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Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan Returns Celebrating MENA’s Rising Influence in the Global Games Industry
The gaming industry’s most anticipated international conference, Pocket Gamer Connects, is triumphantly returning to Jordan this November, further solidifying the Middle East’s growing influence and presence in the global games industry. With its location near the stunning Dead Sea, the event promises two days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and innovation against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Pocket Gamer Connect Jordan is set to take place on November 4th to 5th at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre by Hilton, not far from Amman, Jordan, with PGC Jordan expecting 1,000 delegates from around the world. This gathering of gaming professionals will feature 80 + top industry experts who will share their insights and case studies on the latest innovations in the games industry.
In addition to the main conference, Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan offers a wide array of fringe events, including the Very Big Indie Pitch, Investor Connector, and Publisher SpeedMatch, all designed to create valuable connections within the games community. The MeetToMatch meeting platform will also be in place this year, enabling attendees to schedule meetings, connect with existing contacts, and forge new business relationships.
This year’s event offers attendees the opportunity to explore Petra and Wadi Rum on ‘workcation’ trips, providing a glimpse into the ancient wonders and natural beauty of the Middle East. Nestled near the Dead Sea, the event’s location allows for a perfect blend of business and leisure, with the chance to unwind at the hotel spa and soak in the unparalleled beauty of the surroundings, with an optional day trip available for selected guests in the days afterwards.
Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan 2023 takes place against the backdrop of a larger gaming and esports week unfolding across Jordan. While you’re in the country for the b2b conference at the Dead Sea, why not plan to travel to Um Qais or Aqaba, too, for more games industry activity in sites of historical interest?
The MENA gaming market is poised for substantial expansion, with Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan serving as a pivotal platform to showcase its potential global influence. Projections suggest that by 2025, the MENA games market will surpass $7.2 billion in value, supported by a player base exceeding 377 million, solidifying its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
This growth is primarily driven by mobile platforms, responsible for over 65% of revenue, and is further fueled by the expected 565 million smartphone users by 2025. Attracting substantial investments, notably the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s $38 billion commitment, the gaming industry in the region is not only an economic force but also a catalyst for societal transformation, with its influence extending into education, healthcare, and marketing through gamification.
Dave Bradley, COO of Steel Media, said, “We are delighted to be back in the Middle East for Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan this year. We love to support the games industry in the region – while this is our third full PG Connects conference, Pocket Gamer has been to Jordan many times over the years to participate in local summits. It’s always inspiring to see what the next generation of young developers will bring to the world of games. Fueled by its rapid expansion, an enthusiastic and engaged player base, and substantial investments, the whole region is not just set to leave a mark but to emerge as a prominent force in shaping the future of the global games industry.”
A ticket to Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan grants you entry to the main conference, fringe events where eligible, and the eventful Global Connects Party, along with perks like complimentary refreshments and personal profiles on the MeetToMatch meeting system for limitless networking opportunities. Beyond the business aspects, the Middle East invites you to explore its rich cultural heritage, visit historical gems such as Petra, savour diverse cuisines, and engage in recreational activities, making it an appealing destination for both work and leisure.
Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan is not just an event; it’s a gateway to the future of the extraordinary games industry in the Middle East and an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most remarkable ancient and historical locations.
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GAMSTOP reports surge in self-exclusion amongst under-25s
- 31% increase in 16-24-olds registering with national online self-exclusion scheme
- GAMSTOP heat map reveals UK postcodes with highest percentages of registration
GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has reported a 31% year-on-year increase in under-25s registering with the service in the second half of 2024.
Consumers aged 16-24 now account for nearly one in four (24%) of new GAMSTOP registrants, a significant trend in a record year for the self-exclusion service, which featured major global sporting events including the Euros and the Olympics.
With a 14% year-on-year increase, the second half of 2024 saw record volumes, as well as bucking the usual trend of higher registrations in the first half of the year.
In total, 532,484 people have registered with GAMSTOP between its launch in April 2018 and December 31st, 2024, which equates to over 1% of the adult UK population.
GAMSTOP has for the first time analysed detailed data to provide a regional breakdown of registration, which will help local authorities to target their services. The postcode area with the highest proportion of GAMSTOP registrants is Hull (HU), equating to 1.5% of the local population, followed by Teesside (TS) and Sunderland (SR) on 1.4%, with Doncaster and Blackpool also in the top five for self-exclusions.
In the second half of 2024, nearly half of GAMSTOP registrants (48%) signed up for a five-year exclusion – the longest timeframe available. Consumers can also choose to self-exclude for shorter periods of six months or one year.
Last month, GAMSTOP introduced a new ‘5 years with auto-renewal’ exclusion, for vulnerable consumers looking to extend their exclusion from gambling websites and apps. The new 5 -year auto-renewal option was developed in direct response to feedback from users.
Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said: “The increase in the number of under-25s registering for GAMSTOP has become an accelerating trend, with a 31% year-on-year increase in the second half of 2024, following a 12% increase in the first half of the year. There is a clear need for targeted education and support aimed at this group which is why we continue to put so much emphasis on collaborating with Ygam and Gamcare reaching out to students. We go to where they are to ensure they are aware of tools, such as self-exclusion, which can help to prevent gambling harm.
GAMSTOP allows vulnerable consumers to take a break from gambling and we want to raise awareness of the service amongst those who need it most. Our detailed regional data has highlighted the postcodes where self-exclusion has been most widely adopted, and we hope this will help local authorities and other bodies to target appropriate support in the areas where the need is greatest”.
The post GAMSTOP reports surge in self-exclusion amongst under-25s appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Soft2Bet Wins Three Major Awards at Prestigious Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025
Soft2Bet, the leading provider of turnkey solutions to iGaming operators worldwide, is delighted to announce it has won three major awards at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025.
The announcement came on the first day of the ICE Barcelona event and is testament to Soft2Bet’s commitment to innovation, excellence and leadership in the iGaming industry.
The award categories included:
- “Executive of the Year” for Uri Poliavich, Founder and CEO of Soft2Bet
- “Platform Provider of the Year” for Soft2Bet’s turnkey platform
- “Product Launch of the Year” for Soft2Bet’s unique gamification solution MEGA
The wins recognise Soft2Bet’s position as a major force in the iGaming industry and highlight its leadership in turnkey solutions and groundbreaking innovations such as Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), which has redefined the player experience through gamification, content and engagement.
Soft2Bet cements industry leadership
Soft2Bet continues to set the bar for the online gaming industry and its cutting-edge platform that offers an extensive range of services to operators and their players. Recognised for its seamless integration, robust scalability and the flexibility it provides to deliver highly-localised solutions, the group’s platform has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months with launches in major markets such as Romania, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Ontario (Canada) and Mexico. Its adaptable infrastructure delivers full turnkey solutions that enable operators to provide unique experiences to their players that are supported by a powerful technology platform that brings scale and liquidity across multiple regions and verticals, making it the preferred choice for top-tier gaming brands.In addition to its platform, Soft2Bet’s MEGA has strengthened its reputation as a game-changer. Our cutting-edge casino gamification solution drives player engagement and sustainable revenues for Soft2Bet’s B2B partners. Winning three Global Gaming EMEA Awards is further recognition of the power of gamification and Soft2Bet’s solutions which play a major role in operators committing to partnering with a platform that drives innovation, growth while bringing the best user experience to life for their players.
The post Soft2Bet Wins Three Major Awards at Prestigious Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Playzia Signs Major Deal with SOFTSWISS, Expanding Reach with Top Aggregator Platform
Playzia’s thrilling portfolio of games, including Billionaire Wolf and Billionaire Rhino, as well as upcoming highly anticipated Love Island series, set to go live on SOFTSWISS award-winning platform
Playzia, one of the fastest-growing game providers to the iGaming industry, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with SOFTSWISS, a recognised industry leader in iGaming software solutions development. This collaboration will see Playzia’s portfolio of innovative and thrilling games go live on SOFTSWISS award-winning aggregation platform, offering operators worldwide access to Playzia’s exciting content.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in Playzia’s continued expansion into global markets. Exciting titles from the dynamic studio developer, including Billionaire Wolf, Cosmos Cash, Sweet Candy Fortune, The Great Fishing Adventure, along with the newly released Volcanic Coins and Billionaire Rhino, are now available on the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator. In addition to the steady rollout of 3 exciting titles per month, Playzia is committed to delivering unique branded content, including a recently announced series with ITV, inspired by the global phenomenon Love Island. This marks just the beginning of the Playzia’s ongoing growth and development in the iGaming industry.
Penning the agreement with SOFTSWISS and expanding its network of partners allows the fast-paced studio to further its mission of bringing its thrilling and innovative games to an even broader audience, ensuring players around the world who Love to Play can enjoy top-tier, one-of-a-kind gaming experiences.
“We are delighted to partner with SOFTSWISS and make our games accessible to operators through their renowned aggregation platform,” said Vlad Modorcea, CPO at Playzia. “This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to reach new markets, and we’re confident that players will enjoy the high-quality content we bring to the table. Our games are designed to captivate, and we can’t wait to share them with SOFTSWISS global network.”
Nikita Keino, Head of Partnerships at SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator added: ‘We welcome Playzia as our new partner, and we are proud to expand our portfolio with new games. We have already surpassed the 27,000 games mark and are excited to offer the market the best and most diverse games from the wide range available.’
Beginning this year, Playzia is gearing up to unveil an exciting roadmap, with three new games launching each month. Looking ahead, partners and players can anticipate the introduction of trademarked mechanics, innovative new game types including crash, table, instant, and probability games, along with exciting jackpots and tournaments, all designed to elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
The post Playzia Signs Major Deal with SOFTSWISS, Expanding Reach with Top Aggregator Platform appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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