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Merkur UK extend support to ground-breaking web3 research
Merkur UK has extended its safer gambling programme to support an academic research programme which will seek to understand dominant trends in the relationship between gaming and gambling.
The research will consider the differences between Web2 and Web3 gambling, include an analysis of the specific Web3 gambling features, platforms, activities and experiences, considerations of the different types of customers, customer awareness and how this might influence behaviour as well as provide a contrast between the context of gaming and gambling with other Web3 activities and platforms
Merkur UK is playing an important role in supporting the research which will help broader society to understand the relationship between gaming and gambling the transition to Web3 and its implications on mental health. The work is being led by ESG Gaming, the not-for-profit Corporate Community Interest Company founded by Lee Willows, with the research findings due to be presented at a Parliamentary Symposium in Q2 2023.
Explaining the importance and topicality of the initiative Lee Willows said: “Video games are one of the most popular recreational activities for adults and young people.
“Esports – defined as competitive spectator-driven video gaming played by professional gamers – now has upwards of 470 million spectators worldwide who are able to gamble on the outcome of an event in a way that’s similar to sports betting. As a consequence, the risk is that younger people are being drawn to gamble.
“In 2020, 17 percent of esports gamblers were aged 18-24 with the majority classed as ‘first time gamblers’. This situation is compounded by the fact that those who choose to gamble do not perceive themselves as traditional gamblers. Some good research does exist around this, but we’d like to contribute by taking it a step forward, by also considering how Web3 might change behaviour, which will allow organisations such as ESG Gaming to reimagine prevention and support.
“We have established an independent governance structure, for the initiative and the support from Merkur UK will enable ESG Gaming to undertake timely and purposeful research which will then be used to co-develop digital content with partners aimed directly at casual players to reduce harms. Merkur UK through its impactful 360 Program has set a high standard in terms of the implementation of safer gambling for the land-based AGC sector and we see this as a natural evolution of that work.”
Sascha Blodau general manager for Merkur UK believes in the importance of taking a broad approach to safer gambling. He stated: “Most industry observers will view safer gambling through the prism of online, licensed betting offices, casinos, or high street gaming entertainment centres. However, there is a significant demographic of players who are at risk but who do not even recognise themselves as gamblers.
“Supporting ESG Gaming to undertake this pioneering research with their academic partner will form the bedrock of an authentic outreach digital programme to engage with players and high-risk spectators alike. It will also enable us to reimagine safer gambling initiatives as the world moves to Web3. It promises to be an important and illuminating piece of work, conducted by experts and we are delighted to support it.”
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Springbok Casino’s Wild November Feature ‘Backyard Gangsters’ Offers 25 Free Spins on new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion slot
Unravel the murder mystery and get 25 Free Spins on Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion, a feature-packed slot!
Springbok Casino’s November feature article introduces the “Backyard Gangsters” a playful look at the diverse animals that inhabit our gardens, highlighting their unique roles in maintaining ecological balance.
“Our backyards are teeming with life, and it’s fascinating to see how these cheeky animals each play a vital role in the ecosystem. From flashy sunbirds to silent assassin geckos, these creatures are portrayed as the true rulers of our garden turf, each contributing to the garden’s dynamic.” — Daniel Van Wyke, Springbok Casino Manager.
To celebrate these gang of wild characters, the leading South African online casino is offering all depositing players 25 free spins on the new RTG slot, Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion, until November 30th.
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BACKYARD GANGSTERS: THE SECRET RULERS OF YOUR GARDEN TURF
Tiny Titans: The Insect Underbosses maintain order in the garden with their clever strategies and ruthless efficiency. For instance, the “Bees: the Buzzing Businessmen” and the “Butterflies: the Glamorous Gangsters” ensure that plants and flowers are pollinated, keeping the garden lush and vibrant.
Feathered Mobsters: Birds that Rule the Backyard Skies are always on the hunt for territory and food to snatch. The vigilant Hadeda Ibis doesn’t just feast on worms and insects; its incessant squawking serves as a warning to any trespassers in its domain.
The Night Watchers: Nocturnal Gangsters features stealthy bushbabies expertly bouncing between trees, raiding your fruit with finesse, while owls silently stalk the night, watching and waiting for rodents and insects from their perches.
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Springbok Casino provides customer service in English and Afrikaans, offering hundreds of slots and table games from Spin Logic, all played in rands. Games are playable on mobile devices or on your desktop as download, instant.
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Play’n GO celebrates multiple win at 5 Star Media Awards
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, is today celebrating a five-award sweep in the coveted 5 Star Media Awards of 2024.
The legendary games studio nabbed a second consecutive Slot Supplier of the Year award, as well as being named the RNG Casino Supplier of the Year. The company also secured three of 5 Star Media’s “Top 20” Awards for co-founder and CMO Ebba Arnred, Director of Business Development Stuart Trigwell, and Head of Brand and Communication, Andrew Pink.
Play’n GO has enjoyed a landmark 2024, breaking new ground by entering the South African market, as well as expanding its US presence into what is now five states.
Ebba Arnred, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Play’n GO, commented “We’re always very pleased to have our work recognised at the various awards throughout the year, but to win five in one fell swoop is almost unprecedented. It’s very special to be awarded Slot Supplier of the Year for a second year in a row, and RNG Casino Supplier of the Year is another well-received feather in our cap. We would like to thank 5 Star Media and the entire judging panel, as well as our entire team here at Play’n GO, without whom these award wins simply wouldn’t happen. On a personal level, I’d also like to express gratitude for the individual recognition of a 5 Star “Top 20” Award.”
Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO, added “I’d like to express a sincere thank you to 5 Star Media for being recognised in their “Top 20” Awards. We do our work not for individual accolades but for the success of the entire business, so it’s great to see Play’n GO so well represented across the board.”
Andrew Pink, Head of Brand and Communication at Play’n GO, said “Play’n GO’s driving ambition is to be the best entertainment supplier there is. Aside from producing some of the most played games and best loved characters in the world, that ambition is often realised by things largely unseen by those outside the company. It’s extremely gratifying for everyone at Play’n GO to be recognised as Slot Supplier of the Year. Next year may just be our biggest and best yet.”
eSports
Procedure to be followed by school clubs affiliating for the 2025 season
Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), founded in 1984, is the national federation for Board games, Card games, Esports, and Wargames.
MSSA promotes all the different disciplines equally, although each school may pick-and-choose which discipline it wishes to promote at its school. Some schools will promote the whole gambit, while others will concentrate on only one discipline, and/or even just concentrate on one specific title.
The choice is ultimately up to the school.
MSSA has sent teams with full Protea Colours to international events since 1991 for wargames, 1996 for Morabaraba, 1997 for Checkers, and 2005 for Esports. Many members of the national teams have been scholars, and all have benefited from their involvement in the national Protea Team.
There is still the option open for a school to start a full-blown sub-club on its premises, but bearing in mind the tight regulatory conditions under which accredited schools have to operate in the Republic, the MSSA no longer deems it necessary for a school to start a sub-club.
As long as the school club has the approval of the school, and has an Educator-in-Charge, a school may affiliate by merely completing the Application for Affiliation Form and submitting such to MSSA.
Advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club: There are many advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club, such as:
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Being part of a community where your club has a real say in how things are done
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Being able to apply for National Lottery Funding – MSSA member clubs can apply for up to R800,000.00 in funding
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Being able to get assistance from your local government
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Experience increased media exposure of your events and your gamers
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Become part of the international community through the MSSA Registered players are able to become internationally recognised umpires, etc.
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Enable your gamers to take part in MSSA events, which may qualify them for Regional, Provincial, and National colours, overseas trips, and even sports bursaries at university.
- Private clubs: one vote per every five registered players, and
- School clubs: one vote per every ten registered players.
MSSA’s General Regulations
The General Regulations comprises of decisions made by both Council and Executive Committee Meetings. The General Regulations deals with how sub-committees operate as well as to how teams are selected and development funding is distributed. Please refer to Schedule 10.12 in regard to the rights of clubs in hosting events.
MSSA’s Discipline Specific Regulations
The Discipline Specific Regulations deal with rules concerning the different disciplines. The Disciplines that the MSSA caters for are; Board Gaming, Card gaming, Esports, and Figure Gaming.
When a club applies for membership, the applicant club must complete such form and return the same to the MSSA.Fee note for 2025
The fee note details the Affiliation Fees and Registration fees that are payable.
Player Registration Form
The Player Registration Form needs to be completed by every player that is a member of a club and intends to participate in MSSA affairs.
MSSA’s Letter of Undertaking
The Letter of Undertaking is for all registered players who sit on any MSSA committee.
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