Connect with us

Latest News

Red Bull Home Ground Heads to New York this November

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

  • Red Bull Home Ground storms into its fifth year, bringing the world’s top VALORANT teams and rising stars to Manhattan, New York, from November 13 to 16.
  • A lineup of international powerhouses – including invited teams and qualifier champions – will battle it out in an intense off-season showdown.
  • Defending champions T1 will aim to retain their crown, against giants including Fnatic, Sentinels, ZETA DIVISION, and G2 Esports, with more teams to be determined through the global Play-In stage and invites.
  • Leading gaming monitor brand AGON by AOC returns as official Monitor Partner for Red Bull Home Ground, delivering high-performance displays to support peak gameplay throughout the tournament.
  • Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster

Red Bull Home Ground, the pro VALORANT invitational, is set to make its return with a blockbuster fifth edition, bringing together the world’s top teams to New York City, for one of the most exciting showcases in the esports calendar. From November 13–16, the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center will host four electrifying days of competition, as global giants and rising stars fight to claim the title of 2025 off-season champions.

This year, Red Bull Home Ground will feature a stacked lineup of elite contenders. Returning champions T1 are ready to defend their crown, joined by two-time VCT Global Event winners Fnatic and fan-favourites G2 Esports, Sentinels, and ZETA DIVISION. Joining these giants will be the two top teams who earn their place through the Play-In Stage and an additional team to be revealed – a gauntlet of global qualifiers open to all in India, USA, Spain, Turkey, Chile, Egypt, Belgium, Germany, South Africa, Netherlands, Japan, and EMEA qualifiers, giving players around the world the chance to earn a spot to go against the best-of-the-best on the main stage. The final main stage slot will be revealed at a later date.

For the first time, the Red Bull Home Ground World Final will be hosted in the United States, taking place at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. Known for its grand Beaux-Arts architecture and storied history hosting icons like The Grateful Dead and Guns N’ Roses, the venue offers a perfect blend of classic New York legacy and modern spectacle for this high-stakes tournament. The action kicks off on November 13-14, with both days dedicated exclusively to the Play-in stage and the opening stages of the competition. For fans eager to experience the action live, tickets for the public main stage event on November 15-16 are available for purchase via Ticketmaster.

At last year’s Red Bull Home Ground in Berlin, fans were treated to an unforgettable grand final as T1 stormed to victory over Cloud9, clinching the championship title with a dominant 3-1 series. With every edition, Red Bull Home Ground has elevated the VALORANT off-season calendar, known for its fast-paced format, jaw-dropping plays, and international flair. Red Bull Home Ground continues to be a staple tournament for pro teams looking to compete against the best competition and for fans ready to witness thrilling match-ups.

Watch Red Bull Home Ground live from 13 – 16 November via Red Bull Gaming’s Twitch and YouTube channels.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

For tickets and more information, visit: ticketmaster.com/promo/p7pf2b

The post Red Bull Home Ground Heads to New York this November appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Latest News

FDJ UNITED Sets Ambitious Sustainability Objectives and Strategies for 2028

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

FDJ UNITED, a leader in betting and gaming in Europe, has held its Investor Day to present its operational, ESG and financial goals under its “Play Forward 2028” strategic plan.

Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman and CEO of FDJ UNITED, said: “FDJ UNITED has undergone a considerable transformation since its IPO, with financial and non-financial performance underscoring the success of our strategy for sustainable, profitable growth. 2025 is a pivotal year for the Group, with the consolidation of Kindred, the benefits of which are reflected in our ‘Play Forward 2028’ strategic plan. This plan opens a new chapter in our transformation, with the ambition of asserting our position as Europe’s leading responsible betting and gaming operator, based on a more diversified, more digital and more international business portfolio. ‘Play Forward 2028’ aims to continue to create value for our shareholders and all our stakeholders.”

FDJ UNITED Continues to Pursue Sustainable Value Creation

The Group’s performance in 2019-2024 demonstrated the relevance of its strategy, notably focused on expanding its digital and international presence, while maintaining solid business momentum at its points of sale in France.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

As a result, the Group’s international presence now accounts for around 26% of its revenue, compared with 3% in 2019, and the share of digital revenue has risen from 5% to 35% over the period.

Between 2019 and 2024, through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, FDJ UNITED’s revenue increased by a factor of 1.8, to €3.8 billion,2 with average annual organic growth of over 5%. recurring EBITDA has increased by a factor of 2.3, to €964 million,2 equating to a recurring EBITDA margin that rose by nearly 500 basis points to over 25% in 2024.

This high level of profitability can be explained both by the operating leverage of FDJ UNITED’s businesses and by the performance-driven culture intrinsic to the Group.

Guidance for 2025 Confirmed

Taking into account the strong performance achieved in 2024, the impact in 2025 of the sharp increase in taxes on betting and gaming in France and the Netherlands as well as the stricter implementation of regulations in major markets, FDJ UNITED expects to see revenue remain stable over the financial year, compared to 2024 pro forma, and a recurring EBITDA margin of over 24%.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Solid Targets for 2028

Over the period 2025-2028, FDJ UNITED aims to assert its leadership in Europe as a responsible lottery, gaming and betting operator and expects to see:

• Average annual organic revenue growth of around 5%.

• Recurring EBITDA margin of over 26% by 2028.

Margin growth is driven by the operating leverage generated by business growth combined with the efficiency measures taken by FDJ UNITED, for a total impact over the 2025-2028 period of more than €120 million, more than half of which is attributable to the Online betting and gaming BU and nearly 40% to the French lottery and retail sports betting BU.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

The Group will benefit from its past and future investments in the use of data and artificial intelligence to further improve the gaming range and player experience in a responsible manner.

• Recurring EBITDA to free cash flow conversion rate remaining above 80%.

• Cumulative capital expenditure of between €650 and €700 million, equating to an annual amount towards the lower end of the Group’s historical range of 4% to 5% of revenue.

• Net debt to recurring EBITDA ratio less than or equal to 2x, with Investment-Grade debt.

An Attractive Dividend Policy

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

FDJ UNITED is pursuing its attractive dividend policy, with year-on-year dividend growth reflecting its performance and medium-term outlook, based on a payout ratio of at least 75% of adjusted net profit.

Confirmed Non-financial Commitments

At the same time, FDJ UNITED plans to continue expanding its CSR initiatives and to maintain its non-financial performance at the highest level.

FDJ UNITED is therefore making a dual commitment, unique among betting and gaming operators, to:

• Continue to reduce the proportion of its revenue attributable to high-risk players. In addition to the highly promising results already achieved by both FDJ and Kindred before their tie-up, the Group is working on setting new targets, which will be shared in early 2026.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

• Raise the level of its voluntary contribution to social and environmental causes to 5% of the Group’s reported net profit by 2030, compared with 2.7% in 2024.

Within this framework, FDJ UNITED announced an investment of €5 million in Averrhoa Nature-Based Solutions, a fund led by Ardian in partnership with aDryada aiming at restoring forests, wetlands and mangroves and contributing to carbon sequestration from the atmosphere while generating high-quality carbon credits.

The French lottery and retail sports betting BU is aiming to achieve sustainable, profitable growth in its pool of players, across its two distribution channels, complemented by an omnichannel approach.

The main driver of growth over the period 2025-2028 is expected to be the influx of more than one million additional players, compared with 27 million players in 2024. This influx will be driven both by the expansion of the point-of-sale network to cover large food retailers – which could account for 20% of the physical network by 2028, to offset closures in the traditional network of bar-tobacco-press outlets – and by the development of the online channel, which is expected to account for 20% of lottery revenue by 2028. At the same time, the Group’s omnichannel player account and its FDJ & Moi programme will help raise the share of identified players to over 25%.

The BU’s ambition is expected to result in:

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

• Average annual revenue growth in the low to mid-single digit, low single digit for points of sale and low to mid-teens for ilottery.

• Recurring EBITDA margin of over 35% by 2028.

The Online betting and gaming BU’s ambition is to expand its positions in all its markets, with rapid growth in revenue and even greater growth in profitability.

This responsible development is based on an engaging gaming experience supported by a differentiating marketing strategy, the unique scalable proprietary platform KSP, and greater operational efficiency to outperform the markets in which the Group is present and benefit from significant operating leverage.

The BU’s ambition is expected to result in:

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

• Growth in market share and stronger positioning in all geographic markets, with the aim of being in the top 3 in seven of its eight main European markets, for average annual revenue growth in the high single digit.

• Higher growth in recurring EBITDA, with a recurring EBITDA margin of over 30% by 2028.

The post FDJ UNITED Sets Ambitious Sustainability Objectives and Strategies for 2028 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Spelinspektionen: Supervision of Procedures and Drawing Protocols

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

The Swedish Gambling Authority has initiated supervision to ensure that the requirements for procedures and drawing protocols are followed.

The purpose of the supervision is to check how the licensees comply with the provisions of Sections 7–8 (routines) and Section 9 (drawing protocol) in SIFS 2024:1.

The Swedish Gambling Authority’s regulations and general advice on draws outside gaming systems, SIFS 2024:1, came into force on 1 June 2024. The regulations state the requirements for draws outside gaming systems. For example, draws must be carried out according to established draw procedures. Draws outside a gaming system may only be made if the requirements in Sections 5–11 of SIFS 2024:1 are met.

Actors involved in supervision:

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

• AB Svenska Spel

• Folk Games Nonprofit Association

• Motorists’ Sobriety Association

• The National Pensioners’ Organisation

• Vaxjo Lakers Hockey.

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

The post Spelinspektionen: Supervision of Procedures and Drawing Protocols appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Million Games Unveils Farm Frenzy: A Whirlwind Adventure on the Golden Egg Farm

Published

on

Million Games Unveils Farm Frenzy: A Whirlwind Adventure on the Golden Egg Farm
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Million Games is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest video slot, Farm Frenzy, an engaging and light-hearted adventure set on the charming yet chaotic Golden Egg Farm. With captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and a story straight from the countryside, Farm Frenzy promises players an immersive and rewarding gaming experience.

Set against the backdrop of rolling fields and whimsical chaos, Farm Frenzy takes players on a hunt for hidden treasures amidst the aftermath of a whirlwind that has stirred up the farm. Featuring 5 reels, 3 rows, and 20 paylines, the game is packed with thrilling features, including Harvest Free Spins, special symbols, and multiple opportunities for big wins.

Players will encounter:

  • Harvest Free Spins: Triggered by landing the Bonus symbol, players win 15 Free Spins where farm animals enhance the gameplay for massive rewards.
  • Special Symbols:
    • Wild: Substitutes for all symbols, except the Free Spins symbol, for best possible payout.
    • Wild Multipliers: Grant up to 20x Win Multipliers and then turn Wild.
    • Extra Wilds: Add 1 or 2 extra Wilds to the reels, increasing winning chances.

The game’s storyline transports players to a once-idyllic farm now buzzing with energy after a whirlwind caused mayhem. With quirky animals, scattered treasures, and lively gameplay, players must help restore order to the Golden Egg Farm while uncovering hidden riches along the way.

Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games, expressed his excitement about the launch: “Farm Frenzy is a game that combines engaging storytelling, innovative features, and the thrill of discovering big rewards. Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver a game that’s not only fun to play but also provides a truly immersive experience. We’re confident that players will love this chaotic yet charming farm adventure.”

Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Designed for mobile-first gameplay, Farm Frenzy ensures smooth performance and vibrant visuals across all devices and screen orientations. With a medium volatility and 96.32% RTP, it offers a balanced gaming experience suitable for casual players and slot enthusiasts alike.

Farm Frenzy is now available on Million Games’ platform. Join the adventure and experience the chaos and charm of the Golden Egg Farm today!

The post Million Games Unveils Farm Frenzy: A Whirlwind Adventure on the Golden Egg Farm appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

Offering comprehensive coverage on all aspects of the gaming sector, our daily posts include online and land-based gaming, betting, esports, regulatory and compliance updates, and technological advancements. Regular features encompass daily news articles, press releases, exclusive interviews, and insightful event reports.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Gaming News Room is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania