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SOFORT, Klarna’s Direct Bank Transfer Payments Service, Enables UK Gambling Block for Direct Bank-to-Bank Payments

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Klarna, a leading global retail bank, payments and shopping service that helps consumers save time and money, be informed and in control of their finances, announced it is enabling banks to extend voluntary gambling blocks to open banking-driven payments powered by its subsidiary, SOFORT, helping protect hundreds of thousands of UK consumers.

UK challenger bank, Monzo, was the first bank to introduce a gambling block in 2018, following demand from customers who wanted help controlling their use of gambling sites. Since then most UK banks have followed Monzo’s lead. However, while gambling blocks are effective for payments made by card, open banking powered payments are often not covered. Klarna’s subsidiary SOFORT became the first provider to integrate the UK’s first Open Banking powered gambling block, developed by Monzo and Truelayer last year, who made the update code public. This will allow Monzo to extend their gambling block to all Klarna-powered, immediate bank-to-bank payments for Monzo’s UK customers. Currently, 400,000 Monzo customers have activated the gambling block.

Klarna Kosma is one of the largest open banking aggregators in the world, providing connectivity to 15,000 banks worldwide. The network powers SOFORT, one of Klarna’s direct bank-to-bank payment methods, which is used by 75,000 merchants across Europe, including some online gambling and gaming sites. Importantly, only immediate payments are allowed to online gambling and gaming sites; none of Klarna’s BNPL or other credit products can be used on gambling or gaming sites.

With the update Klarna has announced, banks connected to SOFORT will be able to identify a payment request from a gambling or gaming company and, if there is a gambling block in place, block that payment, protecting their customers. The update code is available for banks and Open Banking providers to use, and the fix is quick, simple and easy to build.

“We’re calling on banks and other open banking infrastructure providers to make this relatively small update which could help protect hundreds of thousands of UK consumers. Open banking has huge potential to increase competition and reduce costs and as adoption grows the industry must move quickly to make changes which can further improve the lives of UK consumers,” Alex Marsh, Head of Klarna UK, said.

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Luka Pataky Joins Bragg Gaming Group as EVP of AI and Innovation to Spearhead Growth and Usage of New Technologies Across Business

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Bragg Gaming Group, a global leader in next-generation iGaming content and content delivery, engagement and player management technology, today proudly announces the appointment of Luka Pataky as Executive Vice President (EVP) of AI and Innovation.

In his new role, Pataky will work closely with Bragg’s technology teams to develop a 360॰ AI strategy, integrating AI into product development and design, user experience, external communications, safer gambling initiatives and internal processes to drive growth and efficiency.

This strategic leadership addition comes as part of Bragg’s commitment to the leveraging of data, advanced analytics and powerful AI to enhance user experience, player engagement, maximize revenue potential, and drive smarter, more efficient iGaming operations.

Luka Pataky boasts a strong pedigree in AI and technology, with over a decade of experience at Sportradar, a company at the forefront of sports data and content. His tenure at Sportradar culminated in his role as Senior Vice President for Automated Content, where he spearheaded an initiative from its inception to a production-ready, scalable system that ended up powering over 300,000 sports events per year with a team of over 70.

In this leadership position, he was instrumental in revolutionizing sports content creation through AI, Computer Vision, and Deep Learning, successfully bringing real-time data collection solutions to production, being the driving force behind integrating acquired tech businesses, thereby turning advanced technology into significant business value through the optimization of operating costs and business efficiencies.

Prior to his SVP role, Pataky played a key role in establishing Sportradar’s innovation unit, a hub for pioneering new ideas, implementing processes that enabled faster experimentation and fostering a culture of rapid prototyping and testing.

As part of this, he also led the team responsible for scaling Sportradar’s startup program and forging strategic innovation partnerships with universities and innovation labs. In his multiple innovation-based roles, he demonstrated a consistent focus on leveraging AI and data analysis to identify and develop new product opportunities and strategic initiatives.

His extensive experience across these leadership roles highlights his proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, manage complex technological advancements, and strategically integrate new ventures, underscoring his expertise in driving growth and innovation within the technology sector.

Known globally for its award-winning iGaming content and technology solutions, Bragg has consistently championed the integration of artificial intelligence technology across its business model, as typified by the introduction of an AI-powered Games Recommendation System into its Fuze ™ marketing and promotional toolset.

The Company has also utilised AI extensively across its responsible gambling work, using these new technologies and extensive data collection to more effectively identify at-risk gamblers.

“Luka Pataky is the ideal hire for Bragg, as we look to supercharge our AI and innovation ambitions,” said Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer at Bragg“His extensive experience of being at the forefront of this gamechanging technology and innovation will help springboard Bragg into the next iteration of our growth. With the increased adoption of AI across the iGaming industry, Bragg has once again shown its commitment to staying ahead of the competition.”

“Bragg has always struck me as a company where technology and innovation are key drivers,” said Luka Pataky. “This is a company which is always pushing the boundaries, using its extensive knowledge and the skills of its teams to create and set new trends. It sits on vast amounts of user data and insight, which we can turn into intelligence that will power next generation player engagement. Introducing AI at all levels of product and operations will make it perfectly positioned for future growth.”

“I am looking forward to playing a role in accelerating Bragg’s journey to becoming an AI-first company. I have no doubt we’ll be able to compliment and elevate Bragg’s already amazing next generation player experiences for its operator partners and drive value for the business.”

The post Luka Pataky Joins Bragg Gaming Group as EVP of AI and Innovation to Spearhead Growth and Usage of New Technologies Across Business appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Paysafe launches PagoEfectivo wallet, expanding payment options in Peru

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New digital wallet will offer instant payouts, code payments and P2P transfers; Carlos Alcántara is the new brand ambassador; PagoEfectivo Universe opens in Lima

Paysafe, a leading payments platform, is expanding its presence in Peru by evolving PagoEfectivo, its locally successful eCash brand, into a digital wallet. The PagoEfectivo wallet, the brand’s first in Latin America, enables users to instantly load funds, make online purchases, receive immediate payouts from participating merchants, transfer money to others, and pay using a code (CIP).

PagoEfectivo has been a market leader in Latin America’s eCash payments, enabling millions of consumers to transact online. “Consumers in Peru already trust PagoEfectivo for everything from iGaming and digital goods to travel and eCommerce. With the launch of our new digital wallet, we’re giving them a more convenient way to pay – one that reflects Paysafe’s commitment to powering the experiential economy,” said Bruce Lowthers, CEO of Paysafe.

“Our recent survey with Peruvian consumers found that 81% would use a digital wallet from PagoEfectivo. With that strong sign, we’re launching a solution that meets consumers’ payment needs,” said Esteban Sarubbi, Vice President, Head of Latin America at Paysafe.

PagoEfectivo introduces Carlos Alcántara as its new brand ambassador
PagoEfectivo is proud to introduce beloved Peruvian actor Carlos Alcántara (Cachín) as its new brand ambassador. Carlos will demonstrate just how easy and convenient it is to pay with the new PagoEfectivo wallet. The nationwide campaign will roll out across TV, digital platforms, outdoor, and out-of-home placements, marking it as PagoEfectivo’s most high-profile launch to date.

PagoEfectivo Universe
To celebrate the launch, from July 10 to 26, Lima residents are invited to experience the PagoEfectivo Universe – an immersive, interactive space at Av. Manuel Olguin 249, Santiago de Surco, from Tuesdays through Sundays, from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm, where they will play games, simulate payments through the app, meet celebrities and influencers during special time slots, win swags, snap photos, and meet the celebrated brand mascot, Leo Pagoncio.

The post Paysafe launches PagoEfectivo wallet, expanding payment options in Peru appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Rise of Orpheus unites myth, love, and thrilling features

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Play’n GO unveils Rise of Orpheus, a mythical slot that takes players deep into the Underworld in pursuit of love, light, and powerful gameplay features.

Following in the footsteps of mythology-inspired favourites like Gates of Troy and Rise of Olympus, Rise of Orpheus brings the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to life through emotionally charged mechanics and immersive storytelling. As Orpheus ventures into the realm of shadows to reclaim his lost love, players are invited to join a cinematic journey shaped by love, risk, and divine intervention. With its richly atmospheric visuals and evolving feature set, Rise of Orpheus stands as a testament to Play’n GO’s commitment to blending narrative depth with standout gameplay.

At the heart of the game is the Reunion feature, triggered when both lovers appear on screen. Orpheus walks across the reels to reach Eurydice, leaving Wilds in his path and forming a powerful combined symbol. In tandem, Eurydice’s Multiplier grows with each of her appearances during Free Spins, heightening the emotional – and gameplay – stakes. Meanwhile, the Wrath of Cerberus Respin and Wild Meter mechanics provide escalating excitement and layered rewards. These features don’t just elevate gameplay – they mirror the desperate determination of Orpheus’ journey.

Players drawn to the rich lore of Divine Showdown or the emotional arcs of Tales of Asgard: Freya’s Wedding will find familiar satisfaction in Rise of Orpheus. As part of Play’n GO’s mythology-inspired portfolio, this title offers a unique take on the legendary love story, marrying poetic tragedy with inventive mechanics. The game’s progression through the Underworld’s levels also echoes the structure of House of Doom II, offering evolving gameplay with dramatic flair.

Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, commented: “With Rise of Orpheus, we wanted to craft a slot that resonates emotionally as well as mechanically. This is a love story wrapped in myth, with every feature reinforcing the journey of reunion and risk.”

A poignant story. Powerful features. Rise of Orpheus invites players to walk through shadows – and witness love reshape destiny.

The post Rise of Orpheus unites myth, love, and thrilling features appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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