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Veloce Racing primed for Ocean X Prix success as Newey praises rebuild effort

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Veloce Racing is ready to get back on track this weekend (29-30 May) at the scene of the second event on Extreme E’s inaugural calendar – the Ocean X Prix – featuring yet another breathtaking landscape, this time in Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal.

The opening round of the series was one to forget for fledgling outfit Veloce Racing, with its drivers – 2019 W Series Champion Jamie Chadwick and two-time Le Mans Series Champion Stéphane Sarrazin – having completed just one lap each in the exploratory Friday shakedown session before a spectacular barrel roll early in Sarrazin’s Q1 run forced the team to withdraw from the remainder of the competition.

Prior to the incident, the Frenchman was on course to match the pace of his adversaries during the opening stages of the lap, meaning the team carries plenty of optimism into the next round of the championship.

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Thankfully, Sarrazin emerged from the incident unscathed but Chadwick was left stranded at Extreme E’s Desert X Prix Command Centre, missing the opportunity to log valuable time inside the cockpit of the all-electric ODYSSEY 21 SUV.

However, the format of the Extreme E calendar is more forgiving than other motorsport series with the unique characteristics of each location meaning many drivers will approach the upcoming events with a relatively similar lack of experience – meaning Chadwick won’t be playing catch-up for long.

Veloce Racing’s ODYSSEY 21, meanwhile, required an extensive rebuild post-Saudi Arabia. Following a thorough investigation by the team, it was revealed that a significant refit was required owing to a damaged roll cage and suspension.

A small team of mechanics from Competition Partner ART GP and Veloce Racing Team Manager Ian Davies will complete an estimated 75-100 hours of labour in Senegal to ensure the SUV is race-ready.

These repairs have sparked an unlikely collaboration between two Extreme E teams, as the ABT CUPRA XE car is also undergoing reconstruction in the build-up to the race. With some parts common across all Extreme E vehicles, Veloce Racing are working together with the German-Spanish outfit to share some of the workload required on both cars and minimise the environmental impact of both rebuilds.

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With no spectators permitted on-site in Senegal – in-keeping with Extreme E’s sustainable ethos and commitment to minimise its carbon footprint – the racing will be broadcast all around the world on a variety of networks, including ITV, the BBC Sport website and Red Button application, Sky Sports and BT Sport in the UK, plus the championship’s official website.

The action will begin with the qualifying rounds from 11.30am local time (12.30pm BST) on Saturday, 29 May, with the semi-finals and final taking place from 10am local time (11am BST) the following day.

Jamie Chadwick, Driver, Veloce Racing commented:

“I feel like I have the same level of excitement for this race as I did for the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia. Obviously, I only got the one lap in during the shakedown session so that just gave me a little taste of what Extreme E is really like – and it was amazing! This weekend, I want more of that feeling and to really get my teeth into this series.

“I think in other championships my lack of track time would really hurt the team in this next race, but because each location is so different to anything the drivers have done before, I don’t think we’ll be at a huge disadvantage.

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“The only goal I have this weekend is just to get some solid points on the board. You have some bumps in the road and difficult rounds every year so hopefully we got ours out of the way early on.”

Stéphane Sarrazin, Driver, Veloce Racing added:

“I can’t wait to be back in the Extreme E paddock. It’s so different to anything I’ve experienced before, and it’s fantastic! We had a difficult start to our season, but I think that has made us more determined than ever to deliver results.

“The other teams have a head start on us in the championship, but everyone will probably have issues at some point so it’s definitely not over yet! The pace we had looked promising, so I think we have a lot to be positive about this weekend.

“I’m also really looking forward to being involved with the Legacy Programmes again in Senegal, this is one of the things that sets Extreme E apart from any other sporting series – helping local communities and creating a positive and lasting impact.”

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Adrian Newey, Lead Visionary, Veloce Racing, added:

“I’m really excited to see what the team can achieve at the Ocean X Prix. Obviously, we didn’t have the opportunity to show what we’re really capable of in Saudi Arabia, but I think it looked promising before Stéphane’s roll. The team are going to come back fighting, I know that much!

“I have seen plenty of set-backs throughout my career, and the team has reacted to adversity in exactly the right way. It takes hard work and dedication to recover from an incident like we experienced at the Desert X Prix, and both the drivers and the team are working flat out to be as prepared as possible for this weekend. I know that there is still a lot of work going on in Senegal to get the car ready, and don’t underestimate how much that will motivate our drivers.

“As far as the location goes, this is going to be a really interesting one (as they all are!). It looks like the terrain is going to be similar to Saudi Arabia but the course will be totally different and pose entirely new challenges for even the most experienced drivers!”

Following the Ocean X Prix in Senegal, the St. Helena – Extreme E’s floating paddock – will then set sail for Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (28-29 August) followed by Pará, Brazil (23-24 October) and finally Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina (11-12 December).

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Greece

NetBet Partners with Iraklis Basketball Team

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NetBet Sport Greece is proud to announce its partnership with the historic basketball team Iraklis, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Greek sports at the club level.

Iraklis, one of the oldest active sports clubs in Greece, was originally founded as a gymnastics club in 1908. Its basketball division, established on November 11, 1921, holds the distinction of being the first team to win the Greek basketball championship in 1928.

Through this partnership, NetBet underscores its socially responsible approach and unwavering support for Greek sports. By aligning with a team renowned for its passion, dedication, and historic achievements, NetBet reaffirms its mission to foster growth within the sports ecosystem.

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Athanasios Gkoutziotis, Marketing Manager for NetBet Greece, stated: “At NetBet, we take immense pride in delivering exceptional experiences for both players and fans, ensuring that every interaction reflects our commitment to excellence. As a trusted platform in the industry, we are thrilled to partner with Iraklis, uniting our shared passion for sports and dedication to the Greek basketball community.”

This partnership celebrates shared values of dedication, determination, and historic success. It aims to create unique experiences for Iraklis fans while contributing to the broader growth of Greek basketball and strengthening NetBet’s presence in the sports industry.

The post NetBet Partners with Iraklis Basketball Team appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – January 20-26

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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

Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group announced that PDG has closed the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria from Great Canadian, in historic transactions for both parties. PDG is a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (the “Nation”) and is dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation. The transactions, originally announced on June 24, 2024, for Casino Nanaimo and September 10, 2024, for Elements Casino Victoria, have received all required approvals from the regulatory authorities.

BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada. The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.

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Partnerships

With the global social casino market projected to surpass $11 billion in 2028, MFC Games is seizing the moment with a groundbreaking partnership. Teaming up with TinyRex Games, MFC Games is combining innovation and expertise to redefine the social casino experience. This collaboration will bring TinyRex’s games to MFC Games’ highly innovative and anticipated 2025 multiplayer-first social casino platform, Clash Casino. Clash Casino is poised to set a new standard in iGaming by blending the thrill of competitive multiplayer gameplay with the thrill of reimagined classic casino experiences. Featuring real-time, multiplayer competition and social media, user network-driven mechanics, Clash Casino is designed to captivate a new generation of players and set the stage for the future of social casinos.

Global esports and gaming organisation Gen.G announced that it has established an official partnership with Logitech G, a specialist in advanced gaming gear, who will collaborate with Gen.G across the organisation to develop the optimal gaming environment for its professional players, academy students and fans. Logitech G will provide its latest innovative products like the PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX wireless gaming mouse and introduce customized solutions tailored to each team. Gen.G’s esports roster includes its highly successful League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) team along with Rocket League and VALORANT.

Hard Rock Bet, Florida’s only legal sportsbook, is bringing jai-alai fans closer to the fronton as the World Jai Alai League (WJAL) opens its 2025 Battle Court Winter season. Through Hard Rock Bet, WJAL fans across the state of Florida will have access to an extensive range of betting options and be able to watch each match live on the app’s streaming hub for a dynamic wagering-viewing experience. Jai-Alai is among the over 20 sports available for Florida players on Hard Rock Bet’s top-rated and easy-to-use mobile app, which offers fast deposits and withdrawals, daily promotions and a free online Loyalty Rewards programme.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – January 20-26 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Interviews

Creating memorable moments

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Nik Robinson, CEO, at Big Time Gaming, says the most successful slots combine masterful storytelling and innovative mechanics to deliver gameplay that is meaningful and memorable.

 

Just how difficult is it for a studio to constantly innovate and bring new player experiences to the market?

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For us at Big Time Gaming, it’s second nature. Innovation is in our DNA – it’s what we do and what we’re known for. For years, we’ve set the industry benchmark, not only through iconic game mechanics like Megaways™, Megapays™, and Win Exchange™, but also by pairing them with immersive storytelling to deliver truly memorable gameplay. Our passion for pushing boundaries has allowed us to craft experiences that resonate with players worldwide. We don’t just create slots; we create games that hit differently – combining bold ideas, pioneering mechanics, and engaging narratives. This focus has led to some of the most beloved and successful slots in the market today like Bonanza, Lil Devil, Danger High Voltage, Who wants to be a MillionaireTM.

Looking ahead, we’re not slowing down. With a pipeline packed full of groundbreaking mechanics and fresh takes on interactivity and engagement, we’ll continue to raise the bar for what players can expect from their gaming experiences from Big Time Gaming, as innovation isn’t just part of the process – it’s the heart of who we are.

 

Are mechanics alone enough to ensure the success of a game? Or do mechanics and theme/design need to work together in harmony?

Mechanics and theme are the beating heart of any truly successful slot, and when they work together seamlessly, magic happens.

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Players don’t just want games, they crave experiences, and this means games need to have innovative mechanics that serve a purpose, driving the narrative forward and pulling players deeper into a world they want to explore. It’s about creating a world where every spin contributes to an unfolding narrative that players want to be a part of. The combination of the right theme and mechanics makes the gameplay more meaningful and memorable – certainly more so than hitting “spin” on a standard 4 x 4 slot. A truly successful slot is the complete package, and this means a thrilling, immersive experience that players don’t just play but feel. This is what makes them hit spin again and again, not just to win but to see what happens next.

Its why our games from Who Wants To Be A Millionaire MegapaysTM , Golden Goose MegawaysTM  too Bonanza Falls and Danger High Voltage 2 that features MegadozerTM mechanics, stand out! We craft worlds where gameplay, mechanics, narratives and music merge to deliver excitement, anticipation, that turns a slot into a hit – not just a game but an experience players come back to, time after time.

 

Can you talk us through some of the new mechanics you’ll be debuting in 2025?

Our first big releases in 2025 are Max Megaways 3, Big Bucks Deluxe, Crystal Towers and Castle of Terror 2, , with each showcasing new features and mechanics. Big Bucks Deluxe has been designed to evoke the opulence of high-stakes gaming and debuts our MegapotsTM mechanic to deliver colossal wins. In this game, MegapotsTM is combined with the Hold & Spin mechanic to reveal massive prizes, multipliers or MegapotsTM icons. Crystal Towers is powered by a first-of-its-kind real-time 3D engine technology that will set the benchmark for immersive gameplay. It also features a unique mechanic where winning clusters on the tower connect seamlessly around multiple sides of the gameboard to provide constantly transforming gameplay – imagine the thrill of a Rubik’s Cube fused with the sparkle of a crystal-matching symbol game brought to life in vivid 3D.

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How will you combine these mechanics with the game theme, design and sound?

For me, the personalisation and potential for storytelling are two of the most exciting areas of slot development to further explore. By blending gripping narratives with cutting-edge mechanics and technology, we can create truly memorable games. Take our Max Megaways series, for example – the third instalment of the franchise, Max Megaways 3, sees players join Max on his most daring mission yet – deep in the icy mountains with Northen lights. The theme, design, and sound pull you into this world, making every spin feel like part of a high-stakes spy thriller. The game builds on proven mechanics like Megadozer™, the epic coin-dropping feature that unlocks spectacular rewards, and takes it to the next level! In Free Spins, Megadozer™ coins become the vehicle for Max’s arsenal of bonuses, creating thrilling new opportunities as different bonuses interact on the dozer. Every round of Free Spins feels fresh, unpredictable, and packed with excitement!

 

As well as mastering game mechanics, you set the standard for franchise and sequel slots. The second album is always the hardest, so how have you cracked the code with these games?

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Launching a follow-up slot, as we have recently done with Danger High Voltage II, is no easy feat. You need to build on the original experience offered by the game, keeping true to the theme and gameplay, while also bringing in new elements. If you mimic the original too much, it won’t excite players but stray too far away from the core experience and there will be a significant disconnect. With Danger High Voltage II, we reimagined the visuals and mechanics, using MegawaysTM as the engine to bring massive win potential with up to 117,649 ways to win. We also took risks, adding in our new MegadozerTM mechanic as well as two entirely new free spins features – Fire in the Disco! and Danger Danger!! which were meticulously tested to ensure they brought the right blend of fun and volatility. The result is a very different game from the original but that still has a strong connection to the first game through the theme and of course the iconic song from Electric Six.

 

How will Big Time Gaming be providing more memorable player moments in 2025?

In 2025, our focus is to continue to lead in innovation. By staying true to our mission of pushing boundaries, we’ll create compelling player experiences with fun themes, captivating stories, and smart mechanics that deliver unforgettable gameplay, spin after spin.  Our pioneering work on real-time 3D engine technology will signal a new era of immersive gameplay. The new game mechanics we’ll be rolling out that will redefine interactive experiences, across the entire gaming industry. We have some incredible games lined up for 2025, so watch this space.

The post Creating memorable moments appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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