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LAYUP AIMS TO TACKLE SPORTS BETTING IN THE U.S — BY MAKING EVERY FAN A WINNER

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2025

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Backed by the American Savings Promotion Act, Layup encourages real savings while channeling the thrill of winning money on sports

If everyone likes to win money, then why don’t most people gamble? The founders of Layup—a groundbreaking new fintech startup—think it comes down to more than fear of losing money. The incentives that power the gaming industry also push people away. Inspired by Prize Bonds in Ireland, the founders’ native country, Layup flips the incentives on their head, redefining what it means to play—and win.

Layup is a sports game built for every U.S. sports fan, not just gamblers. The app generates daily sports picks for users, similar to a parlay, but instead of betting their deposit, they save it. Every pick earns a chance to win real cash prizes, but their principal always stays safe.

The concept is based on Irish Prize Bonds, which are operationally a lottery funded by the interest earned on the $5 billion worth of deposits in the program. But in Ireland, it’s much more significant: Prize Bonds are a safe, fun, and trusted way to enjoy the thrill of winning without the risk of financial loss.

“We think we’re offering something that no one else in the U.S. is, and we’ve more than doubled our active users over the past month,” said Owen Monagan, co-founder and CEO of Layup. “I think the message behind our product is resonating. It’s a sports game where all of the outcomes are good. You either win money or save money. If we’re doing our job right, you’ll do both.”

Built on Trust, Not Temptation

All funds deposited through Layup go directly into accounts held by nbkc bank, Member FDIC, where they’re held safely and can be withdrawn at any time. The bank pays Layup a monthly fee to attract savers, and Layup uses that to fund its prize payouts. In short: no hidden fees, no middlemen, no “house,” no downside.

The model is backed by the American Savings Promotion Act of 2014, common-sense bipartisan legislation focused on helping average Americans.

“In Ireland, products like Prize Bonds are so trusted that kids use them,” said Oisín Tiernan, co-founder and CTO of Layup. “I’ve had one since I was a 1-year-old. It was a gift from my godmother. We wanted to take that same concept and bring it to the U.S., using the same energy that has made legal sports betting so popular and channel it into a product that is safe and fun.”

A Real Solution to a Real Problem

Layup isn’t just a clever twist on saving—it’s a timely answer to an urgent issue. In 2024, Americans lost approximately $8 billion on parlay bets, a form of sports gambling especially popular among young men. At the same time, this same group is facing historically low savings rates and increasing financial stress.

“What makes me proudest is what the data is starting to show: After 30 days, 60% of our users say they’re betting less on traditional sportsbook apps,” Monagan said. “That’s not just a behavior shift—it’s a financial pivot. We’re turning a costly habit into a healthy one.”

The academic research backs it up: Studies have indicated or outright stated that prize-linked savings products such as Layup can turn gambling spending into savings—offering an actual, research-backed solution to gambling.

“If you strip away the game mechanics, our business is built on a simple principle: You never lose your principal,” Monagan said. “We’re not doing this out of pure altruism. We believe Layup is founded on a sound business strategy. Sportsbooks are so focused on taking as much money as possible from their customers that they’ve created space for us to create a successful business focused on doing the opposite.”

Layup: The New Way to Play

Layup’s experience is designed to feel more like a March Madness pool with friends, a 50-50 raffle, or a fantasy football league. It’s exciting and it’s built for people who like to win—but don’t want to lose.

“We’ve built a product that feels fun and familiar, but at its core, it’s changing the relationship people have with money,” said Tiernan. “If sports can make grown men paint themselves blue, they can motivate someone to save 50 bucks.”

The post LAYUP AIMS TO TACKLE SPORTS BETTING IN THE U.S — BY MAKING EVERY FAN A WINNER appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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eGaming Integrity wins SME News UK Enterprise Award for gambling assurance

Published

1 hour ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

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eGaming Integrity has been named Independent Online Gambling Assurance Provider of the Year 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards, organised by SME News. The company is based in the Isle of Man and works with operators in regulated online gambling markets.

According to the company, the award recognises its assurance work aimed at helping gambling operators evaluate whether their compliance processes are prepared for regulated market requirements, as regulatory expectations increase around compliance standards and customer protection.

eGaming Integrity said its internal audit reviews assess how gambling businesses operate in practice, including whether procedures and controls meet standards expected by regulators. The company added that the process is designed to help operators identify where controls are effective and where improvements may be needed before issues emerge.

Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, said,

“This award recognises the reason eGaming Integrity was created. Responsible operators want to know where they stand before problems appear, and independent assurance provides that outside perspective.

“Our team has seen regulation from both sides, which helps us understand where processes can break down and how operators can make practical improvements.”

Speaking on the accomplishments of the 2026 winners, Laura O’Carroll, Awards Manager, said,

“The announcement of our UK Enterprise Awards is perhaps one of our most anticipated milestones every year, and the 2026 launch is no different. We are truly pleased to deliver our digital magazine and winners list, showcasing such excellence, to our readers again this year. Atop this, to our winners, and from our team to yours, we wish you all a sincere congratulations on your success in this year’s programme.”

The post eGaming Integrity wins SME News UK Enterprise Award for gambling assurance appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Bonus Buy

Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter slot

Published

1 hour ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Booming Games has launched Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter, a new online slot released on 16 July 2026 from the supplier’s Malta base. The title is the second game in its Max Scatter series and uses a 6×4 grid with Scatter Pays, cascading wins and a stated maximum win potential of 15,000x.

The game pays when eight or more of the same symbol land. Winning symbols are removed and remaining symbols cascade down, with new symbols dropping in until no further wins are formed.

Free Spins are triggered by landing four or more Scatter symbols, including Scatters and Max Scatters, awarding 10 Free Spins. During the bonus, Random Multipliers can appear with values from 2x to 100x and remain active until the cascade sequence ends, after which multiplier values are combined and applied to the total win. Three or more Scatter symbols during Free Spins add five additional spins, while the feature ends if the max win is awarded.

Booming Games also includes Bonus Buy options priced at 100x the bet amount and a “Super Buy Bonus” at 500x, which the company says offers multipliers from 15x to 100x. A BOOST+ option increases the bet by 25% and increases the chance of triggering bonus features.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter is a great example of how we’re innovating within one of our top performing franchises. By adding exciting new Max Scatter mechanics to one of our most popular slots, we are confident the game will appeal to players looking for top-quality entertainment and high-stakes gameplay.”

The post Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gaming Realms

Gaming Realms launches Slingo games with Swiss4Win in Switzerland

Published

1 hour ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Gaming Realms has launched its Slingo portfolio in Switzerland with Swiss4Win.ch, the online casino brand of Casinò Lugano, on 16th July 2026.

The supplier said the agreement is its second operator launch in the Swiss market and extends distribution of its content library through Playtech’s platform.

Swiss4Win.ch players now have access to a selection of titles including Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Xxxtreme and Slingo Gold Cash.

Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Building on our recent debut in Switzerland, this partnership with Swiss4Win.ch will see us reach an even greater audience in the country where our unique content has been popular with local players.

“Switzerland represents an attractive market for us and this launch with a reputable local operator sees us strengthen our foothold in the region.”

Paolo Sanvido, CEO of Casinò Lugano, said: “We’re committed to offering our players a diverse portfolio of premium gaming content, and Gaming Realms’ Slingo titles bring something truly unique to our casino lobby. We’re excited to introduce these games to our customers and further strengthen our entertainment offering with engaging and innovative experiences.”

The post Gaming Realms launches Slingo games with Swiss4Win in Switzerland appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.