BetBlocker the ground-breaking initiative which provides a free, anonymous, accessible, and robust gambling-blocking tool that empowers users to control their gambling behaviour, has been named Clarion Gaming’s charity partner for 2024/25. 

The Award will cover the first editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate to be held in Barcelona as well as the July 2025 edition of iGB L!VE, the first to take place at ExCeL London.

Responding to the news Pedro Romero Chief of SG Partnerships at BetBlocker said: “Being named Clarion Gaming charity partner is a fantastic honour and is recognition of our commitment to promoting safer gambling worldwide. This partnership also underscores the gaming industry’s growing awareness and commitment to social responsibility.”

He added: “ICE, iGB Affiliate and iGB L!VE  provide us with a trio of powerful global platforms which will enable us to amplify our message, connect with key stakeholders, and showcase how BetBlocker can make a real difference in minimising gambling harm. This opportunity strengthens our resolve to collaborate with all stakeholders, including the gambling industry, to prioritise the well-being of players.”

Focussing on how BetBlocker plans to activate its presence Pedro Romero explained: “At the three sector-leading events we intend to host engaging sessions on safer gambling to highlight BetBlocker’s role and its impact, demonstrate the functionality and effectiveness of the BetBlocker tool through live demos from our stand and facilitate networking opportunities with stakeholders to explore collaborations and funding opportunities.

“Throughout the year, we’ll leverage the visibility and connections arising from this partnership in order to expand awareness campaigns globally, develop educational materials and initiatives targeting operators, affiliates, and players and enhance our technology to ensure that BetBlocker remains at the forefront of innovation in player protection.”

The 2025 editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate will welcome a projected 55,000 gambling industry professionals from throughout the world. Comprising 120,000 square meters (sqm) of space compared to the 100,000 sqm at ICE 2024 Fira Gran Via Barcelona will be home to the industry’s best ever line-up of exhibitors comprising the world’s biggest and most respected innovator brands from every gambling vertical.  The industry’s leading trade associations, strategic bodies, regulators, CEOs of tier-1 operators and games creators will all be at Barcelona in record-breaking numbers underlining the show’s reputation for being the ‘Davos of Gambling’.

CT Interactive, a global provider of online gaming content, was selected as a finalist in the prestigious “Most Innovative Supplier” category at the European iGaming Awards. This recognition highlights CT Interactive’s commitment to creating immersive contribution for the iGaming industry.

The European iGaming Awards celebrate excellence and innovation within the gaming sector, recognising companies that drive industry evolution. The award ceremony will be held in Barcelona on 21 January 2025. CT Interactive’s nomination reflects its focus on delivering cutting-edge technology, a diverse game portfolio and tailored solutions that enhance player engagement and operator success.

“We are honored to be recognized as a finalist in such a competitive and esteemed category. Innovation has always been at the core of our mission, and this nomination reaffirms our efforts. It is a testament to our talented team’s hard work and our partners’ trust,” Martin Ivanov, COO at CT Interactive, said.

Private equity investor Blackstone plans to list shares of Spanish gambling company Cirsa in the first half of 2025 in an initial public offering.

Blackstone would raise between 700 million euros and 1 billion euros,floating between 20% and 25% of Cirsa.

The investment fund has hired Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley as global coordinators, according to reports.

Cirsa, Blackstone, Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Blackstone acquired Cirsa, which operates casinos and betting shops across Spain and Latin America, in 2018 for an undisclosed sum.

In 2021, a Spanish newspaper reported Blackstone was considering a Cirsa IPO in a deal that would value the company at around $3.4 billion.