Industry News
European Lotteries And ENGSO Commit To Enhancing The Role Of Grassroots Sport In 2020–2021
The European Lotteries (EL) and ENGSO, the European Sports NGO are further extending their partnership with a new two-year agreement (2020-21).
Aiming at strengthening the natural link between the members of EL and ENGSO – national lotteries and not-for-profit sports umbrella organisations – the agreement highlights the mutually beneficial collaboration in different areas in line with each organisation’s strategy, striving for responsibility, society, sustainability and integrity.
EL President, Hansjörg Höltkemeier: “I strongly welcome the renewed partnership between EL and ENGSO over the next two years. As both Associations share similar core values, I am convinced that we will achieve much more together, taking our cooperation to the next level, in the highest interest of society and a credible and values-driven grassroots sport in Europe”.
ENGSO President Stefan Bergh: “Today, the role of sport in society is more and more recognised, also raising the expectations for grassroots sport. In such a time, the support of EL members for grassroots sport cannot be underestimated. The partnership between ENGSO and EL is essential for further enhancing the societal role of sport at a European level. We are thrilled about the continued mutual commitment and ready to explore further activities to reach our joint goals.”
EL and ENGSO have been cooperating for over 11 years. Most recently, 2019 saw the second successful edition of the European Sport Platform in Rome, the conclusion of the ASPIRE project on the inclusion of refugees through sport, and the successful submission of the SPIRIT project on sport and mental health, supported by the Erasmus+ Programme and EL. Since its conception, the two Association have also actively supported, as official Partners, the European Week of Sport, an annual European Commission led initiative. One particular highlight was a joint event to raise awareness about the importance of equality and ethics in sport.
Both Associations look forward to continuing their partnership and collaboration over the next two years for the benefit of society and grassroots sport in Europe.
About the European Lotteries:
The European Lotteries Association (EL) is the European umbrella organisation of national lotteries operating games of chance for the public benefit. EL has members from more than 40 European countries including all EU Member States. The association’s EU members contribute more than 20 billion EUR p.a. to the state budgets and the funding of sport, culture, social projects, research and other causes of general interest. Unlike many commercial online gambling operators, EL members only offer gambling and betting services in the jurisdictions in which they are licensed by the respective national government. Website: www.european-lotteries.org, Twitter @EuropeLotteries, LinkedIn
About ENGSO:
ENGSO is the European Sports NGO and the leading voice for voluntary-based grassroots sport in Europe. Together with our 38 members – National Sports Confederations, National Olympic Committees and other sports organisations from 34 European countries – we form a network that brings together people of different ages and backgrounds that share a passion for sport. We aspire to grassroots sport that promotes stronger communities, with the mission to represent, develop and advocate for voluntary-based sport in Europe – guided by our values: democracy, equality, inclusion, sustainability, integrity and education. Website: http://www.engso.eu
Nils Ristau and Daniel Schmitz debut a work enablement platform aimed at day-to-day execution across product, retention and AI adoption.
Sparky Space, a new AI-powered work enablement platform founded by former German Air Force officer Nils Ristau and tech leader Daniel Schmitz, has launched and is now available globally for iGaming operators and suppliers.
The founders are positioning the product around execution support inside daily workflows as teams face tighter regulatory demands, faster product cycles and higher player expectations. The company cited industry research suggesting only 10-20% of learning is consistently applied in day-to-day work, creating a gap between training and on-the-job outcomes.
“In military operations, performance depends on clarity, structure, and disciplined execution in changing environments,” said Ristau. “The iGaming industry operates under similar pressure.
“Competitive advantage does not come from knowledge alone – it comes from how effectively teams apply it every day.”
Sparky Space said its platform supports areas including product development, player retention and AI adoption, with use cases spanning customer-centric experimentation, agile product and game development, decision-making and prioritisation, practical generative AI prompting, and cross-functional collaboration. The company said the tools are intended to help teams launch features, respond to regulatory change, and optimise marketing and support processes.
While initially focused on iGaming, Sparky Space said it has been built for broader use in other fast-moving, technology-driven industries.
Relevant data as follows:
- Sparky Space: https://www.sparkyspace.com Official company site for product and launch details.
- UK Gambling Commission: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk Regulatory context referenced in the article’s discussion of increasing compliance pressure.
- Malta Gaming Authority: https://www.mga.org.mt Key European regulator relevant to operators and suppliers navigating shifting regulation.
The post Former German Air Force officer launches Sparky Space AI platform for iGaming teams appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The slots supplier says its portfolio now exceeds 150 games and highlights recent LatAm expansion from its Buenos Aires base.
Belatra is marking its 33rd birthday with an anniversary campaign running throughout April, the iGaming slots developer said.
The company said it was founded in 1993 and has since transitioned from building gaming machines for land-based casinos to producing digital content. Belatra added that its portfolio has grown to more than 150 games.
Belatra also pointed to its strategic Latin American headquarters in Buenos Aires as a key base for regional partnerships and growth.
Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, said: “We’re only just getting started, but birthdays provide the perfect chance to reflect on our successes and the path that’s brought us here. From launching our innovative ‘multi-universe’ content strategy to our rapid expansion in Latin America, the successful launch of our first Crash game, and multiple high-profile industry award wins — we are always developing, creating, and evolving. 33 years of innovation, dedication, and gaming excellence — and the best is yet to come.”
Belatra did not provide additional detail on upcoming releases or the timing of any new product announcements beyond saying updates will land during April.
The post Belatra marks 33 years with April anniversary campaign appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Founder Surya Palli positions the group as a real-time extension of the brand’s long-form podcast conversations.
iGaming Real Talk said its WhatsApp community has crossed 500 members, marking what the company described as a growth milestone for the group.
The community is positioned as a space for candid discussion among iGaming professionals, including operators, studios, affiliates, and suppliers. The company attributed the group’s growth to its structure, stating it operates with minimal moderation and allows promotions.
Surya Palli, Founder of iGaming Real Talk, said: “Reaching 500 members is a proud moment, but what matters more is the quality of the conversations happening inside the group every day. This community is built on trust, openness, and a genuine desire to help each other grow.
Our long-form podcasts can only cover so much at a given time, but the WhatsApp community is an always-on, real-time extension of those conversations. We’re just getting started.”
iGaming Real Talk said it plans to expand the community through exclusive content, industry interviews, and collaborative discussions.
Those interested in joining the iGaming Real Talk WhatsApp community can join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/K2UoLJdluQdFJXvV1uDw6Z
The post iGaming Real Talk WhatsApp community passes 500 members appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
betting platforms6 days agoUS Public Health Debate Intensifies as Boston Hosts Landmark Online Gambling Symposium
-
betting innovation6 days ago
DATA.BET Expands at SiGMA South America 2026
-
8bit Binks6 days ago
S8UL Esports Triumphs in VCSA 2026 Split 1: A Grand Final Masterclass
-
BiS Awards 20266 days ago
Brazil’s Gaming Evolution: EGT and EGT Digital Claim Top Honors at BiS Awards 2026
-
BiS Awards 20266 days ago
EGT and EGT Digital have been honored with the Best VLT Solution prize at the BiS Awards 2026
-
Brazil4 days ago
Fernando Carvalho outlines new era for prediction markets in Brazil with VoxFi white label technology
-
Boston6 days ago
Global Experts to Gather in Boston for First US Symposium on Online Gambling and Public Health
-
casino software6 days ago
QTech Games Expands Emerging Markets Portfolio with Sneaky Slots Integration
