Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
728x90 banner available here

News

‘Tinder for betting’ Bookee scoops Bright Minds Showcase startup prize worth £25K  

Published

on

 

 

Mobile-first sports betting app Bookee has been awarded the top prize in the prestigious Brightest Minds Showcase at the iGaming Entrepreneur Conference.

 

The innovative platform – which is being described by many as Tinder for betting – was chosen ahead of 12 rivals at the London event as it scooped a mentoring and professional services package worth more than £25,000.

 

Each entrant presented a 60-second pitch video before answering questions from the assembled experts, mentors and investors at the Grange Hotel, Tower Bridge. In a highly-competitive field, the judges were ultimately wowed by the Bookee app, which offers users the chance to place a bet with the simple swipe of a finger.

 

“The mentoring and service providers all voted on their top three-rated projects based on innovation, team, likelihood of success and several other factors,” said Michael Caselli, the organiser of iGaming Entrepreneurs Conference, which took place on December 6.

 

“We then scored all the projects to find a winner that each mentor and provider agreed they would like to support and work with.”

 

Bookee was founded by former school friends Adam Kalmanson, previously with William Hill, and Adam Wilson, once of 888, with the aim of creating a personalised and social platform for the recreational gambler.

 

Already available via Apple’s App Store, the Bookee app curates individual sports bets for the user and provides them with a single instinctive binary action for each bet. Just like the Tinder dating app, users swipe right to approve or left to reject.

 

Since its formation, Bookee has raised a pre-seed round from leaders in the gaming industry, launched in beta with hundreds of paying users and is now looking to raise a seed round to “commercialise and truly disrupt the B2C betting space”. During testing over the course of the Euro 2016 football tournament last summer, Bookee’s margin was found to be well above industry average.

 

Kalmanson said: “We are delighted to have won the Bright Minds Showcase at this year’s iGaming Entrepreneurs Conference. We’d like to wish all our fellow start-ups the best of luck in 2017, and look forward to sharing more awesome features in Bookee in the coming months.

 

“Bookee is about simplicity. We invented this app because we became frustrated with how stuck in the past parts of the betting industry are. Where other betting sites have adapted a 100-year-old infrastructure to retro-fit the smartphone revolution, the Bookee app is specifically designed for mobile use only.”

 

By winning the Bright Minds Showcase, Bookee will receive four hours of mentoring each from Mark Blandford, founder of Sportingbet and industry investor; Nicky Senyard, founder of Income Access; Melissa Blau, founder of iGaming Capital; and multi-family office, Boston.co.im who will provide payment and international development consulting. The package also includes professional services packages including legal advice from iGaming legal experts Harris Hagan; specialist accountants BDO, creative specialists Vegas Kings, iGaming public relations experts Lyceum Media and compliance specialists NMI. This services package provides essential iGaming expertise in areas crucial for entrepreneurs developing their businesses in this sector.

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Bookee

Bookee is a mobile sports betting app using technology to create a simple, personal and fun customer experience. Think – ‘tinder’ for betting. It curates individual personalised sports bets for the recreational gambler and provides them a single instinctive binary action for each bet – swipe right to approve or left to reject. To find out more, visit www.bookee.co.uk

 

About the iGaming Entrepreneur Conference

The iGaming Entrepreneur Conference, which took place on December 8, 2016 in London, is essential for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, incubators, accelerators, private equity and angel investors who see value in the multi-billion pound iGaming sector. The conference is essential for the continued development of innovation in gaming, and is a unique forum that brings focused iGaming entrepreneurial opportunities to investors. This year, the conference introduced a unique mentoring programme for entrepreneurs, providing personalised mentoring and professional services to the winner of the brightest minds showcase. The conference reflects the vibrant entrepreneurial community in the industry and inspires attendees through a thought provoking and practical conference. Visit the website for more information: www.iGamingEntrepreneurs.com

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

Latest News

SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

Published

on

SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement

SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of expertise in iGaming, supports the global Pink October initiative to attract attention to preventing breast cancer.

This year’s Pink October campaign at SOFTSWISS is themed “A Minute Today, a Future Ahead” and emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and early diagnosis is key in the fight against the disease. When it is noticed early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Early detection involves doing monthly breast self-exams and planning regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Half of the 2,000 SOFTSWISS employees are women, and the company will refund each of them for ultrasounds and mammograms in October and November.

Pink October at SOFTSWISS offers a wide range of activities throughout the month. In addition to reimbursing for medical examinations, an online webinar on mental health will provide valuable insights for those who face the disease. To support the international charity movement “Butterfly Support Mission”, women from SOFTSWISS will take part in a themed race.

The company’s employees also personally support the initiative. To further raise awareness, prominent female influencers from the SOFTSWISS community share information about the campaign across social media, amplifying the message of self-care and vigilance.

“Health is a crucial value beyond everything. Here, at SOFTSWISS, we aim to help and support our employees’ well-being and health every day. By promoting the Pink October initiative, we want to stress the importance of well-timed self-care and make this issue visible both within the iGaming industry and beyond,” shares Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, Valentina Bagniya.

Notably, the iGaming industry recognised SOFTSWISS’ strong dedication to ensuring the best working conditions for its employees. A few weeks ago, SOFTSWISS received the esteemed accolade “Employer of the Year” at the SBC Awards.

Supporting the Pink October initiative for the second year in a row, SOFTSWISS continues to lead by example, emphasising the importance of preventive health measures and community support. Through this initiative, the company hopes to inspire its employees and society to take action today for a healthier tomorrow. 

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

 

Continue Reading

News

THE EVOLUTION OF GAMBLING IN SWITZERLAND – FROM PROHIBITION TO A DIGITAL BOOM

Published

on

 

THE EVOLUTION OF GAMBLING IN SWITZERLAND – FROM PROHIBITION TO A DIGITAL BOOM

 

Switzerland, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, exquisite chocolates, and financial prowess, is also home to a turbulent gambling landscape that has undergone significant changes throughout its history. Once considered immoral and prohibited on religious and social grounds, gambling in Switzerland is now steadily embracing change and adapting to modern times.

 

THE HISTORY OF SWISS BETTING

Over the centuries, the Swiss have dabbled in various forms of betting. The first Swiss casino opened in the 19th century, quickly establishing itself as a vital social and cultural hub. However, this golden era was short-lived, as just a month after the opulent Interlaken Casino’s debut in 1859, the Cantonal Government imposed a blanket ban on all forms of gambling.

Despite this prohibition, the Swiss ingeniously continued their gambling activities by wagering on a game known as “petits-chevaux”, involving miniature metal horses racing on a small circular track.

It wasn’t until the early 1990s that Switzerland began to slightly relax its gambling prohibitions, signaling a shift away from the long-standing moral stigma attached to gambling. Nonetheless, even with new legislation in place, the ban wasn’t fully overturned, allowing only limited-stakes casino gambling.

 

THE CURRENT SITUATION

As time progressed, the digital age brought forth online forms of betting, including sports betting, which led Swiss punters to spend substantial amounts abroad.

Motivated by both economic considerations and the rising number of gambling addicts, Swiss politicians decided it was time to modernize their outdated gambling regulations.

In January 2019, the Swiss government introduced a new Gaming Act that legalized online betting for the first time while blocking all foreign operators. The primary goals of the new gambling law were to enhance protection against gambling addiction and ensure a portion of gambling revenue was allocated for public welfare, all while adapting to the challenges of the digital era.

Consequently, Switzerland now boasts one of Europe’s strictest gambling regulatory frameworks, allowing only two public operators, Swisslos and Loterie Romande, to provide sports betting services. Similarly, online casino services are exclusively offered by licensed brick-and-mortar casinos.

To date, nearly 400 domains have been added to the official list of blacklisted sports betting operators, and Swiss telecommunication service providers automatically block these domains using DNS blocks.

While domain blocking is a deterrent measure, it has its limitations. Technologically adept punters can easily bypass these blocks using VPN clients. At the same time, blacklisted operators persistently seek ways to provide their services to Swiss customers, often resorting to frequent domain name changes.

With the surge of unregulated online betting in Switzerland, the need for reliable resources such as BookiesBonuses, which help Swiss punters navigate the complex betting landscape and discover the best betting options has never been more critical.

 

THE FUTURE OF GAMBLING IN SWITZERLAND

Switzerland’s gambling future remains uncertain due to stringent regulations that raise questions about their effectiveness and the pressing need for regulatory reforms that balance player protection with fostering a competitive and vibrant betting landscape.

While the intent behind these measures is to safeguard citizens, they have inadvertently limited options for Swiss punters. Consequently, a growing number of individuals have turned to international bookmakers known for providing a broader range of betting options, more competitive odds, and attractive bonuses.

In this ever-evolving industry, staying well informed about the latest developments, regulations, and the most reputable offshore bookmakers is crucial for those seeking the best sports betting experience. This knowledge empowers bettors to navigate the shifting Swiss betting scene and make well-informed decisions.

Continue Reading

gaming

Disparities in Brazilian Gambling Market Expose Socioeconomic Inequities

Published

on

 

The Brazilian gambling market is a dynamic and ever-growing industry that attracts individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. 

However, a closer analysis of the market by ENV Media reveals significant disparities, highlighting how certain segments of society are overrepresented while others are underrepresented. This article examines the distribution of active real money gamblers across different household brackets in Brazil and sheds light on the underlying socioeconomic inequities that contribute to this phenomenon.

 

The Overrepresentation of A-Level Households

Comprising only 2.9% of Brazilian households, A-Level households surprisingly make up 12% of the Brazilian gambling market. This overrepresentation raises questions about the factors driving individuals from these households to engage in gambling activities more frequently compared to their counterparts in other socioeconomic groups. 

It suggests that A-level households may have a higher disposable income or a greater inclination towards risk-taking behaviour, making them more prone to participating in gambling activities.

 

B1-B2 Households are Overrepresented yet Underrepresented

While B1-B2 households constitute 21.8% of the Brazilian population, they make up a striking 40% of active real money gamblers in the country. This disparity indicates that individuals from B1-B2 households are significantly overrepresented in the gambling market compared to their representation in the general population. It implies that this particular socioeconomic group might have easier access to gambling opportunities or possess higher discretionary income, allowing them to participate more actively in the industry.

 

C1-C2 Households Have Near Representation

In contrast to the overrepresentation of A-level and B1-B2 households, C1-C2 households demonstrate a nearly proportionate presence in the Brazilian gambling market. Comprising 47.4% of the Brazilian population, they account for 48% of active real money gamblers. This alignment between the population distribution and the gambling market participation suggests that individuals from C1-C2 households are engaging in gambling activities in line with their demographic representation.

 

Socioeconomic Factors at Play

The observed disparities in the Brazilian gambling market can be attributed to several underlying socioeconomic factors. A-level households, characterized by their higher income and potentially greater disposable wealth, may find gambling more accessible due to their financial resources. B1-B2 households, although overrepresented, may face financial constraints that prevent them from participating more actively. However, their higher representation could indicate the allure of gambling as a potential means to improve their economic situation.

The overrepresentation of certain socioeconomic groups in the Brazilian gambling market underscores existing inequalities within the country. It highlights disparities in income distribution, access to disposable income, and opportunities for upward mobility. Such imbalances can perpetuate a cycle of socioeconomic disadvantage, as individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may be lured into gambling as a means to attain financial stability or escape their circumstances, further exacerbating their vulnerability.7JP

 

Addressing Socioeconomic Inequities

To address the disparities in the Brazilian gambling market and reduce socioeconomic inequities, a multifaceted approach is needed. Firstly, initiatives should focus on enhancing financial literacy and providing support to individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about gambling. 

One aspect that ENV Media has been working hard on pushing through its new casino brand, 7JP.com, is to focus heavily on responsible gambling practices. According to ENV Media’s COO, Shane Hand, it’s of vital importance that any and all brands that enter the Brazilian market have this front of mind.

Previously, we have worked extensively in the Indian gambling market and one thing that become very clear is that it is of utmost importance to safeguard players, especially those who fall into the lower wage earning brackets. These individuals are the most vulnerable to developing unsustainable gambling habits. It’s extremely important that brands considering entering the Brazilain market focus on promoting awareness campaigns and implementing stringent regulations to protect such people

Conclusion

The overrepresentation of A-level and B1-B2 households in the Brazilian gambling market, coupled with the near-representation of C1-C2 households, sheds light on the socioeconomic inequities that persist within the country. 

While A-level households and B1-B2 households are overrepresented, this indicates that certain socioeconomic factors, such as income and accessibility, play a role in shaping gambling behaviours. 

Recognizing and addressing these disparities is crucial to fostering a more equitable society and ensuring that gambling remains a form of entertainment rather than a path to socioeconomic distress for vulnerable individuals.

Continue Reading

Trending

EEGaming.org is part of HIPTHER, parent brand of various prominent news outlets and international conferences. These platforms and events span a wide range of industries, including Entertainment, Technology, Gaming and Gambling, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Quantum Technology, Legal Cannabis, Health and Lifestyle, VR/AR, eSports, and several others. This indicates that EEGaming.org is part of a larger network that focuses on a diverse array of sectors, particularly those related to cutting-edge technology and modern lifestyle trends.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 HIPTHER Agency. All Rights Reserved. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.