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Lee Willows: ‘We should be humbled that addiction levels are coming down: do we really think that big state programmes, funded by a statutory levy and controlled by the NHS could do any better?’
Lee Willows, the long-standing lived-experience leader who came into the gambling space following an addiction that almost drove him to suicide, has warned that the UK risks losing its status as a world-class leader in Social Responsibility. Commenting after the Westminster Media Forum – Next steps for UK gambling regulation and Labour Party MP Carolyn Harris’s Westminster Hall debate on the statutory gambling levy, Willows said: “I firmly believe the UK is a global leader in Social Responsibility, but I worry that flame might be dimming as the funding debate becomes more about a desire to break-up the very eco-system that supported me and today supports many others. It is this Third Sector-led eco-system that to my mind, makes us world-class.”
Addressing the nature of the debate he questioned: “Why have we allowed it to come down to narrow choices between the NHS or the Third Sector to deliver a national programme of treatment – why can’t both co-exist? I have often said we need a choir of voices and organisations in this space. Why is it so difficult for start-up organisations – often led by individuals with Lived Experience – to access funding? Why is the funding debate consistently tarnished by some who feel there is a lack of independence as opposed to recognising the impact of that funding, which in my experience is completely independent. Finally, why are we not humbled that addiction levels are coming down and education and awareness is now at an all-time high, being led by superb charities in a considered, well-thought and evidenced manner?
“These divisions and the potential introduction of a statutory levy carry significant risks to my mind and in many ways undermines a lot of the good work that’s been undertaken. We have built an eco-system to deliver treatment, support and prevention that has impressive reach across the United Kingdom. This didn’t happen overnight, it took time, and a huge collective effort on behalf of many very decent people. A statutory levy risks being seen by operators as another tax and as a result dilute their level of involvement in reducing harms.
“Whilst there is much more to be achieved, we should be humbled by this progress. Do we really think that big state (NHS only) programmes, funded by a statutory levy can do any better? Will big state programmes enable agility and innovation? Will big state programmes deliver better value for money? Will big state programmes really provide the funding for very local services or take a risk on start-up organisations or ideas, particularly from those with Lived-Experience, often starting out as sole-traders? Will big state, one size fits all programmes, be able to deal with the complexities around gambling addictions?
“Several years ago, I led the work of a national reducing re-offending charity at the time when the Probation Services were being privatised. A slightly different scenario, but a similar outcome in that the PLC companies and the state won many of the contracts, forcing many charities to close. Wind the clock forward and re-offending rates today remain broadly where they were prior to privatisation. The tragedy is that re-offending rates were beginning to drop, prior to privatisation. Beneficiaries of services often would say that they had a personal connection with the staff member supporting them from charities, whereas they were more like a number when being supported by the larger companies. It has also been proven consistently that charity-run services almost always deliver better value for money.”
“It will not surprise you that I do not support a statutory levy. There is much comfort to take from the current eco-system and the many charities and non-profit organisations working hard in this space and it would be a big mistake to risk this. Additionally, I believe our prime commissioner of services in this space might want to ask themselves what they can do better to support start-up organisations and foster agility, spending their income in a timely manner, with a percentage aimed at small start-up organisations. I also believe they might consider their ballooning establishment chart, which for many seems excessive.”
Looking to the short/medium-term Lee Willows has identified an action plan in order to facilitate innovation, encourage agility and maintain the UK’s world-class status. He explained: “Firstly the new strategy to reduce gambling-harms should be fully costed (so we actually know how much funding we need as opposed to a blanket 1%); secondly some mandated guidance should be given to operators when making donations, based on percentages for treatment, prevention and research; finally larger businesses should in my opinion, be mandated to commit 50 percent of their LCCP RET donations to fund three-year funding commitments in order to ensure sustainability. Operators need certainty, so they can budget donations; charities and non-profit organisations need certainly so they can plan services”.
“The notion of a Gambling Commission held RET list is something I continue to support, but I would also question if it is appropriate that the Gambling Commission administer Regulatory Settlements. Perhaps having another body or organisation to oversee these would bring about some of the reflections I am proposing, particularly where prevention is concerned. This would enable the Commission to focus on its regulatory responsibilities.”
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Fast Track welcomes PolarLotto: taking online lotto in Sweden to new heights
Malta, 28th March 2024 – PolarLotto, a leading provider of lotto betting services in Sweden, has just announced a strategic partnership with Fast Track, a leading provider of CRM solutions designed specifically for the iGaming industry. This collaboration aims to propel PolarLotto’s expansion from offline to online offerings, bringing the excitement of the world’s biggest lotteries to Swedish players in a safe and responsible manner.
PolarLotto prides itself on its commitment to transparent and ethical gaming practices, with a focus on player safety and responsible gaming. By teaming up with Fast Track, PolarLotto aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to expand its business model from traditional to online, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for its customers.
Commenting on the partnership, Benjamin Burstein, CEO of PolarLotto, expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities ahead, stating, “We are excited to embark on this journey of transforming our business with the latest technology and automation tools provided by Fast Track. As we transition to the online space, we are confident that Fast Track’s expertise in custom segmentation, real-time data capabilities, and personalised experiences will enable us to better serve our players and achieve our business objectives.”
Fast Track also expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting the potential for exceptional results through its Singularity model, which uses AI and machine learning to deliver tailored content to players, at the right time and through the most effective channel. “We are thrilled to partner with PolarLotto and support their online expansion,” said Simon Lidzén, CEO and co-founder of Fast Track. Our tools are designed to empower lean teams to achieve remarkable results, and we look forward to helping PolarLotto maximise their online presence and engagement.”
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Red Bull Gaming premieres ‘Memories of CS:GO’ documentary highlighting the game’s early years
As the CS2 PGL Major in Copenhagen is set to kick off, Red Bull Media House will unveil a captivating feature-length documentary, “Memories of CS:GO – The Early Years,” an ode to one of the most influential games ever made.
This film takes viewers on an immersive journey through the origins and evolution of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), featuring personal accounts and defining moments from several of the most legendary figures of the game.
The 90-minute documentary, narrated by Counter-Strike commentator Henry “HenryG” Greer, chronicles the remarkable trajectory of CS:GO, from its grassroots beginnings to becoming a global esports phenomenon.
Produced by Red Bull Media House, the film captures the essence of the game through the eyes of its most well known players, including Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson, Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg, Richard “shox” Papillon, Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, and Jarosław “pashaBiceps” Jarząbkowski, among others.
The documentary’s release is timed to precede the playoff stage of the PGL Major Copenhagen, scheduled for March 26, 2024. It will premiere on Red Bull Gaming’s YouTube channel at 21:00 CEST, offering viewers worldwide an insider’s perspective on the beloved game.
Event Details:
- What: Premiere of “Memories of CS:GO – The Early Years”
- When: March 26th, 2024, at 21:00 CEST
- Where to watch: Red Bull Gaming’s Youtube Channel
- The “CS:GO Memories” documentary can be viewed shareit.redbull.com
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Ten Square Games ready for a new development opportunities in 2024
2023 ESPI package
The following documents in pdf format are equivalents of the official Consolidated Financial Statement which were reported in ESPI (download in the zip file above)
2023 Consolidated Financial Statement
2023 Management Board Report on Activities
Independent Auditor’s Report on the Audit of Annual Consolidated Financial Statements
Link to the stream
Link to the chat with individual investors
Presentation
Factsheet
Financial data
Transcription of the conference and Q&A session
For complete press release visit tensquaregames.com
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