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Euro 2020 from a betting perspective

Published

4 years ago

September 16, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Just before Finland’s debut in the European football championship, Spiffbet, together with Metric Gaming launched a sportsbook on the Finnish flagship casino SuperNopea and Swedish TurboVegas. The timing couldn’t have been better. Metric Gaming CEO Jim Supple and Spiffbet’s Maria Boelius discuss the summer of 2021 from a sports betting perspective.

This summer was unique in the sense that two major events postponed from 2020 due to the global pandemic finally took place. It was the opportunity that Maria Boelius, Head of Casino Operations at Spiffbet, had been waiting for and she and her team reached out to Metric Gaming to launch a sportsbook on Spiffbet’s casinos SuperNopea and TurboVegas. “ We were excited to be able to launch a sportsbook so quickly with Metric Gaming’s multi-tenant platform. Technically it was easy for us to set it up and the performance has been flawless.

SuperNopea, launched just days ahead of the European Championships, and joined fellow Spiffbet casino, TurboVegas, on the Metric Gaming Sportsbook platform. The more established brand, TurboVegas accounted for 69% of the group’s tournament turnover. Both brands operated with similar trading strategies primarily aimed at acquisition. Metric’s efficient pricing allowed margin to be kept aggressively low on the three key pre-match football markets: Match Winner, Total Goals, and Both Teams to Score. This ensured that SuperNopea and Turbo Vegas were offering top price in a very competitive marketplace. The result of this aggressive pricing strategy was that two-thirds of new players had their first bets on these promoted markets, and subsequently half of those then migrated to higher-margin products for future bets.

Jim Supple, CEO of Metric Gaming, is very satisfied with the launch and the initial results: “Metric Gaming is delighted to have Spiffbet as a client. The summer of 2021 was remarkable from a sports perspective with both the Euro and the Olympics. All of our clients have seen a surge in betting revenues, and Spiffbet is no exception.”

Despite the relatively early exit of both Finland & Sweden, acquisition numbers remained strong throughout, with both brands recording significantly higher daily actives as the tournament progressed.

One of Metric Gaming’s key strengths is market availability. They target 97%+ uptime for live football. On average SuperNopea and TurboVegas were live, with a full set of markets, within 9 seconds of a goal being scored. This compares to up to 50 seconds by key rival Sportsbooks. With 149 goals scored across the tournament, it is vital markets are made available quickly and capture the high margin post-goal wagers.

Metric’s drive for market uptime paired with their in-play personalization engine remove blockers for all players and are key reasons Spiffbet enjoys high retention rates across their customer base. Customers are simply not given a reason to bet elsewhere.

Then there is the matter of launching a sportsbook just days before a tournament. Maria Boelius shares her view on the timing of the launch “In hindsight, we should have launched the sportsbook much earlier so that we would have had sufficient time to ramp up marketing properly. All the other more traditional sports betting sites had a lead over us. Despite the lack of time, our sportsbook got a lot of attention, and I am convinced that we made the right decision to launch before the Euro“.

Jim shares Maria’s view on the timing and adds “Metric provides the tools for betting, but we also need to work closely with the operators to ensure that the player gets the best experience possible. Importantly this is not just about the Euros, we see this as a long-term partnership.”

Traditional offline casinos as well as the local betting offices are opening up again after the pandemic. Jim Supple gives his thoughts on how the post-covid normalization will affect business and projections for the future: “We were doing great business before the pandemic, and we will continue to do so. We at Metric are seeing that the traditional casino operators, in order to compete in an increasingly competitive market, are adding a sportsbook to their casino games and slots. In addition, our market is growing year after year and new territories are opening up. We have a very positive outlook”.

Maria Boelius adds with a smile “I guess we are following the trend that Jim describes as we move from 100% casino to also providing a sportsbook. Currently, we are offering sports betting on three of our brands and we are looking into the possibilities of adding a sportsbook to some of our other casino brands. In general, we share Metrics positive outlook. We have just recruited a senior sportsbook manager to spearhead our expansion in the betting space.”

Advisory

Brazilian Amilton Noble announced as Advisory Partner at Betshield

Published

2 hours ago

February 24, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

brazilian-amilton-noble-announced-as-advisory-partner-at-betshield

Betshield has announced the arrival of Amilton Noble as Advisory Partner.

The executive joins the company’s strategic core at a time of increased operational demands for licensed operators in the Brazilian betting market.

The move comes alongside a significant shift in how the sector is being evaluated.

Beyond regulatory compliance, recent court decisions have begun to consider not only the existence of formal user-protection policies, but also the platforms’ ability to demonstrate continuous monitoring and preventive action in response to risky behavior.

The evolution toward the “Trust & Protection” concept

Recognized for its pioneering role in Responsible Gaming technology, Betshield is following this evolution by expanding its presence within iGaming operations.

The company is structuring its proposition as a permanent layer of operational trust and protection, incorporating:

Risk management
Internal controls
Ability to demonstrate due diligence

Leadership and experience

Amilton Noble has a consolidated career in the gaming, lottery and iGaming industries.

As Advisory Partner, he will contribute to the company’s institutional positioning and to the consolidation of more structured operational practices in the regulated environment.

According to Noble, the sector is entering a new stage of maturity:

“Market maturity depends on the ability to demonstrate diligence. This is no longer just a licensing discussion, but one of operational responsibility.

Operators will need to present evidence of monitoring and preventive action. Technology becomes part of the company’s own protection.”

A new market positioning

Thiago Iusim, founder and CEO of Betshield, states that the moment represents an evolution in positioning:

“Responsible Gaming has always been our starting point. But we quickly realized it was necessary to go beyond isolated functionality.

The market began to require the ability to demonstrate operational diligence. We structured the Trust & Protection concept: a permanent layer between operator, regulator and user.”

Betshield’s technology performs continuous behavioral monitoring, identifies risk patterns, and generates a documented history of preventive actions.

The platform has also incorporated an anti-money laundering (AML) module, expanding the scope of protection.

Recently, Betshield also announced a strategic partnership with CGS Events, placing player protection as a central theme of the 2026 events agenda.

Who is Amilton Noble

With more than 30 years of experience in gaming, betting, and lotteries, Amilton Noble has built a career closely tied to product design, operational models, and distribution strategies within the Brazilian lottery sector.

He began his career at the Brazilian Jockey Club, where he served as National Betting Manager and oversaw pari-mutuel horse-racing wagering operations.

Starting in 2001, at Hebara, he led the commercial area of Raspadinha do Rio and was responsible for developing products that became market benchmarks.

He also works as a strategic consultant for national and international gaming, iGaming, and lottery companies, focusing on regulation, payout structure, and the economic sustainability of operating models.

His work combines practical experience, critical analysis, and direct involvement in the sector’s evolution.

The post Brazilian Amilton Noble announced as Advisory Partner at Betshield appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Cheltenham Festival

Richard Johnson and Hayley Moore to join Press Box PR’s Cheltenham Festival preview event in Gibraltar

Published

4 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

richard-johnson-and-hayley-moore-to-join-press-box-pr’s-cheltenham-festival-preview-event-in-gibraltar

Two-time Gold Cup-winning jockey Richard Johnson and Sky Sports Racing presenter Hayley Moore will headline a Cheltenham Festival Preview evening hosted by Press Box PR in Gibraltar next month.

Taking place on Thursday, March 5, at Ivy Sports Bar & American Grill in Ocean Village, the event will bring together professionals from across the gambling and racing industries for an exclusive preview of the Cheltenham Festival 2026, which begins on March 10.

Johnson, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished jump jockeys of his era, will share expert insight into the key races, leading contenders, and the demands of competing on racing’s biggest stage. He will be joined by Moore, who will offer analysis of the major storylines, form trends, and narratives shaping this year’s Festival.

The evening will be hosted by racing presenter and writer Kitty Waddell, who will moderate the discussion and lead a live audience Q&A with the panel.

Guests attending the event can expect:

• Detailed previews and tips for the Festival’s headline races
• Behind-the-scenes insights from Johnson’s career at the top level of jump racing
• Expert commentary from Moore on form, trends, and key contenders
• A live Q&A session with the panel
• Networking opportunities alongside complimentary food and drinks

Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes during the evening.

With offices in London and Manchester, Press Box PR — winner at the European iGaming Awards 2026 — is a PR agency specialising in securing media coverage across iGaming, sport, consumer, finance, hospitality, and catering sectors. The agency also supports brands in achieving visibility within AI citations and LLM-driven recommendations.

Jack Mansell, Managing Director of Sport at Press Box PR, said:
“The Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the jump racing calendar and a huge moment for many of the brands we work with across betting and gaming. We wanted to create an event that gives industry colleagues genuine insight from people who have competed at – and covered – the very highest level of the sport.

“Richard and Hayley bring an incredible depth of knowledge and experience, and we’re looking forward to welcoming clients, partners and friends of the industry for what should be an entertaining and informative evening in Gibraltar.”

The Cheltenham Festival Preview will run from 7pm to 10pm on Thursday, March 5, at Ivy Sports Bar & American Grill, Ocean Village, Gibraltar.

Industry professionals wishing to attend are invited to RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, March 2. Guests are asked to confirm numbers and share any dietary requirements when responding. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The post Richard Johnson and Hayley Moore to join Press Box PR’s Cheltenham Festival preview event in Gibraltar appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Audio Description

Brøndby IF Launches Permanent Audio Description Service for Fans Inside and Outside the Stadium

Published

4 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

brondby-if-launches-permanent-audio-description-service-for-fans-inside-and-outside-the-stadium

Last night’s clash between Brøndby IF and Sønderjyske in the 3F Superliga became the first match delivered through the club’s new permanent audio description service, designed for fans both in the stadium and at home. Developed in close partnership with the Danish Association of the Blind and main partner Betano, the initiative enables supporters with visual impairments to follow matches more fully from the stands or their living rooms.

Brøndby IF is now the first club in Denmark and across the Nordic region to introduce a permanent audio description service for every home fixture. Available via radio.brondby.com, the service provides real-time spoken narration of on-pitch action, player movement, atmosphere, and key visual moments. A specially trained commentator delivers detailed descriptions to help visually impaired fans experience matches more completely.

Thomas Skov, Marketing Director and Head of Fan Experience at Brøndby IF, said:
“Brøndby IF is a unique community that must be accessible to everyone. Therefore, we must open as many doors as possible into that community. With permanent audio description both at the stadium and for those listening from home, we are taking a very concrete step to make the matchday experience at our home games even more inclusive. As a Brøndby IF fan, you should feel welcome and part of the club’s community no matter what. As a club, we have a strong responsibility to remove barriers that may stand in the way.”

Partnerships in Action

To mark the launch, members of the Danish Association of the Blind attended the home fixture against Sønderjyske, with the initiative receiving strong recognition from the organisation.

Diana Stentoft, National Chair of the Danish Association of the Blind, commented:
“Audio description is about equal access to the community, and it means that even more people can experience football – including those who cannot follow the game visually. Audio description makes a significant difference for blind and visually impaired people, as they are no longer dependent on random radio excerpts or constantly asking others what is happening on the pitch. We are therefore pleased that Brøndby IF is offering audio description at its home matches and thereby improving the opportunity for blind and severely visually impaired fans to follow the club’s games.”

Alongside the Danish Association of the Blind, Betano played a central role in supporting and developing the permanent service. The launch represents the first step in a broader ambition shared by Brøndby IF and Betano to reduce accessibility barriers in football.

Kresten Hougaard, Country Manager for Betano in Denmark, said:
“Inclusion is a key priority for Betano, as we strongly believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to enjoy the game. As the main partner of Brøndby IF, it is important for us to turn our commitments into action. We are proud to have participated in the development of a service that gives fans with visual impairments better access to the full football experience.”

Benefiting All Fans — Beyond the Stadium

The solution at Brøndby Stadium is the first permanent system of its kind in the Nordic region and can be accessed from anywhere.

At the stadium, fans can listen live via their smartphones and headphones through radio.brondby.com. At home, the same commentary can be synchronised with live TV broadcasts, allowing supporters to follow the match in real time from anywhere.

Thomas Skov added:
“The reach of Brøndby IF’s new audio description service extends beyond people with visual impairments. Fans who, for various reasons, are unable to attend the stadium can now follow the match on the go or from home and thereby be part of the club’s community.”

The software powering the service is provided by German technology company Mycrocast, which delivers similar solutions to clubs in the Bundesliga and Ajax Amsterdam.

Lead audio description commentator Selver Elezovic will front coverage of Brøndby IF’s matches. He previously provided commentary for Danish fixtures, including at EURO 2024, and will be joined at Brøndby’s home games by former player Joel Kabongo.

The post Brøndby IF Launches Permanent Audio Description Service for Fans Inside and Outside the Stadium appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.