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Real Madrid and Barcelona neck-and-neck as world’s most valuable football brands in the face of COVID-19

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  • Real Madrid remain world’s most valuable football brand, but Barcelona narrow the gap to just €6 million
  • COVID-19 causes total brand value of top 50 clubs to decrease for the first time in 6 years – €751 million or 3.7% is knocked off
  • English clubs dominate the ranking with six brands in top 10 and 19 in top 50
  • Liverpool inches two spots up into 4th place, following historic Premier League win
  • Bundesliga’s 1. FC Köln is this year’s fastest-growing brand, followed by Leicester City and RB Leipzig – all recording over 40% growth
  • Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium takes top spot in Buro Happold’s Venue Performance Rating

Real Madrid remain the most valuable football club brand in the world for 2020, according to the latest edition of the Brand Finance Football Annual. Boosted by winning the LaLiga title for the first time since 2017, the club retained its position at the top of the table in the football industry, but against a backdrop of economic and social disruption, caused primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, Real Madrid’s brand value has declined by 14% to €1,419 million.

Real Madrid’s disappointing on-pitch performance prior to 2019-20, which saw an earlier-than-normal exit from the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19 and a second successive season adrift of LaLiga champions Barcelona, eroded the club’s dominance of the Brand Finance ranking. The situation was exacerbated by COVID-19, along with a lack of stability around the management of the team. Barcelona, Real’s fierce rivals, are just €6 million behind Real with a brand value of €1,413 million, supported by strong and diverse revenue generation and continued domestic performance in Spain.

COVID-19 knocks off €751 million of brand value

Real Madrid is not the only club to see a drop in brand value this year. COVID-19 has caused the total value of the top 50 football brands to decrease for the first time in 6 years. Through its effect on the three main revenue streams – Matchday, Broadcasting, and Commercial – €751 million or 3.7% has been knocked off the cumulative brand value of the world’s top 50 most valuable football clubs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged professional football worldwide and across all levels. Matchday income for the 501 games remaining in the big 5 leagues dropped to zero, but it is often the smaller clubs and leagues which are more reliant on this revenue stream – in Scotland it makes up 43% of total revenue, compared to only 13% in England.

There have been some positive signs, as Southampton vs Manchester City on BBC broke the Premier League TV audience record with 5.7 million viewers, but the longer-term damage to the game’s economic structure has yet to be revealed.

Richard Haigh, Managing Director of Brand Finance, commented:

“Top-level football has been confronted with the largest existential threat since the Second World War. Loss of income, coupled with health concerns about mass gatherings, have raised question marks about the future of the industry and the financial resilience of clubs across all levels. The full damage of the COVID-19 crisis has yet to unfold and it is not inconceivable there will be casualties in the form of club bankruptcies and changes in ownership.”

Despite the huge implications of COVID-19 for football clubs and their financial results, the majority of the brand value is secured by the clubs’ long-term future – provided they can survive the initial shock. For example, only 21% of Real Madrid’s brand value is delivered by the next five years’ financial results.

Premier power

Real Madrid and Barcelona are followed by a cluster of English Premier League clubs in the Brand Finance Football Annual 2020 ranking, with Manchester United in 3rd position after their brand value fell by 11% to €1,314 million. Liverpool, who won their first league title since 1990 in runaway style, are in 4th spot jumping above Manchester City in terms of brand value, rising from €1,191 million in 2019 to €1,262 million, a 6% increase. Chelsea dropped one place in the table to 8th after their value fell for the fourth consecutive year to €949 million. This was arguably due to the club being absent from the UEFA Champions League and also suffering a transfer ban after being charged with breaking Financial Fair Play Regulations.

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Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation

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Win Systems, a leading provider of technology solutions for the gaming and entertainment industry, will be attending GAT Expo Cartagena 2026 on March 25–26 in Cartagena de Indias. Visitors can find the company at Stand A7, where it will highlight its latest electronic roulette innovations and casino solutions.

At the event, Win Systems will unveil Colors, the next evolution of its successful electronic roulette line. This includes an innovative 6-position wall-mounted version designed to optimize floor space while delivering maximum performance and visual impact on the gaming floor.

Customization and Player Engagement

Colors stands out for its high level of customization, allowing operators to tailor visual elements and configurations to align with their brand identity and market preferences. Whether in compact or large-scale setups, Colors is engineered to capture attention and enhance player engagement from the very first spin.

A key innovation is its dynamic paytable, which enables players to select from four different paytable options. This includes multipliers of up to 120x on inside bets, offering both increased excitement for players and higher revenue potential for operators. By combining design, performance, and flexibility, Colors delivers a highly versatile and profitable solution for modern casinos.

Enhanced Slot Offerings

In addition to Colors, Win Systems will showcase its renowned Sublime and Rhapsody slot machines, now featuring new game releases that blend advanced graphics, innovative mechanics, and high performance. These updates reinforce Win Systems’ commitment to creating engaging content that maximizes both the player experience and operator profitability.

Strategic Industry Presence

“GAT Expo Cartagena is a key platform for the Latin American gaming industry,” said Manuel Wladdimiro, Sales Director for Central America & the Caribbean at Win Systems. “It’s an ideal opportunity to present our latest innovations and strengthen our presence in the region.”

With a proven international track record and a constantly evolving product portfolio, Win Systems continues to prioritize innovation, performance, and results-driven design. Attendees are invited to visit Stand A7 to experience these new developments firsthand.

The post Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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PureWager and MIRACL announce new partnership

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MIRACL, the world’s only single-step multi-factor authentication (MFA) provider, today announces a strategic partnership with PureWager Group, an emerging leader in next-generation sports betting technology. This collaboration will enable effortless player access via MIRACL’s passwordless, single-step login, boosting security and improving user experience across PureWager’s network.

PureWager Group is at the forefront of delivering innovative retail and online sportsbook solutions across North America, with a particular focus on Tribal Enterprises. Their platform empowers clients with Class 2 and on-premises mobile gaming solutions, alongside engaging social sportsbook and iCasino experiences.

MIRACL replaces traditional login methods entirely, providing passwordless authentication through a simple PIN. Fully compliant with GDPR, AML, and other international standards, MIRACL eliminates the need for usernames, passwords, or separate 2FA tools. With a proven 99.9% login success rate, the solution ensures players enjoy seamless access, while operators reduce potential revenue loss from login friction.

Sandro Di Michele, Chief Revenue Officer at PureWager Group, commented:

“Simplicity sits at the heart of the PureWager platform. As we expand our next-generation sportsbook ecosystem across North America, it’s essential that players can log in quickly and securely. MIRACL’s single-step authentication removes unnecessary friction while delivering the highest levels of security and compliance. This partnership strengthens our ability to offer a modern sportsbook experience that’s intuitive for players, efficient for operators, and scalable for future growth.”

Rob Griffin, CEO of MIRACL, added:

“MIRACL is fast becoming the standard for secure, frictionless logins across iGaming and sports betting. By partnering with leading next-gen technology providers like PureWager, we are removing password-related login barriers while supporting operators in meeting evolving regulatory requirements for multi-factor authentication. This collaboration will give more players access to a secure, seamless experience, keeping them engaged and loyal, while protecting their accounts with best-in-class security.”

MIRACL Trust eliminates the need for passwords, SMS codes, push notifications, or physical key cards. Leveraging patented Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, no personal data is stored or transmitted, meaning there are no “honey-pots” vulnerable to attack, and the solution remains fully GDPR-compliant. Players can log in using a simple PIN or biometric scan in just two seconds, enjoying an average success rate of 99.88%.

By combining ease of access with robust security, MIRACL ensures the online gaming experience is both safe and convenient. For operators, this reduces fraud risk and strengthens the integrity of their platforms, while players benefit from a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience.

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

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Arman Tsarukyan

Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch

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Choice Gaming is taking crash games to the next level with the launch of Arm’s Punch, a high-energy title created in collaboration with MMA superstar Arman Tsarukyan. The partnership brings the adrenaline and intensity of the fight arena directly to players’ screens, where every round feels like stepping into the ring and every multiplier offers the chance to land a big win.

Set inside a buzzing boxing arena, Arm’s Punch delivers non-stop action as multipliers climb higher with every passing second. Players must decide the perfect moment to cash out before the round crashes, balancing risk and reward to maximise their potential winnings.

The game offers manual and automatic cash-out options, the ability to place multiple bets per round, and a live feed displaying bets and results in real time, creating a fast-paced and immersive experience that keeps players constantly engaged.

Anna Vardanyan, Partnership Manager at Choice Gaming, said:

“We’re excited to introduce Arm’s Punch and deliver a crash game that combines speed, excitement and real win potential. The collaboration with Arman Tsarukyan adds an extra level of energy to the experience, bringing the thrill of combat sports into the gameplay.”

With lightning-fast rounds, explosive gameplay and the involvement of one of MMA’s rising stars, Arm’s Punch delivers a dynamic crash experience designed for players who enjoy both the strategic timing of crash games and the electrifying atmosphere of combat sports.

More than just a game, Arm’s Punch aims to deliver a true knockout experience for fans of fast-paced gaming and fight-inspired action.

The post Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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