5% of gamblers become addicts – experts open up to SiGMA News

SiGMA News is digging deep into the causes of addiction. In a three part series we’ll be taking a look at gambling addiction, its symptoms, triggers and possible treatment Problem gambling is sometimes referred to as the ‘hidden illness’ as unlike substance addiction the signs of a gambler are mostly hidden. According to various researchers,…

Oxford study find high levels of gambling correlate with increased mortality

A study from researchers at Oxford University find higher rates of gambling are associated with higher rates of mortality and unemployment In a study published 4 February and titled ‘The association between gambling and financial, social and health outcomes in big financial data’, Oxford University highlight the harmful effects of gambling. Led by Dr Naomi…

Gambling Commission imposes new online gaming restrictions

The restrictions will come into effect by 31st October, including limits on spin speeds, banning speed-up play and much more The Gambling Commission has announced new restrictions regarding online casino games that aims to make the games less intensive and safer, coming into effect by 31st October.

Canadian gaming company CEO resigns after backlash for breaking COVID protocols

Former CEO of the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Rodney Baker, has resigned days after news surfaced that he had broken mandatory COVID-19 isolation protocols and stolen vaccines from vulnerable indigenous residents Canadian officials have charged former president and CEO of the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Rodeny Baker, and his wife Ekatarina for breaking coronavirus protocols,…

Gambling addictions soar during pandemic

A Co Limerick center in Ireland reported that the number of people seeking help for gambling addictions has risen by 50% due to the pandemic The number of players seeking professional help for gambling at Co Limerick center has increased considerably by 50% during the pandemic. Several people have fallen back financially over the excessive addiction caused by…

Veikkaus undergoes historical reform

The reform will require Veikkaus’ slot machines to implement compulsory authentication  According to the official site of Veikkaus, their slot machines will undergo a historical reform in a bid to fight against gambling addiction and underage gambling. The new reform will see their slot machines at non-casino venues all over Finland be subject to compulsory authentication. These places include kiosks, restaurants, stores and service stations.  

The Lancet Public Health: Gambling is a neglected public health issue

The Lancet Public Health journal have published their January 2021 report; highlighting concerns over ‘urgent, neglected, and understudied’ gambling problems Contributors Heather Wardle (University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK), Louisa Degenhardt, (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia), and Shekhar Saxena (Harvard University, Cambridge, USA) announced the launch of the the journal inaugural Commission on Gambling.

Keep your golden eggs coming through responsible gambling

Embrace the advantages of a responsible gambling approach Responsible gambling (RG) is a hot topic everywhere we look. It has become a strong message in marketing and gambling ads, signalling to existing and future customers that they are being cared for. Additionally, operators have embraced responsible gambling at a more strategic level, communicating responsible gambling…

France imposes new player protection regulations

The French government has introduced a number of player protection rules in a bid to create a safer gambling environment  The new plans were presented to the European Commission which will require all operators to provide plans of action regarding safe gambling and measures such as deposit limits. 

YouTube joins fight against gambling advertisements

The video sharing platform, YouTube, will give users the option to decide whether they want to view gambling and alcohol adverts YouTube decided to implement this change after receiving significant feedback from current users who would ‘prefer to limit ads in certain categories,’ according to Vice President Debbie Weinstein.