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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2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards
QTech Games wins Innovation of the Year at the 2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards
QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for emerging markets, has been named Innovation of the Year 2026 at the prestigious SPiCE South Asia Awards, held at the iconic Shangri-La Colombo in Sri Lanka, overcoming strong regional competition.
The award celebrates the South Asian iGaming innovator that has demonstrated groundbreaking technological innovation, delivering tailored solutions over the past 12 months while excelling in user engagement and sustained growth.
QTech’s recognition follows the successful launch of QTech Hybrid, a platform that enables players to seamlessly transition between retail and digital gaming environments. The solution combines QTech Games’ AI-powered casino lobby, QTech Play, with a retail management system and a state-of-the-art Agent Management System (AMS), allowing operators to scale brick-and-mortar operations online. QTech Hybrid represents a next-generation omnichannel solution, bridging the gap between physical and digital casino experiences.
“We’re thrilled to be recognised for Innovation of the Year in South Asia,” said Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games.
“This award reflects the collective effort of our team and our network of innovative suppliers. From QTech Hybrid to QTechLabs and our Value Added Services, we continue to deliver solutions that drive revenue and engagement for our partners worldwide.
“Being acknowledged for our innovation, market impact, and operational results validates our strategic direction. It underscores QTech’s commitment to setting the gold standard in emerging markets and shaping the future of online casino gaming across Asia and beyond.”
With this accolade, QTech Games reinforces its position as a pioneer in emerging market aggregation, demonstrating that innovative technology and omnichannel solutions are key to scaling operations and enhancing player experiences across the globe.
The post QTech Games wins Innovation of the Year at the 2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). GLI is the first gaming testing company to achieve the accreditation and is now authorised to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines.
GLI will bring its global and unsurpassed expertise to the Philippines, helping to ensure PAGCOR meets its policy and regulatory objectives as set out in its rules. GLI’s presence and its GLI-19 Standard will also help suppliers who wish to successfully and compliantly enter the marketplace.
Submissions will be tested against “GLI Standard Series GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems,” which has been widely accepted and adopted by jurisdictions around the world.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said: “Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance to responsible gaming standards and the provision of tax revenue for reinvestment back into the community. PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply to the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players. We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing / certification, and data security.”
GLI President and CEO James R. Maida said: “We are grateful to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and to the entire PAGCOR team for the trust they continue to place in GLI. Under the Chairman’s skillful leadership, the market in the Philippines has improved steadily, and we are honored to be the first company to be accredited for iGaming testing and certification, and we look forward to working side- by-side with PAGCOR to meet their policy objectives.”
The post GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai
Team India and Türkiye won Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai, delivering electrifying performances in front of a packed arena and thousands more tuning in online worldwide. India’s Anuhith Gosala edged Kazakhstan 3–2 in a thrilling Clash Royale Grand Final, while Türkiye secured a commanding 3–1 victory over Mongolia in the Dota 2 Grand Final. With a Gold in Clash Royale and a Bronze in Dota 2, Team India was crowned Overall Champion.
India stormed into the Clash Royale Grand Final with a 2–1 win over the USA in a tense lower bracket decider, setting up a rematch with Kazakhstan. Having fallen 0–2 in the upper bracket, India turned the tables when it mattered most, as Anuhith Gosala delivered a clutch performance to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory and the Gold medal.
In Dota 2, Team India secured Bronze after falling to Mongolia in the lower bracket. Mongolia advanced to the Grand Final, where Türkiye asserted its dominance with a composed 3–1 victory to take the title.
Sharing his thoughts on the victory, Team India’s Clash Royale gold medallist, Anuhith Gosala, said: “This moment is surreal. To win the Grand Finals here in India, in front of a home crowd, makes it even more emotional. The preparation was relentless, the pressure was intense, and every match tested my limits—but that’s what makes this victory so special. Hearing the cheers, feeling that energy, and lifting this title for the country is an indescribable pride. This is for India, and for everyone who believes in us. I hope this win inspires many others to follow in our path.”
Sir Paul J. Foster, President & CEO, Global Esports Federation, said: “As the Global Esports Games Mumbai comes to a close, we celebrate not only the incredible performances of our athletes, but the spirit of unity and connection that defines our global community. Mumbai has delivered exceptional energy, passion, and hospitality, reinforcing our belief that esports transcends borders and brings the world together. We are deeply grateful to our partners in India for setting a new benchmark for excellence—and we now look ahead with excitement to Los Angeles, where this journey continues on an even greater stage.”
Shripad Ashtekar, Founder of Eflag Corp, said: “Over the past few days, we have witnessed not just world-class competition, but the coming together of talent, innovation, and community on a truly global stage. We hope to keep delivering such platforms and strong foundations for future growth by unlocking new opportunities for Indian players, creators, and the broader AVGC ecosystem. We are proud to have played a key role and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Organized by the Global Esports Federation in partnership with Eflag Corp, with the support of Maharashtra Tourism, the Global Esports Games Mumbai was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Over four days, Mumbai welcomed 48 elite athletes from 19 countries, emerging from a global field of 78 nations in the Regional Qualifiers.
The post Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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