Connect with us

Latest News

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

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

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.”

 

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Casino Cosmopol

Svenska Spel Publishes its Interim Report for the Second Quarter of 2026

Published

on

svenska-spel-publishes-its-interim-report-for-the-second-quarter-of-2026

 

Svenska Spel has published its interim report for the second quarter of 2026.

The second quarter of the year is characterised by increased net gaming revenue, improved operating profit and strengthened operating margin. Eurojackpot, Oddset and casino drive growth, while the FIFA World Cup and the partnership with Swedish football contribute to high customer engagement that strengthens the business.

“We have a clear focus on more customers choosing Svenska Spel, and the development during the quarter shows that our priorities are having an effect. We continue to create sustainable growth by improving the customer offering, developing the gaming experience and strengthening our product brands,” said Anna Johnson, President and CEO of Svenska Spel.

The focus on casino is an example of how Svenska Spel is strengthening its customer offering. During the quarter, the company has improved the customer experience, expanded functionality and launched clearer customer communication. Together, these efforts contribute to a more attractive and competitive offering.

The last month of the quarter was marked by the World Cup, which demonstrates the power of football to bring people together. Svenska Spel has carried out successful activities linked to football, which has created great engagement among customers.

“Our long-term collaboration with the Swedish Football Association is an important part of that. It is a partnership that strengthens our business and at the same time contributes to value for sports throughout Sweden. When we deliver strong financial results, it also gives us better conditions to continue giving back to society and to Swedish sports,” said Anna Johnson.

Financial performance

The Group’s net gaming revenue amounted to SEK 1963 million (1839) during the quarter, an increase of SEK 124 million or 7% compared to the corresponding quarter last year. The growth is driven by high customer activity and an increasing number of customers in both lotteries and sports and casino games.

Net gaming revenue in the Luck business area increased by 7% compared to the same quarter last year. Eurojackpot is the growth engine in the lottery portfolio and, in connection with the high jackpot in May, a record was broken in revenue for a single month. Lotto continues to develop positively, while Triss is affected by tougher comparison figures as Easter fell early this year.

For the Sport & Casino business area, net gaming revenue increased by 11% compared to the same quarter last year. Growth was driven by sports betting and casino. The wide range of offerings during the World Cup, together with activities and new customer offers, had a positive effect on revenue, customer activity and new customer growth. Revenue in the business area increased by 24% in June compared to June last year and sports betting increased by 135%. The number of playing customers increased by 36% and the number of newly registered customers increased by over 340% in June compared to June last year. Sales targets for the World Cup up to and including July 6 have been exceeded, and the outlook for the final part of the championship is positive due to high customer engagement.

Net gaming revenue in the Vegas business area decreased by 16% compared to the same quarter last year. Measures focusing on cost efficiency and profitable business partners continue to meet the development as more and more customers choose to gamble online.

The Group’s online business increased by 14% compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Online accounted for 67% (62) of the Group’s revenue during the quarter.

The Group’s operating profit increased by SEK 72 million or 13% to SEK 617 million (545). Increased revenue contributed to the development. Costs increased but at a lower rate than revenue. The operating margin increased and amounted to 31% (30) for the quarter.

Profits and partnerships with sports

During the quarter, Svenska Spel has awarded 98 million-stakes prizes on lotteries with a total value of just over SEK 269 million. The highest prizes went to two players on Eurojackpot who won just over SEK 28 million each in the same draw. Sports and casino games awarded 22 million-stakes prizes during the quarter, of which 16 on Stryktipset, five on Europatipset and one on Måltipset. The highest prize in sports betting was just over SEK 3 million on Europatipset.

In June, Svenska Spel announced an extended and expanded partnership with the Swedish Ski Association until 2032 with the vision of Sweden becoming the best in the world on snow. This is a historically large investment in Swedish skiing and snowboarding, which for the first time includes all sports within the association. The partnership also means an even greater focus on talent and elite development with an expansion of Team Svenska Spel.

Second quarter summary

• Net gaming revenue for the Group amounted to SEK 1963 million (1839), an increase of SEK 124 million or 7%, primarily driven by growth within Eurojackpot, Lotto, Oddset and casino.

• Operating profit for the Group amounted to SEK 617 million (545), an increase of SEK 72 million or 13%, which is explained by higher net gaming revenue.

• The operating margin amounted to 31% (30).

• Income statements, operating margin and other key figures in the report refer to continuing operations and exclude the land-based casino operations that were discontinued in April 2025.

• The Men’s World Cup has had a positive impact on revenue and customer activity in the sports betting business. The Swedish participation in the World Cup has reinforced that effect and the partnership with the Swedish Football Association has increased the visibility.

• Extended and expanded the collaboration with the Swedish Ski Association until 2032. For the first time, it includes all sports within the association as well as an expanded focus on talent and elite development.

Summary of the period January – June

• Net gaming revenue amounted to SEK 7693 million (7573), an increase of SEK 154 million or 4%.

• The online sales channel increased by 11%.

• Operating profit for the Group amounted to SEK 2539 million (2317), an increase of SEK 97 million or 8%.

• The operating margin amounted to 33% (32).

• Income statements, operating margin and other key figures in the report refer to continuing operations and exclude the land-based casino operations that were discontinued in April 2025.

• The profit for the continuing operations amounted to SEK 1066 million (952).

• The sale of the former Casino Cosmopol property in Stockholm has been completed with Alecta Fastigheter as the buyer, which is reported within discontinued operations.

• Implemented the Tips-SM where the top tipsters get to donate half a million kronor to sports clubs through the sponsorship initiative Gräsroten.

The post Svenska Spel Publishes its Interim Report for the Second Quarter of 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Artificial intelligence

Jumio Enters into Partnership with BOYLE Sports

Published

on

jumio-enters-into-partnership-with-boyle-sports

 

Jumio, the leading provider of AI-powered identity intelligence, has partnered with BOYLE Sports, Ireland’s largest independently owned bookmaker, to deliver a faster, safer, and more seamless onboarding experience for players across the UK and Ireland.

BOYLE Sports is using Jumio’s Identity Verification and Doc Proof solutions to automatically and rapidly verify new players’ identities during onboarding. Jumio’s AI-powered checks enable BOYLE Sports to verify customers’ identities while supporting a smoother, more efficient onboarding journey, helping the company manage compliance requirements, and maintaining the high levels of customer trust and assurance needed in online gaming.

Ireland recently overhauled its gaming framework with the passing of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which placed additional requirements on operators to balance customer experience, fraud prevention and regulatory readiness. Jumio helps BOYLE Sports and other operators to comply with new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) mandates, by streamlining player verification workflows and providing robust, automated AML screening.

“BOYLE Sports is committed to putting customers first, and that starts with making onboarding as simple, secure and reliable as possible. Jumio gives us a more advanced identity verification experience, with AI-powered checks that help us protect our customers and our business. We have already seen higher automatic verification rates, which not only improves the customer onboarding experience, but also reduces our operating costs by minimising the need for manual checks,” said Gareth Mok, director of operational compliance at BOYLE Sports.

“Gaming operators are being asked to move faster, protect players better and meet new GRAI compliance expectations all at once. We know that a strong onboarding experience is not just about speed – it’s about building trust from the first interaction. We are proud to support BOYLE Sports as it continues to raise the bar for safe, customer-first gaming across the UK and Ireland,” said Mike Nawrocki, chief revenue officer at Jumio.

The post Jumio Enters into Partnership with BOYLE Sports appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Asia

PhilWeb Corporation Announces an Exclusive Partnership with Pragmatic Play

Published

on

philweb-corporation-announces-an-exclusive-partnership-with-pragmatic-play

 

PhilWeb Corporation has announced an exclusive partnership with Pragmatic Play that will enable licensed gaming operators in the Philippines to utilise international ecosystem partner Pragmatic Play’s gaming services through PhilWeb. The partnership represents a significant expansion of PhilWeb’s technology-enabled gaming services business and further strengthens its position as a trusted technology and commercial partner for licensed gaming operators in the Philippines.

Under the arrangement, PhilWeb provides hosted services through remote technology infrastructure and API-enabled integration, enabling operators to efficiently make available a broad portfolio of gaming offerings to their end users, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and contractual arrangements, within the third quarter of 2026.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in PhilWeb’s long-term strategy of expanding its technology-enabled gaming services business. By collaborating with one of the industry’s leading international gaming services providers, we are positioned to broaden our commercial relationships with licensed operators while creating a scalable and recurring revenue stream through technology-enabled services,” said Edgar Brian K. Ng, President of PhilWeb.

Pragmatic Play is already utilised by a substantial majority of online gaming platforms licensed to operate in the Philippines. PhilWeb expects the exclusive commercial arrangement to strengthen its existing operator relationships while creating opportunities for further growth as additional operators adopt the hosted gaming services available through the partnership.

The partnership also establishes a platform for PhilWeb to pursue additional collaborations with international gaming services providers, supporting its objective of building a diversified portfolio of technology-enabled offerings for the regulated Philippine gaming market.

The post PhilWeb Corporation Announces an Exclusive Partnership with Pragmatic Play appeared first on EE 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