Latest News

Lack of governance of football friendly (non-competitive) matches exploited by match-fixers

Published

4 years ago

December 1, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Football friendly matches are wide open for match-fixing due to a lack of regulation according to new research, with more than 250 friendlies involving European clubs showing signs of suspicious activity during 2016-20. The results come from a three-year study funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme and led by the University of Nicosia Research Foundation.

A survey of 700 players in Cyprus, Greece and Malta conducted by the project also found that:

More than a quarter of players (26.5%) had played in a club friendly they suspected had been manipulated.
More than a quarter (26.3%) of approaches to fix a friendly match were made by club officials and 15% by other players.
Club officials were the instigators in 19% of approaches to manipulate friendlies and were the main beneficiaries in 26.3% of approaches.

The research study found that international and national football federations have been slow to establish where responsibility lies for friendlies, particularly when clubs from different countries are involved in non-competitive matches played in a third country. Some European football federations do not track where clubs go on pre-season and mid-winter tours.

This lack of sporting governance and regulation, combined with the availability of these games on betting markets around the world, notably with poorly or unregulated betting operators in jurisdictions such as Curaçao and the Philippines, who may themselves have links to criminality, leaves these games at greater risk of potential exploitation by match-fixers.

To address this, the report, Combating Match Fixing in Club Football Non-Competitive Friendlies, proposes:

That UEFA enforces regulation of friendlies on all 55 member associations
That match agents are barred from owning or controlling clubs, just as players agents are
The formation of a body to represent match agents in future negotiations with international bodies such as FIFA and UEFA on regulation
Establishing data standards that prevent the sale of live match data to poorly and unregulated betting operators

Unlike competitive matches, which are usually covered by agreements between data companies and competition organisers, friendlies are a free-for-all.

Data from these games is being collected and sold to poorly and unregulated betting operators, which do not report signs of suspicious activity, which is often a licensing requirement for well-regulated operators. This sporting event data collation and sale for betting does not currently fall within the scope of regulation, leaving a potential ‘blind spot’ in terms of market and consumer protection.

Lead investigator, Professor Nicos Kartakoullis, President of the Council, University of Nicosia, comments:

“The combination of a lack of regulation, oversight and information makes these matches easier to manipulate than competitive matches.

“This research shows that in terms of governance, friendly matches need to be considered just like competitive matches.

“With the data for 4,000 friendly matches being offered for betting purposes around the world each year, it is also vital that the betting companies receiving that data are operating from well-regulated jurisdictions and report suspicious betting to protect the integrity of those events.”

The research was led by the University of Nicosia Research Foundation and included the International Betting Integrity Association, EU Athletes, CIES and the football players unions of Cyprus, Greece and Malta as project partners.

Frooty Troupe – Game On

GAMOMAT powers up its Frooty Troupe series with new release Frooty Troupe – Game On!

Published

43 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

gamomat-powers-up-its-frooty-troupe-series-with-new-release-frooty-troupe-–-game-on!

GAMOMAT, one of the leading online game developers and independent content providers, is powering up the next Frooty Troupe adventure with the launch of Frooty Troupe – Game On!

At the heart of Frooty Troupe – Game On! is an expanding symbol feature that draws on GAMOMAT’s classic Book-style mechanics, reworked without the need for a Book symbol or Free Games trigger. It all means Free Games-style excitement can be unlocked in the base game: when a Bonus Symbol — a regular symbol with a special background — lands as part of a winning combination, the reel is fully covered by that symbol, and potential wins are paid on all possible lines based on how many reels have the matching symbol at the end of the spin.

While gameplay takes centre stage, the second release in the vibrant slot series follows the feel-good beach vibes of Frooty Troupe – Sun Splash, but this time heads back in time with a retro-themed game featuring familiar fruity characters. This nostalgic adventure comes alive thanks to a retro-inspired, 8-bit soundtrack that ramps up as players progress through different levels.

Melony, Graprielle, Plumbert, Orangela, Lemord and the cherry twins Cherrchill & Cherrlotte have their hands on the joystick as they explore an arcade world ready to battle for high scores and success.

GAMOMAT is releasing Frooty Troupe – Game On! via its Remote Gaming Server, G-RGS, and through the Bragg HUB, ensuring seamless distribution across regulated markets.

The post GAMOMAT powers up its Frooty Troupe series with new release Frooty Troupe – Game On! appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

PG Soft unlocks its hidden gem: mystical Mayan Destiny

Published

43 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

pg-soft-unlocks-its-hidden-gem:-mystical-mayan-destiny

PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, has unveiled its latest hidden gem from its portfolio, Mayan Destiny.

Set deep within the Mayan Empire, this 3-reel, 3-row video slot features the Wheel of Fate, awakened by the high priestess Ixil under the Sun God’s blessing. Players join the night of the ritual, where roaring flames will reveal visions of destiny and hidden gold. A pulsating tribal rhythm intensifies the quest of uncovering its hidden secrets and golden prizes.

The Prize Wheel Symbol rests at the heart of the game which appears during any main game spin. When the Prize Wheel Symbol spins, it shows either a 1x, 2x or 5x instant prize based on the amount of bet.

When the Bonus Feature is activated, a large wheel with 2x, 4x, 10x, and Double tiles appears on the screen. When players land on a prize tile, it returns its value before it turns black. When players hit the Double tile, all of the prizes are doubled and all the black tiles are restored, with values that can go up to 1,000 times their original value. When the pointer lands on a black tile, the bonus feature ends.

Each additional Prize Wheel symbol that lands on “Double” during the triggering spin, all prizes will be doubled at the start of the Bonus Feature, giving players a powerful head start on the path to the game’s x10,000 maximum win.

PG Soft’s spokesperson commented: “Mayan Destiny takes players on a magnificent journey into one of the most captivating civilisations the world has ever known. The upgradeable Bonus Feature wheel is the crowning jewel in the game where players can watch their prizes build and grow with every spin.”

The post PG Soft unlocks its hidden gem: mystical Mayan Destiny appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Meet N1 Partners at Conversion Conf in Warsaw

Published

43 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

meet-n1-partners-at-conversion-conf-in-warsaw

N1 Partners is heading to Conversion Conf Warsaw 2026, one of the key gatherings for affiliate marketing professionals, taking place on April 1–2 in Warsaw. The event will bring together top affiliates, advertisers, and industry experts, creating the perfect environment for networking, deal-making, and sharing insights.

At Conversion Conf, the N1 Partners team is focused on what matters most: building strong partnerships, discussing high-converting traffic opportunities, and closing deals that scale. Whether you’re looking for exclusive offers, fresh GEO insights, or reliable long-term collaboration, this is where conversations turn into results.

As an active sponsor of the event, N1 Partners is also enhancing the on-site experience for attendees. At this hot and dynamic conference, you’ll be able to stay refreshed with branded water bottles, keeping you energized throughout the day. And if you’re looking to step away from the buzz, the N1 branded PSP zone offers a space to relax, recharge, and enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere while staying connected to the community.

What to expect from N1 Partners

A special focus this time is the N1 SEO Traffic Cup — our exclusive competition for SEO affiliates. At the event, attendees can connect directly with the team,and explore the best strategies for their traffic to climb the leaderboard and maximize results.

At Conversion Conf, N1 Partners is all about what actually drives results:

high-quality traffic partnerships
exclusive deals for Tier-1 GEOs
insights into top-performing funnels and conversion drivers

Book a Meeting with Our Affiliate Managers

To make the most of Conversion Conf Warsaw, book a meeting with N1 Partners in advance and discuss partnership opportunities directly on-site.

Vlad – Affiliate Team Lead
Shirin – Affiliate Manager
Victoria – Sokolenko, Affiliate Manager
Aleksandr – Affiliate Manager
Artem – Affiliate Manager

Why meet N1 Partners

Conversion Conf Warsaw is the right place to explore:

14+ casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
Top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
CPA up to €700 for high-performing traffic, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO for top partners, and hybrid models

If you’re attending Conversion Conf, don’t miss the chance to meet N1 Partners in person.

Let’s talk traffic, deals, and growth.

Be number one with N1 Partners.

The post Meet N1 Partners at Conversion Conf in Warsaw appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.