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Charity launches new best practice guide to help banks step up action to reduce gambling harms
The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute has today launched a new best practice guide to help banks and building societies step up efforts to support the growing number of customers affected by gambling harms.
Money and Mental Health’s research shows that banks and building societies can play a crucial role in reducing gambling harms, thanks to the unique insight they have into customer’s spending behaviours.
The new guide sets out ideas and advice on how banks can better identify and reach out to customers at risk, and empower them with support and tools to manage their financial situation. It has been produced to help banks follow the Financial Conduct Authority’s guidance on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers, with recommended actions all relating to relevant sections of the FCA guidance.
Developed in collaboration with financial services professionals — and drawing on the testimonies of people with lived experience of gambling problems — the guide focuses on three key areas where banks can make the biggest difference in supporting those at risk:
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Creating a culture of support, and ensuring staff are equipped to help. Suggested actions here include making gambling a focus in plans to help vulnerable customers, providing frontline staff with training on gambling problems, and putting in place internal systems and resources to help staff support customers at risk.
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Identifying and reaching out to those at risk. The guide offered advice on how banks can use customer transaction data in an appropriate and ethical way to spot those at risk, and ensure that their communications about problem gambling are as supportive and effective as possible.
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Supporting and empowering those at risk. The guide lists measures firms should consider to support and empower those identified as being at risk — from providing signposting to external sources of help, to offering tools such as settings to block gambling transactions on cards and other kinds of spending controls to help them manage their finances.
Recognising that different firms have made varying degrees of progress in supporting customers with gambling problems, the guide is designed to offer ideas and encouragement to all banks on actions they can take. It sets out three levels of actions that firms can take: essential first steps all banks should start with, more advanced measures they could consider and actions they can take to lead the sector in tackling gambling harms.
Helen Undy, Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said:
“Gambling problems can cause utter devastation for those affected and their loved ones. Banks are in a unique position to help, and we have been hugely encouraged by the progress made in recent years, especially with the increasing number of banks offering the option for customers to block gambling on their cards.
“But there are still important opportunities for banks to build on this progress and to step up support for those at risk. We hope this guide can equip firms with the practical advice and ideas they need to take the next steps in improving support for customers, no matter how advanced or otherwise they are in this work.
“We’ve worked closely with frontline financial services professionals, and people affected by gambling problems, to ensure this guide is as relevant and practical as possible. But we’ve also set out ambitious ideas for how the sector can go further in making a real difference in reducing the harms that gambling problems can cause.”
Tim Miller, Executive Director at the Gambling Commission (the regulator for the gambling industry), said:
“To have a real and lasting impact on tackling gambling harms there must be a multi-sector partnership approach, and the financial sector has a particularly important role to play. This guide sets out useful ideas and steps firms can take to help protect those at risk, building on the progress they have made over recent years. We hope it will help financial services firms to continue to have a meaningful impact in reducing the financial and other harms which can result from gambling problems.”
Money and Mental Health’s guide is published as part of a two year programme of work the charity is undertaking, aimed at increasing action among financial firms towards reducing gambling related harm. The charity has secured funding through a Regulatory Settlement approved by the Gambling Commission to support this work.
Latest News
ELA Games Welcomes Ewa Kaźmierska As MD
ELA Games, a pioneering game supplier studio, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ewa Kaźmierska as Managing Director. This strategic leadership hire marks a pivotal moment in the studio’s journey, positioning ELA Games for accelerated growth and increased market penetration within the competitive iGaming sector.
Ewa brings over 15 years of senior leadership expertise, having successfully steered a game studio through periods of sustained growth and innovation. Her proven track record as a former Chief Executive Officer at multiple iGaming brands will be instrumental in driving ELA Games’ ambitious roadmap. Ewa’s appointment aligns with the studio’s commitment to excellence and reinforces its mission to deliver an exceptional portfolio that resonates across global markets.
ELA Games is gearing up for an impactful 2025, with Ewa at the helm to guide the studio’s expansion strategy. Her leadership will support the studio’s initiatives in establishing a strong market presence and enhancing product development to meet evolving industry demands.
Ewa commented on her new role, stating, “Joining ELA Games presents an incredible opportunity to lead a talented team with a clear vision for growth and innovation. ELA Games has the potential to become a leading force in the industry, and I am excited to contribute to its journey toward building a unique and influential gaming portfolio.”
The addition of Ewa Kaźmierska to ELA Games’ executive team underscores the studio’s dedication to robust growth and strategic excellence. With this leadership move, ELA Games is poised to strengthen its position as a premier game supplier in the iGaming landscape.
The post ELA Games Welcomes Ewa Kaźmierska As MD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Week 45/2024 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Tom Horn Gaming invites bold adventurers to join Max Gold, the fearless explorer, as he delves deep into faraway lands, seeking hidden treasures, legendary jackpots, and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. With an array of exciting features, including the Hold & Win bonus game with jackpots and respins, shatter mode with increasing multipliers, stake booster, and bonus buy, Max Gold.
PopOK Gaming is thrilled to announce the release of its newest slot game, Spinosaurus – a captivating 3×5 slot that transports players back to the thrilling age of dinosaurs! With vibrant, colorful visuals and dynamic gameplay, Spinosaurus features the iconic, mighty dinosaur as your guide on an adventurous quest for massive wins. Players can immerse themselves in prehistoric excitement while aiming for incredible rewards.
Belatra Games has launched its pirate-themed title, Tortuga Codex. This 5×4 slot casts players on a journey on the hunt for untold riches buried on a mysterious island. A Skull symbol acts as the Wild and will substitute for any other symbol to increase the chances of a win. An intriguing element to the game lies in the Additional Reel feature which sits above the main frame. It’s in sync with the main reels, displaying Wild symbols, special pirate icons, and numbers from one to nine.
Vibra Gaming has unwrapped its latest release, Candy Loop, where if players trigger the Candy Round bonus they can max their win by up to 5000x in a game for all sweet-toothed slot fans. Set within a backdrop of clouds and sugar players will lap up this delicious classic three-stepper slot mechanic packed with sweet bonuses, free spins and wilds.
Zillion Games is thrilled to announce the release of Egypt’s Moon, a high-volatility slot that invites players to journey through the mysteries of ancient Egypt under a mesmerizing nighttime sky. Featuring Cleopatra, hidden treasures, and the essence of Egypt’s rich mythology, Egypt’s Moon promises an enthralling experience set against a captivating backdrop. This slot game offers players 25 paylines and an RTP of 96.75%, delivering both excitement and reward.
Having made a big splash with its popular Aqua Lord slot back in 2022, innovative software developer, Swintt, is preparing to dive beneath the waves once more in an action-packed sequel that now features new and improved Pearl Respins and even bigger prizes. Played out across five reels and ten fixed paylines, Aqua Lord 2 picks up where its predecessor left off by once again plunging players into a world of sunken treasures where sticky pearl symbols hold the key to unlocking huge wins of up to 6,000x the bet and two incredibly rewarding features.
Amusnet has released Extra Crown Dice. This latest addition to Amusnet’s online casino portfolio is a majestic dice slot filled with thrilling features. This 5-reel, 10 fixed lines dice game is based on one of the video slots, with redesigned symbols to look like dice. The kingdom of Extra Crown Dice is full of excitement with dice, sevens and eights, where fortunes await those bold enough to seize them. The Star and the Fleur-de-lis symbols are the Scatter symbols boosting the player’s winnings.
The dazzling dancefloor of Piggy Blitz returns with Piggy Blitz Disco Gold, the latest 6×4 online slot sensation from Play’n GO, boasting immersive features and endearing characters. The dancefloor is calling, and it’s shining brighter than ever! Piggy Blitz Disco Gold takes players back to the groovy days of the 1970s – where neon lights and disco beats set the stage for high-energy spins and big-time wins. Our favourite pigs are back, bringing glittering Cash Coins and the exclusive Gold Piggy Feature to this glitzy slot adventure.
Booming Games is going for goal with its first-ever instant win title, Ronaldinho Scores Shoot & Win, as it continues to leverage its partnership with the international footballing icon. Players step into the football boots of Ronaldinho and experience the thrills and excitement of trying to beat the keeper. Each shot the player takes could mean a big prize – there are 16 prizes in total with each kick potentially delivering at least 3 instant rewards.
The post Week 45/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Canada
ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario
ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.
ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.
ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.
Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”
*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)
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