Meridian Holdings (NASDAQ: MRDN), a global operator and technology provider in over 20 online sports betting and gaming markets worldwide, today named Dejan Petković, former football player and the most beloved foreign players in Brazilian football history, the Global Brand Ambassador of the Company.As part of the partnership, Petković will launch Pet TV, a multimedia content platform focused on sport, culture and entertainment, with Meridian Holdings’ largest subsidiary and flagship brand Meridianbet serving as its founding strategic partner just a few weeks ahead of the World Cup 2026.The platform represents a new chapter in Petković’s engagement with Brazilian and global audiences and extends the Company’s brand presence beyond traditional sports betting into lifestyle and entertainment content.“Dejan Petković was born in Serbia, built his legend in Brazil and never had to choose between the two – both claimed him as their own,” said William Scott, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Meridian. “Meridianbet shares those same origins, has led the Balkan iGaming market for 25 years, and is now beginning to write its next chapter in Brazil. This partnership is designed to elevate Meridian’s brand visibility with one of the most engaged sports audiences globally and to extend our reach beyond traditional sports betting channels. By integrating content, culture and entertainment through Pet TV, we are creating new avenues to connect with our users and support long-term growth across our ecosystem.” Petković arrived in Brazil in 1997 from Real Madrid, in a move that would define his life and career. Widely known in Brazil by his iconic nickname “Pet,” he spent his prime playing years there, scoring 167 goals across seven clubs including Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Fluminense, Vitória, Santos and Atlético Mineiro. He won three Bola de Prata awards as arguably the nation’s best midfielder and led Flamengo to the 2009 Brazilian Championship.His 89th-minute free kick for Flamengo in 2001 remains one of the most celebrated moments in Brazilian club football history. He was inducted into the Maracanã Walk of Fame – one of only three foreigners ever to receive that honour, alongside Eusébio and Franz Beckenbauer – and was named an Honorary Citizen of Rio de Janeiro.“Meridianbet and I come from the same place and I mean that in every sense. Same country, same generation, same drive to prove something beyond our borders. I understand how powerful that connection with fans can be. Through this partnership and Pet TV, we have the opportunity to engage audiences in a more authentic way – bringing together sport, culture and entertainment while strengthening Meridian’s presence in one of the most passionate football markets in the world. I am proud to help tell and be the face of that story.”The announcement follows Meridian Holdings’ strongest quarter on record: in Q1 2026, the Company reported revenue of $50.1 million, up 17% year-over-year and returned to GAAP profitability with net income of $2.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached $6.3 million, up 26% year-over-year and ahead of guidance.About Dejan PetkovićDejan Petković was born on September 10, 1972 in Majdanpek, Serbia. He began his professional career at Radnički Niš and went on to play for Red Star Belgrade, European champions in 1991, before moves to Real Madrid, Sevilla and Racing Santander. In 1997 he joined Vitória in Brazil, beginning a relationship with the country that would define his career and life. Over more than a decade, he played for Vitória, Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Fluminense, Santos, Atlético Mineiro and others, accumulating 167 goals and becoming one of the most decorated and beloved foreign players in Brazilian football history. He retired in 2011, has lived in Brazil ever since and serves as an Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Brazil.About Meridian Holdings Inc.Meridian Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MRDN), headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an established B2B and B2C gaming technology group operating across 25+ international regulated markets. The Company’s B2C division is led by Meridianbet Group, a leading online sports betting and gaming operator founded in 2001 and licensed across Europe, Africa and South America. Meridian’s B2B division – comprising game developer Expanse Studios and iGaming platform GMAG – develops, licenses and distributes proprietary gaming technology to a global client base. Additional subsidiaries include RKings Competitions (pay-to-enter prize competitions in the UK), MexPlay (regulated online casino in Mexico) and Classics for a Cause (Australia’s leading subscription-based digital memberships and trade-promotion lottery). The Company’s software automatically declines gaming or redemption requests originating in the United States, in strict compliance with U.S. law.For more information, visit www.meridian-holdings.com or email ir@meridian-holdings.com.Tag someone you know is interested•