Asia
Chinese Football Bans 43 for Life Over Gambling and Match-Fixing Scandal
Published
7 mins ago
on
September 16, 2024
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Chinese football authorities have banned 43 individuals for life due to their involvement in gambling and match-fixing scandals. The list includes three former China international footballers and South Korean World Cup player Son Jun-ho.
China’s extensive football corruption crackdown campaign has been ongoing since 2022. The National Sports General Administration and the Ministry of Public Security have led efforts to address issues of match-fixing and gambling in the sport. They have investigated over 120 matches, involving 83 players, referees, coaches and club officials. To date, 44 individuals have been sentenced, with 34 receiving prison terms.
The recent announcement of these lifetime bans came shortly after the national team’s 7-0 loss to Japan.
Son Jun-ho, who played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League and represented South Korea in the 2022 World Cup, has been accused of participating in match-fixing and accepting bribes. Son returned to South Korea in March 2024 after being detained in China since May 2023. The authorities initially stated that he was held “on suspicion of accepting bribes by non-state employees” but did not provide further details.
Other notable figures banned include Jin Jingdao, a former Shandong Taishan player, and Chinese international players Guo Tianyu and Gu Chao.
Central Europe
Octoplay goes live in Slovakia with an exclusive partnership with Nike
Published
7 mins ago
on
September 16, 2024
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Octoplay continues its expansion in Europe by going live in Slovakia with a strategic partnership with Nike, the largest betting company in the country. This move marks Octoplay’s third major market milestone in the last four weeks, following its entry into Denmark and obtaining a license in Greece.
Octoplay will launch a portfolio of 10 games, including the title Eggsponential, exclusively on Nike’s platform in Slovakia. The partnership goes beyond game integration, with Octoplay set to deliver a bespoke version of its opt-in jackpot solution, Jackpot Hunt. This collaboration demonstrates both companies’ commitment to long-term market growth and innovation.
Nick Vuchev, Commercial Director at Octoplay, stated: “Our partnership with Nike marks a significant step in Octoplay’s expansion into regulated European markets. We’re excited to introduce our games exclusively in Slovakia through the country’s largest operator.”
Robert Vizvari, Chief Revenue Officer at Niké, commented: “We’re thrilled to be the first to bring Octoplay’s premium products to players in Slovakia. Through this collaboration, we’re offering the high-quality, engaging content Octoplay is known for, exclusively on our platform. This partnership not only enhances our portfolio but also reinforces our commitment to providing our players with the best gaming experiences in the market.”
This partnership highlights Octoplay’s rapid expansion across Europe’s regulated markets. Already holding licenses in the UK, Sweden, Malta, Ontario, Greece, and Romania, Octoplay continues to strengthen its position in the iGaming industry through strategic partnerships and market entries. This latest collaboration with Nike, a major operator in Slovakia, further exemplifies Octoplay’s commitment to growth in key regulated markets.
Asia
Natural8 India Celebrates One Year as India’s Leading Poker Platform
Published
11 mins ago
on
September 16, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Natural8 India proudly announces the celebration of its first anniversary on the 19th of September, marking a significant milestone in its journey as one of India’s leading online poker platforms. Over the past year, Natural8 India has established itself as a prominent player in the online poker community, offering an immersive and secure poker experience to enthusiasts across the country.
In honor of this special occasion, Natural8 India is dedicating the entire month of September to giving back to the poker community. The company has rolled out a series of exciting promotions aimed at enhancing the gaming experience and rewarding its loyal player base.
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebrations is the introduction of the BIG1 Glory Grind Leaderboard, a month-long challenge where players can accumulate points based on their gameplay. The top 10 players of the month will share a prize pool of ₹5 Lakhs. Additionally players who get 3 points and above are eligible to play in the Flipout worth INR 388,888 which is above and beyond the leaderboard prize pool, making this a thrilling opportunity for competitive players to showcase their skills and claim their share of the rewards. Additionally, to welcome new players, Natural8 India is offering an exclusive signup bonus of ₹888, absolutely free, with no hidden conditions. This bonus provides newcomers with an exciting start, giving them a chance to experience the platform and win big right from the beginning.
The excitement continues with the BIG1 Giveaway Contest, where players can participate in social media challenges to win tournament tickets to the highly anticipated Mystery Bounty tournament. With the largest Mystery Bounty ever won on Natural8 India standing at ₹1.4 Crores, this contest adds an extra layer of thrill to the anniversary festivities.
Kunal Patni, Executive Director and Country Head, Natural8 India, shared his thoughts on this milestone, saying, “Our first year has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve seen tremendous growth and engagement from our community, and we’re excited to continue this journey. This anniversary is a celebration of our players, and we’re committed to enhancing their experience with these special promotions.”
As Natural8 India looks forward to another successful year, the platform remains dedicated to its mission of providing an exceptional poker experience to players across India.
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