Wazdan has formed a new partnership with Italian operator Starvegas, further solidifying its presence in Italy’s online gaming market.
As part of the deal, more than 20 of Wazdan’s top-performing slots will be available to players across Italy. Starvegas’ customers will also have access to Wazdan’s unique engagement-boosting features.
Commenting on the partnership, Wazdan’s Chief Commercial Officer, Andrzej Hyla, said: “Our European business has seen rapid growth, thanks to our innovative approach that continues to attract top operators. We’re excited to collaborate with Starvegas, a key player in the Italian market, and believe our games will offer a superior experience for slot enthusiasts.”
Paolo Marchi, Managing Director at Starvegas, added: “To maintain our position as a leading brand, it’s crucial to offer exciting, innovative slots. Partnering with Wazdan aligns with our mission to provide players with the best titles on the market. We’re eager to hear feedback on our enhanced offering.”
This collaboration follows Wazdan’s recent expansion in Italy, having signed a partnership with CasinoMania just last month.
Meanwhile, a recent independent evaluation by Ipsos has revealed that most Gamstop users feel safer and more in control of their gambling behaviour after signing up for the national self-exclusion scheme.
The survey, conducted among over 4,650 users, shows that 78% believe Gamstop delivered the results they were looking for. Additionally, 80% of respondents said they would recommend the service to others.
The study, published on 18 September 2024, also highlights that 73% of users are satisfied with Gamstop. This figure rises to 85% among those who have completely stopped gambling.
A significant 72% of users reported feeling safer from the harms associated with gambling after registering. Three-quarters said they felt more in control of their gambling habits.
Since its launch in 2018, Gamstop has registered over 500,000 individuals who want to block access to UK-licensed online gambling sites. The top reasons for registering include stopping gambling entirely (55%), regaining control over life (55%) and reducing gambling-related spending (51%).
Despite the positive feedback, the report identifies areas for improvement. Many users acknowledged that while Gamstop is an effective tool against online gambling, it does not completely eliminate the desire to gamble.
The evaluation suggests that offering longer or even lifetime exclusion periods could offer greater peace of mind to those trying to quit gambling for good.
One key concern raised by users is the availability of unlicensed gambling platforms. Some admitted to turning to illegal operators who advertise themselves as not being part of the Gamstop system.
The report calls on the UK Government, the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders to address the issue of black-market gambling. Stricter regulations are needed to curb the promotion of these illegal platforms.
While Gamstop is effective in reducing harm from licensed operators, more action is required to combat illegal gambling activity.
Commenting on the findings, Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer said: “We regularly assess the service’s impact through independent research. It’s encouraging to see that most users feel Gamstop has significantly reduced their gambling-related harm.”
