Latest News
Leading Global Sports Betting Operators create the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming
The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) unites the leading global brands in the sports betting sector, which are joining forces in Brazil to contribute to the discussion and development of the national gambling market. Sports betting, technically called “fixed odds betting”, which should be regulated by the Federal Government this year, based on law 13.756/18.
Bet365, Betsson Group, Betway Group, Entain, Flutter, KTO Group, Netbet Group, Rei do Pitaco anda Yolo Group are the founding operators of the entity. Combined, they operate in more than 100 countries. “The IBJR’s mission is to collaborate with all sectors of society that want to learn more about the industry and understand how it can be harmoniously integrated into the Brazilian economy, as it has in other countries. We want to help build a safe regulatory environment for customers, while financing of the public sector, and creating a sustainable operating environment for companies”, explained André Gelfi, elected president of the Institute.
He emphasizes that the experience of these companies in successful and unsuccessful
regulated markets can help define the rules for the national market. “The issue of responsibility appears in the name of the institute precisely because this is the mainspring for all actors involved in markets that have successful regulation. In these places, sports betting is seen as a source of entertainment that helps preserve the integrity sport. And it is clear that the sector’s sensitive aspects, such as compulsive gambling and money laundering, must be addressed in a forceful, logical, and responsible manner”, he says.
In addition to the highlighted points, Rafael Marcondes, legal director of the institute, highlights the importance of moving forward with regulation: “The United States and Brazil legalized sports betting in 2018, while in the North American country, regulation has been happening quickly in its various States and bringing positive results, especially when it comes to tax collection, Brazil has fallen behind, allowing the proliferation of companies that are not committed to responsible gaming, which jeopardizes the credibility of the market without providing minimum guarantees to consumers”.
The IBJR considers Brazil’s continental dimensions a challenge for regulation, but not a constraint. The Institute is eager to contribute technical solutions based on comprehensive experiences and global expertise. Clear and demanding compliance rules will be fundamental for the development of the local market. “No other country has enjoyed such a favorable environment for the construction of a successful regulation that can be an example for the world. The government can use aspects of countries that have successfully regulated and adapt them to the local reality”, concludes the president of the IBJR.
Following the success of its installation at Winpot Puebla, Zitro strengthens its partnership with the Mexican operator by launching its innovative line of CONCEPT cabinets at Winpot Boca del Río.
CONCEPT arrives with Zitro’s perfect game combo: Legendary Sword and King Fu Frog. Thanks to their high-quality graphics and innovative mechanics, both titles are designed to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. The machines feature the Magic Lighting system, which synchronizes lights and sounds with the game, in addition to their modern Screen Deck, providing greater comfort and functionality for players and the operations team, among many other features that make it a worldwide success.
Anuar Haua, Operations Director of Winpot, commented: “After our success with the CONCEPT cabinets in our Puebla venue, it was natural to bring this experience to the Boca del Río public. The response from our players has been incredible, and with this new installation, we reaffirm our commitment to offering the best of the market, hand in hand with Zitro.”
Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, added: “We are proud to see how CONCEPT continues to gain ground in Mexico, now also at Winpot Boca del Río. This collaboration reflects the mutual commitment we share with Winpot to elevate the player experience through technology, design, and innovation.”
Justin Simporios is normally a sound sleeper who “can fall asleep anywhere” – but he had a very sleepless night, after learning he won an $80-million Lotto Max jackpot from the May 9, 2025 draw. This is the largest lottery jackpot ever won in B.C. and is also the largest jackpot ever won by a single individual in Canada.
“It was 10:30 p.m.,” recalled Simporios of the moment he realized he won. “I saw that someone won $80 million in Surrey. I was joking and told my wife ‘we’re millionaires!’ and she told me to stop making that joke. After, I manually checked each number before scanning [using the BCLC Lotto! I cried and shouted, ‘we’re millionaires!’”
The Surrey resident woke up his wife to share the news. “She was in complete disbelief and a bit mad at me because our daughter wasn’t feeling well.” Simporios’ wife luckily agreed this was a good reason to wake her.
While still in disbelief about his win, Simporios is ultimately most excited to share his windfall with his family. “I want to help my family and my wife’s family. I’ll pay off my sister’s medical school debt and help my mom retire early – just giving my family a head start in life.”
Giving back to the community in Surrey and B.C. is also a key priority for Simporios. “I’ve struggled before and needed help. Even if I can give an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can. This feels like a dream.”
As an avid LA Lakers fan, Simporios mentioned he would like to see LeBron James play before James retires. He also plans to visit his family in the Philippines for a family reunion. “My wife and kid have never visited!”
On how it feels to win a record-breaking jackpot?
“The biggest change will be having more time with my wife and family. We want to live with a purpose – to help the community around us.”
Simporios purchased the winning ticket at the Walmart Supercentre in Central City on King George Boulevard in Surrey.
So far in 2025, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $101 million from Lotto Max. Lotto Max is a nationwide lottery game drawn on Tuesdays and Fridays after 7:30 p.m. (PST).
Players can purchase tickets at lottery retailers or at PlayNow.com. Winning numbers and group release forms can be found online at www.bclc.com. Players can check their lottery tickets anytime, anywhere on iOS and Android devices. Learn more about the BCLC Lotto!
BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating income to benefit all British Columbians. Players can visit PlayNow.com to learn how to set time and money limits.
LEON Esports, the international esports division of Leon.bet, has officially become the international partner of SAW, one of the leading Counter-Strike 2 teams in Europe.
Based in Portugal, SAW is currently ranked #24 in the global CS2 rankings (HLTV) and maintains a strong position within the Top 30. The team is recognized for its competitive consistency, professional structure, and growing fanbase across Europe.
This partnership marks the second major esports collaboration for LEON Esports, following its ongoing cooperation with FlyQuest. The agreement with SAW reflects LEON’s continued commitment to the development of the global esports ecosystem and its support for high-performing international teams.
The cooperation will include a range of joint initiatives, such as exclusive content creation, community activations, and brand integrations designed to strengthen the connection between the team and its audience.
With this new partnership, LEON Esports continues to expand its presence in international esports and invest in teams that demonstrate both potential and performance on the world stage.
-
Canada7 days agoAGCO issues penalties of $151,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for alleged age verification failures
-
Compliance Updates7 days agoGreyhound Advocates Applaud Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for Signing Historic Internet Betting Ban on Greyhound Races
-
Latest News6 days agoRush Street Interactive Announces Initiative Supporting Increased Gaming Literacy for Teens
-
Latest News7 days agoScientific Games Wins Three 2025 American Business Awards for Lottery Retail Technology Innovation and Instant Scratch Game Achievement
-
Latest News7 days agoSouth Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries
-
Canada6 days agoOLG Selects Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider for Windsor Casino
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoMinimum Deposit Casinos Warns of Sweeping Changes as States Crack Down on Online Sweepstakes Casinos
-
Latest News6 days agoWildly popular ‘Fortune Tiger’ game among PG Soft Brazil rollout