Monthly Archives: May 2024

Cancer, Charity, Charity & CSR, Children and Childcare, News

South London family supports Children with Cancer UK following son’s diagnosis

A family from South London is supporting leading childhood cancer charity, Children with Cancer UK, to help raise awareness following son Stanley’s cancer diagnosis.

Stanley Thompson, from Welling, London, was diagnosed with low-risk neuroblastoma,  a type of cancer that develops in early nerve cells, in December 2022, when he was just one-year-old.

One week before his first birthday, Stanley’s parents, Victoria and Bryan, noticed that Stanley was showing signs of mobility issues. After being advised that it could be a viral infection and his mobility continued to decline, Victoria and Bryan took Stanley to the hospital where he spent first birthday having tests.

An MRI detected a tumour on Stanley’s spine and within 12 hours, Stanley underwent surgery to relieve some of the pressure on his spine and was diagnosed with low-risk neuroblastoma.

Victoria comments: “You never believe any child, let alone your child, will be diagnosed with cancer. Our whole world was turned upside down when we heard that our little boy had been diagnosed with cancer just one day after his first birthday. Stanley’s diagnosis all happened so quickly, which has been incredibly hard to process, but for somebody so little, he has shown more strength and resilience than any person we know.”

Neuroblastoma is a cancer which develops from nerve cells, called neural crest cells, which are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues. It mostly affects babies and children under the age of five, and around 100 children per year are diagnosed in the UK.

After four intense rounds of chemotherapy and additional surgery to have his central line removed, Stanley rang the end of treatment bell in June 2023 Stanley will continue to have MRIs every three months to monitor his health.

Children with Cancer UK is sharing the inspiring story of Stanley as part of its new awareness feature on neuroblastoma.

The charity’s ‘12 Groups of Cancer’ campaign which launched earlier this year is a new series of short films which aim to help raise awareness and understanding of the 12 groups of childhood and young adult cancer types. The videos give a unique insight into the cancer type, and the information and support parents need when their child has been diagnosed.

Victoria continues: “Stanley has been through so much and we’re incredibly proud of how strong he’s been and the recovery he has made. Since having his central line removed, Stanley is now able to enjoy all the things a little boy should be able to like swimming and is now able to attend nursery which he loves.

“As a family, we continue to worry every day and will always pray for positive news when we visit the hospital every few months. We’re sharing our story in the hope that it raises awareness and the understanding of childhood cancer, and highlights the importance of new scientific research to help beat this devastating disease.”

Children with Cancer UK is one of the leading national children’s charities working towards a world where every child survives cancer.

Christiana Ogunbote, Head of Research at Children with Cancer UK, added: “We would like to thank Stanley’s family for sharing their inspirational story, and helping us to increase understanding of the profound impact it can have on young people and their families.

“As a charity, it’s our mission to fund vital research into cancers affecting children and young adults, support families and raise awareness. Our new 12 Groups of Cancer films are an important part of our ongoing awareness work, and we hope they help parents feel better prepared and informed during their child’s cancer journey.”

Survival rates for children’s cancers are improving. Fifty years ago, three-quarters of children diagnosed with cancer did not survive; today more than 8 in 10 children diagnosed with cancer in the UK survive. However, around 4,200 children and young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, and cancer is one of the leading causes of death for young people.

To watch Children with Cancer UK’s ’12 Groups of Cancer’ campaign film on neuroblastoma, visit Children with Cancer UK – YouTube

For more information about Children with Cancer UK, go to www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk

Awards, Finance and Banking, Fintech, News, Technology

Perane Ranked in Top 25 of Disruptive UK Fintech Businesses

Specialist inheritance recovery company Perane has been ranked in the top 25 of fintech businesses in the UK in TechRound’s 2024 Fintech50 campaign..

The FinTech50 celebrates the entrepreneurs using technology to disrupt the finance space, streamlining complex processes and increasing the speed of financial operations to the benefit of both businesses and consumers.

 

Bruce Cane, CEO of Perane said: “This is a terrific accolade and we are thrilled to be listed in such esteemed entrepreneurial company and to have been selected as one of the top 25 in the 2024 rankings.

“We would like to congratulate all the other fintechs on this year’s inspiring list and our thanks to TechRound’s judges for considering Perane as one of the most innovative companies in the sector.”

 

Using pioneering software, developed by the company over the past two years, Perane has exclusive access to previously inaccessible databases to search for dormant and unclaimed inheritances. .

Currently, there’s an estimated £50bn in unclaimed or lost assets held by UK financial institutions. Executors can miss these funds in the initial administration.

The company, founded in 2010, estimates that between 2-3% of searches reveal shareholdings dating back to the 1990s that probate failed to uncover during estate administration.

Perane searches, locates and reunites individuals, families and charities with their rightful inheritances. It has identified nearly £2m in unclaimed assets due to charities and repatriated hundreds of thousands of pounds to a number of charitable organisations as part of residual funds in wills.

 

One of Techround’s FinTech50 judges, Tracy Prandi-Yuen, VP Global Partnerships, Boku,Inc. Said: “It’s been a pleasure reading and learning about so many refreshing ideas and innovative companies in the fintech space.

“I’m excited to try out some of these products and services myself. Ranking them has not been an easy feat.

“I’ve based my decisions on potential impact, reach and social good. Looking forward to seeing how technologies will continue to evolve and shape our industry, and how these fintechs will grow and scale.”

News

Organic farm estate launches charitable trust to provide opportunities for city families

A MULTI award-winning organic farm estate launched its own charitable trust to promote sustainability, healthy eating and give disadvantaged children from urban areas an opportunity to experience nature and the countryside.

Rhug Estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year and has raised money for many UK and international organisations and campaigns, including the NSPCC, Awyr Las, Hope House Hospice, and humanitarian appeals for Ukraine.

More than 1,500 school children enjoyed trips to the 12-500 acre site – which includes a farm shop, drive thru, retail operation, sustainable meat processing plant and Wild Beauty collection – in 2023 alone, along with learners and representatives from colleges, universities, agricultural institutions, business groups and more.

With the Charity Commission having now approved the formation of Rhug Charitable Trust, Estate owner Lord Newborough and his 100-strong team have big plans going forward.

“The aim of the charitable trust was to support charities and organisations in our community and across the country,” he said.

“But also, to advance education across a number of curriculum areas, share knowledge about healthy eating and nature-friendly land management and to open up facilities for recreation, particularly to those who might not have access to the benefits of being in the countryside, whatever their age or background.”

Lord Newborough added: “I am very proud to say the Estate has worked closely with schools, colleges, universities, and community groups for many, many years – it’s an important part of our philosophy of educating and informing people about what we do.

“And after several months of hard work I am delighted that we now have a charitable arm to the Estate.

“The funding we can access will enable us to expand our work, giving many more people the chance to experience the countryside, learn about nature-friendly land management and healthy eating, which are so important to us.

“We are excited to see how this develops and already have lots of ideas in the pipeline, so watch this space.”

For more information on Rhug Charitable Trust (Charity Number 1206365), email Estate Administrator Janice Dale at janicedale@rhug.co.uk.

For more news and information including upcoming events and vacancies with the team at Rhug Organic Farm Estate, visit the website www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media at @rhugestate.

Carbon Reduction, ESG/CSR, Logistics Tech, News, Tech, Technology

IT maintenance specialist Smart CT trials drone deliveries as it sets course for Net Zero

IT MAINTENANCE expert Smart CT is trialling drone deliveries of equipment to customers as part of its drive to greater sustainability.

CEO Andy Morgan said the successful trial, which saw technology devices delivered to a nearby customer from a drone, is being assessed before further trials.

The Reading company provides parts and engineers to maintain, install, replace and repair business-critical IT infrastructure on behalf of IT suppliers who support an extensive range of organisations – from household brands to industrial businesses – in need of connected devices, including networking, servers and other workplace technology.

“From day one we’ve been trying to identify ways we can become more sustainable,” he said. “The drone delivery is just one of those ways because it is not only a more direct means of getting parts to our customers quickly, but it also reduces emissions, fuel consumption and pressure on our road network.

“We learned some important lessons from the trial and we’ll be looking more closely at how we can take this to the next level.”

He said it is just one of many ways in which Smart CT, which was the subject of a management buyout two years ago, is working towards Net Zero by 2045 – five years ahead of the government’s target. During the management buyout due diligence in January 2022 Mr Morgan commission an independent environment, social and governance report to rate its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. A follow-up report was carried out last year and Smart CT’s score rose from 34 per cent to 63 per cent. At the current rate of improvement, the company’s score predicted to 71 per cent this year.

Among the measures adopted by the company was the appointment of an ESG manager and an environmental manager who introduced tracking of waste reduction, energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, staff training to encourage sustainable practices, a review of waste management and working with customers to understand Smart CT’s impact on their sustainability.

The reviewer applauded the company’s work, saying: “This represents the ESG journey in terms of fully integrating ESG into the corporate strategy through regular engagement with all key stakeholders.”

Mr Morgan said: “We decided to take more action two years ago to make ESG a big part of our culture. We asked our staff what they felt and one of the areas they came up with was around our sustainability.

“That showed me that we have got the appetite for change among our staff and management so we are able to make it a central part of our culture and part of our business. We know it’s important for our customers so we’ve commenced the journey.

“We are in the early stages but the latest ESG report shows we’ve doubled our score, which is just fantastic and all credit to the team for doing that. We’ve got some way to go but we’ve still got the appetite with people who are very passionate about enhancing our business.”

He said the company has also been engaging with customers through its satisfaction surveys about their attitudes to sustainability.

“We want to get their feedback because ultimately, the customer is why we operate and what they think is very important. That’s opened up new dialogues about how they’re doing with regard to sustainability, and it’s almost a cross exchange of ideas, which is great. It’s great feedback for us as we evolve our business.”

Find out more about the company’s services and read its latest ESG impact report at smartct.com.

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Pictured: Smart CT engineers carrying out the first test of the company’s drone delivery service from its headquarters in Reading

Finance and Banking, News, Pensions

Punter Southall Launches Pension Potential to Transform Retirement Planning

Punter Southall announces the official launch today of Pension Potential, a ground-breaking digital retirement planning solution for businesses and their employees, as well as pension schemes and their members.

Pension Potential aims to revolutionise and take the complexity out of retirement planning by providing personalised financial guidance and advice to individuals, empowering them to make informed decisions about their pension and retirement options.

 

In light of recent data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), revealing a concerning third of savers don’t take regulated advice when accessing their pension, Pension Potential steps in to address this gap[i].

Between October 2022 and March 2023, 43,366 pots entered into drawdown with no advice or guidance, equivalent to 39.1 per cent. This continues a trend of fewer people taking advice when entering drawdown.

With a focus on transparency and accessibility, Pension Potential offers clear information about retirement choices, including annuities, drawdown, cash, and mixed options. Through personalised guidance packs and an ‘all of market’ annuity search feature, individuals can confidently navigate their retirement journey.

 

Steve Butler, Managing Director at Pension Potential, said: “Pension Potential simplifies retirement planning; ensuring individuals can achieve their retirement goals. People can often feel overwhelmed when thinking about their retirement, but by bringing together key information all in one place, along with access to low-cost advice, people can easily understand how to achieve the retirement lifestyle they aspire to.”

 

Pension Potential reaffirms Punter Southall’s commitment to driving positive change in the financial services industry, making retirement planning more straightforward and accessible for all.  It’s a much-needed tool at a time when the Government and FCA are taking action to improve people’s retirement outcomes.

In March 2024, the FCA conducted a thematic review to assess the quality of retirement income advice provided to consumers, which emphasised the need for robust retirement income advice. Also, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published a consultation response titled ‘Helping Savers Understand Their Pension Choices: Supporting Individuals at the Point of Access’ in November 2023 which aims to empower savers by providing accessible information, personalised guidance, and transparent processes. Pension trustees also have a long-standing duty to act in their members’ best interests.

Pension Potential has a range of simple tools including online retirement and lifestyle calculators and an ‘all of market’ annuity search solution to select the best deals. It also gives access to personalised retirement recommendations with an easy to follow ‘advice journey’ which ends with a video call with a financial adviser.

For more information visit: www.pensionpotential.co.uk.

 

News

New research reveals only a handful of organisations can access sensitive data in a timely manner

Findings show that the cost and complexity of data compliance is hampering business innovation

  • Only 2% of organisations can access sensitive data in less than a week
  • 69% of organisations are waiting over a month to access data, sometimes between 3-6 months
  • 92% of organisations agree that data drives business innovation
  • Organisations see the innovation and profit opportunity in sensitive data but struggle to capitalise on this cost-effectively without more sophisticated and usable data monetisation strategies.

London, 30 April 2024: Protegrity, a global leader in data-centric security and privacy, has today announced the launch of a new research report ‘The State of Data Security Optimisation and Monetisation’. The research reveals that while organisations are using data to drive innovation and new strategies, fewer than 2% of respondents can access sensitive and classified data in less than a week.

Despite 92% of respondents agreeing that the innovation resulting from data has a positive impact on the bottom line, and all agreeing that data can be used to improve customer and employee experiences, it seems that businesses cannot fully leverage the data they hold. They are struggling to keep up with the pace of innovation because the data needed to power new technologies like AI is sensitive and is protected in ways that render it hard to access. While 37% of respondents cited waiting times of 1-2 months to access data, as many as 32% wait between 3-6 months.

The research, undertaken by independent research company, Opinion Matters, surveys CIOs, CTOs, Heads of data and data managers from enterprise organisations.  It examines how organisations are protecting, modernising, and optimising data.

According to Nathan Vega, Vice President Solutions Strategy at Protegrity, “From the research results it is evident that businesses are not leveraging the value of data due to delays in accessibility. If an organisation is measuring access to data in months and not days or hours, there is a limitation on their ability to realise the potential of this data. In today’s modern enterprise, organisations should see time to value within days, a few hours being the norm and within minutes or even seconds being optimal.”

Positively, the research findings revealed that organisations are adhering to data regulations and compliance requirements, with 45% using data controls such as tokenisation and pseudonymisation to secure data. Further, 84% state they are either fully or somewhat prepared to meet PCI compliance requirements. While this is promising, equally concerning is that 2% of respondents admit to being completely unprepared, 14% say they are somewhat unprepared and 46% of respondents say they are only somewhat prepared to meet PCI requirements.

Vega adds, “Companies need to implement data protection tools and strategies that allow them to balance the needs of data security with useability to meet new data modernisation use cases. It is also beneficial to make sensitive data usable data if companies are to make timely and effective decisions to improve customer experiences and drive innovation. Many are struggling keep pace and capitalise on innovation cost-effectively without more sophisticated and usable data monetisation strategies.”

Data compliance and governance have secured a place on the boardroom agenda, with 90% of respondents stating that corporate leaders have a good handle on the importance of data and compliance and regulatory issues surrounding their data.

Based on the important nature of data privacy and compliance it is promising to see that 96% of respondents are planning to invest a portion of their IT budget in data security in 2024 with nearly half (49%) of respondents planning to invest up to 15% of their IT budgets on data security.

Vega concludes, “GDPR and other compliance regulations, while necessary and proven effective for driving data security, are adding to the growing complexity and cost for organisations to gain value from their data. Not only does it require more time and money to secure and access necessary data, but the delays in accessing and using this data also have a knock-on impact on various aspects of business.”

“As the technology landscape evolves and threat actors gain access to new tools, securing sensitive data will continue to be a growing challenge for organisations. However, companies can adhere to stringent data regulations and requirements, keeping data secure, and also reap the benefits of this data by investing in data monetisation and optimisation strategies and implementing tools to help make data accessible and useable without compromising on privacy.”

Research methodology

Protegrity commissioned independent research organisation Opinion Matters to undertake research in February 2024. 600 CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, Heads of data and data managers were surveyed from organisations employing 1,000+ people. Six industry sectors were surveyed including: airlines, banking, retail, pharmaceutical, insurance, and telecommunications, with 300 respondents from the UK and 300 from the US.

To Access the full report, please follow this link: https://www.protegrity.com/resource-center/state-of-data-security-optimisation-and-monetisation

About Protegrity

Protegrity is a global leader in data-centric security and privacy. With Protegrity’s Secure Data Service, organisations can secure their sensitive data wherever it is, control how it’s protected, and have confidence that it is safe, even if a breach occurs. Whether encrypting, tokenising, or applying privacy models, Protegrity delivers a first of its kind cross-border data protection service that offers all the tools necessary to reinstate business-critical cross-border data flows. Protegrity’s technology is cloud-agnostic, AI and machine learning-friendly and quantum- resistant. Today, Protegrity protects the data of Fortune 1000 companies, including the top banks and health insurance providers, and the world’s leading multinational companies.

For more information, visit Protegrity.com.

Children and Childcare

Ahead of children’s activities week expert shares  5 benefits of kids being active & ditching devices

The benefits children can derive by getting off their devices and being active have been outlined by a leading research psychologist.

Dr Gummer, who specialises in child development, said activities can help boost mental and physical wellbeing, aid sleep and improve young people’s social skills.

Her comments come ahead of National Children’s Activities Week which runs from the 13th to the 19th May. This year’s series of events are being backed by X Factor winner and former mum of the year, Sam Bailey.

Thousands will be taking part in the UK’s largest annual celebration of children’s activities hosted by What’s On 4 Kids and the event is now in its fifth year.

Explaining its significance, Sam Willoughby, Chief Executive of What’s On 4 Kids and Founder of Children’s Activities Week, said: “Getting our children active again should be a major point of focus for parents, carers, and our society as a whole.

“Children’s Activities Week highlights the extraordinary mental and physical benefits of activities, classes and clubs for children and their families, as well as championing the passion and creativity of the activity providers themselves.

“It’s an extraordinary effort to create and offer activities that inspire and engage children in the right ways, and this week celebrates exactly that”.

As well as contributing to the wellbeing of children across the nation, Children’s Activities Week is playing a much bigger role in fostering impactful change.

“CAW supports the incredible work of Caudwell Children, dedicated to increasing equal access to opportunities for disabled and autistic children”, continued Ms Willoughby.

“All funds raised from Children’s Activities Week will be donated to the charity, which provides a range of services including autism assessments, powered wheelchairs, sensory equipment, employment mentoring and much more.

“We are proud to be supporting Caudwell’s vital mission, all while nurturing key skills and development opportunities for children”.

To find out more or to get involved, please visit: www.childrensactivitiesweek.co.uk

 

Here Dr Gummer outlines the five main benefits:

 

  1. Physical Health Benefits:
  • Regular physical activity is vital for young people’s overall health and development. Engaging in activities such as sports, outdoor play, and exercise helps to strengthen muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Being active also reduces the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions that are increasingly affecting young people today. By prioritising physical activity young children can lay the foundation for a lifetime of good health.
  1. Mental Wellbeing Enhancement:
  • Disconnecting from digital devices and spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activities can significantly boost mental wellbeing.
  • Outdoor activities, in particular, provide exposure to natural light and fresh air, which have been shown to elevate mood and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation. This natural mood enhancement is crucial for young people’s overall mental health.
  1. Social Interaction and Communication Skills
  • Being active and off devices encourages young people to interact with others in real-life settings, fostering essential social skills and building strong relationships.
  • Activities such as team sports or group outdoor adventures promote teamwork, cooperation, and communication, which are invaluable skills for personal and professional success later in life.
  • Face-to-face interactions also help young individuals develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate social situations confidently.
  1. Creativity and Imagination
  • Limiting screen time and engaging in active play allows young people’s imaginations to flourish and creativity to thrive.
  • Outdoor exploration and unstructured play stimulate curiosity and problem-solving skills, as children are encouraged to invent games, explore their surroundings, and make discoveries on their own
  1. Healthy Sleep Patterns
  • Being active during the day and limiting device use in the evening helps regulate the body’s internal clock and promotes better sleep quality.
  • Establishing healthy sleep habits from a young age is crucial for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall wellbeing, enabling young individuals to feel more rested, alert, and ready to tackle the challenges of each day.
Homes

Cramped, cold and damp – too many uk homes are sub-standard, property association says

TOO many UK homes are “cramped, cold and prone to dampness” a leading property expert has said.

Jonathan Rolande said a damning report which lambasted much of our housing stock, was “correct”.

The Resolution Foundation study concluded the UK’s housing stock is also the oldest in Europe with four-in-ten homes built before 1946 meaning many were poorly insulated as a result.

Commenting on the report Jonathan Rolande, founder of House Buy Fast, said: “The poor state of housing as highlighted by The Resolution Foundation Report shows that many of our homes are suffering in the same way as much of our other infrastructure – railways, roads, school buildings, water services, wherever we look we see a similar issue.

“A huge proportion of our housing stock is pre-war, the typical Victorian terrace. Many that aren’t were hastily built immediately after the war to replace the two million lost to bombing. The Foundation explains that these properties are cramped, colder and more prone to dampness. This is correct.

“However, the reason that UK homeowners and tenants are more hard done by than their foreign counterparts isn’t simply because of the age or style of property, it is more deep rooted than that. The issue is not the stock, it is the price.

“Newer homes – even brand new (perhaps especially brand new) have their own problems too. Older properties are usually well built, solid internal walls make them well soundproofed, and they have large lofts and large windows. Even the cheapest will usually have decent outside space. The issue is a lack of surplus income to carry out essential repairs and energy-saving upgrades. Those that are let suffer because landlords are not properly incentivised to improve their tenant’s homes.

The issue is supply, there are too few homes full stop, irrespective of their age. If more, many more, were built, prices and rents would be less volatile and gradually, our housing stock would become better value for money.”

According to the Resolution Foundation report, countries that have a similar level of prosperity to the UK consume more housing in terms of amount per person than we do here. Britain’s total expenditure per capita is just 4 per cent lower than that of Austria, for example, but we spend 24 per cent less on housing per person than Austrians do. The equivalent figures for Canada are 2 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.

Overall, when it comes to housing, UK households are getting an inferior product in terms of both quantity and quality, the report claimed.

Compared to our general price levels, the UK was ranked by the Foundation as having the highest quality-adjusted price of housing of any developed economy.

News, Recruitment, Recruitment News

Global Survey Reveals Front End of Business Recruitment Challenges Outpace Staff Retention Concerns Among Senior Employers

In a comprehensive study conducted across 44 companies worldwide, results have shown that employers face greater challenges in recruiting sales, business development, capture and bid management staff compared to retaining them. The research, from a multinational professional services firm Shipley, sought to understand the dynamics of staff retention and recruitment within the global business winning landscape.

The project featured a diverse range of respondents, including a significant presence from the United States (41%), followed by Australia and New Zealand (20%), the UK and EU (16%), Korea (12%), India (4%), and the Middle East (2%). A majority of these companies hold an annual revenue exceeding $100 million. 57% of respondents were at Executive Leadership level in their company, 39% were Project Managers and 4% were listed as Individual Contributors.

According to the survey, when it comes to retaining top talent, over half of the employers (53%) reported minimal issues. However, the recruitment of business winning professionals appears to be a significant obstacle for many businesses.

Just 32% of respondents reported having minimal issues in this area, with a significant 34% disagreeing, and an additional 7% expressing strong disagreement.

The study also found that 25% said staff were potentially not reaching their career potential.

Shipley UK Board Director Paul Deighton and study author commented:

“These findings illustrate the challenges faced by companies of all shapes and sizes particularly on recruitment. Staff retention appears to be a manageable aspect for a large majority, the challenge of recruiting valuable personnel remains prevalent.

“The insights discovered in this research underline the urgent need for new and innovative strategies in attracting skilled professionals – this is felt in all industries, with anecdotal evidence reinforcing this position.

“Another critical area highlighted is the need for improvement in enabling employees to achieve their full potential, with one quarter believing that this was potentially not currently happening. We have suggested four leadership recommendations:

• Give people the authority to prioritise their work and make their own decisions.
• Provide opportunities to develop expert, or master-level skills.
• Encourage a sense of belonging and teamwork.
• Create environments where people can safely learn from mistakes – which is not easy when mistakes may lose their employer contracts

“Businesses should use this information, even if they’re not facing these challenges today, in order to develop strategies to prevent potential issues arising.”

Business Advice

Online Games and AI: How Will AI Affect Online Slots in 2024?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been on a tear in the online gaming industry, and slots are no exception. Just like the broader tech world in 2023, AI is transforming online slots, with investment surging, big-name developers diving in, and the potential for a whole new level of player experience on the horizon. But alongside the excitement, there are questions about how this powerful technology will be harnessed responsibly.

A.I. Injects Excitement into Online Slots

The influx of AI into casino slots online is driven by its ability to create more engaging and dynamic gameplay. Here’s how AI is shaking things up:

  • Hyper-Personalization: Imagine slots that adapt to your playstyle in real-time. AI algorithms can analyze your betting habits, preferred themes, and even lucky symbols to create a truly individualized experience. This could mean adjusting bonus rounds, win frequencies, and even the overall atmosphere of the game to keep you engaged.
  • Evolving Stories and Characters: AI can craft storylines and characters that develop and change based on player choices. Slots could become interactive narratives, where your decisions influence the game’s progression, adding a whole new layer of strategy and intrigue.
  • Immersive Experiences: AI can power more realistic graphics and sound design, blurring the lines between the virtual world and the slot machine. Imagine feeling the rush of a real casino floor or being transported to fantastical worlds that respond to your every action.

The Need for Responsible Innovation

While the potential for AI-powered slots is undeniable, there are concerns that need to be addressed:

  • Responsible Gambling: AI’s ability to personalize the experience could raise questions about addiction. Developers will need to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly, with features that promote healthy gaming habits.
  • Transparency and Fairness: As AI becomes more complex, the inner workings of these games could become opaque. Regulatory frameworks need to be established to ensure fairness and transparency for players.
  • International Cooperation: The online gambling industry operates globally, and regulations for AI-powered slots need to be international in scope. Collaboration between countries, similar to the A.I. Safety Summit, will be crucial to ensure a safe and fair playing field for all.

The Future of Slots: A Human-AI Collaboration

The future of online slots likely lies in a collaborative approach between human creativity and AI’s processing power. Developers can leverage AI to generate innovative features, storylines, and immersive experiences, while human designers ensure the games remain fair, engaging, and, most importantly, fun.

Just as 2023 saw a surge in AI investment and the beginnings of international dialogue on regulation, 2024 is poised to be a transformative year for online slots. With careful development and a focus on responsible innovation, AI has the potential to redefine the online slot experience for players around the world.