Betano, the leading online sports betting and gaming brand, owned by Kaizen Gaming, has refurbished and revitalised a state-of-the-art basketball court in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, and invited none other than its global ambassador, Giannis Antetokounmpo, to inaugurate it.

In addition to undergoing a full refurbishment, the court located in Rio de Janeiro now features a stylized design of Giannis Antetokounmpo on the playing surface by Brazilian artist Neto 78.

The inauguration took place on Monday, June 9.

During the event to open the new court, Giannis, known affectionately by fans as the “Greek Freak,” signed the court and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. Following its inauguration, the court hosted its first game as The Payback group, which had regularly used the court in the past, played its debut match. Following the event’s culmination, the court was fully handed over to the community for public use.

George Daskalakis, co-founder and CEO of Kaizen Gaming, said: “The choice of Giannis as our ambassador was a natural one from the beginning, as we have many things in common. We share a journey of humble beginnings in Greece, and through hard work, determination, and a mindset focused on continuous improvement, we have managed to expand our reach globally.”

A Betano ambassador since 2023, Milwaukee Bucks player and two-time NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player), Giannis understands the importance of public spaces as a source of entertainment, social inclusion, and for fostering a consistent and healthy relationship with sports.

Giannis Antetokounmpo said: “My story is deeply connected to public courts. That’s how I discovered my passion for basketball. I hope this court inaugurated today by Betano stays full and inspires the development of new talent.”

The court inauguration is part of a broader strategy by the company to support national sports. As the main sponsor of major football championships such as Brasileirão Betano, and Torneo Betano in Argentina, as well as the first official global betting sponsor of the UEFA Euro 2024^TM and official partner of CONMEBOL until 2028 – including sponsorship of the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024^TM – the company is looking to expand into more areas.

Guilherme Figueiredo, Country Manager of Betano in Brazil, concluded: “We want to be a major supporter of national sports, whether through sponsorships, the construction of public sports spaces, or social transformation initiatives through sport.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family have been in Brazil since last Saturday, invited by Betano. During their stay there, they have the opportunity to get in touch with the people, immerse in the culture of the country and visit landmarks like the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family’s presence in Brazil will conclude on Wednesday, June 11th, with their visit to the Kaizen Gaming/Betano office in São Paulo, where they will connect and engage with the company’s local team.

Club Atlético River Plate and Kaizen Gaming, one of the world’s biggest GameTech companies and owner of the Betano online sports betting and gaming brand, announce a new long-term partnership that will see Betano become the club’s new main and front-of-shirt partner, starting from the current season.

The new partnership with River Plate follows an exciting year for Kaizen Gaming and its Betano brand, which launched in Argentina just a year ago and is already regarded as one of the country’s leading online gaming platforms. Alongside expanding its sponsorship programs, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and growing market presence, Kaizen Gaming has also solidified its role as a pioneer in shaping the online gaming industry internationally and fostering safe, controlled environments for players.

For River Plate, this agreement represents a strategic step in its international expansion and in the diversification of its revenue streams. In this regard, the alliance with Betano is a clear example of the club’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and building strong relationships with leading global brands.

Jorge Brito, President of River Plate, said: “Partnering with Kaizen Gaming and its brand Betano marks a significant milestone for us. Their presence in 19 international markets aligns perfectly with our global vision. Through its sponsorships of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 and the Argentine Professional Football League’s “Torneo Betano”, Kaizen Gaming has reinforced its leading role in the world of sports. River Plate is also a global leader in sports marketing, backed by a passionate fan base, an iconic stadium and an unmatched record of over 85 consecutive sold-out home matches. We are proud to be the most followed club in the world. With this partnership, we continue to grow, break new ground, and we’re excited to welcome Betano to the River Plate family.”

Stefano Di Carlo, River Plate’s General Secretary, added: “This agreement is the result of a long-term strategy we have been developing to consolidate the club as a global leader, backed by its institutional strength and more than 120 years of sporting success. The fact that an international brand like Betano has selected us as its partner speaks volumes about the strength of the River Plate brand worldwide and the confidence our institutional and sporting project inspire.”

Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer at Kaizen Gaming, said: “River Plate is a global footballing institution with one of the largest fan bases in the world and a history dating back over 120 years. As soon as we started speaking with the club, we knew we had found a partner who shared our values and relentless drive to raise the bar and set the highest standards in everything they do. The club and its fans’ passion for football is second to none, and it is exciting to be joining them on the next chapter of their illustrious history. At Betano, we are always aiming for the top.”

The new partnership expands beyond marketing activities. Kaizen Gaming continues to join its partners in driving positive social impact in local communities, whilst promoting the value of responsible gaming.

This weekend promises great excitement for football fans with the culmination of the Supercopa Feminina Betano, as Brazil’s top women’s teams battle it out to be crowned champions.

Marking the start of the women’s football calendar in Brazil, the competition brings together the eight best teams in the country and is once again sponsored by Betano, Kaizen Gaming’s international premium brand and one of Brazil’s leading online sports betting and gaming platforms.

As the official sponsor of the competition, Betano holds its naming rights and enjoys brand exposure at the key properties of stadiums hosting the matches. This includes LED panel placements along the entire field, 3D carpets beside the goals, and various fan engagement activations, such as influencer-driven initiatives.

Guilherme Figueiredo, Country Manager for Brazil at Betano commented: “The renewal of the partnership for the fourth consecutive year aims to consolidate Betano’s presence in Brazilian football and expand the visibility of the women’s game, strengthening the sport nationwide as it continues to gain popularity season by season.”

Supercopa Feminina Betano 2025

The tournament organized by the Brazilian Football Confederation (known in Brazil by the acronym CBF) will have its final take place this Sunday, March 16. The match will see defending champions Corinthians take on São Paulo, having both successfully navigated Wednesday night’s semi-finals.