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UKGC: Statistics on Participation and Problem Gambling for the Year to September 2022

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3 years ago

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released its latest gambling participation and prevalence survey, which covers data for the year to September 2022.

The data released is based on the Gambling Commission’s quarterly telephone survey conducted by Yonder Consulting. A nationally representative sample of 4018 adults aged 16 and over were interviewed via telephone in December 2021, March 2022, June 2022 and September 2022.

Overall participation in any gambling activity remained statistically stable at 44%, compared to the same period in 2021, while nearing pre-pandemic levels of 47%.

In-person gambling participation rate significantly increased to 27%, although this figure remains below pre-pandemic levels. As for online gambling participation, the rate has increased to 27% as well, continuing its long-term trend, leading to the highest rate ever recorded.

The report further shows the overall problem gambling rate was 0.3%, the same as in September 2021. The problem gambling rate among young people, aged between 16 and 24, was 1.4%, compared to just 0.4% a year earlier. However, given a sample size of 293, the change was not deemed statistically significant by some parties.

The rate of people experiencing moderate harm was 1.1%, up from 0.7% a year earlier. Meanwhile, 1.8% of people experienced low-level harm, compared to 1.9% the previous year; meaning the overall harm level was 3.2%, up from 2.9% in 2021. For people between the ages of 16-24, the overall rate of harm was 6.7%, compared to 4.9% last year. In terms of gender, the problem gambling rate for males was 0.4%, and 0.1% for females.

The National Lottery, where the proportion of respondents who had played rose from 26.5% to 28.7%, appeared to drive growth in the overall gambling rate. The portion of respondents who had played non-lottery games was stable at 28.4%.

There was also a statistically significant growth in online gambling in general, driven by online slots, where the percentage of people who had played rose from 3.4% to 4.6%. There were also statistically significant increases in the use of in-person slot machines, gaming machines at bookmakers such as FOBTs and bingo. However, there was a decrease in sports betting, from 5.6% to 4.5%.

The portion of people who gambled more regularly also increased after a sharp drop in previous surveys. In total, 26.6% of people had gambled in the four weeks prior to the survey, up from 23.9%, but still below the 34.9% from 2019.

Following two years of disruption and restriction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, overall gambling participation remains lower than pre-covid levels. Latest data for 2022 indicates that people are starting to return to in-person activities including bingo, horse races and dog racing. However, in-person participation rates remain below pre-pandemic levels.

According to the UKGC, there have been differences observed by age group in terms of those returning to in-person activities, with the in-person participation rate for 16 to 24-year-olds closest to their pre-pandemic rate.

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Bragg Gaming

Bragg Confirms Cyber Attack – Hackers Access Internal IT Systems

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13 hours ago

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August 18, 2025

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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.

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Slovakia Publishes Groundbreaking Report on Illegal Online Gambling

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15 hours ago

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August 18, 2025

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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.

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

Published

16 hours ago

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August 18, 2025

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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.

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