Press Releases
GambleAware publishes independent review of scale used to identify gambling harm
GambleAware has today published a report on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scale, for those who wish to identify, understand and reduce gambling harms.
The PGSI is set of nine questions about gambling behaviour which has been widely used to identify the extent and scale of gambling problems.1 However, it has not been developed as a clinical tool and there is debate surrounding how best to use it for identifying and measuring gambling harms. This led GambleAware to commission Ipsos UK to explore the nature of this index.
The study used advanced statistical methods on a dataset of over 21,000 people taken from the 2020 and 2021 waves of the Annual GB Treatment and Support Survey commissioned by GambleAware. It found that the PGSI scale can continue to be used to estimate the potential risk of gambling harm, despite it having some limitations.
The analysis found that there was a strong, consistent link between higher PGSI scores and higher rates of psychological distress, and that the scale can be used as a tool when considering integrating mental health interventions into treatment plans for people who score highly on the scale.
However, the researchers also found that some PGSI questions are more likely to indicate a severe risk of harm than other questions. For example, the questions on whether a person has borrowed money to fund their gambling, whether they are experiencing financial problems due to gambling, or whether they feel the need to gamble more to experience the same thrill, may indicate a greater level of harm, whereas the questions on whether a person feels guilty about their gambling activity or chases losses when they gamble appeared to indicate relatively less harm. This raises questions about whether each PGSI item should be weighted equally when using the PGSI as a clinical or screening tool.
Finally, the study recommended that the full PGSI questionnaire – all nine questions – should be used wherever possible. The alternative short-form PGSI, which uses three of the nine questions, should only be used if there is extremely limited opportunity to interact with people being tested. This is because using the short-form PGSI has a tendency to fail to identify some cases of ‘problem gambling’, and therefore can understate the prevalence of ‘problem gambling’, compared to the full PGSI.
Haroon Chowdry, GambleAware Director of Evidence & Insights, said: “The PGSI scale has long been an important tool for understanding the scale of gambling harms at both individual and population level. We commissioned this independent study because we wanted to take a closer look at the features of this index, how exactly it varies and how well it captures different kinds of harm, which has not been analysed before.
“We are reassured by the findings that the PGSI generally works well as an index and can identify different levels of harm, although there are areas where the scale or how it is used may be able to be improved. We hope treatment services, clinicians and policymakers will take note of the recommendations to ensure they are making the best use of this scale to help those experiencing gambling harms.”
Steven Ginnis, Research Director, Ipsos UK, said: “The results of this study increase the knowledge base on the PGSI scale and confirm that it should continue to be used to estimate the potential risk of ‘problem gambling’ among large groups. However, the findings suggest PGSI is unlikely to work as well on its own as a diagnostic instrument for individuals or for screening purposes. We therefore recommend that PGSI users and practitioners also look beyond the broad classification groupings – not all people within a PGSI classification are at the same potential risk of harm from gambling.”
Go-to LatAm provider will showcase how its technology and content is powering one of Brazil’s fastest growing betting and gaming brand
Vibra Gaming and its Vibra Solutions platform division will celebrate its success in Brazil at SBC Lisbon on 24th to 26th September by showcasing its partnership with Betsul, one of the country’s fastest-growing brands.
The LatAm region’s ‘go-to’ content and platform developer has partnered with the operator since 2022, just two years after it was founded, including developing a bespoke platform, powering its entire offering, and providing it with localized game-changing content.
The long-standing Vibra-Betsul partnership began when Betsul chose Vibra to develop an advanced platform technology to power its brand. The Vibra Solutions team worked in close partnership with Betsul to assess its needs and began work on a dedicated, flexible and customisable platform that continues to deliver outstanding results today, much of which will be on show at SBC Lisbon.
This was followed by Vibra’s design of a pioneering product for the Brazilian brand entitled ‘Scratch-a-Lot’, a unique instant-win game that was adapted to Federal Government lottery regulations where only certain game types could be offered to players.
Vibra Gaming will also celebrate its recent licensing success at the show following the news that it is set to become one of the first providers to gain certification for its casino platform and sportsbook technology in Brazil.
Vibra has already secured GLI certification needed to meet Brazil’s regulatory standards and is currently working with certifying laboratories to complete additional requirements.
Fernando Garita, CEO, Betsul, said: “Working with Vibra has been a success and we’re delighted with the progress we’ve made since we started. The team is always responsive, speaks our language in more ways than one, is highly experienced, and knows precisely what our players want. All of this combined means we have a technology partner who we can trust and we know will continue to deliver great results.”
Ramiro Atucha, CEO, Vibra Gaming, said: “Betsul has been a great to work with ever since we began two years ago and it’s a real pleasure to be able to shine a light on some of our joint efforts, particularly on the platform side where we’re proud of what we’ve achieved.
“Betsul was one of the first brands to believe in us and what we’re trying to do in designing and delivering a highly flexible and customizable platform for forward-thinking operators, and we’re very grateful for the faith they’ve shown in Vibra.”
Vibra Gaming will exhibit at SBC Lisbon 2024 at stand no. B550. Book a meeting with the team today! Contact: [email protected]
The post Vibra Gaming to celebrate Betsul success at SBC Lisbon 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Zitro, a leading global gaming provider, in partnership with the prestigious Boldt Group, announces the launch of Mega Lounge at the Trilenium Casino, located in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This innovative concept, which has generated great anticipation in the market, offers players a unique communal experience.
In a dedicated area of the casino, Mega Lounge features a variety of Zitro games and cabinets, all interconnected to the MEGA jackpot, which is celebrated by all players participating in the Lounge’s Zitro machines.
Thanks to the number of machines contributing to the jackpot, Mega Lounge ensures a high frequency of jackpot hits, while providing a highly rewarding communal gaming experience for players. Additionally, the diversity of available games, which includes classics like Link King, Link Me, 88 Link, Mighty Hammer, and Energy Link among others, allows the Trilenium Casino to offer its customers—through Zitro’s 30 GLARE cabinets—a wide range of options to suit each player’s preferences.
Jose Pallota, General Manager of Trilenium Casino, Boldt Group, commented: “We are more than satisfied with the excellent performance that Mega Lounge has had at the Trilenium Casino and with the great reception from our customers. We are confident in continuing to work with Zitro to make Trilenium a reference casino for players in Buenos Aires.”
For her part, Alejandra Burato, Regional Director for Latin America at Zitro, commented: “We are very grateful for the trust that the Boldt Group has placed in Zitro once again. From now on, their customers will be able to enjoy the unique experience of the Mega Lounge and our proven performance games. We are confident that this new addition will contribute to the success of the casino, as it has in other markets.”
The post ZITROS’ MEGA LOUNGE IS NOW FEATURED AT TRILENIUM CASINO IN ARGENTINA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Nazara Technologies raises INR 900 Crores and increases stake in Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda) to 91%
Nazara Technologies Limited (BSE: 543280 NSE: NAZARA), India’s leading diversified gaming and sports media company, today announced its largest fund raise to boost its growth trajectory. The company’s board has approved a preferential equity issue to raise INR 900 crores, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. This capital infusion will fuel strategic acquisitions, fund business expansion, and enhance the company’s ability to seize new growth opportunities.
The preferential equity issue amounting to INR 900 crores will be placed with marquee investors such as SBI Mutual Fund, Junomoneta Finsol (an associate of Plutus Wealth), Think Investments, Discovery Investments, Mithun and Siddharth Sacheti, Cohesion Investments, Chartered Finance and Leasing, Ratnabali Investments and Aamara Capital, further strengthening Nazara’s financial foundation for long-term expansion. These shares will be subject to SEBI regulations and lock-in requirements as per Chapter V of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2018.
In a parallel development, Nazara also acquired an additional 19.35% stake in Absolute Sports Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Sportskeeda, for INR 145.5 crores, with 50% of the consideration paid in cash and the remaining amount in stock. With this, Nazara now holds a 91% ownership stake in Absolute Sports, solidifying its leadership position in the sports media domain.
Sportskeeda, Absolute Sports’ flagship brand, reaches millions of sports fans globally each month, with significant traction in India and the U.S., where it ranks among the top sports platforms. In addition, Absolute Sports has recently expanded by acquiring Pro Football Network (PFN), SoapCentral, and Deltia’s Gaming, further diversifying its sports and entertainment portfolio.
Nitish Mittersain, CEO & Jt MD of Nazara Technologies Limited remarked “Nazara has demonstrated its ability to attract top-tier investors who believe in our long-term vision of establishing India’s first globally respected gaming powerhouse. This INR 900 crores fundraise will be instrumental in accelerating our growth across key segments. Additionally, increasing our stake to 91% in Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda) reinforces our leadership in the sports media landscape. The growth of Absolute Sports, from its early days as a startup to becoming a global media player, underscores our commitment to supporting innovative teams that consistently deliver transformational growth.
The post Nazara Technologies raises INR 900 Crores and increases stake in Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda) to 91% appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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