

Latest News
Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo
The 16th European Dealer Championship, hosted by Holland Casino at its Venlo operation proved to be a hugely popular event, where 37 dealers from 21 European countries gathered to demonstrate their exceptional skills before the EDC judges.
Three days of intense tournament competition culminated in Noemie Serra of Casino de Monte-Carlo being crowned the European Casino Association’s Dealer of the Year. Jamie Cummins from London’s Crown Casino took the runners-up spot, with Asa Ekerot from Casino Copenhagen securing third place.
As well as taking home their trophies, the winner scooped a grand prize of €5,000. The second and third place finishers were awarded €3,000 and €1,500, respectively. In addition to the main prizes, there were another five Skill Challenges, each offering a prize of €500 for the winners, showcasing the diverse talents and expertise of the competitors.
- Best Mathematician: Jamie Cummins, Aspinalls
- Best Chipping: Tsvelan Kritonov Yanchev, City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus
- Best Cutting Chips: Noemie Serra, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
- Best Pushing Stacks: Stefano Samperi, Casino Malta
- Best Card Handler: Marco Skorjanic, Casino Innsbruck, Austria
The finals, which followed intense national heats, brought the crème de la crème of Europe’s casino dealing professionals to Venlo for the skill-based competition to demonstrate their astute decision-making, lightning-fast reflexes, and seamless ability to balance chip management, mathematics, and engaging social interactions.
The dealers were evaluated by a dedicated panel of impartial international judges, each an experienced professional dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the gaming industry. The EDC jurors played a vital role in evaluating participant performances, thoroughly examining game control, communication, and technical skills.
Erwin Van Lambaart, Chairman of the ECA, said: “It has been a huge honour for Holland Casino to host the 16th European Dealer Championship in Venlo. I’d like to thank the team behind the scenes for their tremendous efforts in organising and hosting this prestigious event, and I’d like to thank the event’s sponsors without whom it simply wouldn’t happen. It has also been a great honour to be able to celebrate the amazing craftsmanship of live dealing. This event is a showcase offering a glimpse into the passion, professionalism, and hospitality that define the experiences of guests at our member casinos daily. Our dealers and croupiers must be recognised as the most vital ingredient at the forefront of customer interaction. They are the very essence of the land-based casino industry, and we really have celebrated the ‘best of the best’ in the field here in Venlo. This event gives us an opportunity to honour these skilled professionals, to highlight the remarkable achievements of our dealers and to say thank you for making live casino gaming what it is today.”
Hermann Pamminger, General Secretary of the European Casino Association (ECA), remarked: “This year’s has been a truly phenomenal event. I would like to thank all the sponsors of this year’s competition who made it possible to stage this international celebration of land-based gaming talent. The ECA extends its gratitude to these leading companies from the European gaming industry for their continued commitment to the European Dealer Championship, ensuring its success and growth into the future.”
The winner, Monaco-born Noemie Serra, said: ‘Being a croupier is the best job in the world. I am so thrilled to take home the top prize. I came through the dealer school for Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco in 2018 and have worked there ever since. It was an honour to represent them in this competition. My father also works as a dealer for SBM, so I suppose you could say that being a croupier is in my blood. The tournament has been intense and exhausting, but all the competitors have been so supportive throughout the event.’
Runner-up Jamie Cummins of Crown London said: ‘It is a huge honour to finish second in this prestigious event. I’ve loved every second of the event and my time with the other dealers. Since starting out at Genting Casino in Luton, it has always been a dream of mine to work in Mayfair, which I achieved with Aspinalls and Crown. Doing so well in this competition is right up there, though. I was at the tournament in London a few years ago, which was an outstanding event, but this one has topped even that. I’d advise any croupier anywhere in Europe to have a go at this dealer championship. It’s an incredible experience.’
Second runner-up Asa Ekeret from Casino Copenhagen added: ‘I’m thrilled to have been recognised at this event. It has been tiring and gruelling, but just as in my job in Copenhagen, the other dealers have been amazingly supportive and encouraging. We’ve picked each other up and kept each other going. It’s been an amazing experience.’
The European Casino Association is excited to announce Grand Casino Lichtenstein as the next distinguished location for next year’s European Dealer Championship 2025, which will run from June 16 to 19.
The post Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BiS SiGMA Americas 2025
DATA.BET Makes Successful Stand Debut at BiS SiGMA Americas 2025

Premium esports betting solution supplier expands presence in the growing Brazilian market
DATA.BET has successfully concluded its first-ever stand appearance at BiS SiGMA Americas 2025, one of the largest iGaming events in the region, held on April 8-10 in São Paulo, Brazil. The event took place in Transamerica Expo and brought together over 17,500 participants.
The company made a strong impression with its dedicated expo booth, where representatives engaged with local operators and business partners to discuss development opportunities in the growing LatAm market. DATA.BET showcased its comprehensive suite of solutions, including an updated Single Page Application (SPA), along with tools that are also adapted for local betting projects, including Scoreboards, Pitch Tracker, and Streaming – all designed to enhance user engagement with the platform and optimize their betting experience, particularly for mobile devices.
Alongside a bar serving exclusive cocktails that capture the spirit and vibe of Brazil, DATA.BET fleshed out its interactive stand with cosplayers dressed as Jinx and Ahri – popular characters from League of Legends, one of the top games among LatAm fans. This creative approach helped visitors immerse themselves in the iGaming atmosphere while exploring the company’s extensive portfolio of esports disciplines, events, and betting markets.
Natalie Loshatynska, Head of PR & Marketing at DATA.BET, commented: “Our stand debut at BiS SiGMA Americas allowed us to connect with Brazilian operators at this major event, learn about their specific needs, and introduce our iGaming solution. We saw great interest in esports from visitors. Latin America is a key market with huge growth potential for our niche. We’re excited to bring our products to this dynamic region, and the positive reaction confirms our decision to take part in BiS SiGMA Americas was right.”
The post DATA.BET Makes Successful Stand Debut at BiS SiGMA Americas 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
XGENIA to Unveil AI Set to Reshape the Future of iGaming

In a bold move set to shift the foundation of iGaming, the creators behind some of the industry’s most advanced AI tools are preparing to unveil a next-generation platform — and they’re doing it with style.
On Tuesday, May 6th at 20:30 CET, Valletta’s iconic 200 Old Merchants Street will be transformed for one night only into a live, immersive showcase of what’s next. The strictly invite-only gathering will bring together top-tier media, industry leaders, developers, and innovators for the debut of a powerful new end-to-end AI system built specifically to reshape how games are imagined, created, and brought to market.
“This isn’t just another tool — it’s a paradigm shift in how we think about building games,” said Mark Flores Martin, CEO of XGENIA. “Everything from speed to quality to who gets to create and what — it’s all about to change.”
Designed to radically streamline the development pipeline, the system bridges the gap between creative vision and execution. It eliminates inefficiencies, replacing outdated workflows with a unified platform for concepting, building, and refining games with AI, at unprecedented speed — all while enhancing creative freedom and control.
Adding to the moment’s significance, the Prime Minister of Malta is expected to attend, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to innovation and AI in its leadership role in the future of iGaming.
Those interested in attending the event or receiving early access details can join a waitlist at https://lu.ma/7le61lye
The post XGENIA to Unveil AI Set to Reshape the Future of iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
GameOn and
Movers and Shakers: How Micro-Influencers Are the Key to Capturing the Magic of Live Events

“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
The world of sports is littered with cliches, some true, some not so much. One enduring truth, however, is that few experiences can match the electrifying thrill of a live event. Live sporting events bring a unique atmosphere and energy almost impossible to replicate. Being able to capture this has been something promoters and marketers have struggled with for decades, however, the rise of micro-influencers and content creators has changed this.
Micro-influencers and content creators, through the use of video content, can provide audiences with a direct connection to a live event, placing them right in the heart of the action with real-time reactions and experiences. These are particularly useful for sports betting events like horse racing, where the tension is high and the outcomes are unpredictable.
By having content creators attend live events, audiences can gain insight they might not otherwise be able to access. At the same time, brands can generate authentic exposure that can not be replicated through more traditional marketing techniques.
Unmatched Authenticity
With AI and curated content everywhere we look, sports fans and bettors are constantly searching for more authentic experiences. Influencers live-streaming at events provide the perfect solution to this issue.
Their followers are given the chance to experience an event in its most authentic way, with influencers able to share their reactions to events in real-time.
This technique has become increasingly popular in horse racing. I was following this year’s Cheltenham Festival in the UK, and my newsfeed was full of live-streamers and micro-influencers sharing their reactions to the events.
So, how do events and companies benefit from this? Well, in the same way, companies have always benefited from freebies—exposure. However, the exposure they gain from these deals is much more impactful than just someone showcasing something or name-dropping them.
By allowing influencers to attend their events, companies can show what they can really offer. This is a warts-and-all experience that typical marketing strategies are incapable of highlighting.
Last year, one of our micro-influencers, Brettski, was given free hospitality and tickets to the Breeders’ Cup. The company simply provided him free entry and let him work his magic. In the video, he ends up leaving the races up, but whether he wins or loses is not the point. The video does an excellent job of showing people the company’s quality of service.
This type of content will be much more effective for the company than hiring a celebrity to shoot a promo video in a box. Micro-influencers and content creators can bring a raw honesty to the experience that resonates with audiences. Not only that, micro-influencers have a reliability and trust with their audience, which is extremely difficult to create and invaluable to companies trying to sell a product or experience.
Increased Promotional Lifespan
Another massive benefit to having content creators attend live events is that it significantly enhances the promotional lifespan of the event. If you are a company or a team hosting an event and using traditional promotional tactics, you will get some pre-event hype and, if you are lucky, some in-event content, but it typically ends there.
When using a content creator, you will get pre-match excitement and coverage, in-play action, and some post-event content. There is also always the possibility of creating an authentic viral moment, such as capturing the reaction to a horse race, giving your event’s coverage even longer life.
This coverage goes far beyond what you would get from a traditional advertising campaign or a high-end endorsement. When it comes to ROI, having a micro-influencer attend your event is one of the smartest moves you can make.
A Human Approach to Modern Marketing
As scepticism over the authenticity of online content continues to grow, allowing micro-influencers and content creators to attend events in person can be a game-changer for businesses.
It provides a human side to marketing and invites customers to experience something alongside people whose opinion they trust. Providing companies put their trust in the content creators and allow them to show their products and events off in their own unique way
Welcoming influencers to live events is a strategy that can change the marketing landscape for the right brands. It humanises marketing, allowing a brand to create a deeper, more honest connection with its audience that will prove hugely beneficial in the long term.
Author: Troy Paul CEO and Founder of SGG Media.
The post Movers and Shakers: How Micro-Influencers Are the Key to Capturing the Magic of Live Events appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
gaming3 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018