First Look Games partners with Zillion Games, giving affiliates access to top slots, marketing tools, and insights to boost growth in global iGaming markets. First Look Games, the London-based B2B marketing platform empowering iGaming game studios, has announced a new partnership with Zillion Games, the award-winning Cyprus-based game developer known for high-performing HTML5 slots and custom casino solutions. The partnership takes effect immediately.    Founded in 2018, First Look Games enables game studios to distribute certified marketing assets, demo games, and game information to a network of over 1000 approved affiliated publishers who collectively reach more than 40 million players worldwide. The platform offers advanced reporting tools, including Accuracy Management and Sentiment Analysis, which are set up to bring unique insights to game studios to support their growth.    Zillion Games, established in 2021, has quickly built a reputation for innovation and quality in online slots, with a portfolio of more than 50 titles, including popular releases such as Candy Stash Deluxe , Gems Sky , and Golden Dragon Deluxe . RNG-certified by iTech Labs, Zillion supports 190+ currencies, including fiat and crypto, and delivers its games to 900+ operators worldwide. Its content is available across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, USA, Brazil and other key markets, with notable growth marked by multiple EGR award wins, including EGR Europe Awards 2025 “European casino content supplier. Under 5 years” and EGR Italy Awards 2024 “Rising Star.”    Through this partnership, Zillion Games’ complete catalogue is now available to First Look Games’ affiliate network. Affiliates gain instant access to promotional materials, demo links, and game information to deliver accurate, engaging & compliant content. The collaboration aims to expand Zillion’s market reach, support growth in new jurisdictions, and set higher standards for compliance and review quality.    Partnership Benefits   Faster time to market for Zillion Games releases   Access to high-quality visuals, game sheets, and demo tools   Enhanced compliance and Accuracy Management features   Support for expansion into new regulated markets   The partnership meets the rising demand for streamlined content distribution. Affiliates will have instant access to accurate marketing materials and compliance documentation, enabling them to serve their audiences more effectively while maintaining regulatory standards.    "Partnering with First Look Games is a powerful step forward for Zillion Games," said Tasha Sokolova, Head of Marketing at Zillion Games . "Our mission has always been to deliver unlimited excitement and massive winning opportunities to players worldwide, and now we can extend that reach through a network of trusted affiliates who share our passion for quality and innovation. With First Look Games’ advanced tools, we’re able to launch games faster, maintain the highest standards of compliance, and connect with millions of players in new and exciting ways."    Tom Galanis, Co-Founder and CEO at First Look Games said : “We’re delighted to welcome Zillion Games to the First Look Games platform. Their recent titles have hit the mark with players and partners alike, combining standout gameplay with innovative features that set new standards in the market. We’re excited to support them on their journey by connecting them with our global network of affiliate publishers and provide them new data insights to support their growth.”  Read related article: First Look Games Partners with Evoplay to Boost Reach

Greentube partners with Hollywoodbets to expand in South Africa, bringing hit slots like Book of Ra Deluxe and Lucky Lady’s Charm to a wider player base. Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, has further extended its foothold in the South African market after partnering with leading operator, Hollywoodbets.    This pivotal deal, facilitated by NOVOMATIC Africa, sets a standard for Greentube’s ambitions in the country since it launched in March 2025. The content rollout will utilise Greentube's innovative Mynt platform.    The integration guarantees that engaging content will reach the broad and active user base of one of the nation's top betting brands. Greentube Mynt comprises several modules, with a state-of-the-art Remote Gaming Server (RGS) at its core. It serves as the foundation for a future-proof, comprehensive gaming solution that enhances player engagement and retention and powers efficient content deployment.    Players at Hollywoodbets are now able to access a range of Novomatic’s and Greentube’s award-winning gaming portfolio, including hit titles Lucky Lady’s Charm Deluxe , Book of Ra Deluxe , and Sizzling Hot Deluxe.   The provider’s continued expansion throughout the country underscores Greentube’s endeavour to enhance gaming throughout South Africa, offering its unique and immersive content to even more players.    Hollywoodbets has been serving players in the continent’s biggest betting market for decades, sitting proudly at its head, and providing its growing customer base with comprehensive slots, live casino and sports betting offerings from the world’s leading providers.    Michael Bauer, CPO/CRO at Greentube, said: “Hollywoodbets is a renowned operator in the South African iGaming market and one that we are very excited to be partnering with. This collaboration represents a key step in our regional growth strategy, and we’re thrilled to bring our premium content to an even broader audience through such a respected brand.”    Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, added: “At Hollywoodbets, our focus is on delivering world-class entertainment and exceptional value to our players. Partnering with Greentube enables us to significantly enhance our slots offering with some of the most recognisable and engaging titles in the industry, further strengthening our position as South Africa’s leading gaming operator.”  Read related article: Greentube Partners with Hrvatska Lutrija in Croatian Market

Octoplay partners with Rush Street Interactive to launch top titles on BetRivers New Jersey, boosting its North American iGaming expansion. Octoplay partners with Rush Street Interactive as it continues its rapid North American expansion, going live in New Jersey with the leading online casino and sportsbook operator.   Already live with RSI in Ontario, Canada and Mexico, this strategic collaboration now brings Octoplay's innovative game portfolio to RSI’s  extensive player base in New Jersey, strengthening the company's US position in the world's largest iGaming market.   Through BetRivers, Rush Street Interactive's licensed online gaming platform, players in New Jersey will gain access to eight of Octoplay's most popular titles, including fan favorites 777 Hot Reels: Supercharged and Juicy Rolls: Feature Frenzy. This entry into New Jersey expands the company's footprint, with Octoplay now holding 12 active licenses in the UK, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Romania, Belgium, Greece, Malta, Ontario, Slovakia, and provisional licenses in Michigan and New Jersey.   "Partnering with Rush Street Interactive represents a significant milestone in our North American growth trajectory," says Ralitsa Georgieva, Director of Business Development at Octoplay .    "We’re excited to partner with Rush Street Interactive and to build a meaningful and long-term partnership together."   Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive , adds, "Octoplay has an innovative approach to content development that made this partnership a great fit for our BetRivers platform. Their strong performance and focus on quality complement our commitment to delivering the best gaming experiences to our players.” Read related article: Octoplay Partners with Midnite to Expand UK Market Reach

BGaming celebrates the first anniversary of Aviamasters™, the viral aviation game with 500M+ TikTok views, redefining casual gaming worldwide. Popular iGaming content provider BGaming celebrates the first anniversary of the release of its viral casual game, Aviamasters™.  The game has broken multiple records over the last six months and has redefined what players can expect from aviation-inspired casual gaming.   Launched in July 2024, the game has proven to be a viral banger, demonstrating continued growth throughout the year. In the past six months, it has received over 500 million TikTok views, with over 200 new videos being posted daily on the platform. This incredible social media presence, combined with ad campaigns and affiliate strategies, has built a strong community of players around the game. Beyond its viral popularity, Aviamasters™ distinguishes itself from the aviation-style crash games that have flooded the market in the last couple of years. Its unique physics-based mechanic shifts the focus from avoiding a crash to mastering a successful landing, making Aviamasters™ stand out as both intuitive and deeply engaging for players worldwide.    This unique approach has clearly resonated with players, with Aviamasters™ delivering excellent metrics. The game reported a 740% increase in new players over the course of five months, with a consistent week-on-week growth, including significant increases across Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. All of this success has also led to strong market demand, with top-tier casinos adapting the product to fit their own brand, including Shuffle's "Happy Bird" and RainBet's "Aviamasters™.   Aviamasters™ and BGaming’s full portfolio of products will be on display at the upcoming SBC Lisbon event in September. The BGaming team will be on hand to discuss the game’s success in person and explore the value that other games in its portfolio can deliver, learn more.   Kate Puteiko, CMO at BGaming, said: “ When we launched Aviamasters™ a year ago, we could have only dreamed about how successful it has been. The game’s viral popularity and strategic value are clear. Not only has it helped establish BGaming as a leading voice in the casual gaming space, but it has also helped our partners attract millions of customers.  We can’t wait to showcase the game, as well as many of our other gaming products, at SBC Lisbon this September.” Read related article: BGaming Secures License from Swedish Gambling Authority

SBC Summit reveals First Pitch finalists, with five start-ups set to compete for a €90,000 prize package and the chance to impress top industry investors. SBC Summit has revealed the five start-ups that will battle it out for the 2025 edition of First Pitch, presented by Soft2Bet Invest and backed by Xanada Investments .   Long a staple of SBC Events, the contest puts emerging start-ups with investor-ready concepts in the spotlight as they aim to impress a panel of independent judges.   The finalists will go head-to-head on the Technology Stage at SBC Summit on Thursday, 18 September, pitching their vision for the chance to win a prize package worth over €90,000 to fast-track their growth.   This year’s finalists are: AIstats - a live football scores app with AI-powered predictions, giving users real-time updates and data-driven insights to inform their decisions. Betpass - a company redefining how iGaming operators work with affiliates, using smart technology to connect, track, and grow partnerships from start to finish. ChatBet - an AI-powered platform that allows customers to place bets via WhatsApp or Telegram, without ever needing to access a platform's app or website.  LiveDuel - a sports prediction platform where fans make real-time picks during live events. Using blockchain, it connects global prize pools and lets creators build communities and share rewards. Nandemo Draft Co. - a social sports prediction and fantasy sports service that’s helping global betting partners enter the Japanese market. The winning start-up will be selected by an expert panel including  Martin Collins (Chief Development Business Officer, Soft2Bet) Lloyd Danzig (Managing Partner, Sharp Alpha), Dee Maher (La Royale Group), Mark Phillip (CEO, Metabet), and Andrew Reader (Partner, Velo Capital Partners), with Jesse Learmonth (Founder, The Betting Startups Podcast) hosting the competition.   Martin Collins , First Pitch judge and Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet , had this to say about the competition: “SBC First Pitch is an exceptional platform to spotlight the next generation of innovators shaping the future of betting, gaming, and entertainment. At Soft2Bet Invest, we’re committed to championing bold founders with disruptive ideas and scalable vision.    “This competition is about more than capital — it provides a strategic partnership, expert product support, and the backing needed to take the winning company to its next stage of growth.”   The winner will receive a prize package worth over €90,000, including: Are You Watching This? – One year of API access to sports data, plus comprehensive betting insights from MetaBet, worth €42,000. SBC Events - A 3x3m booth, sponsorship mention, and four complimentary tickets to SBC Summit 2026, worth €15,000. SBC Media - Six months of advertising across relevant industry platforms, newsletter placements, and two featured editorials promoting the business, worth €11,000. AWS - €10,000 in AWS credits to support the company. Square in the Air - One month of bespoke brand design support, worth €9,500. Vegas Kings - An exclusive web design overhaul worth €3,000. Game On - The draft and distribution of two press releases, an interview arranged with a US-facing trade publication, a short video interview to be carried out by GameOn and shared on social media, and inclusion in the GameOn newsletters, worth €2,700.   Attendees can watch the First Pitch competition at the Technology Stage on Thursday, 18 September, 15:00-16:00 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL). Get Your Ticket for SBC Summit .   Save 50% with code: ACNPARTNERVIP   Operator or affiliate ? Apply for a free full-access pass now!   VIP Event Pass - This gives you access to everything the summit has to offer. From our opening and INFINITY parties to free food and drink from our food festival. You’ll also have access to every area of the show floor and all conference sessions.   Our Group Pass discount offers €200 off per ticket when you purchase for three or more people - the perfect chance to bring the team.   Expo+ Pass - Grants you access to the show floor and conference sessions. Please note that this does not grant access to our evening networking events.   Expo Only Pass - Our free pass, which grants you access to the show floor. This is perfect for those on a budget or attendees from outside of the industry who are curious to learn more. Read related article: Martin Lycka to Welcome Former Liverpool Star Dominic Matteo

BetGames partners with Betnation to bring Dutch players top live dealer titles like Poker and Roulette, boosting innovation in the Netherlands’ iGaming market. BetGames, a leading provider of live dealer betting games, has taken further steps in its Dutch market growth following a partnership with the prominent Dutch online gaming operator, Betnation. The deal gives the operator's players access to an exciting range of innovative live games. The agreement introduces four of BetGames' most popular titles to the operator's customers: Bet on Poker, 6+ Poker, Crypt of Giza, Network Roulette , and Flash Roulette . These games, renowned for their engaging live-streamed action and unique betting options, are set to offer a fresh and exciting experience to Dutch players. This partnership is another key milestone in BetGames' ongoing global expansion efforts, strengthening its position as a frontrunner in the industry. Gary Francis, Head of Account Management at BetGames , said: "We are delighted to team up with Betnation.nl, a highly respected operator in the Dutch market. This collaboration highlights our dedication to extending our reach into key regulated territories and providing premier live dealer entertainment. "We are confident that our games will be a huge hit with Betnation.nl's player base, giving them an unmatched live gaming experience." Billy at Betnation, added: "BetGames' content offers a genuinely immersive and high-quality experience that we are confident our players will enjoy. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to continually enhance our offerings and deliver the very best online gaming entertainment to players in the Netherlands." Read related article: BetGames strikes partnership with Bingoal.nl

Peter & Sons brings a bold tattoo giveaway to SBC Summit Lisbon, showcasing its iconic art, creative booth, and unforgettable live experience. Peter & Sons is set to turn heads — and arms — at this year’s SBC Summit Lisbon with an unprecedented booth activation: a live tattoo giveaway featuring the studio’s original art. Known for its distinctive hand-drawn visuals and genre-defying game design, Peter & Sons will transform its booth into a destination worth visiting — complete with bold artwork from its hit games, a relaxed lounge space, fresh coffee, and the chance to get an exclusive Peter & Sons tattoo for several lucky people.   The giveaway will see three winners selected from LinkedIn entries and three from Instagram , each receiving a tattoo inked live at the event by a professional artist. Designs include some of Peter & Sons’ most iconic characters as well as limited-edition creations made specifically for SBC Summit Lisbon.   To enter, participants must repost the official giveaway announcement on LinkedIn or Instagram and complete the entry form on the official landing page , including a link to their account and preferred time slot. Those who post on both platforms will double their chances of winning. The winners will be announced on September 12 .   Yerevan and Barcelona-based Peter & Sons has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries in the iGaming industry, blending humor, fantasy, and folklore with immersive gameplay. This SBC activation takes that spirit beyond the screen and into the real world in a way no gaming studio has attempted before.   Yann Bautista, Commercial Director and Founder at Peter & Sons  said : : “We’ve always believed our art should live beyond the games. At SBC Summit Lisbon, we’re making that idea permanent — literally. This is about more than making a splash; it’s about giving our fans and industry friends something bold, original, and unforgettable.” Read related article: Martin Lycka to Welcome Former Liverpool Star Dominic Matteo

Live88 signed a deal with Winz.io, bringing its premium live casino games and innovative titles to a wider global audience through the popular crypto casino. Live88 has significantly extended the reach of its award-winning product portfolio after signing a deal with popular crypto casino Winz.io. The operator will gain access to the provider’s full offering of classic live casino games, including Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Teen Patti and Andar Bahar. Underwater adventure Triton Multiplier Roulette, where up to four multipliers can be applied to straight up win bets, will also become available, taking players to an immersive deep-sea environment where submerged statues stand guard. Through the partnership with Winz.io, Live88’s content will reach a new global audience, offering players a fun and engaging casino experience. Established in 2020, Winz.io, is now a renowned cryptocurrency casino known for transparent gaming practices and zero-wager bonuses, The operator was awarded the accolade of Best Casino by AskGamblers in 2025. Live88 was launched in 2020 to shake up the live casino market, delivering premium titles to operators through dedicated tables that can be fully branded and tailored to suit specific needs. Natasha Giorgio, Head of Sales and Business Development at Live88 , said: “Partnering with Winz.io is a significant deal for Live88 as we look to further grow our presence globally, providing even more players with a premium live casino experience. “Winz.io is an established player in the market and we look forward to offering their customers our unmatched game variety with both classic and innovative content.” The Winz.io team said: “We are always on the lookout for content that can enhance our online casino and with Live88’s portfolio, we strengthen our live proposition with a high-quality product. “We look forward to working together to bring the best gaming experiences to our customers.” Read related article: Live88 celebrates Rising Star win at SBC Summit Americas

RubyPlay expands in Argentina with Casino Club via Ondiss, bringing hit slot titles and tailored gaming experiences to local online players. RubyPlay, an innovative B2B iGaming development studio, has expanded its footprint in the Argentina market after taking its games live with Casino Club, the online casino brand powered by the Ondiss platform. The integration has brought a selection of RubyPlay’s engaging and popular slot titles to Casino Club players across the region. Featured games include Volcano Rising SE , Zeus Rush Fever Deluxe , and Elephant Stampede , delivering fresh and immersive gaming experiences tailored to the market. As part of its long-term commitment to Latin America, RubyPlay has invested heavily in localisation, game customisation and cultural relevance, with a keen eye on Argentina. The launch with Casino Club reinforces RubyPlay’s growing presence in Argentina and further strengthens its relationship with platform provider Ondiss. Following the successful debut with Casino Magic last year in Neuquén Province, RubyPlay’s content is now live with a second Ondiss brand. This multi-brand rollout highlights the platform’s confidence in RubyPlay’s content and underscores the studio’s commitment to long-term growth in Latin America.   Ondiss is a leading online casino platform provider in the Argentinian online casino space, known for its compliance with local regulations and dedication to providing a safe and entertaining player experience. Dr. Eyal Loz, Chief Product Officer at RubyPlay, said: “This launch with Casino Club reflects our deep commitment to Argentina’s vibrant iGaming market. “We’ve taken care to ensure our content not only entertains but resonates with local players from game mechanics to thematic elements. Partnering with a trusted platform provider like Ondiss allows us to deliver these experiences responsibly and at scale.” Federico Rutt, Gaming Manager at Casino Club Online, said: “We’re always focused on elevating our offering with high-quality content that resonates with our players. RubyPlay’s reputation for creating immersive and engaging games made them a natural partner for us. “Their standout titles, including Volcano Rising SE , Zeus Rush Fever Deluxe , and Elephant Stampede, enhance our portfolio with fresh and exciting content that complements the preferences of our audience. We’re confident this collaboration will deliver great results and are pleased to be working closely with RubyPlay on this successful launch.” Read related article: RubyPlay Enters Delaware with Rush Street Interactive Deal

Evoplay promotes Alex Malchenko to Head of Sales, driving global market expansion and strengthening its award-winning games portfolio worldwide. Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has announced the promotion of Alex Malchenko to Head of Sales, reinforcing the company’s commitment to global commercial growth.   Formerly Sales Team Lead, Malchenko has been an invaluable member of Evoplay since 2022, consistently contributing to the company's success.   As a sales leader, he has guided the team in launching over 200 new commercial partnerships. He's also played a key role in securing deals with major operators showcasing his dedication and expertise.   Malchenko has also played a pivotal role in Evoplay launching in regulated key markets such as Brazil, Peru, and Ontario, as well as in strengthening the company’s position in Europe through new market entries. In addition, he helped ensure the company’s recent entry into the bingo and lottery space.   The internal promotion comes as Evoplay continues to scale its commercial operations, expanding the company’s foothold in regulated markets around the world while growing its award-winning games portfolio. Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “We are thrilled to announce Alex's promotion to Head of Sales. His contributions have been immense, from signing major partner deals to successfully spearheading our expansion into new markets and sectors. “This promotion reflects our strong belief in his ability to lead our sales strategy and drive significant global growth as we continue to scale our business.” Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, said: “This is a very exciting time for Evoplay, and I am honored to take on the role of Head of Sales. “We’ve achieved great things so far and I now look forward to building on our strong momentum, expanding our presence in new markets, and continuing to deliver our award-winning games to players around the world.” Read related article: Evoplay Announces Strategic Leadership Promotions

Pronet Gaming shows how strategic event presence turns expos into real business value, boosting leads, brand visibility, and lasting client relationships. Live events are more than just dates in the calendar or venues to showcase a logo. They're strategic opportunities to create real, measurable business value. As Pronet Gaming ’s Global Events Manager , I’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed event presence can influence everything from growth and lead generation to brand visibility and client relationships. In this highly competitive iGaming landscape, the way we show up at events is as important as the events we choose to attend. A presence where it matters Pronet Gaming makes it a priority to have a strong presence at the industry’s most important expos. This year alone, we’ve been at ICE Barcelona, SPiCE South Asia, SiGMA Asia, iGB L!VE London, and will be appearing at SBC Summit Lisbon in September. These events are more than just meet-and-greets; they’re critical touchpoints that shape perception, open doors, and build trust. Why? Because in a space like iGaming, where many conversations happen online and across time zones, events are one of the few times in the year when we can look clients and partners in the eye. That human connection matters. It accelerates conversations, fosters understanding, and strengthens relationships that are often months or even years in the making. Big stands, bigger returns There’s a reason we go big at events like ICE and SiGMA. Last year, our stand at ICE London and SiGMA Asia in Manila was not only visually striking – it was strategically designed to support both visibility and functionality. With meeting areas, demo zones, and hospitality touches, it became a space where prospects and partners could truly experience who we are and what we do. Our stand wasn’t just about design; it was about creating an environment for business conversations. The result? A more engaged audience, higher-quality leads, and greater brand recall. When you make the right kind of noise at these high-traffic expos, people remember you long after the event is over. That’s brand equity, and it directly supports our commercial goals. Big stands also make us more accessible. Prospects walking the floor know where to find us, and existing clients feel like they have a home base at the event. That visibility is a competitive advantage – especially when surrounded by hundreds of other providers calling for attention. The Business Lounge approach Of course, big stands aren’t always the answer. This year at SiGMA Asia in Manila, we took a different approach by hosting a Business Lounge instead of a two-story stand. This more intimate setup offered a quieter space for targeted meetings and high-value discussions. Despite the lower profile, the impact was significant. The lounge allowed our team to have focused, distraction-free conversations with key partners and prospects. In fact, many of the discussions that took place there have since evolved into real commercial opportunities. It was a reminder that size isn’t everything – strategy  is. In markets like Asia, where we’re expanding fast, building relationships with local operators and stakeholders is essential. Having a flexible event strategy means we can adapt to the environment while still delivering value. Events as strategic assets Whether we’re rolling out a large interactive stand or hosting a curated lounge, our approach to events is never one-size-fits-all. We see each event as a strategic asset – a way to align brand exposure with business objectives. Behind the scenes, it’s about more than just logistics and set-up. It’s aligning marketing campaigns to event calendars, preparing demo-ready product teams, and briefing leadership on messaging. It’s also about post-event follow-up, ensuring those great conversations turn into something more. This is how live events become long-term business value. Looking ahead As we continue to grow in Asia and beyond, events will remain a vital part of our strategy. They help reinforce our position as a trusted, knowledgeable platform provider. They bring our people face-to-face with the operators we serve. And they allow us to showcase what sets Pronet Gaming apart: our B2C-rooted expertise and our commitment to helping operators from launch to double-digit growth. From concept to execution, the goal is always the same: create environments where conversations lead to collaboration, and where presence translates to progress. Read related article: Pronet Gaming: The Power of Global Collaboration

Martin Lycka to welcome former Liverpool star Dominic Matteo to SBC Summit 2025 for The Safe Bet Show, sharing powerful insights on safer gambling. Safer gambling expert Martin Lycka will welcome former Liverpool and Leeds defender Dominic Matteo to SBC Summit 2025 for a live edition of The Safe Bet Show in collaboration with EPIC Global Solutions .   Matteo made 155 appearances for Liverpool between 1992 and 2000 before moving to Leeds United. During his time at the club, he played a key role in their run to the Champions League semi-finals and later went on to captain the side. He also enjoyed spells at Sunderland, Stoke City, and Blackburn Rovers, and represented Scotland at international level.   Since retiring at the end of the 2008/09 season, Matteo has become a leading voice in the safer gambling space, drawing on his own experience of struggling with gambling addiction. He now works with EPIC alongside his wife, Jess Matteo, where they serve as Lived Experience Facilitators to help raise awareness of gambling-related harm among professional athletes.   Matteo’s gambling addiction began towards the end of his career while playing for Blackburn. At its worst, he placed a £500,000 bet on a single horse race and accumulated debts of more than £1 million. His recovery began with the unwavering support of his wife Jess, whose role he describes as instrumental in helping him rebuild his life.   That support proved vital once again in 2019, when Matteo was diagnosed with a brain tumour that required life-saving surgery and radiotherapy. Remarkably, the tumour had been dormant since childhood — leading Matteo to reflect that he had unknowingly played his entire professional career with it.   The couple have since dedicated themselves to educating players across the EFL, Scottish Premiership and PREM Rugby on safer gambling measures. Their work focuses on building awareness, helping players spot early signs of harm, and connecting them to the right support.   Matteo’s story brings a powerful perspective to SBC Summit’s Player Protection Stage , where he and his wife Jess will join Lycka for a live conversation on Tuesday, 16 September, from 16:30 to 17:00. Jess will share her insights on what it means to support a loved one through gambling addiction, including how families can find the right advice and access meaningful support.   Their session comes as SBC Summit 2025 prepares to host its first-ever Legends Charity Game , featuring football icons such as Kaka, Luís Figo, Cafu, Alessandro Del Piero, Patrice Evra, and more. Against that backdrop, Matteo’s appearance offers a timely reminder of the need to educate both current and former players on the risks of gambling harm.   Ahead of the live show, Lycka said: “Dominic’s journey is one of incredible resilience. His willingness to speak openly about his struggles and his fantastic educational work with athletes is deeply impactful.   “Having him and Jess join me for this live edition of The Safe Bet Show brings an essential human perspective to the wider conversation on player protection. I’m honoured that I’ll be able to share the stage with them both in Lisbon.”   The Player Protection Stage will run across all three days of SBC Summit, from 16 to 18 September. Day one will focus on regulation, day two will explore the role of technology in player protection, and day three will be dedicated to research.   Secure your pass for SBC Summit 2025 today and join over 30,000 attendees!   Get your tickets below:   Save 50% with code ACNPARTNERVIP   VIP Event Pass - Access to the show floor, all networking areas and conference sessions, complimentary food and drink from the summit’s food festival and access to exclusive evening networking sessions and parties.   Group VIP Event Pass - Get your passes for just €400 each when you purchase for three or more people (a saving of €200 per ticket!) - perfect for bringing your team along.   Expo+ Pass - Access to the show floor, conference sessions and daytime networking only.   Expo Only Pass - Our free option, which gives you access to the show floor only. This is perfect for individuals from outside the gaming industry that want to explore potential partnerships. Please note, this will not grant you access to our academies.   Operator and Affiliate Passes - Operators and affiliates are eligible for a free VIP event pass.  Read related article: Global Markets Stage at SBC Summit to Spotlight North America