Latest News
Movers and Shakers: Unlocking New Audiences Through Live Streaming
“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
At SGG Media, our focus has always been on staying ahead of the curve and providing the most cost-effective form of sports marketing in the iGaming industry. We specialize in the micro-influencer space, believing this to be the key to unlocking a new generation of sports betting fans.
Of course, staying ahead of the curve is not as easy as it sounds. Part of this entails noticing the industry’s changes as they occur and being able to determine the difference between what will change the game and what is simply a passing trend.
One of our biggest focuses in recent years has been streaming and its emergence as an effective marketing tool in the sports and sports betting industries.
With Gen Z, we are seeing a new generation of sports fans emerge as a commercial force. These fans are defined by their need for fresh experiences, authentic interactions, and a sense of community, all three of which can be provided by live streaming, both by sports and by sports micro-influencers and content creators.
The constant thirst for new experiences is extremely powerful, and we have seen this in action with the emergence of new sports like Power Slap and Pickleball in the last few years. However, unlike major players like the Premier League or the NFL, these sports do not have huge TV deals and do not pack out stadiums week in and week out.
Instead, their events are often live-streamed, and their fans congregate online. A new way of consuming sports is emerging alongside these sports: in-person attendance is being replaced by live streams, while micro-influencers and content creators are replacing punditry and analysis.
SGG Media can send live, real-time, links to the shows from thousands of sports influencers, and their millions of avid sports fan followers, during the actual events – greatly increasing awareness and viewership as they click the link provide in the social media post. Additionally, SGG Media can send social media real-time updates, notifying fans that events are about to start- and tell the fans what channels or platforms they can find the event on. Its easy for fans to lose track of when events are starting and where they can find the event. Social media – in real time – can solve this problem.
What these sports also rely on to succeed is a huge sense of community. Nothing brings people together quite like a shared interest in a niche sport, and live streams have become an excellent platform for nurturing these communities and allowing them to grow organically. The micro-influencers and content creators managing these streams essentially become hosts for giant online discussions and interactions.
From a marketing perspective, this creates a huge opportunity for sports and sports betting businesses. Finding a way into these communities is often extremely difficult, which is where SGG Media can step in. Our network of over 2,200 micro-influencers can provide businesses with access to over 72 million sports fans, as well as countless online communities focused on individual sports and sports teams.
At SGG Media, we believe we can provide unparalleled access to online communities of sports fans at an extremely cost-effective price. Micro-influencers and live-streamers are the present and the future of digital sports marketing, and our network boasts unrivaled access to thousands of them.
Our goal has also been to make this accessible to as many small and medium-sized businesses as possible. Earlier this year, we launched our Instant Quote platform. This allows interested parties to enter information about their business and their marketing budget and to be provided with a quote for a marketing plan.
We believe the emergence of these niche sports and their online communities will only accelerate in the coming years, as will the effectiveness of live streaming as a marketing tool for reaching them.
For many years, online sports betting has been a solitary experience, but this is changing rapidly. Understanding the needs of a new generation and how to effectively market to them is essential for any sports betting business that wants to succeed.
Authenticity is also a key issue we seek to address at SGG Media. For years, the sports marketing landscape has been dominated by endorsements from major celebrities and huge influencers. Both of these endorsements are extremely costly, further lifting the barrier to entry for small—to medium-sized businesses.
New sports fans, particularly Gen Z, have grown up in a world full of these adverts, and it’s fair to say cynicism is at an all-time high. These extremely expensive methods are not as effective as they once were.
This is where micro-influencers and live-streamers come into their own. They share their authentic experiences with their communities, providing an extremely effective and honest form of marketing. At SGG Media, we have observed that aligning brands with micro-influencers and streamers who have a mutual love for sports leads to meaningful connections with like-minded audiences. This strategy allows businesses to engage with individuals who share their values and are genuinely interested in their offerings.
The significance of this is especially relevant with niche sports, as sports betting operators may find it challenging to promote such sports through traditional marketing methods. These sports often have unique requirements and attract specific interests. Therefore, having the ability to directly connect with these niche sports communities holds immense value from a marketing standpoint.
SGG Media has always been about changing the game, and we believe that micro-influencer marketing, live streams, and the emergence of new sports are doing exactly that. We strive to be at the forefront of this change and want to ensure that our clients and partners are with us every step of the journey.
Blueprint Gaming
Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming
Spinomenal has released 3 Fuego Chillies, a new 5×3 video slot themed around a Mexican street fiesta. The game ships with a feature-led Bonus Game and a top prize billed as a Grand Jackpot of x3,000 the total bet.

CT Interactive has released its latest slot game, 40 Mega Star. As the night sky comes alive with countless shimmering lights, only a select few stars have the power to capture attention and become true Mega Stars.

TaDa Gaming has expanded its popular Unlimited Fortune mechanic with the launch of Joker Coins Unlimited Fortune. Combining Lock & Respin, progressive bonus expansion, jackpots, multipliers and the signature Unlimited Fortune feature, this compact three-reel release delivers layered gameplay and win potential of up to 5000x.

Blueprint Gaming is releasing an upgraded version of Super Graphics Upside Down exclusively on Lottomart, giving Lottomart’s UK players early access to the title. Originally launched in 2021, Super Graphics Upside Down is being re-released with a new bonus wheel feature and an increased max win potential, rising from 250X to 3000X, according to the companies.

ICONIC21 has released Wild Gold Mine 2, a high-volatility sequel to its Wild Gold Mine slot. The game is played across 243 ways and launches with multiple RTP configurations, with a stated top prize of 10,000x.

Games Global has launched Rumble Kong CASHINGO
, a new jungle-themed online slot developed with exclusive studio partner Alchemy Gaming. The title went live on 23rd July 2026. Rumble Kong CASHINGO
is a 5×5, 3,125 ways-to-win game built around an expanding CASHINGO
collection grid.

Swintt has released a new slot from its Elysium Studios label, titled Odyssey Hold & Win. The supplier said the game is built around a Hold & Win collection mechanic and features a stated maximum win of 3,317x. Odyssey Hold & Win runs on a 4×4 grid that can expand to 4×8 when Athena appears, according to the company.

ELA Games has released a new slot, Age of Cleopatra, adding another ancient-Egypt theme title to its portfolio. The studio positions the game as a medium-volatility release and says it is available to demo now. Age of Cleopatra runs on a 5×3 reel set-up with 25 paylines.

Endorphina has launched Zalatar, a new myths-and-legends themed online slot, expanding its recent run of fantasy-leaning releases. The supplier said Zalatar is a 5-reel, 3-row game with 25 fixed paylines, 96.03% RTP and high volatility.

The post Weekend Reels | Week 30: Slot Drops & Trends appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Awards
Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers
Slotsoo is proud to announce the winners of the Slotsoo Awards 2026, recognising the online casinos and game providers that have delivered the best player experiences over the past year. Now firmly established as an annual celebration of excellence, the awards continue to recognise the companies setting new standards for quality and innovation across the iGaming industry.
Spotlighting the Best Game Providers of 2026
Following last year’s successful debut, the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards returned for a second year to recognise the studios pushing online slots forward through original ideas, engaging gameplay, and consistently high-quality releases. This year’s winners are:
- The Machine MVP – Pragmatic Play
- Bonus Buyer – Eurasian Gaming
- Volatility Virtuoso – 1spin4win
- Jackpot Jumbo – Platipus Gaming
- Symphony Spinner – Peter & Sons
- Reel Renegade – TaDa Gaming
- Promising Prodigy – EXCO Game Studio
Pragmatic Play retained the prestigious Machine MVP award for a second consecutive year, while every other category crowned a new winner, highlighting the emergence of fresh talent and new ideas among game providers.
Casino Awards Return for a Fourth Year
Since their debut in 2023, the Slotsoo Casino Awards have celebrated the operators raising the standard for online casino experiences. This year’s winners continue that tradition, earning recognition for excellence across bonuses, withdrawals, gamification, and overall quality. The seven winners for 2026 are:
- The Gambling GOAT – Lunar Spins
- The Bonus Buff – Go4Casino
- The Loyalty Lord – Valhalla Wins
- The Withdrawal Wizard – Taste Vegas
- The Gamification Guru – Lucky Fuel
- The Payout Professor – Stupid Casino
- The Noisy Newcomer – Kudos Bet
While the Game Provider Awards saw several first-time winners, the Casino Awards reflected the continued strength of a few established operators. C24 Partners enjoyed a particularly successful year, with four awards going to brands from its portfolio, including the main trophy The Gambling GOAT.
Recognition That Goes Beyond Popularity
Unlike many industry awards, the Slotsoo Awards are not decided by public voting. Winners are selected by the Slotsoo team after evaluating casino operators and game providers throughout the year. Each nominee is assessed on factors such as player value and innovation.
This approach ensures that both established industry leaders and ambitious newcomers have an equal opportunity to be recognised. Whether it’s a casino redefining loyalty rewards or a game studio introducing fresh mechanics, the awards highlight companies that genuinely move the industry forward.
Other News from Slotsoo.com This Summer
The Slotsoo Awards weren’t the only milestone for the company this summer. In June, the team attended the HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics Gaming Conference in Tallinn, connecting with industry professionals, exploring the latest developments in iGaming, and returning home with plenty of inspiration.
July marked the publication of Slotsoo’s first book, The Casino Player’s ABC, written by Markus Björk, Head of Content. This tongue-in-cheek ABC book for adults takes a humorous look at the ups and downs in slot gaming. Markus Björk comments:
“The awards and the book may seem like very different projects, but they share the same goal. Both are about celebrating what makes this industry unique and helping players navigate it with a sense of humour.”
With another successful awards season, the publication of their first book, and an active presence at industry events, 2026 has been one of Slotsoo’s busiest and most exciting years to date.
The post Slotsoo Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best Casinos and Game Providers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BETBY
BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth
BETBY, the Tier 1 sportsbook supplier, has continued its strong start to 2026, delivering solid year-on-year growth across its business during the first half of the year. Building on the positive Q1 results reported in April, the supplier’s performance was supported by continued market expansion, product innovation, and strong activity across its operator partnerships.
During the first half of 2026, BETBY’s sportsbook Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) increased by 42.7% compared to H1 2025. The number of active players across the provider’s partner network grew by 47%, while the total number of bets placed rose by 21.2%, reflecting sustained growth across both new and existing operator partnerships.
The period also saw BETBY further expand its product ecosystem through several key launches and developments. Among them was BETBY Predictions, the industry’s first fixed-odds prediction markets feed, opening a new betting vertical for operators. The supplier also introduced Stories, an engagement feature built around a familiar, interactive content format and delivered directly within the sportsbook experience.
The FIFA World Cup provided an additional boost during the last three weeks of June, generating high levels of betting activity across BETBY’s partner network and demonstrating the scalability and reliability of its sportsbook during the world’s largest sporting event.
BETBY’s proprietary esports feed, Betby Games, also delivered continued growth during H1 2026, recording a 28% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue. Active players grew by 46%, while the number of bets placed rose by 14.8%. These figures reinforce Betby Games’ importance within BETBY’s broader product portfolio.
Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “After a strong first quarter, we are pleased to see that the positive trend continued throughout the first half of the year. These results reflect the strength of our long-term strategy, combining continued market expansion with a clear focus on product innovation and helping our partners grow.
“The launch of products such as BETBY Predictions and features like Stories, alongside the continued evolution of Betby Games, demonstrate our commitment to delivering solutions and technology that create measurable value for operators. We are proud of what we have achieved so far this year and remain focused on continuing this progress throughout H2.”
The post BETBY Builds on a Strong Start to 2026 with Solid H1 Sportsbook Growth appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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