Entertainment

How Welsh Casinos Support Players with Self-Exclusion Tools?

Published

7 months ago

June 5, 2024

There is always the possibility that gambling can move from being a fun and exciting pastime to becoming an addiction and a loss of control. In this text, we will look at what a self-exclusion period is and what positive consequences it has had on players in Wales. In addition, below is a list of questions to ask to determine if you should be concerned and think about taking part in the programme.

What Is a Self-Exclusion Program?

Currently, this programme includes about 85% of available operators and is an effective tool in the fight against gambling addiction. It allows voluntarily restricted access to gambling for a certain amount of time. An important detail is that players can choose how long they want to block their accounts. It’s possible to self-exclude from both land-based casinos and online platforms. The standard programme that operates in Wales is GamStop, which was developed by the British government. It allows setting a period of mutual exclusion from 6 months to 5 years. This tool is designed to help people who feel that gambling may become a problem or has already caused them to take a break and pay attention to their health and well-being.

How Welsh Casinos Promote Responsible Gambling?

In addition to participating in the self-exclusion programme, the platforms additionally try to support players in need. For example, they provide a safe and responsible gaming environment by implementing betting and deposit limits. Moreover, platform employees and customer support teams are trained to detect signs of problem gambling and provide appropriate support. Most casinos in Wales also cooperate with organisations that specialise in helping people with gambling problems, providing access to the necessary resources and assistance.

The Advantages of Self-Exclusion

Thousands of users have already experienced a positive impact on their lives after completing the self-exclusion tools. Therefore, the platforms like GamStop has a number of benefits, helping to maintain financial stability and improve mental health. When you want to remove GamStop self-exclusion, it’s not an easy thing to do. But here are a few more positive changes we’ve seen thanks to GamStop:

• It’s easy for players to take a break from gambling, which may be necessary to regain control over behaviour.

• Lack of access to games helps to prevent further financial losses.

• Instead of wasting time on gambling, it’s possible to focus on work, family, and other important areas of life.

How to Start Self-Exclusion in Welsh Casinos?

Gaining access to the GamStop programme is as convenient and simple as possible. Do not be surprised if the application asks you to provide such data as your full name, passport number, or date of birth. The more options you have for blocking, the more reliable your self-exclusion from the casino will be. Blocking by IP address alone may not be enough because it can always be changed, for example, if you log into the account from another computer. Here is a list of steps to follow if you want to use this feature:

• First, go to the app’s official website and click on the ‘Create Account’ or ‘Register’ button.

• Next, enter personal details, including your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.

• Then, you need to come up with and enter a password for the account.

• Once you have created the profile, you will need to fill out the registration form. Enter a home address and any other addresses you have used to register with an online casino. Select the desired self-exclusion period.

• Next, confirm the personal data and agree to the terms of use of the GamStop app.

How to Understand When It Is Time to Use This Feature?

Even when you are in the midst of gambling, it’s important to stop and check for signs that indicate a potential gambling problem. This can be difficult at times, but many people do not even notice when they start to lose control of their betting habits. Here are a useful questions below to help you be honest with yourself:

1. Do thoughts about online gambling take up more and more time and make it hard to concentrate on anything else?
2. Do you often catch yourself lying? Whether to yourself or someone else, how much time and money do you spend on play?
3. Has playing games caused problems in your relationships with friends or family?
4. Do you notice that after a loss, it makes sense to deposit more money or increase the amount of deposits?
5. Suppose you have already tried to reduce the number of gambling sessions. Have you noticed that you have become more irritable as a result?
6. Have you borrowed money from friends or relatives to gamble?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, there may be symptoms of an uncontrollable addiction. In this case, it’s worth considering a period of self-exclusion or trying to reduce the time spent playing.

Additional Tools for Responsible Gaming in Wales

If it’s difficult to tune in to such radical measures at first, pay attention to other tools that contribute to positive changes:

• Casino websites usually have sections dedicated to responsible gambling, where people can find information about the risks of gambling and ways to avoid them.
• Welsh casinos offer a variety of self-monitoring tools, such as reminders of gambling time and the ability to set breaks between sessions.
• Moreover, it’s possible to set limits on their bets and deposits to control spending.
• Setting a time limit to avoid spending the whole day betting is also possible.
Final Thoughts
A self-exclusion function is an essential tool to support players, and early detection of signs of gambling addiction helps to analyse the situation. A programme like GamStop allows one to maintain financial stability, improve mental health, and focus on other important aspects of life. This opportunity can be used completely free of charge and in different terms.

Entertainment

Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE UNEARTHED FESTICAL is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style, with headline performances from Macka B, Natty, and Ozric Tentacles.

Adding to the excitement, Marcus Gad is anticipated to join the lineup, though this awaits final confirmation, as stated in a recent newsletter to the festival’s mailing list.

The much-loved festival, renowned for its vibrant blend of music and arts, is gearing up for its milestone year. Organisers are urging festival-goers to secure their spots early, as campervan spaces, dog passes, and parking permits are in limited supply.

Early bird tickets for Unearthed 2025 sold out in record time, a testament to the festival’s enduring popularity among its dedicated fan base.

In a statement to attendees, the festival team said: “These epic artists are Unearthed icons, and as it’s our 10th anniversary festival, we couldn’t imagine celebrating without them.”

To mark the occasion, a redesigned festival website was unveiled last Friday, alongside the opening of applications for performers, volunteers, traders, and other contributors. The team encourages prompt submissions to ensure a chance to participate in this landmark event.

Adding to the festive spirit, organisers have also extended an invitation to their New Year’s Eve party—a warm-up to the main event next summer.

The Unearthed Festival has built a reputation over the past decade for delivering a unique community experience, blending diverse music, art, and culture in a way that resonates deeply with attendees.

As part of the broader summer festival scene, Unearthed continues to stand out as a celebration of creativity and connection, promising another unforgettable year in 2025.

Entertainment

Does Deal or No Deal need to attract more Welsh players?

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Staff Writer

With ITV’s reboot of Deal or No Deal now in full swing, fans have noticed that some of the most exciting moments have involved Welsh contestants. With viewers highlighting the charm and entertainment value of Welsh players, we’ve discussed why the hit game show could benefit from getting more locals involved.

The popularity of Deal or No Deal

The initial run of the UK’s Deal or No Deal was broadcast on Channel 4 between 2005 and 2016 before quietly being axed. In 2023, a new revival returned to ITV with a slightly altered format. With viewers flocking to the series in droves, the broadcaster was quick to renew the show for another season this year.

As the game is entirely luck-based, it has made it a great source of inspiration for online gambling games. This includes multiple online slots and even live dealer game shows with Deal or No Deal branding. These are featured at several quality sites that offer UK casino bonuses to new players in Wales, including 888Casino. Until the Welsh get more representation on the show, this is one of the best ways for players to experience being a contestant.

Welshman centre of memorable episode

During the early weeks of the series’ revival in 2023, an episode featuring Portsmouth-based Welsh player Simon inspired a passionate response from viewers after he played a comically bad game. Simon was adamant that his case contained £100,000, only to watch his chances at fortune slowly dwindle.

His confidence ultimately saw him make poor decisions after poor decisions, turning down strong offers and even inspiring viewers to back the Banker in frustration. The game culminated with Simon opening his case to win 10p. Despite his poor efforts, the episode generated widespread online conversations, leading us to believe that more Welsh players deserve a go at the jackpot.

The case for more Welsh players

After Simon’s disastrous performance, it seems fair that another Welsh player is invited along to do their country proud. In the final episode of the series’ ITV broadcast in 2023, Welsh player Jamie Foulkes from Cefn Mawr became an audience favourite after displaying the natural charming and quick wit characteristic of our locals.

His gameplay saw him nicknamed “mystic Jamie” for his ability to correctly guess case amounts, and after an extended moment of consideration, accepted a life-changing Banker’s offer of £14,850. This is a considerable amount when considering the top prize in the relaunched edition is £100,000 rather than the previous £250,000 offered.

The revival series is produced in Salford’s Media City complex, making it only a short drive away from residents in Northern Wales. This was one of the reasons that Foulkes applied for the show, so there’s no reason why more Welsh players couldn’t be selected.

Welsh players bring something special

Whether it’s the captivating yet frustrating performance of Simon or the charming run of Jamie Foulkes, Welsh players have already made a splash on the revived series of Deal or No Deal. We hope that the future season will showcase more local players to display our unique charms across the UK.

Entertainment

River-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular parade

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Cardigan on Monday (Dec 18) for the much-anticipated Giant Lantern Parade, hosted by Small World Theatre. Originally scheduled for Dec 6, the event was postponed due to Storm Darragh but proved to be a dazzling highlight of the festive season in Ceredigion.

The parade, inspired by the River Teifi, received financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by Ceredigion County Council. The festivities drew crowds from near and far, with Cardigan’s mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, among those in attendance.

Leading the procession were the vibrant beats of Pembrokeshire-based Samba Doc and stunning giant feature lanterns. The parade snaked through the town and down to the quayside, where thousands of spectators enjoyed the spectacle. Larger-than-life lantern creatures crafted by pupils of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and pyramid lantern displays created by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Llechryd, Cardigan youth groups, and the public added to the event’s charm.

This year, Cardigan is also hosting a Festival of Light, offering a series of festive attractions. In addition to the Lantern Parade, Small World Theatre has curated a Light Trail that runs from 4:30pm to 9:00pm daily, showcasing illuminated lanterns on buildings, creative light displays, and artworks throughout the town. Local independent cafes, shops, and galleries have joined in the festive spirit, decorating their windows to welcome visitors until Christmas.

Cllr Clive Davies expressed his excitement about the festivities:
“We’re delighted to have so many brilliant events happening in Cardigan, and the Giant Lantern Parade is exceptional. Congratulations to Small World Theatre and the community.”

Ann Shrobree, Director of Small World Theatre, thanked everyone involved:
“Thanks to everyone who helped—Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant volunteers and first aiders. Samba Doc, fire juggling performers, and so many more came together to create a very special event for all.”

This year’s Lantern Parade has cemented its place as a cherished tradition, lighting up Cardigan and spreading festive joy across the community.