Amusnet’s celebrity slot, Stoichkov #8, is the Online Game of the Year at the BEGE Awards 2024. For the 15th time, the Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria, honour the outstanding contributions of companies, organizations, and individuals driving positive growth within the gaming industry.

Stoichkov #8, a 5-reel, 40 fixed-pay-lines video slot, is the result of the company’s partnership with football legend Hristo Stoichkov. It brings together the worlds of gaming and football, celebrating the legacy of a true icon known for his dynamic playing style and intense competitive drive. Since its launch in June 2024, it has gained significant recognition, ranking among the top products in markets such as Spain, Bulgaria, Italy, and Argentina.

The provider’s outstanding presence at the 15th Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo, Amusnet, featured a well-curated selection across Online Casino, Live Casino and Land-based verticals. A major focus of the expo was presenting the Type S premium slot cabinets, which gained attention, together with AMUSeBOX – the multigame available for the slot machines featuring 52 internally developed casino titles. Games both available in Online Casino and sType S series are top performers like 20 Golden Coins, Deco, 40 Bulky Fruits, and Fruits & Gold, as well as Virtual 500x Vegas Roulette, Virtual 120x Space Roulette, and Virtual 72x Monaco Roulette.

Amusnet’s stand proved to be a premium hub of entertainment, with visits from many industry stakeholders and Bulgaria’s most famous gaming streamers. It emphasizes the company’s commitment to engaging with varied audiences and aligning its offerings with local preferences and broader market trends.

The 15th edition of BEGExpo drew over 85 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from across Europe and beyond; it highlighted cutting-edge innovations, including advanced slot machines, AI-driven analytics, and digital gaming advancements. For Amusnet, the 15th Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo offered a valuable platform to engage with industry leaders and stakeholders, strengthening the company’s role in advancing growth within the Balkan gaming market. As a leading provider in the region, the company leveraged the expo to strengthen its connections within the gaming community, aligning with BEGE’s emphasis on regional legacy and global recognition.

National Lottery operator, Allwyn, announces that Coldean Convenience in Brighton and Londis Solo Convenience Store in Glasgow have been crowned National Winners at its Local Retail Champions awards event. Both retailers have been awarded £5,000 cash and a Social Value store makeover worth up to £20,000.

In a special awards ceremony at the Hilton Wembley yesterday, the two National Winners and 16 Regional Winners* – who were each awarded £5,000 cash – picked up their Local Retail Champions awards which are made from recycled National Lottery Scratchcards. Additionally,102 runners-up will receive a £100 cash prize.

Launched in September, Allwyn’s very first Local Retail Champions campaign – funded by Allwyn’s Social Value Fund – asked the UK public to nominate National Lottery retailers who go above and beyond to support their local community. From almost 1,000 stores nominated, Allwyn selected two national and 16 regional winners, as well as 102 runners-up.

Coldean Convenience, run by Raj and Manish Suchak, was selected as a National Winner for a variety of community-focused work, including creating a safe space for those who need it, donating generously to local food banks, and providing all the food for a local school’s breakfast club and fundraising for the local cat shelter.

Manish Suchak said: “To know that our wonderful customers voted for us gives us tremendous pleasure. It’s a very supportive community in general, so anything we’re doing is just repaying that kindness. I’m now giving some thought to how we can spend the store makeover money, it’s such a lovely thing to be able to spend £20,000 to benefit my customers.”

Londis Solo Convenience Store, owned by Natalie and Martin Lightfoot, took home the other national prize for going that extra mile for their community, including organising charity fundraising events and local litter-picking activities, and providing a home delivery service for those who need it.

Natalie Lightfoot said: “I’m so proud of my shop, I joke that it’s my fourth child. It’s lovely when other people recognise something you’re so passionate about.”

Allwyn’s Director of Commercial Partnerships and Retail Sales, Alison Acquaye-Acford, said, “Congratulations to all of our Local Retail Champions winners. You’re all doing such incredible work in your local communities and, as National Lottery retailers, we’re delighted to be able to recognise and reward you for this.

“National Lottery retailers already do so much for communities around the UK simply by selling lottery tickets that help fund Good Causes to the tune of around £30 million each week. So our Local Retail Champions really are doubling up on efforts to help their communities with the work they’ve been nominated and awarded for through this initiative. Thank you for all your wonderful work.”

The Local Retail Champions initiative is being paid for with money from Allwyn’s dedicated Social Value Fund, which is an annual £1 million that the company has committed to using to support operating The National Lottery in an environmentally and socially responsible way. This year, Allwyn is using a portion of the fund to reward and recognise the important role its retail partners play in every community across the UK and Isle of Man.

The Social Value store makeover, which the Coldean Convenience and Londis Solo Convenience Store will receive, will help them do even more for their customers, community or environment. Both Manish and Natalie are now looking at social and environmental initiatives to improve their stores and how they support their local community, and some initial thoughts have included solar panels and a defibrillator and bleed control kit.

*Full list of 16 Regional Winners who have each won £5,000 cash:

– Cults Stores – Keystore, Aberdeen, Louise and Christopher Cobb
– Carl’s Convenience Store, Oldbury, Kuldeep Singh
– McKees Convenience Store, Belfast, Gerard McKee
– TJ’s Late Shop, Hemel Hempstead, George Phillips
– Angel Supermarket, Ilford, Thangarajah Kuganeswaran
– Stevenston Post Office, North Ayshire, Robin Bawa
– Llanfair Village Shop, Llanfairtalhaiarn, Deborah Gale
– OneStop – Carlton Convenience, Manchester, Priyesh Vekaria
– Westerhope Convenience Store, Newcastle, Sheraz Awan
– Tidings Newsagents, Norfolk, Gail Watling
– Tenby Stores, Tenby, Vince and Fiona Malone
– Halai General Store (Best One), London, Dhanji N Halai
– Londis Gerrards Cross, Harjit Singh
– Trinity Food and Wine, Basildon, Agnelo and Maria Desousa
– Woosnam & Davies News, Llanidloes, Trudy Davies
– Jules Convenience, Telford, Julie Kaur

BMM Testlabs (“BMM” or “the Company”), the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance services, today announced the promotion of Obed Mathabe to Vice President ─ Operations, Africa. This promotion recognizes Mathabe’s outstanding contributions and leadership in the gaming industry, as well as his proven ability to drive operational excellence across the African region.

In his new role, Mathabe will oversee all operations within the African market, continuing to lead strategic initiatives and enhance BMM Testlabs’ service offerings. His extensive experience in operational management, business development, and regulatory compliance positions him as an ideal leader for the Company’s growth in Africa.

Kirk White, President, Land-Based Gaming & Inspections at BMM Testlabs, said, “Obed has been instrumental in driving BMM Testlabs’ success in Africa, and we are confident that his leadership in this new role will continue to propel the company forward. His blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership experience makes him an asset for BMM as we continue to grow and expand our presence across the continent.”

Mathabe has a long history with BMM Testlabs, having most recently served as Operations Manager at BMM Testlabs South Africa. In this capacity, he successfully planned and directed operational activities to meet the Company’s business objectives in technical services, local management information systems (MIS), and project office administration. His ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day leadership has been a key factor in his success.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role at BMM Testlabs and further contribute to the success of BMM,” Mathabe said. “Having worked closely with our teams across Africa, I’m committed to expanding our footprint, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring we continue to deliver world-class services to our clients.”

Additionally, Mathabe has held key roles within BMM Testlabs, including Business Development Manager, where he collaborated with senior leadership to create and implement market access and sales strategies for the African region. He also served as Technical Compliance Manager, providing expert technical compliance consultancy services while working closely with regulators and clients to expand BMM’s services.

In other career roles, Mathabe was the Founder and Director of Gaming Sight (Pty) Ltd., where he played a pivotal role in growing the company and establishing it as a leader in the African gaming market.

He also held influential roles at Tsogosun and Royal Caribbean International, where he managed technical departments, ensured regulatory compliance, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Mathabe’s promotion comes as part of BMM Testlabs’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its leadership team and enhancing its operational capabilities in key markets. With his vast experience, Mathabe will help guide BMM Testlabs toward maintaining its position as a global leader in online and land-based compliance testing, inspections, training, and support for regulators and operators.