Latest News
Entain credits ‘Wrexham Effect’ and blockbuster docuseries for attracting new and engaged sports fans
Wrexham AFC is making its debut in League Two of the English Football League this weekend, after scoring a promotion from the National League and climbing to Hollywood fame with the docuseries, Welcome to Wrexham. To mark this milestone, Entain, the global sports betting, gaming, and interactive entertainment group, reveals the ‘Wrexham Effect’ in sports betting.
After Hollywood icons Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham AFC in November 2020, Entain’s Ladbrokes and Coral brands in the UK recorded an increase of 59% in the number of bets placed during the National League’s 2021/22 season from 2017/18. This far outpaces that of the Championship League, League One and League Two, which saw a 15%, 32% and 24% increase respectively, and demonstrates the powerful impact that the docuseries has had on the popularity of non-league football.
Other non-league clubs have seen the impact too – including Wrexham AFC’s previous rival, Notts County FC, who finished in second place in the 2022/23 National League season and saw an 89% increase in the number of bets on the team from 2021/22.
The ‘Wrexham Effect’ has also taken over on the other side of the world, with Entain Australia recording an increase of 781% on the number of bets placed on Wrexham AFC football games, from 2019/20 to 2022/23. And across the pond in the US, the number of BetMGM bets placed on any Wrexham game has increased a staggering 3818% from the 2020/21 season to the 2022/23 season. Thanks to the celebrity status of the new owners, Wrexham AFC has seen a surge of popularity in the US, with Google Trends data even revealing that the Red Dragons have become one of the most searched for teams, more than the nation’s top soccer league, Major League Soccer (MLS).
It is not just football that has benefited from the boom in sporting docuseries, with the NBA experiencing a surge in popularity following the release of The Last Dance on Netflix in April 2020, which followed the success story of the Chicago Bulls’ dream team:
- Data from Entain’s global brands reveals that the number of bets placed on NBA games increased by 46% from the 2019/20 season to 2020/21.
- In the home of the NBA league, data from BetMGM evidences growing interest in the sport, with a 61% increase in the number of bets from 2021 to 2022.
Likewise, Formula 1 has attracted a cohort of new fans, spearheaded by the popularity of the Drive for Survive series on Netflix. Viewership figures for the docuseries get better every season, with the debut of season five seeing nearly 570,000 viewers over its first week, a 40% jump over 2022’s season four debut:
- Data from Entain’s global brands reveals that the number of bets placed on Formula 1 races increased by 16% in 2022 compared to the year prior, and by 63% compared to 2019, when the first season of Drive for Survive aired.
- Mirroring this growth, data from BetMGM in the US shows a 142% increase in the number of bets placed on Formula 1 in 2022, versus 2021.
Dominic Grounsell, Chief Commercial Officer at Entain, said: “We’ve seen a huge step change in the way fans engage with their favourite sports, and behind-the-scenes access in sporting docuseries has only heightened this further. They highlight the importance of finding new and innovative ways for fans to interact with sports and support their favourite teams, but also attract new fans to the sport – and they want to extend their entertainment by backing a team with a bet.
“At Entain, we’re constantly monitoring how this movement is evolving, listening to our customers, and creating content that resonates with them. Coral’s ‘Taking the Reins’ documentary series is a prime example of this and reinforces our commitment to bringing moments of excitement to fans beyond the track, pitch, or court.”
Entain Australia, in collaboration with Racing Victoria, has also produced a sport docudrama based around the running of the All-Star Mile in Melbourne. The documentary plans to give viewers a behind-the-scenes perspective in the lead-up to the running of one of Australia’s richest races. It will air later on this year.
Conferences
HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 Becomes History: 400 Industry Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Impact in a Landmark Edition
The HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 has officially concluded, marking not only the end of another exceptional edition, but the celebration of a defining milestone: 10 Years of Impact.
Bringing together nearly 400 professionals from across iGaming, technology, fintech, compliance, AI, and blockchain, this year’s summit stood as the most ambitious and dynamic edition to date — two days of high-level insights, meaningful connections, hands-on learning, and unforgettable experiences.
From early-morning wellness sessions to late-night celebrations, HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 delivered a complete, immersive industry experience — one that will be remembered as a benchmark moment for the European Gaming & Tech ecosystem.
A Summit Designed for Insight, Strategy & Real Connections
Held on 24–25 March 2026 at OREA Hotel Andel’s Prague, the summit once again proved why it remains a cornerstone event where technology, compliance, and innovation converge.
The 10th Anniversary edition expanded into its full-scale format featuring:
- Three core conference stages
- The hands-on HIPTHER Academy
- The GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
- Curated networking experiences across every touchpoint
The result? A boutique, high-impact environment where conversations weren’t just happening — they were shaping the next decade of the industry.
Four Stages. One Unified Vision of the Future
The summit unfolded across four stages, bringing together compliance, regulation, business strategy, and innovation into one cohesive narrative. From regulatory deep dives and enforcement trends to cross-industry discussions spanning iGaming, fintech, AI, and media, the agenda balanced specialization with meaningful dialogue between operators, suppliers, and advisors.
A standout element was the dedicated Responsible Gaming & Player Safety focus on Day 2, curated by the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH). This track placed player protection and sustainable industry growth at the forefront, addressing emerging risks, early detection mechanisms, and the need for greater cross-border regulatory alignment through expert-led panels and case-driven discussions.
Elevating the conference, the HIPTHER Academy further expanded the summit’s scope into a practical learning environment, offering hands-on workshops and certifications across AI, compliance, marketing, and leadership. With a clear emphasis on real-world application, the Academy positioned itself as a platform for professionals looking to strengthen both their expertise and strategic impact.
Networking: From Morning Energy to Nights of Excellence
At HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, networking extended far beyond the conference floor, shaping the experience from early morning and delicious breaks, to late-night celebrations.
The days began with intention, from a calming yoga session on Day 1 to the Morning Networking Run on Day 2 — blending wellness, movement, and connection in true #hipthers style.
As evening fell, the spotlight turned to recognition and celebration. The GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 honoured the industry’s standout performers, announced in the exciting Endorphina Club Party & Awards Ceremony at Buddha-Bar Prague. As the official Awards Ceremony & Party Sponsor, Endorphina delivered a premium networking experience where prestige met Asian culture and vibrant energy.
The momentum continued with the Closing Party at Reduta Jazz Club, while the now-traditional Unofficial Karaoke Afterparty added a final, memorable touch — proving once again that the strongest connections are often built beyond the stage.
Powered by Industry Leaders: Our Sponsors
The success of HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 was made possible thanks to the incredible support of its partners and sponsors:
- Grand Stage Sponsor: Tom Horn Gaming
- Grand Quality & Compliance Sponsor: Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
- Silver Sponsor & Badge/Bracelet Sponsor: Kanggiten
- Awards Ceremony & Party Sponsor: Endorphina
- Lanyard Sponsor: DSTGAMING
- General Sponsors: Gaming in Poland, RM Legal, WinSpirit Casino
Their continued support reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation, compliance, and collaboration across the industry.
A Decade of Impact — And the Next Chapter Begins
Under the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact,” the 2026 edition didn’t just celebrate the past — it set the tone for what comes next.
Zoltan Tündik – HIPTHER Co-Founder & Head of Business stated: “Reaching the 10-year milestone with the HIPTHER Prague Summit is a proud moment of reflection for us. With 19 years of navigating the ever-evolving media and news landscape, we have seen firsthand how vital authentic connection is to industry progress. This edition was a celebration of a decade of impact, but it was also a launchpad for our next chapter. Over the next five years, our focus is on consolidation. We are deepening our roots in the CEE, D-A-CH, Baltic, and Nordic regions. However, we aren’t standing still. We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the HIPTHER Balkans Summit in 2027, and we are keeping a very close watch on North America. The market there is ripe for the unique ‘HIPTHER-style’ of boutique, high-value networking, and I suspect we may have some surprises in store for that region very soon.”
Get ready for the next great chapter starting next year — Save the Date & Join us: 23–24 March 2027
Over the last decade, HIPTHER Prague Summit has grown into a trusted platform for knowledge-sharing, cross-border dialogue, and real business connections, bringing together regulators, operators, innovators, and decision-makers shaping the future of Gaming & Tech .
And if this edition proved anything, it’s that the next decade will be even bigger.
The post HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 Becomes History: 400 Industry Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Impact in a Landmark Edition appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
DigerPAM
Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators
International software provider Digicode has unveiled DigerPAM, an enterprise-grade Player Account Management (PAM) system designed to serve as the operational backbone for modern iGaming operators. DigerPAM integrates core account management, CRM, compliance, promotions, analytics, and growth workflows into a single, scalable platform, giving operators full visibility, control, and performance across their brands and player base.
Built for operational excellence and regulatory compliance
Engineered for operators navigating complex regulations and multi-brand strategies, DigerPAM centralises every player interaction—from acquisition and registration to lifecycle engagement and retention—within one intelligent framework.
Key capabilities include:
- Unified operational core: Manage player profiles, wallets, CRM, bonus engines, content, compliance workflows, and reporting seamlessly from a single system.
- Full lifecycle oversight: Track and engage players from first interaction to lifetime value with real-time behavioural insights and segmentation.
- Built-in compliance and reporting: Optional KYC/identity verification, responsible gaming tools, immutable tax logs, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.
- Modular, scalable architecture: Cloud-agnostic microservices built for high-traffic, multi-currency operations and rapid provider integration.
- Optional suite integrations: Full compatibility with Digicode’s ecosystem, including DigerRGS, DigerPay, DigerClick, and DigerCompanion, to expand platform functionality.
A solution for modern iGaming realities
DigerPAM supports both standalone operations and complex multi-brand ecosystems, giving operators actionable insights into player behaviour, campaign performance, compliance readiness, and key business KPIs—all without relying on fragmented legacy systems.
“Operators today need a unified engine that not only manages accounts but drives growth with intelligence and compliance at its core,” said Max Maslii, Global CEO at Digicode. “DigerPAM delivers a single, cohesive view across the player lifecycle, eliminates operational fragmentation, and empowers brands to scale confidently.”
The post Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
Sporting Risk Extends Sportradar’s Agreement to Deliver Player Markets Across 50 Soccer Competitions
Sporting Risk, the sports analytics company specializing in predictive models for market-leading pricing and betting content, has announced the extension of its soccer distribution agreement with Sportradar Group AG.
Sporting Risk’s team and player stat markets are now accessible to Sportradar’s global network of 800 sportsbook operator clients via the Unified Odds Feed (UOF). Covering up to 50 pre-match competitions and 24 in-play competitions, the extensive player market coverage and combinability enhances Sportradar’s existing soccer portfolio. This portfolio already includes exclusive betting data agreements with AFC, Bundesliga, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, MLS, and UEFA, offering operators a comprehensive, standout soccer betting experience.
For the upcoming World Cup, Sporting Risk will expand its offering to include 100+ player markets, spanning singles, head-to-head, micro markets, and multis, ensuring players have a wide range of betting opportunities.
Sporting Risk’s solutions are designed for real-time engagement, delivering fast, relevant, and entertaining betting options that align with player behaviour and market demand.
Andy Phillips, CBDO at SportingRisk.com, said:
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Sportradar and reach its unmatched operator network. With the World Cup on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to enhance our offering for the tournament. Together, we’re redefining how player data and analytics power the next generation of betting experiences.”
Karl Danzer, SVP Business Development, Sports Content at Sportradar, added:
“Partnering with Sporting Risk ensures our operator clients have access to a market-leading soccer portfolio, helping drive engagement with the world’s most popular sport.”
The post Sporting Risk Extends Sportradar’s Agreement to Deliver Player Markets Across 50 Soccer Competitions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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