Latest News

Mer Telemanagement Solutions Signs Definitive Merger Agreement with SharpLink, a Pioneer in Sports Betting Technologies

Published

5 years ago

April 19, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd., a global provider of telecommunications expense management, call accounting and contact center software, announced that it has entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger with SharpLink, Inc. (“SharpLink”), a leading online technology company that works with sports leagues, fantasy sports sites and sports media companies to connect fans to relevant and timely betting content sourced from its sportsbook partners. Upon the closing of the merger, which is conditioned upon approval of MTS shareholders and other standard closing items, the Company will change its name and pursue the business of SharpLink under new management and Board control.

Founded by industry veterans with extensive experience developing and selling enterprise-level sports technology solutions, SharpLink is an early innovator in the sports betting conversion marketplace. SharpLink currently has contractual relationships with sports teams, media companies and league operators, including the PGA TOUR® and NASCAR®. Both leverage SharpLink’s legacy “free-to-play” game platform to enhance user engagement and gaming strategies. More recently, the PGA TOUR and NASCAR have leveraged SharpLink’s conversion platform to introduce dynamic and real-time sports betting content from multiple sportsbook partners.

Morgan Stanley estimates that the online sports betting market will generate over $9.2 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. alone by 2025, with the international market currently several times that amount. According to internal research, an estimated $20 billion has already been invested in acquisitions and partnerships by gaming operators, sports leagues and media companies as the industry rapidly expands and prepares for betting growth in the U.S. Currently 22 states allow online sports betting, including New York, which passed the new legislation just last week. SharpLink’s engagement technology delivers personalized sportsbook betting offers and engaging experiences for fans who are interested in legal online betting.

“We are excited to achieve this major milestone by signing the definitive merger agreement with SharpLink, and we believe the transaction, when closed, will provide significant value to both the current MTS shareholders and the SharpLink shareholders who will be receiving MTS shares in the Merger,” stated Roy Hess, MTS CEO. “Following the merger, our Company will be on the leading edge of a potentially massive sports betting market in the U.S. and globally. By providing proprietary advanced conversion and engagement solutions for the sports betting industry, we expect SharpLink’s services will be needed by many companies looking to capitalize on this opportunity. We are excited about our future growth strategy as well as the current industry’s rapid expansion both in the U.S. and globally. We encourage all shareholders to look for our mailed proxy materials in the near future and to support this proposed transaction.”

Rob Phythian, CEO of SharpLink stated: “As sports betting legislation continues to be enacted across the United States, which we are seeing at an accelerated pace as states look to fill budgetary gaps, any company that has an audience of sports fans will have the opportunity to earn additional revenue by opening a channel for that audience to place legal, online bets. We believe SharpLink is well-positioned to provide leagues, media and sportsbook operators – many of whom are already customers — the tools they need to manage and capitalize on this opportunity by using our innovative analytical solutions, not simply advertising banners or buttons. SharpLink’s turnkey intelligent solutions allow these companies to implement advanced technology right out of the gate, and quickly start connecting their users to real-time sports betting content.”

“The sports betting market is shifting rapidly and is beginning to recognize the need for analytically based betting solutions. We expect this merger to provide SharpLink greater access to the capital markets so that we may scale effectively to meet demand, continue to innovate, and sharpen our portfolio of businesses and technology. We thank the professional team at MTS for their dedication and hard work getting this deal towards a rapid closing – we cannot do it without them,” Phythian added.

Transaction Summary

Under the terms of the merger agreement, the holders of SharpLink’s outstanding common stock and preferred stock immediately prior to the merger will receive ordinary shares and preferred shares, as applicable, of MTS in the merger. On a pro forma and fully-diluted basis for the combined company, SharpLink shareholders are expected to own approximately 86% of the combined company (inclusive of a stock option pool of 10% of the fully-diluted outstanding share capital of the combined company).

Funding to close the transaction has already been fully committed by an institutional investor. The proposed transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies and by the shareholders of SharpLink. After closing, the current MTS business will continue to operate, managed by members of the current MTS management team.

SOURCE Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. (MTS)

Arjun Erigaisi

Chess Set to Make Its Debut at Esports Nations Cup 2026

Published

59 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

chess-set-to-make-its-debut-at-esports-nations-cup-2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has revealed Chess as the newest addition to the 16 games that national teams and players will contest in the first Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026. Chess at ENC 2026 will feature an unmatched number of participants, enabling emerging talents and lesser-represented nations to compete on a prominent platform as the historically important game evolves into a larger esport.

Here’s all you should be aware of regarding Chess at ENC 2026:

SCHEDULE AND FORMAT

● The Chess tournament at ENC will begin on November 2, 2026, and will conclude with the playoff final on November 8, 2026.

● The opening portion of the tournament will consist of 128 players competing in a round-robin group stage, featuring 16 groups of eight players.

● The top four players from each group will advance to the next stage.

● The second stage will consist of 64 players competing in a single-elimination playoff bracket.

● All group stage matches will be best-of-two. All Round of 64 and 32 matches will be best-of-two, while the quarterfinals and beyond will be best-of-four.

● Armageddon games will be used as tie-breakers.

● The event will be played in a Rapid 10+0 time control format.

RANKING SYSTEM AND QUALIFIER INFO

● 128 players representing their respective nation will compete in the Chess event at ENC 2026:

○ 64 players from 64 nations will be directly invited based on the official Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings

○ 56 players will qualify through regional qualifiers

○ 8 players will come from Wildcard slots

● The Esports Nations Cup will determine its direct invites via the official CCT rankings, limited to one player per nation. The Titled Tuesday Spring Split will be used as an additional tie-breaker should there not be 64 unique nations featured in the CCT rankings. The cut-off date for determining direct invites to ENC 2026 is May 26, 2026.

● Chess will feature two regional qualifiers in each region, taking place on June 6-7 and June 13-14. Each Qualifier will consist of two stages; a Swiss stage and a double-elimination stage, with four players from each qualifier making it to ENC, giving a total of eight players per region. Qualifiers will be operated by Chess.com, and hosted in each of the following regions:

○ North America (8 slots)

○ South America (8)

○ Africa (8)

○ Western Europe (8)

○ Eastern Europe (8)

○ Middle East + India + Central Asia (8)

○ East Asia + Southeast Asia + Oceania (8)

● Every nation can have up to two representatives at the event. Should a nation have a player directly invited through the rankings, only one more player from that nation can make it through the regional qualifier. Nations without a direct invite can still have two players qualify online.

CHESS AT THE ESPORTS WORLD CUP

Chess captured attention during its Esports World Cup debut in 2025, confirming the emergence of a new digital age for the oldest and most cherished games globally. Enthusiasts of esports and chess had never witnessed an event like this previously and remained enthralled as the thrilling action unfolded. The most successful competitors and top figures faced off in the playoffs, as the sport’s leading star Magnus Carlsen (Norway) secured the first Chess at EWC title for Team Liquid.

A total of 20 countries participated in the Chess main event and Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh during EWC 2025.

“Playing for Gen.G at the Esports World Cup was a great experience for me. The energy there was amazing and unlike any chess tournament I’ve played before. It’s really exciting to see chess becoming part of the esports world and reaching so many new people. I’m looking forward to the Esports Nation Cup and can’t wait to start competing again.” said Arjun Erigaisi, who is currently India’s number 1 ranked chess player.

Sagar Shah, co-founder and CEO at ChessBase India said, “I am very excited that the Esports Nations Cup is happening for the first time this year! In 2024 when the Chess Olympiad happened, it was such an exciting time for Indian chess. I am sure there will be a similar level of excitement in the Indian community for the Esports Nations Cup as well since they will be rooting for the nation and our top Indian players! I am really looking forward to it.”

Grandmaster and prominent chess commentator, Tania Sachdev commented, “After the incredible success of chess at the Esports World Cup, bringing it into a nation based format adds a powerful layer. Playing for your flag brings pride, pressure, and passion and that’s what makes fans invest so deeply. Having been part of the Esports World Cup broadcast and experiencing its impact ring side I’m very excited to see this next chapter as the game cements its place as a perfect fit in the world of esports.”

The post Chess Set to Make Its Debut at Esports Nations Cup 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Volcano Power — Hold & Hit 3×3 from Spinomenal

Published

59 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

volcano-power-—-hold-&-hit-3×3-from-spinomenal

Renowned iGaming content creator Spinomenal has launched its newest exciting venture, Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3.

The 3×3 reels of Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3 are enclosed in a glowing golden frame on a surface of lava, shimmering embers, and volcanic stones. From the initial spin, players are captivated by a powerful, exhilarating soundtrack that conjures the explosive energy of a volcanic eruption.

The Wild is symbolized by a Tiki Mask, which substitutes for all other symbols except for Bonus and Bonus Collect. In Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3, there are two Special Bonus symbols in action: the Bonus shows up exclusively on reels one and three, whereas Bonus Collect is found solely on reel two.

The Bonus Game starts when Bonus symbols land on reels one and three with a Bonus Collect symbol on reel two. All the while, the symbols that triggered the feature remain fixed in position. Only Bonus and Bonus Collect icons can show up on the reels during the Bonus Game, commencing with three spins. Along with the potential to activate in-game jackpots, every spin presents an opportunity to earn multipliers of x1, x2, x5, x7, x10, and x15.

All Bonus Collect symbols accumulate the value of every Bonus symbol that appears, incorporating it into their ongoing total. The spin counter resets to three every time a new Bonus or Bonus Collect symbol appears. The round concludes after three consecutive losses or when the total prizes achieve the maximum x5000 multiplier.

While playing, in-game jackpot symbols such as Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini can appear and instantly grant the corresponding jackpot.

To accelerate access to the Bonus Game, the Bonus Blast Feature may occasionally trigger, spreading additional Bonus and Bonus Collect symbols over the reels.

Even when a Bonus Collect symbol doesn’t trigger the Bonus Game by appearing with one or more Bonus symbols, including in-game Jackpot symbols, it still gathers their values and directly adds them to the total win.

Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3 erupts onto the scene with explosive visuals, gripping gameplay, and massive win potential. We’ve designed a game that delivers heat from the first spin and keeps building toward fiery jackpots.”

The post Volcano Power — Hold & Hit 3×3 from Spinomenal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

HIPTHER

HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026

Published

3 days ago

February 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-announces-media-partnership-with-nightrush-ahead-of-prague-summit-2026

HIPTHER is proud to announce a new Media Partnership with Nightrush, officially launching alongside the highly anticipated HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026. The event will take place on 24–25 March 2026 at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha, bringing together leading voices from across Gaming and Technology.

Recognised as one of Europe’s premier boutique events for industry decision-makers, the Prague Summit unites professionals from iGaming, fintech, blockchain, AI, compliance, and digital innovation. Across two immersive days, attendees will engage in expert-led discussions, curated networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping regulated digital industries.

This new collaboration marks an important step in expanding industry dialogue and strengthening global connections within the iGaming ecosystem.

Strengthening Industry Connections Through Media Collaboration

Nightrush has rapidly established itself as a trusted media platform dedicated to connecting operators, providers, and players through in-depth content, expert reviews, industry news, and community-driven engagement. What began as a focused review platform has evolved into a dynamic hub that promotes collaboration, delivers practical insights, and supports responsible gambling initiatives across the wider iGaming landscape.

Under the leadership of Brand Manager Olesea Naidion, Nightrush continues to expand its influence within the global iGaming community. Olesea will also take the stage at Prague Summit 2026, sharing expertise on brand strategy, digital marketing, user acquisition, and long-term player loyalty.

Through this Media Partnership, HIPTHER and Nightrush will collaborate to amplify key industry conversations, increase visibility for thought leadership, and support meaningful engagement among stakeholders before, during, and beyond Prague Summit 2026.

Prague Summit 2026: Celebrating a Decade of Impact

Marking 10 years of impact across Gaming and Technology, the 2026 edition of the HIPTHER Prague Summit will feature its most ambitious programme to date. The event will host four dedicated stages, covering compliance, expert panels, strategic industry themes, and practical education through the HIPTHER Academy.

Attendees can expect:

In-depth regulatory and compliance discussions
Responsible Gaming and Player Safety sessions supported by international regulators
High-level networking with operators, suppliers, innovators, and policymakers
The prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026

Within this context, the partnership with Nightrush will play a key role in advancing knowledge sharing, fostering transparency, and supporting long-term growth across regulated digital industries.

A Shared Vision for the Future

HIPTHER and Nightrush are united by a shared vision: to build stronger connections across the iGaming community and enable collaboration that drives innovation, trust, and sustainable industry development.

The Media Partnership debuting at Prague Summit 2026 represents the start of a broader collaboration focused on year-round content creation, community engagement, and cross-industry dialogue—further strengthening the foundations of the global iGaming ecosystem.

The post HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.