Latest News
MECCA BINGO BRINGS CONTROVERSIAL V.A.R TECHNOLOGY TO BINGO WITH HELP FROM MIKE DEAN – DESPITE ONGOING V.A.R MEDIA STORM
Despite the ‘V.A.R technology’ debate dominating football headlines across the UK, Mecca Bingo will seek to adopt the controversial technology for bingo – enlisting the help of inarguably the most iconic former Premier League official, Mike Dean.
With exactly 2,000 yellow cards and a record breaking 214 red cards issued in his Premier League career, the card-happy ref is helping Mecca Bingo trial B.A.R (Bingo Assistant Referee) – a state-of-the-art, cutting edge technology system designed to keep bingo players on track and verify jackpot claims.
Starting in the home of Premier League newcomers, Sheffield United, the Wirral-based icon has swapped V.A.R for B.A.R to train staff at Mecca Bingo on the Premier League standards.
Mecca Bingo’s B.A.R. technology will capture every moment in high-definition, allowing Mike’s trained Mecca officials to track every call and every dab to precisely identify any errors. Yellow cards will be issued to customers who make false claims. Get a red and he’ll suggest customers move to their own table to focus.
Captured footage shows Mike Dean training Mecca staff on player management, and how to use B.A.R to ensure that all bingo claims are verified and prizes are fairly awarded. And of course, the whipped cream used for Mecca’s delicious desserts now doubles as vanishing spray – used by Mike to keep any over excited players at bay whilst results are being checked.
Mike Dean, former Premier League referee, said; “It’s been tremendous fun bringing a touch of top-quality refereeing to Mecca Bingo. Like football, bingo is a beautiful game full of passion and excitement. In truth, I had never expected to swap footballs for bingo balls, but the launch of B.A.R made it an easy decision – a little bit extra officiating never hurt anyone. We’ll be double checking the next jackpot claim!”
Mike Sime, Head of Bingo at Mecca Bingo, commented: “It’s perhaps not been the best of weeks for VAR – but we remain undeterred. We’re really excited to be trialling the introduction of this impeccable technology into bingo. And we’re absolutely delighted that one of the greatest Premier League referees, Mike Dean, has switched play to Mecca. Good process.”
Brand Partnerships
Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season
Midnite has agreed a partnership with Middlesbrough FC that will see the UK bookmaker become the club’s principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 campaign, which Middlesbrough describes as its landmark 150th season.
The companies announced the deal alongside a fan activation at Riverside Stadium on Thursday, July 9, branded “This Season’s On Us”. The initiative offered supporters prizes including 2026/27 season tickets, 2026/27 shirts, match tickets, or a £25 club shop voucher, with fans required to answer Middlesbrough trivia and complete a football challenge.
Middlesbrough former players Craig Hignett and David Wheater attended the event, and, according to the company, took bonus attempts on behalf of participants who missed out.
Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said:
“Middlesbrough have a storied history and we’re delighted to announce this partnership during such a monumental year with the club celebrating their 150th anniversary.
“It was great to see so many Middlesbrough fans at the “This Season’s On Us” activation, we hope they enjoyed taking part and meeting club legends, with David Wheater hitting top bins on several occasions and allowing fans to win big with season tickets.
“We can’t wait to get to Riverside Stadium in August to kick-off a new season and we’re excited to say that we have plenty of new and captivating campaigns planned.”
Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough FC Chief Commercial Officer, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our new Principal Partner.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with Midnite to develop engaging campaigns, content and unique experiences that bring our fans even closer to the club.
“We’re confident this partnership will provide real value for our supporters while supporting our ambitions both on and off the pitch.”
The post Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AGCO
ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch
ThrillTech has been awarded a Gaming-Related Supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), clearing the company to launch in Ontario’s regulated market.
The licence allows ThrillTech to deploy its opt-in side bet jackpots technology with regulated online casino, sports betting and lottery operators across the province.
Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing our AGCO licence is a major step in our mission to transform how jackpots are delivered at scale across regulated markets. This latest certification is testament to our robust technology and trusted compliance frameworks, allowing us to continue our global growth trajectory. We are thrilled to bring our proven, compliant jackpot technology to Ontario, empowering locally licensed operators to uplift revenue without cannibalising existing spend.”
The company said its “ThrillPots” mechanics sit as an independent, player-funded side bet and do not alter the underlying game’s return-to-player mathematics.
ThrillTech said the Ontario approval enables its existing multinational partners that also operate in the province to launch its side bet jackpots locally, while it also holds talks with potential new operator partners. The company lists its regulated footprint as including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Gibraltar, Brazil and Peru.
The post ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AGCO
ThrillTech wins AGCO supplier licence to enter Ontario market
ThrillTech said it has been awarded a Gaming-Related Supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), clearing the company to offer its side-bet jackpot technology to regulated online casino, sports betting, and lottery operators in Ontario.
Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing our AGCO licence is a major step in our mission to transform how jackpots are delivered at scale across regulated markets. This latest certification is testament to our robust technology and trusted compliance frameworks, allowing us to continue our global growth trajectory. We are thrilled to bring our proven, compliant jackpot technology to Ontario, empowering locally licensed operators to uplift revenue without cannibalising existing spend.”
The company said its ThrillPots product lets operators add player-funded, opt-in side-bet jackpots on top of existing games, without changing gameplay or the underlying return-to-player (RTP) calculations. ThrillTech positions the mechanic as a way to drive incremental engagement and revenue.
ThrillTech said the Ontario licence enables existing multinational partners that also operate in the province to roll out ThrillTech-powered jackpots locally, and added it is in discussions with potential new operator partners. The company listed other regulated jurisdictions it serves as the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Gibraltar, Brazil, and Peru.
The post ThrillTech wins AGCO supplier licence to enter Ontario market appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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