Asia
Daren Sammy unveiled as Fun88 brand ambassador
West Indian cricket legend steps into new role for renowned and innovative sportsbook operator ahead of 2021 CPL
Leading Asian operator Fun88 has announced that West Indian cricket legend Daren Sammy is to become its new brand ambassador, having signed a multi-year deal with the brand.
Fun88, one of the most renowned and respected online sportsbooks and casinos in Asia, is breaking new boundaries by signing the 37-year-old as its first flagship cricket spokesman in an opening partnership which promises to organically build on Fun88’s ongoing strategic alliance as official partner of the popular Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for T20 cricket.
Sammy and Fun88’s combined goal is to enhance fan engagement around the game’s most thrilling format by creating fresh content and learning opportunities for diverse audiences. Regarded as one of the best bowlers and all-rounders of his generation across all formats, Sammy became the first player from his local island of St Lucia to play international cricket on his 2004 debut. He went on to captain the West Indies to two ICC World Twenty20 tournament victories in 2012 and 2016, underlining his long-serving commitment to the sport and his propensity for inspirational leadership.
This breakthrough international collaboration is now set to drive deeper engagement amongst cricket enthusiasts across the globe. Sammy now joins the likes of Robbie Fowler, Steve Nash and the much-missed Kobe Bryant in Fun88’s historic stable of superstars, each putting their shoulders to the wheel in building the brand’s global sports exposure.
A Fun88 spokesperson welcomed the brand’s new cricket ambassador: “Simply put, Daren is a leader and an inspiration to all. His sustained success and dedicated contribution to Caribbean cricket is truly remarkable. Daren’s fan following in India is also huge, bolstered in more recent history by his performances for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
“With these intrinsic ties in mind, our partnership with Daren is synonymous with our wider vision of making Fun88 the go-to destination for sports content in India. We are extremely excited about this association and hope that we can engage Daren’s loyal following with some unique and exciting new content to form a key part of our localised acquisition and retention strategy, taking the Fun88 brand to even greater heights.”
Daren Sammy commented: “My relationship with the number 88, which has been my jersey number too, spans more than two decades. So, with Fun88, I now see a natural synergy to make it the go-to destination for sports enthusiasts in India. Having followed Fun88 for a while, I have seen how the platform has evolved over the years. It has always celebrated sports and cricket, bringing fans together since inception. I’m thrilled to be collaborating on this partnership with the team at Fun88 and very grateful for being given the opportunity to act as its ambassador and public face.”
While Fun88 continues to develop its online offerings for sports fans around the world, this latest landmark highlights its commitment to international representation and fostering a cricket-friendly atmosphere within a responsible gaming culture.
Fun88 provides one of the widest offerings of markets and odds for the sports bettor. With customer satisfaction and entertainment at its heart, it provides an innovative and holistic experience via the latest technology and games, alongside impeccable and personalised customer service.
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Asia
IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur
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The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.
After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.
“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”
As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.
IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.
The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming
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Buenas PH, the licensed e-casino operator under HHR Philippines Inc (HHRPI), has been named the presenting partner of YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers. The partnership builds on the strong momentum created during the recent launch of YGS Live, a next-generation iGaming broadcast platform founded by esports pioneer Julius “Banoobs” Mariano.
Buenas PH is backed by strong corporate leadership that firmly establishes its position in the iGaming and entertainment industry. HHR Philippines is venture-backed by publicly listed Pacific Online Systems Corporation (POSC), led by Willy N. Ocier, who serves as Chairman of Belle Corporation. Belle Corporation is SM Investment’s major developer of leisure and tourism destinations built to support the growth of PAGCOR’s Entertainment City. This corporate foundation strengthens Buenas PH’s credibility and long-term direction as it grows in the regulated iGaming sector.
The Battle of the Streamers is the flagship program of YGS Live. Powered by Pragmatic Play and streamed through the soon-to-be-launched Loco Live platform, the event brings together the country’s top iGaming creators in a weekly competition featuring an eleven-million-peso prize pool. As one of the first major events to debut on Loco Live, the program showcases the platform’s commitment to high-quality, responsible, and community-driven iGaming content. It also reinforces YGS Live’s advocacy for responsible iGaming by discouraging creators from promoting unlicensed or scam platforms.
“Through this partnership, Buenas PH supports a mission that elevates Philippine iGaming to a safer and more responsible environment,” said Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, Founder of YGS Live. “Our creators have influence. We want that influence to help shape a healthier culture for fans and players.”
Industry reports have highlighted Pacific Online’s active participation in the growth of regulated online gaming in the Philippines, including its involvement in HHR Philippines and the Buenas operator. These developments strengthen confidence in the company’s long-term direction as a regulated and ethical player in the e-casino sector.
As the presenting partner, Buenas PH takes a central role throughout the Battle of the Streamers program, which runs every Saturday and culminates in a grand finals event on January 18, 2026, at City of Dreams Manila. The event combines high-stakes matches with interactive community segments, along with three million pesos in community giveaways for fans and viewers.
YGS Live continues to position itself as a broadcast network dedicated to responsible, community-driven iGaming content. With Buenas PH as a lead partner, the platform aims to set a new benchmark for safe, creator-focused, and credible iGaming entertainment in the Philippines.
For updates, visit the official YGS Live Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YGSLive.
The post Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
BetConstruct AI Arrives at G2E Asia 2025 in Manila
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After exhibiting at more than 30 events throughout the year, BetConstruct AI concludes its global calendar at G2E Asia 2025. The exhibition will take place from 10 to 11 December in Manila, Philippines, providing an important stage to present the company’s strategic vision, technological capability and integrated approach to one of Asia’s most influential industry gatherings.
As the Asian iGaming community converges in Manila, BetConstruct AI will welcome visitors at Stand N2-618 to explore an ecosystem designed for operators seeking direction, efficiency and long term growth. Attendees will encounter more than a standard product lineup. They will enter an environment shaped around intelligence, integration and practical value, demonstrating how a connected ecosystem tailored to the Asian market can strengthen performance across digital and retail operations.
As part of its participation at G2E Asia, the company will also highlight its limited-time commercial offer. Operators who sign new agreements on or before 15 January 2026 will receive a 50% reduction on setup fees, tools and services for one year. This initiative provides a more accessible starting point for those planning to expand, introduce new skins or develop their strategic roadmap for 2026.
Central to this environment are the established pillars of the company’s ecosystem, the Sportsbook and the Casino Suite. These pillars represent the depth, coverage, personalisation and consistent multi-channel performance required for reliable operational success. They serve as the entry point into a broader structure where player engagement, loyalty progression and operator creativity form essential components of sustained development.
Within this broader structure, The Last Battle presents a distinctive approach to progression and player value, turning loyalty into a dynamic, evolving experience. Land-Based Solutions extend intelligent capability into physical venues, supported by tools that modernise retail operations, while Loya strengthens player relationships inside every shop through a dedicated loyalty framework.
Affigates, presented separately within the ecosystem, offers an independent affiliate network prioritising reach, reliability and partnership within a trusted global framework.
Supporting every element of the ecosystem is the AI Suite, the analytical core that connects insight with action. CRM AI strengthens engagement through behavioural understanding.
Umbrella AI reinforces operational confidence by identifying potential risks early and supporting informed decisions. The AI Game Recommendation System elevates personalisation by matching each player with content aligned to their preferences. Together, these components form the intelligence framework that drives the entire BetConstruct AI environment.
The presence at G2E Asia reflects the company’s commitment to building technology that is adaptable, comprehensive and aligned with emerging opportunities across the region.
The post BetConstruct AI Arrives at G2E Asia 2025 in Manila appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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