In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BGaming announced an agreement with the famous former Brazilian goalkeeper Júlio César and subsequently launched the incredible game Penalty Duel with Júlio César. How did this whole process unfold, and why did you choose this legendary player for such an appealing project?
This deal is part of BGaming’s long-term plan to grow in Latin America and create content that feels local and relevant. We were looking for more than a well-known football name. We needed someone who truly represents Brazilian football culture. Júlio César was a natural fit. He has a legendary career, strong recognition, and the trust of millions of fans. This is how Penalty Duel with Júlio César came to life, combining football, simple casual gameplay, and a strong local identity. For us, this project goes beyond working with a famous athlete. It’s about using real local icons to make the experience feel closer and more meaningful for players.
What makes Penalty Duel with Júlio César different from other football-themed casino games on the market?
Most football-themed casino games use football mainly as a visual layer. In our case, football is the core of the experience. Penalty Duel is built around one of the most emotional moments in football, the penalty shootout. Players step into a one-on-one situation and try to score against Júlio César himself. This creates a more intense and personal gameplay experience. BGaming team also designed the game as a ‘casual product.’ The rules are simple, sessions are short, and the game loop is easy to understand. This makes it accessible to both experienced casino players and football fans who may be new to this type of game. With a strong football moment, a legendary goalkeeper, and easy-to-grasp gameplay, Penalty Duel with Júlio César becomes more than a football-themed title. It feels like an entertainment experience that works for football fans and casual players.
The title is categorized as a ‘Casual Game.’ Last year, the company reorganized its game library into a three-tier classification systems or worlds -Casual, Classic, and Entertainment-, as part of a product strategy to serve diverse player segments. What benefits have you gained from this division, in terms of your relationship with operators and the faster identification of products by players?
We realized that a single game portfolio cannot serve all operator needs in the same way. Different games support different stages of the player journey. That is why we organized our portfolio into three clear game worlds: #Casual, #Classic, and #Entertainment, each designed for a specific purpose. #Casual is focused on attracting new audiences. Simple rules, short sessions, and mobile-friendly gameplay make it effective for onboarding new players. Penalty Duel with Júlio César belongs to this category. #Classic is built for retention. It speaks to players who prefer familiar mechanics and proven formats. #Entertainment is about reach and engagement. It uses more dynamic mechanics, higher volatility, and content that works well in streaming and social media. For operators, this structure makes the portfolio easier to navigate and use strategically. Instead of selecting individual titles, they can build a full growth plan: acquiring new players, retaining existing ones, and increasing engagement across different segments. For players, it simplifies discovery. It becomes easier to find games that match their preferences and playing style.
Penalty Duel with Júlio César also represents a step forward in the company’s expansion in Brazil and throughout Latin America. How would you evaluate BGaming’s performance in this region during 2026?
2026 has been an important year for strengthening our position in the region. We continued working closely with major operators and expanded our presence in Brazil. A key focus has been localization across product and marketing. We developed our collaboration with our LatAm ambassador Jon Vlogs, launched a partnership with Júlio César, and supported social initiatives alongside the Brazilian NGO Centurion Association. We see that this combined approach is delivering results. It is improving brand awareness and also supporting strong business performance in the region.
We are experiencing the euphoria of the World Cup, and the passion of spectators globally for this sport, as well as for betting, is evident. The tournament has brought younger generations of players closer to the catalogs of operators offering online casino gaming products. How do you think football culture is shaping player engagement and boosting branded content strategies?
Football has long been part of pop culture, especially in Latin America. Younger audiences expect content that reflects their interests and cultural background. Because of this, local heroes, major sports events, and familiar scenarios are becoming more important. For brands, it is no longer enough to simply use football as a theme. It has to feel natural and well integrated. That is one of the reasons we created a full game with Júlio César instead of limiting the collaboration to a marketing campaign. We believe the future of branded content lies in the deeper integration of well-known personalities directly into the gameplay experience.
How does BGaming plan to continue surprising the industry and helping operators enrich their libraries in the second half of the year?
In the second half of the year, we will continue building on our three game worlds -#Casual, #Classic, and #Entertainment- as a unified system that supports different operator needs. We see our portfolio as more than a set of individual games. It serves as a growth engine that supports acquisition, engagement, retention, and monetization. Each of the three worlds will continue to grow with new releases, from fast, viral casual titles to classic slots and entertainment content designed for strong marketing impact. We will also focus more on real operator cases to clearly show how each category contributes to specific business results. At the same time, we will keep developing content for streamers and social media, as well as local collaborations with well-known figures and partners. Overall, BGaming focus is on building complete solutions that operators can easily use as part of their growth strategy in different markets.