Connect with us

Latest News

Infantino: Football will play a central role in bringing communities together

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

FIFA has recently built alliances with a number of United Nations agencies for the realisation of social development objectives

On 6 April, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, (https://bit.ly/323SQ4t) recognising the role that sport and physical activity plays in communities and in people’s lives across the world.

The occasion holds special resonance this year as the world seeks to recover from the devastation wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, with sport sure to play a crucial role in that effort.

To mark this important date in the calendar, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has written the following article in the UN Chronicle in which he details how FIFA and its many programmes remain “at the service of society” in this time of global need.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented time of distress and loss for the whole world. Foremost is the tragic loss of loved ones that so many have suffered. We have also largely lost our social lives and human interaction, including everyday activities such as participating in, or attending, a football match.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and with the roll-out of vaccines, we hope life will return as it is meant to be lived: together, without the barriers and constraints imposed by the pandemic.

As it has done before, football, the most popular sport in the world, will play a central role in bringing communities together. Through football, we will be able to get back in shape physically, socialise with our teammates and rivals, and fill stadiums again. We will regain some of what was lost in the past year and hopefully bring back joy and smiles.

We also have a unique opportunity for a fresh start. Football can be a powerful tool for action on many pressing global issues, including several of the most important United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as those related to health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), peace and conflict resolution (SDG 16).

Football and the sport’s governing institution, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), have an unparalleled global reach. The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia was watched by more than half the world’s population, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 was seen by over 1 billion people. Such wide visibility provides our sport with a unique platform to promote the universal values of fair-play, inclusion, solidarity, diversity and teamwork, all critical to achieving the SDGs.

We are equally fortunate to be able to call on football stars – the FIFA Legends – who are living examples of those values. They generously use their own platforms to spread messages about important social issues and help us reach a much wider audience, beyond football fans.

Sports organisations themselves have their role to play and should lead by example by engaging in partnerships to contribute to the international development agenda. FIFA has recently built alliances with a number of United Nations agencies—notably with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN-Women, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Food Programme (WFP)—for the realisation of social development objectives, including promoting healthy lifestyles, crime prevention, sports integrity, youth development, gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as education.

Education is indeed central to our global efforts to create a better world. Thanks to the Football for Schools Programme, we are investing $120 million in the education, through football, of the world’s young people to help them develop key life skills. Delayed because of the pandemic, the Programme is expected to start operations fully in 2021, when it can also help address disruptions in education caused by COVID-19, especially in some of the most affected regions of the world.

FIFA is also leading the way to create safer sporting environments, putting in place safeguarding measures to protect children through the FIFA Guardians programme, which aims to professionalize the role of safeguarding officers in football.

Since we must work together with state and local authorities in this area we have entered into a memorandum of understanding signed last year with UNODC, aimed at potentially establishing an independent, multi-sport, multi-agency, international entity with the authority and experience to assist international sports and ensure that we work together with law enforcement agencies and governments to eradicate any form of abuse and investigate cases as appropriate.

As we continue to fight back against COVID-19 and its effects, we do so with the aim of not just helping football—as we have with an unprecedented support package of $1.5 billion for the game’s organisers around the world through the FIFA COVID-19 Relief Plan (https://fifa.fans/39NYP1j) – but also society as a whole. From the moment the pandemic was declared, we, in collaboration with WHO, have contributed to vital public health messaging to promote safe hygiene practices aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. We continue to collaborate closely with WHO and amplify messages that support good health and save lives.

Football and society have a symbiotic relationship: what is good for society is good for football and vice versa. On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April 2021) (https://bit.ly/323SQ4t), FIFA is at the service of society, and we will continue to play any role we can in supporting the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Brazil

Brazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth

Published

on

brazil-advances-integrity-agenda-amid-strong-market-growth

Brazil’s regulated betting market continues to gain structure and momentum, as the country balances regulatory consolidation, integrity safeguards, and commercial growth.

Over the past week, key developments, from federal policy implementation to strategic partnerships and product innovation, highlight how the ecosystem is maturing ahead of major global sporting events.

Government launches national policy to combat match-fixing

A major regulatory milestone was reached with the creation of the National Policy for the Prevention and Combating of Sports Manipulation (PNPEMR). Established through a joint ordinance by the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and Justice, the policy introduces a comprehensive national framework designed to address integrity risks in sports.

The initiative is structured around four central pillars: regulation, prevention, monitoring and enforcement, aiming to protect the credibility and unpredictability of sporting competitions in Brazil.

The policy emphasizes interinstitutional cooperation, bringing together public authorities, sports organizations, betting operators and international bodies.

Among its key measures are:

  • Standardization of reporting flows for suspicious betting activity
  • Continuous education programs for athletes, referees and sports officials
  • Protection mechanisms for whistleblowers
  • Strengthening of criminal investigations targeting organized match-fixing networks

Under the framework, the Ministry of Sports will coordinate implementation, while the Ministry of Finance will oversee betting regulation and operator compliance. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security, alongside the Federal Police, will lead intelligence-sharing and enforcement efforts, particularly in cases with interstate or international scope. See DOU

A multi-stakeholder governance committee will be responsible for monitoring progress and proposing adjustments, ensuring that the policy evolves alongside the market.

This move reinforces Brazil’s intention to align regulatory oversight with global integrity standards, particularly relevant as the country prepares for high-volume betting scenarios during major international competitions.

Sportradar expands iGaming strategy with Playradar launch

On the corporate front, Sportradar announced the launch of Playradar, a new brand dedicated to its iGaming vertical, signaling a strategic shift toward more integrated and immersive betting experiences.

The new offering is built around hybrid gaming concepts, combining real-time and historical sports data with live streaming and casino content.

Among the key features is a 24/7 live experience hub, where users can engage simultaneously with sports events and interactive gaming formats.

The initiative will be led by Edo Haitin, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in live gaming and product development.

The company plans to roll out Playradar starting in 2026, initially targeting regulated markets in the UK, North America and Latin America.

According to CEO Carsten Koerl, the move represents a natural evolution of the company’s capabilities, leveraging its existing infrastructure in data, streaming and user behavior analytics to enhance engagement and monetization across the player lifecycle.

Haitin also emphasized the strategic vision behind the launch, highlighting the ability to combine technology and content in line with evolving market demands, particularly as operators look for differentiated and immersive user experiences.

Importantly, Playradar will operate exclusively in regulated environments, maintaining a strong focus on responsible gaming and integrity, aligning with broader industry and regulatory trends.

Playson strengthens Brazilian footprint through Betnacional partnership

Further reinforcing Brazil’s position as a high-growth market, Playson expanded its regional presence through a new partnership with Betnacional, a leading local operator owned by Flutter Entertainment.

The agreement will see a portfolio of Playson’s top-performing titles integrated into Betnacional’s platform, including 4 Pots Riches, Diamonds Power, and Sugar Teddy x1000, all recognized for their strong performance in regulated markets and engaging gameplay mechanics such as Hold and Win.

The partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward localization and mobile-first strategies, as operators seek to better align content with regional player preferences.

Cristhian Zito, Head of LatAm at Playson, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal:

Partnering with Betnacional is an important milestone for us in Brazil. It is a highly respected local brand with a deep understanding of its audience, and we are confident our content will resonate strongly with its players.

This launch further strengthens our position in the market and reflects our commitment to delivering engaging, high-performing games to operators across Latin America.”

From the operator’s perspective, Frederico Cunha, Head of Commercial at Betnacional, also emphasized the value of the collaboration:

We are delighted to welcome Playson’s portfolio to Betnacional. Their games are recognised for their quality, strong mechanics, and consistent performance, making them a valuable addition to our offering.

We look forward to working closely together and bringing an enhanced entertainment experience to our players.”

A market balancing integrity and growth

Taken together, this week’s developments illustrate a clear dual trajectory in Brazil’s betting sector: strengthening institutional and integrity frameworks while simultaneously attracting investment, innovation and international partnerships.

As regulatory structures become more sophisticated and collaboration between stakeholders deepens, Brazil is positioning itself not only as a compliant and secure market, but also as a central hub for growth in Latin America’s gaming industry.

SportyBet appoints DJ Khaled as global ambassador to expand connection between sports, culture and entertainment

SportyBet has announced DJ Khaled as its new global ambassador, strengthening its positioning at the intersection of sports, music, and contemporary culture.

He joins a global roster that includes José Mourinho and Éder Militão, reinforcing the company’s strategy of connecting with audiences through entertainment. The partnership will roll out across key markets such as Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and parts of Africa, supporting SportyBet’s expansion as an experience-driven platform.

According to Elias Gallego, Vice President of Sporty Group, the collaboration reflects the company’s focus on partnering with culturally relevant figures to engage diverse audiences, particularly in markets like Brazil where sports and lifestyle are closely linked.

Deeper push into music and entertainment

The move also signals a broader effort by Sporty Group to integrate music into its entertainment ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Burna Boy on the “For Everybody” project, blending music, football, and global culture.

In this context, DJ Khaled’s appointment further strengthens a strategy centered on storytelling and fan engagement, especially in regions where sports and music are deeply connected.

Global mindset and brand evolution

DJ Khaled highlighted the shared vision behind the partnership, emphasizing mindset, authenticity, and global connection with fans.

The agreement reinforces SportyBet’s evolution beyond sports betting, positioning the brand within a broader entertainment ecosystem. In Brazil, it aligns with the company’s ongoing growth and its focus on delivering integrated experiences that combine content, culture, and user engagement.

The post Brazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Continue Reading

Golf

Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience

Published

on

soft2bet-gathering:-an-elite-golf-&-padel-experience

Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, recently brought together industry connections for an exclusive two-day golf and padel experience at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The event brought Soft2Bet’s friends and connections together to enjoy a relaxed day of golf and padel, meaningful conversations, and shared moments in an inspiring setting, celebrating the spirit of connection and community that defines the company’s approach.

Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s best-known sporting estates, the day paired competitive play with the camaraderie and shared spirit that are such a valued part of the game. Attendees enjoyed access to Gleneagles’ most exclusive Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed setting encouraged genuine connection and reflected the supportive atmosphere that made the gathering especially memorable.

Gleneagles was a fitting venue for the occasion. With more than a century of golfing history, three championship courses and a reputation built on world-class hospitality, it remains one of Scotland’s standout golf destinations. Its PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the only golfing destination in Europe to have staged both events.

The event reflects Soft2Bet’s belief that strong connections are built through shared goals, trust and collaboration. Creating space for in-person connection allows the company to deepen those relationships and support long-term success.

Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, commented: “Bringing the industry together in a setting like Gleneagles allows us to go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on what truly drives success, while playing golf and padel. Events like this are an opportunity to align on vision, exchange ideas and celebrate the momentum.”

Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO said: “The time spent at Gleneagles, enjoying the incredible courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was an absolute highlight. It is events like these that reinforce the trust and collaborative spirit at the core of our relations.”

The gathering reflects Soft2Bet’s wider approach to the iGaming community engagement, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration and supporting growth across key markets.

The post Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Booming Games

Booming Games releases Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win

Published

on

booming-games-releases-ultra-buffalo-hold-and-win

Booming Games, a leading provider of premium gaming content, has launched Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win, an electrifying new slot that brings the energy of the plains straight to the reels. Featuring a classic 5×3 grid with 20 fixed paylines, the game offers a maximum win potential of 5,000x. Set against a striking desert backdrop, players encounter iconic wildlife symbols, including buffalo, eagles, and wolves.

The slot delivers a high-stakes experience with a suite of thrilling bonus features. Landing three Bonus symbols on reels one, three, and five triggers the Buffalo Bonus Wheel, offering Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini prize pots, as well as the enhanced Ultra Mode, which adds two extra rows to the grid.

Randomly, the Wild Buffalo Herd feature may activate to transform symbols into wilds and upgrade existing wilds to Wild x2, ratcheting up the excitement. Meanwhile, landing five or more coins triggers the Ultra Hold and Win feature, expanding the grid to 5×8 and raising the potential for massive payouts. Players who fill the extended grid capture the Grand Prize Pot, worth 2,000x their bet.

The intensity ramps up further with the Ultra Reel, unlocked by stacking a full 1×8 reel during Ultra Hold and Win. This dramatic addition multiplies or adds coin values to the rows below, pushing the game’s payout potential to a staggering 5,000x.

April will see Booming Games continue its high-octane release schedule with six new titles, including Fly On! and Fish Tales Monster Bass 10,000, boasting innovative features and maximum wins of 5,000x and 10,000x, respectively. These releases reinforce the studio’s focus on high-quality, high-volatility experiences designed for thrill-seeking players.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said:
“Ultra Hold and Win is an exciting evolution of our classic Hold and Win mechanic. Every spin holds the promise of big rewards, and with features like the Ultra Reel and Buffalo Bonus Wheel, we’ve created a modern, pulse-pounding experience that players are going to love. Step into the herd and feel the charge!”

The post Booming Games releases Ultra Buffalo Hold and Win appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania