Latest News
Paco Rabanne & Bidstack Emerge Victorious With VR Invictus Campaign Featuring Tim Howard
Paco Rabanne, the leading fashion house and fragrance brand, have partnered with Starcom Worldwide and Bidstack to launch a branded virtual reality challenge. The campaign features Tim Howard and the world’s leading VR platform for elite athletes, Rezzil, to promote Paco Rabanne’s iconic fragrance, Invictus.
As a fragrance, Invictus embodies power, heroism and a drive to win and the campaign provides a unique challenge that allows players to test their athletic ability and become the in-game hero. By partnering with Bidstack, and Tim Howard, an athlete that embodies those characteristics, Paco Rabanne has created a unique activation that converges the real world with the virtual world, bringing their brand to life for gamers.
The activation will see a branded ‘Reaction Wall’ challenge added to Rezzil’s Player 22 VR game. Players will have the opportunity to test their athletic merit and improve their throwing technique, vision, reaction speeds and heading ability in-game surrounded by virtual Invictus branding that blends in seamlessly with the training environment. Players can also win a signed jersey from Tim Howard and their own bottle of the fragrance by sharing their results on social media with the hashtag #InvictusInGameChallenge.
Bidstack, the leading in-game advertising technology platform, worked with human experience company Starcom Worldwide to develop the concept for the ‘Scent of Victory’ campaign. Player 22, which is available for VR gamers using Quest, Quest 2 and Oculus Touch devices, offered an entirely new touchpoint for Paco Rabanne. The partnership with Tim Howard helped to combine the concepts of a legendary champion from a real-life sporting context and converged that with the game’s virtual world creating an authentic and interactive experience for gamers.
It is the first time a fragrance has created a playable sporting challenge in a VR environment, which encapsulates the innovative approach Paco Rabanne is taking to reaching their target audience for the 2021 holiday and gift-giving season.
Of the campaign, Tim Howard said “I’m really excited to be a part of this partnership. I’m always looking for ways to encourage people to strive to be the best that they can be, in everything they do. Invictus, a fragrance for men, is designed for people who will take on any challenge and strive to be victorious. As a former athlete, that is a motto that I have lived by throughout my life and career.
Platforms like Rezzil that utilise technology for real-life conditioning and training through gamification are the future. It’s great to see companies like Paco Rabanne, Starcom and Bidstack help lead the charge in making this a reality and I’d like to thank them for inviting me to be a part of this project.”
Adam Fisher, Head of US Sales at Bidstack added “Paco Rabanne continues to be a fantastic partner of ours. We love collaborating with them and exploring new and innovative ways to reach consumers through gaming.
For a brand like Invictus that represents determination, athletic merit and a winning mentality, we felt that our partner Rezzil was a great fit. Their VR platform helps individuals improve their physical and cognitive abilities through a wide range of sports and the icing on the cake in this activation was getting the opportunity to collaborate with Tim Howard.
Tim is a hero and legend in the world of soccer and encapsulates everything that Invictus is about.”
Andy Etches, Founder and Director at Rezzil said “We’ve loved working with Paco Rabanne on this in-game activation for Invictus with Bidstack and Starcom Worldwide. As a platform designed to train elite athletes it was fantastic to be able to work with Tim and put his skills to the test with our in-game challenge.
Creating branded experiences like this within the metaverse offers a glimpse of the future potential for brands. Our aim is to deliver world class training games that improve fitness and reaction times whilst also delivering a great user experience. With this campaign we’re proud to have been able to deliver on our core product offering in a way that respects and enhances the player experience.”
About Bidstack
Bidstack is the leading in-game advertising and video game monetisation platform. Their sophisticated technology allows brands to serve advertisements into natural spaces within video games whilst protecting the gaming experience.
These branded experiences can vary from trackside banners and cityscape billboards to pitchside LED boards, skins or any other contextually relevant spaces within the metaverse.
The company has more than 80 staff across five international locations and is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange.
About Starcom Worldwide
Starcom is the Human Experience Company. A world-renowned media communications agency, we harness the power of media, technology and data to create experiences people love and actions brands need.
With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, Starcom partners with the world’s leading marketers and new establishment brands, including Bank of America, Best Buy, Coca-Cola, Kellogg Company, KraftHeinz, Novartis, P&G, Samsung, Visa and more.
Starcom is part of Publicis Media within Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC40], one of the world’s leading communications groups.
Latest News
Bazoom Becomes the Official Sponsor of Gamblers Connect’s SiGMA Central Europe Delegation
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Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming affiliate and media platform, is excited to share that Bazoom will be the official sponsor of Gamblers Connect’s delegation at the upcoming SiGMA Central Europe Summit in Rome, Italy.
As one of Gamblers Connect’s long-standing partners and one of the most trusted link-building and content platforms in the iGaming industry, this collaboration is another great example of creating real impact through strong partnerships. Both companies share the same vision, building with quality, not noise, and this sponsorship perfectly reflects that shared belief.
Thanks to Bazoom’s support, the Gamblers Connect team will have a greater presence at one of Europe’s most important iGaming events, connecting directly with operators, affiliates, and industry leaders from all over the world.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder & CEO at Gamblers Connect: “Thanks to Bazoom Group’ support as our sponsor, Gamblers Connect will be present at SiGMA Rome. Partnering with companies that believe in our mission and invest in our growth is exactly what allows us to show up, connect and deliver even more value.”
Bazoom’s innovative platform has become an essential ally for companies looking to strengthen their digital footprint. With access to nearly 100,000 verified media outlets worldwide, the platform makes it easier than ever to acquire quality backlinks and tailored content that drives real growth, all through a transparent, pay-per-link model.
Kristoffer Krog, Head of Global Partnerships at Bazoom: “At Bazoom we always strive to stay ahead of our competition and maintain our position as industry leader within link building. The partnership with Gamblers Connect for SiGMA Rome reflects exactly that, as we share the same ambitions, know-how and expert knowledge within the industry.”
The post Bazoom Becomes the Official Sponsor of Gamblers Connect’s SiGMA Central Europe Delegation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
A Record-Breaking Win on the Eve of Diwali Lights Up an Indian Expat’s Life Forever
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The UAE Lottery has made history as it officially announces the first-ever Grand Prize winner of AED 100,000,000, a moment that marks an unprecedented milestone for the country’s entertainment and gaming industry.
Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old Indian national and long-time Abu Dhabi resident, struck gold in The UAE Lottery’s 23rd Lucky Day Draw #251018 held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, becoming an instant multimillionaire and forever signing his name in The UAE Lottery’s record books.
At the time of the draw, Anilkumar was at home relaxing when he received the life-changing call from The UAE Lottery. A loyal participant since the lottery’s launch, he was completely shocked and overjoyed by the news, admitting he still can’t believe it happened. Anilkumar first shared the exciting news with a colleague before calling his brother back home in India.
The post A Record-Breaking Win on the Eve of Diwali Lights Up an Indian Expat’s Life Forever appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Movers and Shakers: 24/7 Content, Strict Integrity, and Constant Feedback – BETER’s Approach to Sustainable Partnerships
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“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
We spoke with Oleg Onegov, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Account Management at BETER, about the fast-betting provider’s approach to cultivating, strengthening, and sustaining relationships with partners.
Can you tell us about your career journey and your current role as Head of Strategic Partnerships & Account Management at BETER?
I’ve been working in the betting and iGaming industry for several years, mainly focusing on client relations and business development. Over time, I realised that my strongest skill was in building long-term partnerships and helping clients derive real business value from the products they use. At BETER, I lead the Strategic Partnerships & Account Management team, focusing on ensuring we deliver not only content but also help operators and aggregators grow with it—whether through improved integrations, new products, or data-driven insights. This is critical to scaling BETER’s presence in the esports and sports ecosystem. My role also sees me work closely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver value-driven solutions that support operational excellence and long-term commercial goals.
Different operators and aggregators have different needs. How do you and your team ensure that BETER’s products and solutions remain in demand and are continuously aligned with each client’s evolving business and market changes?
BETER is renowned for providing 24/7 live streaming, real-time data, and hyper-accurate odds for approximately 700,000 fast-paced esports and sports events annually, offering up to 50 markets per event with an average operator margin of 7.5% or higher.
Our esports portfolio includes ESportsBattle tournaments featuring eFootball, eBasketball, eHockey, and eTennis. Our sports portfolio includes the Setka Cup table tennis series, BSKT Cup basketball league, GTR Cup tennis tournaments, and Padel tennis, as well as coverage of official cricket tournaments and leagues worldwide.
In addition to our fast-paced content, we offer a comprehensive Esports Odds Feed, delivering market-leading odds with the highest uptime for more than 450 tournaments worldwide. This includes over 40,000 pre-match and live events annually across popular titles such as CS 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, and more.
We are also continuously working on obtaining regulatory approvals in all major markets globally, including U.S. states such as New Jersey and Colorado, where our content is live on bet365’s local domains.
When it comes to ensuring that our products remain in demand and aligned with each client’s evolving business and market changes, our approach is never “one size fits all.” My team and I maintain close communication with every partner to ensure we’re consistently meeting their needs. Some clients aim to maximise esports engagement, others focus on traditional sports, while some want to experiment with new formats such as eTennis or Padel—or even launch fully branded, customised tournaments like our dedicated eFootball series designed specifically for operator needs.
We constantly review performance data, align on KPIs, and adjust delivery or features accordingly. Moreover, our product roadmap is highly flexible—we prioritise developments that bring the most value to our clients’ business models. Ultimately, close collaboration with operators and aggregators helps us understand regional specifics and tailor our products to different markets, while our agility in implementation and regulatory readiness give partners confidence that BETER’s solutions will continue to fit their evolving needs.
Many companies emphasize client success at the start of a relationship, but sustaining it over time is much more challenging. What specific processes, practices, or approaches does BETER use to support clients throughout the entire journey and ensure that partnerships grow into long-term, trust-based relationships?
At BETER, client success is ongoing. My team runs regular business reviews and performance check-ins, where we don’t just present numbers but also propose explicit next steps. We involve product managers at the beginning of new partnerships, so clients can see how their feedback translates into real improvements. Transparency is also key, and we share daily reports, monitor incidents in real time, and communicate openly if something needs fixing. This kind of consistency and accountability builds trust and makes our partnerships long-lasting.
Feedback loops are vital. How does BETER work with client feedback, and in what ways does it influence your product development and solution improvements?
Feedback is at the core of how we evolve. We collect it in various ways, including through structured NPS surveys, regular calls, daily chats, and even during integration discussions. Every input gets logged and shared across product, trading, and IT teams.
Many of our most successful launches, such as new esports markets for Dota 2 and CS 2 titles in our coverage of tournaments worldwide, came directly from client requests. Our eTennis series also originated from a product discussion sparked by a client’s feedback, which expressed the need for completely new offerings for their bettors.
What matters is not just listening, but also closing the loop and showing the client how their feedback shaped the roadmap and what the result looks like in practice.
What are the most important pillars of BETER’s operations that operators or aggregators pay the most attention to—both when entering into a partnership and throughout the entire collaboration?
From my experience, there are four pillars clients care about most.
First is content quality and variety — at BETER, we offer fresh and engaging disciplines such as eFootball, eBasketball, and eTennis, supported by diverse game formats.
Second is reliability, especially when it comes to uptime, latency, and the accuracy of our data feeds and live streams. That’s why our team works tirelessly to maintain the highest possible uptime across all our products.
Third is integrity and compliance — operators need confidence that the product is fair, transparent, and secure. Our dedicated Integrity team ensures that only 0.01% of matches have been flagged as suspicious.
Finally, there’s our approach to partnerships — we’re not just a provider; we act as an extension of our partners’ teams, ready to adapt and innovate together.
This combination of high-quality content, operational excellence, trust, and genuine collaboration is what keeps our partnerships strong from day one — and well into the future.
The post Movers and Shakers: 24/7 Content, Strict Integrity, and Constant Feedback – BETER’s Approach to Sustainable Partnerships appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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