Connect with us

Latest News

TalkBanStop Announces One-year Extension

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

TalkBanStop – a partnership between GamCare, Gamban, and GAMSTOP – has secured funding for a further year and will continue to provide free tools and support for people struggling with their gambling.

The partnership, initially a 12-month pilot programme, has received the additional funding from a regulatory settlement approved by the UK Gambling Commission which will see the partnership and evaluation extended until March 2023. Since the pilot launched, the partnership has contributed to over 7000 registrations of Gamban’s blocking software.

The funds will be allocated towards the provision of free blocking software licences from Gamban and increased marketing of free practical tools and support available. The three organisations will also be looking to secure further long-term funding for the partnership.

TalkBanStop brings together practical free tools and support which can help people maintain a successful recovery for anyone harmed by gambling. It offers a combination of personal support via GamCare’s trained advisers, free access to Gamban blocking software and signposting to the GAMSTOP self exclusion scheme, and proactive, consistent signposting to promote the layering of tools and support across all three organisations websites.

Early research on the partnership conducted by Ipsos Mori last year highlighted that people who had made use of all layers of support had reported a reduction of gambling-related harms, whilst many perceived the tools as significant barriers to accessing gambling sites, resulting in reduced urges to gamble and increased motivation to stop gambling.

One evaluation case study participant said: “The fact that I’ve used that service [GAMSTOP] with the blocking software and the counselling has given me three big pillars to stand on. I can’t do it anyway on my phone, and I’m getting it in my mindset through the counselling that I don’t want to do it and that I’m changing my behaviours towards it.”

With the extension of an additional year, GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP will continue working to increase awareness of the partnership among those who need it most. The organisations will also continue to share best-practice with one another, ensuring efforts to enhance the joint offering of easy, free access to all three services.

Anna Hemmings, Chief Executive at GamCare, said: “TalkBanStop is a partnership that makes enormous sense for anyone harmed by online gambling, and an excellent example of organisations coming together whose services provide an important first step for people wanting to stop gambling. Since the partnership started there has been huge value in pooling our expertise together as organisations, creating an offering that people can use easily and freely to kickstart their recovery.

“We have heard from people supported by TalkBanStop how the impact of our interventions, layered together, can amplify the impact for their recovery. That’s why it’s important there is no break in the free availability of all three layers of support. Going forward, we are looking to continue building on the successes of the past year and work towards our shared aspiration of reducing gambling-related harms.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Latest News

Scott Pilgrim Takes Over San Diego – New Scott Pilgrim EX Gameplay and Physical Editions Revealed During San Diego Comic Con Panel

Published

on

scott-pilgrim-takes-over-san-diego-–-new-scott-pilgrim-ex-gameplay-and-physical-editions-revealed-during-san-diego-comic-con-panel

 

Physical Editions available for pre-order from Limited Run Games

San Diego got a face full of hard-hitting Canadian brawler action with a panel from Scott Pilgrim franchise creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, developer and publisher Tribute Games, Limited Run Games, and Universal Products & Experiences on Scott Pilgrim EX that included a lively discussion and a first-look at a gameplay teaser showcasing the start of Scott Pilgrim’s latest adventure. The panel culminated with an announcement revealing Scott Pilgrim EX’s physical editions, which will be available for pre-order now through Sept. 21 from Limited Run Games.

Today’s panel included Bryan Lee O’Malley as well as Tribute Games President Jean-Francois Major, Tribute Games Narrative Designer Yannick Belzil, Limited Run Games CEO Josh Fairhurst, Universal Products & Experiences Executive Producer John Melchior and was moderated by Blank Check Podcast host Griffin Newman. The panel dove into the game’s place in the franchise as a brand-new adventure in its ever-growing universe. Bringing some in-universe music to the show, acclaimed rock band and Scott Pilgrim alumni Anamanaguchi’s Peter Berkman made a surprise appearance to chat about the group’s involvement in creating Scott Pilgrim EX’s soundtrack and showcase a brand-new track from the game.

The sneak peek of gameplay for the upcoming beat’em-up highlighted the start of Scott and Ramona’s romp through Toronto. With Sex Bob Omb’s instruments stolen, the duo has to race across the city’s landscape, from its streets to its beaches (Toronto always had beaches, right?) and maybe even back in time to reclaim them from new gangs that threaten to take over the worl in d and Ramona’s returning evil exes.

You can watch the all-new Scott Pilgrim EX Gameplay Sneak Peek that debuted during the Scott Pilgrim EX San Diego Comic Con panel here: youtube.com/watch?v=nnR9UNNDEt0

Limited Run Games announced it will release three different physical editions of Scott Pilgrim EX – all of which are available to preorder now:

The Scott Pilgrim EX – Standard Edition ($39.99) includes:

  • Game case with foil key art cover exclusive to the Limited Run Games’ preorder
  • Reversible cover art with artwork by Crisppyboat
  • Game disc/cartridge

The Scott Pilgrim EX – Deluxe Adventure Edition ($64.99) includes:

  • Game case with foil key art cover exclusive to the Limited Run Games’ preorder
  • Reversible cover art with artwork by Crisppyboat
  • Game disc/cartridge
  • Tie-in comic by Bryan Lee O’Malley
  • CD game soundtrack
  • Deluxe box with reversible cover art by illustrator Matias Bergara

The Scott Pilgrim EX – Ultimate Adventure Edition ($174.99) includes:

  • Game case with foil key art cover exclusive to the Limited Run Games’ preorder
  • Game disc/cartridge
  • CD game soundtrack
  • Scott Pilgrim EX Game Goose replica box
  • Reversible poster featuring art from Bryan Lee O’Malley and Matias Bergara
  • Hardcover artbook / strategy guide
  • Acrylic diorama with Scott and Ramona figures
  • Pixelated, two-sided commemorative coin

 

The post Scott Pilgrim Takes Over San Diego – New Scott Pilgrim EX Gameplay and Physical Editions Revealed During San Diego Comic Con Panel appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Industry Awards

Slotsoo Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence Across Casinos and Game Providers

Published

on

slotsoo-awards-2025:-celebrating-excellence-across-casinos-and-game-providers
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Summer is here and it is time for Slotsoo’s signature celebration of the iGaming industry. The Slotsoo Casino Awards return for its third edition, continuing the tradition of highlighting operators who excel in delivering a top-tier player experience. This year also marks an exciting expansion with the inaugural Slotsoo Game Provider Awards, giving long-overdue recognition to the creators of great slots.

The New Game Provider Awards and the Winners

Game providers are sometimes overshadowed by casinos, but in reality, both are equally important to the online casino experience. That’s why Slotsoo is proud to shine a spotlight on the studios behind the reels. The winners of Slotsoo’s first provider-focused awards were announced on 24 July 2025, and the honors went to:

  • The Machine MVP – Pragmatic Play
  • Bonus Buyer – Bullshark Games
  • Volatility Virtuoso – Wazdan
  • Jackpot Jumbo – Mancala Gaming
  • Symphony Spinner – Gamzix
  • Reel Renegade – Nolimit City
  • Promising Prodigy – Slammer Studios

Please visit the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards page for detailed descriptions of each trophy and the motivations behind the winners.

The Anatomy of Slotsoo’s Trophies: Where Fun Meets Serious Recognition

At Slotsoo, each trophy is whimsical by design but grounded in real player values, making the Slotsoo Awards both entertaining and insightful. Every category has a clear purpose, recognizing what truly matters in iGaming today.

At the core of each awards lineup is a main trophy: The Gambling GOAT honors the top-performing casino operator, while The Machine MVP celebrates the best overall game provider. Surrounding these main awards are a collection of supporting trophies, spotlighting specific areas of excellence, from fast withdrawals and fun bonuses to volatility and winning potential.

These award categories offer a chance for actors who crush it in a certain area to be recognized, even if they don’t dominate across the board. Just like other iGaming awards, Slotsoo includes a category for newcomers, encouraging fresh talent and pushing established names to keep innovating.

The timing of the awards is also a deliberate choice. Markus Björk, head writer at Slotsoo, explains the team’s reasoning:

“After a hectic Winter and Spring packed with iGaming events, June and July offer a rare chance for the industry to slow down and reflect on the year so far. Let’s enjoy the cucumber season and appreciate what’s been achieved. This is when you can harvest the rewards of your hard work before autumn arrives with new challenges and opportunities.”

The Winning Casino Operators 2025

The Slotsoo Casino Awards 2025 took place in June, and these were the seven winners:

  • The Gambling GOAT – Betizy
  • The Bonus Buff – Sugarino
  • The Loyalty Lord – Wisho
  • The Withdrawal Wizard – Vauhdikas
  • The Gamification Guru – Arctic Casino
  • The Payout Professor – Wolfy Casino
  • The Noisy Newcomer – Lunar Spins

This was the third time Slotsoo held the casino awards for its English-language site targeting the EU market in general. During the same period, the dedicated awards for the Finnish market, Slotsoo Kasinogaala 2025, celebrated its second year. These awards consist of seven trophies equivalent to the English ones, plus an eighth trophy dedicated to the casino operator with the best slot streaming offering.

The Nordic country is undergoing big changes, with a new gambling legislation and a licensing system planned to be introduced by 1 January 2027. The future will tell how this will affect the structure and categories of the awards.

The post Slotsoo Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence Across Casinos and Game Providers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Africa

SOFTSWISS Launches First South African Project with Mzansibet

Published

on

softswiss-launches-first-south-african-project-with-mzansibet
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, proudly announces the launch of its major South African project with Mzansibet. It marks the first project in the country to utilise both the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook and the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform.

According to the recently released South Africa: iGaming Market Overview 2025 by SOFTSWISS, the country’s iGaming sector is growing at an impressive annual rate of 20–25%, driven by increasing mobile penetration. In line with this trend and evolving player needs, SOFTSWISS strongly focuses on mobile optimisation across its platforms, enabling seamless and enjoyable gaming experiences for Mzansibet players.

The launch in South Africa, ensuring full compliance with local technical standards, required meticulous preparation. SOFTSWISS products – including its sports betting software and online casino platform – underwent rigorous certification with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), one of the most reputable and globally recognised independent testing laboratories in the iGaming industry. Following this process, the solutions were officially approved for local operation by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board – a respected and influential regulator in the region – affirming the high quality and compliance of SOFTSWISS software.

Max Trafimovich, International Non-Executive Director at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Mzansibet entered the market with a bold ambition to become a top-tier brand – and we are not only proud to support that vision from day one, but also well-equipped to ensure its sustainable growth. Leveraging our global and local expertise, we provide the technical, business, and service tools necessary for a smooth launch and scalable development. This is made possible thanks to our robust and stable architecture with 99.999% uptime and a flexible platform ecosystem. In addition, the brand launched a nationwide TV advertising campaign and has already attracted tens of thousands of players across the country – a powerful testament to its growing presence and trust.”

In addition to backend certification, the SOFTSWISS team invested heavily in frontend localisation to align with the partner’s vision and market requirements. The Mzansibet project has been fully adapted to meet South African player behaviour and betting patterns.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 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 SOFTSWISS Launches First South African Project with Mzansibet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending