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Record sales for China’s sports lottery thanks to the World Cup
China’s sports lottery is wittnessing a true boost from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, even without state-approved online sales channels.
According to the official China Sports Lottery website, sales for the week of June 11-17 totaled RMB7.33b (US$1.13b). The results reflect proceeds from the first few days of World Cup action, which kicked off on June 14. The sales total is 126% higher than the same week in 2014, the most recent World Cup year.
Looking at the first three days of World Cup action shows a distinct upward trend. June 14’s sales totaled RMB1.6b, rising to RMB2b on the 15th and then RMB2.3b on the 16th. Each day’s total represents a new record since the sports lottery launched in 2009.
The growth in this year’s World Cup lottery sales is all the more impressive given that sales are now entirely land-based, as the government suspended all official online sales in early 2015. The suspension followed an audit which revealed that many provincial lottery administration centers weren’t reporting all online sales while pocketing the difference.
But nature abhors a vacuum, and Chinese media reported last week that a number of popular online platforms and apps had been doing a brisk business via sports lottery sales. That is, until Beijing publicly reminded these platforms of the 2015 suspension and threatened backsliders with the usual consequences.
However, Chinese media noted that the cessation of this unapproved online lottery offering has led to a surge in informal World Cup betting pools on WeChat groups, with betting information being conveyed via private messages and money changing hands via the network’s infamous ‘red envelope’ feature. Wagers in some of these groups reportedly start at RMB300 ($46) and max out at RMB20k ($3,100).
Of course, every yuan spent via these unofficial online channels is one more yuan that’s not going to the government, which really should be sufficient motivation for Beijing to rethink their 40-months-and-counting online own goal.
Source: CalvinAyre.com
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

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AI-Powered Gamification Arrives on Vegangster Platform via Smartico
iGaming operators can now access CRM automation, hyper-personalisation, and engagement tools to maximise player lifetime value. Platform provider Vegangster has partnered with Smartico, a multi-channel engagement marketing platform, to integrate AI-powered gamification and CRM technology across its ecosystem.
The partnership equips Vegangster’s operator clients with a complete suite of retention tools, including missions, leaderboards, loyalty funnels and mini-games. Powered by AI-driven automation and segmentation, these tools enable operators to deliver personalised campaigns in real-time and build stronger player loyalty across casino and sportsbook brands.
“We build our platform to give operators the sharpest tools to launch quickly and scale with confidence. Partnering with Smartico takes that further, as our clients can now set a new standard for retention with AI-powered automation and gamification,” said Michael Oziransky, Chief Product Officer at Vegangster.
Smartico’s integration with Vegangster enables operators to run engagement campaigns seamlessly. Predictive analytics, personalised messaging, and gamified features provide direct control of the player journey and deliver measurable impact on lifetime value.
“Vegangster’s forward-looking approach makes them an ideal partner,” said Yuval Mechoullam, Co-Founder at Smartico. “Together, we’re equipping operators with solutions that elevate engagement and translate it into lasting business growth.”
About Vegangster
Vegangster provides a full-stack iGaming platform engineered for speed, scalability, and operator control. Its turnkey, white-label, and sweepstakes solutions integrate casino and sportsbook content, payments, CRM, compliance, and social features into a single mobile-first system. With Vegangster, operators can launch quickly and scale with confidence.
About Smartico
Smartico is a multi-channel engagement marketing solution redefining CRM automation and gamification for iGaming operators. By combining real-time automation, gamified mechanics, and AI-driven insights, it enables brands to personalise every stage of the player journey. With a global client base and dedicated team of experts, Smartico helps operators boost engagement, improve retention, and drive sustainable growth.
The post AI-Powered Gamification Arrives on Vegangster Platform via Smartico appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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1spin4win unveils Beersburg Fest Hold and Win slot inspired by Oktoberfest
Beersburg Fest Hold and Win recreates the joyful energy of Europe’s most iconic beer festival with bright symbols, playful animations, and upbeat music. From smiling waitresses with frothy mugs to sizzling bratwurst and vibrant Bavarian decoration, every detail adds to the immersion.
On the gameplay side, the online slot features a 3×3 grid with 27 paylines, optimized for smooth play on any device. Beer mugs act as Wilds, while lining up nine identical symbols instantly doubles the payout. Landing three or more Coins triggers the Hold and Win round with three respins and a chance to collect jackpots — the x100 Mini and the x1,000 Mega.
As with all 1spin4win releases, the game is built around fair balance, fine-tuned volatility, and user-focused design. The clean interface, subtle sound, and carefully calibrated RTP create an irritation-free experience for players and strong retention potential for operators.
Olga Bogdanova, the Art Director at 1spin4win, commented, “Festivals have a special kind of spirit. They bring people together and celebrate tradition. We designed Beersburg Fest Hold and Win to capture that feeling, letting players step into the Oktoberfest festival, enjoy its sights and sounds, and experience the joy of the Bonus round.”
About 1spin4win
1spin4win is a fast-growing game provider founded in May 2021 by ambitious developers with over 15 years of experience in the gambling industry. Since its inception, the company has expanded its portfolio to include over 150 classic online slots, all characterized by quality mathematics, transparent mechanics, and well-balanced gameplay — key factors that drive strong player retention. The studio aims to release an average of four new games each month in 2025 and offers effective promotional tools for casino operators to help them enhance player loyalty.
The post 1spin4win unveils Beersburg Fest Hold and Win slot inspired by Oktoberfest appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Mancala Gaming Revolutionizes iGaming with Diego’s Spicy Truck
Mancala Gaming proudly announces the launch of Diego’s Spicy Truck, a bold new game with innovative features. It’s designed to captivate both players and operators, pushing boundaries in interactive gaming.
In a recent interview with Jekaterina Dubnicka – Head of Marketing and Communications at Slotsjudge, Pantelis Spyrou – Head of Game Studio at Mancala Gaming revealed how Diego’s Spicy Truck redefines engagement. Players run a food truck business, collecting spicy rewards while navigating a fast-paced environment. The game’s dynamic rewards and quirky storyline keep players engaged. Operators will see strong performance with a multi-layered gameplay experience that appeals to both seasoned and casual gamers.
Diego’s Spicy Truck is set to be a key player in the iGaming world. Mancala Gaming invites operators to explore its potential and take part in this exciting journey.
The post Mancala Gaming Revolutionizes iGaming with Diego’s Spicy Truck appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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