

Industry News
Virtual bike races as hard as Tour de France, says expert
- Virtual cycle races take place of cancelled road races
- Big names like Chris Froome have been taking part
- Cycling data expert says virtual races are proving to be just as hard as the real thing
Virtual cycle racing is proving to be just as hard as road races such as the Tour de France, according to professional riders and a leading sports data analyst.
Races on virtual platforms such as Zwift and ROUVY have filled the void left by the cancellation of professional road races over the past few weeks, with big-name riders like Chris Froome and Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet taking part in events such as the Digital Swiss 5, the Zwift Tour for All and the Team INEOS eRace on Zwift.
Together with a panel of cycling experts from bonusfinder.com, professional cycling coach and data scientist Philipp Diegner – who regularly analyses UCI WorldTour races – has assessed the publicly available performance data from more than 200 efforts made by pro riders in recent virtual races.
Although virtual races are up to six times shorter than road races, Diegner said they have proved to be just as difficult as road races and have caught some professionals off guard. ”The racing is short and particularly intense,” he explained. “It is 45-90 minutes of racing instead of 3-6 hours. The consequence for the riders is that there is no opportunity to save energy like they have in road races, so they have to make prolonged, all-out efforts that push them to their physical limit.
“Professionals are not necessarily used to this and it can be a shock to the system. Virtual racing is as hard as road racing; it is just that endurance is a more decisive factor in road racing, whereas virtual racing is one hour of pure, intense suffering.”
Pro rider Chris Hamilton, who rides for Team Sunweb, agreed with Diegner when he described one virtual race as “the hardest thing I have ever done”.
Diegner selected the following 10 performances as the most impressive he has seen in the professional virtual races to date.
Rider | Team | Race | Time | Speed (avg km/h) | Power (avg watts) | W/kg (avg) | Ride Info Source |
Chris Hamilton | Team Sunweb | Digital Swiss 5 Race 5 | 01:00:13 | 37.7 | 393 | 6.05 | Strava |
Filippo Ganna | Team INEOS | Digital Swiss 5 Race 2 | 00:55:17 | 48.7 | 463 | 5.51 | Strava |
James Piccoli | Israel Start-Up Nation | Zwift Tour for All Stage 3 | 01:41:56 | 42.7 | 335 | 5.2 | Zwift Companion |
Louis Meintjes | NTT Pro Cycling | Zwift Tour for All Stage 5 | 01:23:40 | 33.3 | 323 | 5.7 | Zwift Companion |
Stefan De Bod | NTT Pro Cycling | Zwift Tour for All Stage 5 | 01:23:49 | 33.3 | 357 | 5.4 | Zwift Companion |
Nicolas Roche | Team Sunweb | Digital Swiss 5 Race 3 | 01:12:11 | 27.9 | 391 | 5.51 | Strava |
Pello Bilbao | Bahrain – McLaren | Zwift Tour for All Stage 3 | 01:42:39 | 42.4 | 330 | 5.5 | Zwift Companion |
Rohan Dennis | Team INEOS | Team INEOS eRace on Zwift | 00:58:01 | 29.2 | 373 | 5.18 | Zwift Companion |
Tobias Ludvigsson | Groupama – FDJ | Digital Swiss 5 Race 4 | 00:48:00 | 46 | 428 | 5.63 | Strava |
Nicolas Roche | Team Sunweb | Digital Swiss 5 Race 3 | 00:54:17 | 29.4 | 397 | 5.59 | Strava
|
Watts per kilogram is widely recognised as the most accurate barometer of effort in pro cycling. It takes the average power a rider produces over a set period of time and divides it by their weight in kilograms. The hardest road races require the winner to produce about 4/wkg over five hours. In virtual races, the winners have been nudging 6w/kg for between one hour and 1hr 45min.
Diegner said: “Chris Hamilton only finished fourth in race five of the Digital Swiss 5 but riding for one hour at 6.05w/kg is world class. He rode the last 12 minutes at 6.58w/kg, which would win him most WorldTour mountain stages.
“James Piccoli’s win on stage three of the Zwift Tour for All was a similarly amazing effort. He rode for one and a half hours at over 5w/kg and then kicked again and rode the last six minutes 25 seconds at 6.46w/kg. That’s unimaginable for amateur riders on Zwift.”
One lesson that emerged from the analysis was that the riders who are most successful on the road, such as Froome and 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal, were not necessarily as effective in virtual races.
Diegner believes this was because successful road riders did not adjust to the nuances of virtual racing as well as others, but he expects them to start replicating their road success in virtual races with time and experience.
“Take Egan Bernal in the Team INEOS eRace on Zwift,” Diegner added. “He wasn’t competitive. That may be because he did not go all-out and was treating it as a training effort. But ultimately, once a rider with his capability gets used to the intensity, he will start winning like he does on the road.
“It is similar with sprints. Someone like [former three-time world champion] Peter Sagan might not get virtual racing right to begin with, but when he learns when and how to expend his power, he will start winning with the same regularity as on the road. Knowing when to start the sprint and how to reach max power in online races is a skill that has to be developed.”
Industry News
BC.GAME Unveils New Logo, Embraces Crypto Elements to Reflect Future Vision

BC.GAME, a global leader in Web3 gaming, has officially launched its refreshed brand identity—marking a significant step towards building a more diverse and globally integrated Web3 entertainment ecosystem. The brand upgrade includes a redesigned logo, updated colour palette and the introduction of a new slogan, “Stay Untamed”. This move also highlights the platform’s deepening presence in the crypto space, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the Web3 and crypto entertainment industry.
BC.GAME’s new logo combines a classic lowercase “b” with an embedded “c,” creating a sleek and instantly recognisable visual. The “c” not only connects to the platform’s name but also symbolises its deep-rooted connection to the crypto world. Representing both “bc” and “coin,” the logo reflects the platform’s strong foundation in cryptocurrency and signals its ambitious vision to build a thriving ecosystem centered around the $BC token.
The platform’s signature green has also been refreshed to a deeper, more tech-forward tone, enhancing its professional presence within the blockchain and Web3 entertainment space while boosting visual impact and recognition.
BC.GAME’s new slogan, “Stay Untamed,” embodies its spirit of freedom, openness and innovation. As a Web3 advocate, BC.GAME encourages players to break boundaries and explore new possibilities, reflecting the decentralisation, community-driven ethos and ongoing innovation that define Web3.
BC.GAME’s journey in the crypto space began long before cryptocurrency payments became mainstream. From the early days, the platform has explored and implemented crypto-based technologies. Through the launch of its $BC token and a suite of crypto features, BC.GAME continues to deliver seamless and innovative digital entertainment to users worldwide.
BC.GAME supports payments in hundreds of cryptocurrencies, catering to players across the globe. On the technical front, the platform was among the earliest adopters of Bitcoin Lightning Network technology, significantly improving transaction speed and providing users with a lightning-fast payment experience.
BC.GAME offers “Provably Fair” verification to ensure that every game result is both fair and verifiable. Leveraging blockchain technology, players can view and verify the generation process of each game round in real time on the betting page, ensuring that outcomes are free from human interference or manipulation.
The post BC.GAME Unveils New Logo, Embraces Crypto Elements to Reflect Future Vision appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 5-11

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Bragg Gaming Group confirmed that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results prior to the opening of the financial markets on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The release will be followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by Bragg Chief Executive Officer, Matevž Mazij and Chief Financial Officer, Robbie Bressler, to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. During the call, management will review a presentation that will be available on the day of the call.
Context Networks Inc, the first programmatic advertising platform engineered for the gaming industry, has announced the rollout of its groundbreaking Deep Intelligence Marketing strategy, redefining how brands engage consumers in bars, taverns and on-premise slot route operations. Leveraging the power of AI-driven data analytics, machine learning and context-aware digital couponing, Context Networks is turning local venues into the next frontier of high-impact retail media. Through its Contextual Promotions Media Network (CPMN), Context is converting digital screens—such as slot machines in bars—into dynamic, smart advertising surfaces. These systems use advanced data signals to deliver highly targeted promotions based on real-time factors like venue type, consumer behaviour, time of day, and even emotional context, moving far beyond traditional static or cyclic Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising.
ACR Poker’s Blitz Bonus Boost promotion is back by popular demand to supercharger players’ bankrolls, offering a 50% bonus up to a sizzling $500. To take advantage, players need to deposit $25 or more by 11:59 pm ET on Saturday, May 31 using bonus code: BLITZ and ACR Poker will match 50% of it, up to $500.
Partnerships
International Game Technology PLC announced that IGT PlaySports technology is now powering retail sports betting at Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale, Wash. This technology agreement builds on IGT PlaySports’ leadership in the region, marking the 11th casino in Washington State to deploy the Company’s award-winning sports betting platform, and the 10th casino in the State to leverage its trading advisory services.
Playtech and Hard Rock Digital (HRD) have launched New Jersey’s first-ever dedicated trivia experience on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform. This milestone establishes Hard Rock Bet as the first operator to launch a dedicated Live Trivia Game Show in the state. Since the announcement of their strategic partnership in 2024, Playtech has provided a wide range of gaming content through Hard Rock Bet, including slots, card & table games, and live dealer games.
Everi Holdings Inc. announced the Company’s digital CashClub Wallet technology is powering Penn Entertainment Inc’s (PENN) “PENN Wallet” at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, NV. The “PENN Wallet” offers M Resort guests the ability to access cashless payments throughout the gaming floor via integrations with existing loyalty and payments systems. PENN currently utilises CashClub Wallet technology across 22 properties in 11 jurisdictions. CashClub Wallet elevates patron engagement with frictionless, omni-channel payments. Everi’s industry-leading cashless payments solutions drive additional volume, improve operational efficiencies and transform the traditional casino cash-centric environment into a modern, seamless experience for an enhanced player journey.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 5-11 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Amusnet Unveils Live Casino Strategy for 2025

Amusnet’s Live Casino 2025 strategy is to empower operators and differentiate their offerings with bespoke game environments, exciting gameplay and enhanced winning potential through special features and significant multipliers integrated into a variety of new releases planned for the year.
“2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for our Live Casino division. We are introducing a diverse range of standout games that blend entertainment, technology, and interactivity in new ways,” said Marin Dimitrov, Head of Live Casino.
One of the key highlights is Showtime Roulette 500x, a fresh take on the classic roulette experience.
“What sets Showtime Roulette 500x apart is its unparalleled customization capabilities. Operators can fully tailor the game environment to reflect their brand identity,” Dimitrov said.
This fast-paced European roulette reinvents the classics, featuring a host who presents, entertains and spins the wheel for a seamless, engaging experience. Thanks to advanced chroma technology, operators can uniquely brand the game, showcasing their logo and any bespoke background theme they desire. This creates a tailored and immersive experience that feels truly one of a kind for each operator and their players. Further enhancing player engagement, the thrill of potential rewards is heightened through random multipliers on every spin, with payouts amplified up to 500x, creating a truly exceptional gaming experience that elevates player excitement and satisfaction.
Another highlight of the year is Extra Crown Deluxe Live, which is “inspired by our slot top performer Extra Crown and offers an engaging blend of traditional slot excitement and the dynamic atmosphere of live casinos,” added Dimitrov.
This innovative live slot game retains the charm of the original while introducing upgraded mechanics and captivating gameplay. A dynamic studio setting, complete with a charismatic host, fosters a strong sense of community, bringing players together 24/7 to share in the excitement of every spin. With ten traditional symbols across 5 reels and 20 paylines, players can enjoy this classic slot action enhanced by features like Free Spins (with retrigger potential), Respins with expanding symbols and lucrative Cash Prizes (multipliers). The innovative Dynamic Reel Prizes and real-time Statistics further enhance the immersive gaming experience, topped off by the ever-popular Jackpot Cards bonus game and the chance to multiply wins via the Gamble Feature.
The latest release is Football Thrill, a high-speed live casino game that brings the excitement of football to the casino floor with instant, easy-to-play mechanics. With its simple gameplay and dynamic pacing, this Live Casino addition is designed to captivate both sports fans and casino enthusiasts. Fast, intuitive and built for excitement, this Live Casino game is the perfect addition to any live casino looking to attract players who crave action-packed, easy-to-play games.
Amusnet’s Live Casino strategy for the upcoming year centers on delivering innovative and immersive gaming experiences. This will be achieved through the introduction of enhanced roulette variations featuring captivating gameshow elements and significantly larger multipliers, boosting excitement and winning potential. The company is set to expand its offerings with a diverse selection of card games that blend classic gameplay with modern twists to appeal to both traditional and modern players. Further enhancing player engagement will be the range of interactive wheel-based games and gameshows incorporating thrilling new mechanics.
The post Amusnet Unveils Live Casino Strategy for 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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