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Paf Recruits Students from Grit:lab
Paf hires eight students from the grit:lab tech programme. After only 18 months of study, grit:lab can deliver competent developers. The programme is now accepting new applicants.
The tech training programme grit:lab is a pioneering training method that was launched in Åland in 2022 by Paf together with Ålands Yrkesgymnasium. About ten tech companies have hired students directly from the tech programme after only 18 months of study. Paf has hired eight of the students.
“The tech programme’s campus is located in our head office, which gives us a natural connection to the students and a good knowledge of the skills they have acquired. Paf has a strong focus on tech development and a need for new hires, the students from grit:lab have given us a good opportunity for new recruitment,” Daniela Johansson, Deputy CEO and CRO of Paf, said.
Of the 60 students who are now on the programme, several have already started getting jobs at Åland tech companies. During the last 6 months of studies, students are given the opportunity to specialise in a particular subject such as cyber security, AI & machine learning, mobile development or by working as a developer at a company in Åland.
“The fact that many of the students have already managed to get a job is clear proof that the level of knowledge they have achieved in just 18 months is in demand in the tech cluster we have in Åland,” Anna-Lena Svenblad, Director of grit:lab, said.
Axel Wallström and Tommy Mathisen are two of the students who have found employment at Paf.
“You can’t say that we haven’t learnt a lot at grit:lab. It has been tough and intense at times but also really fun. Getting a job has always been my ultimate goal, so I’m looking forward to starting work,” Axel Wallström said.
“The best part of grit:lab is the community in the group, it’s special and we have learnt a lot from each other,” Tommy Mathiesen said.
Julia Chipsanova said it is especially good that the companies have set up trainee positions for new employees because many companies usually look for people with a few years of experience. Julia is looking forward to working at Paf.
“We have studied here at Paf’s head office, so we know how the work process at Paf works. This job is a great start for me and I can also see that all of us in grit:labs are doing really well,” Julia Chipsanova said.
The tech programme is currently accepting new students for the autumn of 2024. There has been great interest from foreign nationals.
“We currently have applications from over 70 different countries. The programme has proven to have the potential to really attract and integrate driven people from other countries,” Anna-Lena Svenblad said.
The grit:lab programme is open to anyone who is at least 18 years old. Many of the students have completely changed careers when they started their studies at grit:lab. The average age of students is 30 years. No prior knowledge of coding is required to apply but an interest in tech and a willingness to learn something new is essential.
Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG)
Arizona’s Tribal Gaming Contributions Reach $42.5 Million in Q2 FY2025
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has announced an impressive $42,508,200 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. This milestone reflects the continued growth and success of the state’s tribal gaming industry, achieved through strong collaboration between the state government and tribal communities.
A Record-Breaking Year for Tribal Gaming
“This achievement is a testament to the strength of the partnership between Arizona and its tribal communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of ADG. “Consecutive record quarters in FY2025 highlight our shared commitment to fostering a thriving gaming industry. Since FY2004, total tribal contributions have exceeded $2.3 billion, significantly benefiting the state and its residents.”
Supporting Arizona’s Communities
The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88% of tribal gaming contributions, channeling these funds into key areas that directly impact the state’s residents and natural resources. The Q2 FY2025 contributions will be allocated as follows:
- Instructional Improvement in Schools: $21,186,087
- Trauma and Emergency Services: $10,593,043
- Wildlife Conservation: $3,026,584
- Tourism Promotion: $3,026,584
- Problem Gambling Education, Treatment, and Prevention: $850,164
- ADG Operating Costs: $3,825,738
These contributions reflect the state’s commitment to using tribal gaming revenue for meaningful community support, from enhancing education and emergency services to preserving wildlife and promoting tourism.
A Growing Gaming Landscape
Arizona currently hosts 26 Class III casinos, regulated under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact. These casinos contribute a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the Arizona Benefits Fund as well as to cities, towns, and counties. This model of tribal-state collaboration has proven instrumental in bolstering local economies and funding critical programs.
About the Arizona Department of Gaming
Founded in 1995, ADG is Arizona’s regulatory authority overseeing tribal gaming, racing, event wagering, and more. Beyond regulation, ADG is deeply committed to problem gambling education, offering support and resources to affected individuals and families through its Division of Problem Gambling and 24-hour helpline, 1-800-NEXT-STEP.
Looking Ahead
As tribal gaming contributions continue to break records, the partnership between Arizona’s government and tribal communities stands as a model for sustainable growth and mutual benefit. These contributions not only fuel essential state programs but also underscore the lasting value of collaboration in driving economic and social progress.
For a detailed breakdown of contributions by year and further information, visit the Arizona Department of Gaming’s official website.
Latest News
Soft2Bet has been nominated in 6 categories at the EGR Europe Awards 2025
Soft2Bet, a leading provider of iGaming turnkey solutions, is proud to have been shortlisted in six categories, including the prominent ‘European Software Provider’ and ‘European ESG Initiative of the Year.’
In addition to these accolades, three Soft2Bet brands, which operate across B2B and B2C verticals under 13 licenses, also secured nominations in several categories:
- Betinia: Nominated as The Nordics and Baltics – Rising Star for its innovative online sportsbook and casino offerings, featuring competitive odds and an extensive range of betting markets designed to captivate its growing audience.
- CampoBet: Contending for the prestigious Nordics and Baltics – Operator of the Year award, reflecting its comprehensive platform and dedication to serving the needs of betting enthusiasts in Denmark and beyond.
- se: Receiving dual nominations for The Nordics and Baltics – Rising Star and Nordics and Baltics – Operator of the Year for its focus on mobile-first design, smooth user experience, and diverse selection of live casino and sports betting options.
Oksana Tsyhankova, Soft2Bet’s CMO, commented: “Our brands’ strong performance throughout the year has been highlighted by key industry awards, reaffirming our success in localisation and delivering exceptional results in every market we serve.”
The EGR Europe Awards are among the most prestigious in the industry. They celebrate innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional contributions. This year’s nominations reaffirm Soft2Bet’s reputation as a leader in performance and innovation while emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and responsible gaming.
About Soft2Bet
Soft2Bet is a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider that delivers high-quality products and services for online gambling operators. The company is known for its Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), which has been proven to enhance retention and engagement. Soft2Bet has deployed numerous successful iGaming brands and has over 14 global licences.
The post Soft2Bet has been nominated in 6 categories at the EGR Europe Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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DEVILFISH SOCIAL POKER ANNOUNCES EVENBET GAMING PARTNERSHIP
DevilFish Poker, the pioneering creator of the free-to-play social community poker game, proudly announces its strategic partnership with EvenBet Gaming to develop cutting-edge social poker software.
The DevilFish Social Poker brand has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two quarters of 2024, fuelled by the resurgence of social-based Web3 poker on a global scale. Current industry statistics indicate that the social free-to-play market is valued at $8 billion and is projected to expand by over 8% annually. The alliance with EvenBet Gaming, a leader in poker software innovation, positions the DevilFish brand to accelerate their reach across multiple international markets.
JJ Williams, Co-Founder of W3 Marketing Ltd and Devilfish Poker, confidently stated, “The growth of social poker and free-to-play models has been undeniable in recent years. We are witnessing a revitalization of interest in poker from a diverse range of digital natives eager to engage in community gameplay and the latest Web3 innovations—such as avatars, skins, traits, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and digital ownership.
Our brand is uniquely positioned, enriched by its legacy in the online poker scene and its association with the late David A. ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott, a member of the WSOP Poker Hall of Fame. Our highly engaged community represents the next generation of social poker players and followers across social media and community platforms like Discord, X and Mastodon.
Selecting EvenBet Gaming as a strategic partner was a critical and confident choice; they possess a deep understanding of the synergy between traditional poker, social poker, and Web3/Crypto features, allowing us to deliver unique, innovative digital products for our poker brand throughout 2025.”
Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, expressed, “DevilFish embodies a powerful brand narrative within traditional online poker, and we are inspired by how the team is reimagining this digital-first/Web3 product experience.
From the ground up, JJ and his team have successfully built an engaged community and revitalized the gaming franchise for today’s digital players—those who have evolved with social media, crypto, gamification, and digital asset ownership. Our vision, like DevilFish is global, and my mission is to expand our poker software innovation and platform, and support JJ and his team execute their global plans, for category dominance.”
The post DEVILFISH SOCIAL POKER ANNOUNCES EVENBET GAMING PARTNERSHIP appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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