

Press Releases
UK betting technology supplier 20SHOTS accelerate funding with £400,000 raise at £5m valuation
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20SHOTS have geared up for the new football season in the UK by securing additional investment in a second funding round, including securing the backing of US VC Animal Capital
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New season will see new product rollout for popular Fantasy5 free-to-play fantasy football game, covering Champions League, Europa League and other European top flights
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Current growth trajectory sees Fantasy5 on course to recruit half a million players this season
20SHOTS, the UK technology supplier behind fast-growing free-to-play fantasy football game Fantasy5, have secured an additional £400,000 of investment at a £5 million valuation, with backers including Gen-Z focused US Venture Capital fund Animal Capital.
The American fund that counts social media stars Josh Richards, Griffin Johnson and Noah Beck focus on products that reach a new generation of customers. They have invested an undisclosed sum in 20SHOTS for the new football season, which will see the platform roll out its largest range of products added to its Fantasy5 game to date.
Fantasy5’s Premier League product, which uses a unique points system developed in-house based on fantasy football, offers cash prizes to winners who can successfully predict how well players will perform per gameweek.
Using their own risk management system and algorithmic trading software, the company will now look to supplement this with additional games covering the Champions League, Europa League and other top European leagues.
The roll out of additional leagues coupled with Fantasy5’s existing growth – bolstered last season by the recruitment of BoyleSports as its first tier one UK & Ireland bookmaker partner – keeps the game on course to break the 500,000 player mark.
Prizes for the additional leagues will remain at the standard £10,000 mark, as offered to Premier League players, and offer partners an increase in engagement and retention. 83% of players who played in the last four rounds last season have made an entry in the first two weeks. The investment in Fantasy5 also comes in advance of the Government’s highly-anticipated White Paper review of the gambling industry, which is likely to see traditional marketing practices come under scrutiny, creating additional need for operators to engage customers beyond traditional channels.
Jacob Kalms, co-founder and CEO of 20SHOTS said: “We’re pleased to welcome Animal Capital as investors as part of our most recent founding round which has raised £400,000 in capital.
“As demand grows in the ultra-competitive free-to-play space, we’re investing in our ability to quickly and seamlessly roll out products and games on a white label basis for a number of different partners across multiple divisions and competitions – with the ultimate objective of using the technology seamlessly across the most popular sports worldwide.
“Our growth model forecasts we will break the half a million player mark this season, with our scaling driving down the cost of acquisition for partners whilst maintaining our engagement, dwell and retention rates considerably above industry averages.”
He added: “Operators should also be considering how free-to-play and softer marketing funnels like those offered by games like Fantasy5 will help them navigate any changes thrust upon them by the upcoming gambling review. Whilst our audience is ultimately commercially valuable to any operator or affiliate, Fantasy5 remains a sustainable way to build a loyal audience over time.”
Marshall Sandman, Managing Partner of Animal Capital said: “In a crowded market of fantasy, free to play, and pay-to-play sports betting, 20SHOTS distinguishes itself with a best in class team and direction that has allowed the product to stand out distinctly and early.
“Their flagship game Fantasy5 is an early hit, their B2B relationships are uniquely positioned to make this an exciting asset and their ability to resonate and be sticky with a younger audience are all reasons why we were excited to be on the journey.
“Jacob the CEO and his team have conviction and direction, and they will continue to prove why they deserve to be big fish in this pond!”
Latest News
Arizona Department of Gaming and Arizona Lottery Announce Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month

State agencies join forces to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide tools for safe and responsible play.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and the Arizona Lottery are proud to announce a joint effort in support of a new Proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month in Arizona.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. While problem gambling initiatives focus on helping those already experiencing harm from gambling, responsible gaming emphasizes prevention by encouraging healthy play behaviors before they reach a critical point.
Throughout September, and continuing in the months ahead, the ADG and Arizona Lottery will work together to strengthen education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to equip players with strategies and resources that help them keep gaming fun and safe, while helping reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.
“For over 30 years, the Arizona Department of Gaming has safeguarded the integrity of gaming through strong consumer protections, enforcement against illegal operators, and support services for those impacted by problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Arizona Department of Gaming Agency Director. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, we remind everyone that part of playing responsibly is being informed—always double-check before you place your bet to ensure you are using a legal, regulated operator at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.”
The Arizona Lottery also remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible play and has a Level 2 certification with the World Lottery Association for responsible gaming. Lottery games benefit the people of Arizona by generating critical revenue that funds education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and economic development. At the same time, the Lottery prioritizes the well-being of its players. Each ticket includes clear odds of winning, vending machines display game odds, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline is featured across Lottery products and advertising.
“We are proud to deliver entertainment that benefits communities across our state, while recognizing our responsibility to promote safe play,” said Alec Thomson, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. “Through transparency and awareness, we want every player to have the tools they need to make informed decisions and enjoy the Lottery responsibly.”
As Arizona observes Responsible Gaming Education Month, ADG and the Arizona Lottery encourage all players to stay informed, know their limits, and seek help if needed. Together, we can ensure that gaming remains a source of entertainment that strengthens, rather than harms, Arizona communities.
For more information and resources, visit gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming or ArizonaLottery.com/ResponsibleGaming. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, call or text 1-800-NEXT-STEP for confidential support available 24/7.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming and Arizona Lottery Announce Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
VeliTech Appoints Mats Lundin as Chief Sales Officer

Seasoned iGaming executive brings decade of commercial expertise to drive B2B growth
VeliTech, the B2B technology division of Veli Group, today announced the appointment of Mats Lundin as Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Lundin brings over 10 years of commercial leadership experience across the iGaming sector to accelerate VeliTech expansion as operators worldwide seek battle-tested platform solutions.
In his new role, Lundin will spearhead VeliTech global sales strategy, focusing on delivering the company’s comprehensive suite of iGaming solutions to operators seeking proven technology backed by real-world performance. His appointment reinforces VeliTech commitment to partnering with operators who demand more than promises – they want technology that is already winning in the market.
“Mats embodies the kind of proven expertise that our operator partners expect,” said Giorgi Aleksidze, CEO at VeliTech.
“His track record of building meaningful relationships and driving revenue growth aligns perfectly with our approach of backing our technology with real results. When we say we bet on our tech, we need leaders who understand what that means in practice.”
Lundin joins VeliTech from Vegangster, where he served as Sales Manager. His career spans key roles including Director of Sales and Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, Head of Sales at iSoftBet, and various commercial positions where he consistently delivered revenue growth and market expansion
“What drew me to VeliTech is their unique position in the market,” said Lundin.
“This is not just another platform provider making bold claims – this is a team that operates their own gaming brands and proves their technology works where it matters most. That combination of technical excellence and real-world validation creates compelling value for operators.”
Throughout his career, Lundin has specialised in provider and operator relationship management, regulatory navigation, and market analysis. His expertise spans both B2B and B2C sectors, with a proven ability to identify growth opportunities and translate them into sustainable commercial success.
The VeliTech platforms cover all critical aspects of iGaming, including player account management, no-code CRM, payment gateway, content aggregation, and game development. The appointment of Lundin as CSO comes as the company continues expanding its presence across regulated markets, from European casinos to emerging African markets.
The post VeliTech Appoints Mats Lundin as Chief Sales Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Eurasia and the Middle East in Focus at SBC Summit 2025 Emerging Markets Stage

Untapped potential, surging demand, and shifting regulations are putting Eurasia and the Middle East firmly on the iGaming radar.
SBC Summit 2025 will tap into this momentum with a new Emerging Markets: Eurasia & the Middle East track on Wednesday, 17 September at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), featuring five powerhouse sessions on market entry, regulation, and long-term growth strategies.
The track will provide in-depth analysis of key jurisdictions, including Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and the UAE; markets undergoing significant change due to political shifts, evolving regulations, and growing local demand.
Sessions will offer practical guidance on entering and operating in these regions, with a focus on understanding regulatory frameworks and adapting to local market conditions.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Eurasia and the Middle East are a core focus for SBC Summit 2025. The opportunities here are real, but so are the challenges. Long-term success means understanding the local landscape and building genuine relationships on the ground.
“With this track, we want delegates to hear directly from the people who know these markets best, and to walk away with strategies they can put to work straight away.”
The track will open with the Eurasia Leaders Panel: Expansion or Contraction – Which Way Will the Bridge Between Continents Swing?, offering delegates the chance to hear directly from the leaders shaping the market across the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Irakli Asanishvili (Head of Central & Eastern Europe, Flutter International), Adam Lamentowicz (CEO, Superbet Group), Max Potomkin (Deputy CEO, Parimatch), and Simon Westbury (Strategic Advisor, 1xBet) will examine whether political and regulatory pressures could stall momentum in markets like Georgia and Uzbekistan or if the region’s passionate fanbase and tech-savvy operators will continue to fuel expansion.
Following this, Georgia & Armenia Lead the Way will explore how these markets are adapting to recent tax and regulatory changes. Nika Gigashvili (Managing Director / Partner, SMH Global), Giorgi Gvenetadze (CCO, Flutter CEE), Vahagn Tangamyan (Head of Legal Department, Totogaming), and Gega Topuridze (CBDO, Betlive) will discuss how operators can adapt to new frameworks while capitalising on the region’s abundant talent pool and digital infrastructure.
The session Cryptocasinos & Emerging Markets – The Boom Continues will examine the rise of crypto-based gaming models in Eurasia and the Middle East. The panel will bring together Tiago Almeida (CEO, Oddsgate), Andrew Gellatly (Executive Director, Alderney Gambling Control Commission), Stefan Kovach (Founder & CEO, RARER THINGS), Melissa E. Lamb (Director of Sales – Luxury, Payhound), and Tom Waterhouse (Chief Investment Officer, Waterhouse VC) to examine how operators can maximise increasing crypto-adoption while maintaining compliance and responsible frameworks.
Crossing Borders: Cross-Selling in Balkan Markets will bring together regional experts to explore how businesses can thrive in culturally connected markets while navigating diverse regulatory frameworks. Dan Alexandru Ghiță (President, Rombet), Ivan Gojic (Chief Sportsbook Officer, Entain CEE), Rossi McKee (Vice President, CT Gaming), Alexander Popov (Director of Supervision, Gambling & Gambling Activities Directorate, National Revenue Agency (Bulgaria)), Marinos Shiapanis (Co-Founder & CEO, Campeon Gaming), and Artem Skrypnyk (CEO, Favbet Tech) will share their insights on building a consistent brand across multiple jurisdictions without compromising compliance.
Inside the UAE’s Ambitious Vision: Building a World-Class, Regulated, and Responsible Gaming Market from the Ground Up will examine the UAE’s move towards adopting a regulated gambling framework. Garret Greene (SVP Global Relationships, SBC), Christina Hu (Chief Strategy Officer, Momentum), Kevin Mullally (CEO, GCGRA), David Patent (EVP, Wynn Al Marjan Island), Lauralyn Sandoval (Vice President Gaming Strategy and Business Development, Aristocrat), will explore what a regulated betting framework in the region could look like and how the UAE’s approach could influence neighbouring jurisdictions and reshape global perceptions of gaming in the Middle East.
The Emerging Markets: Eurasia & The Middle East track forms part of SBC Summit’s Emerging Markets stage, alongside sessions analysing iGaming and sports betting growth in Africa (Tuesday, 16 September) and Asia (Thursday, 18 September).
Secure your ticket to SBC Summit 2025 today.
Choose from three pass types: VIP Event Pass, Expo+ Pass, or Expo Only Pass. Please note that an Expo Only Pass does not include access to conference panels.
Our Group VIP Event Pass offers three tickets at €400 each (down from €600)—ideal for attending with your team.
Operators and affiliates are eligible for a complimentary passes, simply apply here.
The post Eurasia and the Middle East in Focus at SBC Summit 2025 Emerging Markets Stage appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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