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ESI Events Unveils ESI Film Festival 2024 Shortlist

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  • Best Film nominations: Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million, Heroes of Lofoten, Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077
  • Fanfilm, 24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive & Live Legendary: Launders
  • Best Student Film nominations: Zara – My Game, Questopia & C++

ESI Events is thrilled to announce the official nominations and shortlist for the second edition of the annual ESI Film Festival, taking place as part of the ESI Lisbon 2024 event at the MEO Arena. This year’s festival celebrates the power of storytelling within the gaming and esports communities, highlighting the talent and creativity of filmmakers from around the globe.

The ESI Film Festival, launched in 2023 at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, returns in 2024 with an expanded event, offering filmmakers a platform to share gaming related stories that deserve to be told.

This year’s festival not only adds a second category but also continues to bridge the gap between the worlds of film, gaming, and esports. By showcasing films that delve into the positive impact of gaming can and does have, the ESI Film Festival reinforces the notion that video games and esports have the potential to make meaningful differences in people’s lives.

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Best Film Nominees:

Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million

  • Directed by Rich Bowen at OG Esports
  • Adrián “Wisper” Céspedes – a kid from Bolivia who ended up defying the odds to make it to Dota’s biggest stage, becoming one of OG Esports’ most important players. This is part of our series ‘Origins’, where we look into the past of our players and learn what made them the people they are today.

Heroes of Lofoten

  • Directed by Johanna Cederstrøm at MistGames
  • Heroes of Lofoten: A Counter-Strike Experience above the Arctic Circle. Last year MistGames flew some of the greatest Counter-Strike talents in Europe to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Lofoten. Our goal was to combine the entertainment of esports with technology and travel. The documentary puts emphasis on the joys and struggles behind the scene of the event.

Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077 Fanfilm

  • Directed by Kira Cesnik
  • In Night City there is chaos in every corner. So when V gets a gig from an unknown caller regarding some deadly cyberware, it’s up to him to save the day.

Chuck & Fern

  • Directed by Henry Alexander Kelly
  • Within a fantasy video game, a heroic swordsman and a D-List villain face an existential crisis but must push past it when a greater purpose calls.

Live Legendary: Launders

  • Directed by Chew Productions
  • This documentary chronicles the journey of Launders, the beloved Counter-Strike caster. Growing up in Toronto, Launders is the son of a determined mother of Indian descent, who immigrated to Canada in search of a better life. His early years were spent with his mother in a women’s shelter, where he learned the resilience and strength that will define his future. In his youth, Launders struggled to find his path, working blue-collar jobs and occasionally falling into trouble. His life took a pivotal turn when he joined a “Big Brother” program and was paired with a mentor who saw his potential and encouraged him to reach for it. This is a story of a mother and son, of friendship, and the power of finding one’s true passion. It highlights the impact of positive influences and the transformative power of believing in oneself.

24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive

  • Directed by MOONTON Games
  • MLBB Esports presents an exclusive look at the historic triumph by Selangor Red Giants at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup 2024. Take a look behind the scenes at Malaysia’s greatest achievement in MLBB.

Best Student Film Nominees:

Zara – My Game

  • Directed by Jack Carmell
  • This documentary follows Zara Horton, a former professional windsurfer for Team GB, as she takes a leap of faith into studying esports instead of taking a traditional route. We follow her journey through University esports and how she has used her competitive nature to her advantage.

Questopia

  • Directed by Shahzer Kashif
  • Danny’s gaming obsession turns deadly as he fights for his life in a game he thought he had total control over.

C++

  • Directed by Bashar Taha Abduljabbar
  • The story follows Yassin, a skilled programmer who tragically loses his wife, Suzanne, due to medical malpractice. Driven by anger and thirst for justice, Yassin kidnaps the negligent doctor, Khalid, responsible for Susan’s death. Within a virtual reality video game of his own creation, Yassin manipulates Khalid’s perception, confronting him with the truth behind Susan’s death. As the game unfolds, Khalid discovers shocking revelations and faces his fate, leading to a climactic showdown between Yassin and Khalid. “C++” explores themes of justice, loss, and the consequences of blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Prize Pool & Categories

With a total prize pool of €6,000 courtesy of not-for-profit partner, ESG Gaming, the festival recognizes outstanding contributions across two categories—Best Film and Best Student Film. The breakdown of prizes is as follows:

  • •Best Film
  • 1st Place: €2,500 | 2nd Place: €1,500
  • •Best Student Film
  • 1st Place: €1,500 | 2nd Place: €500

Judging Panel

The nominees will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including:

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  • Hélène Juguet – Managing Director, Ubisoft Film & TV Paris
  • Lee Willows – Founder & Executive Chair, ESG Gaming
  • Stuart Burnside – Video Game Certification Manager – British Film Institute
  • Karina Ziminaite – CEO – Z1MT Creative
  • Alex Weber – Award-Winning Filmmaker
  • Rui Pedro da Tendinha – Film Critic & Presenter

 

The post ESI Events Unveils ESI Film Festival 2024 Shortlist appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era

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Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industry’s €123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.

Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation

Atlaslive’s analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.

“The data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,” said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. “Operators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.”

Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share

The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This €66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.

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Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:

  • Casino games leading digital adoption: €21.5 billion in 2024, growing to €30.8 billion by 2029
  • Sports betting momentum: €13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
  • Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching €10.4 billion by 2029

Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities

Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.

Digital Leaders:

  • Sweden: 68.3% online share
  • Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
  • Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement

Growth Markets:

  • Italy: Europe’s largest market at €21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
  • Germany: €14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
  • France: €14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth

Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders

The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:

For Operators:

  • Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
  • Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
  • Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration

For Technology Providers:

  • Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
  • Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
  • Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning

Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity

Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains €75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.

“The European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,” added Anastasiia Poltavets. “Rather than simple digital displacement, we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.”

To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.

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This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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WinSpirit’s Birthday: A Year of Success and Innovation

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Cheers to another year of success! Time flies when you’re having fun — and what a year it’s been! From overcoming challenges to achieving exciting milestones, WinSpirit has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

As we celebrate our birthday today, let’s take a moment to reflect on all our achievements and the exciting journey ahead. This past year has been filled with remarkable moments, including a stunning $361,647 player win, the launch of over 100 local tournaments, and the addition of 1,112 games to our library. We’ve also been honoured with prestigious industry awards, and we’ve continued to make strides with our innovative responsible gaming initiatives. These highlights are just a glimpse of our incredible journey, and we’re excited for what the future holds.

Overview of WinSpirit

WinSpirit is an online casino that has rapidly made its mark in the gaming world. With a vast library of approximately 17,000 games, 24/7 customer support, and fast withdrawals, WinSpirit offers players an exceptional and engaging gaming experience. The platform is built on a robust bonus system, including welcome bonuses and regular offers. In addition, WinSpirit promotes responsible gaming by providing features like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring players’ safety while enjoying their gaming experience.

Biggest Win of the Year

At WinSpirit, huge wins are what keep the excitement alive. On May 2nd, 2025, a lucky player took home an incredible $361,647 after landing a 4000x multiplier. This monumental win serves as a testament to the exciting potential of big rewards available on the platform.

Tournaments and Other Key Activities

WinSpirit continues to engage its community with exciting new activities. Over the past year, several successful initiatives have taken place, including:

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  1. Updated Gift Shop in April:
    One of the key innovations this year was the launch of the revamped Gift Shop — a retention-focused feature that saw impressive engagement, with more than 92% of users actively participating, significantly enhancing player loyalty and satisfaction.
  2. VIP Tournament Series:
    In August 2024, WinSpirit organized the Interstellar VIP Journey, a tournament series with three qualifying tournaments and a Grand Final. The prize pool in each tournament was 350 Free Spins.
  3. Christmas and New Year Promotion:
    From November 2024 to January 2025, WinSpirit launched the “Welcome to Lapland” campaign, distributing $1,500,000 in cash and sports gifts. Players participated in tournaments, received daily gifts, and exchanged promo currency in Santa’s Gift Shop.
  4. 100+ Local Tournaments:
    WinSpirit hosted over 100 local tournaments in collaboration with slot and live providers, awarding more than $300,000 in real money prizes.

Popular Betting Events

Players have shown strong enthusiasm for major global events. Some of the most popular betting events included:

  • Super Bowl 2025
  • Champions League
  • Euro 2024 & Copa America 2024
  • Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
  • Olympic Games
  • NFL Finals

Collaborations with Other Brands

WinSpirit has also expanded its presence through collaborations with slot and live providers, as well as exciting social media campaigns. Partnerships with brands like 1spin4win and OnlyPlay have helped create engaging giveaways for players on platforms like Instagram, providing players with the chance to win Free Spins and bonuses.

Awards and Achievements

Over the past year, WinSpirit has received significant recognition in the gaming industry. In 2024, the platform was honoured with several prestigious awards, including:

  • Rising Star 2023 (SBC Awards)
  • World’s Best Online Casino 2023 (World Casino Awards)
  • AskGamblers Trust Certificate
  • Voice of the People 2024 (Casino Guru Awards)

These accolades are a testament to WinSpirit’s commitment to providing a premium and trustworthy experience for players.

Responsible Gaming Initiatives

WinSpirit places a strong emphasis on responsible gaming. Players are provided with the tools to set deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible play and player well-being.

WinSpirit Moments

With initiatives like WinSpirit Moments, we invited players to share their casino experiences — not just through gameplay but by showcasing real-life stories and moments. By submitting creative photos of WinSpirit Casino in unique locations, players shared their passion for online casinos and the benefits they enjoy.

This campaign helped forge stronger connections with our community, creating a platform for storytelling and engagement, while also encouraging responsible gaming. Through this initiative, we not only engaged players but also deepened our relationship with them, making WinSpirit more than just a casino — it’s a community where players’ experiences come to life.

WinSpirit Stories and Trends

WinSpirit also introduced WinSpirit Stories and WinSpirit Trends, innovative features that engage players in new and exciting ways. These formats provide players with information on bonus rules, showcase top game titles, and offer exclusive offers. WinSpirit Stories helps players reflect on their achievements and discover new opportunities, while WinSpirit Trends focuses on the most thrilling aspects of gameplay, helping players choose their next adventure.

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Feedback from Players

WinSpirit’s high ratings across various platforms highlight its success in providing quality service and entertainment. With strong ratings of:

  • 6/5 on Trustpilot
  • 6/10 on CasinoGuru
  • 9/10 on AskGamblers

These reviews reinforce WinSpirit’s reputation as a top-tier online casino, valued by its loyal player base.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to creating meaningful experiences — for our players, partners, and the entire industry. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and building a stronger community. The journey is just beginning, and WinSpirit is excited for what’s to come!

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DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution

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DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution
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The company opens a new chapter

DATA.BET, the sportsbook solution supplier, strengthened its portfolio capabilities by adding sports betting.

The new sportsbook covers over 50,000 sporting events per month, featuring over 63 pre-match and 38 live sports, along with 1000+ available markets. From the most popular leagues to niche categories, the company delivers comprehensive sports coverage backed by trusted official data providers. DATA.BET’s 24/7 in-house trading team ensures over 93% market uptime, dynamic odds adjustments, and automated settlements.

Combined with Player Props, operators can deliver a broader, player-centric betting experience. Cashout functionality is also available, allowing players to settle bets early on single and multiple bets. User engagement is further increased through integrated Video Streaming of events for football, American football, tennis, and basketball as well as interactive Widgets across key sports — keeping users engaged within the platform and eliminating the need to seek information elsewhere. This seamless access to match insights, player data, and betting markets enhances the overall experience and supports higher retention, deeper engagement, and increased betting volumes.

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Today, DATA.BET’s portfolio includes esports, sports, and virtual sports, providing a complete solution for betting operators. Integration is available via an upgraded SPA or through a direct Odds Feed. Depending on operator needs and market focus, each vertical can be connected individually or as a combined solution.

“With the expansion of our sports betting solution, we are entering a new phase in supporting our partners,” commented Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “This update equips operators with a complete betting solution, while ensuring continued access to DATA.BET’s trusted tools for flexibility, control, and fast content delivery.”

The post DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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