Asia

Iker Casillas signs with FUN88 as its brand ambassador ahead of the World Cup 2022

Published

3 years ago

November 9, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Iconic Spanish goalkeeper dons a new jersey as front-man for the leading Asian sportsbook operator, calling on fans to “Live Your Dream”

Football legend and World Cup-winning Spanish Captain, Iker Casillas, has taken his gloves off to become the official brand ambassador for Fun88, the powerhouse Asian sports betting operator, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar which runs from 20 November to 18 December.

This breakthrough partnership arrives three short years after FUN88 signed the late, great Kobe Bryant ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. And, like Bryant before him, Casillas has been recruited to encourage fans to “Live Your Dream”, a resounding call-to-action tagline that echoes the best of FUN88’s brand values.

Consequently, the former goalkeeper, one of the game’s most outstanding players thanks to his inspirational leadership roles at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, has undertaken to responsibly promote the transcendent values of competition and entertainment on the World Cup stage, giving greater visibility to the fun and social engagement the game of football can bring to diverse international audiences.

Casillas and FUN88’s combined goal is to enhance fan engagement around the game’s biggest tournament by creating fresh content and discovery opportunities for diverse audiences. This timely partnership is now set to drive deeper engagement amongst soccer supporters across the globe. Accordingly, Casillas now joins the likes of Robbie Fowler, Steve Nash and the much-missed Bryant in Fun88’s historic stable of superstars, all putting their shoulders to the wheel in building the brand’s global sports exposure.

FUN88 will continue its ongoing work to engage with fans across both mature and emerging Asia markets via a series of creative activations and promotions involving Casillas. The brand has also developed a popular presence on social media, where its myriad customers are already interacting through its feeds and forthcoming World Cup content, where many more will benefit from its competitions and premium prize giveaways.

This combined collaboration will also leverage an increasing number of dedicated local channels and promotional activities, all focused on acquisition and retention of a loyal audience both pre-game and in-play. After all, World Cup football is always a tent-pole event for operator performance and correlated marketing targets around long-term new-account acquisition.

A senior spokesperson welcomed FUN88’s new flagship ambassador: “We’re delighted to have signed Iker Casillas to our team as FUN88’s World Cup 2022 brand ambassador. Long story short, he is a leader and an inspiration to all, having made a peerless contribution to both club and international football.

“Unlike other goalkeepers known principally for their safe pairs of hands, Iker was always a natural entertainer on the field with his cat-like reactions and jaw-dropping shot-stopping regularly getting fans out of their seats. Accordingly, he and FUN88 are committed to achieving our goals in the most engaging and enjoyable way possible. Of course, there’ll also be the chance for our customers to gain exclusive insight and analysis from one of the clearest-thinking minds in football – remember, Iker holds the record for the most clean-sheets in the Champions League and for Spain’s national team!

“FUN88 intends to harness this breakout partnership to drive awareness and participation around our progressive brand values across both mature and developing Asian territories. We’re constantly looking for original ways to connect with our customers across digital channels and betting verticals as varied as sportsbook, eSports and casino. Iker is a dream fit for the energy and expertise that FUN88 is delivering across varied markets, where a proven global reputation can deliver on localised challenges, helping push the envelope of technology and raise the game for the end-user experience and social traction.”

Casillas, Spain’s most garlanded captain, added: “I’m excited to be representing FUN88 for this Autumn’s World Cup in Qatar. They have built a brand which directly aligns with my footballing history and sporting passions, underpinned by a desire to fuse fun with fairness and flair across wider sport. It’s a combination that’s vital to winning any game and also entertaining your audience.

“As a result, I look forward to bringing some top-class content and activity to Asian markets with my signature style and professionalism, allowing fans to find new and deeper ways in which to engage with and enjoy the sports they love. It was a penalty-kick decision to commit for me, so live your dream with FUN88!

“In short, I’m energised to be joining a new squad at FUN88 and very grateful for being given the chance to act as their ambassador and public face across an electric World Cup program.”

While FUN88 continues to develop its online offerings for football fans around the world, this latest landmark acquisition highlights its commitment to international representation and fostering a football-friendly environment within a responsible gaming culture.

FUN88 has pioneered the gamified betting experience, thanks to a unique interface and personalised customer service that deliver a cohesive player journey from the log-in until the end result. This seamless experience has also ensured record levels of retention and consumer satisfaction amongst its active base.

2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards

QTech Games wins Innovation of the Year at the 2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards

Published

6 days ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

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

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

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

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

team-india-and-turkiye-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.

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