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Infantino: Football will play a central role in bringing communities together
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.
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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Bragg Gaming Group confirmed that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results prior to the opening of the financial markets on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The release will be followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by Bragg Chief Executive Officer, Matevž Mazij and Chief Financial Officer, Robbie Bressler, to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. During the call, management will review a presentation that will be available on the day of the call.
Context Networks Inc, the first programmatic advertising platform engineered for the gaming industry, has announced the rollout of its groundbreaking Deep Intelligence Marketing strategy, redefining how brands engage consumers in bars, taverns and on-premise slot route operations. Leveraging the power of AI-driven data analytics, machine learning and context-aware digital couponing, Context Networks is turning local venues into the next frontier of high-impact retail media. Through its Contextual Promotions Media Network (CPMN), Context is converting digital screens—such as slot machines in bars—into dynamic, smart advertising surfaces. These systems use advanced data signals to deliver highly targeted promotions based on real-time factors like venue type, consumer behaviour, time of day, and even emotional context, moving far beyond traditional static or cyclic Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising.
ACR Poker’s Blitz Bonus Boost promotion is back by popular demand to supercharger players’ bankrolls, offering a 50% bonus up to a sizzling $500. To take advantage, players need to deposit $25 or more by 11:59 pm ET on Saturday, May 31 using bonus code: BLITZ and ACR Poker will match 50% of it, up to $500.
Partnerships
International Game Technology PLC announced that IGT PlaySports technology is now powering retail sports betting at Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale, Wash. This technology agreement builds on IGT PlaySports’ leadership in the region, marking the 11th casino in Washington State to deploy the Company’s award-winning sports betting platform, and the 10th casino in the State to leverage its trading advisory services.
Playtech and Hard Rock Digital (HRD) have launched New Jersey’s first-ever dedicated trivia experience on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform. This milestone establishes Hard Rock Bet as the first operator to launch a dedicated Live Trivia Game Show in the state. Since the announcement of their strategic partnership in 2024, Playtech has provided a wide range of gaming content through Hard Rock Bet, including slots, card & table games, and live dealer games.
Everi Holdings Inc. announced the Company’s digital CashClub Wallet technology is powering Penn Entertainment Inc’s (PENN) “PENN Wallet” at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, NV. The “PENN Wallet” offers M Resort guests the ability to access cashless payments throughout the gaming floor via integrations with existing loyalty and payments systems. PENN currently utilises CashClub Wallet technology across 22 properties in 11 jurisdictions. CashClub Wallet elevates patron engagement with frictionless, omni-channel payments. Everi’s industry-leading cashless payments solutions drive additional volume, improve operational efficiencies and transform the traditional casino cash-centric environment into a modern, seamless experience for an enhanced player journey.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 5-11 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Blending classical training, jazz roots, and EDM firepower, Timmy Trumpet will take the stage at the INFINITY Lisbon closing party with a high-energy set that promises to close SBC Summit with a bang.
Taking place on Thursday, September 18th at the MEO Arena—which serves as the Super Stage during the day—the venue will transform into the ultimate party setting for the Australian DJ and producer, widely regarded as one of the most explosive live performers in EDM.
Known for his trumpet solos and crowd-hyping energy, his headline set will be open to VIP attendees and complimentary operator and affiliate pass holders.
“The Greatest Show in Gaming couldn’t happen without the greatest showman in EDM! Jokes aside, no one brings the fire quite like Timmy Trumpet,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC. “He’s that rare artist who can blend high-energy drops with live instrumentation and still keep the crowd bouncing from start to finish.”
Timmy Trumpet’s musical journey began at just four years old when he picked up the trumpet. By thirteen, he was named Young Musician of the Year and earned a full scholarship to the Conservatorium of Music, studying under the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Anthony Heinrich. Within two years, he became the lead soloist for the Australian All-Star Stage Band, touring Europe and performing at some of the world’s top jazz festivals.
His evolution into the electronic music scene came naturally, blending live trumpet with high-energy EDM—culminating in his breakout hit Freaks in 2014, which has since surpassed a billion streams across all platforms and contributed to a discography that has amassed over 5 billion streams worldwide.
Trumpet’s Tomorrowland debut in 2017 remains the most-streamed set in the festival’s history. In 2024, he reached a new career high, ranking 5th on DJ Mag’s Top 100. That same year, he closed the main stage at Tomorrowland in both Belgium and Brazil—his Belgium set becoming the most-viewed performance of the year and further cementing his legacy as one of the festival’s most iconic acts.
The DJ’s genre-blending style and electrifying energy have also led to collaborations with some of the biggest names in electronic music. His discography includes powerhouse tracks with global stars like Steve Aoki, Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hardwell, KSHMR, R3HAB, W&W, and ALOK, among others.
“We already announced Alok last month as part of the INFINITY Lisbon lineup, and now confirming Timmy Trumpet means we’ll have two powerhouse DJs headlining the closing party—an experience I’m sure our attendees will truly appreciate,” said Sojmark.
This won’t be the first time SBC event attendees are treated to electrifying DJ performances. The tradition began last September during the debut edition of SBC’s flagship show in Lisbon, with headline acts including Darude, Miss Monique, and Don Diablo. It continued earlier this year at SBC Summit Rio, where Afrojack and Brazilian duo Dubdogz brought the energy behind the decks. Next, the tradition heads to SBC Summit Americas, where Steve Aoki will headline the INFINITY Florida closing party in Fort Lauderdale.
“It’s becoming a tradition—and one that both we at SBC and our delegates absolutely love,” Sojmark added. “Industry events are fantastic in so many ways. But they’re also demanding. Closing them with world-class acts creates an experience that’s both celebratory and memorable, which is exactly what SBC Summit is all about.
SBC Summit will return to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena on 16–18 September. Set to welcome 30,000 industry professionals from around the world, the event will offer three days of in-depth educational content, a comprehensive exhibition floor, and networking opportunities.
The post SBC Summit’s INFINITY Lisbon Levels Up with Timmy Trumpet on the Decks appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
iConvert, the conversion platform built specifically for iGaming, is partnering with online casino and sportsbook Wikibet.com operated by Geeker Technology N.V., to ramp up first-time deposits (FTDs) across all its markets and English-speaking territories worldwide.
Wikibet.com is built for players, including VIPs, who value speed, simplicity, and real rewards. But even the best user experience needs to be matched with conversion flows that deliver. That’s where iConvert steps in.
The goal? Maximise player acquisition without maxing out marketing budgets.
By using iConvert’s behavioural overlays which are tailored by traffic source, GEO, and device, Wikibet.com is now optimising every visit in real-time, ensuring more of the right players convert the moment they land.
Wikibet gets it. They’ve built an operator brand with sharp UX, live dealers, and serious player rewards. Our job is to make sure every marketing dollar they spend results in deposits, not dead ends. This partnership is about precision, targeting bounce points, streamlining the journey, and turning intent into revenue
Ashley Wood, CEO, iConvert: “We built Wikibet for players who care about quality and speed, so it made sense to work with a partner who could bring that same mindset to conversion. iConvert gives us real-time insight, clean integration, and tangible FTD uplift. We’re excited to scale this across multiple markets and see what’s possible.”
Idan Levy, CEO of Wikibet.com: “This partnership marks another strategic step in iConvert’s global expansion, now powering over 140+ operators across 50+ markets, with over 3 million FTDs delivered to date.
Because in 2025, traffic alone isn’t enough. Conversion is the edge.”
The post Wikibet.com Partners with iConvert to Power Smarter Conversion Across its Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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