Latest News
When Dreams Become Reality: How WinSpirit’s “Wish Express” Reunited a Family After 11 Years
As the holiday lights dim and the New Year takes flight, one story in the iGaming world proves that magic isn’t just for children. WinSpirit Casino has officially concluded its Wish Express campaign — a seasonal initiative that evolved from a standard promotion into a profound celebration of human connection.
Returning to the Magic of Childhood
The core idea of “Wish Express” was simple yet daring: in a world of practical goals and data-driven results, when was the last time you let your “inner child” truly dream? WinSpirit invited its community — from players and streamers to game providers and partners — to step away from spreadsheets and strategy to write a literal letter to Santa.
What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something much more meaningful. Inspired by childhood nostalgia, Wish Express brought back the excitement of sending dreams to the North Pole, thoughtfully reimagining that familiar experience for the digital age.
A Community United by Sincerity
The response was overwhelming. Over 2,000 unique wishes flooded the “Wish Express” headquarters. The campaign saw a staggering 169% increase in social media reach and a 76% boost in engagement, proving that sincerity is the most powerful currency in modern branding.
The project received unexpected support from industry giants. Major game providers like Gamebeat, Mascot, 1spin4win, and Zillion joined the journey, sharing their own festive dreams on social media. This cross-industry participation turned the “Wish Express” into a collective movement, blurring the lines between “business” and “community.”
From Disneyland to Backyard Concerts
While the campaign offered rewards for participation, the highlight was the community voting process. WinSpirit narrowed down the entries to the most heartwarming stories, letting the public decide on the most inspiring dreams. The community-voted winners received 100 Free Spins.
The wishes were a mosaic of human desires:
- A parent longing to see the joy in their children’s eyes at Disneyland.
- Someone wishing for a global “chain of kindness.”
- A gamer wanting to share a PlayStation 5 with their kids.
- Whimsical dreams of private backyard concerts and world travels.
The Real-Life Reunion
The most touching moment of the campaign came when WinSpirit reviewed a wish from a player who hadn’t seen their mother, grandmother, and aunt in 11 years. The distance and life’s obstacles had kept them apart for over a decade, making a family Christmas feel like an impossible dream.
Moving beyond digital rewards, WinSpirit stepped in to play the role of Santa’s helper. They covered the full cost of round-trip flights, making the long-awaited reunion a reality. For the first time in 11 years, the player celebrated the holidays in the warm embrace of their family.
“We believe that a reunion with family is the greatest gift one can receive at Christmas,” a WinSpirit representative noted. By fulfilling this wish, WinSpirit showed that behind every spin lies a team that truly cares.
A New Standard for Engagement
“Wish Express” has set a new benchmark for how iGaming brands can interact with their audience. It wasn’t just a campaign; it was a reminder that magic still exists when a brand chooses to listen. As the “Wish Express” returns to its station, it leaves behind a community that is not only more engaged but more connected through shared hope and the belief that sometimes, dreams really do come true.
In a competitive industry, WinSpirit has shown that emotional connection isn’t a ‘nice extra’ — it’s a strategic advantage. This campaign didn’t just win hearts. It built trust, visibility, and a deeper relationship with the community.
Latest News
Filippo Anzalone Joins Gamblers Connect Contributors Program
Monday 12 January: Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, has announced Filippo Anzalone, Head of Sales at Odds Scanner Group, as its first official Contributor for the 2026 Gamblers Connect Contributors Program.
Anzalone is the first of 12 industry experts to join the programme, a curated selection of practitioners with true “skin in the game.” At Odds Scanner Group, Anzalone is responsible for scaling and leading a high-performing organisation of more than 10 professionals. His reputation is built on his ability to combine strong legal and analytical expertise to close complex, high-value agreements — skills that move the needle in a saturated market.
As the first of the 12 contributors, Anzalone will offer the community a behind-the-scenes perspective on building lasting partnerships and expanding across borders, drawing on his hands-on experience in international growth. Gamblers Connect readers can expect Anzalone’s first analysis piece to be published soon, setting the tone for a year of knowledge-driven content.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “One of the key reasons we selected Filippo Anzalone as the inaugural contributor is his global versatility. Fluent in Italian, English, Spanish and Portuguese, he brings a multi-jurisdictional perspective that is rare in the sector. He is already a recognised industry voice, frequently appearing at conferences and panels to discuss sustainable revenue growth.”
The post Filippo Anzalone Joins Gamblers Connect Contributors Program appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
Isle of Man Government reaffirms commitment to iGaming sector
With more than 20 years’ experience as a leading iGaming jurisdiction, the Isle of Man has built a strong international reputation based on robust regulation, political and economic stability, and a partnership-led approach between Government, regulators and industry.
That reputation continues to underpin confidence in the Island as a premier jurisdiction for high-quality iGaming businesses.
The Chief Minister has reaffirmed Government’s continued commitment to the iGaming sector ahead of attendance at ICE 2026, commenting:
‘For more than two decades, iGaming has been an important and successful sector for the Isle of Man’s economy and community, offering a robust, transparent and responsive regulatory environment. iGaming remains just as important today as it will be in the future.
‘In the face of a more complex and challenging global environment in recent years, Government has invested significantly in strengthening our understanding of risk and ensuring we have the right resources and frameworks in place to recognise and respond effectively to emerging threats.
‘As we look ahead to ICE 2026 and other major industry events over the next 12 months, we will continue to work across industry and all agencies to ensure the Isle of Man remains a secure, stable and trusted jurisdiction for high quality and well-regulated iGaming businesses.’
Attendance at ICE 2026 will mark the start of a coordinated programme of engagement, with Digital Isle of Man due to attend a number of key events alongside industry over the coming year to continue to promote the Island as an internationally respected jurisdiction for iGaming.
The Isle of Man Government remains committed to working in partnership with industry to support sustainable growth, meet international standards, and ensure the long-term success of the iGaming sector.
The post Isle of Man Government reaffirms commitment to iGaming sector appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
Arizona Department of Gaming Awards Its First Peer Support and Recovery Contract Designed to Further Problem Gambling Assistance
Investment in new, no-cost services to facilitate problem gambling recovery across the state
The Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling (Division) announced today that it has awarded its first peer support and recovery services program contract to Dezerve Counseling LLC, which was selected following a competitive Request for Proposal to develop, launch, and manage the State of Arizona’s first problem gambling peer support and recovery program. The award marks a significant public investment in problem gambling recovery in Arizona, where peer support services will be provided free of charge and confidentially.
“Creating an additional pathway to recovery for Arizona community members negatively impacted by problem gambling – via the peer support and recovery services program – is exciting for our agency and the people we serve,” said Elise Mikkelsen, Director, Division of Problem Gambling. “We are proud of our track record of offering timely and effective assistance to Arizonans, and we look forward to adding peer support and recovery services to enhance the comprehensive options available through the Division of Problem Gambling.”
Each client participating in the program will be paired with a Peer Support and Recovery Specialist who has deep, lived experience with problem gambling; entered the problem gambling recovery community themself or supported a loved one doing so; and has been rigorously trained in peer support practice, including through applicable professional certifications. With first-hand, lived experience in addiction, specialists can provide a non-clinician point of view with real-time, confidential advice and support.
“We at Dezerve Counseling are honored and excited to partner with the Division of Problem Gambling to launch a dedicated peer support and recovery program for problem gambling,” said Darfetta Muhammad, Chief Administrative Officer at Dezerve Counseling. “We believe, just as the Division does, that recovery begins with a single step forward. We are proud that Dezerve Counseling can now offer that vital next step to individuals and families navigating problem gambling.”
For convenience and maximum impact, peer support will be available statewide and offered in-person, virtually, and over the phone, and will be provided in one-on-one settings as well as in group settings led by a specialist. Importantly, Arizonans may access the peer support program at any stage of their problem gambling journey – this includes individuals experiencing problem gambling and reaching out for assistance for the first time, as well as individuals already seeing a doctor or clinician. There will be no fee for participants and no requirement that the participant have an insurance plan.
To drive workforce capacity to meet the demand for problem gambling support, the program will recruit and train Peer Support and Recovery Specialists who will be ready to make an immediate impact on their clients’ recovery. This workforce component is consistent with the Division’s focus on ensuring gambling treatment programs can meet future community needs while increasing system capacity. Dezerve Counseling and the Division expect the program to launch Spring 2026.
To learn more about the Division of Problem Gambling and its work providing a sustainable continuum of services that reduces the impact of problem gambling across Arizona, please visit problemgambling.az.gov. Always 24/7, free, and confidential, Arizonans who want to inquire about problem gambling services are encouraged to text NEXTSTEP to 53342 or call 1-800-NEXT-STEP.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Awards Its First Peer Support and Recovery Contract Designed to Further Problem Gambling Assistance appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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