Latest News
Xanada Investments Announces the Launch of the Xanada Pitch Contest 2025
$50,000 Investment Prize & Global Exposure Await the Next Big iGaming Startup
Xanada Investments announced the launch of the Xanada Pitch Contest 2025, a global competition aimed at supporting iGaming startups seeking investment and growth opportunities in partnership with NEXT.io and Lilith PR Agency.
The contest offers a $50,000 equity investment to the winning startup, along with strategic mentorship, industry connections, and marketing support.
The competition will follow a two-stage selection process. From February 10 to April 1, 2025, startups can submit their applications online. Following the initial evaluation, the top five finalists will be announced on April 10, 2025, and will proceed to a live pitch event at the NEXT Summit in Valletta on May 8, 2025.
A Panel of Experts Will Choose the Winner
The final five startups will pitch their ideas live on stage at NEXT Valletta to a distinguished panel of judges, including:
- Vladimir Malakchi – CEO & Managing Partner, Xanada Investments
- Pierre Lindh – Co-founder & Managing Director, NEXT.io – The World’s iGaming Community
- Dmitry Belianin – CEO & Founder at Belianin, Co-founder & Managing Partner at Blask
- A Secret Judge – To be revealed soon
“A Unique Chance to Scale and Succeed”
“The Xanada Pitch Contest is raising the bar for startup competitions. This is a rare opportunity for iGaming startups – whether they are launching, growing, or looking to scale – to showcase their vision in front of key investors and decision-makers. We are committed to bringing together the brightest minds in the industry to support the next wave of innovation,” said Vladimir Malakchi, CEO & Managing Partner of Xanada Investments.
Who Should Apply?
The contest is open to Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A startups operating in the iGaming sector. Startups at various growth stages – whether developing new solutions or scaling existing ones – are encouraged to apply.
Application and Key Dates
- Applications Open: February 10 – April 1, 2025
- Top 5 Finalists Announced: April 10, 2025
- Live Pitch Event: May 8, 2025, at NEXT Summit, Valletta
For further information and to apply, visit https://xanada.investments/contest or reach out to Xanada Investments at [email protected]
The post Xanada Investments Announces the Launch of the Xanada Pitch Contest 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Business Development
Soft2Bet hires Ryan Collinge as EVP for business development and partnerships
Collinge joins as Executive Vice President – Group Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, bringing 20+ years across retail and online gaming.
Soft2Bet has appointed Ryan Collinge as Executive Vice President – Group Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, adding him to its senior leadership team.
In the role, Collinge will focus on supporting Soft2Bet’s growth plans and strengthening relationships with operators and entertainment brands, the company said.
Andrew Cochrane, Chief Commercial Officer at Soft2Bet, said: “Ryan brings the commercial judgement, industry relationships and operational experience needed to support Soft2Bet’s growth. His appointment strengthens our executive team as we expand our work with leading operators and global entertainment brands.”
Soft2Bet said Collinge brings more than 20 years of commercial, product and operational experience across retail and online gaming, including work with private equity-backed start-ups and multinational gaming groups. The company added that his background includes global sales, commercial strategy and business development, along with iGaming content, product development and studio management.
Soft2Bet also pointed to Collinge’s experience in the casino content vertical, which it said will support client needs analysis and solution optimization.
The post Soft2Bet hires Ryan Collinge as EVP for business development and partnerships appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Caesars Entertainment
Vanderpump Hotel reports $813,553 Pai Gow Poker jackpot weeks after opening
Caesars Rewards member Pam W. from Colorado hit a seven-card straight flush on the Las Vegas Strip property.
The Vanderpump Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has reported an $813,553 jackpot win on Pai Gow Poker, just weeks after the property officially opened.
According to the company, Caesars Rewards member Pam W., visiting from Littleton, Colorado, won the payout after hitting a seven-card straight flush while playing Pai Gow Poker at The Vanderpump Hotel. The release said Pam was on a weeklong vacation with her husband and plans to use the winnings toward a European river cruise.
The Vanderpump Hotel is Lisa Vanderpump’s first hotel, developed in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. The property has 188 guest rooms, including 21 suites, and a 40,000-square-foot casino, the company said.
The venue’s food, beverage and nightlife lineup includes GIADA by Giada De Laurentiis, rooftop pool and event space Soleia, and Drai’s After Hours in its original location beneath the hotel. The property also hosts Caesars Sportsbook in a lounge-style format, alongside lounges including Gigolo and The Bar at The Vanderpump Hotel.
The post Vanderpump Hotel reports $813,553 Pai Gow Poker jackpot weeks after opening appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Caesars Rewards
Raise a Glass: The Vanderpump Hotel Celebrates $813,553 Jackpot Win
The Vanderpump Hotel – Lisa Vanderpump’s first-ever hotel in partnership with Caesars Entertainment – is dealing out big wins on the Las Vegas Strip, celebrating a dazzling $813,553 payout just weeks after officially opening its doors.
Caesars Rewards® member Pam W., visiting from Littleton, Colorado, hit the jackpot with a seven-card straight flush on Pai Gow Poker at The Vanderpump Hotel. Pam, who is in town enjoying a weeklong vacation with her husband, is already planning her next adventure – turning her Vegas luck into a dream European river cruise.
Blending elevated design with a distinct sense of personality, The Vanderpump Hotel introduces a boutique, lifestyle-driven hospitality experience in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. The hotel offers an intimate footprint with 188 guest rooms, including 21 suites.
The property also features a 40,000-square-foot casino; Gigolo, a sexy, sultry lounge and The Bar at The Vanderpump Hotel, an inviting destination in the center of the casino – all curated to deliver a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere.
Culinary and nightlife offerings are anchored by GIADA, the award-winning flagship restaurant from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis; Soleia, a 65,000-square-foot rooftop pool and event space with open-air, panoramic views from 11 stories above the Las Vegas skyline; and Drai’s After Hours, located in its original home beneath the hotel. Caesars Sportsbook at The Vanderpump Hotel provides a boutique, lounge-style setting for sports fans and gaming enthusiasts alike. Guests can book stays at The Vanderpump Hotel via the Caesars Rewards app or online at caesars.com/thevanderpumphotel.
The post Raise a Glass: The Vanderpump Hotel Celebrates $813,553 Jackpot Win appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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