Freebets.com, the leading U.K. sports betting affiliate, has announced an exclusive partnership with Stephen ‘The Racing Blogger’ Power, the renowned horse racing influencer.

This collaboration will run throughout 2026, positioning Stephen as the official brand ambassador for Free Bets and delivering expert insights across the National Hunt calendar.

The partnership will see Stephen cover all major racing events, including the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, sharing his unique, energetic analysis with fans via Free Bets’ digital platforms and social media channels. Known to his 300,000+ followers as Blogger or Bloggsy, Stephen will provide betting previews, tips, and expert commentary on both horse racing and football.

Additionally, Stephen will promote Free Bets’ soon-to-launch free-to-play games, offering users a dynamic and engaging betting experience on the Freebets.com website.

Dominic Celica, Head of PR at Free Bets, said: “The Racing Blogger has built an incredible following across X and Instagram and is a leading voice in horse racing content. We’re thrilled to collaborate with him and have an exciting pipeline of content planned for racing fans in 2026.”

Stephen Power added: “I’m delighted to work with Free Bets to bring engaging, insightful content during the biggest race meetings of the year. Together, we’ll provide racing enthusiasts with expert tips, exclusive offers, and a deeper connection to the sport.”

With this partnership, Free Bets aims to strengthen its position as a go-to destination for horse racing fans in the U.K., combining expert insights, exclusive content, and interactive betting experiences.

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Win Systems, a global leader in casino technology solutions, is set to showcase its latest innovations at ICE Barcelona 2026, one of the premier international gaming industry events, held from January 19 to 21 at Fira Barcelona – Gran Via.

Visitors can explore Win Systems’ groundbreaking solutions at booth 3M30, where the company will highlight the newest enhancements to its WIGOS casino management system (CMS).

Installed in over 660 casinos worldwide, WIGOS CMS empowers operators to manage gaming floors in real time, optimize slot and table performance, improve operational efficiency, and enhance player loyalty. By delivering strategic insights, WIGOS helps casinos maximize profitability while maintaining a superior gaming experience.

At ICE Barcelona 2026, Win Systems will introduce several key upgrades to WIGOS, designed to elevate casino operations and player engagement:

• Advanced Table Games Player Development Tools – These new features track and analyze player activity in real time, enabling operators to strengthen relationships, increase loyalty, and tailor experiences for high-value players.

• Multi-Vault Management – A flexible solution for interconnected vaults, allowing casinos to efficiently manage cash operations, scale according to operational needs, and streamline workflows.

• InTouch Pro Communication Platform – This innovative tool facilitates direct interaction with players via gaming machines, offering personalized promotions, enhanced engagement, and loyalty-building opportunities.

• Player Rewards Enhancements – Featuring new Bonusing game themes and real-time Fun Play promotions, this feature instantly refunds bets, encouraging interaction and creating a more engaging and rewarding experience for players.

“ICE Barcelona is the ideal platform to demonstrate our commitment to innovation in casino management technology,” said Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems. “Our WIGOS CMS solutions simplify operations while generating measurable value for operators, tailored to the unique demands of each market. We invite all industry professionals to visit booth 3M30 and discover how our technology continues to set new standards in efficiency, engagement, and profitability.”

For more information on Win Systems’ participation in ICE Barcelona 2026 and its comprehensive solutions for casino operators, visit winsysgroup.com.

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The Aston Villa Foundation, in partnership with the Kaizen Foundation, has announced the successful progress of the Play it Forward programme, a community-focused initiative designed to tackle inequalities in physical activity and access to sports facilities in neighborhoods surrounding Villa Park.

Supported by the Premier League, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), and Birmingham City Council, the programme is investing in the long-term sustainability of community-led sports spaces. As part of its delivery, Play it Forward will fund an additional 350 hours of physical activity on mini outdoor pitches across Birmingham, helping to create safer, more accessible environments for young people to engage in sport.

Expanding Community Sports Access Across Birmingham

Since its launch, the initiative has successfully established four community sports sites across the City of Birmingham. Working in collaboration with local partners Birmingham United, Spark Active, and Our Community Foundation, the programme is using football as a powerful tool to engage, inspire, and support young people in areas facing social and economic challenges.

The programme officially launched in October with two high-profile community events. Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans made a surprise visit to the Concord Youth Centre in Sparkbrook, while Aston Villa Women players Sabrina D’Angelo and Maya Hijikata visited the Birmingham Settlement Sports & Community Centre in Kingstanding. During these events, young participants took part in football activities, Q&A sessions, and discussions about the players’ journeys into professional sport.

Long-Term Support Beyond the Pitch

In addition to funding facilities and activity hours, the Aston Villa Foundation is providing extensive professional expertise to strengthen partner organisations. This support spans grants and fundraising, marketing and communications, governance, monitoring and evaluation, health and safety, safeguarding, and risk management, ensuring the programme delivers sustainable, measurable impact.

Siraj Hussain, Founder of Birmingham United Foundation, highlighted the importance of safe community spaces: “Sparkbrook is one of the most deprived areas in Birmingham, with young people struggling to access provisions and safe spaces to take part in sport. Bringing young people to a place like Concord Youth Centre, supported by trusted youth mentors, gives them the chance to be off the streets and engaged in something positive. Sport is an incredible engagement tool.”

Sport as a Catalyst for Youth Development

Panos Konstantopoulos, President of the Kaizen Foundation, emphasized the broader social value of the programme: “Access to sport is not a luxury; it is essential for youth development. It supports physical and mental wellbeing while fostering teamwork, respect, and healthy competition. Play it Forward creates opportunities for young people to channel their energy in ways that can be life-changing.”

Alison Mapp, CEO of Spark Active, also praised the initiative’s impact on grassroots football:
“We are committed to developing girls’ football and offering affordable, accessible sports provision in deprived areas. Many girls prefer community-based football over formal settings. Play it Forward has helped us strengthen our relationship with the Aston Villa Foundation and elevate our work. Their funding, equipment, coach mentoring, and player visits have taken our girls’ football programme to the next level.”

Building Sustainable Impact Through Football

The Play it Forward programme demonstrates how strategic partnerships between football foundations, charities, and local organisations can drive meaningful change. By improving access to facilities, investing in long-term community infrastructure, and using sport as a vehicle for inclusion, the initiative continues to make a lasting difference for young people across Birmingham.

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