Press Releases
Swedish online casino shutter would cause instant ‘black-market boom’, says BonusFinder MD
Government considers ‘extreme measures’ as activity rises amid COVID-19 restrictions but closures would drive more players to unlicensed sites instead of protecting them
9th April, 2020 – The Swedish government’s threat to temporarily shut down licensed online casinos would have a disastrous effect on the industry and drive thousands more players to the black market, BonusFinder.com has warned.
The minister in charge of gambling policy, Ardalan Shekarabi, this week warned that “extraordinary measures” would be implemented if operators do not take action to slow the increase in igaming activity seen in the last two weeks, as people are told to stay at home because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to new data from Sweden’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, there has been a 33% increase in registrations and logins to play online casino games with 17 of the 60 licensed operators in the country in the last 14 days.
Last month, Swedish market research carried out by BonusFinder.com found that almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations, introduced in January 2019.
Instead of protecting players, a shutdown of online casino brands, however, is likely to lead to thousands more players searching for and depositing funds on unlicensed sites, as well as causing further financial damage to licensed operators, according to BonusFinder.com.
Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “The Swedish government will make a colossal mistake if it chooses to temporarily close down online casino sites in an attempt to protect players. As our research has shown, almost a third of online casino players are already looking to the black market for a more attractive offering since restrictive rules were imposed in January 2019. These latest plans would create an immediate black-market boom.
“Swedish legislation requires operators to have strict responsible gambling procedures in place, therefore the right measures are already there. The focus should instead be on ensuring these are adhered to rather than taking a knee jerk reaction to close down all legitimate brands and forcing even more players to unprotected sites.”
Berlin
BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem
Global esports entertainment company BLAST, in partnership with Brawl Stars, is bringing the first-ever live in-person Brawl Cup to Berlin from 15–17 May 2026. The three-day event promises top-tier international competition alongside a full fan experience at the Uber Eats Music Hall.
This landmark event is part of BLAST’s new multi-year partnership with Brawl Stars, creating a refreshed, large-scale competitive ecosystem for the mobile action game available on iOS and Android. The collaboration introduces a global calendar of events, expanded live broadcasts, and blockbuster arena shows, setting a new standard for Brawl Stars esports.
A Milestone for Brawl Stars Competitive Scene
As BLAST’s first standalone live event for Brawl Stars, Brawl Cup Berlin marks a key milestone in the new competitive season. The 3-day format showcases BLAST’s growing footprint in Europe and reinforces Supercell’s commitment to expanding Brawl Stars’ global competitive circuit.
Under this partnership, BLAST will:
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Deliver 32 broadcast days per year across six competitive seasons
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Host three major live events annually
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Enable teams to qualify through regional competitions across EMEA, North America, South America, APAC, and China
Top teams from each region will compete in marquee in-person events, bringing world-class competition directly to live audiences.
Event Details: Brawl Cup Berlin
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What: Brawl Cup Berlin
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When: 15–17 May 2026
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Where: Uber Eats Music Hall, Berlin, Germany
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Tickets: On-sale dates and pricing to be announced
What Fans Can Expect
The Berlin event will deliver a full arena experience, combining:
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High-energy live competition
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BLAST’s signature broadcast spectacle
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On-site fan activations and interactive experiences
Further announcements will reveal participating teams, broadcast schedules, and detailed fan experiences in the coming weeks.
Media and Press Opportunities
Media representatives will have access to:
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Accreditation for the full event weekend
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Player and spokesperson interviews
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Exclusive coverage of the new-look Brawl Stars competitive circuits
This event represents a pivotal step in BLAST and Supercell’s mission to elevate Brawl Stars esports on a global stage.
The post BLAST and Brawl Stars bring their first-ever joint Live event to Berlin as part of new global competitive ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AI
2026 Rewards AI Capability, Not AI Talk – HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils the Next-Era HIPTHER Academy
HIPTHER Prague Summit proudly introduces the Hands-On HIPTHER Academy and next-gen career advancement. Because 2026 won’t reward AI Talk – It will reward AI Capability.
As the HIPTHER Prague Summit celebrates 10 years of impact across Gaming & Tech, the 2026 edition shifts the spotlight toward what truly defines the next era of professional growth: practical AI capability, personal authority, and reputational strength.
This year, HIPTHER places a powerful new emphasis on the HIPTHER Academy – the summit’s applied learning environment designed to move beyond theory and into real execution professionals can use immediately.
From AI Hype to Real-World Application
The message shaping 2026 is clear:
The future won’t reward those who talk about AI.
It will reward those who know how to use it.
Positioned as the practical layer of the summit, the HIPTHER Academy delivers:
- 80% hands-on, applied AI workshops
- Real operational use cases, including vibe coding, compliance automation, AI-driven workflows, and responsible implementation boundaries
- Immediate, role-ready takeaways professionals can implement the moment they return to work
This applied focus distinctly separates HIPTHER Prague Summit from generic “AI trend” events – emphasizing execution over theory and capability over buzzwords.
Authority, Reputation & the Human Edge
Technical skill alone is no longer enough.
In an AI-accelerated landscape, positioning, leadership presence, and trust define who stands out.
That’s why the HIPTHER Academy integrates human authority and reputational growth alongside AI capability.
Featured workshops include:
- From Profile to Authority: Positioning Your LinkedIn Presence for Trust – Marija Hammond
- Personality and High-Stakes Conversations in the Workplace – Maria Loumpourdi
- How to Build a Company’s Reputation – Magdalena Radomska-Trzaska
Together, these sessions shape a new professional equation:
HIPTHER Academy = AI capability + personal authority + reputational strength.
Inside the 10th Anniversary Edition of HIPTHER Prague Summit
Under the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact,” the 2026 summit marks its most ambitious edition yet.
Taking place at OREA Hotel Andels Praha on 24–25 March 2026, the event brings together a global audience across:
iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, AI, Fintech, Compliance, Regulation
Attendees can expect eight dedicated Academy workshops delivering applied knowledge.
HIPTHER’s Co-Founder & Head of Business Zoltan Tündik, stated about this year’s HIPTHER Academy in Prague: “While 2025 was dominated by conversations about AI, 2026 is the year we are witnessing real acceleration. New developments, real projects, and genuinely useful tools being created at unprecedented speed. I recently noticed this while recording a podcast: we no longer say ‘this wasn’t possible a few years ago.’ We now say ‘this wasn’t possible a few months ago.’ That shift in language says everything about the pace of AI-driven innovation.
The market will not reward AI commentary anymore. It will reward AI capability. That’s exactly why the HIPTHER Academy focuses on practical application, giving professionals the ability to execute, not just discuss. In 2026, competitive advantage belongs to those who can apply AI confidently, responsibly, and effectively in real business environments.”
More Academy Highlights
Insightful sessions expanding the Academy’s practical scope include:
- Branding in the Attention Economy – Marija Hammond, Brand Advisor & Speaker
- LinkedIn as a Dealflow Engine – Marie Zamecnikova, Personal Brand Strategist and Executive Advisor
- Communications & Growth Execution – Wojciech Trzaska, Chief Communications Officer at SB Software
- AI-Powered Marketing & PR – Uliana Korobeynikova, Head of Public Relations at iAffiliate
Alongside AI insights from The Playa, Murmur Intelligence, and further expert-led workshops to be announced.
The Career-Advancement Layer of Prague 2026
With the HIPTHER Academy, the Prague Summit evolves beyond a conference into a career acceleration environment — equipping professionals not just to understand the future, but to operate inside it with confidence, credibility, and authority.
Because in 2026, the real competitive edge isn’t access to AI.
It’s knowing how to apply it — and being trusted when you do.
Join the 10th Anniversary HIPTHER Prague Summit — invest in career-growth and personal authority. See you there!
The post 2026 Rewards AI Capability, Not AI Talk – HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils the Next-Era HIPTHER Academy appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Argentine Basketball
FeedConstruct Secures Exclusive Rights to the Argentine Basketball Ecosystem
FeedConstruct has reached a major milestone in its Latin American expansion, securing exclusive worldwide streaming and data rights to all games across Argentina’s top basketball leagues, including:
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Liga Nacional (LNB)
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Liga Argentina
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Liga Federal
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Liga Femenina
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La Liga Próximo
This deal positions FeedConstruct as the primary global source for Argentine basketball, delivering over 2,400 games per season to partners worldwide.
Liga Nacional (LNB): South America’s Premier Basketball League
The Liga Nacional (LNB) is Argentina’s top-tier league and a recognized talent pipeline to the NBA, producing legends like Manu Ginóbili, Luis Scola, and Facundo Campazzo. Iconic teams such as Atenas de Córdoba, San Lorenzo, and Peñarol make the league a global attraction.
Liga Argentina: High-Stakes Competition and Rising Stars
Argentina’s second division, Liga Argentina, is defined by intense rivalries and promotion battles. Featuring historic clubs like Ferro Carril Oeste and Quilmes, it serves as a proving ground for emerging talent and offers passionate local fanbases.
Leadership Voices on the Deal
Narek Harutyunyan, CEO at FeedConstruct, said:
“Securing the exclusive rights to the Argentine basketball ecosystem is a landmark achievement. By consolidating these rights, we are creating an unparalleled offering for partners, delivering a high-quality experience across one of the world’s most exciting basketball nations.”
Eduardo Tassano, President of the Asociación de Clubes de Básquetbol, added:
“This agreement supports our goal of strengthening transparency, technological standards, and international projection. It adds significant value to the ecosystem and positions Argentine basketball on a global stage of professionalism.”
Liga Federal: Hyper-Local Coverage Across Argentina
The Liga Federal, the country’s largest professional competition with over 100 clubs, represents the heart of Argentine basketball. FeedConstruct’s coverage ensures fans and operators have full access to hyper-local content across every province.
Liga Femenina: Spotlight on Women’s Basketball
The Liga Femenina is Argentina’s premier women’s league, featuring stars like Melisa Gretter and top clubs such as Berazategui and Quimsa. This league is experiencing rapid growth, reflecting the rising global demand for women’s sports.
La Liga Próximo: Nurturing the Next Generation
La Liga Próximo is the elite developmental pipeline, showcasing youth squads from prestigious clubs including Boca Juniors, Quimsa, Obras Sanitarias, and Instituto de Córdoba. It acts as a scouting ground for future international stars, ensuring the continuity of Argentina’s basketball talent.
FeedConstruct: Strengthening Regional Leadership
This acquisition cements FeedConstruct’s leadership in Latin America, providing seamless access to the full spectrum of Argentine basketball for fans, operators, and betting platforms. With exclusive coverage across men’s, women’s, professional, and youth leagues, FeedConstruct now delivers the entire Argentine basketball ecosystem globally.
The post FeedConstruct Secures Exclusive Rights to the Argentine Basketball Ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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