Latest News

Pollard Banknote Congratulates Slovakia’s Niké on Record-breaking Instant Ticket Sales

Published

1 year ago

November 26, 2024

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Pollard Banknote Limited has congratulated Niké (“the Lottery”), Slovakia’s largest betting company, on its outstanding success in achieving record-breaking instant ticket sales over the last several years. Since 2018, Niké’s instant ticket sales have grown by over 52%—making it one of the fastest-growing lotteries in Europe. Most recently, Niké attained consecutive record sales in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and 2024 is set to surpass last year’s impressive performance.

As Niké’s exclusive instant ticket partner since 2013, Pollard Banknote collaborates closely with the Lottery, offering expertise in portfolio management and a wide array of sales-driving print innovations. Niké’s continued success is propelled by a forward-thinking instant ticket marketing strategy that prioritizes the development of eye-catching games, delivering value to players, carefully planned portfolio design and retail expansion.

By strategically incorporating Pollard Banknote’s cutting-edge print innovations across all price points, Niké offers a rich portfolio of bold designs to maximise appeal to players. Niké leverages the company’s industry-leading Scratch FX products, specialty inks, and innovative concepts such as Jumbo Pop ‘n’ Play to effectively increase game visibility and drive sales. For instance, for the game DVOJITÁ VÝHRA (DOUBLE WIN), the Lottery used Spectrum Scratch FX Duos to produce a striking ticket design with two contrasting holographic patterns, which delivered great results—it sold 20% higher than the average non-holiday €5 game. Niké has also utilised Pollard Banknote’s digital printing capabilities to launch the highly successful Kapitán GECO (Captain GECO) series of games, distributed exclusively at GECO retailers and tied into GECO’s loyalty programme.

Pollard Banknote has worked closely with Niké to optimise its product portfolio—increasing launches from 10 in 2017 to 25 in 2023, with a variety of options to ensure broad player appeal, including different play mechanics, price points, prize structures and ticket designs. Drawing on Pollard Banknote’s strategic advice, in October of 2023 Niké launched its first-ever €30 game, DELUXE 30—a large, folded ticket featuring Spectrum Scratch FX, offering players 30 games inside—and it became one of Niké’s top-selling games during the 2023 holiday period. Niké also strategically expanded its holiday offerings in 2023 to include games at the €10 price point, as well as released its first holiday family. Building on the sell-out success of the 2022 €5 holiday game Vianočný žreb (Christmas Ticket), Niké launched the Vianoce (Christmas) family of games at the €2, €5, and €10 price points. The family’s cute critters were once again embraced by Niké’s players, with the €10 game featuring Scratch FX almost entirely sold through during the holiday season.

“We are thrilled with how successful our partnership has been, and in particular with achieving two years in a row of record instant sales. Pollard Banknote has been an unwavering partner—constantly bringing new ideas, captivating artistic design, and portfolio recommendations that contribute to our success. We look forward to continuing to work together to provide innovative and fun games to our players,” said Marián Jamrich, Lottery Director of Niké.

“Congratulations to Niké, whose enthusiasm for innovation and implementation of proven growth strategies have led to impressive sales growth year after year. It’s always a pleasure to work with forward-thinking lotteries like Niké, and in the coming years of our partnership we look forward to delivering more outstanding games for Niké’s players,” said Laura Kroeker, Director of Sales & Marketing at Pollard Banknote.

The post Pollard Banknote Congratulates Slovakia’s Niké on Record-breaking Instant Ticket Sales appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Bagelmania Backroom Comedy night lineup announced for Thursday, Feb. 26

Published

18 hours ago

February 20, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

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The iconic Jewish delicatessen Siegel’s Bagelmania has announced the comedic line up that will leave guests “laughing their bagels off” at the next Bagelmania Backroom Comedy night on Thursday, Feb. 26.

Hosted monthly by Las Vegas-based and nationally touring comedian couple Noah Gardenswartz and Ester Steinberg, the event Thursday night will welcome Chris Clarke as the headliner along with acclaimed comics Kristeen Von Hagen, Gabe Quire and Lauren Rochelle.

Clarke, known as a high-energy and imaginative comedian, now tours the country with veteran comedian Rob Schneider. He also has amassed more than 40 million views on his popular YouTube channel “Csnacks,” where he tastes food and snacks from the front seat of his car. His hilarious and unique way of describing different flavors led to national commercials for Checkers and Rally’s, a one-hour special on the Cooking Channel titled Baby Got Snack, and an appearance as a food critic judge on Beat Bobby Flay.

Siegel’s Bagelmania will offer a special Backroom Comedy menu of its signature delicatessen cuisine as well as a full bar so guests can enjoy great comedy, dinner, and drinks in a unique, relaxed setting.

The Bagelmania Backroom is open to attendees 18 and older. Doors open for drinks and dinner at 7 p.m. Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets for Bagelmania Backroom are on sale for $20 online at https://siegelsbagelmania.com/backroomcomedy/ and will be sold at the door while supply lasts.

The post Bagelmania Backroom Comedy night lineup announced for Thursday, Feb. 26 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Latest News

ACR Poker OSS XL Returns With $50M GTD

Published

19 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

ACR Poker has officially announced the return of its flagship Online Super Series (OSS) XL, running from March 1 to March 23, 2026, with a massive $50 million in guaranteed prize pools.

Following the success of its recent Dual Venom tournaments, which paid out more than $11 million, ACR Poker is once again delivering high-value online tournament action designed for players of all skill levels and bankroll sizes.

Three Main Events With $5 Million Guaranteed

The headline events of OSS XL include three major Main Events launching March 15:

$2,650 buy-in – $2 million guaranteed
$1,050 buy-in – $2 million guaranteed
$215 buy-in – $1 million guaranteed

These marquee tournaments anchor the series, offering players high-stakes competition alongside accessible mid- and low-stakes opportunities.

Phil’s Thrill XXL and Multi-Flight Action

Kicking off the series on March 1 is Phil’s Thrill XXL, featuring a $1.5 million guarantee and a $10,300 buy-in. Players can qualify for as little as $95 through ACR’s Road to the Big One promotion.

The schedule also includes a $630 buy-in Multi-Flight Event with $1.5 million guaranteed, with Day 1 flights beginning March 1 and Day 2 set for March 23.

For bounty hunters, OSS XL offers five Mystery Bounty Multi-Flight tournaments, including:

Three $500,000 guaranteed events ($109 buy-in)
A $150,000 guaranteed event ($33 buy-in)
A $100,000 guaranteed event ($5.50 buy-in)

These tournaments provide dynamic prize opportunities and strong value across all buy-in tiers.

$65,000 Leaderboard Contest

To enhance engagement, ACR Poker’s Leaderboard Contest returns with $65,000 in cash and tournament tickets across three buy-in tiers:

High Stakes: $15,000 top prize
Mid Stakes: $7,500 top prize
Low Stakes: $4,000 top prize

According to ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker, OSS XL stands out for its inclusive structure, substantial guarantees and daily leaderboard incentives that reward consistent participation.

With $50 million guaranteed and a broad mix of Main Events, Mystery Bounties and multi-flight tournaments, OSS XL reinforces ACR Poker’s position as a major force in the global online poker tournament landscape.

The post ACR Poker OSS XL Returns With $50M GTD appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

affiliate management system

Alanbase and Gamblers Connect announce new partnership

Published

19 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

alanbase-and-gamblers-connect-announce-new-partnership

Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, has announced a new strategic partnership with Alanbase, a cloud-based SaaS “constructor” built to power advanced affiliate programme development.

The collaboration strengthens Gamblers Connect’s B2B Providers section, a curated hub designed to connect iGaming professionals with trusted, high-performance industry solutions. By integrating Alanbase into its ecosystem, Gamblers Connect enhances access to cutting-edge affiliate management technology tailored to competitive iGaming markets.

A Customizable SaaS Solution for iGaming Affiliates

Alanbase differentiates itself through its fully customizable SaaS architecture. Unlike traditional affiliate software, Alanbase allows operators to build dashboards, performance indicators and statistical tables using their own formulas. This “constructor” model ensures the platform adapts to each business workflow — not the other way around.

The cloud-based system also delivers high-speed data refresh capabilities, enabling operators to monitor player activity in near real time. This performance advantage provides deeper analytical insight and supports faster decision-making in fast-moving iGaming environments.

Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, highlighted that the partnership aligns with the platform’s mission to feature transparent, value-driven B2B providers. By adding Alanbase to its verified partner network, Gamblers Connect reinforces its commitment to showcasing tools that improve affiliate program scalability, operational efficiency and measurable growth.

Expanding the iGaming B2B Ecosystem

The partnership reflects growing demand for flexible affiliate SaaS platforms that prioritize customization, automation and performance tracking. As competition intensifies across global iGaming markets, data-driven affiliate management solutions are becoming a critical component of operator success.

With Alanbase now featured within Gamblers Connect’s B2B Providers hub, industry professionals gain streamlined access to enterprise-grade affiliate infrastructure designed for scalability and precision.

The post Alanbase and Gamblers Connect announce new partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.