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ESIC Publicly Addresses False Narrative That the Commission Works for the Esports Betting Industry
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The Esports Integrity Commission has, over the past few years, mistakenly been accused of working for the esports betting industry or being an organisation formed by the betting industry for the betting industry’s purposes. Whilst we have historically tried to address this misconception privately, it has now surfaced again in a way that damages the integrity of esports and the Commission in a way that needs to be publicly addressed.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT OF STATEMENT
First: In Nevada a Bill being sponsored through the State Senate by Senator Ben Kieckhefer, SB 165, seeks to establish an Esports Commission for the regulation of esports related activities in the State. In the sponsoring process, the Judiciary Committee considering SB 165 were told that ESIC, (who has worked with the Nevada Gaming Control Board since 2016 and was a founding member of the Nevada Esports Alliance) was in favour of the Bill. This is false. ESIC opposes SB 165 and has now taken steps to provide explanations to the Committee relating to its position. However, quite apart from certain parties purporting to speak on our behalf without authority, an underlying narrative emerged that: ‘ESIC’s views should be dismissed because the Commission is a servant of the betting industry’.
Second: The same false narrative was put forward to the Entertainment Software Association (“ESA”), the body representing most video game publishers and developers and all of those who publish titles prominently used in esports, by some of its members urging the ESA not to engage with ESIC because ESIC was alleged to “work for the betting industry”.
Third: Disaffected players banned by ESIC for betting related offences and some of their supporters have been reported to be coordinating a broad effort to spread this same false narrative that ESIC works for and serves the betting industry in an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of competitive integrity in esports. This coordinated effort has been reported to ESIC to include rhetoric such as ‘ESIC falsely asserting certain matches are fixed so that the betting operators don’t have to pay out the winning bets on those matches’. This is both an ignorant and damaging narrative not only to ESIC but to the integrity of esports broadly. Such assertions would be entirely antithetical to the purpose and demonstrated work ESIC has undertaken for the sake of competitive integrity in the esports industry for more than five years.
STATEMENT
Despite the differing points of origin and the various malicious motives of those propagating them, all of these narratives need to be addressed and resolved and so ESIC Commissioner, Ian Smith, has considered it prudent to make the following statements:
“ESIC is neither for or against betting on esports. We are not advocates for betting nor crusaders against it.
It is noted, however, that betting on esports is a form of entertainment for most bettors and drives sponsorship revenue and fan engagement for the esports ecosystem. Conversely, the existence of betting opportunities does also raise challenges including, of particular concern to ESIC and central to our mission, the incentive for punters to commit betting fraud by match-fixing. In this respect, our role is to protect the esports industry from that danger.
ESIC exists for the esports industry; primarily for the protection of the players who would be the first and main casualty of any match-fixing scandal (please refer to the detrimental effects that match-fixing has historically had on the competitive Starcraft2 esports scene following the 2015/16 match-fixing scandals in Korea).
When betting fraud is perpetrated, competitive integrity is tarnished (among other negative outcomes). Coincidentally, the legitimate esports betting industry also suffers loss when betting fraud is committed. Therefore, it is of common and synergistic interest to both the esports industry and the betting on esports industry to address the issue of match-fixing through ESIC.
In fact, it is impossible to combat match-fixing without working with the legitimate esports betting industry. Betting data is at the heart of determining whether or not a match might be fixed and betting data is the key evidence in any prosecution of a match fixer. Furthermore, every traditional sport works with the betting industry to combat match-fixing and relies upon such data in a similar manner. This approach is not unique to ESIC.
ESIC is a not for profit members association – we are owned by our members. We have two categories of membership: Our esports members (primarily Tournament Organisers) and our Anti-Corruption Supporters (primarily betting operators, but also government and state gambling regulators, law enforcement, monitoring companies, data providers and industry bodies). From a constitutional point of view, the two do not overlap. Only the Esports Members determine the strategic aims and priorities of ESIC. The Anti-Corruption Supporters participate in our Suspicious and Unusual Betting Alert Network in service of ESIC and our Esports Members. In other words, ESIC works with the betting industry on behalf of the esports industry; we do not work for the betting industry. Accordingly, this dynamic serves only to promote competitive integrity and legitimacy of esports competitions.
Contrary to some assertions, the betting industry does not use us to avoid making legitimate payouts. The primary benefit for betting stakeholders which engage with us is access to what our Suspicious and Unusual Betting Alert Network sees (a network which they also contribute data to).
Importantly, some players are asserting that their betting activity on the game that they play professionally was “innocent”. With respect, that is either naive or disingenuous. No traditional sport allows its professional participants to bet on the sport they play for a living. In the cases ESIC has dealt with, the players against whom we have taken action have bet on the game, league, tournament or match in which they have participated. There is no scenario in which this is acceptable and we will continue to prosecute players who do so where we have jurisdiction. At the highest level of any esports game, the players all know each other, have played with and against each other and have both inside information and the potential to influence each other in a way that gives them an unfair advantage in betting markets and undermines the perception of competitive integrity. In many countries it is also illegal or criminal. Consequently, we are unapologetic about our rule prohibiting betting on the game they play professionally or semi-professionally. This is for the protection of the esports ecosystem and the players in particular. It is not a service to the betting industry but a service to the esports industry broadly in the interest of youth protection, competitive integrity and commercial longevity.”
Conclusion
Individuals attempting to propagate the narrative that ESIC works for the betting industry either have their own adverse agenda or are naïve about the realities of betting and the relationship between esports and betting on esports.
ESIC accepts that the existence of betting in esports is a contentious matter for some people and that they would rather it didn’t exist, but that is not an excuse to ignore the challenges posed by its existence. Any extension of opposition to betting in esports which operates to prohibit or hamper ESIC from effectively engaging with and mitigating the issue of match-fixing through sourcing data from Anti-Corruption Supporters, however, should be entirely discouraged and expelled from the industry. The stark reality is that match-fixing poses a real and demonstrable threat to the youth, competitive integrity, and commercial viability of the esports industry globally. Accordingly, ESIC implores all stakeholders Interested in the common good of esports to work together to combat such threats. Indeed, that includes, of necessity, close cooperation, via ESIC, between the esports ecosystem and the esports betting industry.
NOTE: THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE INTENDED RELEASE RELATING TO THE AU CS:GO INVESTIGATION. A SEPARATE RELEASE WILL BE MADE RELATING TO THAT INVESTIGATION IN DUE COURSE.
7777 gaming, a leading B2B casino games provider, has officially received certification for its innovative gaming content in Colombia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion.
With this certification, Colombian players and operators can access 7777 gaming’s exclusive portfolio, featuring some of its most engaging and high-performing titles, including Crazy 100 Bucks, Barbarian, Candy Anyways, Devil’s Deal Soul for Sale, and Club Mr. Luck. These games, known for their immersive gameplay and cutting-edge mechanics, are designed to elevate the online casino experience and drive higher engagement.
“As part of our commitment to expanding into regulated markets, obtaining certification in Colombia is a key step toward offering premium entertainment experiences to local players. Our certified games incorporate some of the most in-demand features, ensuring both excitement and rewarding gameplay,” said Asya Raykova, Partnership Manager at 7777 gaming.
7777 gaming’s certified games package includes some of the most sought-after features in the industry, such as:
- MULTIPLIERS – A variety of multipliers that boost rewards and enhance excitement.
- FREE SPINS – Special symbols that trigger a set number of free spins.
- BONUS GAME – Uniquely crafted bonus rounds that provide extra gameplay opportunities.
- BUY BONUS – Allows players to purchase direct access to bonus features.
- GAMBLE – Enables players to risk their winnings for a chance to multiply them.
- DOUBLE CHANCE – Doubles the odds of triggering a bonus feature.
- EXPANDING REELS – Increases the number of symbols/reels, adding greater winning potential.
7777 gaming continues to expand its presence in regulated markets worldwide, bringing innovative and high-quality gaming content to new audiences. With this latest milestone in Colombia, the company is solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for operators looking to enhance their casino offerings with next-generation gaming experiences.
About 7777 gaming:
7777 gaming is an innovative and data-driven B2B igaming provider, founded in 2020 with the mission to revolutionize and challenge the status quo in the industry by offering 360-degree platform, state-of-the-art online casino games, iLottery, Jackpot, and marketing solutions, draw-based games, scratch cards, and much more.
The product is built by a dedicated team of visionaries with over 20 years of experience. The games and the RNG are tested and compliant in several highly regulated jurisdictions worldwide. Besides, the company achieved and maintained ISO 27001 certification. 7777 gaming holds a gambling license in Bulgaria and Romania and an MGA Certificate to provide its online casino games to these markets.
7777 gaming is already partnering with the leading aggregators and platform providers in the igaming industry.
The post 7777 gaming secures certification in Colombia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Stake, the world’s largest online casino, today announced the launch of Stake Engine — a next-generation Remote Gaming Server (RGS) built to give developers the tools, infrastructure, and audience they need to succeed on their terms.
Backed by the technology behind 300 billion bets and a global community of over 20 million players, Stake Engine offers an instant path to revenue with full end-to-end game development tools and the most developer-friendly commercial model in iGaming: 10% GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue), paid monthly.
Whether you’re an indie creator or a full-scale studio, Stake Engine offers everything you need to build, deploy, and grow games on your terms.
Studios are already winning.
Over the past 12 months, games built on Stake Engine have generated $3.31 billion in turnover. In the most recent quarter, three titles ranked among Stake’s top 50 games by total bets: Massive Studio’s Jawsome at #17, Serpentina at #23, and Twist’s Samurai Dogs Unleashed at #25.
Who can build?
Any developer. From math devs and indie studios to full-stack teams, if you can design and deliver engaging games, you’re welcome here.
What can you build?
Anything your imagination allows. Slots, wheel mechanics, card-based logic, original IP, Stake Engine has no templates, no restrictions, and no gatekeeping. If it plays well and meets our standards, you can build it, launch it, and own it.
Why build on Stake Engine?
Stake Engine gives developers everything they need to launch faster, without the barriers that slow down traditional game development.
No need to build your own infrastructure, negotiate publisher deals, or spend months integrating with legacy Remote Gaming Servers (RGS). With Stake Engine, you can go from idea to live game in days.
Stake handles the infrastructure, distribution, and visibility, so you can focus on what matters: building great games. There’s no pitching, no storefront politics, and no delays.
Behind the scenes, Stake Engine powers everything with a full front-end SDK, integrated math engine, balancing toolkit, and real-time analytics dashboard — putting real performance data at your fingertips.
And once your game goes live, you get paid monthly, with 10% GGR royalties and zero lockups.
Proven at Scale
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Over 300 billion bets placed on Stake
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10 billion monthly wagers processed
- Stake is behind 4% of global Bitcoin transactions
Capable of handling 1 million+ bets per secondStake Engine: Key Features
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Stake Engine delivers unmatched scale and performance, supporting over 1 million bets per second and powered by the same infrastructure behind the world’s most popular crypto casino.
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It offers a full end-to-end developer stack, including a front-end framework, integrated math engine, and balancing toolkit — everything needed to build rich, interactive games quickly and at scale.
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Developers have complete creative freedom with no templates or restrictions. Build any game, upload it, and launch directly to Stake’s global audience.
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Instant deployment tools allow developers to upload, test, and go live in minutes, with full versioning and real-time testing capabilities.
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Stake Engine provides transparent analytics, offering real-time insights into game performance across players, markets, and engagement cohorts.
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It features an industry-leading commercial model with 10% GGR perpetual royalties — the most aggressive terms in gaming, paid monthly without delays or hidden fees.
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Stake Engine is built by developers, for developers. Created by the engineers behind some of iGaming’s top studios, it is focused on speed, control, and fixing everything broken about legacy game launch processes.
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Stake also handles all positioning, marketing, and growth — giving developers full visibility and freeing them to focus purely on building great games.
Brais Pena, Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo, the technology powerhouse behind Stake, said: “Stake Engine is built for creators, with speed, freedom, and scale baked in.”
“Stake Engine is more than just infrastructure, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of iGaming creators. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned building the world’s most popular online casino and packaged it into a platform that removes barriers, unlocks creativity, and delivers scale from day one.”
“Stake Engine is what happens when the biggest operator in iGaming builds for the builders. It’s not just a platform. It’s our commitment to the next generation of game creators.”
The post Stake unveils new Stake Engine: Build. Launch. Earn. The Engine Is Yours appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Lucky fan bags £25,000 thanks to Midnite as Mark Allen hits 147 at 2025 World Snooker Championship
One lucky snooker fan won £25,000 thanks to Midnite as Mark Allen hit a 147 at the 2025 World Championship on Friday.
Brian Nicholls, 75, from Tamworth, signed up to the Midnite Maximum for Friday’s 10am session, which is giving one supporter from each session the chance to pocket £25,000 if they witness a maximum break at the Crucible in Sheffield.
And Brian could not believe his luck when Allen hit a 147 against Chris Wakelin in their Round 2 clash.
As a result, UK bookmaker Midnite, who is the official betting and casino partner of this year’s tournament, will be giving the big cash prize to Brian.
Commenting on his huge cash windfall, Brian said: “I can’t believe it, I’m over the moon. I just want to spend the money and enjoy it.
“It just doesn’t happen, does it? It was one in a million. And to watch that, the 147, I was shaking when he got to the last few colours. Just over the moon.
“I’m going to spend the money on a cruise. I’ll have to give my son, Ian, some because it was down to him, all of this. Then just enjoy it – it’s a lovely amount of money to just have drop on your lap. I just can’t believe it.”
Speaking about Allen’s 147 maximum break, a Midnite spokesperson added: “We promised one lucky snooker fan per session £25,000 if a 147 was hit at the 2025 World Championship – and we’re delighted to play our part in Brian’s big cash prize.
”Our competition is running throughout the whole tournament, with £25,000 up for grabs each time a player hits a 147, so if you’re at the Crucible, make sure you sign up to be in with a chance to win!”
Fans at the Crucible will continue to get the chance to win £25,000 as the Midnite Maximum giveaway will continue throughout the tournament right up until the final session on May 5.
The post Lucky fan bags £25,000 thanks to Midnite as Mark Allen hits 147 at 2025 World Snooker Championship appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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