Latest News
How Saudi Arabia intends to Become a Global Hub for Gaming and Esports
Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup, but Saudi Arabia is making sure it is not left behind. The Kingdom has made a whopping investment worth $37.8 billion which is designed to serve a single purpose – elevating Saudi Arabia’s status as a global hub for gaming and esports. Much of this is owed to the forward-thinking Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown prince, who has seen competitive video gaming as a way to appeal to young voters and beckon to international youth that Saudi Arabia is more progressive than previously thought.
Building the Esports and Gaming Future of Saudi Arabia
All of the recent events seem to help the Saudis on their way to becoming a major force in the world of competitive video gaming. According to reports, Shily, Electronic Arts, Valve, and Riot Games are considering holding events in Saudi Arabia. Qatar will be a test site to see if the country can use esports and gaming to bring in tourists.
Prince bin Salman is very perceptive, as he realizes that competitive video gaming alone is not the solution. The prince is adamant about creating jobs in the region and ensuring everyone has opportunities. In the meantime, esports has taken off in the Kingdom and viewers of digital eSports content from Saudi Arabia have drastically increased during 2022. eSports betting is no exception and accounts for most visitors to www.arabwinners.com. Saudi Arabian viewers also account for the majority of subscribers to their YouTube channel where they live stream local and international eSports events in Arabic.
But Prince Bin Salman himself is making a gamble on eSports. He similarly wants to create more employment opportunities for young Saudis, having encouraged investments from overseas developers, such as Ubisoft and Electronic Arts who are exploring the idea of setting up more permanent offices in the Kingdom. By 2030, bin Salman wants to see as many as 39,000 jobs linked to video gaming created in the Kingdom.
As the west strongly shifts towards battery-powered means of transportation and renewable energy, this should give the Saudi Arabian economy yet another outlet to make it more adaptable and nimble as fuel revenue is beginning to slowly but noticeably dry up. Additionally, investing in video games makes a lot of sense. The multi-billion dollar esports business is continually growing.
Even while there are some worries that China would ban esports and reduce their total value, the rest of the world appears to be catching on. Saudi Arabia and the Middle East joining is a good thing for video games all over the world, especially since eSports in China are on the decline because of their strict rules. But only time will tell whether the Saudis’ bid is successful.
All the Tell-Tale Signs of Success Are Already There
Even though Saudi Arabia is a relatively new destination for eSports betting, the country is already exhibiting clear signs of sustainability and long-term success. The officials tasked with changing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as an esports and gaming-friendly nation are doing a good job of building the local ecosystem.
People don’t usually play video games in public, but attendance at FIFA and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds tournaments has stayed the same. In a report released earlier this year, Boston Consulting Group observed that the country’s move toward more eSports and gaming is unquestionably a beneficial move and that it reflects well for both its image and future investment potential.
According to the group, the nation already has more than 23.5 million gamers living there, so there is unquestionably the grassroots power to move things along quickly. But it seems that Saudis may still be a little cautious to seek a career in professional video gaming, unlike gamers from Asia, Europe, and North America. It will be clear that Saudi Arabia’s eSports market is expanding once we start to see more professional players there as well.
Latest News
Endorphina Enters into Partnership with Luckia
Endorphina has entered into a partnership with Luckia, a leading company in the gaming sector. Combining Endorphina’s passion for slots with Luckia’s innovative spirit, this partnership is set to provide incredible gaming experiences to all iGaming enthusiasts.
Endorphina’s Senior Partnership Manager, Zdenek Llosa, shared his excitement about the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with Luckia, a respected and influential operator in Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. This partnership is a significant step forward in our global expansion strategy, allowing us to reach new players and markets. We are confident that Luckia’s players will appreciate the quality and diversity of our games, and we look forward to a fruitful and enduring collaboration.”
Luckia is a commercial brand of Luckia Gaming Group that combines offline and online gaming, including traditional businesses such as gaming machines in bars and restaurants and gaming arcades, new online gaming activities, and land-based sports betting. By advancing the current concept surrounding gaming, Luckia aims to provide an extensive entertainment experience, democratizing gaming and making it a social, accessible, and trust-inspiring activity.
Eloy Fernandez, Head of Product at Luckia, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Endorphina, with Mexico being the first market to go live with their creative slot content on Luckia’s platform! Endorphina’s distinctive games will not only enhance our offering but also provide a fresh and engaging experience for our Mexican players. Their unique approach aligns with our mission to elevate entertainment and optimize our services in key markets.”
Compliance Updates
eCOGRA Approved to Operate in Arizona, Indiana and Panama
eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.
This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.
Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.
In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.
“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.
Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”
Latest News
Aposta Ganha launches Black Friday promotion with new ambassador Luva de Pedreiro
Aposta Ganha, the fastest growing Brazilian sports betting and casino site in Brazil, has launched its Black Friday promotion with its newest ambassador Luva de Pedreiro, AKA Bricklayer’s Glove.
With over 21 million followers on Instagram, the digital influencer and social media phenomenon will strengthen the brand’s presence in the market and shake up Black Friday with a campaign full of special offers for bettors.
Known for his catchphrase “Receeeeba!” and his irreverent personality, Luva de Pedreiro will be the main face of the campaign, creating a direct connection with the public, football fans and social media enthusiasts. The partnership aims to increase Aposta Ganha’s visibility in the market, attract new bettors and offer an even more dynamic experience.
Aposta Ganha is taking advantage of Black Friday to reinforce its commitment to ethical and transparent operations in the market. The platform complies with the new regulations of the Federal Government and invests in education and awareness initiatives, ensuring a safe experience for its users. Vitor Paulin, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Aposta Ganha, said: “Signing an ambassador like Luva de Pedreiro is a huge milestone for Aposta Ganha. His authenticity and connection with the public make him the ideal partner to boost our brand and make the betting experience even more exciting.”
Aposta Ganha’s Black Friday brings unmissable offers for all types of bettors. One highlight is that bettors will receive 10% cashback on the amount lost in the Aviatrix game and daily offers for sports betting. The promotions will be valid from November 21 to 30, with exclusive advantages in selected games each day.
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