Latest News
SCCG Partners with SFT Combat to Unlock Sports Betting Sponsorships for Brazil’s Largest MMA League

SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming advisory and sponsorship development, has announced a strategic partnership with SFT Combat, Brazil’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, to facilitate betting sponsorship opportunities within Brazil’s rapidly growing sports betting market.
SFT Combat has redefined the landscape of combat sports in Brazil, boasting the largest roster of top-ranked national fighters and an unmatched commitment to fair, balanced matchups. The promotion stands as the only combat sports event in Brazil to air the entire fight card on free-to-air network television, providing unparalleled continuity and exposure. This approach allows fans to follow fighters’ careers from their early bouts to championship moments, creating deep connections with the athletes and elevating the sport’s reach.
With over 160 fights broadcasted, 77 hours of televised content, and a nationwide audience that has averaged 1.4 million weekly viewers—peaking at 2.5 million—all in 2024, SFT Combat has solidified itself as a dominant force in Brazilian sports entertainment. It has also introduced a new level of high-intensity combat with SFT Xtreme, a striking-only discipline featuring 100% stand-up action with no wrestling or ground fighting, which has quickly become a fan favorite. Some believe its adrenaline-fueled format has the potential to surpass MMA in mainstream popularity.
Through this partnership, SCCG Management will leverage its expertise in the Brazilian gaming market to connect SFT Combat with leading sports betting operators and brands. SCCG has a proven track record of securing high-impact sponsorship deals across sports, with partnerships that include the Cincinnati Bengals, Colorado Rockies, Hendrick Motorsports, and Pillow Fight Championship. By tapping into SCCG’s global network and industry expertise, this collaboration will drive new revenue opportunities and enhance the commercial appeal of combat sports in Brazil.
Stephen Crystal, Founder & CEO of SCCG Management, stated: “Brazil is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving sports betting markets in the world, and combat sports hold a special place in its culture. Our partnership with SFT Combat allows us to bring top-tier betting brands into this thriving ecosystem while ensuring sponsorships are strategically aligned with the promotion’s elite-level competition and massive television audience. SCCG specializes in securing the right partners for the right opportunities, and we’re thrilled to help drive SFT Combat’s sponsorship growth in the gaming sector.”
David Hudson, President of SFT Combat, commented: “I am absolutely thrilled about this groundbreaking partnership! Brazil isn’t just a country—it’s the powerhouse exporting the finest MMA talent outside the US. With a roster of world-class fighters, our nation is uniquely positioned to host events that captivate the global stage. This alliance is a pivotal step, one that will not only showcase our unmatched talent but also propel us towards creating truly world-class events. Together, we’re redefining the future of combat sports!”
SFT Combat has thrived under David Hudson’s leadership for the past six years, during which he has transformed the promotion into a media powerhouse. Before assuming the presidency, Hudson honed his craft at Swen Group, SFT’s parent company, where he earned accolades as an award-winning producer in film and video production. His innovative approach and entertainment-driven vision have reshaped the spectacle of combat sports, setting SFT apart from traditional fight promotions.
SCCG Management brings unparalleled experience in navigating regulatory landscapes, structuring high-value sponsorship agreements, and maximizing brand exposure for sports properties. Through this collaboration, SCCG will support SFT Combat in identifying and securing sponsorships that align with its brand, determining the value of key sponsorship assets, and developing long-term strategic partnerships that go beyond traditional sponsorships to include co-development and revenue-sharing opportunities. As the Brazilian sports betting market continues to expand, this partnership positions SFT Combat as a premier platform for operators looking to engage with one of the country’s most passionate fan bases.
awards
BETBY SHINES AT SiGMA AMERICAS WITH LOCALISED STRATEGY AND WINS ESPORTS AWARD

BETBY, the cutting-edge sportsbook provider, has further cemented its position as one of the most innovative suppliers in the sports betting landscape following a standout appearance at SiGMA Americas, the leading event for the iGaming industry in Latin America.
Hosted in São Paulo, Brazil, SiGMA Americas brought together the industry’s most influential stakeholders, with a spotlight on the dynamic and fast-growing Latin American market. BETBY stood out at the event by showcasing the full strength of its flexible sportsbook solution, designed to empower operators with complete control over the betting experience.
A major highlight of the exhibition was BETBY’s showcase of its hyper-localised content capabilities, which empower operators to engage regional audiences with culturally relevant offerings. This strategic focus was exemplified by the industry’s most comprehensive Vaquejada betting solution, a rodeo-style sport particularly popular in northeast Brazil. BETBY’s unique content portfolio, which includes both pre-live markets and an immersive e-sim version of the sport, resonated strongly with operators and attendees. It demonstrated not only a deep understanding of regional preferences, but also the supplier’s ability to create tailored content for any market.
Alongside this, BETBY exhibited continued innovation through its proprietary esports feed BETBY Games, and its comprehensive suite of AI tools AI Labs, which leverages artificial intelligence to deliver personalisation, real-time recommendations, and enhanced operational efficiency.
As further recognition of its ongoing innovation in the iGaming industry, BETBY was honoured with the Best Esports Product award during the SiGMA Americas Awards ceremony. This win underscores BETBY’s vision to redefine the esports betting experience through its BETBY Games solution, which is designed to deliver unmatched flexibility, customisation, and engagement for operators and players.
“This recognition at SiGMA Americas is a proud milestone for our entire team, even though our presence in Brazil this week was about much more than awards,” said Leonid Pertsovskiy, BETBY’s Chief Executive Officer. “It was about connecting with the region, understanding what local players truly value, and showing that we have the technology and vision to meet those needs. We’re building products that scale globally but connect locally, and that’s what sets BETBY apart.”
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Tilman Fertitta Increases his Stake in Wynn Resorts

Tilman Fertitta, the largest individual shareholder of Wynn Resorts, increased his stake in the casino group with trades on April 4 and April 7.
Prior to the recent trades, disclosure records listed him as holding a 10% stake in Wynn Resorts. His latest share purchases, totaling 400,000 shares, were made at prices ranging from $67.62 to nearly $70.31 per share.
These transactions bring Fertitta’s total stake to 13 million shares, solidifying his position as the largest individual shareholder in the company.
Fertitta is the CEO of Houston-based Fertitta Entertainment with its Golden Nugget casino brand, restaurants and the NBA’s Houston Rockets. He announced plans to resign from his post at Feritta Entertainment if he is confirmed as ambassador to Italy and San Marino.
The billionaire took advantage of a steep drop in the stock market by acquiring more shares of Wynn Resorts at close to its 52-week low. Wynn saw its shares close at $67.93 on April 7, marking their lowest trading level since late 2022.
The share purchases were executed through various Fertitta-controlled entities, including Fertitta Entertainment Inc., Hospitality Headquarters, and Fertitta Entertainment LLC. As the sole proprietor of these organizations, Fertitta maintains shared beneficial ownership of the acquired securities.
Feritta has yet to file a SEC 13D form, which would allow him to have a greater influence on the company instead of remaining a silent shareholder.
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Comprehensive Guide to Online Casino Payment Methods for NZ Players

Playcasino.co.nz has published a new comprehensive guide to payment methods for New Zealand online casino players. The guide highlights the growing popularity of mobile casino payment solutions among New Zealand players and provides detailed information about the various options available in the market.
According to industry observations, mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly popular choices for online casinos transactions in New Zealand. This trend appears to align with the wider adoption of smartphone technology across the country and growing consumer demand for convenient, secure payment options.
“We’ve created this guide to help New Zealand players navigate the complex landscape of online casino payment options,” said Terri Radford, Content Director at www.playcasino.co.nz. “Payment methods like PayforIt and Zimpler are gaining traction because they align with how Kiwis prefer to manage their online entertainment spending—directly from their mobile devices, with enhanced security and spending controls.”
The guide emphasises that choosing the right payment method significantly impacts player experience, affecting everything from transaction speed to financial security. With online gambling continuing to grow in popularity in New Zealand, understanding available payment options has become essential for players seeking both security and convenience.
Payment Options Explained
The guide provides information on several payment methods currently available to New Zealand players:
- Mobile Solutions: PayforIt and Zimpler offer convenient mobile-based payment options. These services are particularly popular among younger players who prefer managing their gaming expenses directly through their mobile devices.
- E-Wallets: PayPal and Skrill are noted for their quick processing times, with PayPal being one of the few e-wallets supporting both deposits and withdrawals in New Zealand. E-wallets typically process deposits within minutes, which is considerably faster than traditional bank transfers.
- Traditional Methods: VISA/MasterCard remain widely used options, available at virtually all online casinos. Card payments continue to be a preferred method for many New Zealand players, particularly those who value familiarity and ease of use.
- Local Favourites: POLi has maintained strong usage among New Zealanders due to its immediate transaction times and absence of currency conversion fees. As a locally-developed solution, it has gained the trust of many New Zealand players.
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offer benefits for players who value transaction speed and withdrawal flexibility. While still considered alternative payment methods, cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin are gaining acceptance at many online casinos serving the New Zealand market.
- Prepaid Options: Paysafecard and Neosurf provide prepaid voucher systems that are popular among players who prioritise privacy and spending control. These methods are particularly useful for players who wish to maintain strict budget limits on their gaming activities.
According to industry feedback, transaction speed and security measures are important considerations for New Zealand players when selecting a payment method. Many players also indicate a preference for payment methods that support both deposits and withdrawals, eliminating the need to register multiple services.
Understanding Player Preferences
The guide acknowledges that personal preferences significantly influence payment method choices, with factors such as spending habits, withdrawal frequency, and security concerns playing key roles in decision-making.
“Every player has unique requirements when it comes to managing their funds,” Radford noted. “Some prioritise absolute privacy with methods like Paysafecard, while others value the convenience of integrated solutions like POLi. Our goal is to help players make informed decisions that enhance their overall experience while practising responsible gaming.”
The guide also highlights several notable trends in the online casino payment landscape:
- Enhanced Security Features: Many payment providers now implement additional security measures like two-factor authentication and biometric verification, offering players greater peace of mind.
- Regional Solutions: Payment options specifically designed for the New Zealand market continue to be popular choices among local players who appreciate services tailored to their needs.
- Faster Withdrawals: Many online casinos now emphasise the speed of withdrawals as a key selling point, with some offering same-day or instant withdrawals for certain payment methods.
- Responsible Gaming Tools: Some payment methods now offer built-in spending limits and tracking features, which can be valuable tools for players committed to responsible gambling practices.
“The payment landscape for online casinos continues to evolve,” said Daniel Williams, Managing Director of Playcasino.co.nz. “Our observation is that successful online casinos in New Zealand tend to be those that offer a diverse range of payment options while prioritising both security and user experience. We’re also noticing increased interest in payment methods that support responsible gaming practices.”
Regional Considerations
The guide notes that preferences may vary across different regions of New Zealand. Urban players might have access to and comfort with a wider range of digital payment options, while players in rural areas might rely more heavily on traditional banking methods.
“These regional differences highlight the importance of offering a diverse range of payment options,” noted Radford. “The online casino market in New Zealand is not monolithic, and player preferences vary significantly based on location, age demographics, and technological comfort levels.”
About Playcasino.co.nz
Playcasino.co.nz is a leading online casino affiliate website that offers comprehensive guides, reviews, and the latest news tailored for New Zealand’s real money casino players. The site adheres to responsible gambling principles and provides resources to help players make informed choices.
In addition to payment method information, Play Casino offers detailed reviews of online casinos available to New Zealand players, up-to-date information on no deposit bonuses and promotions, and comprehensive guides on casino games and strategies. The site’s team regularly publishes informational content on various aspects of the online gambling industry, with a particular focus on the New Zealand market.
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