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The Synergy of Esports and Education: Destigmatising Gaming and Unleashing Potential
Esports, once dismissed as a frivolous pastime, has evolved into a dynamic intersection of entertainment, technology, and education. This transformation is not only reshaping perceptions but also providing significant benefits across educational levels. From primary schools to universities, esports offer a unique blend of engagement and learning, preparing learners to be future ready in the 4IR. Esports Educational Specialist, Adam Thomas-James, explores how esports complement education, fostering skills and social connections that are often overlooked in traditional learning environments.
A Gateway to Technology and Coding
For many underprivileged schools, esports serves as an engaging introduction to internet technology and coding. By integrating gaming into the curriculum, schools can captivate students’ interests and channel them into productive avenues. This approach is particularly effective in primary schools, where students are naturally curious and quick to adapt to new technologies. Engaging with esports at a young age not only demystifies technology but also encourages early development of digital literacy skills.
Key Benefits:
- Introduction to Coding: Games often involve programming elements, providing a fun entry point to learning coding.
- Digital Literacy: Students gain familiarity with technology, which is crucial for future academic and career opportunities.
Teamwork and Cognitive Skills
Esports provides an alternative to traditional sports, promoting teamwork, decision-making, problem-solving, sportsmanship, responsibility, and fast reaction times. These skills are vital in both personal and professional settings, making esports a valuable addition to the educational landscape.
Enhancing Cognitive Abilities:
- Problem-Solving: Games frequently present complex challenges that require strategic thinking and quick decision-making.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Fast-paced gaming improves reaction times and motor skills, translating to better performance in various physical activities.
Social Integration and Leadership
One of the most profound impacts of esports in education is its ability to foster social integration. Gaming bridges gaps across different grades and social backgrounds, creating a common ground for students to connect. Teachers have observed that students who are typically quiet and reserved in the classroom often come alive in an esports environment. These students not only participate actively but also take on leadership roles, showcasing talents and confidence that might otherwise remain hidden.
Social Benefits:
- Friendship Formation: Shared passion for gaming encourages friendships across diverse student groups.
- Leadership Opportunities: Esports provides a platform for students to lead and organise, fostering leadership skills.
An Outlet for Learning Disabilities
Esports can be a powerful tool for students with learning disabilities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these students can gain new skills and confidence through gaming. The interactive and visual nature of games often aligns well with their learning styles, providing an engaging way to develop various competencies.
Benefits for Learning Disabilities:
- Skill Development: Games can help improve focus, memory, and cognitive skills in a fun, engaging way.
- Confidence Building: Success in gaming can boost self-esteem and encourage further academic participation.
Competitive Growth and Specialisation
As students progress to high school and university, the competitive nature of esports intensifies. High school students begin to compete more seriously, and at the tertiary level, they often specialise in specific gaming titles. This competitive environment not only enhances their gaming skills but also teaches valuable lessons about dedication, perseverance, and goal setting.
Competitive Advantages:
- Skill Specialisation: Students develop expertise in specific games, which can lead to opportunities in professional gaming and related fields.
- Perseverance and Goal Setting: The competitive nature of esports teaches students to set goals, work hard, and handle both success and failure.
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite its many benefits, integrating esports into education is not without challenges. Access to stable internet and uninterrupted power can be significant obstacles, particularly in underprivileged areas. However, innovative solutions such as utilising malls as venues can provide the necessary infrastructure, making esports more accessible to students from informal settlements.
In terms of infrastructure utilisation, malls can offer stable internet and power, creating suitable venues for esports activities. From a spectator perspective, tournaments such as the HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience, also offer an opportunity for local businesses and communities to support esports programs, providing resources and facilities.
Esports and education are not mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other in ways that traditional educational methods may not. By incorporating esports into the educational framework, schools can engage students in meaningful, skill-building activities that foster both personal and academic growth. As we continue to destigmatise gaming, it is essential to recognise and promote the myriad benefits it offers, creating an inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking educational environment.
The post The Synergy of Esports and Education: Destigmatising Gaming and Unleashing Potential appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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IAGR announces winners of 2025 Regulatory Awards
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The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the winners of the IAGR International Regulatory Awards 2025, with regulators from Australia, Nigeria and Denmark taking home trophies during the IAGR Toronto conference.
IAGR President Ben Haden, who served on the judging panel, said this year’s winners demonstrate measurable progress and sustainable outcomes.
‘Our judges looked for clear problem definitions, robust interventions and evidence of impact. The 2025 winners show how thoughtful reforms, strong governance and targeted education can improve consumer protection and market integrity over the long term,’ said Haden.
- Regulatory Excellence Award: NSW Independent Casino Commission (Australia)
For leading a three-year, milestone-driven remediation of Crown Sydney following the Bergin Inquiry — eliminating junkets, strengthening financial-crime controls, enhancing harm-minimisation and reforming governance.
- ‘The NSW Independent Casino Commission is proud to be recognised for its dedication to restoring the expected standards at Crown Sydney. This has included three years of intense remediation which has completely transformed the casino’s governance, culture, safety and compliance functions.
- ‘The NICC has proven that it is possible to enact long lasting change and in doing so has set a new standard for Australian casino operations.’ – Murray Smith, Acting Chief Commissioner, NSW Independent Casino Commission
- Regulatory Innovation Award: Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (Nigeria)
For SAFEPLAY, Africa’s first regulator-led, multi-operator self-exclusion platform — centrally managed by the regulator and integrated with operator systems — creating a consistent, replicable model for consumer protection.
- ‘We are honoured to receive the IAGR Regulatory Innovation Award for our SafePlay initiative. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to responsible gambling, player protection, and data-driven regulation that puts the welfare of Lagos residents at the heart of our innovation.’ – Bashir A. Are, Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority
- Best regulatory campaign: Danish Gambling Authority (Denmark)
For an interactive, school-based education programme that engages young people with practical demonstrations and surveys evidencing shifts away from gambling ‘to make money’ towards safer play and awareness of help services.
- This marks the second consecutive year that the Danish Gambling Authority has received the Best regulatory campaign award. ‘I’m very proud that IAGR has bestowed The Danish Gambling Authority with this award. It’s crucial that young people understand that gambling is designed so the player always loses in the long run. By conveying this message, we hope to promote a balanced attitude toward gambling and I’m extremely honoured that our efforts are recognised internationally.’ – Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority
These awards underscore the importance of collaboration, innovation and dedication in the global regulation of gambling.
The post IAGR announces winners of 2025 Regulatory Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Yaspa named among CB Insights’ most promising fintech startups for 2025
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Yaspa, an award-winning company specialising in iGaming payments and identity solutions, has been named among the 100 most promising fintech startups by CB Insights, a leader in predictive intelligence on private companies.
Now in its eighth year, the 2025 list showcases the most promising private fintech companies in the world.
Yaspa’s Intelligent Payments solution combines real-time open banking payments with AI-driven insights to help provide operators with broader and deeper player intelligence to optimise LTV, reduce fraud and promote responsible gambling.
This year has seen Yaspa celebrate a series of key milestones, including attracting $12m investment led by Discerning Capital, the opening of a new tech hub in Leeds and the formation of a US entity in Atlanta.
In 2025, the Yaspa team has grown to more than 70, including the addition of Chris Lowe as CFO and Renuka Rawlins as Head of Public Policy and Affairs. Earlier this month, Yaspa unveiled its new brand identity as it prepares to accelerate global growth.
Yaspa co-founder and CEO, James Neville, said: “It’s an absolute delight to be recognised by CB Insights for our work. “We’re listed alongside some impressive companies on the Fintech 100. From the foundation of Yaspa in 2017 we’ve been driven by a desire to explore the intersection between identity and money, and it’s rewarding to have this focus – and the value we can bring – recognised both by our growing customer base and the CB Insights analysis. Congratulations to everyone on the list.”
The list features early- and mid-stage startups driving the evolution of fintech. Utilising the CB Insights Strategy Terminal, the 100 winners were selected based on several factors, including CB Insights datasets on deal activity, industry partnerships, investor strength, hiring momentum, and private company signals such as Commercial Maturity and Mosaic Scores.
CB Insights also reviewed Analyst Briefings submitted directly to us by startups and leveraged Scouting Reports, powered by CB Insights’ Team of Agents.
Laura Kennedy, principal analyst at CB Insights, said: “This year’s Fintech 100 showcases a new generation of companies turning Al, automation and digital assets into the backbone of financial infrastructure.”
“This year’s winners are building the infrastructure that will shape the future of financial services.”
Quick facts on the 2025 Fintech 100:
- The 100 winners include 20 companies across digital assets solutions, 16 in financial operations and HR, 14 payments companies, and 13 in wealth management.
- 60+ companies on the list deploy Al in their solutions, and Al agents in particular are moving from workflows to financial infrastructure.
- $5.6B in equity funding raised over time, including more than $2B in 2025 so far (as of 10/22/2025).
- 60 companies from outside the United States, across 26 countries on 6 continents
- 640+ business relationships since 2021, including with industry leaders like Mastercard, Visa, Worldpay, Coinbase, and Circle.
The post Yaspa named among CB Insights’ most promising fintech startups for 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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All Roads Lead to the Helicopter — N1 Partners Turns SiGMA Central Europe 2025 into a Pit Stop for Deals
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N1 Partners is heading to SiGMA Central Europe 2025 with Booth 5056 G, charged with drive, precision, and the spirit of being first — presenting its top offers, products, and entering the final lap of the N1 Puzzle Promo before the grand finale.
After hitting the road in London and conquering the waves in Lisbon, N1 Partners is taking off to the sky — straight to SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome. This time, all roads truly lead to the helicopter.
Inspired by Italian sports car engineering and the spirit of competition, with a true vibe of drive — from Ferrari and Maserati to Formula 1 — the N1 Partners stand merges speed, precision, and style in every detail, creating a space where affiliates can recharge, connect, and explore new opportunities.
Step Up to the HeliRun Challenge
Visitors can take on the HeliRun Challenge — a mechanical time-trial maze where accuracy and focus are key and winners will receive branded mini-helicopters and other limited prizes.
Win a Ferrari
One lucky guest will drive away with a Ferrari — in LEGO form, but full of prestige.
Simply collect a branded card at the booth, follow N1 Partners on social media, and drop your entry into the prize drum.
The draw will take place on Day 3 at 16:00, with results announced on Instagram.
What Awaits at Booth 5056 G
- Meet the N1 Partners team to discuss insights and top-tier deals.
- Enjoy aperol & gelato sessions and exclusive giveaways.
- Take part in interactive activations and surprise drops throughout the event.
- Get exclusive N1 merch featuring the Puzzle Piece — your link to future N1 Puzzle Promo prizes.
Every detail is designed for speed, style, and engagement — making the booth a must-visit destination in Rome.
Why Meet N1 Partners in Rome
For more than eight years, N1 Partners has been accelerating affiliate growth, uniting 14+ licensed casino and betting brands across Tier-1 markets.
The program offers:
- Flexible deals: RevShare up to 45% / Hybrid / CPA up to €700 for partners with top-performing traffic
- Transparent terms: no shave, no delays, guaranteed payouts
- Exceptional performance: Reg2Dep up to 70%
At Booth 5056 G, the team will present personalized offers and partnership opportunities for affiliates working with SEO, PPC, FB, or mixed traffic.
With N1 Partners, you don’t just work with the number one — you become one.
Don’t wait — book your meeting now and take off with N1 Partners.
Next Lap: Helicopter.
The post All Roads Lead to the Helicopter — N1 Partners Turns SiGMA Central Europe 2025 into a Pit Stop for Deals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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