Push Gaming goes live with Glitnor Group in latest Swedish expansion

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AUSTRAC has commenced an enforcement investigation into Hillside (Australia New Media) Pty Limited (bet365).

The investigation will focus on whether bet365 has complied with its obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) and follows a supervisory campaign of entities within the corporate bookmaker sector and AUSTRAC’s consideration of the external audit report received following AUSTRAC’s order to bet365 to appoint an external auditor.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas, said betting agencies, like all regulated entities, have a significant role to play in combating financial crime.

“Corporate bookmakers must have robust systems in place to ensure they can manage and mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorism financing,” Mr Thomas said.

“Businesses without adequate processes in place to manage those risks leave themselves vulnerable to exploitation by criminals.”

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A recent research conducted by GambleAware has shed light on the West Midlands region, revealing that it faces a higher risk of problem gambling compared to the rest of the country.

GambleAware’s latest report highlights the West Midlands as the region most exposed to gambling harms. According to the research, approximately 168,000 adults in the West Midlands, equivalent to 3.9% of the local population, are experiencing problem gambling. This figure is 25% higher than the national average, indicating a significant concern within the region.

The data serves as a wake-up call, emphasising the urgent need for proactive measures and support systems to address problem gambling in the West Midlands. By shining a light on this issue, GambleAware aims to encourage public discourse and reduce the stigma associated with problem gambling.

Stigma plays a significant role in preventing individuals from seeking help for problem gambling. GambleAware’s research reveals that 75% of those experiencing problem gambling do not feel comfortable discussing their struggles with family and friends. Moreover, feedback suggests that three in five individuals often choose not to engage with those facing gambling harms due to the associated stigma.

Dr. Joanne Lloyd, an Associate Professor and gambling harms expert at the University of Wolverhampton, emphasises the impact of stigma on seeking treatment. She states, “Stigma is a massive issue in relation to gambling harms as it is one of the biggest barriers to people seeking treatment.” Dr. Lloyd underscores the importance of understanding and addressing stigma to facilitate individuals’ access to the help they need.

Recognising the significance of stigma in preventing individuals from seeking support, GambleAware has launched a comprehensive stigma campaign. This campaign aims to encourage people to open up about their experiences with gambling and to seek the free help and support available.

The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Andrew Rhodes, the Chief Executive Officer of the UK Gambling Commission. He commends the GambleAware stigma campaign, stating, “Acknowledging the courage it takes to initiate conversations about gambling, any efforts to dismantle barriers to addressing gambling harms are truly appreciated.”

GambleAware emphasises the importance of ensuring that individuals impacted by problem gambling in the West Midlands and across Great Britain are aware of the wide range of support services available to them. By increasing awareness and reducing stigma, they aim to create an environment where people feel safe to come forward and seek help.

Zoe Osmond, the Chief Executive of GambleAware, emphasises this point, stating, “This is why our stigma campaign is working to encourage people to open up about their experiences of gambling and seek the free help and support that is available.” Osmond recognises the vital role of support services in assisting individuals affected by problem gambling.

The government is also taking steps to protect those at risk of gambling harm in the West Midlands and throughout the country. Stuart Andrew, the Minister for Gambling, recognises the role of stigma as a barrier to seeking help. He highlights the benefits of opening up about gambling struggles and the importance of informing others when facing difficulties.

The government’s commitment to addressing problem gambling is evident in their gambling white paper, which includes measures to tackle gambling harms. Recent initiatives, such as stake limits for online slot games, demonstrate their determination to protect vulnerable individuals.

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In preparation for the iconic Irish celebration this month, Boldplay are inviting players to raise their glasses and say ‘slainte’ to prosperity and good fortune in Paddy’s Pints – a refreshing new cascading reels slot where players can land free spins and huge clover pays!

With action taking place across a 4×4 reel grid – where all symbol combinations pay not only from left-to-right and right-to-left, but also up and down to give players even more chances to win – the aim of the game is to match three or more pints of foam-topped tipple; at which point all winning symbols will disappear from view as new ones cascade down from above to fill their reel spaces.

In this manner, players can string together extended winning sequences that are also further boosted by the presence of substitute wilds and clover pays that occur whenever a four-of-a-kind-or-better combination is hit.  On top of that, the game also boasts a thirst-quenching free spin feature that’s activated whenever three or more scatter symbols appear during a single spin.

Should this happen, players will be awarded a free spin on an expanded 6×6 reel grid in which the middle four squares are always wild. Not only will this increase their chances of landing a clover pays bonus and triggering a subsequent symbol cascade, but should they fail to do so at the first attempt, they’ll also be granted an additional re-spin to further improve their chances of winning.

Speaking of this fresh and frothy new addition to the Boldplay line-up, Head of Design, Marcus Taylor, said: “With St Patrick’s day being a beloved event that’s recognised by many different cultures around the world, this month we thought we’d raise our glasses in tribute to the occasion and allow players to soak up the party atmosphere in our brand-new slot, Paddy’s Pints.

“Boasting cascading reels that enable players to “top-up” their wins by landing new pay combos after each tumble and a free spin feature during which the reels expand and the four middle spaces are always wild, it’s the perfect way for slot fans to wet their whistle ahead of the big day and we’re sure it’s going to be a huge hit long after the last drop has been drained in celebration!”