Latest News
Bitblox receives backing from YOLO Investments
Bitblox, the disruptive provider behind popular crypto price prediction games Up or Down? and 3 in a Row, has announced it will receive an investment from YOLO Investments, an innovative venture capital firm with interests in blockchain and fintech.
YOLO has long been an admirer of Bitblox, with the group’s proprietary igaming platform solution, Hub88, being among the first to adopt the company’s innovative titles when it launched in the summer of 2024.
Bitblox games have since gone from strength-to-strength in the industry, with the company’s unique hybrid of skill-based games (SBGs) and games of chance attracting interest from both sports bettors and casino players alike.
Now boasting a portfolio that includes a sped up version of its flagship title, Up or Down? Turbo, and a more light-hearted game in Bitslap, Bitblox is set to make further in-roads in the igaming space over the coming months and already has a number of new releases in its pipeline for 2025.
The company’s ambitions will, of course, now be furthered by the additional support being supplied by YOLO Investments and both parties are optimistic about embarking on a mutually beneficial partnership that should help to bring crypto-based betting further into the mainstream.
Brandt Page, Chief Executive Officer at Bitblox, said: “YOLO Investments is a company with a proven track record for identifying opportunities in the cryptocurrency-focused igaming space, so we’re very happy to have received a huge vote of confidence from them in the form of this partnership.
“As one of the early adopters of our games on its Hub88 platform, Yolo has witnessed first hand the potential Bitblox titles have in driving engagement from both sports bettors and casino players and I’m confident with their backing, we’ll be able to achieve more great things in 2025.”
Klen Kaljulaid, Principal at YOLO Investments, said: “We value innovative products that break away from the traditional 3×3 reels so beloved by the industry. Bitblox games provide a sense of control, reminiscent of cash games. I particularly appreciate knowing that the results are tied to real-world price movements rather than relying on RNG. While I understand the future is inherently unpredictable, I can, at least in theory, hold onto the illusion of knowing where the market might move—and if proven right, take satisfaction in my understanding of market dynamics.”
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casino
Plaza Hotel & Casino adds DJ Exodus to free Cinco de Mayo party on May 5
Downtown Las Vegas event runs from 4 p.m. around the Carousel Bar under the Main Street dome, with themed food, drinks and a large piñata.
Plaza Hotel & Casino will host its Cinco de Mayo celebration on Tuesday, May 5, starting at 4 p.m., in and around the property’s Carousel Bar in downtown Las Vegas.
The event is free to attend and will feature DJ Exodus, according to the casino. The DJ is scheduled to play a mix of “top radio hits with a mix of Latin music” under the Plaza’s Main Street dome.
The property said the party will also include “downtown’s largest piñata” and a photo area with themed props.
Food options listed for purchase include churros from Churros 101 and street tacos and esquites from Fresh Mexican Grill. Carousel Bar will run drink specials, including Modelo Draft 16 oz ($11), Modelo Michelada ($14), Mi Campo Margarita ($14), Mi Campo Blanco Shot ($10), and Mi Campo Reposado Shot ($12). Nearby, Pinkbox Doughnuts will offer Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnuts.
More information is available at plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/cinco-de-mayo/.
- Plaza Hotel & Casino Cinco de Mayo event page; https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/cinco-de-mayo/ Primary source for event details, timing and location provided by the operator.
- Plaza Hotel & Casino official website; https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/ Reference point for property information and related entertainment listings.
The post Plaza Hotel & Casino adds DJ Exodus to free Cinco de Mayo party on May 5 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AI
BetConstruct AI sets SBC Summit Malta 2026 stand to demo iGaming ecosystem
Supplier plans product demos at Stand C50 on April 29–30, including sportsbook, casino aggregation, affiliate tools, retail and AI suite.
BetConstruct AI will exhibit at SBC Summit Malta 2026 on April 29–30, taking Stand C50 in Malta to present its iGaming product ecosystem to operators and other industry stakeholders.
The company said it will demo multiple components including its Sportsbook Platform, Casino Platform, Affiliate Ecosystem, Retail Solutions and AI Suite. BetConstruct AI stated its Sportsbook Platform includes more than 140,000 pre-match events and over 12,000 monthly esports live events.
For casino, BetConstruct AI said its Casino Platform integrates 350+ providers via a unified aggregation API. It will also spotlight its Affiliate ecosystem, which it said includes 7,000+ vetted affiliates supported by AI-based scoring.
On omnichannel, the supplier said its Retail Solutions are designed to connect land-based and digital channels. The company’s AI suite will also be part of the stand presentation, including CRM AI, Umbrella AI, an AI Game Recommendation System and Betting Mate AI, which it said covers “everything from churn prediction and risk management to real-time personalisation and conversational betting.”
BetConstruct AI said a focus at Stand C50 will be “the Best Sportsbook for the World Cup 2026,” supported by two “zero-cost products” — Powerfull for pre-tournament engagement and Bet on League for an in-tournament hub — which it said require “zero development effort from operators.”
More relevant data as follows:
- SBC Summit Malta; https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-malta/ Official event page for dates, location, and exhibitor information.
- BetConstruct; https://www.betconstruct.com/ Company site for product and platform background referenced in the announcement.
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA); https://www.mga.org.mt/ Primary regulator in Malta; useful context for readers tracking Malta-based iGaming activity.
The post BetConstruct AI sets SBC Summit Malta 2026 stand to demo iGaming ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
earnings
Meridian Holdings returns to profit on $50.1m Q1 2026 revenue, up 17% YoY
NASDAQ-listed MRDN posts $2.3m net income and cuts net debt 62% after recent rebrand and ticker change.
Meridian Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MRDN), the Las Vegas-headquartered gaming and technology group, reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $50.1 million, up 17% year over year, and net income of $2.3 million. The company said it was the first profitable quarter under the Meridian Holdings brand, following a rebrand and the start of trading under the MRDN ticker on the NASDAQ Capital Market less than two months ago.
Meridian also reported a lower debt position versus the prior year. Total debt fell by more than half year over year, while net debt decreased 62% to $13.4 million. The company ended the quarter with $16.2 million in cash.
“This quarter marks an important milestone in our growth journey,” said William Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Holdings. “We delivered revenue in line with our guidance, exceeded our profitability target, and continued strengthening our balance sheet, all while expanding our presence across regulated markets and investing in proprietary technology. We are well-positioned for sustained growth through 2026 and beyond.”
Meridianbet, the group’s main operating subsidiary, generated $34.9 million in Q1 revenue, up 26% year over year, representing nearly 70% of group revenue, the company said. Meridian reported nearly 500,000 new customer registrations in the quarter (+41% YoY) and active users up 21% to 333,700.
Across other units, Expanse Studios expanded to 1,519 active operator sites and secured new regulatory certifications in Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, and Portugal, while continuing certification efforts in Ontario, Canada. RKings Competitions posted sales of $7.7 million, Classics for a Cause reported VIP subscriptions surpassing 10,000 for the first time in 12 months, and Mexplay more than tripled new registrations year over year to 74,000.
For Q2 2026, Meridian guided to revenue of $51 million to $53 million, implying 18% to 23% year-over-year growth.
More relevant data as follows:
- Meridian Holdings quarterly results; https://meridian-holdings.com/quarterly-results Source for the full earnings release, investor deck, and call replay referenced in the announcement.
- Meridian Holdings investor relations; https://meridian-holdings.com Company site for corporate background, filings links, and investor materials.
- NASDAQ: MRDN quote and company profile; https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/mrdn Independent listing page to corroborate ticker, exchange, and market data context.
The post Meridian Holdings returns to profit on $50.1m Q1 2026 revenue, up 17% YoY appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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