Latest News
National Gambling Support Network helps over 110,000 people as self-referrals increase by 50% since April 2023
New data released today reveals how many people have been supported by the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) since its launch in 2023, with data also showing an increase in self-referrals by over 50% in year two. Waiting times for a first assessment are also shown to be offered after an average of just two days.
Since April 2023, the NGSN has supported over 110,000 people over the two years since launch. This is based on the number of individuals who accessed services including the National Gambling Helpline, regional providers, primary care and residential services. These fall into three tiers of support (Tiers 2-4) including assessments, brief interventions, extended brief interventions (EBI), treatment sessions, reviews and aftercare.
The impact of a region-first approach, which is designed to deliver local support and services for people, and access to providers with knowledge and understanding of the local community, can be seen through more individuals accessing support directly from their local provider, with self-referrals into the system increasing by over 50% since launch.
Brief Interventions (BI), which involve short-term strategies aimed at addressing gambling harms through time-limited conversations, allow early engagement and support before challenges escalate, and offer advice and signposting to further help if required. Increasing early support has been central to the NGSN and as a result, these have seen a significant rise in the second year of the Network, having nearly doubled with a 93% increase, from 11,000 to over 21,000 people receiving a meaningful intervention.
Person-centered support means that people are also accessing the service that works for them and around their personal lives and circumstances, such as peer support, group work and 1:1 therapy. The average waiting time for a first assessment is now an average of two days across the network.
Through increases in outreach and engagement activity and improvements to tools such as the GambleAware service finder to enhance awareness of support available amongst frontline professionals and the public, individuals are more likely to engage with local support services directly.
Since the launch of the GambleAware service finder website in July 2024, we have seen an estimated 21,000 people directed to NGSN provider referral options, which includes links to email addresses, phone numbers, self-referral forms and websites.
Those with the most severe cases of gambling harm will often require Tier 4 treatment, which is the most specialised and intensive level of care within the NGSN, where a person stays at a residential treatment centre.
Jackie Menzies, from Southport, is one person who has benefited from the support of the NGSN and its tier 4 care. Jackie started gambling when he was 20, and after realising that the effects of gambling harms were having an impact on his mental health and wellbeing, he was directed to support from Cheryl Williams at NGSN provider, Adferiad, with the service he received described as “lifesaving.”
Jackie, now 38, said: “I owe Cheryl and the team at Adferiad my life.
“From the moment I was introduced to them, I was contacted, informed, and treated with respect and understanding for both myself and my addiction. I was guided and informed of what options might be available to me and how I might be able to get help.
“I had treatment at their Parkland Place Centre and from the empowering attitudes of the staff, I have enrolled in a Level 3 counselling course at my local college, and I’m looking to the future to be able to help people who are suffering from addictions like I am to grow and be able to find peace and happiness again.”
Anna Hargrave, Deputy Chief Executive at GambleAware, says: “The second year of the National Gambling Support Network presented an opportunity to take the learnings from year one and focus on how we can best support those affected by gambling harms.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of people being supported and importantly, an increase in brief interventions and self-referrals, which means we can support people earlier and reduce the potential for further harm.
“The expertise within the Network is unrivalled and providers play a key role in helping people across the country, whether that be at the start of their journey, or supporting them at the end. We look forward to working with the future commissioners and the NGSN with the integration of the network into the future system to ensure providers can continue offering their crucial services.”
Significant work has gone into improving the support and care individuals receive, with the NGSN delivering a range of successful interventions, from increased prevention activities and community-based early interventions to continued development on expanding more efficient pathways into structured treatment. In so doing, this has ensured and enabled more people to access support and achieve strong outcomes, through a no wrong door system to reducing the impact of gambling harms.
Joy Allen, Police & Crime Commissioner for Durham and vocal advocate for prevention of gambling harms, said: “Gambling, like any addiction, has the power to completely control the lives of those affected and those closest to them. It can negatively impact individuals financially, emotionally, socially and in terms of their mental wellbeing.
“We need to think of gambling-addiction in the same way in which we think of and support those with Drugs and Alcohol addiction. It is an illness that can lead people to commit crime to feed their addiction and those in its thrall need rehabilitation, not censure. It can certainly lead to abject misery. It is estimated that there are nearly 500 gambling related suicides a year in England highlighting the urgent need to encourage more people to seek help. In 2023 around 5% of the North East population aged over 16 was classified as an ‘at risk’ gambler, often spending more than they afford and chasing losses leading to financial strain, anxiety and stress.
“In response, and in line with the priorities I’ve placed on tackling gambling harm, Durham Constabulary has signed the National Gambling Charter which commits the Constabulary to providing specialist training for its officers so that they can identify those at risk and signpost them towards support. I urge other organisations to do the same. Collectively we can, and will, do more.”
The National Gambling Support Network is available for anyone who is experiencing harm from gambling and wants support for it, including people who are affected by someone else’s gambling. All services are free and confidential.
The post National Gambling Support Network helps over 110,000 people as self-referrals increase by 50% since April 2023 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25

Mind Sports South Africa’s Protea Female CS2 team, led by captain Jess Greeff and featuring Avonique van Rooyen, dominated IESF’s AEC24, and emerged undefeated, and punched their ticket to the world stage. The female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title are trailblazers in female esports and are already making their mark internationally.
To qualify for IESF’s World Esports Championships 2025 (WEC25), South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title will be taking on Namibia at15H00 on 21 June 2025.
South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title has never lost to Namibia, and both MSSA and the team are confident that the result will be the same as all previous encounters.
The team has shown a few changes from 2024. Jessica Greeff remains the captain, and Avonique van Rooyen and Megan van der Westhuizen too stay on the team with their vast international experience. The two new additions are Kiera McCullum and Kalee Ludick who further add to the team.
MSSA is of the belief that the 2025 Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title is the strongest female Counter Strike 2 team to ever represent South Africa.
The full team to represent South Africa at15H00 on 21 June 2025 is:
Name | Club | Nick | Province |
Jessica Eleez Greeff (Capt.) | ZAG Academy | heartjess | KwaZulu Natal |
Avonique van Rooyen | ZAG Academy | avo | Gauteng |
Kiera McCallum | ZAG Academy | queen | KwaZulu Natal |
Megan van der Westhuizen | ZAG Academy | m3gz | Gauteng |
Kalee Ludick | ZAG Academy | creative | Gauteng |
The post Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Week 25/2025 slot games releases

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has launched Jack the Giant Hunter – a cascading-style, 5-reel, 4-row video slot featuring expanding reels and a dynamic multiplier mechanic. Jack the Giant Hunter instantly plants players into an enchanted world where the path to riches is made perilous by a fierce giant. The action unfolds against a backdrop of mythical giants and golden treasure hidden in the clouds.
Spinomenal has dropped its hot new slot, Westside Glory as part of its Adventure Series. Westside Glory is set on the West Coast streets where bling, bravado, and beats make for a platinum title. Framed by palm trees and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this 5×3 slot takes players on the ultimate urban experience.
Betsoft Gaming has released Coins of Alkemor: Extreme Magic – Hold & Win, a fast-paced 3×3 slot packed with powerful features and mystical energy. The iconic wizard Alkemor returns in the game that elevates the popular Hold & Win mechanic with three explosive Extreme Features. Players can trigger the bonus with two or more BONUS symbols and at least one WIZARD BONUS—one of which must be EXTREME—awarding three respins and the chance to land magical golden coins.
Reflex Gaming is making waves once again with the launch of Big Game Fishing Golden Catch™, the latest online release in its hugely popular Big Game Fishing franchise, and proudly powered by Yggdrasil. This thrilling new slot reels players into a bright and breezy lake, where Reflex’s iconic fisherman, Fred, returns for another unforgettable adventure. With a 5-reel, 3-row layout, high volatility, and a max win potential of 5,000x the stake, Golden Catch is bursting with fun, flair, and fishy fortune.
TaDa Gaming has released its latest slot Lucky Jaguar 2. This time, the Colourful Jaguar Wild is joined by a Gold Jaguar Wild to ramp up the wins with multiple multipliers, stunning graphics and a humorous soundtrack, alongside the original Lock & Respin bonus game feature. Designed specifically for the LatAm market, where earlier release Fortune Gems had held the record breaking top spot, Lucky Jaguar hit 33%+ of Fortune Gem’s DAU figures within one month.
Million Games and partner studio Black Cat are excited to announce the release of Island Ices, a vibrant 5×4 slot packed with tropical charm and rewarding mechanics. As the second game from Black Cat under the Million Star partner programme, Island Ices brings a refreshing low-volatility experience with a polished aesthetic and summer-ready features. Designed for players who love quick-paced, feel-good gameplay.
SlotMatrix is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new slot – Gold Pigger. This exclusive title introduces players to a fun-fuelled adventure starring Richie and Peggy, two funny piglets with a taste for fortune and a nose for cash prizes. With a 4×6 reel layout and 4096 ways to win, Gold Pigger blends light-hearted design with exciting gameplay mechanics to deliver an engaging slot experience with a win potential of up to 8,086.8X the player’s stake.
Dear passengers, welcome aboard Flight NLC25! Flight Mode is cleared for takeoff and let’s just say, it’s not a typical family trip to Hawaii. After delivering signature slots like Tombstone Slaughter: El Gordo’s Revenge and Duck Hunters, Nolimit City is now taking it to the skies with Flight Mode and definitely not in a boring way.
Thunderkick has unveiled MeJUICEa, the latest addition to its content portfolio that breathes new life into a proven popular theme, reintroducing Greek mythology’s iconic Gorgon with a modern makeover. The 6×5 cluster pays title revolves around the Crush feature, a unique take on the fan-favourite avalanche mechanic.
Push Gaming has launched Fang City, a sleek and suspenseful slot that combines ever-popular Push Gaming features. Set in a futuristic world, this game sees wolves with pointy teeth engaging in activities reminiscent of humans while featuring popular mechanics such as scatter pays, multiplier symbols, and cascading combos.
Play’n GO steps into the underworld of Viper City with its new slot, Viper City Heist, where cunning strategy and raw firepower lead to big rewards. Combining visual flair with exciting mechanics, this 5×3 slot with 20 fixed paylines offers a potent mix of instant prizes and feature-rich gameplay that stays true to Play’n GO’s signature storytelling style.
Evoplay has released Oath of Steel, a moody, battle-driven slot that captures the raw intensity of knights locked in combat beneath storm-filled skies. Set in a storm-soaked battlefield of iron masks and glowing castle windows, Oath of Steel brings players into a world where survival outweighs glory.
Get ready to run for cover as Peter & Sons latest release, Boom Farm, exploded onto the internet on June 19th, 2025. Set in the deceptively peaceful countryside, this is no simple farming game. The 6×6 scatter-pays video slot hides a dynamite twist—literally. With TNT barrels, Star Bombs, Scatter Pays mechanics and thrilling Cascades, every harvest can explode into serious wins.
ELA Games invites players to step into a captivating world of mystery and mischief with its latest title, Tail of Crime. Tune into your detective instincts for big wins with thrilling mechanics. The 5×4 slot has 20 paylines and a 96.2% RTP, guaranteeing action in both the base game and lucrative bonus feature.
Are you ready for the grand finale? That’s what in-demand content provider, ICONIC21, is asking players as it launches the final title in its Stellar Fruits series. Stellar Fruits 100 wraps up the iconic series with a bang, with the game being set across four reels and five rows with 100 paylines active.
Stakelogic is reaching for the clouds with the launch of its newest high-rise slot game, Skyline Fortunes. This bold and eccentrically engineered title trades traditional reels for steel beams and skyscraper thrills, where every spin helps build a skyline packed with potential. At the heart of the action is Big Bruno, a gorilla with a serious work ethic and a knack for stacking wins.
Dive deep and double your fun with Fish Tales: Double Catch, from Booming Games, the thrilling sequel to Fish Tales: Monster Bass! This 5×3 reel slot brings exciting features like Barrel Boost, Big Net Modifier and Free Spins with Cash Collection, all designed to reel in those big wins. Keep an eye out for Fish Multiplier symbols to trigger massive payouts and enjoy the anticipation with every spin.
Amusnet has released a new football-themed dice slot – 20 Wild Goals Dice. This 5-reel, 20 fixed paylines game brings the thrill of football to the reels, blending high-energy gameplay with iconic dice symbols. Watch for the Ball Wild symbol that appears on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th reels and expands, substituting for the rest of the symbols, except for the Scatter.
Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, invites players on a high-stakes safari in Lion Gems 3 Pots: Hold and Win, where Special Gems hold the key to lavish Bonus Game variants. A stunning African landscape plays host to the 5×4 slot as the reels blaze with powerful lions, radiant gems, and dazzling diamonds.
Prepare to embark on an epic adventure where the power of the gods awaits in Unusual Suspects: Legends of Olympus from Northern Lights Gaming. This is the latest instalment in the studio’s hugely popular Unusual Suspects series and promises plenty of divine action. Players will marvel as Wilds unleash their celestial power, flying over the gods for a chance to trigger the Judgement Day Jackpot
The post Week 25/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BetRivers
NetGaming Goes Live in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive via BetRivers Platform

NetGaming, a fast-growing online casino content supplier, is proud to announce its launch in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., a leading online casino and sports betting company in the United States, Canada and Latin America. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for NetGaming as it continues to expand its footprint across regulated North American markets.
As part of the launch, Ontario players on BetRivers can now enjoy a diverse portfolio of NetGaming titles, known for their high-quality graphics, immersive gameplay, and unique themes. Standout games such as Zeus’s Thunderbolt, Bison Gold, and Fireball Inferno are among the first to go live, with additional titles set to follow soon.
This partnership is just the beginning. NetGaming plans to extend its collaboration with Rush Street Interactive into Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Mexico over the coming months.
Pallavi Deshmukh, CEO of NetGaming, commented: “We are thrilled to go live with Rush Street Interactive, a powerhouse operator with a strong presence and loyal player base. This launch marks a significant milestone in our
North American expansion strategy and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences tailored to local player preferences across the region.”
Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, commented: “We are pleased to partner with NetGaming to bring innovative, premium games to our players in Ontario. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to offer world-class
entertainment through engaging, action-packed online casino games. We look forward to expanding this partnership into additional regulated markets in the months ahead.”
This strategic partnership highlights both companies’ dedication to providing high- quality, innovative, and responsible entertainment to players in regulated markets.
The post NetGaming Goes Live in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive via BetRivers Platform appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
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 Industry8 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