Latest News
Sky Bet signs five-year title partnership extension with the English Football League
Sky Bet – part of Flutter Entertainment – has signed a record five-year partnership extension with the English Football League (EFL) that will see Sky Bet continue as the League’s title partner until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.
Building on a decade-long partnership, the new rights fee represents a 50% increase from Sky Bet, providing significant revenues for EFL Clubs and support for the League’s overriding objective to make Clubs financially sustainable across all divisions.
The deal will also see Sky Bet invest £1 million per season and £6 million in total into a Community Fund held by the EFL to be invested into communities across England and Wales where EFL Clubs are located. Sky Bet and the EFL will use the funding to deliver activity via the EFL Trust and the network of Club Community Organisations (CCOs), with the initiatives in focus to be mutually agreed by the organisations.
Having first been agreed in 2013, the partnership – one of the longest and most significant in UK professional sport – is centred around a clear Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations that sets out how to deliver our joint objectives in a socially responsible way. This has always and rightly placed safer gambling at its heart, while also establishing a framework that allows us to engage the millions of EFL fans and connect them with the teams, players, and communities that they passionately support.
The MoU will continue to put the protection of children and other vulnerable individuals at its heart with both Sky Bet and the EFL making a renewed commitment to its approach in the promotion of the product.
Examples within the MoU include:
- Sky Bet will not actively market themselves or their products in family areas of club stadiums or advertise to young fans
- The EFL will dedicate a proportion of its central inventory to promote safer gambling messaging and support Sky Bet’s safer gambling campaigns
- Sky Bet will fund a player education programme across the EFL’s 72 clubs that will focus on the potential dangers of gambling and provide support and advice
Both Sky Bet and the EFL will share learnings and insight from the partnership with Government, other sports and sector stakeholders to help inform the new sports sponsorship Code of Conduct which is being developed in accordance with the Gambling Act Review White Paper’s proposals.
Flutter recently welcomed the publication of the Gambling Act Review, which we see as a significant positive moment for the UK gambling sector, raising standards and bringing the regulatory framework into the digital age.
As part of the agreement, Sky Bet will continue as Official Title Partner of the Sky Bet EFL and Sky Bet Play-Offs on a worldwide basis. Sky Bet will also have rights to award the official Manager, Player and Goal of the Month awards as well as the seasonal ‘Golden Boot’ and ‘Golden Glove’ awards in each division.
Commenting, Steve Birch, Sky Bet Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “I’m extremely proud of Sky Bet’s ongoing partnership with the EFL and delighted to have reached today’s agreement. Football is central to who we are and it’s great to be able to support the game and provide investment for Clubs across the Pyramid.
I’m particularly delighted that we can go one step further today with the announcement of our Sky Bet EFL Community Fund, seeking to make a real difference for people across England and Wales.
As the recent Sky Bet Play-Off Finals demonstrated, the EFL is going from strength to strength with packed grounds and millions watching games here in the UK and around the world.
We are absolutely committed to Safer Gambling, and I’m delighted that our partnership with the EFL shows how responsible betting and gaming operators, and sporting organisations can work together to promote safer gambling and tackle the issue of gambling harm.”
Commenting, Trevor Birch, EFL Chief Executive said: “For over a decade, Sky Bet has been a valuable partner for EFL Clubs, offering sustained investment to help Clubs navigate a volatile financial landscape and ensure fans can enjoy fantastic footballing entertainment in every corner of the country.
We have consistently seen our partnership evolve to move with the times and with community at the heart of the EFL, a new community investment fund is perfectly aligned and will help strengthen the partnership’s commitment to social responsibility.
The Government’s recent Gambling White Paper highlighted the social responsibility measures that have accompanied our partnership with Sky Bet as being an example of good practice for the wider sports sector to learn from and we will look to deepen our commitment to the promotion of safer gambling as part of this extension.
On behalf of our Clubs we thank Sky Bet for its ongoing support to English football and we look forward to seeing our much-loved competition develop yet further with the additional certainty this investment provides.”
FreezeNova
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Latest News
Week 51/2024 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has released its epic samurai saga, Geisha’s Revenge. Set among Japan’s opulent teahouses, the game follows leading light Ayane on her quest to seek justice for her family by the ruthless samurai. Geisha’s Revenge is a video slot presented within a framework that has five reels, the first of which has five rows and the next four have six rows.
3…2…1… Get ready for blastoff in Wild Moonsters, the latest intergalactic slot adventure from in-demand studio, Silverback Gaming. Players go on a cosmic thrill tide as they navigate a hexagon game grid to create stellar clusters of 4+ matching symbols to form wins. They also need to keep their eyes out for the Wild symbol, which shoots excitement, and big win potential, into the stratosphere.
TaDa Gaming has released its latest slot game, Lucky Jaguar. With three rows, three reels and five fixed play lines, this fast gameplay slot delivers wild bonuses and multiplier bonuses alongside the TaDa Extra Bets and Lock and Respin features. The wealth of the Aztec empire is waiting in Lucky Jaguar in both the main game and the bonus game, which can trigger randomly at any time to deliver the Lock and Respin feature.
ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of live content, continues to push boundaries with the addition of slots to its growing game portfolio. The provider’s slot games will combine classic mechanics, engaging narratives and fun characters offering players an interactive experience throughout. The first slot titles to go live will be Solar Sands, Vitamin Joy, Tortuga Fortune and Juicy Coins: Hold & Win with ICONIC21 planning to launch one slot per month in 2025. The slots are high volatility ones, with max wins ranging from x300 to x36,000. Wild & Scatter Symbols, Hold & Win, Bonus Rounds, Multipliers and Free Spins ensure the games have a fluid, entertaining gameplay.
BGaming takes the concept of the ever-popular premium rubber duck stores and swings open the doors to its own slot version in Lucky Ducky X-Mas Edition. This quacky festive title features the popular MergeUp™(patent pending) mechanic with nine levels, Free Spins with multipliers up to x128, and both the Buy Bonus and Chance x2 buttons.
Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth, an underwater adventure combining engaging visuals and innovative features. The game features a 3×3 reel layout with symbols inspired by marine life and hidden treasures. Poseidon serves as the Wild symbol, while his Trident activates the Bonus Game when paired with Bonus symbols. With Trident Magic, Poseidon’s Trident collects values from Bonus symbols, while Trident Shot can trigger a transformation of random symbols on reels 1 or 3 into Bonus symbols, increasing the likelihood of activating the Bonus Game.
Nolimit City returns to the most profitable sweatshop in the business in Outsourced: Payday. Workers have been replaced by claws who never call in sick! This Labs-branded slot takes the Outsourced theme to the next level. This is yet another experimental game that changes the way players enjoy Nolimit City’s slots.
Battle the beast and claim untold riches in Jolly Roger Wild Kraken! This high-seas pirate expedition takes players deep into the Kraken’s lair, where treasures await those brave enough to face the fury of the legendary Wild Kraken. Play’n GO’s latest release brings back Captain Red Roger in an all-new nautical escapade. Having braved countless dangers in search of treasure, Roger now sets his sights on Kraken Deeps – a perilous archipelago shrouded in mystery and riches.
PopOK Gaming announced the launch of Papai Noel da Fortuna, the latest holiday-themed slot game. Just in time for the season of joy, this exciting release captures the magic of Christmas and New Year with festive fun, dazzling rewards, and immersive gameplay. Step into a winter wonderland where Santa Claus himself takes center stage, filling the reels with sparkling ornaments, golden bells, and overflowing gift bags. With Papai Noel da Fortuna, every spin is a celebration of holiday cheer and fortune.
ELA Games, a modern and trailblazing game development studio, announces the release of its latest game, Wealth of Legends. The slot aims to attract players of various audiences with its unique format, exciting graphics and captivating features. The 5×5 game pays all ways, giving players plenty of opportunities to win during the base game, keeping the playing experience engaging. Landing a coin symbol in the special zone triggers the Hold & Win feature, which begins three free re-spins. Collect special jackpot coins for a lucrative win!
The post Week 51/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market
Industry-leading provider secures license to provide slots and live content in Denmark
Award-winning casino content provider Stakelogic has obtained a license from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, to provide its gaming content in Denmark.
The license will allow Stakelogic to bring its premium portfolio of online casino slots and live dealer content to the Danish market, including recent releases like Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker, Super Wheel Game Show, Trident of Legends, and The Watcher.
Stakelogic is able to partner up with leading Danish operators, establishing itself as a must-have provider in the country. The move further highlights Stakelogic’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European market and exploring new and exciting regulated markets.
The license also further cements the company’s presence in the Scandinavian markets, having secured a license from the Swedish authority, Spelinspektionen, in 2023 and establishing itself as a popular provider among Swedish players.
Denmark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, with a strong focus on customer care and responsible gambling. Stakelogic is proud to have met all the requirements needed to obtain the license, highlighting its commitment to providing players with the best and safest gaming experiences.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, said: “Denmark is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe, and we are proud to have achieved a license to the newly regulated market.
We are grateful to Spillemyndigheden for their support in us and we are excited to take our next steps into the market.”
The post Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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