Latest News
Veloce Racing primed for Ocean X Prix success as Newey praises rebuild effort
Veloce Racing is ready to get back on track this weekend (29-30 May) at the scene of the second event on Extreme E’s inaugural calendar – the Ocean X Prix – featuring yet another breathtaking landscape, this time in Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal.
The opening round of the series was one to forget for fledgling outfit Veloce Racing, with its drivers – 2019 W Series Champion Jamie Chadwick and two-time Le Mans Series Champion Stéphane Sarrazin – having completed just one lap each in the exploratory Friday shakedown session before a spectacular barrel roll early in Sarrazin’s Q1 run forced the team to withdraw from the remainder of the competition.
Prior to the incident, the Frenchman was on course to match the pace of his adversaries during the opening stages of the lap, meaning the team carries plenty of optimism into the next round of the championship.
Thankfully, Sarrazin emerged from the incident unscathed but Chadwick was left stranded at Extreme E’s Desert X Prix Command Centre, missing the opportunity to log valuable time inside the cockpit of the all-electric ODYSSEY 21 SUV.
However, the format of the Extreme E calendar is more forgiving than other motorsport series with the unique characteristics of each location meaning many drivers will approach the upcoming events with a relatively similar lack of experience – meaning Chadwick won’t be playing catch-up for long.
Veloce Racing’s ODYSSEY 21, meanwhile, required an extensive rebuild post-Saudi Arabia. Following a thorough investigation by the team, it was revealed that a significant refit was required owing to a damaged roll cage and suspension.
A small team of mechanics from Competition Partner ART GP and Veloce Racing Team Manager Ian Davies will complete an estimated 75-100 hours of labour in Senegal to ensure the SUV is race-ready.
These repairs have sparked an unlikely collaboration between two Extreme E teams, as the ABT CUPRA XE car is also undergoing reconstruction in the build-up to the race. With some parts common across all Extreme E vehicles, Veloce Racing are working together with the German-Spanish outfit to share some of the workload required on both cars and minimise the environmental impact of both rebuilds.
With no spectators permitted on-site in Senegal – in-keeping with Extreme E’s sustainable ethos and commitment to minimise its carbon footprint – the racing will be broadcast all around the world on a variety of networks, including ITV, the BBC Sport website and Red Button application, Sky Sports and BT Sport in the UK, plus the championship’s official website.
The action will begin with the qualifying rounds from 11.30am local time (12.30pm BST) on Saturday, 29 May, with the semi-finals and final taking place from 10am local time (11am BST) the following day.
Jamie Chadwick, Driver, Veloce Racing commented:
“I feel like I have the same level of excitement for this race as I did for the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia. Obviously, I only got the one lap in during the shakedown session so that just gave me a little taste of what Extreme E is really like – and it was amazing! This weekend, I want more of that feeling and to really get my teeth into this series.
“I think in other championships my lack of track time would really hurt the team in this next race, but because each location is so different to anything the drivers have done before, I don’t think we’ll be at a huge disadvantage.
“The only goal I have this weekend is just to get some solid points on the board. You have some bumps in the road and difficult rounds every year so hopefully we got ours out of the way early on.”
Stéphane Sarrazin, Driver, Veloce Racing added:
“I can’t wait to be back in the Extreme E paddock. It’s so different to anything I’ve experienced before, and it’s fantastic! We had a difficult start to our season, but I think that has made us more determined than ever to deliver results.
“The other teams have a head start on us in the championship, but everyone will probably have issues at some point so it’s definitely not over yet! The pace we had looked promising, so I think we have a lot to be positive about this weekend.
“I’m also really looking forward to being involved with the Legacy Programmes again in Senegal, this is one of the things that sets Extreme E apart from any other sporting series – helping local communities and creating a positive and lasting impact.”
Adrian Newey, Lead Visionary, Veloce Racing, added:
“I’m really excited to see what the team can achieve at the Ocean X Prix. Obviously, we didn’t have the opportunity to show what we’re really capable of in Saudi Arabia, but I think it looked promising before Stéphane’s roll. The team are going to come back fighting, I know that much!
“I have seen plenty of set-backs throughout my career, and the team has reacted to adversity in exactly the right way. It takes hard work and dedication to recover from an incident like we experienced at the Desert X Prix, and both the drivers and the team are working flat out to be as prepared as possible for this weekend. I know that there is still a lot of work going on in Senegal to get the car ready, and don’t underestimate how much that will motivate our drivers.
“As far as the location goes, this is going to be a really interesting one (as they all are!). It looks like the terrain is going to be similar to Saudi Arabia but the course will be totally different and pose entirely new challenges for even the most experienced drivers!”
Following the Ocean X Prix in Senegal, the St. Helena – Extreme E’s floating paddock – will then set sail for Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (28-29 August) followed by Pará, Brazil (23-24 October) and finally Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina (11-12 December).
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Baltics
HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 Agenda Sets the Stage for the Region’s Next Era of iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration
The agenda for HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 has officially been revealed, marking a defining moment for the Baltic region’s iGaming, fintech, and regulatory landscape.
Taking place on 21 April 2026 at the Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, the conference launches HIPTHER’s new Baltics-focused series, a bold evolution designed to bring deeper, jurisdiction-specific insight and high-level dialogue to one of Europe’s fastest-transforming digital markets.
At its core, the Vilnius edition is built around a powerful theme:
“iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration” — a convergence shaping the future of compliance, payments, and digital innovation across the region.
A Defining Moment: Lithuania’s Regulatory Reset
Lithuania is entering a new phase — one where rapid fintech growth meets tightening regulatory expectations.
The agenda reflects this shift directly, capturing a market transitioning from accessibility to accountability, structure, and long-term sustainability. From post-MiCA realities and stricter AML frameworks to evolving iGaming controls, Vilnius becomes the place where these changes are not just discussed — but decoded.
The Agenda: One Day, Two Stages, Zero Filler
The newly released agenda delivers a high-density, decision-maker-focused experience, designed for professionals who need clarity.
Across two parallel tracks — Compliance & Operations Lab and TechXperience Stage — the program cuts straight to the pressure points shaping the industry:
On the Compliance & Operations side:
- Gambling Regulation in the Baltics: Enforcement, Gaps, and Political Pressure
- Post-MiCA Survival: Maintaining Your License Under the 2026 Strictures
- The Bank Pivot: SME Lending, EMI Stability & Financial Resilience
- AML 2.0 & MiCA in Practice: Building Compliance That Actually Works
- The iGaming Ad Ban: Survival Strategies in a “No Marketing” Era
On the TechXperience Stage:
- Next-gen Payments: A2A, Open Banking & Cross-border Infrastructure
- AI in Product & Workforce Transformation
- Blockchain Beyond the Hype: Infrastructure, Tokenization & Settlement
- Esports, Gaming & Digital Communities: Building Next-Gen Ecosystems
- AI in Product, Risk & Compliance: From Buzzwords to Deployment + Agentic AI & Data-Driven Organizations
Going beyond theoretical insight, this Agenda is a working blueprint for navigating what’s already unfolding.
Curated Networking & Meaningful Connections
The refreshing morning break and delicious complimentary lunch, will be followed by an evening social gathering at Jazz Cellar 11 –– offering rum, jazz, conversations, and the kind of networking that somehow becomes more productive after the formal agenda ends.
Spotlight on Speakers: The People Driving the Change
The Vilnius stage brings together a carefully selected lineup of regulators, compliance and fintech leaders, legal experts, and technology innovators — the very people operating at the frontlines of transformation.
These are just some of the speakers to take the stage:
- Rainer Osanik – Head of Fiscal Information and Intelligence Department in the Estonian Ministry of Finance
- Ineta Mačinskienė – CEO of Walletto
- Edgaras Abromavičius – President of the Lithuanian Esports Federation and Head of Esports and Gaming at the Lithuanian Football Federation
- Marija Nudga – Senior Lawyer at Tonybet and Legal Expert in iGaming & Fintech Compliance
- Kristina Vabinskaitė – Financial Markets Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance of Lithuania
- Saulius Racevicius – CEO of Pace App and Board Member of the Fintech Hub LT
From professionals securing MiCA licenses and building risk frameworks, to experts advising on international licensing, AML systems, and cross-border fintech operations, the speaker lineup reflects real, hands-on expertise.
These are the leaders and experts shaping how regulation and innovation coexist in real time.
Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated about the Vilnius 2026 Agenda:
“Our dedicated Baltics series this year kickstarts in Vilnius and marks a strategic pivot in how we approach regional excellence. Having spent nearly two decades in the media and news sphere, we’ve learned that general insights are no longer enough; the market now demands jurisdiction-specific precision. Lithuania stands at a fascinating crossroads where fintech maturity meets a rigorous regulatory reset. Our 2026 agenda is designed to decode this convergence, helping leaders navigate the post-MiCA landscape and tighten iGaming frameworks. As we celebrate 10 years of HIPTHER impact, Vilnius represents our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, providing the high-level, boutique environment necessary for the industry’s most critical conversations.”
Boutique by Design — Powerful by Nature
HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 is intentionally built as a boutique, high-value experience:
- A senior-level audience of decision-makers
- Focused, high-quality networking opportunities
- A premium central Vilnius setting designed for meaningful interaction
The format ensures that conversations don’t get lost in scale — they gain depth, relevance, and momentum.
Join the Conversation in Vilnius
The agenda is now live — and with it, the opportunity to be part of a room where regulation, technology, and strategy converge.
Explore the full agenda & secure your spot: https://hipther.com/events/vilnius/
Because in a year defined by regulatory change, the real advantage belongs to those in the room.
The post HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 Agenda Sets the Stage for the Region’s Next Era of iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Affiliate Succes
ReferOn Secures “Best Affiliate Software 2026” Title at SiGMA South America Awards
ReferOn, a top-tier affiliate management platform, has been awarded “Best Affiliate Software 2026” at the prestigious SiGMA South America Awards.
This accolade signifies significant market momentum and product creativity central to ReferOn. Designed as a data-centric platform, it minimizes operational friction and enhances efficiency. This acknowledgment strengthens our path to becoming the top affiliate ecosystem in the industry, as we persist in developing high-performance infrastructure that grows with our partners.
Enhancing Productivity on a Large Scale
ReferOn’s expansion demonstrates that the sector is prepared for a more intelligent method of affiliate management. Successfully managing millions of data points from numerous partners demands a highly agile, data-oriented framework. We consistently enhance our platform to eliminate operational clutter, transforming intricate daily activities into smooth, automated processes that promote genuine efficiency on a large scale.
Alex Bukin, General Manager at ReferOn, commented on the win: “This award is a massive milestone for us, and it belongs entirely to our team. Their genuine passion for building an exceptional platform is what drives our rapid growth every single day. We don’t just want to be another tool in the stack; we want to change how affiliate marketing works for the better; making it simpler, more transparent, and much more powerful. We have ambitious plans on the horizon to further expand our capabilities.”
This acknowledgment at SiGMA South America 2026 further confirms our path as we enter our next growth phase. Our plan for 2026 and the future focuses on growth and innovation. We are proactively broadening our international reach, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing platform enhancements that cater to the intricate requirements of contemporary affiliate networks.
The post ReferOn Secures “Best Affiliate Software 2026” Title at SiGMA South America Awards appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Crypto
Paysafe launches Pay with Crypto solution to meet US iGaming market demand
Paysafe (NYSE: PSFE), a global payments platform, today announced the launch of Pay with Crypto, a new crypto payment method for iGaming operators and daily fantasy sports brands in the U.S. market. Powered by MoonPay, the leader in global crypto payments and stablecoin infrastructure, Pay with Crypto allows iGaming brands’ customers to use their preferred stablecoin or cryptocurrency to effortlessly fund their player accounts, where permitted.
With a reported ~70.4m American adults owning cryptocurrency and with Paysafe’s own research indicating that 83% of U.S. players have appetite for crypto payments, the company has responded to meet this demand with Pay with Crypto. Whether a player wants to fund their iGaming account using USD Coin (USDC), another stablecoin, or any major cryptocurrency, Paysafe’s new payment option for operators’ cashiers enables their crypto deposit to be rapidly converted to U.S. dollars to allow play.
After selecting Pay with Crypto and their preferred stablecoin or cryptocurrency, players simply connect their crypto or custodial wallet to fund the deposit, with the MoonPay Commerce Checkouts technology also supporting transactions via QR code using users’ phones. Once transactions have been verified, Pay with Crypto instantly converts crypto deposits into U.S. dollars to fund the player account.
The flexibility embedded in the Pay with Crypto solution also extends to operators, which can choose to settle payments almost instantly in stablecoins in their business’s crypto wallet, or settle in U.S. dollars or any major fiat currency through MoonPay’s Virtual Accounts powered by Iron.
Operators can upgrade their cashiers with Pay with Crypto through a single, streamlined integration of the Paysafe Gateway, which has been developed specifically for iGaming and leverages the company’s 30 years’ global experience. With the Gateway already boasting frictionless card payments, the Skrill digital wallet, the PaysafeCash eCash solution, a Pay by Bank product, and 30+ local payment methods, the addition of Pay with Crypto sees Paysafe continue to diversify its offering to meet evolving transactional preferences.
Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming at Paysafe, said: “Galvanized by the growing popularity of stablecoins, cryptocurrency is evolving in the U.S. from an investment asset into a unit of value for payments, and we’re seeing this shift gather pace in the country’s iGaming market. Against this backdrop, we’re delighted to unveil Pay with Crypto, a forward-thinking solution that strongly positions U.S. operators for their customers’ changing transactional preferences – the future of how they pay when they play.”
Ivan Soto-Wright, Founder and CEO of MoonPay, commented: “Crypto rails are making payments faster and more efficient, and our job is to close the gap between this technology and real-world utility. People shouldn’t have to convert their digital assets just to make a purchase – they want to use what they already have. Paysafe brings that experience to more people through trusted, regulated platforms.”
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