Latest News
Flutter UKI Invests Nearly £7M into Community Sports
Former England heroes Alan Shearer and Peter Crouch are urging community sports clubs to take advantage of a £500,000 funding lifeline – as polling shows more than 40% (43%) of grassroots organisations are having to cancel services because of a lack of funding.
Clubs offering vital sports and fitness activities blame rising day-to-day costs, insurance bills and a difficulty in finding staff and other volunteers – with almost a quarter (22%) fearing they will be financially unsustainable within the next year.
The warning comes as Flutter launches Cash4Clubs 2026 – offering £500,000 to sports clubs across the UK and Ireland. Two hundred and fifty clubs will be able to bid for grants of £2000 a time to help buy new equipment, hire coaches, run training programmes or simply boost their marketing to bring in new members.
The polling, commissioned to coincide with the launch of Cash4Clubs 2026, shows grassroots sports funding has never been so important. Only 45% of clubs believe they can fully meet their members’ needs.
This year’s Cash4Clubs programme is backed by a host of sporting celebrities who are calling on clubs to apply for the money from Flutter UKI.
Paddy Power ambassador and former England and Liverpool striker, Peter Crouch, said: “An additional £2000 can make all the difference to local clubs – it can keep the lights on, keep facilities open and accessible and provide much needed funds to invest in equipment or training volunteers.
“These clubs aren’t just about sport – they’re giving people a place to belong, to build confidence and stay active. It’s why Cash4Clubs is so important, and I would urge people to apply.”
Alan Shearer, Betfair ambassador, said: “Throughout my career, on and off the field, I’ve witnessed the incredible power of sport to transform lives. Local grassroots clubs and organisations aren’t nice to have; they are essential community assets. These grants can provide a vital helping hand and the impact, particularly in deprived areas, can be profound.”
Acting on its commitment to Do More for Communities, Flutter UKI has invested nearly £7 million into community sports since Cash4Clubs launched in 2008. Earlier this year, almost 32,000 people from 200 different clubs benefited from this fund. Seventy-six percent worked with lower socio-economic groups, and 86% of clubs polled by leading UK charity Sported, who deliver the Cash4Clubs programme, reported they had grown their membership in the months since receiving funding.
Winners in 2025 included the Swindon Storm American Football Club, the Sunderland Deaf Darts Society and Wigan-based Parkinson’s Ninja – a pioneering club using the power of taekwondo, rock-steady boxing and mixed martial arts to tackle Parkinson’s disease.
Paul Williams, Parkinson’s Ninja says: “The grants from Cash4Clubs have allowed us to expand our offering to meet this need, including fulfilling the cost of additional coaching fees as well as maintaining the existing classes. As such we can continue helping people with Parkinsons by giving them the physical and social activity they vitally need.”
Sport England earlier this year showed significant growth in the number of adults and disabled people playing sport but said more work was needed in the most deprived areas. The UK Government has vowed to put tackling inactivity at the heart of its preventative health agenda.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, added: “I’ve seen first-hand the difference Cash4Clubs can make to the local community, and I would urge clubs to apply for the funding that Flutter is making available. Physical activity is vital for fitness and well-being and it’s always great to see the wide range of community organisations that benefit from Cash4Clubs. I hope this year’s programme is a huge success.”
Flutter UKI chief executive Kevin Harrington said: “Grassroots sports clubs are the beating heart of communities, but rising costs mean too many are now fighting to survive. That’s why we’ve committed £500,000 through our Cash4Clubs programme this year – to give local organisations the support they need to keep doors open, inspire participation and provide opportunities for adults to stay active and engaged with sports and all of the additional benefits that brings with it.”
Community clubs have until 8 December to apply for a grant through the Cash4Clubs website. This year’s programme is putting a particular emphasis on clubs that want to increase participation in sport in their local community, with the most recent round of grants attracting over 2500 new adults to recipient clubs in 2025.
The post Flutter UKI Invests Nearly £7M into Community Sports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® REVEALS FULL SUMMER 2026 SERIES SCHEDULE
The world’s biggest poker series returns to the Las Vegas Strip from May 26 through July 25
The World Series of Poker (WSOP®) today announced the daily event schedule for the 2026 World Series of Poker, the 57th edition of the world’s richest and most prestigious poker series. Returning to the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the 2026 WSOP promises a summer of unparalleled action, where new legends will be made and 100 gold bracelets will be awarded.
The excitement begins on May 26 with a revamped lineup designed to maintain the momentum of 2025’s record-breaking season, which saw GGPoker ambassador Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi capture the Main Event title and a $10,000,000 top prize.
The $10,000 Main Event & Free Daily Stream
As always, the centerpiece of the summer is the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, better known as the ‘Main Event’, which begins on Thursday, July 2. Play will proceed until the final table is reached on July 13, with specifics on the Main Event final table play dates and broadcast coverage to be announced at a later date.
To bring WSOP action to a wider international audience for free, a daily stream will be broadcast live on the official WSOP YouTube channel from May 26 through to the start of the Main Event. This daily broadcast will showcase the new and improved TV set in Paris Las Vegas and feature some of the game’s most recognizable commentators.
WSOP 2026 Highlights
Additional highlight events include:
- Event #7 Heads Up No-Limit Holdem Championship – 64 players max (3-day event) – May 29 – $25,000 buy-in
- Event #18 MONSTER STACK No-Limit Holdem (5-day event) – June 3 – $1,500 buy-in
- Event #34 COLOSSUS No-Limit Holdem (3-day event) – June 10 – $500 buy-in
- Event #41 Super High Roller No-Limit Holdem (3-day event) – June 13 – $250,000 buy-in
- Event #47 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (4-day event) – June 15 – $25,000 buy-in
- Event #50 MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit Holdem (5-day event) – June 17 – $1,500 buy-in
- Event #60 Poker Players Championship (5-day event) – June 21 – $50,000 buy-in
- Event #63 Mystery Millions – No-Limit Hold’em (3-day event) – June 23 – $1,000 buy-in
Additional flights have also been added to several of our most popular bracelet events offering players more opportunities than ever before to play their favorite WSOP events.
New Events & Summer Circuit Momentum
To maximize the excitement, the 2026 schedule introduces several high-impact events and a seamless transition into the Circuit season:
- Event #1 Mini Mystery Millions No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $550 buy-in featuring a massive $1M bounty prize guarantee – May 26
- Event #11 GGMillion$ High Roller No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $10,000 buy-in prestige event with two starting flights – May 31
- Event #16 U.S. Circuit Championship No-Limit Holdem (3-day event): A $1,700 buy-in event following the success of WSOP Paradise – June 2
- Event #53 Five Card Pot-Limit Omaha (3-Day event): A $1,500 buy-in PLO event – June 18
- Event #91 “Pick Your PLO” (3-Day event): A $1,500 buy-in Dealer’s Choice format including PLO, PLO8, Five-Card PLO (High), and Big O – July 9
- Summer Circuit: For the first time, a WSOP Circuit will begin during the final days of the bracelet series, running from July 14 – 25, ensuring the action in Las Vegas never slows down. The full schedule and other details will be available at WSOP.com
Executive & Ambassador Reaction
“As we saw in 2025, thousands of incredible stories are waiting to be told at the World Series of Poker,” said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP. “We’re more committed than ever to being poker’s unquestioned biggest stage and to shining a brighter spotlight on our favorite game.”
“Our favorite time of year is around the corner, and we cannot wait to once again welcome the poker world back to the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas,” said Jack Effel, Senior Vice President of Poker Operations at Caesars Entertainment. “This summer’s World Series of Poker promises more action and more opportunities to play your favorite events than ever before, from the first ‘Shuffle Up and Deal!’ to the crowning of the Main Event champion.”
“GGPoker’s WSOP Express satellites allow enthusiasts all over the world to follow in the footsteps of their heroes. Whether you are an international player qualifying via GGPoker or a domestic U.S. player winning your seat via WSOP Online, we want to see you taking your shot at the gold in 2026!” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador and seven-time WSOP bracelet winner.
WSOP+ Registration & Accommodations
Players can now access all tournament details via the WSOP+ app, which has already been updated with the full schedule. Registration for all summer events will open soon, streamlining the path to the podium. Players planning to visit the WSOP this summer should install the app and complete registration before arriving in Las Vegas; those who participated in WSOP 2025 and previously verified their identity do not need to do so again this year unless their personal information has changed or a new payment method is used.
Reduced room rates are available across Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts for the series. To access them, visit caesars.com, select a date between May 26 and July 25, 2026, and use promo code WSOP26.
WSOP Player Of The Year
The 100 bracelet events that make up the World Series of Poker 2026 will shape the race for the revamped WSOP Player of the Year (POY) competition. New for 2026, WSOP will award $1M in total to POY competitors, with the player who finishes first receiving a $100,000 WSOP Paradise 2026 package.
This year’s POY race starts at the World Series of Poker Europe 2026, which will be hosted in Prague, Czechia, from March 31 through April 12. For more details on the 2026 POY competition, please visit the WSOP POY page.
More Information & Online Qualification
Players should follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates.
To qualify online for WSOP 2026, please visit GGPoker.com to find out more about WSOP Express, or wsoponline.com if located in the United States.
The post THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® REVEALS FULL SUMMER 2026 SERIES SCHEDULE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
CEO of GGBET UA Serhii Mishchenko
GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign
A leading gaming brand in Ukraine has launched a collection of ads featuring the tagline “Keep it GG” as part of an extensive communications initiative. The videos are currently being broadcast on Ukrainian TV, online platforms, and the brand’s social media accounts.
“GG” (Good Game) started in video game culture, yet its significance has far surpassed the literal meaning of “well played.” Currently, it symbolizes a worldwide sign of honor and gratitude for the feelings exchanged following a match, no matter the outcome. This concept served as the basis for GGBET UA’s latest marketing campaign. The video series embodies a unique GG atmosphere: rather than using a conventional voiceover, it incorporates complete audio tracks; the narrative features both literal and metaphorical allusions to sports and esports terms, alongside in-game and casino aspects; and prominent Ukrainian footballers are among the main characters.
“Every game, every match, every tournament is a moment that brings people together. For us, it’s important that every interaction with GGBET gives users that good game feeling — an experience that outlives the result and leaves vivid emotions behind, just like after watching a match,” comments CEO of GGBET UA, Serhii Mishchenko.
Going beyond the traditional view of GG also signifies a more profound implication — the brand’s strategic focus. The international brand, which has concentrated on esports for several years and attained significant success in esports betting and collaborations, is now adopting best practices to enhance traditional sports in regional markets. GGBET UA showcases a wider strategy for Good Game via collaborations (FC Dynamo Kyiv, FC Polissya, and the Ukrainian Basketball Federation), by organizing its own events and special projects, including initiatives that blend sports with esports, like the Match of LeGGends: Derby showmatch on the server featuring esports athletes and football players.
The brand’s creative team collaborated with a Ukrainian advertising agency and a Ukrainian production company to develop the commercials. GGBET UA made this choice to assist the local creative sector amid the war.
The post GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Berlin
BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem
Global esports entertainment company BLAST, in partnership with Brawl Stars, is bringing the first-ever live in-person Brawl Cup to Berlin from 15–17 May 2026. The three-day event promises top-tier international competition alongside a full fan experience at the Uber Eats Music Hall.
This landmark event is part of BLAST’s new multi-year partnership with Brawl Stars, creating a refreshed, large-scale competitive ecosystem for the mobile action game available on iOS and Android. The collaboration introduces a global calendar of events, expanded live broadcasts, and blockbuster arena shows, setting a new standard for Brawl Stars esports.
A Milestone for Brawl Stars Competitive Scene
As BLAST’s first standalone live event for Brawl Stars, Brawl Cup Berlin marks a key milestone in the new competitive season. The 3-day format showcases BLAST’s growing footprint in Europe and reinforces Supercell’s commitment to expanding Brawl Stars’ global competitive circuit.
Under this partnership, BLAST will:
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Deliver 32 broadcast days per year across six competitive seasons
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Host three major live events annually
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Enable teams to qualify through regional competitions across EMEA, North America, South America, APAC, and China
Top teams from each region will compete in marquee in-person events, bringing world-class competition directly to live audiences.
Event Details: Brawl Cup Berlin
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What: Brawl Cup Berlin
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When: 15–17 May 2026
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Where: Uber Eats Music Hall, Berlin, Germany
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Tickets: On-sale dates and pricing to be announced
What Fans Can Expect
The Berlin event will deliver a full arena experience, combining:
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High-energy live competition
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BLAST’s signature broadcast spectacle
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On-site fan activations and interactive experiences
Further announcements will reveal participating teams, broadcast schedules, and detailed fan experiences in the coming weeks.
Media and Press Opportunities
Media representatives will have access to:
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Accreditation for the full event weekend
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Player and spokesperson interviews
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Exclusive coverage of the new-look Brawl Stars competitive circuits
This event represents a pivotal step in BLAST and Supercell’s mission to elevate Brawl Stars esports on a global stage.
The post BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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