Press Releases
While traditional sports are taking a break, eSports is taking a leap forward
Although most of the sports events worldwide, including the biggest of the year – Euro 2020, were canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, UltraPlay have other opportunities to offer, such as betting on eSports.
With the shutdown of all major sports leagues internationally, sportsbooks need markets to keep players interested and betting. Esports, as an already well-established gambling vertical, comes as the working alternative to all sports bettors around the globe. Most of the LAN tournaments were shortly reorganized to be held online, such as LCS, LEC, LCK, Overwatch League, ESL Pro League, Flashpoint and many more.
UltraPlay’s eSports multi-award-winning product ODDS.GG might be the solution by offering:
- 28 game titles, including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, League of Legends, Overwatch and many more.
- 370+ tournaments coverage
- 3000 pre-match events per month
- 2500+ live events per month
- 200+ markets
At the moment UltraPlay covers 251 eSports events, 90% of them with live odds.
Peter Ivanov, Head of Trading at UltraPlay has commented: “We experienced a 30% increased turnover only in the first 5 days after the traditional sports shutdown. This is growing on a day-to-day basis as more people get involved. We expect this to get in 100’s% once all eSports leagues restart playing online. Low tier matches are the ones to see turnover go through the roof because of lack of any other events.
Moreover, we record an increased interest in our eSports product ODDS.GG from the leading sportsbooks. They are willing and ready to integrate it as soon as possible.”
From March 20-26, UltraPlay will cover, both pre-match and live, the online charity marathon dedicated to fighting COVID-19, organized by WePlay Esports. Top teams and top talent from the Dota 2 scene are included, namely OG, Team Liquid, Virtus.Pro and more.
Tournaments that still haven’t announced the shift towards online, are expected to follow the example if the situation with COVID-19 health crisis continues in the following months.
With traditional sports matches postponed and teams self-isolated, football stars are joining the competitive games scene by playing FIFA and Fortnite, attracting an enormous audience towards eSports in general.
Let’s face it; 60m people watched the final of the highest-profile eSports tournament. Only the Champions League final, or World Cup final, can compare with that. And sportsbooks can attract the eSports audience to their websites with reliable and extensive odds coverage.
Cool Bus Shelter
The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers
The UAE Lottery has partnered with SmartLife Foundation to support outdoor workers during the UAE summer, backing the Cool Bus Shelter initiative in Abu Dhabi on July 20, 2026.
The programme aligns with the UAE’s Midday Break rules, which require outdoor work to stop between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM during peak heat. As part of the initiative, air-conditioned buses were stationed near labour sites to provide workers a place to rest before returning outdoors.
Volunteers from The UAE Lottery and SmartLife Foundation provided cold towels, cold water and drinks, according to the organisations. Workers also received portable rechargeable neck fans intended to provide additional cooling after the break.
Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director – Corporate Social Responsibility at Momentum- The UAE Lottery, said: “Outdoor workers are the backbone of our cities’ urban development, and initiatives like the Cool Bus Shelter ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve during the most challenging months of the year. This is our small way of saying thank you and reminding them that their wellbeing truly matters”.
Abhijeet Oak, Vice President at SmartLife Foundation, added: “At SmartLife Foundation, we believe that protecting the wellbeing of outdoor workforce is a shared responsibility. Through the Cool Bus Shelter initiative, we are proud to collaborate with organizations such as The UAE Lottery and other community partners to create moments of comfort, appreciation and human connection that leave a lasting impact”.
The post The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Africa
Playson partners with Hollywoodbets for South Africa slots rollout
Playson has partnered with South African operator Hollywoodbets to roll out a selection of its slot titles to players in South Africa’s regulated market, the company said on 20th July 2026.
Under the deal, Hollywoodbets will integrate Playson content via Light & Wonder’s aggregation platform. The operator said the addition will broaden its “live games” portfolio.
The initial rollout includes Coin Strike: Hold and Win, Thunder Coins: Hold and Win, Thunder Coins XXL: Hold and Win, Diamonds Power: Hold and Win, Energy Coins: Hold and Win and 3 Carts of Gold: Hold and Win, with more releases planned.
Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: “Partnering with Hollywoodbets represents another important milestone in our African growth strategy. As one of South Africa’s household names, Hollywoodbets offers an outstanding platform through which we can introduce our high-performing portfolio to an even wider audience.
“We are confident our games will resonate strongly with players, and we look forward to building a successful long-term partnership together.”
Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, said: “Playson’s portfolio has earned an excellent reputation for delivering engaging gameplay and consistent results across regulated markets, making it a valuable addition to our product offering.
“We are always looking to enhance the entertainment experience available to our players, and we are delighted to welcome a selection of Playson’s top-performing titles to the Hollywoodbets platform.”
The post Playson partners with Hollywoodbets for South Africa slots rollout appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Alberta
Greentube goes live in Alberta as province opens regulated iGaming
Supplier secures AGLC registration and extends its Canadian footprint beyond Ontario, where it has been live since 2022.
Greentube has gone live in Alberta on the day the province opened as a newly regulated iGaming market, marking the supplier’s first launch in the jurisdiction.
The NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division said it completed regulatory and technical due diligence and secured registration with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission to operate in the province. Alberta becomes only the second Canadian province to regulate iGaming after Ontario, with the new framework replacing the monopoly previously held by Play Alberta.
The Alberta launch builds on Greentube’s existing Canadian footprint. The company has been live in Ontario since 2022 and described the Alberta debut as part of its wider North American expansion strategy.
Greentube said Alberta players will initially have access to a curated set of titles including Piggy Prizes
Wand of Riches 2
, Rumble Riches
Haulin’ Gold
and Firecracker Frenzy
Money Toad
, as well as Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, Starlight Jackpots
Captain’s Catch
and Charming Lady’s Boom
.
David Bolas, Commercial Director at Greentube, said: “Going live in Alberta on the day the market opens is an important step for Greentube and reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in Canada.
“We welcome the opportunity a new jurisdiction offers and look forward to working with locally licensed operators to introduce our established offering to players in Alberta. With a balanced line-up of new releases and proven performers, we are well placed to offer a compelling experience in the province and support our long-term ambitions in the region.”
The post Greentube goes live in Alberta as province opens regulated iGaming appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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