Latest News
The boom of virtual gaming tournaments
The global gaming industry is undergoing rapid change and is seeing significant growth year on year. It is currently worth around £116 billion, and it is expected to grow by a Compound Annual Growth Rate percentage of 12.9% between now and the year 2027.
There are a number of key factors that are driving this, including the availability and advancement of technology. Both the hardware and software of games consoles, computers and gaming accessories are improving greatly in terms of efficiency, innovation and usability.
Increased access to internet services with decent connection and speed has also influenced this, as well as the relatively new development of influencer marketing through streaming platforms. Of course, it is also undeniable that recent global events have meant that people have had to spend more time at home social distancing and have found themselves playing more games. Gaming has provided entertainment and social engagement to people who may have been too busy to play regularly before. There are game types to suit everybody, from action and adventure games to strategy and puzzle games. All gaming sectors have seen an increase of gameplay during this period and one in particular is the casino industry. In the last several months, many people have signed up to one of many casino sites to play their favourite games like blackjack and poker. The increase of players has been forced by the closure of land-based casinos meaning people had to move online to access casino games. And it was not just normal casino games that had to take place online, many large gambling events like the World Series of Poker tournament also had to move online due to the recent pandemic. Many events and competitions were already taking place virtually, however this year has seen more events than ever make the transition online, is this phenomenon going to stay?
Virtual Competitions
There has also been a boom in virtual gaming tournaments, or esports tournaments, during this time. The number of tournaments has skyrocketed in comparison to previous years, so too has the audience numbers on streaming sites such as Twitch and YouTube. As conventional tournaments across the sports and entertainment industries have faced cancellations or postponements, virtual competitions have acted as their replacements.
There are three main types of esports that are run as virtual gaming competitions. One is first person shooters (FPSs), these can be player v player or team games, with popular examples including Call of Duty, Doom and Counter-Strike. There are also fighter gaming competitions, such as those held for Super Smash Bros or Street Fighter. However, some of the most anticipated tournaments are those in the Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) category, with League of Legends and DOTA 2 being the big names in this area.
Many players participate in these events due to their financial incentives. Large corporations sponsoring these events draw in professional players with the promise of huge cash prizes. Pros train for these events all year round, gaming to them is a career choice as they fund their passion through prize winning and sponsorship deals scored through their streaming channels. DOTA 2 is by far one of the biggest tournaments in terms of the amount of prize money it gives out. Since the game was released in 2013, there have been 54 tournaments and the average prize has been a hefty sum of $111,111 US dollars. This year’s prize money hase totalled $6 million.
Replacing Sporting Events
Virtual gaming tournaments this year have acted as a good replacement for some of the major sporting events.
After F1 was forced to postpone earlier this year, Torque Esports’ All-Star Esport Battle took over in March. Racers from a variety of motorsports joined in on the action, including the legendary Max Verstappen. Verstappen found victory at the Redline’s Real Racers Never Quit competition series when he won the first qualifier, however the final saw Rudy Van Buren take home the top prize after he dropped out. Van Buren actually holds the title of ‘World’s Fastest Gamer’ in 2017.
There was also the virtual Formula One Grand Prix which attracted both pro gamers and champion F1 stars. This was the second time the event ran and this year it was based on Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. Competitors included Ben Stokes, an England cricketer, and racing driver Alex Albon. The trophy was won by two time Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc.
Another high-profile esports tournament was the Fortnite World Cup. In the summer of 2019, the Fortnite finals were streamed across Twitch, Youtube, Twitter, Facebook and within the game itself. Weekly online tournaments started in April, with players from each region competing to qualify for the finals and be in for a chance of winning a cut of the $1,000,000 prize pool. The overall winner was 16 year old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, who lifted the trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. This year however, Epic Games have had to put a stop to the World Cup this year due to the cross-region nature of the event. They instead moved all over competitions exclusively online this year, including the Fortnite Champion Series and the Fortnite Cash Cups.
Virtual Gaming Industry is Growing
At the rate that the virtual gaming industry is growing, in the future we may see the same kind of media coverage and attention for these tournaments as we do some of the major traditional sports competitions. Huge audiences already enjoy watching these events via live streams, and many also place bets too. As stadium events around the world continue to be cancelled and postponed, virtual gaming tournaments are continuing to become a more mainstream form of entertainment for fans of competitive sports.
BMM Innovation Group
BMM Innovation Group to Spotlight Product Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Training Expertise at CGS Recife in Brazil This Week

BMM Innovation Group (“BIG,” “BIG Group,” “BMM,” or the “Company”), a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, training, and cybersecurity solutions, will participate in the CGS Recife show on August 21–22 at the Recife Expo Center in Recife, Brazil.
On Thursday, August 21, from 12-12:25 p.m., Marzia Turrini, BMM Testlabs’ President, iGaming & Cybersecurity, will deliver a keynote address on “Cybersecurity & Compliance: Safeguarding Operational Integrity in iGaming’s New Digital Era.” Turrini, named Latin America ‘Leader of the Year’ at the SBC Awards Americas earlier this year, will deliver a presentation that will cover how operators and suppliers can integrate robust cybersecurity measures with strong compliance practices to protect revenue, reputation, and regulatory relationships.
BMM Testlabs has a long-standing commitment to supporting the growth and integrity of Brazil’s evolving gaming industry. As a trusted partner to regulators, suppliers, operators, and industry stakeholders, BMM works closely with regulatory bodies and state lotteries to ensure technical compliance, transparency, and responsible gaming.
With a test lab and office in São Paulo backed by BMM’s years of experience serving the Latin American market, the Company offers local knowledge and support combined with global expertise. The digital and land-based services and solutions that BMM can provide in Brazil include product testing and certification, inspections, field audits, technical evaluations, and advanced cybersecurity solutions through BIG Cyber. BMM also provides compliance-grade expert-led training on responsible gaming, AML, human trafficking awareness, fraud prevention and detection, and many other topics through RG24seven Virtual Training.
Turrini said, “Brazil is one of the most exciting gaming markets in the world, and BMM is proud to be part of its growth story. At CGS Recife, we’ll demonstrate how trusted product compliance, paired with cybersecurity and virtual training tailored for the gaming industry, can protect operations, build player trust, and strengthen the market. With our new São Paulo test lab and dedicated Brazil team, we’re committed to providing regulators, suppliers, and operators with the local expertise and global strength they need to succeed.”
The post BMM Innovation Group to Spotlight Product Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Training Expertise at CGS Recife in Brazil This Week appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
Strive Connects SBK and Premier Sports in Multi-Platform Football Tie-Up

Sports marketing consultancy Strive Sponsorship has brokered a multi-platform content and media partnership between SBK, the fast-growing, data-led sportsbook app, and Premier Sports, the premium sports broadcaster in Ireland and the UK.
The deal sees SBK become the official sponsor of Premier Sports’ ‘Scottish Football Social Club’ podcast – a YouTube and audio series that brings sharp, irreverent takes on all things SPFL. SBK will also support and feature in social media content for LALIGA and Scottish Premiership football throughout the 2025/26 season, marking a major step in SBK’s expansion into Ireland and broader UK football media.
In addition, Premier Sports subscriptions will be offered to SBK customers as part of exclusive promotional packages, enhancing access to premium football content and increasing brand loyalty.
“We’re proud to have connected two smart, fan-focused challenger brands in this deal,” said Malph Minns, Managing Director at Strive Sponsorship.
“This partnership brings together content, distribution and fan utility in a way that few betting brands are doing today. SBK’s focus on value aligns perfectly with Premier Sports’ growing football community and media reach. It’s exactly the type of strategic, insight-led activation we specialise in.”
This partnership follows Strive’s work building SBK’s sport sponsorship portfolio across football clubs across the UK and Ireland — with a consistent focus on content-driven, fan-relevant assets that deliver beyond traditional branding.
Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, said:
“This is a really exciting move for us. Being part of Premier Sports’ LALIGA and SPFL social content gives us powerful visibility in key communities. We’re all about giving fans more value, and with Premier Sports subscriptions now available to our customers, this partnership delivers on that promise.
“It’s been great working with Strive on this deal. What sets them apart is their ability to go beyond just brokering deals — they bring structure, insight, and creativity to the whole process. Their work continues to deliver brand value that aligns tightly with our marketing objectives.”
Shane Hogan, Head of Marketing at Premier Sports, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome SBK on board. They bring a fresh approach to the betting space and have a real focus on fan-first activation. This partnership gives our content new momentum, especially on social and podcast platforms, while giving our audience access to great offers and added value. It’s a win-win.
“Strive has been a pleasure to work with. Their expertise was clear from day one. They don’t just connect brands and rights holders — they engineer partnerships that work commercially, creatively, and for the fans. We’re excited about what this one will deliver.”
The post Strive Connects SBK and Premier Sports in Multi-Platform Football Tie-Up appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
SOFTSWISS Releases 19-in-1 Market Overview: iGaming in Latin America

SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software solutions, has unveiled its latest report on Latin America’s iGaming landscape, providing a comprehensive, data-rich guide for operators navigating one of the industry’s fastest-evolving regions.
After becoming the first certified iGaming software provider in Brazil and obtaining further approval in Peru, SOFTSWISS has deepened its regional expertise to help operators, regulators, and stakeholders better understand and operate within the dynamic LatAm iGaming market.
As the iGaming sector turns its eyes toward emerging markets, Latin America stands out as both a challenge and an opportunity. The newly released Latin America’s iGaming Market Overview from SOFTSWISS offers a detailed, country-by-country analysis of the region’s regulatory frameworks, market potential, and player behaviour.
The report serves as a starting point for understanding gambling regulation across Latin America. It helps analysts, governmental institutions, and operators solve the problem of scattered and unclear information about the market peculiarities of the region’s countries, equipping stakeholders with the knowledge to build strategies grounded in local realities.
What’s Inside the Report?
The iGaming in Latin America Market Overview examines 19 jurisdictions and outlines their licensing conditions, taxation models, local ownership requirements, and digital infrastructure, which collectively shape the operating landscape. The 2025 edition offers:
- Detailed regulatory snapshots for land-based and online gambling in LatAm countries
- In-depth assessments of mobile penetration, payment infrastructure, and demographic trends
- Analysis of traditional betting culture and its impact on online product strategies
- Insights into upcoming reforms and their competitive implications
Many local experts note that the Latin American market is highly fragmented, with each country presenting its own unique regulatory landscape for iGaming. From Costa Rica’s legal grey zones to Paraguay’s border casinos and Brazil’s regulatory leap with Law No. 14.790, the report underscores how nuanced and fragmented the market remains. Understanding distinct frameworks is critical for any operator looking to succeed in the region, whose potential is really powerful when approached strategically.
Magnho José, President of Instituto Jogo Legal (IJL), comments: “Costa Rica’s open licensing model has positioned the country as a global hub for online gambling, serving operators from both Latin and North America. Meanwhile, border zones like Ciudad del Este in Paraguay host some of the region’s most established land-based casinos. Latin America’s market isn’t just growing, it’s geographically layered and commercially diverse.”
The SOFTSWISS overview gives operators a clear, data-informed view of where the region stands today – and where it is headed next.
Dario Leiman, Head of Business Development in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, shares his excitement: “With Brazil’s full-scale iGaming regulation now in place, SOFTSWISS is fully ready to operate in the market. In parallel, we’ve been evaluating opportunities in other Latin American countries. This report is more than a regional snapshot – it’s a practical tool for any operator looking to eliminate the guesswork from market entry and make informed decisions.”
The Latin America report is part of a broader effort by SOFTSWISS to deliver strategic, market-specific intelligence for iGaming professionals. Earlier this year, the company released the iGaming in South Africa 2025 report – an in-depth analysis of one of Africa’s most promising regulated markets.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Releases 19-in-1 Market Overview: iGaming in Latin America appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
gaming3 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News7 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry8 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News7 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry8 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018