BGaming Charity Gala raises more than €200,000 for DAR Bjorn

Popular iGaming content provider BGaming has raised more than €200,000 for DAR Bjorn through its second Charity Gala, held at The Phoenicia Malta on 29 May.

The event brought together more than 400 guests from the iGaming sector, Malta's business community and wider society, with all proceeds going towards supporting the neurological home and the people under its care.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, attended the gala, highlighting the importance of the initiative and its contribution to the Maltese community.

DAR Bjorn provides care and support for people living with ALS, multiple sclerosis and other severe neurological conditions. The organisation was founded by former iGaming professional Bjorn Formosa after he was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 28. It currently cares for 60 residents and supports more than 800 people across Malta.

Funds raised during the event will be used to equip DAR Bjorn's new Respite Centre with essential medical equipment and care facilities. BGaming said it would dedicate all money raised directly to the cause, covering the event's operating costs itself.

One of the highlights of this year's fundraising initiative was a special merchandise collection co-created by Portuguese street artist Gonçalo MAR and residents of DAR Bjorn. Inspired by the residents' stories and creative contributions, the collection enabled them to play an active role in the project.

The merchandise was first unveiled during NEXT Summit Valletta before being made available online in exchange for donations. The initiative generated an additional €5,000 for DAR Bjorn, extending the fundraising effort beyond the gala itself.

BGaming thanked the partners who supported the event, including NEXT.io, which served as the official media partner.

MyAffiliates participated as the event's Golden Partner, while 1spin4win, Finteq Hub, Amusnet Gaming and TaDa Gaming were Bronze Partners. Supporting Partners included Flutter International, Alea, SiGMA, Focus Gaming News, The Phoenicia Malta, Booming Games, Internet Vikings, Behind the Gloves, EGT Digital and SWAG42.

BGaming CEO Marina Ostrovtsova said the gala had grown beyond its original ambitions.

"When we organised the first Charity Gala last year, we simply wanted to help DAR Bjorn and do something meaningful together as an industry. We never imagined it would grow into such a powerful annual initiative," she said.

"What inspires me most is not only the amount raised, but the people behind it. Seeing companies that normally compete come together for one shared purpose says a lot about our industry and the kind of community BGaming has built around it.

"The impact of this evening goes far beyond fundraising. It helps improve the lives of people at DAR Bjorn, but it also reminds all of us that we have the ability to create meaningful change when we work together."

Maria Formosa, executive secretary of ALS Malta and wife of ALS activist Bjorn Formosa, described the event as a demonstration of what can be achieved when the gaming industry unites behind a common cause.

"The generosity shown throughout the evening will directly help us equip new rooms in our respite home and improve the lives of people living with neurological conditions," she said.

"It was truly another memorable night in a magical venue filled with beautiful souls who believed in our mission.

"We are profoundly grateful to BGaming, to Madame Lubov for her hard and meticulous work once again in ensuring the success of the event, to the support received from NEXT.io, and to every supporter who helped turn compassion into action."