NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (“Inspired” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: INSE), a leading B2B provider of gaming content, technology, hardware, and services, is pleased to announce the launch of V-Play Football Brazil with EstrelaBet, a leading Brazilian gamingtech company. The integration is powered by Altenar, a leading sportsbook platform provider for licensed operators around the world.

This launch marks an exciting new chapter in Inspired’s expansion across Brazil delivering its market-leading Virtual Sports content to a local, LATAM focused operator. V-Play Football Brazil, designed specifically to capture the flair, passion, and energy of Brazilian football, provides fast-paced betting action with high-frequency, ultra-realistic match simulations.

“We’re thrilled to bring V-Play Football Brazil to EstrelaBet’s customers,” said

Brooks Pierce, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inspired

. “Brazil has a deep-rooted passion for football, and our latest Virtual Football product is tailor-made for that audience. This launch with EstrelaBet, through Altenar’s dynamic platform, represents a powerful combination of cutting-edge technology, local insight, and premium virtual content. It’s a major milestone in our commitment to growth in Brazil.”

EstrelaBet, known for its strong brand presence in Brazil and innovative approach to player engagement, continues to invest in new ways to enhance its sportsbook offering. V-Play Football Brazil is now available at

estrela.bet.br

, optimized for desktop and mobile platforms, as well as the Android app.

“Inspired’s V-Play Football Brazil delivers the quality, authenticity, and excitement that our players expect,” said

Fellipe Fraga

,

CBO (Chief Business Officer)


at EstrelaBet

. “The launch of this product aligns perfectly with our mission to offer customers a dynamic and differentiated sports betting experience. We’re excited to bring Brazilian fans a product that feels made just for them.”

The launch was made possible through Altenar, whose scalable and flexible sportsbook platform supports operators across more than 30 countries.

“We are proud to power this exciting launch between Inspired and EstrelaBet,” said

Antonis Karakousis, Director of Operations at Altenar

. “Inspired’s V-Play Football Brazil is a perfect match for the Brazilian market, and this rollout exemplifies Altenar’s ability to support rapid integration and localization of best-in-class content. We look forward to seeing strong engagement and performance from this partnership.”

About Inspired Entertainment, Inc.

Inspired offers an expanding portfolio of content, technology, hardware and services for regulated gaming, betting, lottery, social and leisure operators across land-based and mobile channels around the world. Inspired’s gaming, virtual sports, interactive and leisure products appeal to a wide variety of players, creating new opportunities for operators to grow their revenue. Inspired operates in approximately 35 jurisdictions worldwide, supplying gaming systems with associated terminals and content for approximately 50,000 gaming machines located in betting shops, pubs, gaming halls and other route operations; virtual sports products through more than 32,000 retail venues and various online websites; digital games for 170+ websites; and a variety of amusement entertainment solutions with a total installed base of more than 16,000 terminals.

Additional information can be found at

www.inseinc.com

.

About EstrelaBet

EstrelaBet is the leading Brazilian gamingtech company, operating under a definitive license in the national iGaming market. Named the best Brazilian betting operator, the company has earned accolades such as “Best Sports Betting Operator in Brazil” and “Rising Star of the Year” at the SBC Awards Latinoamérica 2022, in addition to winning two consecutive awards at the SiGMA Americas Awards in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, the company was also recognized with the BiS Awards in the categories of “Best Responsible Gambling Initiative” and “Best Customer Service”, the Consumidor Moderno Award in the “Online Betting” category, and the EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards in the “Responsible Gambling Marketing Campaign” category.

Headquartered in São Paulo, with an office in Belo Horizonte, EstrelaBet stands out for its innovation, commitment to responsible gaming, legal advertising practices, and support for sports and entertainment. In partnership with FUMEC University, the company develops pioneering initiatives to prevent problem gambling, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide users with a safe experience and psychological support. Game integrity is also a top priority, upheld through rigorous internal processes and strategic partnerships, including Genius Sports and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

In 2023, EstrelaBet made history as the first Brazilian betting company to officially sponsor a FIFA event: the FIFA Women’s World Cup™. This milestone solidified its international presence and underscored its dedication to promoting various sports disciplines. In Brazil, the company expands its impact through support for major initiatives, sports broadcasting, cultural events, and media projects that strengthen public engagement and drive entertainment.

www.estrelabet.bet.br

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” “will,” “would” and “project” and other similar expressions that indicate future events or trends or are not statements of historical matters. These statements are based on Inspired’s management’s current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside of Inspired’s control and all of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Inspired’s views as of any subsequent date and Inspired does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. You are advised to review carefully the “Risk Factors” section of Inspired’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which are available, free of charge, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and on Inspired’s website at

www.inseinc.com

.

Contact:


For Investors


[email protected]

+1 646-620-6737

For Press and Sales


[email protected]

In this current era of entertainment, attention is the hardest currency to earn and the easiest to lose. From my seat in the B2B world of gaming and entertainment, I’ve seen just how dramatically the battle for engagement has shifted. As marketers, we’ve always known that community is powerful, but now it’s everything.

Community is not just a strategy, it’s the product.
At Games Global, and across the B2B landscape, the challenge isn’t just about launching a great game or having standout branding anymore. It’s about building emotional resonance, even when you’re one step removed from the end user. For operators and developers alike, retaining players means anchoring them in an evolving world of fandoms, limited-time drops and cultural moments that move faster than ever.

Today’s digital landscape is absolutely fragmented, and players are just as likely to be immersed in TikTok lore, crypto subreddits, or K-pop stan culture – the old rules of brand loyalty no longer apply. Kevin Roberts’ once foundational concept of “Love Marks” is starting to feel a little dusty, but a new framework is taking shape: “Crush Marks”.

“Enough about love. This is the Crush Marks era.”
Danielle Lazzarotto’s sharp take captures it perfectly: “Love is deep, lasting, often slow to build. But crushes? They’re impulsive, intense and driven by emotion in the now. In a digital age powered by FOMO and immediacy, crushes might actually be more commercially powerful than love. And while that may sound fleeting, crushes, when nurtured, can blossom into sustained loyalty.”

This is where ephemeral partnerships become tools for lasting connection.

Think of the buzz surrounding the drop of a Labubu character in a game, or the unprecedented attention drawn to brand collaborations like GTA x Balenciaga or Rhode x e.l.f. Beauty x Hailey Bieber. These aren’t just commercial crossovers – they’re culture colliders, and they work because they tap into identity, nostalgia and momentary obsession in a way that traditional loyalty campaigns simply can’t replicate.

What does this mean for retention and loyalty?
We must stop thinking about loyalty as the end goal. Instead, loyalty is a side effect of consistent emotional spikes – surprise, delight, belonging, recognition.

And that’s where collectability comes in. Whether physical merchandise, in-game assets or tokenized moments, the psychology behind collectables is timeless; we love what reminds us of our past selves. We treasure the things that help us show who we are to our core.

The collectable genre – wrapped vinyl toys, digital avatars or nostalgic game mechanics – offers players a chance to not just play, but own a piece of the culture they connect with. It’s about triggering joy, pride and curiosity through limitedness and storytelling. For me personally this is why the Guinness “Surfer” ad from 1999 still sticks in my mind – and why the brand continues to evolve while staying unmistakably Guinness.

That’s the kind of longevity we all chase: relevant yet rooted.

The truth is: brand retention in the future won’t come from ‘always-on’ visibility. It will come from sharp, culture-driven visibility at the right time.

From where I sit, at the intersection of product, event and emotional engagement, the future of community in our industry lies in tapping the now without losing sight of the forever. In the online gambling space, this is especially true. The most enduring slot titles aren’t just built on strong mechanics or design, they resonate because of the way they create distinct, emotionally-rewarding moments that players want to come back to. Consistently in the top 10, Book of Dead (Play’n GO) has become iconic for its classic “hero’s journey” feel, offering escapism and exploration in a single spin.

Closer to home, Gold Blitz (Fortune Factory Studios) continues to succeed by delivering a gratifying experience through its Cash Collect feature, offering players a clear, energizing path to reward without overcomplicating the journey. And 9 Masks of Fire (Gameburger Studios), with its celebratory drumbeats and mask-matching anticipation, taps into the universal appeal of rhythm and ritual. These games aren’t just popular, they are meaningful touchpoints that connect entertainment with emotion, and familiarity with delight. They demonstrate how memorable game design, paired with cultural relevance, can turn a one-time play into a lasting relationship.

Both 9 Masks of Fire and Gold Blitz have grown exponentially as game brands since original release. They have gone on to spawn dozens of additional titles into their franchises, each adding new mechanics and deeper elements that allow players to grow a stronger and (equally as important) fresher relationship with them, falling deeper in love with these crush marks.

Whether you’re building a studio brand or promoting a blockbuster launch, the golden thread is simple: make people feel something. Crushes might not last forever, but they bring players in. And with the right balance of innovation, storytelling and consistency, they’ll stay.

Let’s stop asking how we can keep players loyal.

Let’s start asking how we can keep them crushing – over and over again.

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Email:skeenan@register-herald.com 

TARBORO — Edgecombe Community College has transformed classroom space in the Charles S. McIntyre Building to debut esports this fall.

“I think esports will provide a team environment for students who otherwise simply play these games on their own,” said Denise Batts, information technology instructor and ECC’s gaming coach. “I believe it will provide students with more opportunity for scholarships and team building, provide the community with a better educated workforce pool, and give students more confidence in their skills.”

The renovation includes 42-inch televisions, Sony Interactive Entertainment PlayStation 5 video game consoles, a Nintendo Switch, Xbox, window tinting and noise reduction barriers, as well as gaming center computers, tables and chairs.

Already a member of the National Junior College Athletics Association of Esports, the team will compete against other colleges across the state.

Students interested in the program can receive scholarships to help cover the cost of their education while gaining exposure to a wide variety of career paths, such as web development, web development, general management, coaching, marketing and journalism.

“Being a part of esports provides an understanding of technology as it relates to connectivity, applications, and flexibility of a changing environment that is prevalent in all work environments,” Batts said.

The Partnership is Set to Deliver Structured Play and Broadcast Support, Enhancing Competition and Visibility for Two-Year Colleges

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PlayVS, North America’s leading esports platform, today announced a landmark six-year partnership with the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE), establishing it as the Official Two-Year College Partner of the PlayVS College League (PCL). This agreement solidifies PlayVS’ commitment to expanding access to structured collegiate esports and elevating the experience for two-year college programs nationwide.

The collaboration with the NJCAAE builds on the momentum of the PCL, which formally launched in July 2025. By working together, PlayVS and the NJCAAE will introduce new competitive pathways and resources designed to help two-year college esports programs flourish.

“Partnering with the NJCAAE is a meaningful step in our commitment to building a truly inclusive and scalable collegiate esports ecosystem,” said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS. “Two-year colleges play a critical role in shaping student opportunity and community, and we’re honored to support that mission through structured competition, professional production, and a clear pathway for growth. This collaboration ensures that NJCAAE programs and their athletes have the tools, visibility, and support they need to thrive.”

The landmark six-year agreement with the NJCAAE is set to enhance the competitive infrastructure, support systems, and visibility of two-year college esports across the country. PlayVS will also recognize the NJCAAE as the Official Two-Year College Esports Association of the PCL and will serve as the official platform provider for NJCAAE competitions.

“We are proud to align with PlayVS and bring even more resources, structure, and visibility to our growing community of two-year collegiate esports programs,” said Jeff White, Executive Director of the NJCAAE. “This partnership represents a major step forward in elevating the NJCAAE experience from match operations to championship productions and positions our member institutions for long-term success in a rapidly evolving esports landscape.”

As part of this collaboration, PlayVS will provide a comprehensive suite of services focused on access to its platform and professional stream production. NJCAAE members will benefit from a continuation and enhancement of the weekly “Match of the Week” broadcasts and professionally produced championship events each season.

About PlayVS
PlayVS is North America’s leading esports and gaming platform, helping students unlock the many benefits of competitive gaming for students at every level. It offers a comprehensive community where players, coaches, educators, and parents come together to compete, connect, and grow. With the launch of the PlayVS College League (PCL) and the acquisitions of Generation Esports and Playfly College Esports, PlayVS now provides the most comprehensive pathway in scholastic esports, from middle school through college. PlayVS is the official esports partner of the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics, and 40+ state and regional organizations across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit playvs.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

About NJCAAE
The National Junior College Athletics Association Esports (NJCAAE) is the leading nonprofit esports association serving 2-year, technical, and community colleges through collegiate esports. With a focus on breaking down barriers to entry for member colleges and their students, the NCJAAE is the only association capable of thoroughly meeting the needs of 2-year and community colleges. The NJCAAE offers many program solutions through the association. These offerings range from program development, competition, media, broadcasting, gearing solutions, and much more! Now is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming seasons of competition through NJCAAE. Visit njcaaesports.org to start your journey today!

Media Contact:
[email protected]

SOURCE PlayVS