Latest News
Five Startup Finalists Announced For The Second Edition of SBC First Pitch Barcelona

Five innovative industry start-ups have been selected as finalists for the second edition of SBC First Pitch Barcelona at this month’s SBC Summit Barcelona. The finalists will compete for an exclusive prize package valued at over €60,000, to aid in the growth and development of the winning company.
The competition, powered by Yolo Investments, will serve as a platform for the five aspiring companies to present their products and business plans in front of a live audience of industry leaders. The winner will be chosen by a judging panel consisting of venture capital and investment experts.
The First Pitch Competition will be hosted at the Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, on Wednesday 20th September, and will feature as part of the ‘Future of Technology’ conference track.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “As event organizers, we believe that SBC First Pitch Barcelona occupies a central role in facilitating innovation in the industry. Competitions like this serve as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their groundbreaking products and services, whilst also gaining invaluable experience presenting in a public space and networking with industry elite.”
“SBC First Pitch is essentially about innovation meeting opportunity, ultimately encouraging the industry to grow, welcome new ways of thinking and foster an environment that nurtures innovation and collaboration.”
The five finalists of the SBC First Pitch Barcelona are:
- We are the Bookie: an online B2C sports betting platform with a 50% monthly Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) rebate for losing customers.
- Rdentify: a platform that identifies vulnerable customers during customer conversations in real-time and flags them to the safer gambling team and triggers customisable interventions as soon as behavioural risk has been flagged
- Snap Screen: Leveraging the user’s mobile camera to recognise live events on TV and streaming, Snap Screen is akin to a ‘Shazam for sports betting,’ allowing operators and affiliates to integrate SnapOdds into their websites.
- SQR Group: simplifies compliance and reduces fraud by enabling seamless identity verification without storing sensitive documents, using Secure QR Code® technology.
- Sport Exchange Market: a web app platform where fans can trade virtual shares of football teams, experiencing the same adrenaline as when they are betting or playing fantasy sports games
The First Pitch competition will be hosted by Anton Kaszubowski, (Managing Director, SBC Advisory Partners) and feature a star-studded judging panel of industry experts. The panel consists of Adam Rosenberg (Senior Advisor, Gaming & Leisure. Blackstone), Evert Einroos (Partner, Yolo Investments), Peter Heneghen (Senior Associate, Bettor Capital), Hilary Stewart-Jones (Independent Consultant, Harris Hagan) and Claudia de la Riva (Angel Investor, Various), who will each cast their vote to determine the winner.
The winning start-up will receive a prize package comprised of:
- A two-day workshop trip to Tallinn with Yolo Investments Founder Tim Heath, including flights, hotel, and covered expenses – valued at €25,000.
- An SBC Media promotional package including a magazine ad in SBC Leaders Magazine, two featured editorials promoting the business and a guest appearance on the iGaming Daily Podcast – valued at €7,000.
- A prize pack from Receptional, in which a dedicated team will collaborate with the winning company to provide a tailored digital marketing package – valued at €10,000.
- A Square in the Air press pack that includes a corporate video filmed on-site at the event, two press releases distributed on the Square in the Air social channels, a free social media audit, competitor analysis and a strategy guide to help build the company’s profile – valued at £5,000.
- An exclusive brand or web design package from Vegas Kings, the leading iGaming design and development agency – valued at €2,500.
- A 3x3m booth, including a turnkey standbuild, sponsorship mention, and 4 complimentary tickets for the SBC Summit 2024 – Valued at €15,000.
Last year’s edition of SBC First Pitch Barcelona saw Kero Gaming, an in-game micro-betting and interactive social platform, crowned the winner. Paradox, a parimutuel betting protocol where all the commission charged is distributed proportionally to the people who bet before you, was the runner-up.
Latest News
Midnite appoints Alex Henderson as VP of Compliance to drive commitment to ‘doing things right’

Fast-growing UK sportsbook and casino Midnite has further bolstered its team with the appointment of Alex Henderson as VP of Compliance.
Henderson joins Midnite with significant experience across compliance, regulatory affairs and operational risk within the gambling sector. He has worked with established operators, law enforcement agencies and advisory firms, bringing a balanced understanding of commercial and compliance challenges.
The addition of Henderson is the latest key addition for Midnite, after the appointment of Zach Amin as Vice-President of Sportsbook and Andrew Mook as Head of Brand Marketing – with both joining from Flutter.
Henderson’s role will involve overseeing regulatory compliance, enhancing internal processes, and supporting Midnite’s continued focus on safer gambling and operational integrity under its UK licence.
He said: “I’m genuinely excited to be joining Midnite at such an exciting time in our growth story. Everyone I’ve met so far has been welcoming and clearly driven by a real passion for what they’re building. There’s a strong sense of ambition matched by a real commitment to doing things right.”
Midnite’s sportsbook was launched in 2018 by Nick Wright and Daniel Qu, who previously created daily fantasy sports platform Dribble in partnership with Sky Bet. In April, Midnite announced an investment of about £7.7m to help fuel its growth ambitions. The company has subsequently secured high-profile sponsorship partnerships with the World Snooker Championship, Southampton Football Club and Sheffield United Football Club.
The brand is focused on disrupting the UK betting market, prioritising the player experience with a slick website and app and a brand platform designed to speak to a new generation of players.
Wright said: “We’re building Midnite to be the most exciting betting brand in the UK but also the most trusted and that means taking compliance seriously. Alex brings heavyweight experience and the mindset we value – sharp, pragmatic and unafraid to raise the bar. His appointment is in keeping the standards we expect and the culture we’re creating.”
The post Midnite appoints Alex Henderson as VP of Compliance to drive commitment to ‘doing things right’ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
EurAsia
Groove Technologies Partners with “Azərlotereya” OJSC to Revolutionise Digital Gaming Experience

Groove Technologies, a leading global iGaming platform and game aggregation solutions provider, today announced a landmark partnership with “Azərlotereya” OJSC, the official lottery organizer, iGaming and sports betting operator in Azerbaijan.
This collaboration will leverage Groove’s cutting-edge gaming platform and proven technological reliability to deliver an unparalleled digital experience to players across Azerbaijan.
With a vast portfolio of over 15,000+ games from over 150 top-tier providers and a robust, scalable infrastructure, Groove’s platform ensures seamless performance, security, and innovation.
The partnership will introduce “Azərlotereya” players to a new era of immersive gaming, powered by Groove’s industry-leading payment solutions, real-time analytics, and player engagement tools.
Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove Technologies, stated: “This partnership is a testament to Groove’s ability to deliver world-class gaming technology at scale. “Azərlotereya” recognised our platform’s unmatched reliability and depth of content, key factors in providing players with a premium, frictionless experience. Together, we’re setting a new standard for digital lottery entertainment.”
“Azərlotereya” OJSC added: “Our mission is to bring innovation and trust to “Azərlotereya” gaming landscape, and Groove’s proven platform aligns with that vision. Their technology’s stability and expansive game library allow us to elevate our offerings while maintaining the high standards of security and compliance. This partnership marks a major leap forward for our digital transformation.”
Groove’s platform is engineered for high-traffic environments, ensuring zero downtime and lightning-fast transactions, a critical advantage for “Azərlotereya” OJSC’s growing player base. The integration also includes advanced responsible gaming features, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to safe and sustainable play.
Trusted by partners worldwide, Groove turns complexity into competitive advantage. With a commitment to transparency and player satisfaction, “Azərlotereya” continues to pioneer the future of gaming in the region.
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO of Groove Technologies, concluded: “At Groove, we don’t just power gaming platforms, we power possibilities. Collaborating with a forward-thinking partner like “Azərlotereya” allows us to demonstrate how technology can redefine an industry. This is just the beginning of a partnership that will drive innovation, engagement, and growth for years to come.”
The post Groove Technologies Partners with “Azərlotereya” OJSC to Revolutionise Digital Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
bingo
ZEAL invests in Swedish iLottery specialist Random State

- Co-investment by ZEAL and French lottery operator FDJ UNITED Ventures
- Strategic partnership drives industry innovation and growth
ZEAL Network SE, Germany’s leading provider of online lotteries, is investing in the innovative Swedish iLottery and iBingo specialist Random State, alongside FDJ UNITED Ventures, FDJ UNITED’s startup investment fund. With this co-investment, both partners reaffirm their commitment to advancing the global lottery industry.
Random State develops modern, digital instant lottery and bingo formats characterized by creative game design and a consistent focus on user experience. Notable clients include The UAE Lottery, the first regulated lottery in the United Arab Emirates and Delta Bingo Online, the digital arm of the Canadian gambling operator Delta Bingo & Gaming.
Investment creates value for all parties
The investment will enable Random State to strategically expand its sales and marketing activities and accelerate the development of new games – supporting the company’s continued growth trajectory. ZEAL, in turn, gains not only valuable insights into new game formats and mechanics but also benefits from the commercial partnership opportunities that come with the investment. This move is part of the strategic goal of ZEAL Ventures, the venture investment department of ZEAL, to actively shape the future of lottery and infuse innovation into ZEAL’s product portfolio.
The partnership with FDJ UNITED Ventures also highlights the increasing collaboration among leading European lottery operators, united by a shared ambition to bring fresh momentum to a modern and future-ready lottery landscape.
Driving the future of the industry together
“With Random State, we are investing into innovation in the iLottery sector,” says Juliane Gutsmiedl, Investment Manager at ZEAL Ventures. “The team impresses with creative game design and a deep understanding of diverse user preferences – providing us with valuable impulses for the development of our own portfolio.”
“Our vision is to reimagine the lottery – digital, user-centric, and globally connected,” said Mattias Westholm, CEO of Random State. “With ZEAL Ventures and FDJ UNITED Ventures, we’ve found strong, strategically-minded partners who share this ambition. This investment allows us to accelerate our innovation pipeline and expand into new markets and customer segments.”
The post ZEAL invests in Swedish iLottery specialist Random State appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Asia6 days ago
Think Tank Advocata Questions Independence and Integrity of Proposed Gaming Regulator in Sri Lanka
-
Baltics6 days ago
HIPTHER Joins Forces with Ace Alliance as Strategic Media Partner – Kicking Off with Ace Alliance Riga 2025
-
Canada5 days ago
LuckyStart Casino Adds New Payment Method
-
Brazil5 days ago
Evolution Launches First Live Casino Studio in Brazil
-
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario5 days ago
Titanplay Re-launches in Ontario
-
Kambi5 days ago
Kambi appoints experienced LatAm executive Mateo Lenoble as Head of Sales in Latin America
-
Nasdaq:LTRYW5 days ago
Sports.com and Lottery.com Head to Toronto as Callum Ilott and Louis Foster Prepare for Final Street Battle of 2025
-
AGCO5 days ago
AGCO takes action to remove unapproved gambling machines from Ontario convenience stores