Latest News
TIGA reveals shortlist for UK Games Education Awards 2023

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK’s video games industry, has revealed the shortlist for the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2023.
These awards recognise outstanding students, education providers and best practice.
The winners of the 12 categories will be announced in a virtual ceremony on Friday September 29th 2023, together with the winner of a special award that will be revealed during the programme.
Creative Assembly, the studio behind the Total War series and new FPS title Hyenas, is the headline sponsor of the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2023. As a multi-award winner for their education work, Creative Assembly utilises the skills and passions of 850 employees to provide industry outreach to students across the globe.
The Awards are further supported by: Gold sponsor Sumo Group, the award winning international family of game development studios; and Bronze sponsor, Lockwood Publishing.
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “The TIGA Education Awards shortlist highlights leaders in games education: outstanding students, excellent providers and good practice in education. Thank you to Creative Assembly, our headline sponsor, Sumo Group, our Gold Sponsor and Lockwood Publishing, our Bronze Sponsor, for supporting excellence in skills and learning, and for making the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2023 possible. We look forward to revealing the crème de la crème when we announce the winners of the Awards on September 29th.”
Sophie Bryan, Head of HR, Creative Assembly, said: “We are pleased to sponsor yet another year of the TIGA UK Games Education Awards and to present the Creative Assembly Best Student Game Award. It is an opportunity to support and promote excellence in games education which is a priority for our Legacy Project education outreach work. Each year, through the awards, we see an incredible calibre of students and educational practice and this year is no different; congratulations to all shortlisted.”
Christina Haralambous, Group Director of Communications & Marketing, Sumo Group, said: “Sumo Group is delighted to be sponsoring the TIGA UK Games Education Awards for 2023. Nurturing, supporting and celebrating future talent, and those that help educate that talent, is important to continue to move our industry forward. Congratulations to all those on the shortlist for these prestigious awards.”
Halli Bjornsson, CEO of Lockwood Publishing, said: “The TIGA Games Education Awards recognise achievements and spur further progress in education and skills. Congratulations to all of our finalists and I look forward to seeing the winners.”
TIGA’s charity partner for the Games Education Awards 2023 is The Passage. The Passage’s vision is of a society where street homelessness no longer exists and where everyone has a place to call home. Founded in 1980, The Passage provides practical support and a wide range of services to help transform the lives of people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Guided by their Vincentian values, The Passage offers their clients resources and solutions to prevent or end their homelessness for good. The charity runs a modern Resource Centre in London, helping people to find routes to employment, benefits and stable accommodation; four residential projects, outreach and health services and homelessness prevention schemes.
TIGA GAMES EDUCATION AWARDS 2023 SHORTLIST
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: ARTIST
- Abertay University: Daniel Tolland
- Birmingham City University: Joseph Gordon
- Norwich University of the Arts: George Kee
- Norwich University of the Arts: Salene Tarling
- Staffordshire University: Megan-Louise Morris
- Staffordshire University: Aaron Burnhope
- University of Gloucestershire: Sam Carrier
- University of Hertfordshire: Maxine Lugg
- University of Hertfordshire: Diana Karakushyan
- University of Portsmouth: Victoria Primmer
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: AUDIO
- Birmingham City University: Zih-Syuan Yang
- Norwich University of the Arts: Rhys Anthony
- Staffordshire University: Felype Goncalves Fernandes
- University of Portsmouth: Antti Liakka
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: COMPUTER GAMES TECHNOLOGY
- Abertay University: Rhys Duff
- Abertay University: Justin Syfrig
- Birmingham City University: Nadia Nadeem
- Bournemouth University: Annie Holliday
- Staffordshire University: Davide Pelino
- Staffordshire University: Conner Pittaway
- University of Portsmouth: Siddhesh Swamy
- University of Portsmouth: Victoria Primmer
- University of the West of England: William Whitehouse
- University of the West of England: Zac Collins
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: DESIGNER
- Abertay University: Dominik Gawron
- Brunel University: Rui Silva
- Bournemouth University: Archie McGrath
- Bournemouth University: Ethan Shellard
- City, University of London: Ayotunde Norman-Williams
- Norwich University of the Arts: Szymon Garczynski
- Staffordshire University: Jade Staines
- Staffordshire University: Olivia Cross
- Staffordshire University: Tyler Timlin
- University of Portsmouth: Liam Peachey
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: PROGRAMMER
- Abertay University: Bridget Casey
- Birmingham City University: Ryan Westwood
- Bournemouth University: Ethan Shellard
- Sheffield Hallam University: Chae Taylor
- Sheffield Hallam University: Benjamin Kimberley
- Staffordshire University: Arnav Mehta
- University of Gloucestershire: Pheobe Pudge
- University of the West of England: William Whitehouse
- University of Portsmouth: Kian Bennett
- University of Portsmouth: Ethan Crooks
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: PRODUCTION/ENTERPRISE
- Abertay University: Lyes Oussaiden
- Bournemouth University: Anita Oyebola
- Bournemouth University: Dario Splendido
- Bournemouth University: Giorgos Karambasis-Rodriguez
- University of Hertfordshire: Zuzana Remenarova
- University of Hertfordshire: Darina Koycheva
- University of Portsmouth: Joshua Hammond
- University of Portsmouth: Zane Oliver
- University of Portsmouth: Patrick Rotzetter
OUTSTANDING TIGA POST-GRADUATE OF THE YEAR
- Sheffield Hallam University: Benjamin Kimberley
- Sheffield Hallam University: Chae Taylor
- Staffordshire University: Jamie Linnell
- University of Hertfordshire: Muthuramalingam Ponnilavan
- University of Hertfordshire: Reshu Shrestha
- University of Hertfordshire: Safwan Sadik
- University of Portsmouth: Adam Jerrett
DIVERSITY AWARD
- London College of Communication, University of the Arts, London
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
EXCELLENCE IN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE – INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- Staffordshire University
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
INNOVATIVE TEACHING
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
EXCELLENCE IN GAMES RESEARCH
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- Bournemouth University
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Game Intelligence (IGGI)
- Sheffield Hallam
- Staffordshire University
- University of Greenwich
CREATIVE ASSEMBLY BEST STUDENT GAME
- Abertay University: Slipways
- Birmingham City University: Checkmate Evolution
- Bournemouth University: Rum Runner’s Revenge
- City, University of London: WAFFLE
- London College of Communication, University of the Arts London: Letter Wars
- Norwich University of the Arts: Dog Walking Simulator
- Sheffield Hallam University: Death Rebuke
- Staffordshire University: Prepare to Dine
- University of Gloucestershire: Burger Zombies
- University of Greenwich: Void Edge
- University of Hertfordshire: My Shadow
- University of Portsmouth: Malltopia
- University of the West of Scotland: Project Retro Museum
TIGA has also today unveiled its Graduates of the Year, listing 89 outstanding graduates and post-graduates in games.
a betting platform
BETesporte Reinforces Commitment to Sports with Major Investments Across Brazil

Investment in championships, clubs, and national teams expands media assets and positions BETesporte as a key player in Brazil’s sports market.
BETesporte, a betting platform that proudly carries “sports” in its name, is reaffirming its leadership in the industry by reporting consistent investment results over the past four months. While most betting platforms generate the majority of their revenue from online games (virtual casinos), BETesporte stands out as one of the few where sports betting leads the way — accounting for 65% of its total revenue, compared to 35% from online games. This figure directly reflects its brand strategy and commitment to strengthening Brazilian sports.
“Over the last four months, we’ve consolidated our presence on multiple fronts, focusing on strategic returns and high-quality visibility. We’ve sponsored several state championships in all regions of the country, including the Paulista, Paranaense, Carioca, Alagoano, Gaúcho, Pernambucano, Cearense, Catarinense, Baiano, and Mineiro tournaments, as well as the highly engaging Copa do Nordeste. We’ve also invested in Series A and B of the Brasileirão, placing our brand on Brazil’s biggest football stages and ensuring mass exposure with a high value per impression. It’s a strategic allocation of resources designed to generate brand impact and strengthen the Brazilian sports ecosystem,” said Thiago Carvalho, CFO at BETesporte.
Among the platform’s most notable recent acquisitions is brand exposure during Brazil’s national team matches in the World Cup Qualifiers — a move that reinforces BETesporte’s presence on the global football stage and strengthens its connection with fans during highly visible moments.
“We truly believe in the power of sports as a driver of connection and engagement. At BETesporte, we’re constantly investing in improving our platform with new features and more real-time betting options. Our marketing plan is performance-oriented: we aim to energize Brazil’s sports scene through active sponsorships in Series A and B of the national league — with master sponsorships, LED field displays, and direct club support. We bet on sports both as a passion and a business,” added Danylo Campos, CTO of BETesporte.
Beyond football, BETesporte is expanding its social impact by supporting up-and-coming athletes, providing financial assistance to help them compete and grow in sports like kickboxing, table tennis, and jiu-jitsu — an initiative that helps uncover new talent and democratize access to high-performance sports.
The company also maintains partnerships with traditional clubs like CRB, CSA, and Volta Redonda, reinforcing its regional presence and boosting local fanbases with strong community ties.
BETesporte’s credibility is further strengthened by the presence of legendary Brazilian football figures as brand ambassadors, including Zico, Vampeta, Diego Souza, and Macaé — personalities who bring even more legitimacy to the company’s presence in the sports world.
The post BETesporte Reinforces Commitment to Sports with Major Investments Across Brazil appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
California Gambling Control Commission
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
-
500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
-
Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
-
Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
-
Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
-
Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
-
HCAL, LLC
-
JCM Global
-
Konami Gaming, Inc.
-
PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
The post California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
Trends in affiliate marketing in 2025 from Boomerang Partners: AI, Personalized Engagement, Crypto, Betting, and Tournaments

Affiliate marketing in 2025 has evolved far beyond just boosting traffic or generating clicks — it’s now all about building value-rich ecosystems and partnerships where each user interaction is fine-tuned for maximum relevance and effectiveness.
Boomerang Partners, a rapidly growing global brand behind the annual Golden Boomerang Awards for affiliate teams around the world, shares insights about the key trends of 2025 in the affiliate marketing industry. These trends are driven by advancements in AI, blockchain, and personalization technologies.
AI-powered optimization
Advanced AI tools empower affiliates to launch highly personalized campaigns on a large scale. By analyzing user behavior in real time, these tools help marketers anticipate user intent and deliver customized content that speaks directly to distinct audience needs.
With AI-powered tools, affiliate managers can plan, execute, and evaluate campaigns with minimal human intervention. This saves time when adjusting strategies and making data-driven decisions.
Personalized engagement
Using data on user behavior and preferences, affiliate managers tailor content, advertising campaigns, and product recommendations. This leads to increased engagement and conversions.
AI-powered personalization relies heavily on real-time insights into user behavior. Key elements include maintaining contextual relevance, steering clear of excessive segmentation, and optimizing content dynamically. Instead of relying on fixed strategies, marketers now continuously refine campaigns using live data. To maximize impact, marketers should combine AI solutions with A/B testing processes, forming a feedback loop that enhances content effectiveness with each iteration.
Crypto betting boom
In 2025, integrating cryptocurrencies into iGaming affiliate marketing will become increasingly prominent. This trend is fueled by industry growth and the increasing adoption of blockchain technology. Using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum increases the security of transactions and provides exposure to an international audience. Cryptocurrencies also open up new revenue streams and foster innovation in the field.
Affiliates integrating cryptocurrency into their platforms have seen advantages like quicker payment processing, reduced transaction costs, and enhanced security. Built on decentralized technology, crypto promotes greater transparency, helping to foster trust compared to conventional centralized financial systems.
Affiliate tournaments
Industry tournaments boost brand visibility and help build strong affiliate communities. Affiliate tournaments have become a trend in the industry. They are mainly organized by affiliate programs and feature valuable prizes — from iPhones and MacBooks to luxury cars and cash rewards. Boomerang Partners took it a step further by launching the annual Global Boomerang Partners Awards.
This year, Boomerang Partners is hosting its second annual tournament for affiliates worldwide, the Golden Boomerang Awards 2025, it runs through May 11. More than 400 teams are participating. Monthly prizes are given out for completing intermediate tasks. The top 30 contestants will reach the finals and compete for 11 awards, including the Grand Prix. They will also be able to attend the global networking event in Milan at San Siro. Registration for the tournament is open until May 5. There’s still time to register before the final prize drawing on May 3. The organizer will ensure the fulfillment of dreams. The winner will choose how to use the prize – for travel, education, or a top device.
Join Boomerang Partners and the Golden Boomerang Awards 2025.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global brand offering a wide range of services. Boomerang is the Official Regional Betting Partner of AC Milan and collaborates with women’s football star and influencer Alisha Lehmann. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards 2024, the first annual global affiliate tournament. Boomerang Partners’ betting segment surged 5x, and gambling — 2x in 2024. Its affiliate program demonstrated a 120% increase in partners, and the number of sports betting offers surged more than 6 times. Six new products were launched by Boomerang in 2024, which contributed to an almost 1.5-fold increase in product users.
Boomerang’s portfolio contains 15+ gambling brands, including sportsbooks. They cover over 35 GEOs and offer a wide range of betting options with favorable odds. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
Betting data provider Pythia Sports launches AI-powered solution to help bidders find the next star racehorse
-
ADG4 days ago
Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Multiple Cease-and-Desists
-
Online7 days ago
Best Online Casinos Ireland – Robocat Ranked Best Irish Casino
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
Bede Gaming receives top level supplier certification from WLA
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
Soft2Bet Wins Three Major Awards at The European – Global Banking & Finance / Sustainability & ESG Awards 2025
-
Latest News4 days ago
BGaming Bakes Some Delicious Slot Fun with Sugar Mix
-
Africa4 days ago
Gaming Corps Expands African Presence with KingMakers Partnership
-
casino7 days ago
Best Real Money Online Casino in USA goes to 7Bit Casino Rated by UJN