BGaming Charity Gala raises over €200,000 for DAR Bjorn respite center

iGaming content provider BGaming has announced the successful completion of its second Charity Gala, held at The Phoenicia Malta on May 29 in support of DAR Bjorn. Bringing together more than 400 guests from across the iGaming industry, the local business community, and Maltese society, the event raised over €200,000 ($230,492) for the neurological home and the people it supports.

Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, was among those who attended the event, which was organized in support of DAR Bjorn, Malta’s neurological home, providing care and support for people living with ALS, MS, and other severe neurological conditions.

Founded by former iGaming professional Bjorn Formosa following his ALS diagnosis at the age of 28, the organisation now cares for 60 residents while supporting more than 800 people throughout the country.

The funds raised by this year’s event will go directly towards equipping DAR Bjorn’s new Respite Centre with essential medical care and equipment. As part of its ongoing commitment to DAR Bjorn, BGaming is dedicating all money raised to the cause, with the studio covering the event’s operating costs. 

One of the key parts of this year’s initiative was a special merchandise collection co-created by Portuguese street artist Gonçalo MAR and residents of DAR Bjorn. Inspired by their stories and creative contributions, the collection gave them the opportunity to become active participants in the project.

The merchandise was first unveiled at NEXT Summit Valletta and later made available online in exchange for donations. The initiative raised €5,000 ($5,762) for DAR Bjorn, extending the Gala’s impact beyond a single evening.

BGaming extended its thanks to all partners whose support made this year’s Charity Gala possible, including NEXT.io, which was an official media partner for the event.

MyAffiliates were 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.

Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, said: “When we organized 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. 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, the executive secretary of ALS Malta and the wife of ALS activist Bjorn Formosa, said: “Charity Gala by BGaming showed the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when the gaming industry unites behind a meaningful 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.

“It was truly another memorable night in a magical venue filled up with beautiful souls who believed in our mission. We are profoundly grateful to BGaming, to Madame Lubov for the hard and meticulous work she did once again for the success of the event, to the support received from Next.io, and every supporter who helped turn compassion into action.”