Innovative games provider ESA Gaming has received Brazilian Certification as it continues to focus on new markets.

The certification will allow ESA Gaming to distribute both its games and Game Aggregator System (GAS), to players and operators throughout Brazil.

With a mix of non-traditional content such as football-themed mine games and crash style games, as well as established casino classics, ESA’s games have a proven cross-selling capacity, without cannibalisation, helping sportsbooks to prolong brand loyalty and add revenue.

ESA Gaming has enjoyed a positive 12 months of growth, signing numerous agreements in key territories, as well as expanding its portfolio with the addition of multiple slot titles and, most recently, its first Plinko game; Plinko Drops.

The supplier also holds certifications in Portugal, Italy, Greece, Colombia, South Africa as well as an MGA supplier licence, highlighting the provider’s intentions to grow its product range in regulated markets.

Thomas Smallwood, CCO at ESA Gaming, said: “Receiving our Brazilian certification is a hugely exciting moment for us in our step towards expansion in LatAm. The Brazilian market has a huge potential and we are eager to see how our titles are received.

“It is the first important milestone of 2025 for us that we hope can act as a springboard for further growth.”

Network Gaming and BolaVIP launch groundbreaking mobile gaming platform, Ligavip, for Brazilian sports fans

Network Gaming, the next-generation sports games studio, has announced the launch of its mobile-first gaming platform in partnership with Bolavip, one of Brazil’s largest sports media brands and part of the global sports media group Better Collective.

This launch marks a bold step into new territory for Network Gaming — entering the Brazilian market for the first time, and doing so on a mainstream stage that reaches millions of passionate fans. The collaboration sets the scene for a new category of mobile sports games, built for mass appeal and designed to deepen engagement across Bolavip’s vast audience.

Timed to coincide with the start of the main football championship in Brazil, the debut of the Ligavip platform delivered standout early results, including a 15% conversion rate from unique visitors to registered users in its opening weekend.

Unlike traditional models, Ligavip is not tethered to betting. Instead, it opens up an innovative source of new revenues for Better Collective by offering free-to-play games powered by branded prizes, such as shopping vouchers from one of the country’s top sports retailers, awarded to the best performers in Ligavip challenges. Players can compete for rewards, challenge their friends for bragging rights, and monitor their performance on live leaderboards in a community-first environment.

“We’re stepping onto a new stage — launching in Brazil, partnering with one of the most influential sports media groups in the world, certainly in terms of incoming traffic to its assets, and thereby pushing our platform into the mainstream,” said Harry Collins, CEO of Network Gaming. “This is a defining moment for us. It’s not just about great gameplay; it’s about creating sustainable entertainment ecosystems built around loyalty, fun, and fan connection.”

The launch also signals a new phase of development for Network Gaming’s broader platform ambitions. With Ligavip, the company will now be building out advanced meta mechanics — systems layered on top of gameplay such as daily rewards, progression loops, and upgrades — designed to boost long-term retention. Combined with powerful social features like leaderboards, invite-a-friend mechanics, and community leagues, these systems turn simple games into sticky, social experiences.

Tomás Vaz de Carvalho, COO South America at Better Collective, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Network Gaming to bring a new kind of interactive sports experience to Brazil. This is about engaging fans in a fresh, rewarding way — and opening up new commercial avenues that align with global digital trends. Gaming is now a key pillar in many media strategies, and this partnership puts us right at the forefront.”

As traditional media looks for new ways to engage and monetise its audience, initiatives like Ligavip are becoming a strategic pillar. (The New York Times now generates more revenue from its games portfolio than its core news content.) This collaboration allows Better Collective and Network Gaming to stay ahead of the curve — creating experiences that are fun, valuable, and aligned with global digital entertainment trends.

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SCCG Management, a leading sports entertainment and gaming consultancy, announced its sponsorship of the Arnold Sports Festival South America 2025. This year’s festival, scheduled for April 25-27, 2025, in São Paulo, Brazil, will feature Thunder Fight, showcasing the dynamic world of mixed martial arts (MMA) to South American audiences.

The Arnold Sports Festival South America, established in 1989 and named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, is the continent’s largest multi-sport event, attracting over 100,000 attendees annually. The festival encompasses a wide array of competitions, including professional bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and bikini expos.

This year, the Thunder Fight Championship will be a highlight of the festival, bringing together top MMA athletes for a series of thrilling bouts. SCCG Management’s sponsorship underscores its commitment to supporting innovative and engaging sports events worldwide.

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, said: “We are thrilled to sponsor the Arnold Sports Festival South America and to feature the Thunder Fight as a centerpiece of this prestigious event. Our involvement reflects our dedication to supporting diverse and innovative sporting events that captivate fans globally. The Thunder Fight Championship exemplifies the dynamic and evolving nature of sports entertainment, and we are proud to contribute to its success.”

SCCG Management’s sponsorship will be prominently displayed throughout the event, including branding within the fight arena and promotional materials, ensuring a memorable and entertaining experience for participants and spectators alike.

This sponsorship aligns with SCCG Management’s mission to foster growth and innovation within the sports and gaming industries. By supporting the Arnold Sports Festival South America and the Thunder Fight Championship, SCCG Management continues to demonstrate its dedication to enhancing the sports entertainment landscape and engaging with communities across the globe.