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Majestic has Covid-19 lockdown to thank for re-inventing its online bingo offering

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Majestic Bingo, which has 16 clubs throughout Britain, has used the enforced suspension of its retail business due to the Covid-19 lockdown, to reinvent its online presence in a way in which managing director Mark Jepp, believes will enhance and build the brand.

Mark Jepp explained: “The lockdown has had a profound impact on the way in which we all approach our personal and our work lives. Among the negatives – and there are a huge number impacting the business, our staff, suppliers and of course our customers – it has also provided an opportunity to reflect and reset.

“For a long time, Majestic had existed with an online offering that was adequate but lacked the WOW! that our community associates with the brand. As a consequence, the senior team mapped out a vision of where we wanted to be and agreed that if we are going to do it, then do it properly, which meant being prepared to invest at a time when income is virtually non-existent and to only work with the right partner.”

For Majestic, the right partner was found in the shape of Positively Distinct Media, a specialist bingo consultancy that shared the same passion for bingo and had the capabilities to transform the online offering to be one of the best in the industry.

Mark Jepp said: “Our online bingo offering was clearly not in line with our retail-led brand and player experience. We knew straight away that PDM were the right partner. They are as enthusiastic about bingo as we are and understand the business and the brand inside out.”

Moving from an everyday experience to one that really captures the Majestic personality has been key and references to ‘brand’ punctuate the vision down to the terminology used, the tone of voice, the promotional mechanics, being true to the integrity of the Majestic bingo experience and translating the sense of trust that its bricks and mortar customers have into the online space.

The solution has been to build on the profile that Mark Jepp enjoys as a ‘hands-on’ managing director. “I’m always at one of our clubs and as a consequence the customers recognise me” he explained. “Our online presence will become our 17th club and I will be fronting the promotions and initiatives as the face of and personality of the Majestic brand.”

Aware of the warnings that online will simply serve to cannibalize bricks and mortar income, the Majestic MD argues that customers are already playing online and the real danger is that they are probably playing with a competitor. Rather than keep the two verticals separate, the strategy is to embrace their coming together, with the official online launch expected to take place in the clubs when bingo is permitted to open its doors.

“The aim is to launch in time for the summer reopening and rather than be slightly awkward or shy about the new arrival really be loud and proud of our new, vibrant online presence. We are currently examining how we can bring the two together with customers being able to participate in the retail experience from their own homes. Our online initiative has energised the team, energised the brand and I’m sure it will energise the Majestic community of players both existing and new.”

 

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MixRift Appoints Former Meta VP Ingrid Cotoros to Board of Advisors to Accelerate Mixed Reality Gaming Innovation

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Innovative mixed reality gaming developer strengthens leadership team with hardware technology veteran behind Quest 3, Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and Orion AR prototype
MixRift, an innovative mixed reality (MR) gaming developer, today announced the appointment of Dr. Ingrid Cotoros as a key member of its Board of Advisors.
Cotoros brings over 20 years of hardware engineering expertise from her leadership roles at Meta’s Reality Labs and GoPro, where she spearheaded the development of breakthrough technologies that powered the world’s most advanced VR, AR, and smart glasses products.
As the former VP of Technology Engineering for Devices at Meta’s Reality Labs, Cotoros founded and led a thousand-strong team of specialised technologists who delivered the hardware innovations behind Meta’s Quest Pro, Quest 3, Quest 3S VR headsets, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and the cutting-edge Orion AR glasses prototype. Her technical contributions span depth perception systems, immersive audio experiences, and world-locked display technologies that have shaped the mixed reality landscape since 2020.
“The future of gaming lies in creating unique experiences that blend digital and physical worlds,” said Dr. Cotoros. “MixRift’s vision for mixed reality gaming represents the next evolution of how we interact with digital content, and I’m excited to help them bring truly immersive experiences to players.”
Cotoros’ appointment aligns perfectly with MixRift’s ambitious technology roadmap, and reflects MixRift’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation in gaming.
“Ingrid’s deep understanding of hardware capabilities and sensing technologies complements our founding team’s vision beautifully,” said Bobby Voicu, CEO of MixRift. “Her experience developing the technologies that power every major VR and AR device launched in recent years gives us invaluable insight into what’s possible today and what’s coming next. We’re basically talking about someone who’s been at the forefront of every breakthrough that’s made our industry possible.”
During her tenure at Meta, Cotoros championed the strategic sequencing of features to engage customers in AI-powered computing platforms. Prior to Meta, she led multiple first-to-market innovations at GoPro, including the development of the first consumer-grade high-definition spherical camera and professional-level panoramic stereo capture systems.
Cotoros will focus her advisory efforts on understanding the physical capabilities of emerging device platforms and how they can unlock new interaction modes and experiences for gamers. A physicist by training with a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from UC Berkeley and a BS in Physics from Caltech, Cotoros holds 26 US patents in camera hardware and content processing. Her diverse technical background reflects the interdisciplinary approach needed to solve complex mixed reality challenges.
Before her consumer electronics career, Cotoros served as a rocket scientist and space systems engineer at Lockheed Martin, developing space applications and defense programs. She was twice selected for Romania’s national team at the International Physics Olympiad, demonstrating her early passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s technically possible.
Meta Connect 2025 Meeting Opportunities
MixRift CEO Bobby Voicu will be attending Meta Connect 2025 (September 17-18, Menlo Park) and is available for media briefings about MixRift’s mixed reality gaming roadmap and strategic vision. With the company’s recent advisory board expansion bringing deep hardware expertise from Meta’s Reality Labs, Bobby can discuss how MixRift is leveraging insider knowledge of upcoming device capabilities to build next-generation gaming experiences. He’ll be sharing exclusive previews of MixRift’s upcoming titles and discussing how the company is positioning itself at the intersection of advanced hardware and innovative game design.

The post MixRift Appoints Former Meta VP Ingrid Cotoros to Board of Advisors to Accelerate Mixed Reality Gaming Innovation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Strive Connects SBK and Premier Sports in Multi-Platform Football Tie-Up

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Sports marketing consultancy Strive Sponsorship has brokered a multi-platform content and media partnership between SBK, the fast-growing, data-led sportsbook app, and Premier Sports, the premium sports broadcaster in Ireland and the UK.

The deal sees SBK become the official sponsor of Premier Sports’ ‘Scottish Football Social Club’ podcast – a YouTube and audio series that brings sharp, irreverent takes on all things SPFL. SBK will also support and feature in social media content for LALIGA and Scottish Premiership football throughout the 2025/26 season, marking a major step in SBK’s expansion into Ireland and broader UK football media.

In addition, Premier Sports subscriptions will be offered to SBK customers as part of exclusive promotional packages, enhancing access to premium football content and increasing brand loyalty.

“We’re proud to have connected two smart, fan-focused challenger brands in this deal,” said Malph Minns, Managing Director at Strive Sponsorship.

“This partnership brings together content, distribution and fan utility in a way that few betting brands are doing today. SBK’s focus on value aligns perfectly with Premier Sports’ growing football community and media reach. It’s exactly the type of strategic, insight-led activation we specialise in.”

This partnership follows Strive’s work building SBK’s sport sponsorship portfolio across football clubs across the UK and Ireland — with a consistent focus on content-driven, fan-relevant assets that deliver beyond traditional branding.

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, said:

“This is a really exciting move for us. Being part of Premier Sports’ LALIGA and SPFL social content gives us powerful visibility in key communities. We’re all about giving fans more value, and with Premier Sports subscriptions now available to our customers, this partnership delivers on that promise.

“It’s been great working with Strive on this deal. What sets them apart is their ability to go beyond just brokering deals — they bring structure, insight, and creativity to the whole process. Their work continues to deliver brand value that aligns tightly with our marketing objectives.”

Shane Hogan, Head of Marketing at Premier Sports, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome SBK on board. They bring a fresh approach to the betting space and have a real focus on fan-first activation. This partnership gives our content new momentum, especially on social and podcast platforms, while giving our audience access to great offers and added value. It’s a win-win.

“Strive has been a pleasure to work with. Their expertise was clear from day one. They don’t just connect brands and rights holders — they engineer partnerships that work commercially, creatively, and for the fans. We’re excited about what this one will deliver.”

The post Strive Connects SBK and Premier Sports in Multi-Platform Football Tie-Up appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SOFTSWISS Releases 19-in-1 Market Overview: iGaming in Latin America

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software solutions, has unveiled its latest report on Latin America’s iGaming landscape, providing a comprehensive, data-rich guide for operators navigating one of the industry’s fastest-evolving regions. 

After becoming the first certified iGaming software provider in Brazil and obtaining further approval in Peru, SOFTSWISS has deepened its regional expertise to help operators, regulators, and stakeholders better understand and operate within the dynamic LatAm iGaming market.

As the iGaming sector turns its eyes toward emerging markets, Latin America stands out as both a challenge and an opportunity. The newly released Latin America’s iGaming Market Overview from SOFTSWISS offers a detailed, country-by-country analysis of the region’s regulatory frameworks, market potential, and player behaviour. 

The report serves as a starting point for understanding gambling regulation across Latin America. It helps analysts, governmental institutions, and operators solve the problem of scattered and unclear information about the market peculiarities of the region’s countries, equipping stakeholders with the knowledge to build strategies grounded in local realities.

What’s Inside the Report?

The iGaming in Latin America Market Overview examines 19 jurisdictions and outlines their licensing conditions, taxation models, local ownership requirements, and digital infrastructure, which collectively shape the operating landscape. The 2025 edition offers:

  • Detailed regulatory snapshots for land-based and online gambling in LatAm countries
  • In-depth assessments of mobile penetration, payment infrastructure, and demographic trends
  • Analysis of traditional betting culture and its impact on online product strategies
  • Insights into upcoming reforms and their competitive implications

Many local experts note that the Latin American market is highly fragmented, with each country presenting its own unique regulatory landscape for iGaming. From Costa Rica’s legal grey zones to Paraguay’s border casinos and Brazil’s regulatory leap with Law No. 14.790, the report underscores how nuanced and fragmented the market remains. Understanding distinct frameworks is critical for any operator looking to succeed in the region, whose potential is really powerful when approached strategically.

Magnho José, President of Instituto Jogo Legal (IJL), comments: “Costa Rica’s open licensing model has positioned the country as a global hub for online gambling, serving operators from both Latin and North America. Meanwhile, border zones like Ciudad del Este in Paraguay host some of the region’s most established land-based casinos. Latin America’s market isn’t just growing, it’s geographically layered and commercially diverse.”

The SOFTSWISS overview gives operators a clear, data-informed view of where the region stands today – and where it is headed next.

Dario Leiman, Head of Business Development in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, shares his excitement: “With Brazil’s full-scale iGaming regulation now in place, SOFTSWISS is fully ready to operate in the market. In parallel, we’ve been evaluating opportunities in other Latin American countries. This report is more than a regional snapshot – it’s a practical tool for any operator looking to eliminate the guesswork from market entry and make informed decisions.”

The Latin America report is part of a broader effort by SOFTSWISS to deliver strategic, market-specific intelligence for iGaming professionals. Earlier this year, the company released the iGaming in South Africa 2025 report – an in-depth analysis of one of Africa’s most promising regulated markets.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Releases 19-in-1 Market Overview: iGaming in Latin America appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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