Asia
Iker Casillas signs with FUN88 as its brand ambassador ahead of the World Cup 2022
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.
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Asia
IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur
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The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.
After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.
“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”
As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.
IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.
The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming
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Buenas PH, the licensed e-casino operator under HHR Philippines Inc (HHRPI), has been named the presenting partner of YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers. The partnership builds on the strong momentum created during the recent launch of YGS Live, a next-generation iGaming broadcast platform founded by esports pioneer Julius “Banoobs” Mariano.
Buenas PH is backed by strong corporate leadership that firmly establishes its position in the iGaming and entertainment industry. HHR Philippines is venture-backed by publicly listed Pacific Online Systems Corporation (POSC), led by Willy N. Ocier, who serves as Chairman of Belle Corporation. Belle Corporation is SM Investment’s major developer of leisure and tourism destinations built to support the growth of PAGCOR’s Entertainment City. This corporate foundation strengthens Buenas PH’s credibility and long-term direction as it grows in the regulated iGaming sector.
The Battle of the Streamers is the flagship program of YGS Live. Powered by Pragmatic Play and streamed through the soon-to-be-launched Loco Live platform, the event brings together the country’s top iGaming creators in a weekly competition featuring an eleven-million-peso prize pool. As one of the first major events to debut on Loco Live, the program showcases the platform’s commitment to high-quality, responsible, and community-driven iGaming content. It also reinforces YGS Live’s advocacy for responsible iGaming by discouraging creators from promoting unlicensed or scam platforms.
“Through this partnership, Buenas PH supports a mission that elevates Philippine iGaming to a safer and more responsible environment,” said Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, Founder of YGS Live. “Our creators have influence. We want that influence to help shape a healthier culture for fans and players.”
Industry reports have highlighted Pacific Online’s active participation in the growth of regulated online gaming in the Philippines, including its involvement in HHR Philippines and the Buenas operator. These developments strengthen confidence in the company’s long-term direction as a regulated and ethical player in the e-casino sector.
As the presenting partner, Buenas PH takes a central role throughout the Battle of the Streamers program, which runs every Saturday and culminates in a grand finals event on January 18, 2026, at City of Dreams Manila. The event combines high-stakes matches with interactive community segments, along with three million pesos in community giveaways for fans and viewers.
YGS Live continues to position itself as a broadcast network dedicated to responsible, community-driven iGaming content. With Buenas PH as a lead partner, the platform aims to set a new benchmark for safe, creator-focused, and credible iGaming entertainment in the Philippines.
For updates, visit the official YGS Live Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YGSLive.
The post Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
BetConstruct AI Arrives at G2E Asia 2025 in Manila
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After exhibiting at more than 30 events throughout the year, BetConstruct AI concludes its global calendar at G2E Asia 2025. The exhibition will take place from 10 to 11 December in Manila, Philippines, providing an important stage to present the company’s strategic vision, technological capability and integrated approach to one of Asia’s most influential industry gatherings.
As the Asian iGaming community converges in Manila, BetConstruct AI will welcome visitors at Stand N2-618 to explore an ecosystem designed for operators seeking direction, efficiency and long term growth. Attendees will encounter more than a standard product lineup. They will enter an environment shaped around intelligence, integration and practical value, demonstrating how a connected ecosystem tailored to the Asian market can strengthen performance across digital and retail operations.
As part of its participation at G2E Asia, the company will also highlight its limited-time commercial offer. Operators who sign new agreements on or before 15 January 2026 will receive a 50% reduction on setup fees, tools and services for one year. This initiative provides a more accessible starting point for those planning to expand, introduce new skins or develop their strategic roadmap for 2026.
Central to this environment are the established pillars of the company’s ecosystem, the Sportsbook and the Casino Suite. These pillars represent the depth, coverage, personalisation and consistent multi-channel performance required for reliable operational success. They serve as the entry point into a broader structure where player engagement, loyalty progression and operator creativity form essential components of sustained development.
Within this broader structure, The Last Battle presents a distinctive approach to progression and player value, turning loyalty into a dynamic, evolving experience. Land-Based Solutions extend intelligent capability into physical venues, supported by tools that modernise retail operations, while Loya strengthens player relationships inside every shop through a dedicated loyalty framework.
Affigates, presented separately within the ecosystem, offers an independent affiliate network prioritising reach, reliability and partnership within a trusted global framework.
Supporting every element of the ecosystem is the AI Suite, the analytical core that connects insight with action. CRM AI strengthens engagement through behavioural understanding.
Umbrella AI reinforces operational confidence by identifying potential risks early and supporting informed decisions. The AI Game Recommendation System elevates personalisation by matching each player with content aligned to their preferences. Together, these components form the intelligence framework that drives the entire BetConstruct AI environment.
The presence at G2E Asia reflects the company’s commitment to building technology that is adaptable, comprehensive and aligned with emerging opportunities across the region.
The post BetConstruct AI Arrives at G2E Asia 2025 in Manila appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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