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Esports Insider & the University of Warwick announce the agenda for ESI Next Gen, the UK’s first conference dedicated to esports and video games in education
The leading B2B esports events and media company, Esports Insider (ESI) and the University of Warwick are pleased to reveal the agenda for the inaugural ESI Next Gen, a one-and-a-half day conference dedicated to esports and video games in education. Offering interactive sessions, networking and insights on March 22nd-23rd, 2023 at the University’s Esports Centre.
The UK has steadily increased the number of esports-focused qualifications on offer, moving beyond competitive play there are now 39 esports courses through 14 providers (according to UCAS) across the UK, now providing three-year degrees or Higher Education courses on the wider industry or specific aspects such as Event Management, Digital Marketing, or Coaching, Health and Well-Being.
As two leading authorities in esports business and education, Esports Insider and University of Warwick have crafted the first ever ESI Next Gen conference to bring together leaders from universities and colleges from across the UK and beyond, alongside professionals from both the esports and games industries to discuss the skills the industry can offer young people. This includes game developers, publishers, esports teams, tournament operators, education sector service providers, and regional government all under one roof, right on the doorstep of one of the UK’s largest creative clusters. There’ll be ample industry related and education-focused content, as well as extensive networking opportunities and interactive workshops for students looking to get into the industry.
The event is supported by Gold Sponsor IN4 Group, Official Youth Esports Partner Esports Coaching Academy and event partners Chillblast, Viperio, NSE, Esport1, Swipe Right PR, UKIE and NUEL. ESI Next Gen is set to welcome over 250 attendees, with over 30+ speakers across more than 9 live sessions.
Speakers this year include educators & industry executives such as:
- Meg Daintith, Talent Acquisition Manager at Electronic Arts
- Phil Bale, Operations Manager at Ubisoft Leamington
- Kalam Neale, Head of Education at British Esports
- Gina Jackson OBE, Founder of SKILLfull
- Ólafur Steinarsson, Co-founder & COO at Esports Coaching Academy
- Mikayla Sinead, Founder & CEO at Bridge Network Group
- James Fraser-Murison, Director of Esports at Queen Marys College
- Becky Wright, Senior Partnerships Manager at NSE
- Dr Bianca Wright, Curriculum Lead: Immersive and Associate Professor at Coventry University
- Shahneila Saeed, Programme Director for Digital Schoolhouse
At ESI Next Gen, there will be five panels and two workshops, all designed to support education staff, industry stakeholders and students equally. The event will explore leadership in esports and gaming education, navigating the obstacles of curriculum development, potential graduate opportunities, policy matters, and sector growth.
Esports Coaching Academy will host a ‘Pathways to Building a Career and Business in Grassroots Youth Esports’ workshop, which will provide attendees with valuable insights and resources on the grassroots esports industry and how to build a career and business in it. Topics will include the current landscape of youth esports, career pathways, business opportunities and best practices in grassroots esports.
Sam Cooke, Managing Director and Founder at ESI stated: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Warwick for our first inaugural ESI Next Gen. This event will provide a great opportunity to explore and promote the collaborative relationship between the esports and video game industries and educational institutions, so as to create a strong foundation for the new emerging talent.”
The event will kick off with a networking social and the final of Lions Clash, a Valorant tournament for UK universities and colleges, followed by an evening reception on 22nd March 2023, allowing attendees to register early, experience a live esports event, and network in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Jack Fenton, Head of Esports at University of Warwick says: “This is a huge landmark for Warwick as co-creating the ESI: Next Gen concept has been an exciting strategic goal for both us and for Esports Insider. I know that this will be the Esports Centre’s biggest and most impactful event to-date and we’re really proud to be acting as a catalyst for the creative and digital sector. I can’t wait to see the collaboration that spins out of this event!”
Join us for ESI Next Gen 2023 to celebrate the convergence of esports, video games and education on March 22-23 at the Esports Centre, Coventry.
Bring your team of 3 or more and save with our Group Registration rates. Currently enrolled students may register to attend #ESINextGen at a special discounted rate. Tickets are available now, including an option for inclusive accommodation.
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The Countries with the Most Interest in Gambling
A new analysis by gambling experts Casino Deps has revealed the countries with the highest levels of interest in gambling, ranked by their average monthly search volumes per 100,000 people. The findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the global appetite for gambling, highlighting regional trends and cultural influences that have contributed to their heightened interest.
The countries with the most interest in gambling
Rank |
Country |
Population |
Total Average Monthly Search Volume |
Total Average Monthly Search Volume Per 100,000 |
1 |
Netherlands |
18,092,524 |
156,480 |
864.89 |
2 |
Malta |
532,956 |
2,050 |
384.65 |
3 |
Sweden |
10,551,494 |
40,530 |
384.12 |
4 |
Poland |
38,762,844 |
145,940 |
376.49 |
5 |
Denmark |
5,948,136 |
21,780 |
366.17 |
6 |
Iceland |
387,558 |
1,400 |
361.24 |
7 |
Singapore |
5,789,090 |
19,980 |
345.13 |
8 |
Norway |
5,519,167 |
18,570 |
336.46 |
9 |
New Zealand |
5,172,836 |
16,070 |
310.66 |
10 |
Lithuania |
2,854,099 |
8,580 |
300.62 |
The Netherlands takes the top spot, with an average of 864.89 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Dutch citizens exhibit the highest relative interest in gambling out of any country in the world. This heightened interest is likely due to The Netherlands’ liberal approach to gambling regulation and the popularity of online casinos.
The term “Online casino” was the most searched term in The Netherlands, with an average monthly search volume of 75,000, followed by “Casino games” and “Online gambling”, both with 21,000 monthly searches.
Malta ranks second, with an average of 384.65 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Despite Malta’s small population of just over half a million, Maltese residents’ interest in gambling reflects the country’s status as a hub for the online gaming industry, hosting many gambling operators and licensing authorities due to its favourable tax laws.
Search data shows a relatively even distribution of interest across different game types, with “Poker,” “Roulette,” and “Blackjack” each averaging a monthly total of 250-300 searches.
Sweden places third, with an average of 384.12 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Sweden’s regulated online gambling market and cultural acceptance contribute to residents’ high interest in gambling.
“Online casino” has the highest average monthly search volume in Sweden at 11,000, while the 3,700 average monthly searches for “Free spins” suggests a specific interest in online casino promotions.
Ranking fourth is Poland, with an average of 376.49 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Poland’s gambling laws have become more accommodating in recent years, which has contributed to a heightened interest in online betting and casino platforms.
With 40,000 average monthly searches, “Blackjack” is by far the most popular casino game in Poland, ranking significantly higher than “Poker” and “Roulette” with 16,000 and 15,000 searches, respectively.
Denmark places fifth, with 366.17 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Denmark’s heightened interest in gambling is reflected in the country’s well-regulated gaming market that ensures safe and accessible gambling options for its residents.
“Poker” is the most searched term in Denmark with 4,900 average monthly searches, ranking higher than the leading term across all countries, “Online casino”, with just 3,500.
Ranking sixth is Iceland, with an average of 361.24 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Iceland’s relatively high interest gambling is likely due to limited access to local establishments, pushing people toward online casinos.
“Blackjack” is the most popular search term in Iceland, with an average monthly search volume of 350.
In seventh place is Singapore, with 345.13 average monthly searches per 100,000 people. The largest country in the top 10 in terms of residents, with a population of 5.8 million, Singapore’s affinity with gambling can be attributed to the popularity of integrated resorts such as Marina Bay Sands.
Unlike most countries, “Baccarat” is the top search term among citizens of Singapore, with an average monthly search volume of 4,600. Norway ranks eighth, with 336.46 average monthly searches per 100,000 people. Norway has a strict state-controlled monopoly on the gambling industry, with only two legal operators, Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto. The restrictive nature of the gambling industry pushes Norwegians to seek out more diverse experiences, despite the government’s best efforts to block these sites.
“Poker” is the casino game that Norwegians are most interested in, with an average monthly search volume of 7,500.
Ranking ninth is New Zealand, with 310.66 searches per 100,000 people. Widespread cultural acceptance, along with the country’s rich sporting heritage popularity and of sports betting activity, drives gambling interest in New Zealand.
“Blackjack” with 3,100 average monthly searches, and “Roulette” with 1,800, both rank above “Poker”, with just 1,600, as the casino games residents are most interested in.
Rounding out the top 10 is Lithuania, with 300.62 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Lithuania only recently fully regulated its online gambling market, with key changes occurring on July 1 2022, when it became possible to obtain a dedicated online gambling license without needing to have land-based venues. These changes have likely contributed to the surge in interest surrounding the industry.
“Poker” is the most popular search term with an average monthly search volume of 2,000, followed by “Free spins” with 1,300, as residents look toward online casinos to secure the best promotions.
Amanda Wilson, CMO of Casino Deps commented on the study, “This analysis sheds light on how cultural attitudes, population size, and regulatory environments shape gambling interest across the globe.
“Countries like the Netherlands and Malta, with supportive gambling industries, naturally rank high, while nations with restrictions, such as Norway and Iceland, exhibit high relative interest due to seeking out alternatives outside their respective economies.”
The post The Countries with the Most Interest in Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Playson cranks up the heat in 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win
Purple chillies unlock an additional game field in an exciting first for the award-winning slot studio
Playson, the renowned digital entertainment supplier, is ready to grant sizzling rewards in its latest release 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win, with the fiery title elevating bonus play with a trio of eye-catching features.
Set against the backdrop of a toasty campfire, Playson’s iconic jester marks his return accompanied by lavish chilli Bonus and Jackpot symbols and an array of classic fruit icons.
Scorching yellow, purple and green chillies take centre stage, holding the key to the title’s coveted bonus game with each offering varied features to maximise player’s chances of securing sizeable returns.
All chilli icons that land during base play are collected by their corresponding chilli sat above the reels, whilst the combination of chilli bonus symbols gathered determine the feature awarded.
In an exciting first for Playson, the Double Chillie feature represented by the purple chilli, sees an additional game field added during the Bonus Game, with all Bonus and Jackpot symbols that land immediately added to the second game field. Fortunate players who fill the 15 cells on both fields will see them score a mouth-watering double 1,000x Grand Jackpot.
The Extra Chillie feature, belonging to the yellow chilli, sees the number of respins during the Bonus Game increased to four with each new bonus symbol resetting the number of free spins. Green chillies unlock the Multi Chillie feature which sees multipliers as high as 5x added to the reels with multipliers that hit the same cell collectively gathered for an increased chance of fiery rewards.
The title’s bonus game is further boosted by a series of in-game jackpots with purple, blue and green labelled chillies reflecting mini, minor and major jackpots offering rewards up to 100x.
3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win reinforces Playson’s commitment to enhancing its games portfolio with more features and experiences for players to enjoy worldwide.
Tamas Kusztos, CCO at Playson, said: “We’re delighted to bring 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win to market with its inspired bonus game elevating game play with the chance to unlock a dual game field and double Grand Jackpot of 1,000x.
“Stunning graphics and audio blend perfectly with the return of our iconic joker and we are confident our classic approach with meticulously designed features will lead to thrilling gameplay for players.”
The post Playson cranks up the heat in 3 Chillies and Joker: Hold and Win appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Fast Track has shifted its online presence to fasttrack.ai
Fast Track has migrated the company’s digital presence to a new domain: fasttrack.ai.
Please note that all employees, official communications, and company news will now be sent from email addresses ending in @fasttrack.ai. If you are a partner, currently in communication with us, or planning to get in touch, please update your records to ensure you continue receiving timely and relevant information.
For more information, please visit fasttrack.ai.
The post Fast Track has shifted its online presence to fasttrack.ai appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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