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55% of Swedish slot players think ‘Bonus Buy’ games should be banned
Exclusive Swedish polling conducted by Play’n GO today also reveals overwhelming general public support for the prohibition of Bonus Buy slot games
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today revealed exclusive polling conducted in Sweden that shows overwhelming support for the prohibition of the controversial slot mechanic featured in ‘Bonus Buy’ games.
The results of a nationally representative survey in Sweden are stark:
- Seven out of ten members of the general Swedish public (69%) support changing the regulation to ban ‘Bonus Buy’ games
- Incredibly, more than half of Swedish slot players (55%) want the game type prohibited too
Among the respondents who want to see the controversial slot game banned, two-thirds of the public (66%), and more than half of slot players in Sweden (52%), believe ‘Bonus Buy’ games exploit vulnerable gamblers.
Further, nearly two-thirds of slot players themselves (63%) think that ‘Bonus Buy’ games result in higher losses for players.
So called ‘Bonus Buy’ games allow players to buy directly into the bonus or free spins round of a slot game, in many cases for hundreds of times more than their initial stake for a single spin.
The controversial game type is banned by some of the world’s leading regulators including KSA of the Netherlands and the UK Gambling Commission, who reiterated their stance in a reminder to all online casino operators back in January 2020 that stated ‘Gambling products must not actively encourage customers to increase their stake or increase the amount they have decided to gamble.’
The findings by Play’n GO also reveal today that Swedish slot players overwhelming think that:
- changing the regulation to align with the UK and the Netherlands regarding ‘Bonus Buy’ games is the ‘responsible thing to do’ (61%)
- a change in the regulation shows that ‘the Swedish government are taking gambling issues seriously (63%)
- they would be proud if the gambling regulator prohibited ‘Bonus Buy’ games (53%)
In December, the Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen reported that Spelpaus, the centralised national self-exclusion system, surpassed 100,000 registered users for the first time.
Commenting on the overwhelming support in Sweden for the prohibition of ‘Bonus Buy’ slot games, Johan Törnqvist, CEO and Co-founder of Play’n GO, said: “Play’n GO has been a consistent and vocal advocate for a sustainable, regulated, and thriving gaming industry that is based around an ‘entertainment-first’ mindset for many years.
“I pledged as far back as 2021 that Play’n GO would never make a Bonus Buy game3 – a decision that has cost us hundreds of millions of Swedish Krona – but I stand by that decision. Bonus buy games are harmful to players, and to the long-term health and sustainability of the entire industry, and they should be excluded from the regulated Swedish market.”
Over half of the Swedish public (51%) described game suppliers who have decided not to make ‘Bonus Buy’ games as ‘responsible’, with more than a quarter choosing ‘ethical’ or ‘brave’.
The exclusive research was conducted among people in Sweden who reported that they played slots at least once per month.
Casino Carrasco
WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers
The prestigious World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP Circuit) is making a highly anticipated return to Latin America in 2026, with GGPoker offering exclusive online satellite tournaments for players aiming to secure a seat at the upcoming Montevideo stop.
Set to take place from May 18 to 25, 2026, the event will be hosted at the iconic Casino Carrasco in Montevideo, bringing together top poker talent from across the region and beyond.
A Major Poker Event Returns to Latin America
The WSOP Circuit Montevideo stop marks a significant moment for the Latin American poker scene, placing the region back in the global spotlight. The tournament series will feature 12 official gold ring events, alongside a full schedule of side tournaments, VIP experiences, and international media coverage.
With its scenic riverside setting and world-class facilities, Casino Carrasco provides an ideal backdrop for what is expected to be one of the most exciting poker festivals of the year.
According to Juan Carreño, Head of Spanish LatAm at GGPoker, the event represents a unique opportunity for players across Latin America to participate in a world-class poker experience in a premier destination.
GGPoker Launches Online Satellite Tournaments
To make the event accessible to a wider audience, GGPoker has introduced a comprehensive schedule of online satellite tournaments, running from March 30 to May 10, 2026.
These qualifiers allow players to secure entry into the live event at a fraction of the cost, with buy-ins and formats designed to suit players of all levels.
Key Satellite Highlights
- $5 Daily Satellites (Mon–Fri): Multiple evening opportunities to qualify affordably
- Freeroll Tournaments (Saturday): Chance to win satellite tickets without entry fees
- $33 Package Qualifiers (Mon–Sat): Pathway to full event packages
- $22 Last Chance Satellites (Sunday): Final opportunities to qualify
- $215 Weekly Final (Sunday): High-stakes qualifier for premium entries
This structured approach ensures consistent opportunities for players worldwide to compete for a seat at the Montevideo event.
|
Day |
Time (UTC +0) |
Tournament Name |
|---|---|---|
|
Mon–Fri |
7-8-9-10-11 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $5 Daily Satellite |
|
Saturday |
8:30 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – Freeroll (5 x $215 satellite tickets) |
|
Mon–Sat |
12 AM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $33 Package Qualifier |
|
Sunday |
8 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $22 Last Chance Satellite |
|
Sunday |
11 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $215 Weekly Final |
High Stakes and Exclusive Rewards
Beyond the prestige of competing in a WSOP Circuit event, players will have the chance to win official WSOP gold rings, one of the most coveted prizes in tournament poker.
Additionally, each event winner will receive a $5,000 package to the WSOP Circuit Championship at the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, adding further incentive for competitors.
This prize structure not only elevates the stakes but also connects the Montevideo stop to the broader global WSOP ecosystem.
Strengthening Latin America’s Poker Scene
The return of the WSOP Circuit to Latin America reflects the region’s growing importance in the global poker landscape. Countries across the continent have seen increased interest in both online and live poker, driven by expanding platforms and international events.
By hosting the event in Uruguay and offering accessible online qualifiers, GGPoker is helping to bridge the gap between online and live poker, enabling more players to transition from digital tables to major international tournaments.
A Premier Destination for Poker Enthusiasts
Montevideo’s blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty makes it an attractive destination for poker players and fans alike. Combined with the luxurious setting of Casino Carrasco, the event promises not only competitive poker action but also a memorable travel experience.
From professional players chasing titles to recreational participants seeking excitement, WSOP Circuit Montevideo 2026 is set to deliver a complete poker festival experience.
Conclusion
With exclusive qualifiers on GGPoker and a prestigious live event in Montevideo, the WSOP Circuit’s return to Latin America marks a major milestone for the region’s poker community.
The combination of accessible online satellites, high-value rewards, and a world-class venue ensures that this stop will be one of the standout events on the 2026 poker calendar.
Reference Article
A similar article about WSOP events and international poker tournaments can be found on PokerNews:
Related article: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/
This site provides comprehensive coverage of WSOP Circuit events, qualifiers, and global poker tournaments.
The post WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth
Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA), the powerhouse behind the globally recognized Esports Awards, has announced the appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer.
The move signals a new phase of growth for the organization as it looks to elevate its live events, expand its intellectual property portfolio, and strengthen premium partnerships across the esports ecosystem.
Based in London, MEGA continues to position itself at the forefront of esports entertainment, with Tremaine now stepping into a key leadership role to guide its next chapter.
A Strategic Leadership Appointment
Having already served as producer for the Esports Awards since 2023, Morgan Tremaine’s promotion formalizes his role within MEGA’s senior leadership team. In his new position, he will oversee the development and production of MEGA’s full events portfolio, including flagship ceremonies and associated digital content.
His appointment reflects MEGA’s ambition to scale its globally recognized event properties and deliver more immersive, high-quality experiences for esports audiences worldwide.
Extensive Experience in Live Production
Tremaine brings over 13 years of experience in live production, content creation, and large-scale event execution. His career spans major media and esports organizations, including roles at TMZ and Esports Engine.
He is also the Founder and CEO of Cuer, a next-generation platform designed to streamline live broadcasts and event production workflows.
Throughout his career, Tremaine has contributed to some of the most high-profile events in gaming and beyond, including TwitchCon and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games streaming initiatives. His portfolio also includes collaborations on Twitch Rivals and major brand activations such as the Fortnite x Polo Ralph Lauren launch.
Collaborations with Global Brands and Talent
Tremaine’s work extends beyond event production into strategic brand partnerships and talent collaborations. He has worked with globally recognized companies such as Ford, Samsung, and Doritos.
In the gaming and streaming space, he has collaborated with leading creators including Pokimane, Quackity, and Botez Sisters, reinforcing his deep connections within the esports and content creator ecosystems.
Driving MEGA’s Event Evolution
In his new role, Tremaine will work closely with publishers, platforms, and commercial partners to shape both the creative and commercial direction of MEGA’s events. His responsibilities will include:
- Leading executive production for flagship ceremonies
- Supporting strategic partnership development
- Enhancing brand integrations and audience engagement
- Driving innovation across live and digital event formats
He will also contribute to MEGA’s agency operations, providing leadership on high-profile client projects and helping scale the company’s production capabilities.
MEGA’s Growing Influence in Esports
Since its inception, MEGA has established itself as a leading force in esports live events. In addition to the Esports Awards, the organization produces major industry ceremonies such as the Decade Awards and the Mobies, setting benchmarks for production quality and audience engagement.
Beyond events, MEGA is committed to supporting the broader gaming ecosystem by nurturing talent, promoting education, and creating opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals.
Vision for the Future
Morgan Tremaine expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the importance of creativity, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of esports events.
Similarly, MEGA co-founder Michael Ashford highlighted Tremaine’s pivotal role in the success of the Esports Awards and expressed confidence in his ability to elevate the company’s event portfolio to new heights.
Conclusion
The appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer marks a significant milestone for MEGA as it continues to expand its global footprint in esports entertainment.
With a proven track record in live production, deep industry connections, and a forward-looking vision, Tremaine is well-positioned to lead MEGA into its next phase—delivering world-class events that captivate audiences and redefine standards in esports and gaming entertainment.
Reference
A similar article on esports events and industry leadership can be found on Esports Insider:
Related article: https://esportsinsider.com/news/esports-awards-production-updates
This source regularly covers leadership changes, event production, and strategic developments in the esports industry.
The post MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
FeedConstruct and East Asia Super League Sign Multi-Year Exclusive Data and Streaming Agreement
FeedConstruct has secured the exclusive worldwide data and streaming betting rights to the East Asia Super League (EASL) under a landmark multi-year agreement. The deal takes immediate effect, covering the remaining final stages of the 2025/2026 season as well as full future campaigns.
EASL, widely regarded as the Champions League of professional men’s basketball in East Asia, features top-performing teams from leading leagues across Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and Macau S.A.R.
Through this partnership, FeedConstruct’s global network of partners will gain access to premium, exclusive coverage of EASL action. The agreement spans all international territories excluding Hong Kong, with coverage beginning right away as the 2025/2026 Quarterfinals tip off on March 18.
Narek Harutyunyan, CEO at FeedConstruct, commented: “Signing a multi-year agreement with EASL is an important step for FeedConstruct. East Asia is a fast-growing region for sports, with strong fan engagement and increasing demand for quality content. Through this partnership, we aim to provide our partners with reliable access to EASL competitions across our global network.”
EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins added: “We are thrilled to join forces with FeedConstruct in this landmark partnership. This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that EASL’s data reaches the world responsibly, accurately, and with the integrity our league demands. The demand for official, high-quality sports data continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, and we believe that aligning with a partner of FeedConstruct’s caliber and global reputation accelerates our mission to elevate EASL’s profile on a truly global scale. While we recognize the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the betting industry, we are committed to approaching this space thoughtfully and in full alignment with the standards and values of our league and its stakeholders. This is a partnership we are genuinely proud of.”
The agreement creates a direct bridge between East Asian basketball and the global iGaming ecosystem, enabling operators to tap into a highly engaged audience that has historically exceeded 100 million viewers.
This strategic move further strengthens FeedConstruct’s position as a leading provider of sports data, streaming, and technology solutions, reinforcing its role in connecting the worlds of sport and iGaming on a global scale.
The post FeedConstruct and East Asia Super League Sign Multi-Year Exclusive Data and Streaming Agreement appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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