Press Releases
GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals
People with gambling issues are more likely to be turning to the activity this festive period than last year, according to new research from the gambling support charity, GamCare.
In a recent survey from YouGov of over 4,000 UK adults, commissioned by the charity, three-fifths (59%) of those who experience problems due to their gambling** say they are more likely to gamble at Christmas than other times of the year – up from 37% last year.
Advisers on GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline are highlighting how the festive period can be a testing time for those struggling with their gambling, as well as family and friends affected.
Last December, the Helpline saw a 39% increase in calls and online chats compared to the same month in the previous year, making it the busiest Christmas period on record.
Additionally, the survey highlights:
- Over half (53%) of people gambling at harmful levels say they have spent money intended for presents, food, or other seasonal expenses on gambling.
- Nearly three in five people gambling at harmful levels (59%) are more likely to gamble during the festive season compared to just 6% of people who gamble without issues.
- For those gambling at harmful levels more than half (53%) reporting increased feelings of stress or anxiety due to gambling and 56% said that gambling made them feel more isolated.
- Two in three (65%) people gambling at harmful levels have concerns someone in their family or household might overspend on gambling during the festive period. This compares to one in 25 (4%) of those who are not.
Mark Weiss, Deputy Chief Executive, at GamCare said: “The festive period can be a difficult time for those struggling with gambling, but it can also provide a good opportunity to open up about the issues you’re facing. Our new research shows that there has been an increase in people who already have gambling issues saying they are more likely to gamble over the festive period than at other times of the year.
“GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline provides free confidential support 24/7, 365 days of the year – including Christmas Day and the whole of the festive season. There are many ways you can get support, whether it’s calling an Adviser or using our live chat and WhatsApp features in case you are concerned about privacy while family and friends are around.”
GamCare Helpline Advisers often hear about the financial strain caused by early December paydays. One Helpline Adviser said: “An extra temptation to gamble can stem from most people having an early December payday. This, alongside the added financial pressures associated with Christmas, the influence of alcohol, changes in routine, and high-profile sporting events, can conflate the struggles someone with gambling harms may already be going through.”
Another Helpline Adviser said: “There’s a lot of image consciousness around Christmas and people feel the pressure to go further than they can financially afford. Whether it’s presents, food, or family spending, all of these things can lead to debt.
“The anxieties and pressures of Christmas creates a drive to find additional funds. Therefore, some people may be thinking about using gambling to fund the financial pressures that Christmas brings.”
GamCare’s Helpline Advisers are available one-to-one over the phone or on live chat 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. People can also get free one-to-one support sessions through the National Gambling Support Network, wherever they are in Great Britain.
The post GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
Tickets on sale for Helldorado Days Rodeo at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s CORE Arena, Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8
Popular event bigger than ever with family-friendly festival, carnival games
The Helldorado Days Rodeo returns to downtown Las Vegas, Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 at the CORE Arena at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. This year, the event will be bigger than ever before with the addition of a family-friendly festival before the rodeo excitement begins each night. The festival will include a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, carnival rides and games, line dancing, and more.
The Helldorado Days Rodeo is fully sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. The rodeo will feature bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, breakaway, and bareback riding, with prize purses totaling $40,000.
The Helldorado Days Rodeo also features related western-themed events, like mutton bustin (a sheep riding competition for future cowboys and cowgirls who are 4-10 years old and under 60 pounds), a Whiskerino contest, and a historical exhibit area. The winning artwork of a children’s coloring contest will also be on display the first night.
After parties featuring country music acts will be held at the Sand Dollar Downtown after the rodeo concludes.
General admission tickets for the Helldorado Rodeo are now on sale online for $10 per person (plus taxes). VIP tickets for $30 each (plus taxes) offer guaranteed seating as well as access to an exclusive bar and restrooms.
Sponsored by the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial and the Plaza Hotel & Casino, the mission of the Helldorado Days Rodeo is to bring the community together to celebrate the spirit of Old Las Vegas, including those who shaped the city’s history and those who are working to preserve the western lifestyle while looking toward the future.
Details about the Helldorado Days Rodeo, associated events, and sponsorships are at: plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/helldorado-days-rodeo/.
The post Tickets on sale for Helldorado Days Rodeo at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s CORE Arena, Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
SLOT MACHINE MANUFACTURER ZITRO UNVEILS NEW SLOTS FEATURING LIGHTING SYSTEMS TIMED TO GAME SEQUENCES
Casino goers enjoy slot machines for a whole host of reasons. Some enjoy their tried-and-true favorite games. Some people like discovering new games. Gaming manufacturer, Zitro, has just introduced slot games enclosed in a new cabinet called CONCEPT that synchronizes its Magic Lighting system to elements of the game and what a player sees on the screen.
Zitro launched the system at Pechanga Resort Casino just outside Temecula, California. Pechanga is among the first casinos in California to feature the CONCEPT cabinet and its upgraded and inviting technology. Pechanga guests can try their luck on Zitro’s Legendary Sword slot game, a medieval-themed, multi-game players like for immersive gameplay and standout features such as a four-level jackpot link, mystery-activated bonuses, and special in-game powers such as “Honor,” which multiplies rewards, “Glory,” which grants extra lives, and the “Magic Sword,” which doubles Link symbols on the boosted column. Players can experience up to seven Bonus Links, making each spin feel like part of an epic quest.
“We are committed to offering the best in gaming entertainment,” said Alex Rodriguez, Vice President of Slot Operations at Pechanga Resort Casino. “The CONCEPT cabinet and Legendary Sword slot machine bring incredible visual impact. We think our guests will love the new technology that brings all the elements of the game and the cabinet together.”
“We truly appreciate Pechanga’s continued trust in Zitro,” said Derik Moobery, CEO of Zitro USA. “Bringing the CONCEPT cabinet to Pechanga is a proud moment for us. We know they’re one of the busiest and most sought-after gaming establishments by both visitors and other gaming manufacturers. We’re confident that Legendary Sword will be a standout favorite among Pechanga’s players.”
Pechanga Resort Casino feature six Legendary Sword slot machines.
The post SLOT MACHINE MANUFACTURER ZITRO UNVEILS NEW SLOTS FEATURING LIGHTING SYSTEMS TIMED TO GAME SEQUENCES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Attendees of the initial sessions noted positive anecdotal outcomes.
EPIC Global Solutions announced a new partnership with Underdog to further the sports gaming operator’s investment in responsible gaming education through a series of training and workshops.
As part of the partnership, customer-facing Underdog employees participated in gaming harm awareness sessions and VIP relationships workshops presented by EPIC staff, increasing Underdog staff’s ability to recognize potentially problematic gaming behaviors in their customers.
The sessions were led by consultants who shared their own experience of how different forms of gaming proved problematic in their lives, including former NCAA and NBA point guard Stevin ‘Hedake’ Smith and former boxer Liz Thielen, and provided Underdog staff the chance to explore the human side of harm through a gaming-neutral lens.
EPIC’s VP North America Teresa Fiore noted: “We’re very pleased with the positive start to our working relationship with Underdog. They have a deep understanding that responsible gaming practices must be at the core for any major operator, and it’s a constant and consistent process of learning and attentiveness. It’s clear from the session feedback that the responsible gaming message we share – influenced by the lived experience of our team – is making a difference to Underdog’s staff in a way that will further enhance their communication and customer relationships in a positive way.”
The training and workshops promoted business sustainability and customer protection by exploring communication techniques and best practices to foster healthy customer relationships.
“Partnering with EPIC has reinforced the culture of responsible gaming that we are building at Underdog,” said Adam Warrington, Vice President of Responsible Gaming at Underdog. “We look forward to furthering the understanding of responsible gaming within Underdog and continuing to participate in training sessions and workshops to deepen our player protection knowledge.”
Attendees noted positive anecdotal outcomes, such as learning ‘the nuances of messaging’ and how to ‘dive deeper to get to the bottom of what messaging could be problematic’ and taking the message of ‘direct experiences to help understand how people are impacted’.
The post EPIC partners with Underdog to deepen culture of responsible gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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