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GambleAware publishes new report on the lived experience of gambling and gambling harms among Minority communities in Great Britain

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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Top Online Casino Trends to Watch: Megapari’s Expert Analysis

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Top Online Casino Trends to Watch: Megapari’s Expert Analysis

 

The gambling industry is evolving rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges daily. To help affiliates maximize their earnings by focusing on what truly engages players, experts from Megapari discuss the latest trends and key developments shaping the future of the sector in their newest article.

Megapari Partners is an affiliate platform that welcomes traffic from more than 50 geographical regions. With revenue shares of up to 50%, as well as CPA and hybrid options, the platform boasts an active partner base of over 30,000 affiliates.

When discussing the evolution of online casinos, Megapari emphasized the ongoing growth in the popularity of crash games. Although the mechanics of these games are not new and have been recognized within the industry for some time, Megapari notes that their popularity continues to rise. Leading providers have adapted to the overwhelming demand for this category of slots by introducing their own variations of the crash game mechanics. Games like Aviator and Aviatrix have solidified their positions in the platform’s Top 5 most popular slots, combining high RTP with appealing graphics and captivating gameplay. Compared to Q4 2023, Megapari has observed an increase in the popularity of crash slots more than 60%, further confirming the hypothesis of the ongoing expansion of these types of games.

Additionally, Megapari’s experts point to the significance of the “retention” rate in clicker slots. These types of slots gained popularity during the first half of 2024, attracting players with their incredibly simple mechanics. While it may be too early to compare the popularity of clickers with that of crash games, Megapari believes that in the second half of 2024, the industry will likely witness further growth in this category of slots.

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When it comes to classic and well-known mechanics, roulette games remain among the top preferences for players. American and European roulettes—classic games with familiar rules—continue to attract players with their straightforward and well-known gameplay. Despite the fact that roulettes have long been a staple among popular and widely recognized slots, Megapari has noted an increase in the popularity of this category of games, demonstrating that the appeal of classic games should not be underestimated.

Beyond the games themselves, the hardware used by players is also advancing, leading users to seek out slots with superior graphics. More and more providers are focusing not only on game mechanics but also on enhancing gameplay with visually stunning and immersive slots, such as Medusa by Spinomenal or Heist: Bank Rush. Complex animations and vibrant icons attract players, enriching their gaming experience with greater variety.

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The Role of Adaptive Soundtracks in Player Engagement

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Video slot games have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Today’s gaming experience is not just about graphics or slot gameplay; sound has also taken center stage, adding depth and enhancing player immersion. One aspect that has emerged as a slot game-changer is adaptive soundtracks. These dynamic musical scores adjust in real-time based on the player’s actions, emotions, or in-slot game events. This innovation has significantly impacted player engagement, contributing to a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.

What Are Adaptive Soundtracks?

An adaptive soundtrack refers to a musical score that changes depending on what’s happening in a slot online game. Unlike static soundtracks, which play in a loop or remain the same throughout the slot game, adaptive music evolves as players progress through different levels or encounter specific challenges. The changes in the soundtrack can reflect various in-slot game elements like mood shifts, action sequences, or environmental changes, helping to create a seamless experience.

In simpler terms, adaptive soundtracks adjust to the slot game’s flow. If a player is in a high-stress situation like a battle or chase, the music might intensify to heighten the feeling of urgency. On the other hand, if the player is exploring a peaceful environment, the music may slow down or become more calming. This dynamic nature of adaptive soundtracks plays a crucial role in how engaged a player feels while playing.

How Adaptive Soundtracks Work

Adaptive soundtracks rely on a system that monitors in-slot game events, player movements, and environmental changes. Based on specific triggers, the music shifts to suit the atmosphere or slot gameplay. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques:

  • Layering: The slot game’s soundtrack is composed of multiple layers of music. Depending on the situation, different layers are added or removed to create the right mood. For instance, in a stealth slot game, the soundtrack may begin with a light, suspenseful melody, but as enemies approach, an additional layer of percussion or a faster rhythm may be introduced to increase tension.
  • Transitioning: In some slot gacor games, rather than layering, the music transitions between different themes. For example, when a player enters a combat sequence, the tranquil exploration theme may fade out and a more intense battle score takes over. The shift is smooth, ensuring that the player doesn’t feel disconnected from the slot gameplay.
  • Reacting to Player Inputs: Some adaptive soundtracks are directly influenced by the player’s decisions. In role-playing slot games (RPGs), where players make moral choices, the music may shift to reflect the emotional weight of those decisions. A heroic act may bring in uplifting music, while a villainous choice might introduce darker, more ominous tones.

Why Soundtracks Matter in Gaming

Sound is an often overlooked but essential aspect of gaming. Without it, slot games would lose a significant layer of immersion and emotional depth. Music sets the mood, adds tension, and can guide players through complex narratives without using words.

Enhancing Emotional Connection

One of the primary ways adaptive soundtracks contribute to player engagement is by enhancing emotional connections. The music in a slot game can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement to fear, sadness, and triumph. By adjusting the soundtrack to match the player’s experience, adaptive soundtracks ensure that the emotional impact of the slot game is felt more strongly.

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For example, in horror slot games, sudden changes in music can signal an impending threat, causing players to feel anxious or on edge. In adventure slot games, a soaring soundtrack during a climactic moment can make players feel empowered or inspired. This emotional engagement is key to keeping players invested in the slot game.

Maintaining Immersion

Another critical factor in player engagement is immersion. When players are fully immersed in a slot game, they lose track of time and become deeply involved in the slot game world. Adaptive soundtracks help maintain this immersion by creating a consistent and reactive audio environment that responds to the player’s actions.

If the music didn’t change to reflect what’s happening in the slot game, players might feel disconnected or disoriented. Imagine playing a slot game where the music remains calm and peaceful during a high-stakes battle; it would break the immersion and reduce the overall intensity of the experience. By constantly evolving to match the slot gameplay, adaptive soundtracks keep players in the moment, making every action and decision feel significant.

Increasing Replayability

Replayability is an important aspect of modern slot games, and adaptive soundtracks can contribute to this in a big way. slot games with dynamic music systems offer a fresh experience each time a player plays, as the soundtrack can vary based on different actions or choices. This variability can make players want to come back and explore different possibilities, knowing that even the music will change to match their new path.

For instance, in slot games with branching narratives, the music will adapt to the storyline the player chooses, offering a unique soundtrack for each playthrough. This keeps the experience fresh and engaging, encouraging players to revisit the slot game multiple times.

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Conclusion

Adaptive soundtracks have transformed the gaming experience by enhancing emotional connections, maintaining immersion, and increasing replayability. By responding to in-slot game events and player actions, these dynamic soundtracks keep players engaged and invested in the slot game world. As technology evolves, the role of adaptive soundtracks in player engagement will only continue to grow, offering slot gamers an ever-deepening connection to the virtual worlds they explore.

From iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda to intense shooters like DOOM, adaptive soundtracks are proving to be a vital component of modern video slot game design, making each gaming experience truly unique and unforgett

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SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

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SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

 

SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of expertise in iGaming, supports the global Pink October initiative to attract attention to preventing breast cancer.

This year’s Pink October campaign at SOFTSWISS is themed “A Minute Today, a Future Ahead” and emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and early diagnosis is key in the fight against the disease. When it is noticed early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Early detection involves doing monthly breast self-exams and planning regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Half of the 2,000 SOFTSWISS employees are women, and the company will refund each of them for ultrasounds and mammograms in October and November.

Pink October at SOFTSWISS offers a wide range of activities throughout the month. In addition to reimbursing for medical examinations, an online webinar on mental health will provide valuable insights for those who face the disease. To support the international charity movement “Butterfly Support Mission”, women from SOFTSWISS will take part in a themed race.

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The company’s employees also personally support the initiative. To further raise awareness, prominent female influencers from the SOFTSWISS community share information about the campaign across social media, amplifying the message of self-care and vigilance.

“Health is a crucial value beyond everything. Here, at SOFTSWISS, we aim to help and support our employees’ well-being and health every day. By promoting the Pink October initiative, we want to stress the importance of well-timed self-care and make this issue visible both within the iGaming industry and beyond,” shares Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, Valentina Bagniya.

Notably, the iGaming industry recognised SOFTSWISS’ strong dedication to ensuring the best working conditions for its employees. A few weeks ago, SOFTSWISS received the esteemed accolade “Employer of the Year” at the SBC Awards.

Supporting the Pink October initiative for the second year in a row, SOFTSWISS continues to lead by example, emphasising the importance of preventive health measures and community support. Through this initiative, the company hopes to inspire its employees and society to take action today for a healthier tomorrow.

 

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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.

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