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Orlando witnesses hidden eSports industry boom
The Orlando area sees massive competitive video gaming market thrive
Esports isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the competitive gaming market may be spreading to other real-life sporting leagues.
eSports is a fast-growing industry that many have still not heard of its existence. But keep in mind that eSports is a real thing. Some just refer to it as competitive video gaming.
The fast expansion of eSports was discussesd last mont at an eSports forum hosted by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations.
The main purpose of the forum was to start the dialogue to build an understanding for future engagement between eSports and the Olympic Movement.
“I think it’s inevitable. I think it will be part of the Olympics,” Logitech International president and CEO Bracken Darrell told CNBC this week. “I’ll make another prediction, which it’ll be hard to hold me to unless you have me on the show in 10 years or 20 years, but I think it’ll be the biggest sport in the world.”
It seems that on the global front eSports will be just fine. But how about in Orlando and the greater Central Florida area? Well, News 6 asked a local expert to weigh in on the matter.
Montica “TictacFresh” Sansook, founder of Defy eSports Bar, answered a few questions about the eSports boom in the Orlando area.
First off, Defy eSports Bar is a nightlife venue that will be dedicated to eSports.
“The inspiration is to create an inclusive place to bring together the community and celebrate the diversity of eSports,” Sansook said.
eSports “is more than just about young individuals in their late teens or their early 20s facing off for a trophy,” Sansook commented.”We are talking about a massive global movement that is providing income through a passion, creating career paths from the tech industry to the professional arena, cult-like communities birthed out of passion, major brands and companies heeding cause to pivot.”
Just by chatting with TictacFresh, it’s clear that the passion for eSports is off the charts.
Sansook said that eSports isn’t just for guys who live in basements.
“And, of course, smashing my favorite stereotypes of grandma’s basement dwellers,” she said. “No offense to all the grandmas out there with awesome basements. Meaning, the gaming culture only extends toward young males in their mid, late 20s. That could not be farther from the truth when the eSports demographic ranges both male and female from under 15 to 50 plus years of age. Super exciting to see video gaming bringing all sorts of people together.”
“ESports, electronic sports, competitive video gaming — whatever coined term that comes out next — is simply playing video games against another and seeing what the outcomes may be. But do not belittle or knock this industry until you’ve tried it firsthand. You might be surprised at whom you may know to cheer on the players of their favorite game.”
Some may argue that the benefits of playing video games are up for debate.
Sansook said the conclusion is simple. She said the fact remains that the industry is growing and growing and it’s time for the world to take notice.
Source: clickorlando.com / Richard Ochoa
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Allwyn commits to highest level of 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign
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– National Lottery ‘Add some play to Christmas’ campaign supported by enhanced protection measures –
– In a UK National Lottery first, Allwyn becomes a Level 3 Gift Responsibly supporter –
National Lottery operator Allwyn has unveiled its multi-channel ‘Add some play to Christmas’ campaign, which puts National Lottery Scratchcards at the heart – positioning them as a fun way to come together, no matter the occasion or the group.
As part of that, Allwyn has once again signed up to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign – this year as a Level 3 sponsor, the highest possible level and a UK National Lottery first.
Founded in the early 2000s, the Gift Responsibly Campaign works to raise public awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Through partnerships with lotteries and other organisations, the campaign educates communities about the risks of buying lottery products for children.
As part of its commitments as a Level 3 supporter, Allwyn will carry a ’18+ Gift Responsibly’ mark across its National Lottery gifting-related festive advertising – to re-iterate the need for people to be 18 or older to buy, gift, receive and play.
The company has also created three brand new bespoke creative assets promoting responsible play that it will use:
- across its @TNLUK and @AllwynUK social media channels
- on in-store National Lottery media screens
- as part of a digital campaign
Allwyn already carries out extensive training with its 43,500 retail partners to prevent underage and excessive play, as well as running a rigorous ‘Operation Guardian’ programme for mystery shopping and knowledge checks with National Lottery retailers to ensure compliance.
The company’s advanced NCPG participation will also see it prompting its tens of thousands of retail partners to remind their customers to gift National Lottery products responsibly this festive season, through direct communications and trade advertising.
Jordana Jackson, Head of Participant Protection at Allwyn, commented: “Since becoming National Lottery operator early last year, we’ve made great progress on our participant protection plans. We’re proud to once again be supporting the NCPG’s Gift Responsibly Campaign and, for the first time in the UK National Lottery’s history, commit to Level 3 sponsorship – the highest level of support possible. This commitment includes a range of activity to remind everyone that, while National Lottery Scratchcards can add festive fun and help raise over £30m a week for Good Causes, they’re strictly for adults.”
The post Allwyn commits to highest level of 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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LeoVegas Group signs partnership deal with Valletta FC and boosts local footprint in Malta
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LeoVegas Group has entered into a two-year partnership agreement with Malta Premier League club Valletta Football Club. As Exclusive Online Gaming Partner, the LeoVegas Group corporate brand will feature on the men’s squad’s match kits, at training grounds, and prominently across the club’s digital channels. The partnership will enhance the Group’s brand visibility and commitment to the local community, while further strengthening its position as an employer of choice in igaming.
LeoVegas Group and Valletta Football Club, one of the most successful clubs in Malta’s history, today announced a new partnership that will see LeoVegas Group’s corporate brand become the club’s Exclusive Online Gaming Partner during the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons. The agreement includes match kit sleeve branding for the men’s squad, visibility across all club facilities, including the Rabat Football Ground and Dangli Football Ground and the matchday fanzone, as well as branding on the squad’s training bags. The club’s digital channels, which have tens of thousands passionate followers on social media such as Instagram and Facebook, will regularly feature the LeoVegas Group logo in their content.
As partners, LeoVegas Group and Valletta Football Club will also collaborate to create exciting branded experiences across the Maltese capital for both fans and employees. Group employees can look forward to exclusive matchday opportunities and VIP experiences. The partnership enables LeoVegas Group to further strengthen corporate brand awareness across the Maltese islands and continue positioning the Group as an employer of choice for talent seeking careers in the growing igaming industry.
Additionally, the partnership includes branding on the youth team’s kit. This shirt sponsorship opportunity will be donated by LeoVegas Group to a local non-governmental organization (NGO), which will be selected through a popular vote by club members during a club meeting.
Stefan Nelson, LeoVegas Group CFO and Malta Managing Director, said “We are very proud to partner with Valletta FC, one of the most successful and popular clubs in Malta. Our Group has considered itself a partly Maltese company almost since its inception, and we are thrilled to collaborate with the capital’s club to create exciting opportunities for fans, employees, and future talent alike. When two strong lions join forces, great things can happen!”.
Claudio Grech, Valletta Football Club President, said “This partnership brings together two brands that share Malta’s global reputation for excellence in gaming, entertainment, and sport. LeoVegas Group has become a world leader in mobile gaming while Valletta FC stands as Malta’s largest football club. Both of us thrive on delivering excitement and engagement — whether through live football or immersive digital experiences. We also share a forward-looking vision that embraces technology and online communities to connect with our audiences. As LeoVegas Group continues to expand internationally, Valletta FC is equally determined to evolve into a regional football powerhouse, making this collaboration a natural and powerful alignment of ambition, innovation, and Maltese pride”.
The post LeoVegas Group signs partnership deal with Valletta FC and boosts local footprint in Malta appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Gamblers Connect Named Finalist in Three Categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026
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Gamblers Connect has been officially shortlisted in three categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026, one of the most respected global recognitions within the gaming and iGaming sectors.
This announcement marks an important milestone for the company, reflecting its continued growth, consistent industry presence and long-term commitment to responsible and high-quality affiliate operations.
Gamblers Connect has been shortlisted in three distinct categories: Affiliate (Company) of the Year, recognising its public-facing affiliate excellence; the Great Place to Work Award (Operator), highlighting the strength of its internal culture; and the Safer Gambling Award, which reflects the company’s commitment to responsibility standards across its operations.
The 19th annual International Gaming Awards will be held on 18th January during ICE Barcelona. It is regarded as one of the leading global recognitions for excellence across the gaming industry. Each year, the IGA highlights companies that show innovation, quality, responsibility and meaningful contribution to the sector.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “Being shortlisted across three very different categories shows our strength on multiple levels. It recognises our public-facing work, the culture behind it and the responsibility standards that guide everything we do.”
The post Gamblers Connect Named Finalist in Three Categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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