Latest News

RL Commercial Extends Sponsorship with Betfred Until 2026

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Rugby League Commercial and Betfred announced a record-breaking three-year extension which means the most significant and wide-ranging commercial partnership in the sport’s history will celebrate its 10th season in 2026.

Since first linking up with Rugby League as title sponsors of the men’s Super League in 2017, Betfred have widened their support to include the men’s, women’s and wheelchair Challenge Cup competitions – including the first women’s Final at Wembley earlier this year – and the Women’s and Wheelchair Super Leagues, as well as shirt sponsorship for the England Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair national teams.

The new partnership, which represents a 25% increase on the previous record-breaking deal, includes a unique new full-size pitch covering for Wheelchair Rugby League – a transformational development for the Wheelchair game, which will be used for the first time in this Sunday’s Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final in Manchester, and again for England’s World Cup Final rematch against France at the first direct Arena in Leeds next month.

As a key part of the partnership, Betfred, RL Commercial and the Rugby Football League will continue to emphasise the importance of safer gambling, with the RFL having worked closely with other sports, the Gambling Commission and Government in recent months over the proposal of a Sports Sponsorship Code. The renewal takes into account the principles of the draft Code to ensure all parties meet their obligations.

Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, said: “Rugby League’s partnership with Betfred has been hugely significant for the sport in the seven years since they first became title sponsors of the men’s Super League.

“As we look forward to Old Trafford and the seventh Betfred Super League Grand Final this weekend, we are thrilled that the relationship will continue to develop and thrive for at least another three years.

“As a company founded in Salford and still based in the north where they are significant employers, they have so much in common with Rugby League, which is a key reason why the partnership has proved so fruitful.

“Rugby League could have had no more loyal and valuable partners through the unique challenges presented by Covid-19 since 2020, and it is through those years that Betfred’s relationship with the sport has grown to include Women’s and Wheelchair Rugby League, our three Challenge Cups now with two Finals at Wembley, and our three England teams.

“There has been a feeling through the 2023 season of fully re-emerging from the long shadow of the pandemic with significant increases in attendances and viewing figures – but the increase in revenue from this deal will be vital in allowing us to deliver greater financial sustainability for our clubs, allowing them to maintain and increase the unique role they play in their communities.

“This deal is surely unique in including a bespoke pitch-covering which provides such exciting opportunities for Wheelchair Rugby League to continue its growth since last year’s World Cup triumph. It is another tangible example of Betfred’s support of all levels of Rugby League.”

Betfred boss Fred Done said: “Rugby League has undoubtedly proven to be one of our most enjoyable as well as successful sponsorships and the sport has, at all levels, made myself, my family and the entire Betfred team feel most welcome.

“The sport has been working tirelessly to become one of the most inclusive in the world and it is important that this includes the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair versions of the game so I am delighted to be able to provide the new pitch covering for Wheelchair Rugby League to help with this.

“I look forward to a weekend of fantastic finals and to at least another three years’ Betfred involvement in Rugby League.”

Latest News

ELA Games Casts Its Latest Spell with Witches’ Book

Published

2 hours ago

October 16, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

ELA Games beckons players to step into a shadowy realm of sorcery and mystery with its newest release: Witches’ Book

Bathe in the magic as a powerful coven of three witches conjures their spells across the reels, revealing mysterious rewards and surprises. Each spin is a step toward ultimate strength, where massive riches and bubbling magic await.

The Power of the Book

In the Witches’ Book, magic shimmers in every spin. Players aim to collect enchanted pages and experience the power of each witch’s most mythical spells.

Once players gather enough enchanted pages, they complete the spellbook and choose their witch and symbol to unlock the magical Free Spins. As the witches’ power grows, every symbol has the chance to transform into a Jackpot, turning ordinary spins into powerful, enriching moments.

A medium volatility level and 94.9% RTP ensure that wins are frequent even on the base game. Additionally, multiple surprise features can arise and spread across the 5×3 reel format, making each spin a potion of excitement.

ELA Games’ Magical Touch

Witches’ Book is an enchanting embodiment of ELA Games’ philosophy regarding creative innovation and a focus on engaging gaming experiences. The games’ animations, sound design, and dynamic mechanics blend to create an atmospheric game that will have players a part of the incantation.

Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the release, “With Witches’ Book, our goal was to create a title that emphasises the visually-rich aesthetics that embody the atmosphere of the brooding festive season. Every feature and design element was meticulously crafted to keep players engaged and deliver value for our partners. Witches’ Book is an example of our development approach: leverage creativity to entertain players while driving meaningful performance results for operators.”

Discover Enchanting Riches Now

Players can dive into the mysterious world of magic and spells today, with powerful gameplay and immersive experiences.

Finish your incantation and cast a powerful, lucrative spell today.

The post ELA Games Casts Its Latest Spell with Witches’ Book appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Hits the Portuguese Fast Lane with Tiago Pereira of LeBull.pt

Published

2 hours ago

October 16, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Lisbon’s streets set the pace for Season 2 of GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives — the drive-time podcast where iGaming’s most interesting voices speak freely, in motion. Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, Chief Sales Officer at GR8 Tech, each episode captures raw insight, candid stories, and the kind of energy you can only find on the road.

Episode 2 puts the spotlight on Tiago Pereira, Head of Portugal at LeBull.pt, the executive who helped turn a logo and a bull into one of the fastest-growing brands in Portugal’s regulated iGaming market. With more than 20 years in sports betting, affiliates, and casino operations at Placard.pt, Betano.pt, bet.pt, and Sportingbet, Tiago has led market entries, compliance frameworks, sponsorships, and full-funnel digital growth.

During the ride, Tiago opens up about:

How he found his path and his journey from architecture and computer science to marketing.
The history of LeBull.
Portugal vs. Brazil: same language, different mindset: why copy-paste doesn’t work and true localization is key.
The idea behind the LeBull Night Show, a weekly late-night comedy event.
His failed marketing project.
Trusting younger generations.
His previous approach to marketing when he joined Betano in 2017.
Why the Portuguese sports betting market relies on the casino vertical.
The next chapter for affiliation.
Network or Not Work: mascots, localization, and keeping support teams local.
A small personal detail that’s still quietly visible online for those who know where to look.
His Champion Rule: move forward with an “I need to get this done” mindset. Whatever happens, don’t stop. Stay consistent, keep moving forward, and the results will follow.

“Tiago showed us how to win a new market with discipline, curiosity, and the courage to keep moving forward,” said Krazhan.

Watch or listen to Season 2, Episode 2 with Tiago Pereira on:

Bet It Drives Season 2 kicked off with Rasmus Sojmark and keeps the pace with upcoming episodes featuring Kyrylo Korobka and Kelly Kehn. Buckle up. Lisbon’s just getting started.

The next chapter of iGaming belongs to those who play smart and play bold. Meet GR8 Tech at booth 5028-2 during SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome, November 3–6, and discover the Heavyweight Rulebook built for operators ready to scale, localize, and win.

The post GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Hits the Portuguese Fast Lane with Tiago Pereira of LeBull.pt appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Gaming in Germany Conference confirms new speakers, breakout program

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Gaming in Germany Conference, which will take place November 11 in Berlin, has added several new speakers to its already impressive agenda.

Sebastian Buchholz, Head of Licensing and Market Supervision, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), will deliver the event’s keynote address.

The operator’s perspective will be well represented at this year’s Gaming in Germany Conference, with Christian Heins, Director iGaming Tipico; Alex Green, Vice President – Games, ZEAL Network; and Ewout Keuleers, former General Counsel, Kindred Group all confirmed to make an appearance at our event.

Naturally, attendees will also hear from both German and European trade associations, with Dr. Dirk Quermann, President, Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV); Mathias Dahms, President, Deutscher Sportwettenverband (DSWV); and Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) contributing.

Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany commented: “I am extremely pleased with this year’s speaker lineup. I think it speaks of the relevance of our event, and especially the key topics that we are highlighting this year: the threat of the black market and the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty. I see that licensed operators are highly committed to making the German iGaming market more sustainable and competitive and I am very happy that we are trusted to play a role in promoting fruitful discussion and debate on these topics.”

“As the event takes place while the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty is ongoing, this is certainly the time to be part of the conversation,” van Oort added.

Breakout program and networking opportunities

In addition to its main program, the Gaming in Germany Conference will also feature several highly practical breakout sessions on data compliance, game certification, RG, live casino, eSports, and much more.

The full agenda, including breakout program, is available here.

In addition to a loaded program, the Gaming in Germany Conference also offers plenty of networking opportunities during pre-conference dinner, coffee breaks, lunch, and concluding networking drinks.

Practical information

The 2025 Gaming in Germany Conference takes place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku’damm in Berlin – just 100 meters from the magnificent Kurfürstendamm.

The post Gaming in Germany Conference confirms new speakers, breakout program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.