Central Europe
NOVOMATIC scores highest brand value increase in 2023

NOVOMATIC ranks second among the country’s most valuable brand companies in the current Austrian Brand Value Study of the European Brand Institute (EBI) and also achieves an excellent 4th place in the Sustainable Brand Ranking with an AAA rating.
Evaluated on the basis of the criteria brand strength, trend development, brand potential and revenue, NOVOMATIC was ranked second among the ten most valuable brand companies in Austria for the fourth time in a row in this year’s ranking by the European Brand Institute. It is especially positive that NOVOMATIC, with a brand value increase of +13.6%, was able to record the largest increase within one year among the top 10 most valuable brands in Austria.
With around 23,900 employees worldwide and activities in more than 100 countries, Europe’s leading gaming technology group was able to increase its brand value to EUR 3.446 billion. Only Red Bull ranks ahead of the gaming technology group in Lower Austria in the country’s top brands. The reasons for this outstanding rating are in particular the continuous growth, the significant increase in revenue and the great commitment to sustainability with the implementation of a comprehensive corporate responsibility and ESG program. In addition, the European Brand Institute surveyed the contribution of brand companies to sustainable development in Austria as part of its Sustainable Brand Rating. NOVOMATIC takes an excellent 4th place in this with an AAA rating.
“The excellent rankings in both the brand value and the sustainable brand ranking once again prove the success of our sustainable corporate strategy, according to which success can only be achieved by embracing our responsibility. Sustainable brands create trust and are an important basis for our business success against the background of the increasing importance of the sustainability dimension”, emphasizes NOVOMATIC Executive Board Member Johannes Gratzl.
Based on the annually published ranking of the “trend-TOP500 most profitable Austrian companies” by the business magazine Trend, the Austrian Brand Value Study evaluated the nationwide top 10 companies for the 20th time. The ranking for the year 2023 included a total of 180 Austrian brand companies from 16 industry segments, which are over 45 percent Austrian-owned and whose brand value is evaluated according to the current international standards ISO 10668 and ÖNORM A 6800.
Copyright: European Brand Institute
BERANI ZLÍN hockey club
SYNOT Once Again the Main Partner of the Berani Zlín Hockey Team

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The SYNOT Group will continue its cooperation with the BERANI ZLÍN hockey club as its main partner in the upcoming season. This builds on last year’s partnership, which became an important driver for the further development of hockey in Zlín.
The continued support from SYNOT is a clear signal that investment in sports remains one of the company’s priorities. Ice hockey is perceived as an essential part of community life, bringing joy to fans of all generations and inspiring young athletes to spend their free time actively.
The partnership will once again be reflected in the visibility of the SYNOT brand – from players’ jerseys to the ice rink and other club materials.
As one of the traditional names in Czech sports, the Zlín hockey club holds a special place in the country’s sporting landscape.
The post SYNOT Once Again the Main Partner of the Berani Zlín Hockey Team appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
GGL Warns: Illegal Online Gambling Puts Young People in Particular at High Risk of Addiction

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Illegal gambling providers target their online offerings specifically at German players. However, without age controls, stake and deposit limits or blocking systems, the risk of gambling addiction can increase – especially among young people. On the occasion of the annual Gambling Addiction Action Day on September 24, 2025, the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (GGL) issued a strong warning against such illegal offerings.
“Anyone who plays illegally plays without protection. Illegal platforms do not offer effective player protection mechanisms. Anyone who plays there runs a significant risk of developing a gambling addiction,” Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL, said.
Preventing gambling addiction is an important part of the GGL’s work. The authority focuses on three key aspects:
Information about risks and protective mechanisms,
Combating illegal offers that pose particular risks,
Control of legal providers to ensure that all player protection regulations are adhered to.
The task of the GGL is to consistently enforce the legal requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling with regard to player protection for permitted providers.
“Sports betting is a growing market; consistent oversight of legal providers, along with combating illegal betting services, is important to protect players and ensure legal certainty in the market,” said Sebastian Buchholz, head of the “Licensing and Supervision of Legal Gambling” department at GGL.
Gambling addiction develops gradually. Anyone who notices warning signs such as increasing stakes or social withdrawal should seek help early.
The post GGL Warns: Illegal Online Gambling Puts Young People in Particular at High Risk of Addiction appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
SYNOT Games Delivers Bespoke Games Exclusively for SazkaHry.sk in the Slovak Market

SYNOT Games has accelerated its growth in the Slovak market through the delivery of branded games exclusively for SazkaHry.sk. Building on its extensive experience and success in the Czech Republic, the company is reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality, customised gaming experiences tailored to local audiences.
As part of this expansion, two branded SYNOT Games titles originally created for Sazka CZ, Pirátska Plavba and Výlet do Vegas 27, have been translated into Slovak. These are not only localised games but exclusive, tailor-made titles that have already been successfully running on the Czech platform. Their adaptation for the Slovak market for the SazkaHry.sk offers a uniquely personalised and immersive experience for local players.
Martina Krajčí, CCO at SYNOT Games, said: “Our long-term partnership with Sazka in the Czech Republic continues to bring excellent results, and we are proud to expand our expertise to Slovakia for Allwyn Slovensko. By providing exclusive localized content for SazkaHry.sk, we ensure a more tailored and engaging experience for players, while continuing to uphold the highest standards in certified, secure gaming.”
Jan Horyna, member of the Allwyn Slovensko Board of Directors, said: “We’re pleased to cooperate with SYNOT Games in Slovakia. Offering branded games exclusive for SazkaHry.sk in the Slovak language is a natural step in offering original content that resonates with Slovak players and builds our position as a trusted operator.”
The post SYNOT Games Delivers Bespoke Games Exclusively for SazkaHry.sk in the Slovak Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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