Latest News
From athletes to digital entrepreneurs: SKS365 and LVenture Group launch ‘Digital & Entrepreneurship in Sports’
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/.
Powered by WPeMatico
South Africa is once again positioning itself as a leader in ethical gambling practices, with the upcoming Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 set to take place on 13–14 November 2025 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This landmark event will gather international experts, regulators, and industry professionals to address the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling across Africa.
Hosted by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) in collaboration with major regulatory bodies such as the National Gambling Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, and Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, the summit aims to drive forward an evidence-based, solutions-focused agenda that ensures gambling growth does not come at the cost of public well-being.
As South Africa continues to see rising participation in both land-based and gambling online, the summit is timely. It will tackle issues ranging from technological safeguards and public health integration, to policy harmonisation and vulnerable population protection.
Advocating for Safer Online Gambling
As South Africa strengthens its role in setting responsible gambling standards, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za remains at the forefront of this effort in the online casino space. Our portal is more than a online casino listing site — it is a trusted source of expert advice, consumer guidance, and responsible gambling advocacy.
Since our inception, we have maintained a clear policy: we only recommend licensed, regulated casinos in south africa that adhere to strict player protection measures. These include transparent terms, fair bonus practices, and built-in tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.
“The online gambling landscape in South Africa is growing rapidly,” says a spokesperson for SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za. “But with growth comes responsibility. Our mission is to ensure players have access to safe, ethical gambling environments. We support the goals of the Responsible Gambling Summit and encourage every operator to prioritise the welfare of their players.”
Practical Frameworks for Change
The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will focus on seven key thematic areas:
- Understanding gambling behaviour and disorders through science-led approaches.
- Overcoming barriers to effective policy implementation, including gaps in education and enforcement.
- Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven risk detection and real-time player monitoring.
- Adopting global regulatory best practices tailored to South African realities.
- Protecting at-risk individuals and communities, especially youth and those in lower-income brackets.
- Educating the public on the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
- Building international networks to ensure future readiness and consistency across borders.
Each session is designed to lead to real-world outcomes, with progress monitored and reported biennially. This commitment to transparency aligns with broader calls for industry-wide accountability.
How Players Can Gamble Responsibly
Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, here are some essential responsible gambling tips:
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
- Set a time limit before you start and stick to it.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Avoid playing when you are upset, stressed, or intoxicated.
- Use built-in responsible gaming tools provided by licensed operators.
- Keep track of your play history and regularly review your habits.
- Seek help if gambling is no longer fun, or if it begins to impact your personal life.
At SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, we make these practices easier by highlighting casinos that offer responsible gambling features as part of our review process. Each recommended site undergoes a thorough evaluation based on licensing, fairness, transparency, and player protection standards.
Our Commitment to the South African Gambling Community
With a growing base of South African users, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za plays an important educational role in the online gambling space. Our platform offers in-depth guides, news updates, free bonus casinos, free spins casinos and strategy articles designed to help players make informed decisions.
We actively follow developments in gambling regulation and work to ensure our listings are in line with the latest responsible gambling initiatives. As the conversation around ethical gambling evolves, so does our content — reflecting the high standards that South African players deserve.
South Africa’s leadership in responsible gambling sets a high standard not just for the continent, but for the global industry. By playing at casinos that are transparent, regulated, and committed to safety — such as those featured on SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za — players can enjoy the entertainment of gambling while staying in control.
Baltics
HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025
HIPTHER is thrilled to announce the official networking and social venues for the 2025 edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, taking place on 27–28 May in Vilnius, Lithuania. With three nights of curated gatherings designed to foster connection and celebration, the summit experience is as much about meaningful encounters as it is about cutting-edge insights.
This year’s networking activities will offer attendees a perfect balance of professional engagement and relaxed atmosphere – true to HIPTHER’s signature style of blending business with warmth and hospitality.
Day 0 – 26 May: The Welcome Meet
The networking begins on the evening before the official conference, as attendees gather for a warm and informal kick-off at Piano Man Bar, a cozy local favorite in the heart of Vilnius. From 18:00 to 22:00, guests will be welcomed into a laid-back atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead – whether reconnecting with familiar faces or raising a glass with new ones. The Welcome Meet is all about starting the summit in a relaxed style that fosters connection: with stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that only happen when the pressure’s off.
Day 1 – 27 May: Evening Social Gathering & BSG Awards Ceremony
On the first official conference evening, the networking continues with a celebratory gathering at Jazz Cellar 11, one of Vilnius’ most atmospheric live music venues. Kicking off at 19:45 and continuing late into the night, the event will feature the 2025 BSG Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence across the Baltic and Scandinavian gaming sectors. With HIPTHER’s well-known sense of timing, the ceremony will be brief and to the point, allowing more time for informal exchanges, smooth jazz, and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance perfect for deepening connections.
Day 2 – 28 May: Closing Party
The final evening of the summit concludes in style with the Closing Party at Invino Vilnius, a refined wine bar located in the historic center of the city. Join us for an unforgettable evening, where wine flows, conversations spark, and the energy carries on into the night. Enjoy carefully selected wines, refreshing drinks, and delicious snacks in one of Vilnius’ coziest and most atmospheric venues. Beginning at 19:30, this farewell gathering will be the ideal evening to wrap up the MARE BALTICUM experience, reflect on new insights, and say “until next time” in true HIPTHER fashion.
Gaming & TECH Insights: A Dual-Stage Theme Built for Depth & Discovery
In addition to the social calendar, HIPTHER is proud to present the two official conference stages that will host both the insightful industry panels and the highly anticipated HIPTHER Academy Workshops:
Compliance & Operations Lab – Sponsored by Pace App
Designed for regulatory minds and operational leaders, this stage will spotlight the frameworks shaping fintech, gaming, and compliance today.
TechXperience Stage – Sponsored by NuxGame
A future-forward space dedicated to innovation and tech-fueled discussions across AI, Blockchain, Fintech, virtual reality, and beyond.
Together, the stages will welcome thought leaders and industry pioneers for meaningful discussions across verticals including iGaming, eSports, Fintech, Blockchain, AI, and more – while also hosting hands-on workshops from the HIPTHER Academy.
Hands-On Learning with HIPTHER Academy Workshops
Complementing the summit’s dual-stage agenda, the HIPTHER Academy Workshops will empower professionals with actionable tools and strategic insight across critical areas of gaming, tech, and law. Topics include:
- RegTech in Action: A deep dive into AML and compliance-ready frameworks for fintechs, led by ReguLearn Founder Viktorija Poluektova.
- Creative Rights, Real Risks: A legal and strategic guide to sponsorships, IP, and branding in gaming and entertainment, delivered by Andrius Gabnys and Jovita Morta Gabne of GABNÉ.GABNYS.
- Crypto Custody Under MiCA: A practical exploration of crypto regulation, transparency, and consumer protection under MiCA, with Anna Agu of Lex Law Office OU.
- Neuroshift: A neuroscience-powered workshop on rewiring performance and leadership mindset, facilitated by Maria Loumpourdi of Made From Within.
HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about this year’s Social Agenda and Conference Stages “MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit has always been more than just another industry conference. It’s a community-powered experience where people connect, collaborate, and challenge ideas in an environment that feels both professional and personal. With this year’s mix of vibrant networking venues and the dual-stage format designed to fuel serious insight and discovery, we are doubling down on what makes this summit special. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Vilnius for what promises to be our most engaging edition yet.”
The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 promises a high-impact mix of strategic content and social experiences, creating the ideal setting for learning, inspiration, and building real industry relationships.
For more information and to view the full agenda, visit:
👉 hipther.com/events/vilnius
The post HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Indian cricket hero becomes latest athlete to promote the world’s leading crash game to his fans
SPRIBE, the developer behind the world’s number one crash game, Aviator, has added Indian cricket legend, Yuzvendra Chahal, to its team of superstar sports ambassadors.
Yuzvendra is a prominent Indian cricketer, renowned for his tactical leg-spin bowling and unrivalled consistency in limited-overs formats.
As one of India’s leading wicket-takers in T20 Internationals, he has played a crucial role in many memorable victories for the national team.
He also plays in the Indian Premier League, representing the Punjab Kings and has earned a reputation for his sharp mind and game-changing spells.
Yuzvendra is just as popular off the field, where he is known for his engaging personality and strong digital presence, making him a big hit with younger audiences.
As an Aviator brand ambassador, Yuzvendra will take part in a series of high-profile campaigns that will drive awareness of the game among his fanbase and the wider cricket audience in India.
He joins other Aviator brand ambassadors such as fellow cricketer Suresh Raina, as well as UFC legends like Tom Aspinall, Alex Pereira, Johnny Walker, Merab Dvalishvili and Jully Poca.
Aviator is the original crash game with more than 50 million active players a month.
David Natroshvili, Founder and CEO of SPRIBE, said: “Yuzvendra is one of the most explosive and popular cricketers in India, which makes him the perfect fit for Aviator – a game that puts players on the edge of their seat from the first game round to the last.
“Aviator is the original crash game and today is played by more than 50 million people across the world who love the high reward gameplay it provides – something that Yuzvendra knows all about.
“With Yuzvendra as an Aviator brand ambassador, we can make more players across India aware of the game and the excitement and big win potential it provides.”
Yuzvendra Chahal, Indian cricketer and Aviator ambassador, added: “Becoming an Aviator ambassador is a true honour and I’m really looking forward to working on some great campaigns to promote the game to my fans in India and beyond.
“Aviator is thrilling and exciting, a little bit like taking to the cricket field and I can’t wait for my fans to strap in, blast off and potentially win big.”
The post Howzat! SPRIBE names Yuzvendra Chahal as Aviator brand ambassador appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Balkans6 days agoSYNOT Games Signs Strategic Partnership with Star Bet
-
Canada4 days ago
ToonieBet Launches its Sportsbook on Apple App Store and Google Play Store
-
Aquisitions/Mergers5 days ago
Nazara’s subsidiary Absolute Sports acquires TJRWrestling.net and ITRWrestling.com
-
CT Gaming6 days ago
CT Gaming Strengthens Its Presence with New Installations in Venezuela
-
BETANO6 days ago
Club Atlético River Plate and Betano Announce Long-Term Principal Partnership
-
Latest News5 days ago
Spinomenal presents new title Majestic Silverback
-
Coljuegos4 days ago
Colombia’s Coljuegos Intensifies its Efforts to Block Illegal Gambling Websites
-
Australia5 days ago
NSW Government Launches New Gambling Awareness Campaign
