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VIRGIN BET AND PRESENTING STAR NATALIE PIKE BRING ‘WOMEN’S DAY’ TO DONCASTER RACECOURSE
Virgin Bet is excited to announce the second iteration of its ‘Women’s Day’ event, which will take place at the Virgin Bet November Handicap on Saturday, 9th November, at Doncaster Racecourse.
The day will serve as a platform to celebrate women in racing, making it the latest effort in Virgin Bet’s long line of social impact initiatives to help create a more inclusive environment.
Building on the success of the inaugural Women’s Day at Ayr Racecourse last season, this celebration aims to further highlight and honour the invaluable contributions of women in racing.
The event at Doncaster Racecourse is open to everyone, embodying Virgin Bet’s brand mission, ‘A Good Bet’. This campaign emphasises the brand’s dedication to breaking down pre-existing barriers within sports and culture at large.
As part of the day’s proceedings, in addition to enjoying Doncaster’s spectacular race offerings, attendees can attend two panels led by presenter Natalie Pike, with the first starting at 10:45 am in the Exhibition Hall. Combining celebration with insight, these discussions will encourage reflection and spark conversation, connecting racing fans with legendary women transforming horse racing while also addressing diversity in the sport.
Panellists will include:
Panel 1: Women of Horse Racing
- Sophie Green (Trainee Clerk of the Course, Southwell Racecourse)
- Charlotte Russel (General Manager, Go Racing In Yorkshire)
- Rachel Harwood (Executive Director, Doncaster Racecourse)
Panel 2: Creative Inclusivity in Racing
- Dawn Goodfellow (CEO, Racing Welfare)
- Emma Kay (Founder, WalkSafe)
Additionally, as part of Virgin Bet’s raceday sponsorship, a donation will be made to Racing Welfare. Their work ensures the well-being and success of British horseracing’s workforce. Virgin Bet’s support for Racing Welfare highlights the importance of giving back to the community that keeps the industry running.
The Virgin Bet November Handicap marks the beginning of Virgin Bet’s continued partnership with Arena Racing Company (ARC) for a series of key meetings throughout the 2024/25 season. This partnership extends to fellow LiveScore Group brand LiveScore Bet.
Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner, WalkSafe, will also be integrated into the race day. Founded in 2020, WalkSafe was developed to give the public as much information about their surroundings as possible. The app, WalkSafe+, enables users to plan the safest route home, along with a host of additional features to help ensure a safer experience for all.
Racegoers will be able to learn more about the innovative and free-to-download app over the course of the raceday, and get the chance to speak with its founder, Emma Kay, who strives every day to educate and highlight the importance of safety in all walks of life. Emma will also feature on one of the panels, sharing her insights and experiences as part of the discussions.
This second iteration of Women’s Day, now making its debut at Doncaster, serves as a potential alternative to traditional Ladies’ Day. Virgin Bet, in partnership with Doncaster Racecourse, is proud to continue fostering a celebratory environment, reminding everyone that racing truly welcomes all.
Dominic Vye, Marketing Director, Virgin Bet, said:
“Horse racing owes much of its success to the incredible women who contribute so much behind the scenes, and it’s time we celebrate their achievements. At Virgin Bet, as part of our ‘A Good Bet’ brand campaign, we want to make sport more accessible and highlight brilliance, no matter who the subject is, and this initiative is doing exactly that.”
Presenter and ‘Women’s Day Sponsored by Virgin Bet’ collaborator, Natalie Pike, added:
“It’s been amazing to return and once again be part of this fantastic initiative with the teams at Virgin Bet and Doncaster Racecourse. I hope this year’s event will continue to inspire and uplift the incredible women in horse racing. Creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in the sport is so important, and I’m proud to help bring attention to that.”
Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, continued:
“We are proud to celebrate Women’s Day here at Doncaster Racecourse. This initiative shines a spotlight on the essential role women play in our sport. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to remind everyone that racing is for everyone, and we hope all racegoers feel that sense of inclusivity and belonging.”
“We’re also delighted to have Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner WalkSafe integrated as part of their sponsorships with us. The experience and safety for all spectators at our racecourses is a priority, so it’s fantastic to see this as part of Virgin Bet’s ‘A Good Bet’ initiatives, which aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
To purchase tickets, please visit: www.tickets.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
The post VIRGIN BET AND PRESENTING STAR NATALIE PIKE BRING ‘WOMEN’S DAY’ TO DONCASTER RACECOURSE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ThrillTech powers Paf with bespoke, player-funded jackpot solution
New partnership will drive revenue and monetisation across Paf’s gaming ecosystem through bespoke side-bet mechanic
Nordic-based gaming operator Paf has partnered with ThrillTech, the specialist B2B provider of licensed, player-funded jackpot mechanics, to launch its innovative side-bet jackpot products across Paf’s gaming portfolio.
The integration will see ThrillPots™ deployed across key verticals, enabling Paf to deliver engaging, compliance-led jackpot experiences designed to increase session value, drive incremental GGR and boost monetisation—without disrupting existing revenue streams.
Unlike traditional jackpots, ThrillTech’s products are fully licensed and funded directly by players via opt-in side bets, giving operators access to new revenue opportunities while maintaining regulatory standards. The rollout was achieved through a seamless technical integration and will be made available across multiple markets, including Finland, Sweden and Estonia.
“This partnership with Paf is a milestone moment for ThrillTech,” said Faye Williams, Head of Business Development at ThrillTech. “Paf is one of the most respected operators in the Nordics and their focus on social responsibility makes them an ideal partner for our licensed jackpot ecosystem. We’re thrilled to bring our customisable side-bet jackpots to their players.”
ThrillTech’s flagship jackpot products serve complementary purposes: For example, ThrillPots™ drives incremental monetisation through pooled side-bet mechanics, while ThrillDrops™ delivers real-time, rule-based rewards that enhance engagement.
Kim Johansson, Chief Gaming Officer of Paf, added: “ThrillTech’s jackpot mechanics offer a fresh and modern take on how to create value for both players and operators. We’re excited to be able to offer this concept to our players and to further explore the possibilities of bespoke jackpot campaigns.”
Founded in 1966, Paf is a licensed operator known for its commitment to responsible gaming, community reinvestment, and innovation in regulated markets.
The addition of ThrillTech’s jackpots further enhances Paf’s platform with tools that support sustainable growth and player-friendly features.
The post ThrillTech powers Paf with bespoke, player-funded jackpot solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Open banking fintech Yaspa names Chris Lowe as CFO to accelerate growth trajectory
Award-winning open banking fintech Yaspa has named Chris Lowe as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Lowe brings more than a decade of experience to the position, with a proven record of helping growth-stage companies scale at speed via a blend of core finance leadership and strategic roles.
Yaspa is an award-winning fintech providing instant payments and identity services, using open banking and AI to help iGaming platforms build trust through smarter payments. Headquartered in London, Yaspa works with partners in the UK and Ireland and across Europe.
Lowe, a qualified chartered accountant, has been working as fractional CFO for Yaspa since October 2024 through his position as Chief Strategy Officer at Irish finance consultancy Fitzgerald Power. He is now joining Yaspa full-time to help accelerate the company’s growth trajectory, with imminent plans to expand into new geographic regions and industry sectors.
Lowe’s expertise in financial modelling and fund raising has helped previous clients grow from start up, to scale up and beyond; his appointment comes as Yaspa enters a critical stage in its evolution.
Lowe said: “It’s a hugely exciting time to join Yaspa on its growth journey. I’m energised by companies at this stage, where things are moving fast and the market opportunity is clear with strong tailwinds. I thrive on bringing clarity to complexity through the numbers, helping to chart a confident course through dynamic conditions, and I’m looking forward to building closer relationships with the talented growing team.”
Yaspa CEO James Neville said: “Chris has already made a significant impact during his time as fractional CFO, helping us sharpen our financial strategy as we prepare for our next phase of growth.
“His experience scaling fast-moving businesses and navigating complex financial environments makes him the ideal person to lead Yaspa’s finance function full-time. We’re delighted to have him on board as we expand into new markets and continue building a category-defining business.”
The post Open banking fintech Yaspa names Chris Lowe as CFO to accelerate growth trajectory appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Playzia Turns Up the Heat with the Launch of Love Island – Love in a Spin Online Slot
Playzia is set for a summer of love with the highly anticipated release of its latest online slot, Love Island – Love in a Spin. Developed under an exclusive three-year licensing deal with Zoo 55, part of ITV Studios, creator, producer and distributor of world-leading programmes, this brand-new online slot game combines iconic reality TV with cutting-edge slot mechanics.
Timed to align with the 2025 summer season of the Love Island TV show – co-produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media Company – and set within a sleek Mediterranean villa that perfectly mirrors the glamour and excitement of the Love Island world, Love in a Spin is a five-reel igaming slot with 243 ways to win and a maximum win potential of 10,250x the player’s stake.
Built for high engagement and rewarding gameplay, Love Island – Love in a Spin offers multiple return-to-player (RTP) configurations at 96%, 94%, 92%, and 85%, high volatility and a maximum win potential of 10,250 x the player’s stake.
Be the star of the show: Create your Islander
For the first time in an online slot game, the player takes centre stage. In Love Island – Love in a Spin, each player creates and customises their very own Islander, selecting body type, hairstyle, and the ultimate Love Island look. This personalised avatar doesn’t just appear in the background: it takes the spotlight.
The player’s custom Islander enters the reels as a towering Giant Symbol that also functions as a powerful Wild, covering entire reels and significantly boosting win potential. If the custom Islander lands on reel one and is matched with a potential partner on reel five, sparks fly and the Free Spins feature is activated, intensifying the drama.
Once the feature begins, the player’s Islander becomes a sticky Wild, locking into position for the duration of the bonus round. With every spin, the Islander can gain an additional multiplier of 2x, 3x, or even 5x.
Better still, the free spins feature can be re-triggered an unlimited number of times. Additional giant symbols landing on the middle reels also become sticky, creating ongoing excitement and reward throughout the feature. For players eager to jump straight into the action, the Bonus Buy (territory dependent) feature allows them to purchase instant access to the free spins round.
Step into the villa world: A truly immersive experience
The visual and audio design of Love in a Spin is unmistakably Love Island. Familiar icons like champagne bottles, neon hearts, flip-flops, sunglasses, and the signature white suitcases are all present, along with the “I’ve got a text!” smartphone symbol that resonates deeply with fans of the series. The game also incorporates Love Island vibe elements, including music and sound effects.
Steve Watling, SVP Gaming, Zoo 55, said: “Both Playzia and ITV Studios teams are so excited to be launching these games at iGB L!VE. We have been ‘grafting’ to get the games ready for launch and Love in a Spin marks the beginning of a broader rollout of Love Island-themed games from Playzia. This summer will also see the release of two other titles: Love Island – Instant Match, a Plinko-style instant win game, and Love Island – Love Bus, a high-stakes crash game where timing is everything. Watch this space…”
iGB L!VE 2025 – Visit the Villa at Stand S74
Playzia is bringing the island energy to iGB L!VE 2025 with a full Love Island-themed stand at Stand S74.
Visitors can meet the Playzia team to discuss partnerships, explore the product roadmap, and get hands-on with new releases including Love in a Spin, Instant Match, and Love Bus. Attendees will also be able to demo upcoming unreleased titles such as Lucky Aces, Fortune Dragon Riches, and Playzia Wheel.
To enhance the booth experience, Playzia is hosting a prize spinner with exclusive branded merchandise, Islander-signed goodies, and an Apple Watch prize draw. A full-service bar will provide complimentary cocktails, coffee, wine, and more, while a custom photo zone gives attendees the chance to snap photos with villa-style props and surprise appearances from Islanders.
The game launches worldwide today, June 26, 2025. Attendees of iGB L!VE 2025 can experience it live and up close at Stand S74.
The post Playzia Turns Up the Heat with the Launch of Love Island – Love in a Spin Online Slot appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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