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Sports and Gaming – Playing by a New Set of Rules


The pandemic has brought the sports industry to its knees but against the backdrop of global crisis, opportunities have arisen for others. While the sports business is set to lose as much as US$61.6 billion1 in missed revenues by the end of the year, the gaming sector, on the other hand, will generate revenues of $159.3 billion, a +9.3% year-on-year increase.2
Although largely driven by unforeseen circumstances, the pandemic has highlighted the large gulf in the prioritisation of fan experience between the two. As OZ Sports CEO Gudjon Gudjonsson explains, the sports industry has much to learn from gaming if it is to maintain and grow its global fanbase.
If there is one positive element to come out of this all for the sports industry, it is that leagues, federations and teams have had to rethink their way of doing business. The pandemic has accelerated innovation on various fronts. This is especially the case with the return of sport behind closed doors, with the need to remotely manage the production of leagues and make fans feel part of the live experience from the comfort of their homes.
The temporary state of the live sports sector, with limited or no fans in stadiums, has only amplified a bigger and more recognisable challenge. Pandemic or no pandemic, studies show that 90% of fans are unable to watch their favourite team in their home stadium due to factors such as location or finance.
At OZ Sports, what COVID-19 has taught us is that we need to accelerate our vision in making the fan experience more interactive and engaging. The new generation of fans expects to be able to share their experiences without geographical boundaries. OZ is keeping sports more relevant, broadening the fanbase by opening up the physical stadium.
This is where we have looked to gaming. The prioritisation of user engagement has seen games companies constantly explore new ways to deliver content to consumers. As a result, gaming platforms are becoming social networks in their own right and established social platforms are seizing this opportunity to invest further in games to maintain and grow their user database. Gaming is driving forward the reality of the metaverse – virtual social spaces that are always open, always on, and always expanding.
So, what does that mean for the sports industry? We are still in the early days of sports broadcasting, and there is a lot we can learn from gaming. Our thinking around the intersection of sports and gaming can be seen everywhere in the OZ Sports strategy. It’s in how we think, how we work, and how we innovate as a company. As a tech business with influential investors from the gaming industry, we foster a different culture than traditional sports broadcasting companies.
Our tech stack is ours, from end-to-end. We mostly leverage technologies on how we do sports production that has until now mostly belonged to gaming companies, which opens up a totally new world for us. At the core, we have our gaming engine, built on a robust machine learning software stack that analyses what is going on in the game, in real-time. From there we further develop our broadcasting technologies, with a layer for services like augmented graphics and avatars, to applications like tracking or a more intuitive replay system, to name but a few. This allows us to work differently as a team of innovators and compete more creatively as a company.
By embracing everything that the gaming industry is positively doing to engage with its fans, we see the world of sports broadcasting becoming far more interesting than it is today. Out of the pandemic, we will see new companies that have succeeded, and these new leaders will foster far more vibrant communities around live events. Gen Z will have emerged with different needs and the more popular short format of sports storytelling will continue to rise.
New exciting technologies will continue to surface in the market that better serve fans’ sports esteem. Use of avatars will be the everyday normal, by representing the digital you in the new metaverse. Fans will be able to instantly express their emotions in the moment of the game, wherever they may be in the world, empowering fans to communicate in ways that are difficult to accomplish in today’s world.
The future of live sport is an exciting one; by embracing gaming technologies OZ Sports will continue to innovate at this intersection. Sports broadcasting as we currently know it is about to change forever, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of that transformation!
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: Sports and Gaming – Playing by a New Set of Rules

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1spin4win presents a new Samurai tale in the Japanese saga with Way of Honor Hold and Win
1spin4win, a classic online slot provider, unfolds the Japanese novel with Way of Honor Hold and Win — the third chapter of the series, revealing the Samurai part of the story.
The new title has been selected for exclusive pre-release by partner casinos, including Irwin, Gizbo, Jet, Izzi, and Fresh. This follows the pattern set by the two earlier entries in the series — Tiger’s Steps Hold and Win, the top-performing April release by bet sum, and Gentle Fox Hold and Win. This indicates that the collection’s blend of well-balanced gameplay and captivating storytelling continues to resonate with the audience.
Being the third installment of the saga, Way of Honor Hold and Win advances the narrative by giving voice to yet-unheard characters — honorable samurai Mizuiro and Midoriiro. Devoted warriors, they pledged unwavering loyalty to the shogun and the powerful Masahide family. Their moral compass is the Way of Honor — a sacred samurai code that guides them to defend the ruler’s right to maintain peace and the balance of power. Every day, at the crack of dawn, the samurai rise to protect the shogun’s castle and ancient scrolls that hold the secrets of longevity.
Olga Bogdanova, the Art Director at 1spin4win, shared, “Way of Honor Hold and Win is a worthy continuation of our Japanese slot series, united by a shared storyline. By crafting a rich and detailed samurai-themed narrative, we aimed to offer players more than just standard reel-spinning. Instead, we invite them to become active participants in the story, who can take sides, make decisions, and influence the course of events. We hope they enjoy the game’s immersive atmosphere and generous winning opportunities.”
However, the meticulously crafted plot is only one of the things the latest Japanese slot can boast. It remains faithful to 1spin4win’s key hallmarks — well-balanced math, transparent mechanics, and minimalist design. Way of Honor Hold and Win is a medium-volatility game featuring 243 paylines, a 97.1% RTP, and a x1,300 max multiplier.
The main attraction of the new title is the Hold and Win round, popular with players for the thrill of anticipation and the chance to win big. Triggered by three or more gold Coins on the 5×3 layout, the Bonus game offers three starting respins and two Jackpots — the x100 Minipot Coin or the x1,000 Megapot.
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 consistently releases an average of four new games each month and offers effective promotional tools for casino operators to help them enhance player loyalty.
The post 1spin4win presents a new Samurai tale in the Japanese saga with Way of Honor Hold and Win appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Riddick’s Partners Announced as Main Sponsor of LEGENDS by Fire & Ice
Riddick’s Partners Backs LEGENDS’ Exclusive Takeover of London’s Most Iconic Nightclub, The BOX, on July 1st
The organizers of LEGENDS by Fire & Ice are thrilled to announce Riddick’s Partners as the Main Sponsor of this year’s exclusive iGaming networking event, taking place at London’s most iconic nightlife destination, The BOX Soho, on Tuesday, July 1st.
This partnership brings together two legends of the iGaming industry for an unforgettable night of elite networking, unique entertainment, and high-energy celebration ahead of iGB L!VE 2025. With over 200 iGaming legends and veterans already confirmed on the guest list, LEGENDS by Fire & Ice promises to be the must-attend event of London iGaming Week.
Riddick’s Partners, known for their cutting-edge solutions and influential presence in the gaming sector, will host premium tables right in front of the stage, offering attendees the chance to connect with their team, explore high-value opportunities and have a drink!
“We supported LEGENDS by Fire & Ice because we share the values of a community built on real results and strong partnerships. At Riddick’s Partners, we focus on traffic that drives product growth and connections that truly work.” – Misha, Head of Affiliates at Riddick’s Partners.
“Riddick’s reputation for excellence and innovation mirrors everything we stand for—uniting the industry’s best in an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see the connections (and legendary moments!) that unfold during the evening. Welcome to the LEGENDS family!” – Jodie Thind, Co-Organizer
A limited number of private tables are still available for legendary brands looking to host clients or teams.
The post Riddick’s Partners Announced as Main Sponsor of LEGENDS by Fire & Ice appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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iGB L!VE on course for record breaking attendance as delegates head for London
iGaming industry professionals are registering for iGB L!VE in unprecedented numbers according to the latest data released by show organisers Clarion Gaming. A week ahead of iGB L!VE opening at its new ExCeL London home pre-registration is up by 21.5% compared to the same stage in 2024 – the last edition of iGB L!VE to be held in Amsterdam.
The double digit uplift confirms iGB L!VE’s status as the most popular and valuable showcase for the international iGaming industry with unique attendance on track to grow for a fourth consecutive year.
As well as providing attendees with access to over 22,000sqm of product innovation, iGB L!VE will include the TED of iGaming comprising 30 inspiring sessions and a keynote delivered by Claire Williams OBE, the former leader of the Williams Formula 1 racing team, Pitch iGB featuring five leading startups seeking investment and strategic partnerships, the ground-breaking Sustainable Gambling Zone which will showcase the latest thinking on player protection, as well as London iGaming Week which comprises a program of immersive curated events, seminars and parties taking place at iconic London venues.
Running 1 – 4 July London iGaming Week features social events such as the Cool Britannia themed iGB Affiliate Awards hosted by the broadcaster and musician Myleene Klass MBE, the EGR B2B Awards, Welcome Drinks in Canary Wharf, the Legends by Fire and ICE celebration, the first London LMG Futbol Experience a live-streamed 6-a-side football tournament taking place Friday 4th July and a partnership with the Hippodrome Casino which will see iGB L!VE delegates and exhibitors receive a complementary drink on presentation of their iGB L!VE pass and a 25% discount at the Hippodrome’s award winning Heliot Steak House and Chop Chop restaurants.
The program also includes unique opportunities to network and learn at events including the iGB Start-Up Accelerator, the Affiliate and Operator Mixer and Technology in Gaming and the inaugural conference for senior technology professionals sponsored by Pretty Technical and taking place on Tuesday 1 July.
Connecting igaming operators, affiliates, tech vendors and game providers, iGB L!VE will welcome an international community of iGaming and affiliate pioneers helping businesses throughout the ecosystem to navigate the iGaming landscape, provide networking opportunities, showcase cutting-edge innovations and share crucial market knowledge.
The post iGB L!VE on course for record breaking attendance as delegates head for London appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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