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Former champion jockey Harry Skelton joins Star Sports as brand ambassador
Star Sports has signed Harry Skelton as a National Hunt brand ambassador.
Skelton won the 2020/21 Jump Jockeys’ Championship and is stable jockey to his brother Dan’s powerful yard in Warwickshire. Each week he will update Star Sports customers on his rides and the yard’s runners via a blog as well as providing regular video content and exposure on social media.
He joins recently retired jockey Davy Russell as a Star Sports ambassador and the pair will offer their insights and analysis each week, as well as each day during the major spring festivals.
“I’m really happy to be working with Star Sports,” said Skelton. “They have always invested in racing through sponsorships, Cheltenham preview nights and other activities. I’m looking forward to producing the blog and hopefully pointing their customers towards some decent winners over the next few months.
“Davy [Russell] is a top man and it will be great to catch up with him throughout the season. It will be strange not having him in the weighing room at Cheltenham in March, but I’m sure he’ll have lots of opinions on the English and Irish runners.”
Luke Tarr, Head of PR at Star Sports, said: “Harry is a great bloke and a brilliant jockey, and we are honoured to have him as our second National Hunt ambassador, joining the legend that is Davy Russell. How can you not love Harry’s airplane celebration? With Frankie Dettori in the final furlong of an amazing career, we need more characters in racing to attract new fans to the sport. Harry is just what the industry needs and with Davy alongside, the content we will be able to produce will be top class.”
Harry’s Five to Follow:
KATEIRA should be in for a good year. She’s stepping out of novice company for the first time, which we hope she will take in her stride. A possible starting point for her would be Wetherby, and we’ll look to go up in trip after that. She finished off last season with a great run at Aintree in a Grade 1. I think she’s a really tough mare, she’s by Kayf Tara, and hopefully she’ll only get better with age. All roads will hopefully lead to the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
HOE JOLY SMOKE is still a maiden and could be a bit more of a dark horse to follow this year. He’s by Black Sam Bellamy and has undergone a wind operation since he last ran in a Grade 2 at Kelso where he was going quite nicely but for stumbling after the second last and nearly pulling a shoe off. He was getting into the race nicely that day. He’s a nice big horse and hopefully he can lose that maiden tag fairly early on. He looks a nice type to follow down the handicap route in the early part of the season and we’ll see how and where he goes from there.
ETALON ran a nice race at the end of the season at Sandown in the EBF Final. He’s a nice, big horse who looks to go over fences now, where hopefully he can really progress. He’ll probably start off in handicaps, currently rated 120, and we hope he can move up the ranks and move into graded novice chases come the springtime.
TAKE NO CHANCES is due to go novice hurdling after three runs in bumpers. She ran very well twice but was slightly over the top by the time of her third run, so you can draw a line through that. She’ll probably start off around two or two-and-a-half miles. She showed some really nice form in a Listed bumper at Market Rasen last season behind Dysart Enos and Queens Gamble, so we hope that she can shake off her maiden tag early on and progress into better company in novice hurdles in the new year.
PIKAR is going to go novice chasing. He’s undergone a wind operation over the summer and has done very well physically. I think chasing is going to be his game – he’s a very good, neat jumper. We’ll start off over two miles and see if he needs to go up in trip. I could see this horse going into graded class – going chasing should suit him really well. He’s always been a good horse and has shown some decent form, but hopefully the wind op has worked and he can progress into those graded novice chases.
Skelton Stable Stars:
PROTEKTORAT is in great form. He’ll likely start off in the Betfair Chase and we’ll make further plans from there. He’s in great form at home and we’re really looking forward to Haydock. We hope he can defend his crown.
LE MILOS progressed up the weights last year after winning the Coral Gold Cup, from which we had our hearts set on the National. There’s a little bit of a different plan this year because he’s still young and probably has a little bit more to offer down the graded route. He’ll be out this side of Christmas and we’ll see where he takes us.
WEST BALBOA finished off the season very well at Aintree having won the Lanzarote prior to that. We now think three miles is going to be her game. She could start off at Wetherby in the West Yorkshire Hurdle, but that will depend on the ground. Then there’s the Stayers’ Hurdle and the three-mile hurdle at Aintree to look towards. A lot of water will go under the bridge before those two, but they will definitely be her main targets for the season. She was very progressive last season and the hope is that she is now ready for the big league.
MIDNIGHT RIVER will also probably start off at Wetherby before a tilt at the Coral Gold Cup. It’s a race that we won last year and it suits second-season novices. He’s progressed really well and is only now coming into his own, starting to get the hang of things. He was a boy who is now becoming a man. He’s up the weights, so he’s going to have to have a bit more in the locker in a very competitive handicap, but hopefully he’s ready for this now.
MY DROGO is back in after missing a year and a half. He seems in great form at home, but he’s a little bit hard to place at the moment given his experience and his rating. There aren’t that many options in the early season. He’s looking fit and well, though, so we’re looking to get started in the Old Roan at Aintree and will make more plans after that. He’s still got it and we’re very excited to get him back to the racecourse.
GALIA DES LITEAUX is all about very soft ground and three miles. There’s a Listed three-mile mares’ chase at Market Rasen which could be where she starts off. After that, we’ll know where we’re going with her. She’s a very honest mare, but those conditions are a must for her.
NURSE SUSAN is looking at the Listed mares’ novices’ chase which Galia Des Liteaux won last year at Bangor. Before she picked up a niggling injury, she looked pretty smart last season. She’s a great, big bull of a mare now – a whole different physique to what we had – and hopefully her time away has done her some good.
GREY DAWNING is going novice chasing. Three miles will probably be his trip and he will have learnt from last season – novices do make mistakes, that’s why they’re novices. He’s got all the ability in the world, even though he’s very unassuming at home and saves it for the track. He should be set for a good year in the novice chase division.
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Fans United Teams Up with Sportsbet.io to Enhance User Experience in Sports Betting
Premier fan engagement platform Fans United announces a strategic partnership with Sportsbet.io, the innovative sports betting platform owned by Yolo Group, to enhance user engagement and community interaction across its digital products.
In an era where user engagement is crucial for sports betting platforms, Sportsbet.io is taking a significant step forward by integrating Fans United’s comprehensive suite of interactive features into its ecosystem. This partnership demonstrates Sportsbet.io’s commitment to providing an unparalleled user experience while strengthening its position as a leader in innovative sports betting technology.
Through this collaboration, Sportsbet.io users will gain access to Fans United’s extensive range of engagement tools, including interactive prediction games, community discussions, sports trivia, and social features. These elements will be seamlessly integrated into Sportsbet.io’s scores app, creating a more immersive and interactive experience for users.
Stilian Shishkov, CEO of Fans United, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Sportsbet.io, a true innovator in the sports betting industry. Our platform’s proven ability to drive user engagement and foster community interaction aligns perfectly with Sportsbet.io’s vision for delivering exceptional user experiences. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to bring our engagement tools to Sportsbet.io’s dynamic global community.”
Shane Anderson, Director of Partnerships, Content and Brand at Yolo Group, said: “Our partnership with Fans United marks another milestone in our mission to provide the most engaging and entertaining betting experience in the industry. By integrating their innovative engagement platform, we’re not just adding features – we’re creating a more connected and interactive community for our users. This collaboration will significantly enhance how our users interact with our platform and with each other, further cementing our position as a leader in the crypto-friendly sports betting space.”
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NOVOMATIC Showcased an Unforgettable Performance of Innovation at ICE 2025 in Barcelona
From January 20 to 22, 2025, the Fira Barcelona Gran Via became the global hotspot of the gaming industry as part of ICE 2025. As the largest exhibitor, NOVOMATIC set new standards with an unprecedented product variety, an outstanding booth design and a unique visitor experience that was unmatched at ICE. In addition to NOVOMATIC’s comprehensive 360° portfolio, numerous subsidiaries and technology partners – such as NOVOMATIC Spain, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK, NOVOMATIC Italia, LÖWEN ENTERTAINMENT, APEX and Ainsworth Gaming Technology – showcased their latest products. A dedicated area for visitors from Latin America was a particular highlight this year, underscoring NOVOMATIC’s commitment to addressing regional market needs with tailored solutions.
Brilliance Perfected: The Launch of the DIAMOND X 1.55J QUATTRO
NOVOMATIC’s sophisticated product portfolio has been expanded with the groundbreaking launch of the DIAMOND X 1.55J QUATTRO. This latest edition of the internationally popular DIAMOND X 1.55J impresses with exceptional features that take the gaming experience to an entirely new level. A sleek cabinet design, an innovative glass touch deck and a cutting-edge soundbar deliver a unique player experience and maximum immersion. The new DIAMOND X™ 1.55J QUATTRO was unveiled with an outstanding sign solution that created a sensation at the NOVOMATIC booth. Offered in attractive packages with four or six cabinets featuring the latest gaming content, the monumental signs delivered an audio-visual spectacle that thrilled visitors and operators alike. With this offering, NOVOMATIC once again reinforced its position as the “Diamond of the Industry.” In addition to this, the exclusive cabinets of the V.I.P. X series also attracted attention. The V.I.P. X Royal 1.85, V.I.P. X Dream 2.43/3.43 and V.I.P. X Lounge 2.32 are designed for discerning players and casino operators who are looking to offer their guests a premium gaming atmosphere. Another key attraction this year was, once again, the V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65, which continues to generate excitement worldwide. Combining high-end comfort with a futuristic design, this luxury cabinet sets new standards in functionality and gameplay, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience.
Next-Level Gaming: Linked Progressives, Multiple Feature Games, and Game-Mixes
NOVOMATIC captivated audiences at ICE 2025 with remarkable gaming content, premiering several new Linked Progressives and Multiple Feature Games. A standout highlight was XTENSION LINK Evolution, which created a buzz with two enticing new titles – Mighty Squad and Fu Flow. These Multiple Feature Games impress with engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics, delivering an unrivaled gaming experience. Volumes 3 and 4 of the popular XTENSION LINK were also introduced, each featuring 12 thrilling titles packed with engaging features such as Expanding Reels, Golden Spins and the Xpress Feature, ensuring maximum entertainment for players. On the NOVO LINE platform, the new Multiple Feature Game RISING TREASURES made its grand debut, offering five compelling titles packed with attractive features such as Free Games, Xtra Spins and Prize Upgrades. The Impera ProLink enthralled visitors with four new titles, including the legendary Book of Ra ProLink, delivering cutting-edge gameplay with features like Mega Spins, Double Reels and Chain Reaction. The event reached epic proportions with the launch of the EPIC GOLD Jackpot, an exclusive selection of five GOLDEN titles that introduce an additional Progressive Jackpot Level – the EPIC – offering thrilling new winning opportunities. And the NOVOMATIC classic Gaminator is receiving a stunning modern update with the launch of the GAMINATOR X5. This highly customisable mix features a total of 66 game titles across seven packages, offering unequaled flexibility to casino operators by enabling them to tailor the product precisely to the needs of their guests.
Global Excellence: NOVOMATIC Wins Four Prestigious Awards
ICE 2025 was accompanied by several award ceremonies, where NOVOMATIC reaffirmed its leading position in the gaming industry by securing four leading awards. At the European Casino Awards 2025, NOVOMATIC triumphed in three key categories: The V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65 was honoured as the Best New Innovative Product; The NOVO CASH Casino Master secured the award for Best Cash Handling Product; and the company’s sustainability strategy was recognised with the Sustainability Initiative Award. In addition to this, NOVOMATIC received the highly coveted ICE Landmark Award 2025 in honor of its unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence and leadership in the gaming industry.
The Executive Board of NOVOMATIC AG Group said: “The premiere of the ICE in Barcelona in 2025 was an outstanding success and the perfect start to NOVOMATIC’s 45th anniversary year. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers and partners clearly confirms our position as Europe’s leading gaming technology group with outstanding innovations and cutting-edge products. We are particularly proud of the four internationally renowned awards that recognize our continuous commitment to excellence in this industry. Our special gratitude belongs to our more than 25,000 dedicated employees, whose tireless efforts have made this success possible.”
Thomas Schmalzer, VP Global Sales and VP Product Management NOVOMATIC AG, said: “ICE 2025 was, for us, one of the greatest and most successful shows ever. Not only did we exhibit at one of the best booths we have ever had, but we were also able to launch one of the largest ranges of products from gaming equipment to fascinating new game titles and jackpot families. This underscores our innovation and technology leadership in the industry. We are excited about rolling out our latest products in markets globally and ICE 2025 confirmed to us that our solutions are perfectly in tune with player preferences and customer demand. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers and partners for their trust and the excellent collaboration.”
The post NOVOMATIC Showcased an Unforgettable Performance of Innovation at ICE 2025 in Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Playtech Announces Partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain as Poker provider in France
Playtech announced a strategic partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), one of the most prominent gaming operators in the French market, to supply Playtech’s Poker network services and content.
PMU will be joining the iPoker.EU Network, one of Europe’s biggest liquidity pools backed by industry-leading technology and will boost their offering using Playtech’s extensive suite of poker variants and features, which include cash games, Poker tournaments and Playtech’s flagship Poker game – Twister Poker.
PMU will leverage Playtech’s poker platform gamification and player engagement capabilities to deliver a heightened level of excitement and engagement for PMU players.
This partnership represents the continued growth of Playtech as a Poker supplier across the expanding French market.
Marat Koss, VP Interactive Gaming at Playtech, said: “We are thrilled to partner with PMU, a leader in the French gaming market. France is a key market for Playtech, and this collaboration continues to highlight our commitment to providing innovative and engaging poker solutions to our licensees needs, ensuring an engaging experience for their players.”
Stéphane Auffret, Product, Service and Innovation Director at PMU, said: “Partnering with Playtech and joining the iPoker network represents a strategic and significant step for PMU’s growth, allowing us to offer our players an unparalleled poker experience. This collaboration will enable us to enhance our offerings including a multi-vertical access to poker through Turf and Sports Applications, and consistently deliver the best experience and technology to our players. We are confident that this partnership will significantly elevate our poker offerings and drive substantial growth in the French market.”
The post Playtech Announces Partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain as Poker provider in France appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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