Entertainment

The importance of betting sites maintaining their reputation and trustworthiness

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Online casinos pride themselves on many things, from their luxurious menus and optimized apps to their massive selection of table games, slots and card games. But one of the most important things they need to always be on the ball with is their reputation.

These days, online casinos live and die by word of mouth online. The way they maintain their reputation is not only insightful to modern business trends in general, but also to how they interact with their base.

Bringing in new players

No matter what kind of service or product you are selling, if you want to acquire new customers or clients then you need to have a solid reputation that is built on reliability and trust.

Word of mouth is essential these days. For example, people who are looking for a new platform for sports betting will look to reviews of UK football betting sites. That way, they can find the best welcome bonuses and learn all they need to know about bookies before they actually sign up.

More people are beginning to put faith in user reviews, not just professional aggregate sites. Even though having a great selection of games and juicy welcome bonuses is important for reeling in new players, it will be hard to get them to register if people across social media and review sites are speaking negatively of the site or app.

Keeping the old players

Similarly, a good reputation is even more important for maintaining the customer base a platform acquires. Getting new people in is one thing, but keeping them for months or years is a very different and much more difficult process.

This is why more online casinos are partnering with athletes and celebrities, as well as amplifying their social media presence, as these are the types of things that set the great betting sites apart from the others.

Players stay at betting sites because there is a lot on offer, such as VIP programs, good odds, a diverse selection of games and excellent customer support – preferably the kind that can be contacted 24/7 and through multiple channels, like email or chat rooms. Most betting sites with large, reliable customer bases and a good reputation implement all of these things effectively.

Additionally, a betting site needs to have its site – or app – in order. It needs to look clean, be well optimized, get updated as necessary and be easy to navigate. Though great games and atmosphere can get people in the door, the app and site themselves can turn people away, even if they are just slightly buggy or clunky.

Staying ahead of competitors

The betting site industry keeps a close eye on its competitors, which is why they tend to offer such competitive welcome and no deposit bonuses. But it is also why they take their user reviews and reputation so seriously, because it is often the deciding factor for a lot of people.

Many casinos have similarities when it comes to game selection and themes, so they have to go out of their way to stay unique. This can involve new ways to enable or incorporate technology, but it can also just mean fostering a site or community that feels lively and interactive.

There are a number of online casinos or betting sites that will just do the bare minimum to stay afloat. They can still be fun to play at from time to time, but they are not the places that will keep people coming back for more.

A betting site that goes out of its way to stay relevant and up to date will prove to people that it cares about treating people well. Whether that’s via a robust loyalty program, lotteries and tournaments, responsibility mechanisms or partnerships with equally reliable software providers, these are the things to look out for when trying to find a trustworthy betting site or app.

Why is a betting site’s reputation so important?

Betting sites are a business, and like any business, they stay afloat and scale up by making their current customers feel satisfied. But when it comes to gambling, there are extra factors to keep in mind.

For one thing, gambling can have a reputation for being too risky or too seedy. Luckily, there are more than enough examples in popular culture to show that casinos can be a fun, no-hassle experience if you know what to expect. In this sense, casinos owe it to themselves and to their potential customers to show they want you to have a good time. This is important for their reputation, as it tells people they are not just another source of entertainment.

The bigger issue, though, is with regulation and licensing. Unfortunately, there are many unlicensed betting sites and online casinos out there, and they can’t be trusted for a variety of reasons. They could be operating illegally, or they could be trying to pull a fast one on their customers.

Reputable betting sites earn licenses and are proud of it. Licenses prove they know how to follow rules and laws, and not accidentally bring any trouble to their customers. Many people will stay away from an entire brand of betting sites if they hear they cannot be trusted. This is why betting sites take their reputation so seriously.

Entertainment

The importance of gambling responsibly

Published

12 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Staff Writer

As many as 1.3 million adults in the UK are problem gamblers. For some people, gambling is a simple leisure activity or hobby, but for others it can become a problem that has detrimental effects on their lives and mental wellbeing.

It’s important for both gambling sites and users to practice responsible gambling activities to avoid negative consequences that can come with gambling. So, here’s why gambling responsibly is so important and a few tips that can help make sure gambling remains fun and harmless.

Why is gambling responsibly so important?

Reduces monetary losses

While gambling can be a harmless hobby, there is still a strong risk of losing real money. But by gambling responsibly, you may be able to reduce monetary loss and prevent the significant hardships that can come with that.

Prevents poor mental wellbeing

Betting irresponsibly can lead to excessive or unhealthy betting habits that can result in stress, anxiety, and depression.

Allows you to maintain relationships

Problem gambling can affect relationships with loved ones, but by setting limits and remaining in control, you can maintain strong relationships with friends and family.

Top tips for responsible gambling

Set time and spending limits

Many reputable online gambling sites allow you to set limits on how much time and money you can spend on the site in a specific timeframe. Putting these restrictions in place can prevent you from going overboard or getting carried away.

Avoid gambling as a way to cope with stress

In times of stress it’s important to consider healthier and more effective coping mechanisms, such as exercise or talking therapies, instead of turning to activities like gambling, which can evolve into an unhealthy coping mechanism.

Don’t bet more than you can afford

Gambling comes with a financial risk. When you place a bet, be sure to only bet the amount you can afford to lose and never borrow money to place bets – this can easily lead to debt or money trouble.

What to look for in a gambling site to ensure responsible gambling

Many of the top UK casino sites have tools put in place to protect players and promote responsible gambling practices. Here are just a few of the things to look out for when choosing a gambling site:

Licenses

Licensed gambling sites adhere to strict guidelines to ensure they operate fairly and transparently; these can help you game responsibly and stay safe when gambling online.

Responsible gambling tools

Look for sites that have tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options. Deposit limits let you set a maximum amount that you can deposit in a certain timeframe, time-outs encourage you to take a break, and self exclusion means you won’t have access to gambling for a predetermined amount of time.

Keep the risks of gambling in mind

Whilst gambling can be fun, it’s important to bear in mind that it does come with risks, to your finances, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Be sure to set time and deposit limits, avoid gambling as a way to cope with stress, and don’t borrow money to bet more than you can afford.

Community

Scolton’s Big Weekend set to return with two days of family fun

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Scolton Manor Park is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors this August as it hosts the much-loved Scolton’s Big Weekend, a free-entry celebration of community, creativity and countryside fun.

Taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm each day, the event promises a packed programme of activities suitable for all ages — from curious toddlers to seasoned crafters and four-legged friends.

Organisers say this year’s event will be “bigger and better than ever”, building on the success of previous years which drew record crowds to the Victorian estate near Bethlehem, Pembrokeshire.

A weekend to remember

Attendees can look forward to:

A craft fayre showcasing handmade goods from local artisans
A bug box making workshop for children to learn about nature and build their own insect hotels
A popular dog show inviting proud owners to show off their pooches
Delicious local fare from a wide variety of food stalls
A traditional cake stall with homemade bakes

And with the promise of “more activities to be announced,” visitors are being urged to keep their eyes peeled on Scolton Manor’s website and social media pages.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring the Big Weekend back to Scolton,” said a spokesperson for the event. “It’s always a highlight of the summer calendar, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops to make it even more special.”

A setting steeped in history

Scolton Manor, a Grade II* listed Victorian country house, offers a picturesque setting for the festivities. Surrounded by 60 acres of woodland and meadows, the estate is a much-loved green space for Pembrokeshire residents and tourists alike.

Visitors to the Big Weekend will not only be able to enjoy the event but also explore the manor house, gardens, café and nature trails – making it a full day out for families.

Past success fuels high expectations

Last year’s Big Weekend was described as “much busier than anyone expected” by volunteers involved in the organisation. The Pembrokeshire Supported Employment Programme, which helps local people gain work experience and skills, plays a central role in helping deliver the event each year.

Photos from previous events show colourful bunting, community stalls, live entertainment, and happy families enjoying everything from tractor rides to pottery painting. Organisers say the upbeat atmosphere and strong local turnout have helped establish the event as one of the best free festivals in west Wales.

Entry free – but come early!

Entry to the event is completely free, but car parking charges apply. A standard parking fee of around £4–£6 is expected, with annual passes also accepted.

“We want this to be accessible to everyone,” the spokesperson added. “There’s no charge to come in, and families are welcome to bring a picnic or enjoy the food stalls on site. Dogs on leads are also welcome — and encouraged, especially for the dog show!”

The event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm on both days, and early arrival is advised to secure parking and beat the queues.

Scolton’s Big Weekend
📅 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August 2025
🕙 10:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Scolton Manor, Bethlehem, SA62 5QL
💷 Free entry | Car parking charges apply

For updates and announcements, follow Scolton Manor on social media or visit: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/scolton-manor

Entertainment

Local author’s ‘beautiful rebellion’ wins acclaim as Skrimsli launches in paperback

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A beloved tiger sea captain returns in an epic tale of resistance, nature, and courage from award-winning local writer Nicola Davies

A YOUNG adult eco-fantasy written by Pembrokeshire-based author Nicola Davies is set for paperback release this July, after scooping multiple major literary nominations and being named Wales Children’s Book of the Year 2024.

Skrimsli, described by its author as an “act of beautiful rebellion”, traces the early life of the tiger sea captain who first captured readers’ hearts in The Song that Sings Us. With its themes of loyalty, identity, friendship, and the fight for a better world, Skrimsli has already been shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize for nature writing and nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal.

Speaking ahead of the paperback release on July 3, Davies said: “I turned to writing fantasy fiction because non-fiction didn’t allow me to say the things about what’s wrong with the world that I wanted to. Skrimsli lets me shine a light on the roots of our environmental crisis, deep in colonialism and capitalism. But it’s also an exciting adventure that encourages children to think, imagine, and maybe even start rebellions of their own – through art, music, or storytelling.”

The tale follows Skrimsli and his companions Owl and Kal as they escape a cruel circus master, try to halt a war, and attempt to save an ancient forest. Along the way, they are helped by a desert princess and her eagle, a chihuahua who thinks she’s a wolf, a golden-hearted horse, and the crew of a very unusual ship.

Publisher Penny Thomas praised the book’s unique vision: “Nicola’s imaginative grasp on how humans and animals might communicate makes for powerful storytelling. I’m so glad Skrimsli gets to tell his own story in this thrilling prequel.”

With internal illustrations by renowned artist Jackie Morris and a striking new cover by Jane Matthews, Skrimsli promises to inspire a new generation of readers. Davies, a former presenter of The Really Wild Show, has written more than eighty books and now lives and writes from her home in west Wales

Skrimsli is published by Firefly Press, which recently won the Wales Small Press of the Year Award for the fourth time