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Asia
Iker Casillas signs with FUN88 as its brand ambassador ahead of the World Cup 2022
Iconic Spanish goalkeeper dons a new jersey as front-man for the leading Asian sportsbook operator, calling on fans to “Live Your Dream”
Football legend and World Cup-winning Spanish Captain, Iker Casillas, has taken his gloves off to become the official brand ambassador for Fun88, the powerhouse Asian sports betting operator, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar which runs from 20 November to 18 December.
This breakthrough partnership arrives three short years after FUN88 signed the late, great Kobe Bryant ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. And, like Bryant before him, Casillas has been recruited to encourage fans to “Live Your Dream”, a resounding call-to-action tagline that echoes the best of FUN88’s brand values.
Consequently, the former goalkeeper, one of the game’s most outstanding players thanks to his inspirational leadership roles at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, has undertaken to responsibly promote the transcendent values of competition and entertainment on the World Cup stage, giving greater visibility to the fun and social engagement the game of football can bring to diverse international audiences.
Casillas and FUN88’s combined goal is to enhance fan engagement around the game’s biggest tournament by creating fresh content and discovery opportunities for diverse audiences. This timely partnership is now set to drive deeper engagement amongst soccer supporters across the globe. Accordingly, Casillas now joins the likes of Robbie Fowler, Steve Nash and the much-missed Bryant in Fun88’s historic stable of superstars, all putting their shoulders to the wheel in building the brand’s global sports exposure.
FUN88 will continue its ongoing work to engage with fans across both mature and emerging Asia markets via a series of creative activations and promotions involving Casillas. The brand has also developed a popular presence on social media, where its myriad customers are already interacting through its feeds and forthcoming World Cup content, where many more will benefit from its competitions and premium prize giveaways.
This combined collaboration will also leverage an increasing number of dedicated local channels and promotional activities, all focused on acquisition and retention of a loyal audience both pre-game and in-play. After all, World Cup football is always a tent-pole event for operator performance and correlated marketing targets around long-term new-account acquisition.
A senior spokesperson welcomed FUN88’s new flagship ambassador: “We’re delighted to have signed Iker Casillas to our team as FUN88’s World Cup 2022 brand ambassador. Long story short, he is a leader and an inspiration to all, having made a peerless contribution to both club and international football.
“Unlike other goalkeepers known principally for their safe pairs of hands, Iker was always a natural entertainer on the field with his cat-like reactions and jaw-dropping shot-stopping regularly getting fans out of their seats. Accordingly, he and FUN88 are committed to achieving our goals in the most engaging and enjoyable way possible. Of course, there’ll also be the chance for our customers to gain exclusive insight and analysis from one of the clearest-thinking minds in football – remember, Iker holds the record for the most clean-sheets in the Champions League and for Spain’s national team!
“FUN88 intends to harness this breakout partnership to drive awareness and participation around our progressive brand values across both mature and developing Asian territories. We’re constantly looking for original ways to connect with our customers across digital channels and betting verticals as varied as sportsbook, eSports and casino. Iker is a dream fit for the energy and expertise that FUN88 is delivering across varied markets, where a proven global reputation can deliver on localised challenges, helping push the envelope of technology and raise the game for the end-user experience and social traction.”
Casillas, Spain’s most garlanded captain, added: “I’m excited to be representing FUN88 for this Autumn’s World Cup in Qatar. They have built a brand which directly aligns with my footballing history and sporting passions, underpinned by a desire to fuse fun with fairness and flair across wider sport. It’s a combination that’s vital to winning any game and also entertaining your audience.
“As a result, I look forward to bringing some top-class content and activity to Asian markets with my signature style and professionalism, allowing fans to find new and deeper ways in which to engage with and enjoy the sports they love. It was a penalty-kick decision to commit for me, so live your dream with FUN88!
“In short, I’m energised to be joining a new squad at FUN88 and very grateful for being given the chance to act as their ambassador and public face across an electric World Cup program.”
While FUN88 continues to develop its online offerings for football fans around the world, this latest landmark acquisition highlights its commitment to international representation and fostering a football-friendly environment within a responsible gaming culture.
FUN88 has pioneered the gamified betting experience, thanks to a unique interface and personalised customer service that deliver a cohesive player journey from the log-in until the end result. This seamless experience has also ensured record levels of retention and consumer satisfaction amongst its active base.
Asia
ASCI Signs MoU with FIFS, AIGF and EGF
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The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF).
The MoU between ASCI and the online gaming industry federations establishes a framework to address these challenges through a special monitoring cell that will focus on screening and reporting offshore betting and gambling advertisements to the concerned ministries. The cell will also screen and process real-money gaming advertisements that are found to be in potential violation of the ASCI Code. The partnership aims to surface illegal ads and also strengthen compliance of the RMG industry.
Since the kickoff of the MoU in January 2025, ASCI has flagged 413 ads of offshore betting to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and processed 12 advertisements for potential violation of ASCI’s RMG guidelines. Previously, ASCI flagged off 1336 ads in the period April 2023–March 24, to the Ministry of I&B. Based on this, the Ministry has taken action to block such ads and platforms. During the same period, 492 cases pertaining to Real Money Gaming were also taken up by ASCI.
Indian state laws prohibit gambling and offshore betting activities; making advertisements for these activities, illegal in these states. However, online real-money games (RMG) that require a predominance of skill, are permitted by most state laws, and their advertising is therefore allowed. Some offshore betting and gambling operators attempt to portray themselves as legally permitted gaming companies, necessitating the need to identify such advertisements and escalate the same to regulators. For the real-money gaming sector, ASCI’s guidelines for “Advertising of Online Gaming for Real Money Winnings” needs advertisements to ensure that the content of such ads remains responsible and does not depict minors or represents winnings as a means of livelihood. In addition, these ads are required to carry disclaimers to inform consumers of the risks associated with such games.
Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of ASCI, said: “Indian consumers are exposed to numerous ads of offshore betting and gambling companies that have no accountability in India. Several Indian celebrities too have been a part of such advertisements. Since gambling ads are prohibited in most parts of the country, their large-scale presence is a breach of the law. ASCI would like to surface such advertising to the regulators for necessary action. It is also key that the gaming industry, whose advertising is permissible in India, remains compliant with the ASCI Code. We welcome the proactive initiative of the gaming associations of working with the self-regulator to create a special monitoring cell for the industry.”
Neil Castelino, CEO of Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, said: “Members of FIFS have demonstrated their commitment and compliance to responsible advertising through implementation of the ASCI guidelines and FIFS Charter. We are further committed to adopting the global best standards in responsible advertising, and through this collaboration, we hope that Indian consumers are not exposed to illegal platforms in the guise of online gaming while promoting responsible advertising practices amongst the Indian RMG industry.”
Anuraag Saxena, CEO of E-Gaming Federation, said: “Indian citizens have been duped and scammed by unscrupulous operators for years. The nation suffers, so do consumers, so does the domestic industry. Which is why we at EGF have been pioneering responsible gaming, and mandatory audits of our gaming companies. The monitoring cell of ASCI will only turbo-boost our efforts. Together, we will uphold high ethical standards and create a safer, more trusted gaming landscape for all.”
Roland Landers, CEO of All India Gaming Federations, said: “As the oldest and largest industry federation, AIGF has been at the forefront of advocating for responsible gaming practices and addressing the menace of offshore and illegal betting and gambling. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure a robust, transparent, and responsible gaming environment in India. By collaborating with ASCI and fellow industry federations, we aim to tackle the growing challenge of offshore gambling ads and non-compliant advertising practices. This MoU marks a pivotal step towards protecting consumers, fostering ethical advertising, and elevating the credibility of India’s online gaming sector. Together, we are dedicated to shaping a fair and sustainable ecosystem for all stakeholders.”
The post ASCI Signs MoU with FIFS, AIGF and EGF appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Esports World Cup Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership with Tencent
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Partnership to drive EWC’s expansion in China, leveraging Tencent E-sports’ networks and expertise to connect Chinese esports with EWC’s global ecosystem
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) announced a partnership with Tencent, making Tencent E-sports the EWCF’s strategic partner in China to drive the expansion of the Esports World Cup’s presence in the region. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the EWCF’s purpose to unite global esports fans under one competitive umbrella and underscores its commitment to integrating the world’s most important and rapidly growing esports market into the Esports World Cup platform. The agreement was formalized at the Empower Esports Worldwide Series – The Esports Operation and Technology Session in Shenzhen, China.
The collaboration will establish a dedicated Development Team to enhance EWC’s visibility, engagement, and industry collaboration in China, while leveraging EWC’s and Tencent E-sports’ networks and expertise to connect Chinese esports with EWC’s global ecosystem. Tencent E-sports will provide marketing expertise, strategic consulting, and operational support to deliver diverse content and experiences.
“The Esports World Cup has created a global stage for competitive gaming, demonstrating its influence not only in China but across the world,” said Mars Hou, Vice President of Tencent Games and General Manager of Tencent E-sports. “Through this partnership, we are committed to elevating EWC’s presence in China and integrating our esports industry with the world’s largest competitive gaming event. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with EWCF to push esports forward on a global scale.”
“The Esports World Cup’s purpose is to create a global platform for esports and gaming fans worldwide, and investing in key growth markets for esports is a core pillar of our mission,” said Thamer Al Shuaibi, Chief of Staff at the Esports World Cup Foundation. “China plays a critical role in this vision, and Tencent’s leadership in gaming and esports positions it as an essential partner. By combining our expertise, we will continue to strengthen esports as an industry, providing new opportunities for Chinese players and Clubs, and bringing the best of the Esports World Cup to Chinese fans.”
Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool in a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports’ best players, Clubs and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.
The post Esports World Cup Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership with Tencent appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Angel Group Completes Implementation of Smart Table Systems at Sands China Properties in Macao
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Angel Group has successfully completed the implementation of its Smart Table System on all baccarat tables, over 1100 tables, in the mass market areas operated by Sands China Limited, one of the leading Integrated Resort (IR) companies in Macao.
With this latest deployment, approximately 2000 baccarat tables in Macao, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia are now operating with Angel’s Smart Table System.
The operation of Angel Smart Table “Hybrid” Solution utilises both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to capture each and every chip information including quantity, type and exact location on the table. This smart table technology revolutionises casino operations on their marketing strategies, game protection, operational efficiency as well as customer experience based on the real-time data analysis, supporting optimal game management.
The post Angel Group Completes Implementation of Smart Table Systems at Sands China Properties in Macao appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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