A player has scooped up €2.9 million ($3.13 million) jackpot win from Relax Gaming’s Dream Drop series, claiming the coveted Mega Jackpot. The win occurred on the Betsson Group’s Betsafe brand, making it one of the largest wins recorded in the series.

Turning $1 into Millions with the Dream Drop Series

The player, who remains anonymous, was playing Templar Tumble 2 Dream Drop, released in November 2022, and part of the Dream Drop jackpot series. The win occurred in the most unexpected way imaginable after the player had only bet €0.92 ($1) turning the sum into the coveted €2,853,717.01 payout ($3.13 million).

The win is a great way to start the month of July for the series, which has been producing a winner almost monthly.

The last win before the latest one came in June when one lucky soul became the 15^th winner in the series, scooping the eye-watering €10.3 million ($11.12 million) instead, and the largest jackpot to have been won in 2024.

Commenting on the most recent win, Relax Gaming CEO Martin Stålros welcomed the chance to see his company continue to drive interest in the popular series that has become a staple of the gaming experience and a beloved product for players to try their hand at.

Stålros said that so far this year, there have been only three months without an actual winner and that there could be well more players turned millionaires from the Dream Drop series as the year carries on.

Celebrating the Dream Drop Series Success  

The Chief Executive also celebrated the conduit for engagement that the Dream Drop series have become for Relax Gaming’s original and highly-recognizable content:

Dream Drop has seen players engaging with our content more than ever thanks to the excitement the jackpot creates. The portfolio of jackpot integrations continues to grow at speed and we already look forward to celebrating our seventeenth Mega winner when it lands. Our congratulations go to the lucky player.

Relax Gaming CEO  Martin Stålros

Commenting on behalf of Betsson Group, Company Director of Gaming Performance Phil Lam was similarly pleased to see a Betsafe player become a millionaire through the Dream Drop Mega Jackpot prize.

Lam did not hesitate to tout the features that Relax Gaming brought to the table, celebrating the Dream Drop series as a highly entertaining and valuable gamification product.

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A recent study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that the introduction of casinos in Massachusetts has not led to a surge in problem gambling, contrary to some expectations. 

UMass Research Shows Slight Decrease in Problem Gambling

The findings, presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, indicate that despite the proliferation of gambling opportunities, the prevalence of problem gambling remained relatively stable.

The study, led by Rachel Volberg, a research professor at UMass Amherst, compared data collected before and after the opening of three major casinos in the state. Surprisingly, the results showed that the rate of problem gambling actually decreased slightly from 2% in 2013 to 1.4% in 2021 among the adult population aged 18 and over.

Volberg highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on gambling behavior, noting that restrictions imposed during the pandemic reduced overall gambling activity. However, even before the pandemic, the study found no significant increase in problem gambling despite the establishment of new casinos.

Volberg explained that they had hypothesized that exposure to casinos in neighboring Connecticut might mitigate any potential rise in problem gambling. She added that it was reassuring to see their hypothesis confirmed.

At-Risk Gamblers’ Concerns Highlighted in UMass Study

The study also revealed a decline in out-of-state casino patronage, with only 10.2% of respondents in 2021 reporting gambling outside of Massachusetts, compared to 21.5% in 2013. This suggests that the casinos succeeded in keeping more gambling revenue within the state, as intended by the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act.

However, there are concerns regarding the financial impact on at-risk gamblers, who show signs of potential gambling problems but are not yet classified as problem gamblers. The study noted that the proportion of gambling expenditures coming from at-risk gamblers increased significantly, highlighting the need for early intervention and support mechanisms.

Jordan Maynard, interim chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about available resources for problem gambling. The study found a significant gap in public awareness of support services, indicating a need for improved outreach efforts.

Despite the overall stable rates of problem gambling, public perception of the gambling industry in Massachusetts has shifted. More residents now believe that gambling is too widely available, with 67.5% expressing this concern in 2021 compared to just 15.6% in 2013.

The study, funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, surveyed over 6,000 adults to provide a comprehensive analysis of gambling trends in the state. While the findings offer reassurance regarding problem gambling rates, they also underscore the importance of continued monitoring and proactive measures to address potential harms associated with gambling.

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Connecticut recently released a comprehensive study revealing intriguing insights into the state’s gambling landscape. The research, conducted by Gemini Research and led by University of Massachusetts professor Rachel Volberg, indicates that only 10% of Connecticut residents engage in sports wagering or online games. However, betting trends revealed that the state faces familiar gambling addiction issues.

State Authorities Gained Valuable Data

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services commissioned the study, investing $1.2 million to assess the socioeconomic impacts of legalized gambling, meeting a mandate from the General Assembly. The report, posted online without comment, is expected to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders in the gambling industry.

This study marks the first comprehensive gambling impact assessment since the legalization of sports betting and iGaming. Surprisingly, introducing regulated sports wagering had a relatively modest impact on wagering behaviors. Data indicates that 8.2% of residents were already betting on sports in 2009 when sports betting was illegal, emphasizing that the activity was prevalent even before legalization.

The legal availability of gambling is only partly responsible for the current rate of problem gambling, as people with gambling problems existed to some extent prior to legal provision.

Gemini Research study on Connecticut legalized gambling

According to the study, problem gambling rates in Connecticut, standing at 1.8%, align with the national average. The report notes that problem gamblers are individuals with impaired control over their gambling, leading to significant negative consequences for themselves or others. At-risk gamblers, comprising 4.9%, display symptoms similar to problem gamblers or engage in high-stakes gambling.

Observed Trends Can Aid Player Protection Efforts

Although constituting less than 2% of the population, problem gamblers are responsible for a staggering 51% of sports betting revenue and contribute significantly to overall legalized gambling revenue in the state. The report suggests that nearly 71% of all legal gambling revenue derives from the approximately 7% of residents categorized as problem or at-risk gamblers.

The study also sheds light on the effectiveness of Connecticut’s preventive measures and treatment programs for problem gambling. While treatment programs are deemed sufficient to meet demand, the report suggests additional outreach efforts to overcome detrimental factors like stigma and lack of awareness that deter individuals from seeking timely help.

Problem gambling treatment and prevention in Connecticut has been quite proactive and provides a good model for the rest of the country.

Gemini Research study on Connecticut legalized gambling

Connecticut’s gambling market has witnessed significant changes, with the saturation of regional casinos and the advent of online gambling. As the state navigates this evolving landscape, the study’s findings will likely play a crucial role in shaping future policies and initiatives related to legalized gambling and tackling emerging issues.

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A new study funded by the Australian Research Council found that children as young as 12 expressed concerns about the impact of celebrity endorsements on promoting gambling as safe, attractive, and fun. Researchers from Deakin, Wollongong, and Curtin universities noted that the results highlighted the need for strict advertising restrictions to protect the next generation from potential gambling harm.

Children Noted That Influencers Hold Significant Sway

The research, which included interviews with 64 children from New South Wales and Victoria, found that influencers, including celebrities like former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, were believed to make gambling more appealing to young audiences. The participants expressed the view that influencers on social media, particularly platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, had a significant impact on their peers.

Many participating youth were aware of the difference between advertisements and reality but expressed concern regarding the effects of gambling endorsements on their peers. A 15-year-old boy noted that some ads created the impression that gambling could lead to an improved lifestyle or appearance, potentially causing some individuals to try mimicking them.

I think you kind of get shown a bit of their lifestyle and think that if you can win like they are, then you can have that lifestyle that they’re living in the ads.

Australian Research Council study participant

While most children displayed some weariness regarding gambling, some of the younger participants admitted that their favorite celebrities could influence their decisions. One 12-year-old boy stated that if their favorite idol, YouTuber, Instagrammer, or TikToker were gambling, it would be a compelling enough reason to try.

Australia’s Gambling Woes Will Likely Continue

In light of these findings, the researchers emphasized the importance of implementing comprehensive advertising restrictions to protect young people from the potential harms associated with gambling. The study’s authors urged the federal government to consider the concerns raised by the children and take them seriously. These observations match the rising gambling addiction rates in the country, further highlighting this growing issue.

Dr Hannah Pitt, one of the study authors from Deakin University, emphasized the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements among younger audiences and the need to address the portrayal of gambling in a more balanced manner, showing both positives and potential harms. However, implementing such measures requires strong political will, which Australia often finds lacking.

They were concerned that young people would look up to these celebrities and make them believe that gambling was a normal thing to do.

Dr Hannah Pitt, Deakin University

Professor Samantha Thomas, another study author, highlighted the skepticism among young people regarding government action due to the perceived political influence of the gambling industry. January’s revelations regarding private discussions between the government and vested interest groups regarding the fate of gambling advertising bans cast further doubt that Australia can push through with its much-needed reforms.

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Strive Gaming, a software supplier that has created a full service omni-channel iGaming platform designed specifically for the North American markets, has announced it will keep focusing on the United States.

The company was founded just three years ago by Damian Xuereb, the current President, together with Max Meltzer, the current Chief Executive Officer. Xuereb says that the business had the advantage of understanding nuances of markets in each of the American states it operates in.

“We had the opportunity to do our research and ensure we built a product that meets not just the current state, but the future state or requirements, as and when we roll out into more and more states,” Damian Xuereb explained.

Another advantage for the company is that it refused to step into other markets away from the United States, keeping its focus solely on North America. “We won’t get distracted by other regulations,” Xuereb underlined, pointing out that the Brazilian, Dutch or German markets are not of interest for his company. “That means our business and our product will continually evolve around the North American player experience,” he added.

Eight Big Clients Secured

During its three years of activity, Strive Gaming secured partnerships with eight important iGaming brands. The first two were Desert Diamond and Golden Nugget Online Gaming in Arizona. Then the company signed agreements with Betsafe, PointsBet in Canada and Four Winds, owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The supplier has already secured additional clients which are yet to be announced.

About the company’s partners, Damian Xuereb said that all of them managed to “gain meaningful market share.” The Strive Gaming President gave the example of Desert Diamond in Arizona, which is owned by a local tribal operator, and revealed that the brand is successfully competing with “big hitters” and also triumphed against nationwide companies. “With the right technology behind a brand, local operators can compete,” Damian Xuereb concluded.

The Strive Gaming founder also predicted that there will be growing opportunities in North America because while online sports betting is currently present in 36 American states, iCasino is available in just seven states and the market is bound to expand. Indiana is one of the states where gambling legalization is discussed, while Joseph Addabbo, a state senator from New York, has introduced a new version of a bill which would legalize online casino gaming and internet lottery.

Source: “Home field advantage: Strive creates a PAM for North America“. iGaming Business. January 24, 2024.

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A November 2023 survey conducted by the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) in collaboration with research company Enkätfabriken provides valuable insights into Swedes’ gambling habits and awareness levels. The data sheds light on key trends and sentiments related to gambling in the country and highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to curb gambling harm.

Effective Regulation Requires Comprehensive Data

The survey results revealed some intriguing insights into the gambling habits of Swedes. According to the data, a staggering 75% of Sweden’s population had engaged in gambling activities in the past 12 months. At the time of the study, 41% of respondents had gambled in the last week, showcasing an increase compared to previous surveys in 2022 (38%) and 2021 (34%).

Relatively low-risk verticals remained the most popular, with lottery retaining its position as the most popular form of gambling. 74% of respondents who had gambled in the last 12 months revealed they had participated in lotteries, with trotting ranked second with 25%, followed by sports betting and bingo at 15%, and online casinos at 10%.

Gambling harm rates appear to be on the rise, as roughly 10% of respondents felt that they had gambled too much in the last year. The percentage of people who played to chase profits also increased, as did the number of respondents who knew someone close to them experiencing issues with excessive gambling.

The Unregulated Sector Is on the Rise

The survey revealed a worrying lack of awareness regarding black-market gambling, as 91% of respondents did not know how to determine if a website held a Swedish gaming license. Even among those who played almost daily, 59% could not identify licensed sites. Only 40% believed playing at licensed sites had an advantage, marking a 13% decrease from the 2022 survey.

Such data aligns with warnings from Sweden’s online gambling association, Branschföreningen för Onlinespel, which highlighted how misguided regulations made licensed operators less competitive compared to black market entities. The organization notes that the upcoming gambling tax increase will further exacerbate these issues and further destabilize the country’s fragile market.

The newest SGA data highlights the need for increased awareness and education on responsible gambling practices. Swedish gamblers require better ways to identify licensed sites and understand the advantages of playing on licensed platforms. Rising problem gambling rates also indicate that the government needs to rethink its policies and focus on counteracting unlicensed operators.

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After successful 2023, Soft2Bet is looking forward to ways to further expand its business in 2024.

Gamification and interesting tools

The company’s popular gamification features, which are already advanced and customized to fulfill the partners’ needs, will be further expanded and tailored to suit the players in different regulated markets.

‍Gamification is a term related to social and casual gaming and it has become very important in the industry. Currently, it is used to express upgrading the engagement and gameplay, as well as the overall gaming experience.

‍Soft2Bet uses gamification to incorporate social engagement and gameplay tools into its content. The company created an advanced gamification engine, Soft2Bet Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) to fulfill the wishes of the players in different markets.

So far, MEGA had great success, and the financial and product-performance results have been a blast. However, the company plans to further expand its app.

Yoel Zuckerberg, Chief Product Officer at Soft2Bet, said: “In practice, this translates into our tech, development, marketing or CRM teams spending many man-hours integrating all those elements into our products’ gameplay. This has meant hours of painstaking technical work developing a fully integrated solution that is seamless, secure, tailored, and geo-targeted to players’ habits and preferences. This work is paying off and has enabled Soft2Bet to grow faster than ever in 2023.”

Mobile gaming and incorporation of AI technologies

However, the company plans to focus more on the online gambling market, which is estimated to earn more than $150 billion by the end of the decade. Currently, about 70% of all online betting revenue is earned through mobile apps, so the company plans to further upgrade its features and offer players new, customized, and unique mobile gaming experience.

However, in the era of various AI technologies, it’s important not to forget about them. Soft2Bet will continue to look for different ways to incorporate advanced AI solutions into its offering, especially in the field of data analytics, which will help in upgrading the player experience and tailor the offering to suit the players.

Also, player behavior analytics is one of the most important things to consider in the next year.

Responsible gaming remains in the spotlight in 2024, as always. In the next year, it is estimated that the industry will figure out new tools and solutions and come up with new, innovative ideas for keeping gaming safe and secure for all.

Soft2Bet prepared a lot more new content for 2024, including the fantastic City Builder features for the players who enjoy casinos, as well as Sports Stadiums for sports betting fans.

‍Martin Collins, CBDO at Soft2Bet, commented: “For 2024, we look forward to furthering our innovation and motivational engineering offerings while expanding our reach across the globe. The next year will be a pivotal one both for our company and the iGaming industry more broadly. We focused on driving these exciting new trends as we continue to disrupt and drive the industry forward.”

Source: “Soft2Bet Shares 2023 Results and Predicts Biggest iGaming Trends for 2024”. Soft2Bet. December 22, 2023.

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Choukri, who served as the Canadian province of New Brunswick’s deputy attorney general, repented of his actions, admitting his addiction had caused significant financial damage to his clients. The details of his fall from grace reveal the insidious dangers of gambling and how it can strike even wealthy and respected individuals. 

A Dramatic Fall From Grace

Choukri was far from what could be described as a vulnerable individual, serving as the chief of staff in former premier Bernard Lord’s office and later becoming deputy attorney general. He continued to serve in high-profile government positions well into the 2010s, later resuming his position as a well-respected lawyer. However, it all came crashing down when his gambling addiction finally caught up with him.

As a lawyer in Fredericton, he held client funds in trust accounts. However, rising credit card debt caused him to withdraw hundreds of thousands to cover his gambling expenses, as he lost staggering amounts in games of poker at Casino New Brunswick in Moncton. As the funds in the trust accounts finally ran out in 2016, Choukri fled the province.

Authorities found the suspect in Mississauga, Ontario, where he had launched a support group for victims of gambling addiction, hoping to make up for his past actions. The prosecution also revealed that Choukri had run out of funds and had, at one point, contemplated suicide. He is now living with his mother, awaiting the court’s decision.

Choukri Will Likely Serve Time in Prison

Crown prosecutor Vicky Doucette noted that the casino could not return the funds and that Choukri carried the entire blame for the situation. However, his financial status meant he could not reimburse his victims, which is why Doucette and defense lawyer Gilles Lemieux agreed that a three-year prison sentence would be sufficient punishment.

It is a cautionary tale. This was a gambling addiction. It shows how high someone can be and how low they can fall.

Crown prosecutor Vicky Doucette

Although the law society’s compensation fund covered some of the losses Choukri caused, his victims still suffered because of his actions, as several individuals had trusted the ex-lawyer with money from injury settlements. Choukri appeared remorseful, agreeing that his actions had been inexcusable and regretting the damage and distress he had caused.

I caused them troubles, embarrassment, delays, and financial losses. And I am really disappointed in myself. I deeply regret all the wrongs that I have caused.

Yassin Choukri

This recent case perfectly highlights how nobody is safe from gambling addiction. A once respected and successful lawyer and member of the government, Choukri’s encounter with gambling was even more damaging to him than to his victims. As the court prepares to issue its final decision on 19 December, Choukri’s tale should highlight the importance of proper regulations and responsible gambling measures to prevent such cases.

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Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Gambling Authority of the Netherlands, has unveiled its 2022 Market Scan, providing insights into the performance and regulated activities of the Dutch gambling market. The document complements the KSA’s recent industry report, highlighting the need for updated responsible gambling practices to remain up-to-date with shifting trends.

Online Gaming Is Taking Center Stage

The 2022 Market Scan is the first opportunity for Dutch authorities to evaluate a year’s worth of data following the KOA online gambling marketplace’s official launch on 1 October 2021. According to the regulator, opening the market for online operators significantly affected the land-based gambling sector, as customers received unprecedented choices.

In 2022, online gambling contributed 31% of the total gross gaming revenue (GGR), with land-based properties comprising 69%. The land-based sector declined significantly by 30%, highlighting changing player preferences. The KSA was hopeful that land-based casinos could still be suffering the pandemic’s aftermath and might recover to pre-pandemic levels.

While significantly smaller than the casino segment, sports betting experienced substantial growth, generating a 260% increase in GGR, amounting to €319 million. Online bookmakers were responsible for 83% of this total. The 2022 scan revealed that the sports betting sector’s market share had grown from 4% in 2021 to almost 10% in 2022.

Kansspelautoriteit Remains Committed to Player Safety

The Netherlands’ gross gaming result for legal games of chance amounted to €3.4 billion in 2022, compared to a BSR of €2 billion in 2021. Part of this growth is due to the increase in online gambling. However, an increase in land-based supply compared to the previous year also contributed as casinos and other establishments reopened after the pandemic.

The KSA will use this data to remain in touch with the latest industry trends and adapt its policies to match rising challenges. The Authority regularly updates its regulatory framework, recently prohibiting operators from advertising on publicly visible spaces and media. Moreover, KSA will conduct rigorous checks to ensure that operators target an audience aged 24 or older. 

KSA’s 2022 Market Scan demonstrates record growth in GGR but also reveals a constantly shifting gambling landscape. This data will be vital in crafting 2023’s regulatory adjustments and ensuring operators follow responsible gambling practices. The regulator’s continued vigilance remains instrumental in giving Dutch customers adequate protection as operators achieve sustainable growth.

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Bardon opened up about his painful journey, marked by a gambling addiction, that followed a horrifying incident of sexual assault against a teenager he befriended at his local pitch and putt club. This revelation coincides with the victim, now 46, choosing to waive his anonymity, emphasizing the intertwining challenges of addiction and abuse.

The Perpetrator Spoke of His Troubled Life

During Bardon’s trial, he took the stand and issued a heartfelt apology for his actions. He expressed disappointment in himself, regretting that the event ever took place. He described the survivor as a gentleman, lamenting he had to go through that harrowing experience. Bardon embraced this accountability wholeheartedly, expressing his readiness to engage in ongoing treatment, marking an important milestone on the path to recovery.

I cannot assess why it happened. It was not in my nature or personality. It never should have happened.

Patrick Bardon

During his trial, Patrick Bardon revealed the profound personal challenges he faced when the abuse came to light. At the time, he was living through severe personal tragedies like the passing of his father and younger sister. These events took a toll on his emotional and mental well-being, impairing his ability to cope with the allegations against him.

After these devastating personal losses, Patrick Bardon developed a debilitating gambling addiction, exacerbating his vulnerable position. The loss of his teaching job, a profession he viewed as a vocation, was a pivotal moment in his life. The subsequent period saw him withdrawing from society and living as a hermit.

Vulnerable Individuals Are Most Susceptible to Gambling Harm

Brandon faces a sentence of 10 years in prison and suspension in the final two years on strict conditions, including that he engages with the Probation Service for two years upon his ultimate release from prison and undergoes any sexual offender treatment program as recommended. These measures will hopefully allow Brandon to cope with his failings and addictions and become a better person.

The perpetrator’s descent into gambling addiction reflects Ireland’s rising problem gaming rates. Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute revealed that 1 in 30 adults in the country suffered from gambling harm. Such data is concerning, as problem gambling harms more than just the individual, potentially impacting their families and loved ones.

The case of Patrick Bardon reflects how the gambling industry can prey on vulnerable individuals, exacerbating their fragile condition and feeding other bad habits. The perpetrator’s story of abuse and loss should be a cautionary tale about the multifaceted nature of addiction and the need for a comprehensive approach to justice and recovery.

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