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A Swell of Support Helps Expand the Online Betting Industry
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The sports betting market continues to gain popularity among people of all generations, especially as online betting is gradually becoming more mainstream. To illustrate the importance of this segment, data provided by a Zion Market Research report indicates that sports betting holds about 70% of the global gambling revenue, which is more than any other sectors, including those of lotteries, casinos, and poker, among other forms of gambling. As for which sports are the most popular, various games around the world are common among the sport betters, but European football attracts the greatest betting revenue, and is then closely followed by baseball. Of course, it has to be noted that numerous technological developments have helped propel the market to new highs. The stronger presence of online betting has completely transformed the process of sports betting, making it easier, faster and more convenient to place bets. On the other hand, the strict regulations by various governments are still an obstacle for the online market. Nevertheless, according to the report, the global sports betting market was valued at around USD 104.31 Billion in 2017 and is expected to reach approximately USD 155.49 Billion by 2024 while growing at a healthy CAGR of 8.83% between 2018 to 2024. FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (CSE: FANS), GAN Limited (NASDAQ: GAN), Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD), International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT), Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS)
Despite legal restrictions, regionally and country wise, in 2018 the market had already produced more than USD 48.9 Billion in worldwide revenue and is projected to expand past USD 134.5 Billion by 2027, according to data provided by Transparency Market Research. After the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018, in which the court struck down the ban on sports betting, all states got the option to pursue legalization. The state of New Jersey was the first to make sports betting legal. Other states followed, but California remains a legal battle ground for this gambling segment. However, a change might be possible this November. State Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Assembly Member Adam Gray (D-Merced) have been working on an amendment to the state’s constitution that will go on the ballot in November, if it can get through both houses. “I think the leagues themselves are really the experts when it comes to keeping integrity of the games,” Assembly Member Gray explained in a report by NBC Sports Bay Area. “Obviously, in our proposal we’ve banned any high school sports betting and as we put the finishing details on this over the next few weeks it’s going to be important that those leagues engage with us on those final details to make sure that we have the highest quality product with the highest quality standards. And although they have been a little timid, I know that many out there in the sports world know that the future of the sports economy could be integrally tied to the success of sports wagering, fantasy sports and other activities.
FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (CSE: FANS) and Askott Entertainment Inc. just announced breaking news that two companies, “have entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement (the “Agreement”) to create one of Canada’s leading online gaming companies, focused on sports betting, esports wagering and casino games. Under the terms of the Agreement, FansUnite will acquire all of the outstanding securities of Askott by way of a three-cornered amalgamation (the “Transaction”) pursuant to which Askott and a newly incorporated subsidiary of FansUnite will amalgamate under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and continue as one corporation.
Combined Company Highlights
Expanded Consumer Base. The combined FansUnite and Askott will have four live business-to-consumer (“B2C”) platforms that have generated over CDN$350 million in wagers since inception and will have over 300,000 registered members;
Expanded Business Base. FansUnite and Askott will have four executed business-to-business (“B2B”) contracts, two of which are currently live and generating revenue with leading esports companies;
Expanded Betting Offerings. Two esports themed casino games which will be released on multiple casino games aggregators platforms this year with more games currently in development;
Increased Gaming Licenses: Applications have been completed for gaming licenses for B2C and B2B;
Established History of Operations: Askott has been in business since 2013, working closely with tier 1 partners around the world; and
Highly Accomplished and Experienced Team: The completion of the Transaction will add a team with decades of experience in esports, sports betting, casino, poker, licensing, government relationships and transactions to develop shareholder value.
According to a recent report by Grandview Research1, the global online gambling market size was valued at USD 53.7 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2020 to 2027.
‘As the online gambling market continues to grow, the amalgamation with Askott is a significant milestone and transforms us into one of Canada’s premier iGaming companies,’ said Darius Eghdami, CEO of FansUnite Entertainment. ‘Combining with Askott provides us with a fully integrated gaming asset that offers multiple B2C platforms for users in a variety of betting offerings, B2B technology that can be licensed to all types of sportsbooks, and a seasoned team of executives that have led and grown multiple organizations on a global scale. This combination creates a leading online igaming company, and positions us strongly for significant growth with new offerings and market opportunities.’
‘We are recognized globally as a leader and pioneer in esports betting technology,’ said Scott Burton, CEO of Askott Entertainment. ‘As an early entrant in the sector we have already had a number of milestones, including, the launch of the first ever daily fantasy site dedicated to esports, the first esports betting site to receive an Isle of Man license gaming license in 2017 and more recently being shortlisted by EGR Magazine for the Esports Betting Supplier of the Year Award. This year, part of our growth strategy was to round out our offering with traditional sports and casinos to make us a complete iGaming solution. Merging with FansUnite accelerates our growth strategy and will bring us the scale and offerings to make our combined group the leading iGaming entity in the Canadian public markets.’…
GAN Limited (NASDAQ: GAN) is a business-to-business supplier of internet gambling software-as-a-service solutions to the U.S. land-based casino industry. The Company has developed a proprietary internet gambling enterprise software system, GameSTACK
, which it licenses principally to land-based U.S. casino operators as a turnkey technology solution for regulated real-money internet gambling, encompassing internet gaming, internet sports gaming and virtual Simulated Gaming. Recently GAN had announced that Cordish Gaming Group, the global gaming division of The Cordish Companies, has engaged GAN as their enterprise software Platform provider to power their new “PlayLive!” branded Internet gambling business in the State of Pennsylvania, complementing the development of two new Live!-branded gaming facilities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) and FanDuel Group recently announced the debut of FanDuel Sportsbooks at four Boyd Gaming properties: Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, Indiana; Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa; Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa; and Belterra Casino Resort in Florence, Indiana. “Together, Boyd Gaming and FanDuel Group continue to successfully capitalize on the historic opportunity afforded by the legalization and expansion of sports betting in new states across the country,” said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming. “The FanDuel Sportsbook is off to a great start in Pennsylvania, contributing to solid growth in visitation and profitability at our Valley Forge Casino Resort near Philadelphia. We are confident our partners at FanDuel will deliver excellent results in Iowa and Indiana as well, further expanding Boyd Gaming’s customer base and enhancing our long-term competitive appeal.”
International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) announced earlier this month that its PlaySports platform will power retail and mobile sports betting at Wild Card Saloon and Sasquatch Casino in Black Hawk, Colo. Owned and operated by privately held gaming company, Ed & Shirley’s Inc., both casinos will leverage IGT PlaySports kiosks, platform and mobile technologies to give their patrons choice and convenience for how, when and where they place sports bets. “Offering omni-channel sports betting via the IGT PlaySports solution will introduce an exciting new dimension of gaming to Wild Card Saloon and Sasquatch Casino that sports fans throughout Colorado are ready to embrace,” said Ed Smith, Ed & Shirley’s Inc. President.
“We’ve leveraged IGT’s expertise and trusted technology to create a sports betting program that gives players choice and convenience for wagering on their favorite teams.”
Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) announced earlier in March that it had partnered with Vaix.ai to offer sports bettors personalized recommendations and tailored betting choices through the OpenMarket
branch of the OpenSports
product suite. Vaix.ai will offer an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model through OpenSports that enhances the sports betting experience. By providing sports, league, team, event, and market recommendations to bettors in real-time, the companies aim to further personalize sports betting through Scientific Games’ OpenMarket solution. OpenMarket is the industry’s first one-stop content marketplace, giving Scientific Games’ partners access to top-tier sports betting intelligence, data feeds and tools without the need for complex integrations and financial agreements.
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Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: A Swell of Support Helps Expand the Online Betting Industry
Sponsorship deal announced ahead of headline Dillian Whyte bout in Saudi Arabia
Bet9ja – Nigeria’s leading sportsbook, powered by Logifuture – has announced a partnership with heavyweight boxing sensation Moses Itauma.
Itauma, a 20-year-old British fighter of Nigerian descent, has rapidly become one of boxing’s most compelling figures, with an unbeaten professional record, having stopped 10 of his 12 opponents since turning professional in 2023.
The sponsorship deal comes as Itauma prepares for the biggest fight of his career – against Britain’s Dillian Whyte in a headline bout in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (August 16).
Bet9ja’s logo will be prominently displayed on Itauma’s training gear, as well as his ringside team’s clothing during fights. He is also contributing to a series of videos and digital content that fans will enjoy via Bet9ja’s social channels.
For Bet9ja, this sponsorship reflects their deep commitment to supporting Nigerian excellence in sports. As Nigeria’s number one sportsbook, Bet9ja, with Logifuture’s cutting-edge technology and marketing power behind it, continues to push boundaries.
Earlier this year, Bet9ja announced its renewed support for Nigeria national football team’s “Let’s Do It Again” campaign in the build up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bet9ja is powered by Logifuture, a leading provider of iGaming products, including Simulate and Zoom Soccer – flagship virtual sports titles that are transforming the way sports fans engage with their favourite sports, while providing increased revenues and consistent margins for operators.
Itauma said: “I’m delighted to be working with Bet9ja as I prepare for the biggest fight of my career so far. My Nigerian heritage and family have always been a source of pride, and this partnership is a powerful connection to my roots. I look forward to bringing my championship belts back to my father’s homeland.”
Logifuture Head of Content and Social Media Tom Beck said: “Moses Itauma is one of the most exciting young talents in global boxing.
“Moses has spoken about the strength he draws from his Nigerian roots and that makes him a natural fit for Bet9ja. For fans, he represents something special; a proud symbol of Nigerian toughness, talent and ambition on the global stage.
“Supporting his success means a lot to Logifuture and Bet9ja, and even more to our audience. We are looking forward to helping to share his journey with fans by providing exclusive access and behind-the-scenes content as he continues to build his reputation as one of the most explosive young fighters on the planet.”
Ayo Ojuroye, CEO of Bet9ja, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Moses Itauma to the Bet9ja family. Moses embodies the spirit of resilience, power, and relentless pursuit of greatness that we champion. His Nigerian roots and global ambition make him a perfect fit for Bet9ja’s vision of empowering champions and delivering world-class player experiences. Partnering with Logifuture, we continue to elevate the standards of engagement in Nigerian sports.”
The post Logifuture-powered Bet9ja partners with heavyweight boxing sensation Moses Itauma appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Following the success of the 21st BAFTA Games Awards earlier this year, BAFTA today opens entries for the 2026 edition, with key dates, updated entry requirements and voting rules confirmed today.
The BAFTA Games Awards celebrate the very best games of the past year and the talent who make them and recognise the outstanding creativity and technical achievements of individuals and teams working in games every year.
Unlike other industry awards, the BAFTA Games Awards are voted for by an expert membership of over 1,400 experienced professionals and are watched by millions online. Content from the 21st BAFTA Games Awards on 8 April 2025 achieved over five million views (and an additional 2.2 million views across the awards season), in a ceremony that saw Astro Bot take home five BAFTAs including Best Game, Still Wakes the Deep take home three and Thank Goodness You’re Here! crowned Best British Game.
A cross-industry BAFTA Games committee reviews the awards’ eligibility criteria, voting and campaigning rules annually to ensure they are robust and fair, and that they evolve with the ever-changing industry landscape.
Key changes for 2026 include:
Voting
- As our membership grows, we are creating more craft chapters for voting, bringing it more in line with our Film Awards. Thanks to the growing expertise of our games voting membership, members with craft experience in art, audio and performance roles will now vote in Round One of the Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, and both Performance categories. Previously, the full BAFTA Games membership voted in these categories in Round One.
Key dates, announced today are as follows:
- Monday 11 August 2025: Entries open
- Thursday 6 November 2025: Entries close
- Tuesday 9 December 2025: Longlist revealed
- Thursday 12 March 2026: Nominations announced
- Friday 17 April 2026: Ceremony
Tara Saunders, chair of the BAFTA Games Committee, said: “It’s always a special moment when the entries open for the BAFTA Games Awards. Reflecting on the success of the last awards and all the amazing games celebrated, it spotlighted to me the incredible resilience, collaboration, and creative brilliance across the games industry. As games continue to explore storytelling, design, and innovation, BAFTA’s is here to champion the teams and individuals whose talent and dedication deliver extraordinary experiences to players around the world. With this year’s updates to rules and voting, we’re continuing to evolve how we recognise excellence across every corner of the industry. I’m excited to see all the brilliant work that will get celebrated in 2026.”
Entry is open to all developers and publishers for games released between 16 November 2024 and 14 November 2025, with an entry deadline of Thursday 6 November 2025.
Entry Information
BAFTA is calling for all developers to register games into the Awards within 30 days of a game’s release. This allows BAFTA’s voting members – experts from all across the games industry – enough time to discover and play all games entered in the awards ahead of voting, levelling the playing field across a wide range of games.
Any developer, publisher or studio that has released a game since 16 November 2024 is encouraged to register it into the Awards by 11 September 2025 to benefit from half-price entry fees. The discounted rate is also available to entrants registering their games within 30 days of release in future.
Only basic details are required to register a game into the awards, within 30 days of release. Entry is half price (£220 + VAT) within that period. The standard entry fee is £440 +VAT. Full entry details will then need to be submitted by Thursday 6 November 2025 to finalise the entry.
The post BAFTA GAMES AWARDS 2026 NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
India’s Poker Queen Nikita Luther honoured for ‘Excellence in Gaming’ at the We Women Want Conclave 2025
Adding yet another feather to her illustrious cap, Nikita Luther, India’s first female World Series of Poker (WSOP) Gold champion, has been awarded with the Shakti Award at the We Women Want Conclave 2025. The event, held on August 7 in New Delhi at The Imperial Hotel, saw her being felicitated by Shri Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, for ‘Excellence in Gaming’ and her pioneering contributions to India’s poker landscape.
Speaking on her award, Nikita Luther, Brand Ambassador and Business Consultant – Natural8 India, said, “This award recognises my journey in the global poker landscape, and this moment is a reminder that the path I chose, though tough, was worth every bit of effort and sweat. While I am delighted to be seen as a role model for other women looking to break into conventionally male-dominated fields, this recognition makes me even more determined to keep raising the standards that I have been held to. I hope others find their own trials not as burdens but as invitations to grow, evolve, and create something meaningful. I would like to thank the NewsX team and their Senior Editor, Uday Pratap Singh, for organising such an engaging, uplifting event.”
Kunal Patni, Executive Director & Country Head of Natural8 India, added, “Nikita’s recognition with the Shakti Award is thoroughly deserved. She continues to be a powerful advocate for poker as a skill-based sport and an inspiration for women across India’s gaming and business landscapes. This award acknowledges not just her exceptional talent at the poker table, but her role in transforming perceptions about professional gaming in our country.”
The We Women Want Conclave 2025, organised by NewsX, is an extension of the platform’s acclaimed weekly programme that champions women’s issues and celebrates female achievement. The show has become a vital support network that addresses everything from workplace equality and domestic violence to health awareness and career advancement, featuring prominent figures including politicians like Smriti Irani and Bollywood stars such as Shabana Azmi and Taapsee Pannu. The conclave brings together influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to celebrate the achievements of women and discuss pathways for continued progress in gender equality across industries. The Shakti Awards are given to women who have demonstrated exceptional excellence and leadership in their respective fields, celebrating their contributions to breaking barriers and inspiring others.
Nikita’s recognition comes at a time when the Indian gaming industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with her pioneering success serving as a beacon for aspiring female professionals in the sector.
The post India’s Poker Queen Nikita Luther honoured for ‘Excellence in Gaming’ at the We Women Want Conclave 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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