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UK betting technology supplier 20SHOTS accelerate funding with £400,000 raise at £5m valuation

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  • 20SHOTS have geared up for the new football season in the UK by securing additional investment in a second funding round, including securing the backing of US VC Animal Capital

  • New season will see new product rollout for popular Fantasy5 free-to-play fantasy football game, covering Champions League, Europa League and other European top flights

  • Current growth trajectory sees Fantasy5 on course to recruit half a million players this season

20SHOTS, the UK technology supplier behind fast-growing free-to-play fantasy football game Fantasy5, have secured an additional £400,000 of investment at a £5 million valuation, with backers including Gen-Z focused US Venture Capital fund Animal Capital.

The American fund that counts social media stars Josh Richards, Griffin Johnson and Noah Beck focus on products that reach a new generation of customers. They have invested an undisclosed sum in 20SHOTS for the new football season, which will see the platform roll out its largest range of products added to its Fantasy5 game to date.

Fantasy5’s Premier League product, which uses a unique points system developed in-house based on fantasy football, offers cash prizes to winners who can successfully predict how well players will perform per gameweek.

Using their own risk management system and algorithmic trading software, the company will now look to supplement this with additional games covering the Champions League, Europa League and other top European leagues.

The roll out of additional leagues coupled with Fantasy5’s existing growth – bolstered last season by the recruitment of BoyleSports as its first tier one UK & Ireland bookmaker partner – keeps the game on course to break the 500,000 player mark.

Prizes for the additional leagues will remain at the standard £10,000 mark, as offered to Premier League players, and offer partners an increase in engagement and retention. 83% of players who played in the last four rounds last season have made an entry in the first two weeks. The investment in Fantasy5 also comes in advance of the Government’s highly-anticipated White Paper review of the gambling industry, which is likely to see traditional marketing practices come under scrutiny, creating additional need for operators to engage customers beyond traditional channels.

Jacob Kalms, co-founder and CEO of 20SHOTS said: “We’re pleased to welcome Animal Capital as investors as part of our most recent founding round which has raised £400,000 in capital.

“As demand grows in the ultra-competitive free-to-play space, we’re investing in our ability to quickly and seamlessly roll out products and games on a white label basis for a number of different partners across multiple divisions and competitions – with the ultimate objective of using the technology seamlessly across the most popular sports worldwide.

“Our growth model forecasts we will break the half a million player mark this season, with our scaling driving down the cost of acquisition for partners whilst maintaining our engagement, dwell and retention rates considerably above industry averages.”

He added: “Operators should also be considering how free-to-play and softer marketing funnels like those offered by games like Fantasy5 will help them navigate any changes thrust upon them by the upcoming gambling review. Whilst our audience is ultimately commercially valuable to any operator or affiliate, Fantasy5 remains a sustainable way to build a loyal audience over time.”

Marshall Sandman, Managing Partner of Animal Capital said: “In a crowded market of fantasy, free to play, and pay-to-play sports betting, 20SHOTS distinguishes itself with a best in class team and direction that has allowed the product to stand out distinctly and early.

“Their flagship game Fantasy5 is an early hit, their B2B relationships are uniquely positioned to make this an exciting asset and their ability to resonate and be sticky with a younger audience are all reasons why we were excited to be on the journey.

“Jacob the CEO and his team have conviction and direction, and they will continue to prove why they deserve to be big fish in this pond!”

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EvenBet Gaming

EvenBet Gaming expands poker offering with new side games designed to drive additional operator growth

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EvenBet Gaming, a leading developer of online gaming software and solutions, has enhanced its poker platform with the launch of two in-house side games, designed to boost player engagement and open new revenue opportunities for operators.

The new titles, Baccarat and Hold’em Guess’em, provide entertaining options for players between hands, during breaks, or while waiting for the next round. Both games are fully compatible with desktop and mobile devices, allowing seamless transitions between poker and side gameplay without disrupting the session.

Baccarat: Classic Casino Action at the Poker Table

EvenBet Gaming brings the iconic Player vs Banker card game to the poker environment. Players can bet on predefined outcomes with fixed payouts, while all card draws are managed by a random number generator. Baccarat can be launched in a separate window and revisited at any time, making it an ideal low-attention side game for poker sessions.

For operators, Baccarat introduces a new revenue model with a fully customisable house edge, allowing the experience to be tailored to specific business strategies. The game is particularly appealing to Asian markets, where Baccarat enjoys enduring popularity.

Hold’em Guess’em: Predict the Winning Hand

In partnership with BetChill, EvenBet Gaming has developed Hold’em Guess’em, a single-player prediction game that combines familiar Texas Hold’em mechanics with a simple betting twist. Players predict the winning hand of a real-time Texas Hold’em deal.

The game automatically calculates odds based on win probability and the pre-set house edge. Bets, potential wins, and limits are updated in real-time, creating a fast, intuitive, and engaging gameplay experience. Hold’em Guess’em is designed to attract both traditional poker enthusiasts and casino audiences looking for quick, skill-light entertainment.

Strengthening the Side Game Portfolio

With the introduction of Baccarat and Hold’em Guess’em, EvenBet Gaming now offers three proprietary side games, joining Cowboy Hold’em, which launched in 2025. These new releases complement the company’s growing product ecosystem, which also includes Spins Poker and One Click Poker, all focused on increasing player engagement and diversifying monetisation opportunities for operators.

Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, commented:

“Side games are an effective way for operators to increase poker revenue while keeping players entertained between rounds.

Baccarat is a globally recognised casino favourite, with particular appeal in Asia, while Hold’em Guess’em introduces a unique, prediction-based mechanic to the market. Together, these titles expand the entertainment options on our platform and allow operators to reach new audiences beyond traditional poker players.”

These additions reinforce EvenBet Gaming’s strategy of combining innovative gameplay with proven casino mechanics, enhancing both player retention and operator revenue across multiple markets.

The post EvenBet Gaming expands poker offering with new side games designed to drive additional operator growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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CRYSTAL ROULETTE

PRAGMATIC PLAY INTRODUCES STRIKING TRANSPARENT WHEEL IN CRYSTAL ROULETTE

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Pragmatic Play, a leading iGaming content provider, has introduced Crystal Roulette, a new live casino title that reimagines the classic table game with a visually distinctive transparent wheel set in a high-end studio environment.

At the centre of the experience is a sleek, see-through roulette wheel, offering a fresh visual twist on traditional gameplay. The custom-built studio enhances immersion through cinematic presentation and exclusive camera angles, giving players a unique perspective on every spin.

High-definition close-ups showcase the transparent wheel in detail, while the game retains the core elements of European roulette, including standard betting options and racetrack functionality, ensuring a familiar yet elevated experience.

To further support gameplay, advanced statistics tools provide insights into previous rounds, helping players make more informed betting decisions.

By combining modern aesthetics with a proven format, Crystal Roulette delivers an engaging addition for operators looking to diversify their live casino offerings and attract players with something visually unique.

The release follows other recent live casino titles from Pragmatic Play, including Free Bet Blackjack and The Bingo Spot, further strengthening the provider’s premium portfolio.

Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said:

“Crystal Roulette introduces a bold new visual identity to a classic game. With its transparent wheel and custom-built studio, paired with traditional gameplay, it offers players a live casino experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.”

The post PRAGMATIC PLAY INTRODUCES STRIKING TRANSPARENT WHEEL IN CRYSTAL ROULETTE appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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APOSTAR S.A.

GoldenRace Partners with CPT to Launch Virtual Betting in Colombia

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GoldenRace, the globally recognized leader in virtual sports, has announced a strategic partnership with Colombia Poker Tour, a member of the transnational network APOSTAR S.A..

This collaboration introduces GoldenRace’s cinematic-quality virtual sports to Colombian bettors, marking a major milestone in the country’s virtual betting landscape.

Martin Wachter, CEO and Founder of GoldenRace, stated, “Latin America, especially Colombia, has always been a priority. This alliance allows us to bring our leading technology to an audience that truly values the quality and thrill of virtual sports.”

Transforming Virtual Betting in Colombia

The partnership is seen as a turning point for the local iGaming industry. According to Ana Catalina Rojas, Director of Products and Services at BetPlay, virtual betting “connects different audiences and opens huge opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and market engagement.”

Colombian users will gain access to GoldenRace’s most popular virtual products, combining hyper-realistic simulations with fast-paced, engaging gameplay.

Key GoldenRace Offerings in Colombia

  • Horse Racing: Players experience high-definition, cinematic races that replicate the excitement of real-world racetracks.
  • Greyhound Racing: Fast-paced and dynamic, ideal for players seeking immediate results and continuous thrills.
  • Virtual Football: The most played virtual sport worldwide, featuring real odds and an interface that mirrors top global leagues, giving Colombian bettors an authentic football betting experience.

Commitment to Regulated Markets

This partnership reinforces GoldenRace’s focus on expanding into highly regulated markets. By integrating its cutting-edge technology into CPT’s platform, the alliance ensures both quality and compliance, providing local operators with top-tier virtual betting products.

The collaboration also aligns with CPT and APOSTAR S.A.’s mission to offer the best gaming experiences to their community, while helping to drive growth and innovation in Colombia’s betting sector.

The Future of Virtual Sports in Colombia

With GoldenRace’s cinematic technology and CPT’s established network, Colombian bettors can now enjoy a next-level virtual betting experience. This alliance sets the stage for a more immersive and engaging iGaming environment, connecting racing and football fans across the country.

The post GoldenRace Partners with CPT to Launch Virtual Betting in Colombia appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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