Gamblers Connect, the acclaimed iGaming media and affiliate platform, is marking its fifth anniversary and currently ranks as one of the most prominent affiliate media brands in the iGaming sector.

Gamblers Connect was established with a distinct purpose: to create a transparent, player-centric platform. What started as a simple idea rapidly transformed into something much more important. In its inaugural year, the company had already obtained its initial industry accolade. Since that time, Gamblers Connect has kept broadening its services by introducing new sections, tools, and features, while consistently achieving significant milestones and enhancing its visibility at prominent industry events, conferences, and speaking engagements.

The launch of the Responsible Gambling Index enhanced the platform’s offerings, serving as a unique assessment tool that has become a key aspect, encompassing both game providers and casino operators.

This advancement has been evident in industry accolades, featuring several awards and nominations at major events, such as Casino Affiliate of the Year, News Affiliate of the Year, Crypto Affiliate of the Year, and Best Affiliate of the Year.

In the last five years, Gamblers Connect has transformed past the conventional affiliate framework. The platform currently functions as a comprehensive iGaming media brand, generating a wide variety of editorial content, industry news, interviews, and B2B-related coverage, catering to both players and industry stakeholders.

Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “2026 marks not just an anniversary, but a clear step forward. The launch of the GC Contributors Program, the introduction of the iHub, and an entirely new platform currently in development signal where Gamblers Connect is headed — deeper into the industry, more ambitious in scope, and built for what the next five years demand.”

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Kiron Interactive has unveiled FANS World Cup, a fast-paced football betting product designed to keep players engaged during the 2026 international tournament, particularly in between live matches when traffic typically dips.

Built on Kiron’s Goal Premier Engine, FANS World Cup integrates seamlessly into existing operator deployments with no additional cost or technical requirements.

The game features international teams competing in matches that resolve in just 60 to 90 seconds, giving players frequent opportunities to bet during breaks in the live schedule. By offering standalone mini-matches, the platform helps operators maintain player activity and reduce drop-off between fixtures.

Using familiar national teams ensures players stay connected to the real tournament, keeping the football context consistent rather than losing engagement between matches.

FANS World Cup covers all core betting markets, including full-time result, correct score, goalscorers, and card outcomes. Operators can also configure jackpot features and bonus multipliers to match their preferred risk profiles.

Steven Spartinos, Co-CEO of Kiron Interactive, commented:
“Tournament traffic comes in waves, and the challenge is keeping players engaged in between matches. FANS World Cup addresses that by offering short, exciting match cycles while staying connected to the teams fans are already following. It helps operators maintain steady engagement throughout the full tournament schedule.”

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Soft2Bet has unveiled MEGA Islands, the latest addition to its MEGA Suite, designed to enhance player engagement and retention across both casino and sportsbook offerings.

The new engine introduces a persistent progression system that carries over across sessions, giving players an ongoing reason to return. Through island-building, resource collection, and continual advancement, players embark on a long-term journey that transforms short play sessions into sustained engagement.

First previewed in Soft2Bet’s recent Lodur release, the MEGA Islands system allows players to develop their own islands over time. Resources earned through gameplay can be used to construct new buildings, upgrade existing structures, and unlock further stages of progression. Each upgrade opens new goals, creating a loop of continuous advancement that keeps players invested.

The engine also incorporates plundering mechanics, giving players an additional path to gather resources by raiding other islands. This feature not only accelerates growth but also maintains a dynamic and engaging progression loop. With no fixed endpoint, MEGA Islands is built to encourage repeat play through a satisfying cycle of building, collecting, and advancing.

“MEGA Islands is designed to make retention feel natural by providing players with a progression journey they want to return to,” said Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet. “By building islands, collecting resources, and unlocking upgrades—including through plundering—each session becomes part of a longer experience. It gives players a clear reason to come back while providing operators with a retention tool that integrates seamlessly across casino and sportsbook.”

The launch of MEGA Islands underscores Soft2Bet’s commitment to gamification as a driver of long-term growth. As part of the MEGA Suite, the new engine offers operators a powerful tool to extend player journeys, increase engagement cycles, and deliver consistent value in competitive markets.

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