Latest News

Austin to Host Inaugural Global Esports Industry Week in June 2025

Published

2 months ago

May 9, 2025

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), in partnership with The Esports Radar and strategic event partner BLAST, announced Global Esports Industry Week 2025 (GEIW), a week-long series of executive-level forums, summits and experiential gatherings and socials taking place 18–22 June 2025 in Austin, Texas.

Staged alongside the sold-out BLAST.tv Austin Major Finals (21–22 June), GEIW will convene hundreds of publisher representatives, executives, tournament organisers, team owners, brands, investors, legal specialists, and technology innovators for five days of focused dialogue, deal-making, and industry celebration.

Designed in response to mounting calls for global strategic alignment as the esports sector matures, GEIW offers a purposely neutral environment for stakeholders to tackle shared challenges, set collective priorities, and chart sustainable growth. Anchored at the Downright Austin Hotel, the program blends high-impact content with curated networking and “only-in-Austin” social experiences, ensuring every conversation can translate into actionable collaboration.

Agenda highlights include:

• Esports Leaders & Evening Garden Party (19 June) – a more intimate decision makers only gathering for 120 C-suite leaders in and around the sector, hosted in an off-stage setting with excellent hospitality focused on real conversations and great meetings.

• International Games & Esports Tribunal (IGET) Arbitrators Workshop (19 June) – first-of-its-kind masterclass exploring the revolutionary IGET dispute-resolution framework for video games and esports.

• ESIC Global Esports Summit (20 June) – thought-leadership keynotes and think-tank panels tackling integrity, commercialization and player welfare.

• Premium Networking Experiences (20-21 June) – uniquely local experiences designed to deepen relationships beyond the conference room, including a GEIW Padel Tournament, Texan BBQ Dinners, and more.

Additional activations, partner MOU-signing sessions, and BLAST.tv behind-the-scenes arena tours will run throughout the week.

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Stephen Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of Esports Integrity Commission, said: “The global esports ecosystem has reached a tipping point where sustainable growth depends on collective action. Global Esports Industry Week 2025 is our answer to that need—a neutral space where publishers, tournament operators, teams, investors, regulators and technology partners can leave day-to-day business at the door and focus on the bigger picture.

“Over the course of five days, we’ll tackle integrity risks head-on, debate commercial models that reward everyone in the value chain, and map out practical frameworks for player welfare and dispute resolution. By convening the industry’s most influential decision-makers in Austin—alongside the energy of the BLAST.tv Major—we’re setting the stage for agreements and initiatives that will shape esports for the next decade.

“ESIC was founded to safeguard fair play; GEIW extends that mission by championing transparency, accountability and long-term business viability. I look forward to welcoming our global peers to what I believe will become the cornerstone event on the esports business calendar.”

Sam Cooke, CEO & Co-Founder of the Insights Group (owners of The Esports Radar), said: “As co-organiser, The Esports Radar team is thrilled to launch its first event alongside our good friends over at ESIC and BLAST. We couldn’t have hoped for a better city than Austin to host the first GEIW; an accessible, brilliant, proudly weird city for all to enjoy in and around the programmed events, and one with so many major corporations there or close by, alongside a sold-out CS Major no less.

“This’ll be a great few days, with a lot of hands shook and deals done, and if you’re a stakeholder or just interested in the business of esports, and its broader development as an industry, we sincerely hope to see you there!”

James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “Bringing the BLAST.tv Major together with Global Esports Industry Week will further help position Austin at the global centre of esports and gaming next month. This partnership underscores our commitment to building meaningful, sustainable connections across the global esports ecosystem. We’re proud to play a role in creating an unforgettable week that combines world-class competition with forward-looking industry dialogue, helping shape growth for our industry.”

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Soft2Bet’s Brand ToonieBet Named an Official Sports Betting and Casino Partner of the CFL

Published

5 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

Niji Narayan

ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s premier sportsbook and online casino brand tailored for Canadian players, has been named both an Official Sports Betting Partner and an Official Online Casino Partner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

The multiyear partnership also establishes ToonieBet as an Official Partner of the CFL’s championship game, the Grey Cup. Fans from coast to coast to coast annually gather for Canada’s largest single-day sporting event to celebrate an incredible season, and to witness one team earn the right to hoist the iconic trophy. The 112th Grey Cup will be played at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on Sunday, November 16.

Fans in Ontario aged 19-and-over will be able to responsibly wager on CFL games through ToonieBet with access to in-game betting and futures. The collaboration will also explore exciting branded online casino experiences on the ToonieBet platform to entertain existing fans and engage new ones.

ToonieBet’s partnership with the CFL underscores Soft2Bet’s ongoing commitment to Canadian sports fans and a further investment in the Canadian sporting tradition, as the deal marks Soft2Bet’s second sports partnership in the country within the last three months, following ToonieBet’s designation as the Official Online Casino Partner of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which was recently expanded with a full sportsbook offering.

“This partnership is for the fans. Together with ToonieBet, we will unlock exciting avenues of entertainment, delivering new products, responsible gaming options and unique activations, to better serve the future of fandom. In the stadium, at home or online, we’re doubling down on engagement and innovation like never before,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer.

“Partnering with the CFL will elevate our robust offerings in the Canadian market and allow us to continue building our passionate sports and online gaming community in Ontario. Our team at ToonieBet is deeply committed to building a premium fan experience, while delivering exceptional customer hospitality and ensuring both responsible and safe game play,” said Steve Spindler, ToonieBet’s Canadian Country Manager.

“We are proud to partner with the CFL and its local teams. This partnership goes beyond visibility – it’s about building relevance and establishing a real connection with fans. Aligning with one of Canada’s most trusted leagues allows us to strengthen our bond with Ontarians and deliver a best-in-class sports betting and gaming experience through ToonieBet,” said Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet.

Additionally, ToonieBet has been designated as an Official Authorized Gaming Operator of the CFL, allowing Soft2Bet to deliver best-in-class gaming experiences with official CFL data and statistics to sports fans and sportsbook users across Ontario through the ToonieBet platform.

ToonieBet will also serve as the presenting partner of CFL Fantasy, and the Game Tracker in Ontario on CFL.ca and LCF.ca, in addition to being the CFL’s odds provider on the league’s digital scoreboard.

Latest News

BoltBetz.com Unveils Groundbreaking Cashless Gaming Technology, Powered by Konami Gaming’s SYNKROS System and a Strategic Alliance with Bank Card Services and Gbank

Published

7 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

Niji Narayan

BoltBetz, an innovation leader in gaming payments technology, has launched its revolutionary first-of-its-kind cashless gaming platform, setting a new standard for the future of casino entertainment.

Founded by Todd Nigro and Bryan Lindsey, who bring a combined 50+ years of gaming industry expertise, BoltBetz has assembled a world-class team of gaming, technology, and finance professionals to lead its release across the US, and international markets, the leadership team’s deep industry knowledge ensures that BoltBetz is positioned to transform casino operations with unmatched speed, security, and player engagement.

At the core of BoltBetz’s offering is a fully integrated, secure, and seamless cashless gaming funding system that allows players to engage in gaming activities without the need for physical cash — delivering faster, safer, and more efficient experiences.

Key to this breakthrough is BoltBetz’s embedded integration with Konami Gaming’s powerful SYNKROS casino management system. By embedding SYNKROS directly into its platform, BoltBetz provides real-time data analytics, enhanced player tracking, robust loyalty marketing capabilities, and superior operational management tools to casinos of all sizes.

To ensure the highest level of financial security and convenience, BoltBetz has also formed a strategic alliance with BankCard Services, utilizing their patented, FDIC-insured cashless transaction technology powered by GBank. This partnership allows players to seamlessly load, transfer, and withdraw funds, all while benefiting from the security of a fully regulated banking environment.

“Our mission with BoltBetz is to push the industry forward with a complete, cashless gaming solution that prioritizes player convenience, operator control, and financial security. With our embedded SYNKROS casino management system and state-of-the-art banking architecture, BoltBetz offers an unparalleled experience for the modern gamer,” said Todd Nigro, Co-Founder of BoltBetz.

Co-Founder Bryan Lindsey added: “We have spent decades in the gaming industry and understand what players and operators truly need. BoltBetz is built to meet today’s demands while preparing casinos for the digital-first future.”

Key Capabilities of BoltBetz.com include:

• Fully cashless gaming transactions for a modern, secure, and fast player experience.

• Embedded SYNKROS casino management system for real-time marketing, loyalty programs, reporting, and operational management.

• FDIC-insured and regulatorily compliant player accounts through a strategic partnership with BankCard Services and GBank.

• Enhanced player loyalty, data-driven marketing, and increased operational efficiency for gaming operators.

• Scalable platform adaptable to land-based casinos, sports betting venues, and future online integrations.

BoltBetz has already generated strong interest from major casino operators and tribal gaming enterprises, with expansion plans into new domestic and international markets well underway.

Financial reports

Detroit Casinos Report $101M in June Revenue

Published

11 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

Niji Narayan

The three Detroit casinos—MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown—collectively generated $101.04 million in revenue for June 2025.

Table games and slot machines accounted for $100.38 million of the monthly total, while retail sports betting contributed $665,435.

June 2025 Market Share:

• MGM Grand Detroit: 48%

• MotorCity Casino: 31%

• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: 21%

Table Games and Slot Machine Revenue

Revenue from table games and slots decreased by 4.0% compared with June 2024 and dropped 11% from May 2025. For the first half of 2025 (January 1 – June 30), combined table games and slots revenue was down 0.8% year-over-year.

Casino-specific revenues compared to June 2024 were:

• MGM Grand Detroit: $48.43 million, down 0.6%

• MotorCity Casino: $30.63 million, down 2.7%

• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $21.32 million, down 12.5%

The three casinos paid $8.1 million in state gaming taxes in June 2025, down from $8.5 million in June 2024. They also submitted $11.9 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit.

Retail Sports Betting Revenue

In June 2025, the casinos reported a combined retail sports betting handle of $7.2 million, generating $666,374 in gross receipts. Qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) from retail sports betting fell 25.1% from June 2024 and 48.1% from May 2025.

QAGR by casino:

• MGM Grand Detroit: $275,397

• MotorCity Casino: $242,069

• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $147,969

The casinos paid $25,153 in state taxes from retail sports betting revenue and submitted $30,743 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit.

Fantasy Contests

Fantasy contest operators reported $716,927 in adjusted revenues for May 2025 and paid $60,222 in taxes.