Asia

FUN88 unveils Tony Parker as its brand ambassador for Asia

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Basketball superstar and four-time NBA Championships winner, Tony Parker, has been unveiled as an official brand ambassador for FUN88, the powerhouse Asian sports betting operator.

In this new landmark role for FUN88, Parker will assist in fronting a series of dedicated promotions and thematic activations for one of the most popular and progressive sportsbook operators in Asia. This innovative partnership begins with immediate effect, leveraging long-term scope for collaboration.

Adored and recognized around the world after 18 storied years in the NBA (17 of which were at the San Antonio Spurs franchise, for whom he contested five NBA Finals and won one MVP award in 2007), Parker’s distinguished history, international appeal and commitment to excellence on and off the court make him a hot-hand ambassador for a brand that is setting the pace across the planet’s biggest continent as the leading igaming platform. The 41-year-old now follows in the sizeable strides of Steve Nash and the late, great Kobe Bryant on FUN88 ambassadorial duties.

Parker’s engaging character, peerless speed and skill seamlessly chime with FUN88’s own core values around the responsiveness and agility of its underlying technology and client-facing site, both pre-game and in-play, not to mention its dynamic customer service for fans. His rapier reflexes famously shut out initial media assessments about his lack of stature by the NBA’s towering standards – and this underdog spirit, coupled with an ability to routinely surpass expectations, made this Hall of Famer a ready winner with sporting fan-bases worldwide. As eloquent examples, Parker boasts a 2M following on X (formerly known as Twitter), over 3M followers on Facebook, and 1M fans on Weibo in China.

FUN88 prides itself on its rich heritage in basketball and other international sports, with a roll call of stars and teams that positively separates the company from other brands in the sector. To which end, FUN88 has been highly active in global sports marketing over the past decade, and presently acts as the long-term Asian betting partner of two Premier League clubs in Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United FC while also leveraging another enduring ambassadorship with Spanish footballing legend, Iker Casillas. FUN88 has also enjoyed instrumental associations with the aforementioned Bryant, the renowned OG Dota 2 team in eSports, and cricketing stars Daren Sammy and Dale Steyn.

Now, this Tony Parker announcement sets up the new NBA season perfectly for further ambitious expansion from FUN88, broadening its footprint into more emerging markets where basketball’s popularity and audience share is coming to its zenith (e.g. China, the Philippines and South East Asia countries such as Thailand and Vietnam), with each new territory bolstered by the operator’s enduring mantra to engage, educate and entertain.

A senior spokesperson welcomed FUN88’s latest flagship ambassador: “We’re naturally delighted to have secured further net gains for FUN88’s unrivalled ambassadorial roster by signing Tony. He’s one of the most successful sports personalities his country has ever produced and retains a huge popularity worldwide. We’re confident that fans and FUN88 players alike will enjoy seeing Tony shine a light on the sport he loves, and share in his infectious enthusiasm with an engaged social media community.”

“His famous No. 9 jersey may have been retired, but his legacy and excitement for the game are as strong as ever. Together, we are committed to achieving our goals in the most engaging way possible, raising the bar of the end-user experience and social traction.”

Parker, who becomes FUN88’s third Hall of Fame ambassador from the NBA, added: “I’m thrilled to be following Steve and Kobe’s lead as FUN88’s latest basketball frontman, as we look forward to an exciting renewal of the NBA campaign. They have built a brand here which directly aligns with my playing values of speed and strength, underpinned by a desire to operate as a team and confound the critics. Everyone used to tell me I was too small and too slight to make it in the NBA. That lit a fire in my soul and helped me inspire my teammates. It’s a combination that’s vital to winning any game and also entertaining your audience.”

“With that in mind, I can’t wait to help deliver more premium content, insights and activity to emerging Asian markets, and the basketball fans within them. From China to Thailand, these fans are making it rain! Hopefully, we can find some innovative offers and deeper connections for players to better engage with the sports they love.”

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 sports-friendly environment framed by a responsible igaming 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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2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards

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

Published

1 week 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.

The post Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.