The Global Gaming Awards Europe, Middle East & Africa 2025 reward the gaming industry’s strongest performers across the previous 12 months, with a strong focus on the EMEA region.

Betsson Group was proudly recognised with the Social Responsibility of the Year Award and as a Runner-Up for the Online Sports Betting Operator of the Year Award at the Global Gaming Awards Europe, Middle East & Africa 2025. The Global Gaming Awards have gained respect amongst industry heavyweights and are considered one of the most trusted award ceremonies in the industry.

The awards voting process involved a panel of over 50 industry executives who cast their vote for a winner and a runner-up across all categories except the categories in which they have a conflict of interest.

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Tackling unlicensed gambling is central to the UK Gambling Commission’s objective of preventing gambling from being a source of crime and disrupting this illegal activity at scale.

The Commission has become aware of casino games supplied by licensed operators appearing on unlicensed websites available to the British consumers illegally.

Those markets are unregulated, and do not provide the same safeguards that are required of operators. They often target vulnerable customers, such as those who have self-excluded via the GAMSTOP scheme. The websites may have inadequate social responsibility and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) controls in place and leave customers open to risks of fraud, data privacy issues and unfair practices. It is therefore imperative that the Commission, in collaboration with the gambling industry and key partners take all possible steps to mitigate risk to GB consumers.

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Operators providing Business-to-Business (B2B) gaming solutions including live games, live casinos and slots (B2B operators) can help the Commission tackle the illegal market by reviewing their own practices. The Commission has found that, in some instances, third party resellers are distributing games supplied by operators to the illegal market, often in breach of their contractual obligations. Commission licensees may have been negligent in allowing them to do so and in the process, place their own licence at risk.

The Commission advised operators to actively monitor their business relationships to ensure any partners are not participating in offering illegal gambling facilities to the GB market, and where identified, terminating relationships where non-compliance has occurred.

It is critical that licensees also actively engage with the Commission where such activity is identified, setting out the preventative measures adopted to ensure such activity ceases immediately. Actively notifying the Commission and setting out a clear plan to mitigate the issue at pace is a minimum requirement.

The Commission is adopting a proactive approach to this matter and may decide at any point to conduct test purchasing activity to evidence potential breaches.

Betsson, the leading Sports Betting and Online Casino operator, and Boca Juniors, Latin America’s best-known international club, announced the extension of their successful partnership. Betsson will continue supporting the club as its main sponsor and front jersey partner through December 2028.

Juan Roman Riquelme, President of Boca Juniors, said: “We are delighted. We were lucky enough to start this partnership with Betsson on 25 June 2023, and today, thanks to Betsson’s trust and the great work that is being done, we can renew it until the end of 2028. For me, this brings great happiness, and I am very grateful for the trust. I hope the future finds us celebrating together.”

Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson Operations, reflected on the impact of this collaboration, highlighting how the initial agreement, signed in June of 2023, marked a pivotal moment in Betsson’s growth in Latin America: “We have always admired the rich history and legacy of Boca Juniors, and we are truly honoured to continue supporting this extraordinary club. As a company with Swedish roots, we feel a deep connection through both shared history and passion. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in the region but also helps us engage with a global audience.”

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Maximiliano Bellio, Betsson’s Country Manager for Argentina, said: “From the start, Boca’s leadership, especially Juan Román Riquelme, has shown great professionalism in working with us. This renewal reinforces our commitment to Latin American football and reflects our ongoing success in the region. With over 60 years of expertise, Betsson brings security and experience, and we are dedicated to promoting responsible gaming while enhancing the entertainment experience for legal-age fans.”