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Roberto Carlos exclusive: the Global Ambassador for Football for Friendship answers the questions of Young Participants from all over the world

The former Brazilian international, three-time winner of the Champions League and Global Ambassador of the Gazprom International Children’s Social Programme Football for Friendship (F4F), Roberto Carlos, spoke in an exclusive press conference with Young Players and Young Journalists about his life, his career and his support for F4F.
Roberto Carlos won the World Cup with the Brazilian national team in 2002. He also won the UEFA Champions League title three times (1998, 2000 and 2002) with Real Madrid as well as numerous national league championship titles. Currently, he is working as a youth coach at Real Madrid. Since 2020 he has also been a Global Ambassador for Football for Friendship. He has supported the programme since 2019, when he presented the winners of the F4F World Championship the cup at the closing events in Madrid, having taken part in other important highlights of the tournament as well.
In an online press conference at the end of May, he answered a wide range of questions from Young Players and Young Journalists with charm and wit. The topics ranged from the highlights of his career to his relationship with his family, his native country Brazil, and his support for Football for Friendship.
Asked about his most famous goal, Roberto Carlos couldn’t suppress a smile at first because, as he explained, he is often asked this question. But he then went on to mention his free kick against France on 3rd June 1997 at the Tournament of France in the 21st minute of the game and also his spectacular goal against CD Teneriffa on 21st February 1998. He also explained that the derby match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona had always been a highlight. He said that the Brazilian national team of 2002 and Real Madrid with its galacticos were his favourite teams, and argued that whether or not football was becoming more and more commercialised depended a lot on the actual club. Overall, football would continue to develop both technically and tactically.
He told David Sargent from Ireland that it was true that he had been named after the famous Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos Braga. It had been the wish of his father, whose favourite singer this was. He, Roberto Carlos, was a great admirer of the Brazilian singer Alexandre Pires. He explained that his family had been poor and that, when he was twelve, he had wanted to become a lawyer. But then everything had quickly turned out differently: a football career in Brazil, the national team and an invitation to play in Europe. He said that his family had always supported him, particularly his father, who had played football himself. And, of course, it had been painful to leave his family when he was just 13 years old.
Kinley Deki Yangzom from Bhutan asked him what he would do differently. He replied that everything had gone well and had helped him to develop personally and professionally. He told Miriam Sheahan from Ireland that he had never been afraid. But of course he had had dreams, for example to be able to build his parents a house.
In his view, respect towards others, and good, friendly behaviour – towards one’s opponent as well – were important qualities. He told Dominic Kramberger from Sweden that teamwork was an important precondition for success. And his answer to the question from Xuance Li, a Young Journalist from China, was that, because he himself had always behaved properly towards others, he had never been offended by anyone. Mihajlo Nasik, a Young Journalist from Serbia, played Roberto Carlos a serenade on his piano and then asked him about his creative hobbies. Roberto answered that he didn’t have any special talents and that his life was taken up with football 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Doro Yusupov from Tajikistan wanted to know what, in his view, were typical traditions in Brazil. The football star’s answer was good fortune, good food, respect for one’s family and the desire to spend the weekend with one’s family. Aahana Kamboj from India observed that Brazil had so many good footballers and asked whether it was to do with a particular kind of sand on the beaches there. Carlos replied that he had lived in India for some time and had a great love for the country. He went on to explain that the sand on the beaches most certainly wasn’t the reason why Brazil had so many good footballers. Quite simply, the people in his country played football everywhere and everyone wanted to become a star.
What he found good about Football for Friendship was that so many Young Players and Young Journalists meet up and can interact with one another. He thanked the young people for their many interesting questions and wished them all every success.
The 9th season of Football for Friendship is taking place in an online format from 14th to 29th May 2021. This year, F4F is bringing boys and girls together from more than 200 countries and regions. Young Players aged 12 are taking part in the 2021 Football for Friendship eWorld Championship (eF4F). The competition is being played on “F4F World”, the football simulator, which is available free of charge in 27 languages on MS Windows, Apple MacOS, Android and iOS.
Young Journalists report in the International Children’s Press Centre on the events in the 9th season of Football for Friendship and share with their friends the most important values in the programme: friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions, and honour.
You can watch the video of this press conference by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi6qD7wkhWA.
Aahana Kamboj, India: “I really enjoyed the session with Football for Friendship Global Ambassador, Roberto Carlos, where the Young Journalists from different countries asked questions related to his football career. Even I got the opportunity to ask a question. According to Roberto, teamwork is the key to success, and everyone must follow this rule to be successful in life.”
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BiS SiGMA Americas 2025
All set for the start of the 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas

The wait is over! The 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas is already underway and promises to be historic, accompanying a moment of intense transformation and consolidation of the iGaming scene in Brazil.
For this reason, the largest betting event in Latin America is ready to welcome and meet the demands of the national and international community. This year, the organization decided to expand the physical space by 50%, from 20 thousand square meters to 32 thousand square meters distributed in 5 halls of the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo.
In addition to the trade fair and conferences with more than 300 prestigious experts from around the world, BiS SiGMA Americas offers a diverse program, including award ceremonies, exclusive networking dinners, a poker tournament, an electrifying night with MMA fights and a grand closing party.
Expectation of record attendance
In addition to the categories that have always been present at the event, such as Online Betting Operators, Software and Technology Providers, Affiliates and Digital Marketing, Payment Methods and Financial Solutions, this edition draws attention to the presence of new technology companies that add value and provide innovative resources for the industry.
This means that the betting market is evolving, with new branches emerging to strengthen the ecosystem. KYC (Know Your Customer) companies, Consulting and Compliance, Information and Database Management, AdTechs and Digital Advertising Networks are making their presence felt with solutions to ensure security, regulatory compliance and more efficient growth strategies.
Furthermore, the recent regulation of sports betting and online gaming in Brazil represents a milestone for the market. BiS SiGMA Americas therefore serves as a platform for experts, regulators and industry leaders to assess the challenges and opportunities of this time of adaptation, as well as explore global trends that may impact the local industry.
Given this, the event organizers predict that the 2025 edition will reach a record number of attendees and participating brands. The estimate is that more than 18,000 people will pass through the Transamérica Expo Center by Thursday (10).
Event map
In order to facilitate visitors’ movement, the BiS SiGMA Americas organization is providing a map of the event, with all confirmed exhibitors and the location of their respective stands. You can check out the full map HERE.
BiS SiGMA Americas General Schedule
Monday, April 7th
- 02:00pm – 10:00pm – Early collection of badges at Canvas Bar & Restaurant – Hilton Morumbi
- 06:00pm – 10:00pm – Welcome Reception at Hilton Morumbi
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Armazem Terrace – Hilton Morumbi
- 08:00pm – 11:00pm – SiGMA Awards at Tokio Marine Hall
Note: There will be no event at Transamerica Expo Center on this day
Tuesday, April 8th
- 09:00am – 06:00pm – Exposição: Exhibition: Day 1 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 09:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 1 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
- 07:00pm – 11:00pm – BiS Awards at Tokio Marine Hall
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Pobre Juan – Morumbi Shopping Mall
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering dinner at Caulí Lounge Bar
Wednesday, April 9th
- 10:00am – 06:00pm – Exhibition: Day 2 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 11:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 2 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
- 07:00pm – 12:00pm – Centurion MMA fight at VIP Station
- 07:00pm – 12:00pm – SiGMA Poker Tour Satellite Opens at Monte Carlo Poker Club
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering Dinner at Armazem Terrace – Hilton Morumbi
Thursday, April 10th
- 11:00am – 06:00pm – Exhibition: Day 3 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 11:00am – 06:00pm – Conferences: Day 3 at Transamerica Expo Center
- 06:00pm – 08:00pm – Networking Cocktail
- 07:30pm – 10:30pm – iGathering dinner at Caulí Lounge Bar
- 05:00pm – 12:00pm – Main event SPT 1A hosted By Jon VLogs at Monte Carlo Poker Club
- 10:00pm – 04:00pm – Closing of BiS SiGMA at Tokio Marine Hall
The post All set for the start of the 2025 edition of BiS SiGMA Americas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license

Global B2B iGaming content provider secures first Canadian market entry following the successful submission and approval of its gaming-related supplier application
Playnetic, the in-demand global B2B iGaming content provider known for its quality games, reliable delivery and outstanding customer service, has announced the approval of its gaming-related supplier application by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
With the AGCO licensing process being recognised in the industry for its rigorous standards and thorough due diligence, the new certification confirms Playnetic was able to meet the high levels of integrity and regulatory compliance needed to legally distribute its content within the province.
As a result of the approval, Playnetic has now secured its first Canadian market entry and will be able to provide its library of innovative games to licensed operators in the Ontario region – with this starting point paving the way for further expansion into other regulated provinces in future.
Given signs of change emerging within the Canadian market and Alberta making progress toward a regulated online model – likely drawing from Ontario’s framework – this license positions Playnetic strongly to expand its footprint in the country and further solidifies the company’s ambitious growth plans.
In the meantime, Playnetic has already begun making groundwork with key operators in the Ontario region and is looking forward to going live with some exciting brands over the coming months. The company will also be attending SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit from June 17-19, where both existing and new potential partners alike are welcome to stop by and meet the team.
Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Playnetic, said: “Acquiring AGCO approval for our gaming-related supplier application is undoubtedly a big step for Playnetic. The new license not only secures our first Canadian market entry, but also reaffirms Playnetic’s position as a trusted provider in iGaming and underlines our commitment to compliance and operational excellence.”
Julian Borg-Barthet, Chief Commercial Officer at Playnetic, said: “We’re very excited to now be in a position to offer our library of innovative gaming content in Ontario, and the groundwork to do that with some of the region’s biggest licensed operators is already underway. Over time, we’re confident this license will also help us expand further into current markets and emerging regulated provinces, such as Alberta.”
The post Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Compliance Updates
Vixio Delighted To Be Shortlisted For An ICA Compliance Award for Technology Partner of the Year

Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, has been shortlisted for an International Compliance Association (ICA) Compliance Award for Technology Partner of the Year. The ICA Compliance Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, collaboration, and innovation of the compliance and financial crime prevention teams across the globe.
Following a thorough judging process, Vixio was shortlisted ahead of the official awards ceremony which will be held on 26th June 2025.
The Technology Partner of the Year category entry detailed the outstanding work of Vixio, showcasing an innovative solution that helps compliance teams cut through the noise to understand the complex, ever-changing regulatory environment to mitigate risk and uncover growth opportunities.
Mike Woolfrey, CEO, Vixio commented, “Vixio has been offering comprehensive, actionable compliance intelligence for over two decades now and we are delighted to be recognised for our RegTech platform, which combines cutting-edge technology with the deep industry knowledge of our experts. We are honoured to be shortlisted for this award and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outstanding Vixio team for their hard work and expertise.”
ICA’s President, Pekka Dare added, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Vixio on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Technology Partner of the Year. On behalf of ICA, I would like to thank everyone who entered the ICA Compliance Awards personally. All of the entrants represent the very best of what our industry has to offer, and I am looking forward to welcoming all our finalists to the awards ceremony on the 26th June.”
The judging panel was made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the compliance and financial crime prevention community. This includes Lisa Bennett, Legal Compliance Director, Mastercard; Caroline Braddock, Civil Ethics and Compliance Officer, Rolls-Royce; Samer Jannoun, Head of Regional Ethics and Compliance Special Oversight, Meta; Dane Pedro, Presiding Justice and Magistrate, Ministry of Justice, UK; Chris Watkins, Head of Compliance & ESG, Renewable Power Capital; Ben Westwood, Head of Compliance & DPO, Motor Insurers Bureau.
The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster, London on 26 June 2025.
The post Vixio Delighted To Be Shortlisted For An ICA Compliance Award for Technology Partner of the Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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