GRID, an esports data platform, has officially joined the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) as a first esports-focused Associate Member. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for esports integrity, aligning GRID with IBIA and its globally recognized integrity-focused members, who monitor over $300bn in sports bets per annum and have a growing focus on esports betting.

With this partnership, GRID and IBIA are committed to collaboratively addressing any integrity issues in esports, fostering trust across stakeholders, and setting a benchmark for excellence in the ecosystem. GRID has been a certified member of IBIA’s Data Standards program since 2022, actively contributing to the development of tailored esports integrity protocols. This membership further underscores GRID’s dedication to transparency and collaboration in combating betting-related corruption within esports.

Since 2018, GRID has operated an internal integrity department pioneering official data-driven solutions for esports. This makes GRID one of the first companies to monitor tournament and data integrity in the competitive sports sector and actively flag and report suspicious behavior, enabling it to collect a large database of integrity reports and insights.

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IBIA is a not-for-profit body that protects regulated sports betting markets from match-fixing. It represents over 50 of the world’s leading betting companies which operate over 125 sports betting brands. IBIA’s global monitoring network is a highly effective anti-corruption tool, detecting and reporting suspicious activity in regulated betting markets using transactional activity linked to individual customer accounts.

Under the partnership, GRID and IBIA will share information relating to suspicious esports betting and potential match manipulation from their respective monitoring and intelligence platforms. IBIA members will also benefit from free access to wider integrity-focused resources supplied by GRID.

Moritz Maurer, CEO of GRID, commented: “Integrity is at the heart of GRID’s mission. By joining IBIA as an Associate Member, we are taking a definitive step toward establishing esports as a trusted and credible industry. This partnership enables us to further our efforts in promoting transparency, reducing risks associated with esports betting, and strengthening operational practices across the ecosystem.’’

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “We are delighted to welcome GRID as an Associate Member of IBIA. This partnership is a landmark for the esports sector and reflects our commitment to expanding our integrity initiatives into new markets. GRID’s expertise in esports data monitoring and integrity standards is an invaluable asset in our shared mission to combat betting corruption globally.”

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As 2024 draws to a close, Meridianbet held its eagerly awaited Meridianbet 2024 Annual Conference, a celebration of a year marked by transformation and growth.

The event, set against a backdrop of remarkable milestones, brought together leaders, partners, and teams from around the world. It was a moment to reflect on the year’s achievements, share critical insights, and chart an ambitious path forward, laying the foundation for even greater success in 2025.

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Reflecting on 2024: A Transformative Year

In his opening address, Mr Zoran Milosevic, the Group CEO, described 2024 as a “turning point” for Meridianbet. This sentiment resonated throughout the conference, with several key milestones underscoring the company’s evolution:

Integration into Golden Matrix Group: Joining the ranks of NASDAQ-listed Golden Matrix Group (GMGI) was a pivotal moment, elevating Meridianbet to the globally highest level of visibility and credibility.

• AI Product Rollout: Dubbed the “Year of AI,” 2024 saw the deployment of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, placing Meridianbet among the top 5% of companies worldwide with proprietary tech that drives market differentiation
• A New Software Platform: The launch of a state-of-the-art software platform enabled a seamless and engaging customer experience, aligning with the company’s mission to lead through innovation
• Breakthroughs in CRM: Significant advancements in customer relationship management ensured Meridianbet could anticipate player needs more effectively, bolstering loyalty and satisfaction
• Global Market Expansion: Entry into new markets, including the USA, Brazil, South Africa, and Kenya, demonstrated Meridianbet’s ambition to become a global leader in gaming and betting

Key Themes Discussed

The conference also served as a platform to discuss key industry trends and strategies. Speakers addressed a range of topics, offering insights into Meridianbet’s approach to maintaining momentum while navigating an ever-changing market landscape.

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• Compliance and Responsibility: Emphasizing the importance of adhering to and exceeding regulatory standards, Meridianbet continues to prioritize responsible gaming practices as a cornerstone of its operations
• Meridianbet’s Global PR Narrative: The company’s NASDAQ listing amplified its story on a global scale—how strategic storytelling helps position Meridianbet as a trusted and innovative leader
• Customer-Centric Innovation: Sessions focused on Meridianbet’s approach to enhancing player experiences, from personalized bonuses to gamification strategies designed to foster engagement and loyalty
• Meridianbet and Crypto: As cryptocurrency adoption grows, Meridianbet explored opportunities to integrate modern payment options into its platform, ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving digital economy
• Expanse Studios Milestones: The company’s in-house development team celebrated a year of creative success, with new titles that showcased their ability to innovate and captivate audiences
• IT Infrastructure and Software Development: A cornerstone of Meridianbet’s 2024 success was the overhaul of its IT infrastructure and the launch of a next-generation software platform. This was the story of how the new Atlast platform not only optimized operational efficiency but also provided a superior experience for players
• AI Product Rollout: The highlight of the year was the implementation of AI-driven solutions that redefined the gaming experience, making it more intuitive, engaging, and personalized