Latest News

How Web3 will transform iGaming in 2024

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2023

Zoltan Tundik

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Evgeniy Babitsyn, CMO of Bets.io, shared the below words with us.

The iGaming sector will be transformed by Web3 technologies. From blockchain applications to AI, NFTs and cryptocurrencies, iGaming platforms are already exploring how Web3 can not only improve their ways of working, but provide an exceptional standard of user experiences.

However, there is still a knowledge gap within the industry when it comes to understanding just how Web3 can be integrated into existing services. The discussion has been dominated by bold thinking on how Web3 will forever transform society. While this has created an exciting public discourse, it can sometimes overshadow the more practical ways that companies across all sectors can already start using Web3 to their advantage.

There are plenty of other considerations as well. These range from the limitations of certain early-stage technologies through to regulatory compliance and risk management. Hastily embracing Web3 without consideration of these issues can leave an entity exposed to a host of challenges which could undermine their relationship with their clients and services. Conversely, taking a risk averse approach which ignores Web3 will ultimately result in organizations being left behind.

Bets.io has been at the helm of research and development to understand how Web3 is revolutionizing the iGaming sector. Already, new initiatives are underway which will result in the rollout of Web3-enabled services and products throughout 2024, tailored to the needs of our clients.

Through our research, we have identified two key ways that Web3 will transform iGaming in 2024.

Speed, transparency and security

The benefits of Web3 revolve around three core principles of speed, transparency and security. Collectively, these principles are directly relatable to the iGaming sector and are based on the process of decentralization i.e. where the activities of a gaming ecosystem or a gaming platform, like the ownership of gaming assets and decision-making in all aspects of gaming, are delegated away from a central authority. This leads to transparency and security advantages.

For example, smart contracts can be deployed to automate the rules and logic of particular online games, ranging from the rewards and penalties set, to the changing nature of the challenges that players face. These smart contracts act as self-executing agreements that run on a blockchain system, meaning that it is incredibly difficult for games to be manipulated or hacked by an outside party.

The use of peer-to-peer networks works in a similar way, promoting cross-play functionality and an international network of gamers. This also means less of a reliance on a centralized server or platform which could slow-down network work performance or limit certain regions and devices from connecting with other players.

Tailored fun for all

Alongside the technical conversation on Web3, we should not forget the fun and engaging elements involved in iGaming and how this can be enhanced. The iGaming sector is global in nature and scope, bringing together players from a diverse collection of communities and regions. This makes the interests of players diverse. Rather than relying on one award system and one style of game, Web3 technologies allow iGaming platforms to deliver a bespoke experience for each individual player.

To understand how this would work in practice, we can consider the reward systems in place. Linking rewards with tokenization is one example of this, most prominently demonstrated through non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that directly correlate to the interests of a player. NFTs can be integrated into iGaming to create unique, tradable, and collectible items that can be won or traded between players. It creates an added value to the player and another avenue to encourage engagement.

Adaptive and tailored gameplay can also be produced through the combination of AI and blockchain data. The different gaming systems can learn from a player’s behavior and preferences to adjust difficulty levels, storyline progression, and in-game events in real-time. Limits can be set and the individual can play games on a difficulty level which is tailored to their skill-level.

2024 will be a defining year for the iGaming sector, and its progress will be led by the integration and use of Web3 technologies. The success of this will depend on iGaming platforms readily exploring how Web3 can be used, with the player experience guiding all the decisions made. Bets.io is already making strides in this space and we look forward to providing future updates shortly.

eSports

Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028

Published

7 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

esports-foundation-names-faker-game-ambassador-for-ewc-and-enc-through-2028

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen in the Esports Foundation’s Ambassador Program.

The Esports Foundation (EF) has appointed Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok as a Game Ambassador for the Esports World Cup (EWC) and Esports Nations Cup (ENC) through 2028, the organization said on July 15, 2026 in a statement issued from Riyadh and Paris.

EF said Faker joins Cristiano Ronaldo, listed as the Foundation’s Global Ambassador, and Magnus Carlsen as part of the Esports Foundation Ambassador Program. The Foundation said Faker will represent “the perspective of esports players” across its international events, athlete initiatives, media engagements and leadership forums.

“You can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. He is the defining athlete of competitive gaming: a champion whose excellence, discipline and longevity have inspired an entire generation,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation. “As our Game Ambassador, Faker represents something fundamental to the Ambassador Program: esports creates its own global sporting icons. Across EWC, ENC and NGSC, he will help ensure that the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping where it goes next.”

Faker said: “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador. I want to continue competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who have helped esports grow worldwide. Through the Esports World Cup, Esports Nations Cup and the Foundation’s wider platforms, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, remain resilient and believe in how far competitive gaming can take them. There is still much more to achieve.”

EF highlighted Faker’s competitive record, describing him as a six-time League of Legends World Champion, EWC 2024 winner, two-time MSI champion and ten-time domestic champion with T1. The Foundation also said Faker became the first esports athlete to receive the Blue Dragon Medal in 2026, describing it as the Republic of Korea’s highest sporting honor awarded by President Lee Jae-myung.

The post Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brand Partnerships

Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season

Published

14 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

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

Published

14 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

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.