Press Releases
Legendary skater and entrepreneur to keynote at SBC Summit

Renowned professional skateboarder turned entrepreneur and iconic video game legend Tony Hawk is slated to deliver a keynote address to 25,000 attendees, at the upcoming SBC Summit.
The keynote titled: “Tony Hawk – What Keeps The Wheels Turning on a Global Brand” is scheduled to open the second core day of the event, which is taking place at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa between the 24th and 26th of September. The highly anticipated keynote will occur on the Super Stage, located in the MEO Arena.
Hawk will offer delegates an in-depth overview of his illustrious career, covering his introduction to the professional sports arena as a teenager, his landmark partnership with Activision game studios, and the founding of his iconic sporting brands. He will also share strategies for maintaining relevance through brand reinvention, providing insights into his approach to sustaining success and innovation over the years.
In anticipation of his upcoming address, Hawk expressed: “I am excited to be headlining SBC Summit in Lisbon this September. Although the worlds of skateboarding and gambling might seem very different, I believe many parallels and lessons can be very relatable to companies in this industry.
“Whether it is forming long-lasting partnerships, establishing a successful and recognisable brand or maintaining relevance in a predominantly digital world, my story can provide valuable insights for all those attending.”
Born in the Golden State of California on May 12, 1968, Tony Hawk received his first skateboard, a blue fibreglass Bahne, from his brother at the age of nine. By the age of 11, Hawk began entering local skateboarding competitions, and in 1982, at just 14 years old, he officially became a professional skater. He signed with the Powell Peralta professional team and starred in the famous Bones Brigade videos, marking the beginning of his illustrious sporting career.
The subsequent 23 years, saw Hawk win 73 competitive titles, including being named the ‘National Skateboard Association (NSA) Vert Champion’ for 12 consecutive years and earning 16 “X Games” medals. Hawk further cemented himself as an innovator of the sport by inventing more than 80 unique skateboarding tricks. Among these tricks are the ollie-to-Indy, the gymnast plant, the frontside 540-rodeo flip, and the Saran wrap.
In one of skateboarding’s defining moments, Hawk executed a 900 twist (2 1/2 turns) at the 1999 X Games, a feat that had never been performed before. In 2003, Tony officially retired from competitive skating.
Away from the deck, Hawk continued to grow the sport with a variety of successful partnerships and branding deals. In 1992, Tony founded Birdhouse Skateboards (originally Birdhouse Projects) with ex-Powell Peralta professional skateboarder Per Welinder. In 1998, Hawk and his family created Hawk Clothing, a line of children’s skate apparel, and in 1999, he founded the media company 900 Films. In 2002, he established The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), a nonprofit skateboarding organisation that helps communities build public skate parks for youth in underserved communities.
Tony Hawk’s most successful partnership came in 1999 when he teamed up with global gaming giant Activision to release Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Activision went on to release 16 more video games under the ‘Tony Hawk’ name and reported a staggering $1 billion in sales, making it one of the most successful video game franchises of all timeBorn in the Golden State of California on May 12, 1968, Tony Hawk received his first skateboard, a blue fibreglass Bahne, from his brother at the age of nine. By the age of 11, Hawk began entering local skateboarding competitions, and in 1982, at just 14 years old, he officially became a professional skater. He signed with the Powell Peralta professional team and starred in the famous Bones Brigade videos, marking the beginning of his illustrious sporting career.
The subsequent 23 years, saw Hawk win 73 competitive titles, including being named the ‘National Skateboard Association (NSA) Vert Champion’ for 12 consecutive years and earning 16 “X Games” medals. Hawk further cemented himself as an innovator of the sport by inventing more than 80 unique skateboarding tricks. Among these tricks are the ollie-to-Indy, the gymnast plant, the frontside 540-rodeo flip, and the Saran wrap.
In one of skateboarding’s defining moments, Hawk executed a 900 twist (2 1/2 turns) at the 1999 X Games, a feat that had never been performed before. In 2003, Tony officially retired from competitive skating.
Away from the deck, Hawk continued to grow the sport with a variety of successful partnerships and branding deals. In 1992, Tony founded Birdhouse Skateboards (originally Birdhouse Projects) with ex-Powell Peralta professional skateboarder Per Welinder. In 1998, Hawk and his family created Hawk Clothing, a line of children’s skate apparel, and in 1999, he founded the media company 900 Films. In 2002, he established The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), a nonprofit skateboarding organisation that helps communities build public skate parks for youth in underserved communities.
Tony Hawk’s most successful partnership came in 1999 when he teamed up with global gaming giant Activision to release Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Activision went on to release 16 more video games under the ‘Tony Hawk’ name and reported a staggering $1 billion in sales, making it one of the most successful video game franchises of all time
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC added: “Tony Hawk is undoubtedly one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century. Not only did Tony revolutionise the world of skateboarding, but through strong branding, incredible athleticism, and genre-defining video games, he brought skateboarding into mainstream pop culture.
“There are certainly many lessons to be learned from this legend, and I am extremely excited to witness Tony’s headline keynote on the Super Stage.”
Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes to the event. Operators can visit here, while affiliates are urged to click here.
The wider industry can secure their spot at the upcoming SBC Summit with a special offer granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content, and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just €300.
The post Legendary skater and entrepreneur to keynote at SBC Summit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
Tickets on sale for Helldorado Days Rodeo at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s CORE Arena, Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8
Popular event bigger than ever with family-friendly festival, carnival games
The Helldorado Days Rodeo returns to downtown Las Vegas, Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 at the CORE Arena at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. This year, the event will be bigger than ever before with the addition of a family-friendly festival before the rodeo excitement begins each night. The festival will include a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, carnival rides and games, line dancing, and more.
The Helldorado Days Rodeo is fully sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. The rodeo will feature bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, breakaway, and bareback riding, with prize purses totaling $40,000.
The Helldorado Days Rodeo also features related western-themed events, like mutton bustin (a sheep riding competition for future cowboys and cowgirls who are 4-10 years old and under 60 pounds), a Whiskerino contest, and a historical exhibit area. The winning artwork of a children’s coloring contest will also be on display the first night.
After parties featuring country music acts will be held at the Sand Dollar Downtown after the rodeo concludes.
General admission tickets for the Helldorado Rodeo are now on sale online for $10 per person (plus taxes). VIP tickets for $30 each (plus taxes) offer guaranteed seating as well as access to an exclusive bar and restrooms.
Sponsored by the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial and the Plaza Hotel & Casino, the mission of the Helldorado Days Rodeo is to bring the community together to celebrate the spirit of Old Las Vegas, including those who shaped the city’s history and those who are working to preserve the western lifestyle while looking toward the future.
Details about the Helldorado Days Rodeo, associated events, and sponsorships are at: plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/helldorado-days-rodeo/.
The post Tickets on sale for Helldorado Days Rodeo at the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s CORE Arena, Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
SLOT MACHINE MANUFACTURER ZITRO UNVEILS NEW SLOTS FEATURING LIGHTING SYSTEMS TIMED TO GAME SEQUENCES
Casino goers enjoy slot machines for a whole host of reasons. Some enjoy their tried-and-true favorite games. Some people like discovering new games. Gaming manufacturer, Zitro, has just introduced slot games enclosed in a new cabinet called CONCEPT that synchronizes its Magic Lighting system to elements of the game and what a player sees on the screen.
Zitro launched the system at Pechanga Resort Casino just outside Temecula, California. Pechanga is among the first casinos in California to feature the CONCEPT cabinet and its upgraded and inviting technology. Pechanga guests can try their luck on Zitro’s Legendary Sword slot game, a medieval-themed, multi-game players like for immersive gameplay and standout features such as a four-level jackpot link, mystery-activated bonuses, and special in-game powers such as “Honor,” which multiplies rewards, “Glory,” which grants extra lives, and the “Magic Sword,” which doubles Link symbols on the boosted column. Players can experience up to seven Bonus Links, making each spin feel like part of an epic quest.
“We are committed to offering the best in gaming entertainment,” said Alex Rodriguez, Vice President of Slot Operations at Pechanga Resort Casino. “The CONCEPT cabinet and Legendary Sword slot machine bring incredible visual impact. We think our guests will love the new technology that brings all the elements of the game and the cabinet together.”
“We truly appreciate Pechanga’s continued trust in Zitro,” said Derik Moobery, CEO of Zitro USA. “Bringing the CONCEPT cabinet to Pechanga is a proud moment for us. We know they’re one of the busiest and most sought-after gaming establishments by both visitors and other gaming manufacturers. We’re confident that Legendary Sword will be a standout favorite among Pechanga’s players.”
Pechanga Resort Casino feature six Legendary Sword slot machines.
The post SLOT MACHINE MANUFACTURER ZITRO UNVEILS NEW SLOTS FEATURING LIGHTING SYSTEMS TIMED TO GAME SEQUENCES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
partnerships
EPIC partners with Underdog to deepen culture of responsible gaming

Attendees of the initial sessions noted positive anecdotal outcomes.
EPIC Global Solutions announced a new partnership with Underdog to further the sports gaming operator’s investment in responsible gaming education through a series of training and workshops.
As part of the partnership, customer-facing Underdog employees participated in gaming harm awareness sessions and VIP relationships workshops presented by EPIC staff, increasing Underdog staff’s ability to recognize potentially problematic gaming behaviors in their customers.
The sessions were led by consultants who shared their own experience of how different forms of gaming proved problematic in their lives, including former NCAA and NBA point guard Stevin ‘Hedake’ Smith and former boxer Liz Thielen, and provided Underdog staff the chance to explore the human side of harm through a gaming-neutral lens.
EPIC’s VP North America Teresa Fiore noted: “We’re very pleased with the positive start to our working relationship with Underdog. They have a deep understanding that responsible gaming practices must be at the core for any major operator, and it’s a constant and consistent process of learning and attentiveness. It’s clear from the session feedback that the responsible gaming message we share – influenced by the lived experience of our team – is making a difference to Underdog’s staff in a way that will further enhance their communication and customer relationships in a positive way.”
The training and workshops promoted business sustainability and customer protection by exploring communication techniques and best practices to foster healthy customer relationships.
“Partnering with EPIC has reinforced the culture of responsible gaming that we are building at Underdog,” said Adam Warrington, Vice President of Responsible Gaming at Underdog. “We look forward to furthering the understanding of responsible gaming within Underdog and continuing to participate in training sessions and workshops to deepen our player protection knowledge.”
Attendees noted positive anecdotal outcomes, such as learning ‘the nuances of messaging’ and how to ‘dive deeper to get to the bottom of what messaging could be problematic’ and taking the message of ‘direct experiences to help understand how people are impacted’.
The post EPIC partners with Underdog to deepen culture of responsible gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
partnerships4 weeks ago
Octoplay accelerates UK and Irish growth with strategic BoyleSports partnership
-
Asia3 weeks ago
Jetapult Strengthens AI Expertise: Onboards Industry Leaders, Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain
-
Latin America4 weeks ago
SOFTSWISS Ignites Brazil with ‘Race Like a Legend’ Experience
-
Balkans4 weeks ago
Playson tightens grip on Croatian market with landmark Hrvatska Lutrija deal
-
Africa4 weeks ago
INCENTIVE GAMES SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, SOUTH AFRICA AND UK WITH LIGHT & WONDER
-
Press Releases3 weeks ago
Colour the world your way in Supa Crew by Swintt’s Elysium Studios
-
Press Releases2 weeks ago
Swintt stacks up a pyramid of wins in Egypt King Pearl Upgrade
-
Africa2 weeks ago
Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya Announces New Regulations