Latest News
ANJ Reports a Doubling in France’s Online Sports Betting Activity
Publishing its “Trimestre Deux” market update, the ANJ revealed that it had recorded 3.3 million online gambling player accounts during the period of 1 April-30 June – approximately 260,000 accounts up on previous quarter results.
Market growth was attributed to French sportsbooks maintaining their “peak performance” with period wagering amounting to €2.15 billion, as French sports betting reported back-to-back record-breaking quarter results during 2021.
Branded the “market’s accelerator”, French sportsbooks registered a combined turnover of €420 million catering for total player accounts of 2.8 million, up 12% on previous quarter comparatives.
Of significance, the ANJ noted that sports betting turnover had nearly doubled against 2019 “normalised pre-COVID results” of €214 million.
“The particularly attractive calendar of the quarter, with in particular the Euro football and the Grand Slam of Roland Garros, had an undeniable impact on the practice and on the recruitment of new players. In fact, bets on these competitions represented 22% of the quarter’s activity,” ANJ’s report explained.
Further positives saw French horse racing continue its progress towards its “pre-COVID stabilised results”, registering a turnover of €95 million generated from total wagers of €400 million (+11%) as 360,000 online players made bets on French syndicated racing events.
Meanwhile, online poker recorded a 27% decrease in turnover to €103 million, which ANJ attributed to France easing its “intense Winter lockdown restrictions”.
Yet, in maintaining 900,000 accounts French poker retains a player participation well-above its pre-COVID results. Additionally, no metrics for online casino were reported as the vertical remains banned under France’s federal online gambling laws.
ANJ concluded its report by underlining that it had begun its review of French gambling advertising standards, in which licensed online operators must submit their activity reports for the remainder of 2021 trading.
“The Euros boosted the segment of sports betting whose turnover reached another record this quarter. This growth testifies to the fact that the French model, although very supervised, is not a brake,” stated ANJ President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin.
“However, it asks us about the societal issues that these new uses come to question. This is particularly the case with advertising, a subject on which the ANJ is currently consulting all stakeholders to promote a rebalancing of operator practices. Finally, under the leadership of the ANJ and in collaboration with other administrative or judicial institutions, the toxic offers of tipsters have been severely hampered in recent months.”
Powered by WPeMatico
Kaizen Gaming brand becomes an Official Regional Sponsor as World Cup 2026 approaches, with campaigns planned across digital, TV and OOH.
Betano has signed a new sponsorship agreement with the Argentina National Football Team, joining as an Official Regional Sponsor, the company said on April 29, 2026.
The deal was announced from Athens, Greece and Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the Kaizen Gaming-owned sports betting and gaming brand positioning the partnership ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to the company, the sponsorship will include “local 360° campaigns” featuring Betano’s tagline “Confiá” across digital media, television, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. Betano also said it plans “high-engagement activations” intended to connect fans with the team.
In the release, Kaizen Gaming framed the agreement as part of a broader strategy to invest in top-tier sports partnerships to support international brand growth and “responsible gaming experiences.” Financial terms, territories covered under the “regional” designation, and contract duration were not disclosed.
More relevant data as follows:
- Betano (Kaizen Gaming) official website; https://www.betano.com/ Primary source for brand and market presence details related to Betano.
- Kaizen Gaming official website; https://kaizengaming.com/ Company background and corporate announcements for Kaizen Gaming, the owner of Betano.
- AFA (Argentine Football Association) official website; https://www.afa.com.ar/ Authoritative reference for Argentina national team commercial partnerships and federation announcements.
- FIFA World Cup 2026; https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canada-mexico-usa2026 Official tournament page to ground the timing reference to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The post Betano signs sponsorship deal with Argentina national football team appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
New France stop runs Nov 2-8; EPT Prague returns to the Hilton Prague on Dec 2-13, both counting toward the PokerStars Live League.
PokerStars has added two stops to its 2026 live poker calendar: EPT Prague returns on Dec 2-13 at the Hilton Prague, and a new PokerStars Open event will debut in Aix-en-Provence, France, on Nov 2-8. The operator announced the dates on April 22, 2026.
Both events will award points in the PokerStars Live League, PokerStars’ annual leaderboard system across High, Medium, and Low tiers. PokerStars said more than €150,000 in PokerStars LIVE credit will be paid out to the top three finishers in each tier at year-end, plus a live freeroll with a €100,000 prize pool at the first EPT of 2027 for the top 30 finishers in each tier.
EPT Prague is set to run as an 11-day festival, with PokerStars flagging the High Roller and EPT Main Event among the headline tournaments. PokerStars cited last year’s Prague Main Event at more than 1,200 entries for a prize pool of more than €5.9 million, with Matan Krakow winning for more than €770,000.
The new PokerStars Open Aix-en-Provence stop will run in partnership with Texapoker at Pasino GRAND Partouche Aix-en-Provence. It becomes the latest confirmed date in PokerStars’ 2026 live lineup, which also includes EPT Monte Carlo (April 30 – May 10), PokerStars Open Namur (May 27 – June 7), PokerStars Open Malaga (June 22-28), and EPT Barcelona (August 16-29).
“We’re delighted to bring players two more incredible live events and welcome the return of EPT Prague,” said Cédric Billot, Associate Director, Live Events. ”Each stop offers a unique experience and world-class competition and strengthens an already exciting 2026 schedule. We look forward to welcoming everyone for another standout year of live poker.”
More relevant data as follows:
- PokerStars Live; https://www.pokerstarslive.com/ Official schedule and event information source referenced in the announcement.
- PokerStars blog; https://www.pokerstars.com/poker/learn/news/ PokerStars’ news hub cited for additional details on live events and updates.
- European Poker Tour (EPT) – PokerStars Live; https://www.pokerstarslive.com/ept Background and official overview of the EPT brand and tour stops mentioned in the release
The post PokerStars adds PokerStars Open Aix-en-Provence and confirms EPT Prague for 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Betano joins the Argentina National Football Team as Official Regional Sponsor ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026
Betano, the premium online sports betting and gaming brand of Kaizen Gaming, is an Official Regional Sponsor of the Argentine National Football Team, further highlighting its commitment to supporting Argentine sport.
The sponsorship agreement comes at a time of increased global anticipation for the game, just weeks before the FIFA World Cup 2026. Through this partnership, Betano is strengthening its ties with Argentine football and together with the country’s National Team, will deploy high-engagement activations that bring the fans closer to the game.
Argentina, the reigning world champions and one of the most iconic footballing nations, hold three World Cup titles and 47 major tournament wins and are supported by an expansive international fanbase. By reinforcing its presence in this legendary footballing stronghold, Betano continues to elevate its brand profile, integrating it into the elite of global sport. The partnership with the National Football Team of Argentina also reflects Kaizen Gaming’s broader strategy to invest in top-tier sports collaborations that drive international brand growth, while delivering innovative and responsible gaming experiences to millions of users worldwide.
The scope of this sponsorship will include local 360° campaigns that feature Betano’s tagline “Confiá” in digital media, television, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising.
Football is a global language, and few teams and countries embody its passion and legacy like Argentina. This partnership is a natural step for Kaizen Gaming and the Betano brand, deepening their presence at the heart of the sport and connecting with fans in moments that matter most. As anticipation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to build, this collaboration positions Betano centre-stage in the football conversation. Ahead of what promises to be a thrilling tournament, Kaizen Gaming remains focused on expanding its international reach, investing in strategic partnerships, and building meaningful connections with fans worldwide.
The post Betano Teams Up with World Champions Argentina in New Sponsorship Deal appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
ELYSIUM Studios7 days agoElysium Studios rolls out Jekyll & Hyde Co. slot with 5×5 grid and 5,000x cap
-
ELA Games7 days ago
ELA Games launches King and Flame slot with Hold and Win coins and Bonus Wheel
-
3 Oaks Gaming7 days ago
3 Oaks Gaming adds Must Drop JACKPOT mechanic to 4 Pots of Egypt slot
-
Africa6 days ago
QTech Games wins Leader in Online Casino at SBEA+ Eventus Awards 2026
-
BETANO6 days ago
Bets Under Scrutiny: Public Health, the Supreme Court, and Brazil’s Market
-
game release7 days ago
Just Slots releases Shadow Pirates with new 2XCOIN mechanic
-
Africa6 days ago
GoldenRace brings In-Shop Mobile and virtual sports to iGaming Afrika Summit
-
Brazil6 days ago
Inside EGR Power 50: Shaping the Future of iGaming in Marbella
