Latest News

ITL’s age verification receives independent certification

Published

5 years ago

May 5, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Innovative Technology’s age verification device (ICU) has earned independent recognition from the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) as a solution qualified to control access to age restricted goods and services. The ACCS report concluded that ICU is fit for deployment in a Challenge 25 policy area and is at least 98.85% reliable.

Dr Andrew O’Brien, ICU Product Managerannounced “We are delighted to be one of the first providers to receive this robust, impartial certification from ACCS which gives us a seal of approval for our artificial intelligence (AI) powered age verification device. The results highlight that on average, ICU underestimates age by only 0.19 years, with a Mean Absolute Error of 1.22 years, making us one of the most accurate providers in the world. We are particularly proud of this achievement due to all the hard work which has gone into developing our own algorithms; using novel approaches to accurately verify age. The challenge now is to keep improving and continue to be at the forefront of delivering world leading results.”

Tony Allen, Founder and Chief Executive explained, “The Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) is an independent 3^rd party certification scheme for providers of age restricted sales, content or services. The Age Check Certification Scheme conducts conformity assessment of products, processes and services in accordance with ISO 17065:2013. We basically test that age check systems work and can produce an accurate age attribute output against multiple verification methods and thereby giving providers an independent benchmark.”

ICU utilises specially trained algorithms that can detect fraud attempts using innovative non-intrusive anti-spoof technology which does not require specialist cameras. With ICU, no images or personal data are stored on the device so there are no issues with data compliance. ICU’s ‘age-only’ option gives customers an off-line, affordable solution with a one-off cost which includes unlimited age estimations as standard.

Age check technology is high on the UK Home Office agenda and recently Baroness Williams of Trafford announced that both on and off licenced retailers, bars and restaurants have been invited to put forward proposals to trial new technology when carrying out age verification. Retailers who are successful will be able to pilot new technology to improve the process of ID checks in the specific context of the sale of alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003.

Andrew continued, “ICU can help support the 2003 Licencing Act objectives to protect children from harm, ensure public safety and prevent public nuisance and disorder. It is the responsibility of organisations to ensure they do not sell age-restricted products (both on their premises and online) or provide age-restricted services to people who are under the minimum legal age. Humans tend to have a bias when predicting age and can be reluctant to challenge a person for fear of intimidation. ICU minimises any bias and removes the burden of determining age from the retailer to help decrease the risk of potential violence or abuse. The technology can determine quickly (less than 1 second) if a person can access age restricted goods – resulting in reduced queuing and transaction time to give a more pleasant customer experience.”

Concluding Dr. O’Brien said, “We are delighted to receive our ‘Certificate of Conformity’ which gives us written assurance that our product is fit for deployment to determine if an 18-year-old (the nominal age) would be incorrectly estimated as being over 25 (the Challenge Age policy).This independent accreditation from ACCS reaffirms our position as a leading provider of age verification technology.”

eSports

Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028

Published

9 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

esports-foundation-names-faker-game-ambassador-for-ewc-and-enc-through-2028

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen in the Esports Foundation’s Ambassador Program.

The Esports Foundation (EF) has appointed Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok as a Game Ambassador for the Esports World Cup (EWC) and Esports Nations Cup (ENC) through 2028, the organization said on July 15, 2026 in a statement issued from Riyadh and Paris.

EF said Faker joins Cristiano Ronaldo, listed as the Foundation’s Global Ambassador, and Magnus Carlsen as part of the Esports Foundation Ambassador Program. The Foundation said Faker will represent “the perspective of esports players” across its international events, athlete initiatives, media engagements and leadership forums.

“You can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. He is the defining athlete of competitive gaming: a champion whose excellence, discipline and longevity have inspired an entire generation,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation. “As our Game Ambassador, Faker represents something fundamental to the Ambassador Program: esports creates its own global sporting icons. Across EWC, ENC and NGSC, he will help ensure that the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping where it goes next.”

Faker said: “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador. I want to continue competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who have helped esports grow worldwide. Through the Esports World Cup, Esports Nations Cup and the Foundation’s wider platforms, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, remain resilient and believe in how far competitive gaming can take them. There is still much more to achieve.”

EF highlighted Faker’s competitive record, describing him as a six-time League of Legends World Champion, EWC 2024 winner, two-time MSI champion and ten-time domestic champion with T1. The Foundation also said Faker became the first esports athlete to receive the Blue Dragon Medal in 2026, describing it as the Republic of Korea’s highest sporting honor awarded by President Lee Jae-myung.

The post Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brand Partnerships

Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season

Published

16 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

midnite-signs-as-middlesbrough-fc-principal-partner-for-2026/27-season

Midnite has agreed a partnership with Middlesbrough FC that will see the UK bookmaker become the club’s principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 campaign, which Middlesbrough describes as its landmark 150th season.

The companies announced the deal alongside a fan activation at Riverside Stadium on Thursday, July 9, branded “This Season’s On Us”. The initiative offered supporters prizes including 2026/27 season tickets, 2026/27 shirts, match tickets, or a £25 club shop voucher, with fans required to answer Middlesbrough trivia and complete a football challenge.

Middlesbrough former players Craig Hignett and David Wheater attended the event, and, according to the company, took bonus attempts on behalf of participants who missed out.

Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said:

“Middlesbrough have a storied history and we’re delighted to announce this partnership during such a monumental year with the club celebrating their 150th anniversary.

“It was great to see so many Middlesbrough fans at the “This Season’s On Us” activation, we hope they enjoyed taking part and meeting club legends, with David Wheater hitting top bins on several occasions and allowing fans to win big with season tickets.

“We can’t wait to get to Riverside Stadium in August to kick-off a new season and we’re excited to say that we have plenty of new and captivating campaigns planned.”

Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough FC Chief Commercial Officer, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our new Principal Partner.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with Midnite to develop engaging campaigns, content and unique experiences that bring our fans even closer to the club.

“We’re confident this partnership will provide real value for our supporters while supporting our ambitions both on and off the pitch.”

The post Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGCO

ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch

Published

16 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

thrilltech-secures-agco-supplier-licence-for-ontario-launch

ThrillTech has been awarded a Gaming-Related Supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), clearing the company to launch in Ontario’s regulated market.

The licence allows ThrillTech to deploy its opt-in side bet jackpots technology with regulated online casino, sports betting and lottery operators across the province.

Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing our AGCO licence is a major step in our mission to transform how jackpots are delivered at scale across regulated markets. This latest certification is testament to our robust technology and trusted compliance frameworks, allowing us to continue our global growth trajectory. We are thrilled to bring our proven, compliant jackpot technology to Ontario, empowering locally licensed operators to uplift revenue without cannibalising existing spend.”

The company said its “ThrillPots” mechanics sit as an independent, player-funded side bet and do not alter the underlying game’s return-to-player mathematics.

ThrillTech said the Ontario approval enables its existing multinational partners that also operate in the province to launch its side bet jackpots locally, while it also holds talks with potential new operator partners. The company lists its regulated footprint as including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Gibraltar, Brazil and Peru.

The post ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.