Latest News
Esports Merger for Blue Star Capital Investee Company Diemens Esports

Blue Star Capital plc is pleased to announce that Diemens Esports (formerly The Cubs Esports), one of its esports investee companies, has announced its intention to merge with Critical Hit Entertainment (CHE).
The merged entity, which will continue to trade under the name CHE, is expected to be one of the largest esport service infrastructure providers in Australia with combined revenue for 2019 of AUS $600,000. CHE will own the largest high school and university student, corporate and club level organised esports networks in Australia.
CHE intends to continue to develop its esports infrastructure product in Australia and anticipates raising funding to expand into developing countries in Asia.
Blue Star acquired an interest of 13.3 per cent in Diemens on 6 November 2019 and will have an interest of approximately 6.6 per cent of the merged entity immediately following the merger.
Tony Fabrizi, CEO of Blue Star said: “This is an exciting development for Diemens and should provide the company with a strong platform to aggressively pursue its Asian expansion plans.”
Darren Kwan will continue as Chief Executive Officer of CHE, with Mike Edwards joining the board of directors as Chairman. Darren said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be merging with Cubs. Their global reputation, capabilities and ambitions combined with our unique product offerings and talented team will provide the esports market both in Australia and in Asia an exceptional product offering.”
“We are delighted to be joining forces with the CHE team, whose talent and technology innovation to date will represent the next generation of outstanding service to the esports industry. We look forward to aggressively pursuing our Asian expansion strategy,” said Mike Edwards, Chair.
brand-ambassadors
BOYLE Sports names Olivia Buzaglo as football ambassador ahead of 2026 World Cup
The talkSPORT and TNT Sports presenter will front BOYLE Sports’ World Cup content and continue through the 2026/27 season.
BOYLE Sports has appointed talkSPORT and TNT Sports presenter Olivia Buzaglo as its new football ambassador, starting with the operator’s 2026 World Cup coverage. The announcement was made on June 4, 2026.
BOYLE Sports said Buzaglo will serve as its “face of football” across video and social channels, alongside hosting events tied to major football moments. The partnership is set to run through the 2026/27 season and beyond.
Commenting on her new role, Olivia Buzaglo said: “I’m delighted to be joining BOYLE Sports as its new ambassador, especially ahead of such a huge period for the game with the World Cup on the horizon. I’m really looking forward to hosting events and creating content with BOYLE Sports that brings supporters closer to the biggest moments in the game.”
Gill Blake-Swift, Director of Brand at BOYLE Sports, added: “Olivia is the ideal fit for BOYLE Sports as we continue to strengthen our football content and ambassador portfolio. Her broadcasting career has been hugely impressive, and she has built a brilliant connection with football fans across TV, radio, digital and social channels. We’re excited to see Olivia bring her energy, insight and personality to BOYLE Sports customers throughout a major year for football.”
The post BOYLE Sports names Olivia Buzaglo as football ambassador ahead of 2026 World Cup appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Allwyn
Scientific Games wins 12-year scratchcard supply deal with Hellenic Lotteries
14 new games launched in May as Hellenic Lotteries begins its new Greek State Lotteries concession.
Scientific Games has signed a new 12-year agreement to supply scratchcard games to Hellenic Lotteries, part of Allwyn Hellas, the companies said on June 8.
Hellenic Lotteries selected Scientific Games through a competitive procurement process. The operator recently secured the exclusive right to run and manage passive lotteries and scratchcard games for the Greek State for 12 years, following an international tender and the end of its previous license.
The partnership begins with 14 new scratchcard games that launched in May. The agreement also includes the option for the parties to explore digital lottery propositions in the future.
“At Allwyn Hellas and Hellenic Lotteries, we put players at the center of everything we do, emphasizing their entertainment experience. Therefore, we’re delighted to collaborate with Scientific Games as our instant game provider to deliver exciting scratchcard games to players in Greece,” said Matthaios Mattaiou, Chief Sales & Marketing PLAY Stores/HL and Operations Officer at Allwyn Hellas. “Beginning with new games launched in May, we look forward to engaging players with fresh propositions.”
Scientific Games said it will produce Greek scratchcards at its European Center of Game Production Excellence in the UK and provide a sales support team for delivery. “Our instant game innovators will continue to apply Scientific Games’ 53 years of analytics and game design best practices working to provide a portfolio of innovative scratchcards that drives responsible growth in Greece,” said Matthias Müller, Senior Vice President, International Sales for Scientific Games.
The post Scientific Games wins 12-year scratchcard supply deal with Hellenic Lotteries appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
content strategy
ELA Games reports Romanian growth as bet counts rise 239.74%
Studio says classic-styled slots with modern mechanics drove a 244.52% jump in active users led by Joker Winpot.
ELA Games says it has expanded in Romania after leaning into classic slot aesthetics while adding modern features, reporting a 244.52% increase in active users and a 239.74% rise in bet counts in the market.
The supplier positioned Joker Winpot as a key title for the approach, aiming to keep a traditional look while introducing feature-led mechanics.
Managing Director Marharyta Yerina said: “It is great to see how Romanian players are enjoying the way we combine classic symbols with modern features. Joker Winpot works well for those who love the traditional look but actually want more excitement from their play. We also see that once players feel comfortable with these mechanics, they are happy to explore our other top titles which have proved to be successful in Romania like Cash of Gods and Flames Fruit Frenzy. It proves that respecting what players like is the best way to introduce new ideas to the market.”
ELA Games also reported a 160.62% increase in turnover and a 33.71% boost in GGR across the region, naming Joker Winpot and Cash of Gods as top-performing titles. The company said Flames Fruit Frenzy also contributed to performance in Romania.
The studio framed the results as evidence that Romanian players are responding to modernised classic formats, including high-volatility gameplay and expanding reels. ELA Games said the mix is helping operators retain traditional audiences while introducing newer mechanics through familiar presentations.
The post ELA Games reports Romanian growth as bet counts rise 239.74% appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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