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New SBK Betting Podcast with Lee Westwood as first guest

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  • SBK – the sportsbook app powered by Smarkets – is delighted to announce the launch of the new SBK Betting Podcast, hosted by Jess Stafford of Racing TV.
  • Every episode will feature a new guest from the world of sport, starting with Lee Westwood, one of the most recognisable faces in golf for over 20 years.
  • Westwood is due to tie with Sir Nick Faldo’s record of 11 Ryder Cup appearances when he represents Team Europe at Whistling Straits this week and speaking exclusively to SBK on the podcast, he said:

“It’s ironic really that he set the record of 11 Ryder Cups in 1997 at Valderrama where I was his partner and that was my first one, so it’s all kind of gone full circle really. He’s obviously a legend of the game and it’s nice to be tying a record that he holds.”

  • The Ryder Cup veteran also commented on Brooks Koepka’s criticism of the ‘hectic’ event schedule:

“I can see where Brooks is coming from. Some people find it difficult to adjust to that team environment. We’ve all got into golf because we like the buck to stop with us at the end of the day. We like being individuals. A lot of us played team sports in our youth and we’ve kind of transferred to golf because it’s an individual sport and we like that environment, and then you get thrown into the team environment. The week of the Ryder Cup there is a lot to do, they cram a lot of media in, dinners etc. and practice rounds take a lot longer, and there aren’t a lot of hours in the day. And if you’re somebody like Brooks who likes to chill out going into tournaments it’s difficult; at a Major Championship he might play 18 holes on Monday, nine holes Tuesday, nine holes Wednesday, and really not do a lot but at the Ryder Cup it’s very full on!”

  • Team USA are 4/7 favourites with SBK to lift the trophy but Westwood does not believe these odds factor in the team element of the Ryder Cup enough:

“All the statistics that are used for compiling the odds take into consideration individual achievements. The world rankings are all based on individual achievements. But at the Ryder Cup you come together as a team so it’s completely different to what we do week in and week out. European teams seem to bond well and bond that little bit better (than the Americans). I always go into it not really thinking that either team is particularly the favourite. It’s a pretty level playing field and I think it’s just who holes the most putts at the right time, and generally just plays that last hole well when you need to under pressure; that’s who is going to come out on top at the end of the week.”

  • Westwood also announced that his son, Sam, would be taking over caddying duties from his wife Helen, who caddied for him at the recent BMW PGA Championship:

“Sam’s doing the Ryder Cup, my son. Helen’s doing all the wives and partners things and Sam’s doing the caddying. Sam’s caddied a lot for me this year, at the Masters and other events in Europe like the Scottish Open. They share it between the two of them.  Both know what to say to me, they don’t get involved in the yardage or picking clubs but they’re good on the psychology side of things. They just keep me in a good, nice, relaxed frame of mind which is even more important the week of the Ryder Cup.”

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Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling

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Brazilian operator BETesporte is first to adopt AI-powered solution

Sportradar Group AG has launched Bettor Sense, a personalized, proactive, and data-driven approach to user protection. BETesporte will be the first operator to implement the solution, reinforcing its commitment to safer and more responsible practices in Brazil’s newly regulated betting market.

Bettor Sense is an AI-powered solution that detects early signs of gambling-related risk and enables personalized interventions to protect end users. Developed with proprietary technology and grounded in behavioral research, Bettor Sense allows operators to act quickly and efficiently, promoting responsible gambling and strengthening brand reputation. Fully compliant with regulatory standards, Bettor Sense provides a critical tool for operators aiming to meet rising expectations around end user protection.

In addition to implementing Bettor Sense, BETesporte has also joined Sportradar’s Integrity Exchange, a global information-sharing network that enables betting operators to report suspicious betting activity directly to Sportradar’s Integrity Services division. This collaboration strengthens the industry’s collective ability to fight match-fixing and betting-related corruption through enhanced transparency and cooperation.

Tom Mace – SVP, Integrity & Regulatory Services, Product & Strategy at Sportradar, said: “This partnership with BETesporte marks an important milestone for Sportradar’s ongoing mission to help shape secure and sustainable sports betting and iGaming industries. BETesporte is taking a proactive step in embracing responsible gaming as a core part of its business. We are confident this will be the first of many partnerships, as the market increasingly recognizes the value of using data and technology to protect end users and strengthen compliance.

Marcos Pereira – CEO of BETesporte said: “BETesporte is fully committed to transparency and security across all its operations. The partnership with Sportradar, through the integration of Bettor Sense and the Integrity Exchange, reinforces our dedication to fostering a responsible and ethical betting environment in line with regulatory standards. Sportradar’s advanced technology enables us to anticipate and prevent risky behavior, ensuring our bettors have the best possible experience with complete safety. We will continue working tirelessly to protect the integrity of sport and the trust of our users, which remains our top priority.”

The post Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Make-A-Wish International Expands Presence in Gaming to Enable Future Wishes

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Raptor PR, the specialist B2B communications agency for games, media, and tech brands, has been appointed by Make-A-Wish® International to lead strategic communications for its games industry fundraising initiatives. The global nonprofit, known for granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, is partnering with Raptor PR to amplify its presence across the games sector and unlock new opportunities for engagement, awareness, and impact.

As part of this new partnership, Raptor PR will deploy a strategic communications campaign to support Make-A-Wish International’s growing charitable gaming program, with a focus on elevating brand awareness for its games industry activities, amplifying wish stories, and forging partnerships for the nonprofit across the global games industry.

Raptor PR is partnering with Make-A-Wish International on a pro bono basis, providing strategic consultancy and go-to-market services to elevate global brand visibility. The campaign will focus on high-impact thought leadership, authoritative media commentary, speaker engagement, and news announcements designed to drive awareness, advocacy, and support.

April Stallings, Charitable Gaming and Creators Community Manager at Make-A-Wish International, commented: “Many of our wish children use gaming as a lifeline to stay connected during their illness.  We want the games industry to become more aware of how they can help grant wishes and why we need them – and that requires the kind of expertise we know Raptor PR can provide.  Raptor PR brings deep expertise in gaming and strategic communications making them a natural partner to help us achieve our global mission. Team Raptor’s deep network across the games industry will be vital in opening doors, sparking partnerships, and scaling our impact. Together, we’re not just telling stories, we’re mobilising the games industry to become a more intentional force for good, enabling more children around the world to experience the life-changing power of a wish, when they need it most.”

Rana Rahman, Founder and CEO at Raptor PR, added: “When I met April Stallings from Make-A-Wish at Gamescom last year, I was deeply moved by the real-world impact the charity delivers. That moment inspired me to get involved with Raptor PR, and now, through our strategic communications support, we’re helping Make-A-Wish scale its message and reach across the global games industry. Our goal is to spark a broader movement, encouraging the games industry to embrace its potential as a force for good and give back in meaningful, sustained ways.”

In 2024, the Make-A-Wish International network granted more than 16,000 wishes for children living with critical illnesses. Both April Stallings and Rana Rahman will be attending this year’s gamescom conference in Cologne from the 18-22nd of August 2025.

The post Make-A-Wish International Expands Presence in Gaming to Enable Future Wishes appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ZEAL partners with Greentube – “Book of Ra” Now Available on LOTTO24 and Tipp24

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ZEAL and Greentube, the digital gaming and entertainment division of Novomatic AG, have joined forces in a new partnership. As part of the collaboration, selected Greentube online games will be gradually integrated into the game portfolio of ZEAL brands LOTTO24 and Tipp24. The partnership officially launched in June 2025.

A key highlight: The internationally acclaimed “Book of Ra” series is now available to customers via ZEAL’s B2C platforms. The slot game franchise is one of the most iconic in online gaming, boasting a loyal global fan base.

This strategic alliance enables ZEAL to expand its digital gaming offering with top-tier titles, while Greentube benefits from ZEAL’s strong market presence and broad customer reach in Germany.

“With the popular titles from Greentube, we’re expanding our portfolio with high-quality games our customers already know and love,” says Alex Green, Vice President Games at ZEAL. “Bringing the ‘Book of Ra’ series to our platforms has been a long-term goal, and we’re proud to have made it happen. We see strong potential in this partnership.”

Julia Schagerl, Regional Manager at Greentube adds: “ZEAL is a strong partner with a loyal customer base. Our games stand for quality, security and entertainment – and this partnership helps us bring them to an even wider audience. It’s a key step in our growth strategy.”

The post ZEAL partners with Greentube – “Book of Ra” Now Available on LOTTO24 and Tipp24 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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