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Soft2Bet Marks Nine Years with Gamification Academy, MEGA Workshops, and Charity Support at SBC Summit Lisbon

Published

4 months ago

September 2, 2025

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Soft2Bet will celebrate nine years of innovation at this year’s SBC Summit Lisbon (Sept 16–18), showcasing its latest gamification technology, leading educational content through the Gamification Academy, supporting the flagship Legends Charity Game, and backing start-up founders at SBC First Pitch.

From September 16 to 18, Soft2Bet will showcase its iGaming platform, turnkey solutions, and MEGA, a data-led retention suite designed for casino and sportsbook brands. Across the three days, the team will demonstrate MEGA through bookable workshops, lead the Gamification Academy by Soft2Bet as part of the Tech Academies programme, and support founders at SBC First Pitch.

Soft2Bet: Backing SBC’s flagship Legends Charity Game

On 15 September, Soft2Bet will join SBC and its founder, Rasmus Sojmark, for the flagship Legends Charity Game in Lisbon, a Portugal Legends versus World Legends match where Luís Figo, the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner, captains Portugal. The fixture brings together Portuguese and international greats with the aim of raising €1,000,000 for humanitarian causes.

SBC CEO & Founder Rasmus Sojmark commented: “Soft2Bet has been a strong partner of SBC’s events from the early days and it is fantastic to see them take it to another level in 2025. We have a number of new initiatives this year at the SBC Summit and Soft2Bet’s support has helped us to develop the Tech Academies programme and push forward with the Legends Charity Game.”

SBC Gamification Academy powered by Soft2Bet

For the first time, SBC will launch the Operators Academy, focused on AI, Marketing, Web 3.0 & Blockchain, and Gamification. During the first day, Soft2Bet will be contributing to the Gamification Academy by Soft2Bet.

The programme features a keynote by Chief Product Officer Yoel Zuckerberg, “Introduction to Gamification & Player Engagement”, the panel “Why Personalisation is the Key to Retention”, moderated by Martin Collins (Chief Business Development Officer), and another panel “The Five Steps of Gamification”, with Alon Eshed (Head of Sales) as a panellist. Yoel Zuckerberg and other senior representatives will share practical strategies for operators on personalising player experiences, integrating gamification into products, and measuring performance. The academy will equip operators with clear, actionable insights to boost engagement, retention, and revenue, providing them with a competitive edge.

“Brands want retention they can prove,” said Yoel Zuckerberg, Chief Product Officer at Soft2Bet. “In Lisbon, we are running focused, one-to-one MEGA sessions that show the playbook, personalised missions, clear KPIs and less bonus waste, so teams can lift engagement and LTV across highly competitive markets.”

One integration. MEGA outcome

Throughout the summit, Soft2Bet will host bookable MEGA workshops at Stand C160, featuring 30-minute one-on-one sessions hosted by Alon Eshed (Head of Sales), with presenters Nicolas Campano (Sales Director) and Slobodan Georgijevski (Senior Sales Manager). Each session will demonstrate how to configure missions and challenges to align with brand goals, monitor uplift through live reporting and control bonus spend via a single integration. Workshop slots are limited and can be reserved via this link: https://www.soft2bet.com/mega

Soft2Bet Invest: developing the industry through innovation

Supporting early‑stage teams is vital to the industry’s progress. Soft2Bet founded Soft2Bet Invest in 2024 to support iGaming and casual gaming entrepreneurs with capital and hands-on business support, focusing on areas such as AI, behavioural-UX analytics, and scalable gaming technology.

Last year in Lisbon, Soft2Bet participated in the SBC First Pitch judging panel; this year, the commitment grows as Soft2Bet Invest presents the competition on 18 September, with a start-up prize package worth over €90,000. The goal is straightforward: to help talented founders introduce new approaches and fresh thinking to a rapidly growing industry.

Nine nominations underline strength in products, platform and leadership

This year, Soft2Bet received nominations across nine award categories at the SBC Awards 2025, highlighting excellence in its brands, MEGA, platform innovations, and leadership. The recognition reflects a consistent focus on localisation, compliance and player experience, helping to build strong brands in highly competitive markets with strict requirements, rigorous marketing standards and a clear performance focus.

The post Soft2Bet Marks Nine Years with Gamification Academy, MEGA Workshops, and Charity Support at SBC Summit Lisbon appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

BetMGM

BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

betmgm-and-fashiontv-gaming-group-bring-luxury-lifestyle-to-north-american-igaming

BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has officially partnered with FashionTV Gaming Group to launch a curated portfolio of luxury-branded games. This strategic collaboration marks the entry of FashionTV’s iconic aesthetic into the North American iGaming market, exclusively through BetMGM’s platforms.

The partnership merges FashionTV’s global prestige in the worlds of fashion and high-society entertainment with BetMGM’s award-winning digital casino infrastructure.

Immersive Luxury Table Games

The initial rollout features two high-gloss table games designed to provide players with an “immersive, lifestyle-driven” experience that mirrors the sophistication of the FashionTV brand.

FashionTV Blackjack: A premium take on the casino classic, featuring refined visual assets and high-end production values.
FashionTV Roulette: A sleek, stylized version of the iconic wheel, bringing a “fashion-forward” energy to every spin.

The titles are currently live in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a wider rollout planned for all jurisdictions where BetMGM Casino is active.

Strategic Vision and 2026 Roadmap

For BetMGM, the partnership is part of a broader “branded content” strategy that includes previous successes with major TV and movie franchises.

“At BetMGM, we have redefined what it means to deliver entertainment in iGaming,” said Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming at BetMGM. “By partnering with FashionTV Gaming Group, we’re creating experiences that go beyond gameplay and connect players to the brands they love.”

Moshe Cohen, Founder & President of FashionTV Gaming Group, added: “BetMGM’s leadership and scale make them the perfect partner to transform our vision into a North American success story.”

Looking ahead, BetMGM has confirmed that additional FashionTV-branded titles—including slots and potentially live dealer variants—will be released throughout 2026 as part of an expanding content pipeline.

The post BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brazil Betting Law

2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-regulatory-roadmap:-key-compliance-deadlines

As the industry gathers for ICE Barcelona 2026, the regulatory landscape has shifted into a high-execution phase. The following roadmap outlines the critical compliance dates for three of the most influential markets currently undergoing major transitions: the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Date	Jurisdiction	Regulatory Milestone	Action Required for Operators/Suppliers
Jan 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 Update	Ban on Mixed-Product Incentives: Offers like “Bet £10, get 20 free spins” are now prohibited. Wagering Caps: Bonus wagering is capped at a maximum of 10x.
Jan 19-21, 2026	Global / EMEA	ICE Barcelona 2026	Flagship event for showcasing 2026 compliance technology and real-time auditing solutions.
Mar 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Condition 15.2.1 Reporting	Key Event Reporting: Threshold for reporting operator status/shareholder changes raised from 3% to 5%. All loans must be reported regardless of written agreements.
Mar 31, 2026	Philippines	PAGCOR B2B Accreditation Deadline	Final Compliance Date: All B2B providers (studios, aggregators, affiliates) must be accredited. Unaccredited foreign content will be blocked from licensed platforms.
Apr 6, 2026	United Kingdom	DMCC Act 2024 Alignment	Fair & Transparent Terms: Consumer Protection regulations replaced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Terms must align with new definitions of “misleading actions.”
June 30, 2026	United Kingdom	RTS 12 (Financial Limits)	Technical changes to Remote Technical Standards (RTS) regarding how customers set and view financial limits on their accounts.
H2 2026	Brazil	Betting Deposit Tax Vote	Proposed 15% tax on gambling deposits is expected to return to the Senate for a final vote after being pushed back in late 2025.

Regional Deep Dive: Strategic Compliance

1. United Kingdom: The “Safety & Simplicity” Era

The UKGC’s January 19th update is the most immediate challenge for marketing teams. By decoupling sports betting from casino bonuses, the regulator aims to reduce “cross-product friction” that could lead to unintended gambling harm.

Strategy: Pivot toward product-specific loyalty programs (e.g., “Bet £10 on Football, Get a £5 Free Bet”) to maintain compliance while driving retention.

2. Brazil: Sustaining the .bet.br Ecosystem

Following the January 1, 2025 launch of the regulated market, 2026 is about operational maturity. The focus has shifted to the mandatory use of the .bet.br domain and rigorous AML/KYC reporting to the Secretariat of Awards and Betting (SPA).

Strategy: Ensure all advertising features the mandatory license logo and that all protagonists in marketing materials are visibly over 21 years of age.

3. Philippines: The B2B Supply Chain Lockdown

PAGCOR’s new framework is a move to professionalize the region, mirroring the supplier-licensing models seen in Ontario and Malta.

Strategy: Foreign studios that missed the December 2025 “early bird” three-year accreditation window must expedite their applications before March 31st to avoid a total blackout on Filipino-facing sites.

The post 2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI in Gambling

2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals”

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-outlook:-regulation,-ai-personalization,-and-the-return-of-“originals”

The iGaming industry has officially entered a new era of discipline. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the “wild west” growth of previous years has been replaced by a focus on sustainability, hyper-localization, and AI-driven player protection. From the finalization of the PROGA framework in India to the massive turnover records set by World Pool, the market is no longer just growing—it is maturing.

The Rise of “Explainable AI” in Player Retention

In 2026, AI has moved beyond simple game recommendations. Leading operators are now utilizing “Explainable AI” (XAI) to bridge the gap between engagement and compliance. Unlike traditional “black box” algorithms, XAI allows operators to understand why a player is being flagged for risky behavior or why a specific loyalty nudge was triggered.

This transparency is critical for maintaining trust in highly regulated markets like the UK and Ontario, where the UKGC’s 2026 Social Responsibility updates now demand more rigorous evidence of proactive player interaction.

“Originals” and the Rebirth of Video Poker

While high-volatility slots like Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin continue to dominate headlines, a significant shift is occurring in the “non-slots” vertical.

The PowerPoker Revolution: Strategic partnerships, such as the recent QTech Games and Speedy Tomatoes deal, are revitalizing video poker. By adding features like “Swap-A-Card,” these games are capturing high-value player segments who prioritize skill and strategy.
Branded Originals: Platforms like MINT are proving that “Originals” (Mines, Crash, and Plinko) are no longer secondary products. Fully brandable house games are now a core foundation for crypto-first and Web3 operators, driving session frequency through provably fair mechanics.

Brazil and Ontario: The Battle for Market Supremacy

The geographic focus for 2026 remains firmly on Brazil and Ontario.

Brazil’s Advertising Evolution: With the newly regulated market in full swing, groups like Esportes Gaming Brasil joining IAB Brasil signal a shift toward responsible communication. Advertising is now a tool for helping consumers identify licensed platforms, moving away from aggressive acquisition tactics.
Ontario’s Content War: The region has become North America’s most dynamic hub. Agreements like the Peter & Sons and Casino Time deal highlight the demand for “indie-inspired” content that stands out in a saturated market.

Conclusion: The “Champion Mindset” for 2026

Success this year isn’t about volume; it’s about coherence. As highlighted by GR8 Tech’s “Champions Club” initiative for ICE Barcelona, the operators winning in 2026 are those who treat technology as a performance ecosystem. By aligning real-time data with compliant storytelling, brands are finding that “trust” is the most valuable currency in the modern iGaming world.

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