Press Releases

Orange holds first Pan-African football tournaments enabling youth to be actors of positive change, to tackle plastic waste, via their passion for football

Published

4 years ago

January 7, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Orange, a major partner of African football since 2008, is the official sponsor of the AFCON for the 7th time in a row

The Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 is a major event on the continent and this year’s edition is eagerly awaited following its postponement in 2021 due to the Covid crisis. In the lead up to the big event and as official sponsor, Orange (www.Orange.com) has held a series of ‘Orange Sponsors Change’ regional football tournaments across its footprint enabling 12-13-year-olds to play football and collect plastic waste in exchange for rewards and the chance to be celebrated during the AFCON final on February 6th. All the regional tournament winners will then be invited to the International final of ‘Orange Sponsors Change’ next spring for an unforgettable experience.

The competition, running from 9th January to 6th February 2022, will be held in six stadiums in five cities across the country. Out of the 24 teams that have qualified, 11 belong to a country where Orange is present: Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Mali, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.

Passion with a purpose – the genesis of “Orange Sponsors Change”

The Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 provides Orange with an opportunity to reiterate its environmental commitments. Plastic waste is now one of the world’s biggest problems and Orange believes it can play a role in combating this issue.

“Orange Sponsors Change” is a unique program which was first launched 2018 in Liberia and Cameroon and then successfully extended in 2019 to Egypt and Tunisia. With fans’ passion for football and a participative approach at its core, ‘Orange Sponsors Change’ gives all football fans and young players the opportunity to enjoy their passion for football whilst having a positive impact on their communities and the planet. Fans are encouraged to collect and recycle their plastic waste via recycling bins during the tournaments, and in return for their recycling efforts, Orange works with local companies to recycle the plastic collected and return them to fans and their communities in the form of soccer jerseys, balls and even soccer fields constructed exclusively from recyclable materials.

“Orange Sponsors Change,” a pan-African program premiere

This year, Orange wanted to take advantage of its partnership with the largest African sporting event to extend and promote Orange Sponsors Change in 12 countries on the continent (Morocco, Sierra Leone, Mali, Liberia, Cameroon, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, CAR, DRC) and give it a new pan-African dimension.

This first Pan-African edition encouraged 12-13 year-olds to participate in local qualifying tournaments while collecting plastic waste, and the first local tournaments mobilized thousands of young people and their families and achieved tonnes of plastic waste collection, for example:

In Cameroon, football players who participated in Orange Sponsors Change joined forces with the Orange “Clean Your City” initiative to collect waste in seven cities across the country. In total, 1,300 volunteers roamed the streets to collect 14 tonnes of plastic which will be transformed into football equipment and redistributed to football academies in Cameroon.
In Côte d’Ivoire, 500 players from 50 different clubs across the country took part in the competition, collecting over 19 tonnes of plastic that will be transformed into construction equipment.

During the AFCON

The stadiums will be filled with Orange tap-taps enabling fans to support their team and share their passion. This year all the tap-taps will no longer be made of plastic but recycled biodegradable potato starch, reflecting Orange’s commitment to the reduction of plastic waste. In addition, Orange will be providing young players across it’s footprint with 20,000 balls made from recycled rubber, so they can continue to enjoy their passion for football long after the big event.

Béatrice Mandine, Executive Director of Communication, Brand and Engagement said: “At Orange, we support major sporting events in the countries where we operate by placing the focus of our strategy on the fans: we offer them the means to enjoy their passion. “Orange sponsors change” adds another brick to this promise: combining passion for football and commitment to the environment. It is a great action that will leave a positive legacy”.

Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, explains: “Africans are very passionate about football. Orange Sponsors Change helps raise awareness among young people about environmental issues through football; this is a great proof of the Orange Group’s commitment to society and the planet.”

Source: Orange

Carousel Bar Las Vegas

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s Carousel Bar

Published

12 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

celebrate-st.-patrick’s-day-at-the-plaza-hotel-&-casino’s-carousel-bar

The festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day returns to downtown Las Vegas as the Plaza Hotel & Casino prepares to host its annual celebration at the dazzling Carousel Bar. Set beneath the venue’s iconic illuminated dome, the popular holiday gathering promises lively entertainment, themed cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, the Carousel Bar will transform into a spirited St. Patrick’s Day destination featuring festive décor, upbeat music, and drink specials inspired by Irish tradition. The celebration takes place just steps away from the bustling Fremont Street Experience, making it an ideal stop for anyone exploring downtown Las Vegas during the holiday.

A Festive Downtown Celebration

Each year, St. Patrick’s Day brings an influx of revelers to Las Vegas, and the Plaza’s Carousel Bar has quickly become one of downtown’s standout locations to mark the occasion. Known for its visually striking design and lively ambiance, the bar sits beneath the Plaza’s glittering dome and features large-scale animated elements that create an immersive party atmosphere.

For the holiday celebration, guests can expect Paddy Party Music Hits filling the air, creating the soundtrack for an evening of Irish-inspired fun. The event will also feature festive backdrops designed for selfies and group photos, allowing visitors to capture memories of the celebration against colorful St. Patrick’s Day-themed visuals.

The Carousel Bar’s unique setting makes it particularly appealing for social gatherings, whether visitors are celebrating with friends, colleagues, or fellow tourists exploring the entertainment offerings of Fremont Street.

Special St. Patrick’s Day Drink Menu

No St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without themed drinks, and the Plaza’s Carousel Bar will offer a lineup of festive specials designed to complement the celebration.

Guests can enjoy Guinness Draught for $8, a classic choice synonymous with Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day festivities worldwide. For those looking to sample something stronger, the bar will also offer St. Paddy Irish whiskey shots for $4, providing a quick and spirited toast to the holiday.

Another popular option on the menu is the Irish Car Bomb for $10, a well-known celebratory cocktail that combines Irish stout with whiskey and cream liqueur for a rich and indulgent experience.

For those who prefer a cocktail with a festive twist, the bar will feature the Irish Mule, a vibrant green drink made with ginger beer, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and fresh lime. Priced at $10, this specialty cocktail adds a refreshing and colorful option to the St. Patrick’s Day lineup.

Together, these drink specials provide a range of options designed to suit every taste while embracing the flavors traditionally associated with Irish celebrations.

A Unique Venue in Downtown Las Vegas

The Carousel Bar has become one of the most visually distinctive attractions at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Its animated elements and glowing dome create a lively centerpiece that draws attention from visitors exploring the property and nearby Fremont Street.

During major holidays and events, the bar often becomes a focal point for celebrations, offering a social space where guests can enjoy themed entertainment and drinks in a lively environment. St. Patrick’s Day is one of the venue’s most anticipated events, bringing together locals and tourists eager to celebrate Irish culture and tradition.

The location also offers easy access to the Fremont Street Experience, one of downtown Las Vegas’ most popular entertainment districts. Visitors can seamlessly move between live music, street performances, casinos, and bars, making the Carousel Bar party a convenient stop within a larger night out in the city.

Capturing the Spirit of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have grown into a global phenomenon, with cities around the world hosting parades, parties, and cultural events honoring Irish heritage. In Las Vegas, where entertainment and nightlife thrive year-round, the holiday provides yet another opportunity for venues to create immersive and memorable experiences.

The Plaza Hotel & Casino embraces this tradition by hosting an event that combines festive décor, themed drinks, and music that encourages guests to embrace the celebratory mood. The addition of photo-friendly backdrops further enhances the experience, allowing attendees to share their celebrations across social media.

For visitors seeking a lively but approachable party atmosphere, the Carousel Bar’s St. Patrick’s Day event offers a welcoming environment where the focus remains on socializing, enjoying drinks, and celebrating the holiday spirit.

A Downtown Destination for Holiday Fun

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Plaza Hotel & Casino once again positions itself as a destination for festive gatherings in downtown Las Vegas. The combination of themed cocktails, music, and the visually captivating Carousel Bar setting creates an experience designed to stand out among the city’s many holiday celebrations.

Whether guests are longtime Las Vegas locals or tourists exploring the city’s historic downtown district, the party promises an energetic environment filled with Irish-inspired charm.

With its vibrant atmosphere and convenient location near the Fremont Street Experience, the Carousel Bar at the Plaza Hotel & Casino provides the perfect setting to raise a glass, enjoy festive drinks, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Las Vegas style.

The post Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s Carousel Bar appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s glittering Carousel Bar

Published

12 hours ago

March 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

celebrate-st.-patrick’s-day-at-the-plaza-hotel-&-casino’s-glittering-carousel-bar

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day party at Carousel Bar under its iconic glimmering dome starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

The party at Carousel Bar will include Paddy Party Music Hits, festive backgrounds for selfies and group photos, and drink specials, including Guiness Draught ($8), St. Paddy Irish whiskey shot ($4), Irish car bombs ($10), and an Irish Mule, a specialty green cocktail made with ginger beer, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and lime ($10).

With its larger-than-life animated elements, Carousel Bar will be the centerpiece of the holiday party located underneath the glittering lights of the Plaza’s dome – the perfect location to celebrate the spirit of the Irish just steps away from the Fremont Street Experience.

The post Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s glittering Carousel Bar appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

EveryMatrix

EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership

Published

20 hours ago

March 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

everymatrix-expands-global-lottery-footprint-with-naspl-membership

EveryMatrix has extended its global national lottery reach, and further reinforced its ongoing commitment to the North American market, by becoming a member of the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).

NASPL membership reflects the premium provider’s long-term commitment to supporting public-sector lotteries as it expands its presence across the continent and further strengthens its visibility and credibility within the US lottery ecosystem.

Multiple US lotteries are investing or exploring investments in digital technology and omnichannel player engagement, with a focus on responsible gaming, areas in which EveryMatrix has extensive experience and success with large-scale European partners.

The tier-1 turnkey platform technology supplier counts some of Europe’s largest lotteries among its biggest customers and is an established Associate member of both the World Lottery Association (WLA) and European Lotteries (EL).

It joined CIBELAE as an Associate member in August 2025, the official branch of the WLA for 80 Hispanic American speaking countries, including Latin and Central America, Spain, and Portugal.

EveryMatrix has rapidly grown to become one of the most trusted, tier-1 B2B platform technology providers by state lotteries across global regulated markets. It works closely with leading European national lotteries including Veikkaus (Finland), Norsk Tipping (Norway), OPAP (Greece), National Lottery Malta, Danske Spil (Denmark), and Szerencsejáték Zrt. (Hungary).

Nikolina Gabelica, Head of Lottery, EveryMatrix, said: “For EveryMatrix, joining NASPL is about long-term commitment. We work closely with several leading European national lotteries and understand the balance between innovation, regulation, and public responsibility.

“Combined with our broader experience across regulated iGaming markets globally, we bring practical insights and advanced technology to the US lottery community, and we are looking forward to building and further developing meaningful relationships there.”

The post EveryMatrix expands global lottery footprint with NASPL membership appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.