Groove Technologies, a leading global iGaming platform and game aggregation solutions provider, today announced a landmark partnership with “Azərlotereya” OJSC, the official lottery organizer, iGaming and sports betting operator in Azerbaijan.

This collaboration will leverage Groove’s cutting-edge gaming platform and proven technological reliability to deliver an unparalleled digital experience to players across Azerbaijan.

With a vast portfolio of over 15,000+ games from over 150 top-tier providers and a robust, scalable infrastructure, Groove’s platform ensures seamless performance, security, and innovation.

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The partnership will introduce “Azərlotereya” players to a new era of immersive gaming, powered by Groove’s industry-leading payment solutions, real-time analytics, and player engagement tools.

Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove Technologies, stated: “This partnership is a testament to Groove’s ability to deliver world-class gaming technology at scale. “Azərlotereya” recognised our platform’s unmatched reliability and depth of content, key factors in providing players with a premium, frictionless experience. Together, we’re setting a new standard for digital lottery entertainment.”

“Azərlotereya” OJSC added: “Our mission is to bring innovation and trust to “Azərlotereya” gaming landscape, and Groove’s proven platform aligns with that vision. Their technology’s stability and expansive game library allow us to elevate our offerings while maintaining the high standards of security and compliance. This partnership marks a major leap forward for our digital transformation.”

Groove’s platform is engineered for high-traffic environments, ensuring zero downtime and lightning-fast transactions, a critical advantage for “Azərlotereya” OJSC’s growing player base. The integration also includes advanced responsible gaming features, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to safe and sustainable play.

Trusted by partners worldwide, Groove turns complexity into competitive advantage. With a commitment to transparency and player satisfaction, “Azərlotereya” continues to pioneer the future of gaming in the region.

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Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO of Groove Technologies, concluded: “At Groove, we don’t just power gaming platforms, we power possibilities. Collaborating with a forward-thinking partner like “Azərlotereya” allows us to demonstrate how technology can redefine an industry. This is just the beginning of a partnership that will drive innovation, engagement, and growth for years to come.”

• Co-investment by ZEAL and French lottery operator FDJ UNITED Ventures
• Strategic partnership drives industry innovation and growth

ZEAL Network SE, Germany’s leading provider of online lotteries, is investing in the innovative Swedish iLottery and iBingo specialist Random State, alongside FDJ UNITED Ventures, FDJ UNITED’s startup investment fund.  With this co-investment, both partners reaffirm their commitment to advancing the global lottery industry.

Random State develops modern, digital instant lottery and bingo formats characterized by creative game design and a consistent focus on user experience. Notable clients include The UAE Lottery, the first regulated lottery in the United Arab Emirates and Delta Bingo Online, the digital arm of the Canadian gambling operator Delta Bingo & Gaming.

Investment creates value for all parties

The investment will enable Random State to strategically expand its sales and marketing activities and accelerate the development of new games – supporting the company’s continued growth trajectory. ZEAL, in turn, gains not only valuable insights into new game formats and mechanics but also benefits from the commercial partnership opportunities that come with the investment. This move is part of the strategic goal of ZEAL Ventures, the venture investment department of ZEAL, to actively shape the future of lottery and infuse innovation into ZEAL’s product portfolio.

The partnership with FDJ UNITED Ventures also highlights the increasing collaboration among leading European lottery operators, united by a shared ambition to bring fresh momentum to a modern and future-ready lottery landscape.

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Driving the future of the industry together

“With Random State, we are investing into innovation in the iLottery sector,” says Juliane Gutsmiedl, Investment Manager at ZEAL Ventures. “The team impresses with creative game design and a deep understanding of diverse user preferences – providing us with valuable impulses for the development of our own portfolio.”

“Our vision is to reimagine the lottery – digital, user-centric, and globally connected,” said Mattias Westholm, CEO of Random State. “With ZEAL Ventures and FDJ UNITED Ventures, we’ve found strong, strategically-minded partners who share this ambition. This investment allows us to accelerate our innovation pipeline and expand into new markets and customer segments.”

Following a successful run, the Affiliate Leaders Summit will make its return to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) this September, now expanded to a three-day format and featuring the debut of the Affiliate Leaders Awards.

Taking place from 16–18 September, the Affiliate Leaders Summit runs alongside SBC Summit as a focused, standalone platform for affiliates, affiliate managers, and enabling suppliers. It also delivers a more targeted networking and learning experience, with a dedicated content stage and curated audience of 8,000 operator representatives and 3,500 affiliates.

Affiliate Leaders Summit delegates will also enjoy full access to wider SBC Summit features, including evening socials, the main expo floor, and Super Stage keynotes from leading voices such as Gary Vaynerchuk.

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Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Last year’s launch of the Affiliate Leaders Summit was a big milestone for us. The response was incredible, but we knew we could do even more. That’s why this year, we’re giving it the time it deserves; three full days to ensure attendees can take in everything this event has to offer.

“We’re also introducing the Affiliate Leaders Awards, which I’m personally very excited about. Affiliates play a vital role in this industry, and it’s time we had a platform that truly celebrates their work alongside the operator programmes and suppliers who help make it all happen.”

A 40% expansion of the 2025 show floor also underscores the event’s rising influence, following 2024’s debut that earned standout NPS ratings—79 from affiliates and 68 from operators. This year’s exhibitor list is stacked with leaders of the field, including Catena Media, Clever Advertising, Evoke, Flashscore, Kaizen Gaming, Medier, Megapari, Novibet, and Shake, offering attendees direct access to key players across the affiliate and operator landscape.

On the conference side of things, the Affiliate Leaders Stage at this year’s summit delivers a powerful three-day journey through the evolution of affiliate marketing,  starting with the martech tools redefining performance and partnerships, moving into audience-focused strategies that tap into community-driven SEO and smarter collaboration, and culminating in a forward-looking exploration of AI, diversification beyond Google, and the future role of affiliate managers.

With debates, CEO insights, hands-on workshops, and panels tackling everything from automation and CRM to content authenticity and deal transparency, this stage arms attendees with the ideas, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

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The conference sessions will bring together some of the biggest names in affiliate marketing, including Jonathan Edelshaim (CEO, Natural Intelligence), Elaine Gardiner-Ruddock (Managing Director, TAG Media), Peter Gunni (CEO, Traffic Lab), Filip Komljenovic (Head of Sales, Sofascore), Deb Lee (Director of AI & Data Operations, CILA, Entain), Andre Machado (CCO, Clever Advertising), Leanne Muleba (Chief Operations Officer, Matching Visions), and Johan Styren (CEO & Co-founder, Dilanti Media).

Those joining the Affiliate Leaders Summit will benefit not only from the tailored content on the dedicated stage and Super Stage but also from the addition of the Global Markets and Emerging Markets stages. With affiliates and operators among the most curious about cross-border growth, these new stages provide an ideal opportunity to explore regional strategies and understand new audiences.

Affiliate and operator attendees can expect the VIP treatment at the Affiliate Leaders Summit, with complimentary access to the event’s premium evening networking lineup. That includes the high-energy Opening Party with Joel Corry and Imanbek, and the return of INFINITY Lisbon, featuring electrifying performances from Alok and Timmy Trumpet.

Sojmark added: “The Affiliate Leaders Summit is designed to make networking and easier by giving you a dedicated space to connect. But the hospitality doesn’t stop there. You’re part of the full SBC Summit experience. With access to all six stages, complimentary food and drinks at the Food Festival, and the freedom to explore every area of the event, you’re welcome to engage as widely as you like. The Affiliate Leaders Summit simply helps you focus your efforts where they matter most.”

Affiliate or operator? Get your free pass now.

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Not an operator or affiliate? Here’s how to get a pass:

VIP Event Pass – Enjoy full access to the event, including: all conference sessions, evening networking parties, pre-loaded food festival wristband with €30, and post-event access to all content.

Group VIP Event Pass – Get VIP Event Passes for just €400 each (a saving of €200 per ticket!) when you buy three or more passes (Perfect for bringing the team along!)

Expo+ Pass: Gain access to the full exhibition floor and all conference sessions across the three days. This does not include access to our exclusive VIP evening networking events.

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Expo Only Pass: Free to attend, this pass gives you access to the exhibition floor –  perfect for networking and exploring the show without attending the conference sessions.