talked about drugs. For me now it’s more than a substance or behaviour, it centres around thinking and feeling.”
Tina explained that the Acquiesce programme is very much about positivity, positive self talk, self esteem, gaining confidence.
“When clients come in, their addiction has robbed their self esteem and we work to get it back.”
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, please book a callback with Acquiesce at acquiesce.org.uk/contact or 01204 771940, or get in touch with WHYSUP at whysup.co.uk/contact
To listen to the whole podcast, please visit acquiesce.org.uk/how-2-bolton-based-businesses-are-tackling-addiction-in-the-aftermath-of-lockdown/
Interviews
Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame

Online casinos are in a race to meet the growing demands of players, but many operators are being left behind. Slow payment systems, high transaction fees, and outdated software are limiting growth and hurting the player experience. But with the right tools, operators can break free from these limitations and create fluid, player-first experiences.
Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame, offers solutions that many operators have been waiting for. With NuxGame’s crypto-ready turnkey platform, operators can quickly solve common issues and roll out future-forward digital casinos that appeal to modern players. The crypto market is growing fast, with an expected $5 billion by 2030. Find out in this interview how making the most of crypto can take your casino to the next level and leave competitors behind.
The impact of crypto in iGaming is undeniable. Bar, do you believe Bitcoin is here to stay, or are we just seeing the beginning of a temporary trend?
The truth is, Bitcoin and crypto are here to stay, and it’s not just a “cool new thing” for players. They offer fast transactions, more security, and a level of transparency that players are increasingly looking for. The iGaming scene is modernizing, and those who aren’t adopting crypto solutions are definitely going to fall behind. You don’t want to watch everyone else pass you by.
So how does NuxGame support the crypto trend? What makes your platform stand out in this fast paced environment?
At NuxGame, we’re not simply handing over a crypto solution and calling it a day. We provide a fully integrated crypto casino software solution that supports multiple cryptocurrencies, but more importantly, we’re here for you every step of the way. Our customer service managers understand that each operator has unique priorities, so we work closely with you to make sure that everything works exactly the way you want it. The dashboard shows everything in real-time, while players get quicker transactions and a better overall game. And the best part is that you’re not left alone with the system integration. Our team is always ready to make your operations work exactly how you want.
I know you’ve got a lot of experience with turnkey solutions. What makes NuxGame’s turnkey casino solution a perfect fit for operators looking to add crypto into their business?
The whole idea behind a turnkey casino solution is to give operators everything they need to go live as soon as possible. When you add crypto, that means offering everything from crypto-friendly payment systems to blockchain-backed gaming for transparency and security. But the important part is that it’s not merely about putting a “crypto” label on your website and leaving it at that. We provide full integration with multi-coin support, crypto bonuses, and even real-time analytics. For operators, it’s the peace of mind that comes with knowing that upon making the switch, everything works — and it works fast. No waiting, no stress, just a revenue-boosting crypto experience. And you’ll be seeing profits in no time. Because you’ll get the tools to start engaging players immediately.
Bar, let’s talk about the notable transition from traditional casinos to online. Are operators who come from land-based casinos jumping on the crypto train? How are they adapting?
Absolutely! A lot of traditional operators are taking their first steps into the online scene and realizing crypto’s impact in it all. They already have local brand recognition, and now it’s time to take that trust and build it online. The great thing is, with crypto, they don’t have to worry about those annoying international payment delays or high fees. We help them adapt without the growing pains, offering localization for both payments and content. It’s basically taking what they already know and applying it to the online space: no need to rebuild everything. You’ve got your brand and audience — now let us help you go digital. It’s that easy.
One last thing: with all the changes happening in the iGaming space, especially with the crypto’s growing presence, what do you think operators should be focusing on in 2025?
2025 is all about speed and adaptability. Markets are moving at record pace, and operators who are stuck in the “perfect platform” mentality are going to miss the boat. Players expect fast, secure experiences, and with crypto, that’s what they get. But to keep up, operators need to launch fast, learn fast, and be ready to grow quickly. That means not over-complicating things: you don’t need to build from zero when you’ve got the right tools. With platforms like ours, operators can quickly adapt to trends, integrate new features, and focus on what really matters: delivering a fantastic player experience. The market’s moving, and those who move with it are the ones who win.
The post Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
First SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Network Jackpot Hits €80,294.89

SOFTSWISS, a leading global provider of iGaming software, celebrates the first Sportsbook Network Jackpot win, which occurred during one of the industry’s largest events – SiGMA Americas.
SOFTSWISS launched the first Sportsbook Network Jackpot with an initial prize pool of €35,000. The lucky player claimed the first Jackpot on 9 April, taking home a prize of €80,294.89 – more than double the initial sum. The winning bet was a combo bet placed on live events, with a stake of €166 and a total odds of 4.38.
The Sportsbook Network Jackpot is underpinned by a progressive, cross-operator infrastructure that enables a shared prize pool across all participating brands. Clients using the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook could join this campaign without additional individual costs while offering a grand prize to their players. The setup ensures equal winning opportunities for all players, regardless of the operator they play with.
“This is a remarkable event for our team – not only because it marks the first drop of the Sportsbook Network Jackpot, but also because it’s happening here at SiGMA Americas. We can celebrate it together with our colleagues and share the joy with the lucky player.
I see big potential in the Network Jackpot in the near future. It’s still rare in the market, but it provides additional value and entertainment for players. We are happy to announce the launch of the next campaign and invite our partners to participate in it,” stated Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook.
“Our team has done significant work to make this event happen. Previously, the Network Jackpot was available only to SOFTSWISS casino clients. Now, we’re able to offer this solution to all operators on the market – including Game Aggregator clients, clients using third-party platforms, and even Sportsbook clients.
We’re proud to deliver this engagement solution and be part of this significant jackpot drop,” commented Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator.
The team is focused on providing the market with tools for engagement. Recently, the Sportsbook introduced Player Chat to enhance user engagement.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience 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 27,800 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 counts over 2,000 employees.
The post First SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Network Jackpot Hits €80,294.89 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Week 15/2025 slot games releases

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has released its cool new slot, City Heat. The game joins Spinomenal’s Adventures series to celebrate the tropical nightlife vibe celebrated in luxurious Miami. A stunning beachside cityscape at sunset lined with palm trees creates an inviting scene for players to jump into the action. City Heat’s Wild symbol is represented by a chic lady and will count for all symbols except free spins and bonus symbols.
Ancient traditions meet exciting gameplay in Toutatis – the new tribal-themed release from hit software provider, Swintt, that sees players enlist the help of a powerful shaman to brew up potent concoctions that could boost their Free Spins winnings to up to 2100x! As the latest title in the provider’s ever-popular Premium line-up, Toutatis is a five-reel, 10-payline game that combines the simple gameplay of a classic land-based slot machine with an exhilarating bonus feature that can be extended up to three times for truly transformative prizes.
Push Gaming’s latest slot takes player favourite mechanics and blends them with a slot staple theme in its latest release, 10 Pharaohs. Players must brave the Pharaoh’s resting place and uncover untold riches via the beloved scatter pays mechanic. The excitement is elevated with the introduction of jackpot symbols that behave like regular versions but also award an instant prize, giving players more to aim for while ramping up the engagement.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., is thrilled to announce the release of Catch of the Day Extra Spins™ – the latest addition to the popular Catch of the Day™ franchise from Astra Games Studio. Now available in the UK LBO, B3 market, this new release builds on the franchise’s success with even more engaging gameplay. Catch of the Day Extra Spins is a captivating fishing-theme slot with a 5×3 reel layout and 10-win lines. Packed with thrilling features, this game offers players plenty of opportunities to reel in rewards.
A powerful new slot sees Play’n GO revisit the world of Alador, Yasmine, and their enigmatic ally in 1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes. But peace in the Kingdom doesn’t mean all is as it seems… After overthrowing the villainous Zafar, the realm enjoys tranquillity under the rule of Sultan Alador. However, the Genie who helped secure victory has vanished into the Oasis – and whispers tell of a chest brimming with unpredictable power. This 5-reel, 20-line slot invites players to explore what secrets lie within.
Reflex Gaming, the omni-channel gaming supplier are back in the sands of Egypt with Anubis II DoubleMax™, an exhilarating sequel to the hit title Secret of Anubis Doublemax, developed in partnership with Yggdrasil. Set against the majestic backdrop of ancient tombs and golden treasures, Anubis II DoubleMax™ invites players to take on a thrilling 5×3 reel journey where wins pay both ways – from left to right and right to left – giving double the chances to land a prize.
Evoplay has released Rush Riches, a feature-filled title set in a mining-themed Wild West landscape. Set across a 5×5 reel layout with up to 3,125 ways to win, the game introduces the Rocks and Drops mechanic, where blocked reel spaces are removed when adjacent to winning combinations. This creates a dynamic grid that expands with each win, unlocking more potential pay lines as the round progresses.
Kendoo has launched Pig Up, a playful and energetic game packed with Hold and Win mechanics and surprise-filled gameplay. Played on a classic 3×3 layout, Pig Up introduces an Extra Reel feature that expands the grid during the Bonus Game, unlocking enhanced win potential and dynamic reel interactions.
Step into a springtime fairytale with Easter Classics—Booming Games’ festive twist on a beloved classic. This 5×3 slot with up to 20 paylines brings all the charm of Easter bunnies, blooming meadows, and colourful eggs, wrapped in the timeless feel of a traditional fruit machine. Stacked symbols fill the reels, boosting your chances for sweet wins whether they land fully or partially.
The highly anticipated Dollar Storm slot is back, and it’s better than ever! Originally released in 2017, this fast-paced, 5×3 slot game is returning to Slotland and Winaday, now with its premiere at CryptoSlots. With newly added features, this revamped version promises to deliver bigger wins. Dollar Storm remains a fan favorite since its launch, offering 20 paylines and a bet range from $0.40 to $10, making it accessible for all types of players.
The post Week 15/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
gaming3 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018