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From athletes to digital entrepreneurs: SKS365 and LVenture Group launch ‘Digital & Entrepreneurship in Sports’

Published

5 years ago

February 1, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The free training course is addressed to ex sport professionals and consists of five workshops where digital business ideas will be developed

A path to acquire skills in the field of digital economy after having been a sports star: this is the challenge launched to all former professional athletes who want to join the Digital & Entrepreneurship in Sports course, a free training program powered by LVenture Group in collaboration with SKS365 through its brand dedicated to CSR, “Training Program”. Former athletes will have time until February 20th to apply and participate in the selections for the course that is going to start in March.

The program has an intensive quarterly calendar, with classes between Rome and Milan which will be accessible also remotely. It is addressed to former athletes who, once their professional career is over, want to develop a business idea, launch an entrepreneurial project and seize the opportunities of the digital economy. The program consists of five workshops on different topics such as digital entrepreneurship, personal branding, communication, Social Responsibility and it is aimed at teaching an effective methodology in building and promoting one’s image in the business environment.

In a global context still strongly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, sport is one of the most damaged sectors. A study carried out by PwC[1] estimated an average loss of 220 billion euros in 2020 and 55 billion euros in 2021. This scenario further highlights the need for “re-skilling” and repositioning in the digital field in order to acquire the strategic skills necessary to succeed in the “new-normal”.

Based on this experience, the SKS365 Training Program together with the Open Innovation division of LVenture Group, a listed VC operator and one of the main start-up accelerators in Europe, has developed the Digital & Entrepreneurship in Sports program.

“During their career, sportsmen develop unique and personal ‘skills on the field’, which are difficult to understand by those with a purely academic background. However, this experiences risk to be lost if not put into practice – commented Brian Dean, Chief People OfficerSKS365 – With this program, we aim to leverage on previous knowledge in the sports sector and offer, thanks to LVenture Group know how, the tools and the appropriate skills for a new career path in the digital economy. We want to focus on the people element – adds Dean – because we believe that every professional experience, when supported with the right tools, can generate new and successful business ideas. Training is one of the core values of our Corporate Identity. SKS365 has been investing energy and ideas for some time to support the professional growth of its employees. Among the various projects, we launched a training program in Covid-19 times with Udemy, a leading e-learning platform.”

A recent study by the FIGC[2] (Italian football Federation) underlined the difficult situation experienced by many former athletes. FIGC interviewed over 3,000 players after their sport retirement: 61% were unemployed and only 1 out of 10 had gotten a job within five years. This trend is also confirmed internationally. In the United States, some research has underlined that 78% of NFL[3] players and 60% of NBA[4] basketball players face serious financial difficulties within 5 years since their sport retirement. Planning the professional future at the end of the sport career is an even greater need for less-paying sports athletes: that is the reason why the International Olympic Committee introduced the career programs for sportsmen in 2005.

“The transition from competitive activity to the beginning of a new professional career can present various obstacles, considering the evolution of the labour market and the new skills required in the digital field. With this program made in cooperation with the SKS365 Training Program, we want to enhance the personal skills and mindset acquired by the athletes during their careers and offer them an opportunity to launch new professional projects, whether they are self-entrepreneurial or not, and strengthen the image and reputation of these pros to fully seize all the opportunities that the digital economy offers today”, said Antonella Zullo, Head of Open Innovation at LVenture Group.

More info about contents and on how to apply for the Digital & Entrepreneurship in Sports course are available on the website dedicated to the project: https://www.digitalinsportstraining.com/.

Belatra Games

From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

from-‘mummyverse’-to-crash-games:-belatra-reviews-a-landmark-2025

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

BMM Testlabs

‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

‘chaos-and-soul’:-ebaka-games-plots-global-expansion-after-viral-launch

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

ARC

Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

racing-meets-nightlife:-sbk-backs-arc’s-new-‘friday-night-live’-series

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: