Press Releases
Finland: Prevalence of at-risk gambling has decreased – gambling problems still as common as before
According to a study conducted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the prevalence of “at-risk gambling” which causes individual mild harms has decreased in Finland. The 2019 study indicated that 11 per cent of the Finnish population had engaged in at-risk level gambling in the past 12 months. In the previous study, conducted in 2015, the proportion of at-risk gamblers was 15 per cent. The prevalence of at-risk gambling has decreased in both men and women.
At-risk gambling refers to gambling which causes some individual harms and often precedes the development of problem gambling. According to the 2019 study, three per cent of the Finnish population, meaning approximately 112,000 people, had experienced gambling problems. The proportion of such individuals has remained the same since 2007.
According to the study, 1.4 per cent of Finns – around 52,000 people – suffered in 2019 from probable pathological gambling, which is the most severe form of problematic gambling.
In contrast, the study indicates that gambling without indentified problems has increased. The number of gamblers remained the same between 2015 and 2019, but changes took place in the frequency of gambling: the proportion of Finns who gambled less often than once a month increased, whereas the proportion of those gambling more often than this decreased.
The past-year prevalence of gambling at least one game type among the respondents was 78.4 per cent.
Online gambling has become more common
In 2019, one third of the respondents (36.3 %) had been gambling online. The proportion of online gamblers increased by 12.7 percentage points from 2015.
At the same time, the proportion of those who gambled games offered by foreign operators increased from 3.3 to 5.4 per cent. Almost all gamblers (98.1 %) who had gambled games offered by an operator other than Veikkaus Oy had also gambled Veikkaus Oy’s games.
In 2019, 2.5 per cent of the gamblers accounted for one half of the total gambling expenditure. This means that of the 2,917,000 people living in mainland Finland who participated in gambling in 2019, 72,000 people spent one half of the total expenditure of that year. Veikkaus Oy’s share of the online gambling expenditure was 83.6 per cent, while the other game operators accounted for 16.4 per cent.
“Only a relatively few people gamble games offered by operators other than Veikkaus, when compared to the number of those gambling Veikkaus games. Then again, there is big money involved in foreign online games. Therefore, it is now important to monitor how the closing of the Finnish slot machines due to the coronavirus epidemic affects online gambling”, says THL Senior Researcher Anne Salonen.
One in five Finns has someone with problematic gambling in their immediate social circle
Just over one fifth (21.1 %) of the respondents reported that at least one person in their immediate social circle had demonstrated problematic gambling. This means that around 790,000 persons are affected by someone close to them having a gambling problem, and this proportion has increased.
According to Salonen, the result may also indicate that Finns have become more aware of gambling problems, and the issue is now discussed more openly and boldly than before.
Since 2007, THL has been monitoring gambling, the prevalence of gambling problems, and the attitudes and opinions related to gambling by carrying out a population survey every four years among Finnish people aged from 15 to 74. In 2019, the study was participated in by 3994 Finns. Statistics Finland conducted the interviews over the telephone. The study was carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and commissioned and financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (section 52 of the Lotteries Act).
THL publishes the Finnish Gambling 2019 results in stages; the first step now is to publish the main results concerning gambling and gambling problems. The results concerning the attitudes and opinions related to gambling will be published later this year.
Source: thl.fi
Africa
Logifuture-powered Bet9ja renews support for Nigeria national team with ‘Let’s Do It Again’ campaign ahead of AFCON 2025
Extended partnership announced ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament in London
Leading African sportsbook Bet9ja has renewed its support for the Nigeria national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bet9ja collaborated with Nigerian Football Federation partners Sportdotcom for AFCON 2023 to launch the first ‘Let’s Do It Again’ campaign – in reference to the fact Nigeria are hunting for their fourth continental title.
The partnership has now been extended for AFCON 2025 after Nigeria booked their place at the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco in December. The Super Eagles have been drawn alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the tournament.
The announcement comes ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament, in which Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago will go head to head at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The tournament sees semi-final matches on May 27 and May 28, ahead of the final on May 31.
Bet9ja is Nigeria’s leading sportsbook and is powered by Logifuture, global leader in B2B operations providing state-of-the-art iGaming products and services.
Bet9ja chairman Kunle Soname said: “We’re proud to renew our support for the Super Eagles as they ramp up their preparations for another tilt at the AFCON title. After lifting the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013 we’re backing them to go all the way again – Let’s Do It Again for 2025!
“Football is a unifying force across Africa and our partnership reflects our deep commitment to the game, the fans, and the future of Nigerian sport. This renewed partnership is about more than just brand alignment – it’s about national pride and shared ambition.
“By supporting the Super Eagles once again, Bet9ja aims to rally fans across Nigeria and beyond, reigniting the spirit of belief and unity that football brings to the nation.”
Toyosi Oyetunji, Senior Partner at Sportdotcom Limited, said: “At Sportdotcom, we are proud to once again partner with Bet9ja on the Let’s Do It Again campaign for the Super Eagles as they head to AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The buzz we created together during the last tournament was only the beginning. This time, we’re taking it to the next level – with more energy, more passion, and an unshakable belief in our team. As the Super Eagles chase a historic fourth title, we’re rallying Nigerians everywhere to dream big and stand united. Let’s Do It Again… Naija 4 the win!”
The post Logifuture-powered Bet9ja renews support for Nigeria national team with ‘Let’s Do It Again’ campaign ahead of AFCON 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Wazdan’s Online gaining™ ready to lead the way at SiGMA Asia 2025

Wazdan, the leading gain-focused developer, is set to make its mark at the upcoming SiGMA Asia 2025 summit, taking place from 1st to 4th June at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, Philippines.
The renowned iGaming gathering marks another key milestone in Wazdan’s strategic expansion across the continent, as the company continues to deliver tailored, high-performance gaming solutions under its signature Online gaining™ philosophy.
Visitors to Booth 2136 will be among the first to experience Wazdan’s latest wave of releases, including the eye-catching Sizzling Eggs™: Grand Platinum Edition and 36 Coins™: Grand Gold Edition, all of which showcase the studio’s hallmark blend of immersive gameplay, player-centric mechanics, and mobile-first design, firmly in line with the demands of Asian operators and their audiences.
A focal point of the event will be the unveiling of Wazdan Multidrop, the studio’s new network promotion. Designed to boost player engagement and drive operator revenues, the seven-phase campaign features a total prize pool of €5,000 and reflects its ongoing commitment to building value-driven promotional tools that resonate across global markets.
To celebrate its presence at SiGMA Asia, Wazdan will also host a series of exclusive giveaways throughout the event. Attendees will have the chance to win coveted prizes, iPhone 16, AirPods, AirTags, and a selection of limited-edition Wazdan merchandise, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already action-packed summit.
Beyond the product showcasing and prizes, Wazdan views the summit as a key opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and deepen its engagement with Asia’s thriving iGaming sector. The event’s growing prominence on the global calendar makes it a natural fit for Wazdan’s ambitions to lead the way in innovation and customer-focused growth across the continent.
Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales at Wazdan, said: “SiGMA Asia is a standout opportunity for us to engage with key players across the region and demonstrate the adaptability of our Online gaining™ philosophy. Our team is excited to showcase how our tailor-made solutions and proven game mechanics can elevate operator performance and player engagement in Asian markets.
“We look forward to insightful conversations, new connections, and sharing our vision for continued growth across the continent.”
The post Wazdan’s Online gaining™ ready to lead the way at SiGMA Asia 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
partnerships
VentureMax Group support ambitious startups with sponsorship of Pitch iGB

The VentureMax Group which is reshaping the nature of investments, game design and digital advertising in the iGaming space has been confirmed as headline sponsors of the first Pitch iGB taking place Wednesday 2nd July at ExCeL London.
Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit which sits at the heart of iGaming the competition is being described as the ‘Ultimate Startup Showdown’ providing an opportunity for five visionary companies to battle it out in front of top investors for the chance to win the prize of £10,000.
Pitch iGB is open to bold, ambitious startups that have been founded within the last three years and who are seeking investment and strategic partnerships. In addition to the £10,000 prize pot, participating in Pitch iGB provides a raft of benefits including massive industry exposure, unparalleled networking opportunities with potential investors/partners and expert feedback from top industry judges. All sectors of the industry are submitting applications including Game Developers, SEO and AI Innovators, Affiliate Tools and Solutions Providers as well as iGaming Disruptors.
Heralding the importance of the initiative Justin Anastasi CEO of the VentureMax Group said: “Pitch events like this are where the future of our industry is born. It’s a space where bold thinkers propel real innovation and show us the kind of grit that turns ideas into market-leading companies. At VentureMax, we back founders who are ready to build something formidable, so I’m genuinely looking forward to judging at Pitch iGB and meeting the startups who will help shape our future. Let’s see who’s going to shake things up this year!”
Naomi Barton, Global Portfolio Director responsible for iGB L!VE added: “Entrepreneurship is in the DNA of the iGaming community and I am delighted that Justin and the VentureMax Group will be supporting the next wave of industry pioneers and helping them to fulfil their potential. Pitch iGB is more than a competition – it’s a launchpad for startups on what is the biggest stage in iGaming. Quite simply, if you have an innovative, scalable and game-changing idea Pitch iGB is your stage!”
Startups have until May 26 to complete the Pitch iGB application form and upload a two minute YouTube video showcasing their business. Five finalists will make it to the live showdown which will comprise a four-minute pitch and an additional four-minute Q&A with the industry judging panel. One startup will then be crowned Pitch iGB Champion and take home the £10,000 prize pool.
iGB L!VE (2nd– 3rd July, ExCeL London) will welcome a projected 15,000 igaming and affiliate pioneers, helping businesses throughout the online gaming ecosystem to navigate an ever-changing landscape via networking opportunities, cutting-edge innovations and crucial market knowledge-sharing.
The post VentureMax Group support ambitious startups with sponsorship of Pitch iGB appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Asia4 weeks ago
Jetapult Strengthens AI Expertise: Onboards Industry Leaders, Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain
-
Africa3 weeks ago
Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya Announces New Regulations
-
Press Releases3 weeks ago
Swintt stacks up a pyramid of wins in Egypt King Pearl Upgrade
-
Conferences in Europe4 weeks ago
Altenar Steps in as General Sponsor of EEGS 2025
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Colour the world your way in Supa Crew by Swintt’s Elysium Studios
-
Compliance Updates3 weeks ago
MGCB Targets 11 Illegal Online Casinos Operating Without Licenses
-
Africa4 weeks ago
Gaming Corps Expands African Presence with KingMakers Partnership
-
Cancún4 weeks ago
CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES REVOLUTIONIZE PALACE BINGO & SPORTS BETS IN CANCÚN