MGM Resorts International

Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has confirmed his departure from the MGM Resorts International, almost 15 months after initially joining the company.

Tasked with driving MGM Resorts’ global expansion efforts, most importantly in Japan, as well as focusing on state public policy efforts around sports gaming, Sandoval departs to pursue the position of President of the University of Nevada, Reno.

Bill Hornbuckle, acting CEO and President, said of the departure of the president of global gaming development: “We are grateful to Governor Sandoval for all that he has accomplished in his time at MGM Resorts. 

“He helped to advance our efforts in Japan, in jurisdictions where we were seeking expanded access, and areas where we pursued sports betting opportunities. We wish him the very best in pursuit of this next opportunity and thank him for his commitment to MGM Resorts.” 

European Casino Association

Hermann Pamminger has been confirmed as the security general of the European Casino Association with immediate effect, following a board meeting undertaken this week.

This comes after the ECA confirmed a previous shake-up following the resignations of Tracy Damestani and Dietmar Hoscher, with Bettina Glatz-Kremsner from Casinos Austria and Jari Heino from Veikkaus new board members representing Austria and Finland, with Pascal Camia from Société des Bains de Mer Monte Carlo approved as new vice chairman.

“We are confident that Hermann’s many years of experience in the international gambling industry will be an asset for the ECA, especially in these difficult times,” stated Per Jaldung, ECA chairman. 

“Hermann is well known in the industry, has been PR Coordinator and a Senior Advisor to the ECA for many years and knows the legal and regulatory opportunities as well as challenges of our business inside out.”

GVC Holdings 

GVC has announced the promotion of Grainne Hurst to the position of group corporate affairs director and will be joining the Group’s ExCo team.

In the newly created role, Hurst will build on the group’s ambition to lead the industry on responsible gambling and develop relationships with the media and external partners.

Grainne was previously director of responsible gambling at GVC, a position she held since the group’s acquisition of the Ladbrokes Coral Group in March 2017, where she led the company’s parliamentary liaison. 

Kenneth Alexander, GVC CEO, stated: “Grainne brings a wealth of experience to this new position, both within GVC where she has spear-headed our Changing for the Bettor Safer Gambling campaign, and from previous communications roles.

“I am delighted to be promoting from within GVC, after an extensive external search, which proves we have the existing talent and expertise to develop our leadership team. I look forward to welcoming Grainne back from maternity leave next month”.

Maxima Compliance

Dafydd Williams has been appointed as head of business development by Maxima Compliance, proceeding with a particular focus on its recently-launched Complitech product.

Williams, boasting more than five years’ experience in gaming compliance, most recently as a business development manager for GLI, will oversee the growth of Complitech, a technical compliance database that provides the latest requirements from more than 20 online gaming jurisdictions.

Antonio Zanghi, founder and managing director of Maxima Compliance, explained: “It is fantastic to welcome Dafydd to the fast-growing Maxima Compliance team, where he will lead business development with a focus on Complitech.

“Since we launched Complitech, we’ve received huge interest in the product, and have already onboarded the first users. 

“Complitech will quickly become a standard across the industry, and Dafydd is perfectly positioned to drive this growth.”

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Evoplay Entertainment

Ivan Kravchuk has been named as the new CEO of game development studio Evoplay Entertainment, bringing over a decade of senior management and creative design experience.

In the new position Kravchuk is to be charged with further strengthening the production process for Evoplay Entertainment’s games portfolio, as well as guiding the company through its latest new market entries and operator debuts.

“Stepping up to lead the company I have been part of since day one is a dream come true. I’m incredibly proud to be guiding one of the industry’s most dynamic, agile and enterprising suppliers through its next chapter of development.

“Having already claimed a host of industry accolades and ground-breaking technological advancements with my team here, I can promise our innovation-packed portfolio is only just getting started as we gear up to deliver another record-breaking year.” – Kravchuk.

European Casino Association

Tracy Damestani has resigned from the board of directors of the European Casino Association effective immediately, following years of commitment to the promotion of the sector among UK and EU regulatory bodies.

After being elected as vice-chair of the association in 2015, Damestani is credited with substantially contributing to the growth and the diversity of the association, thanks to her long-lasting experience in the field of gambling association work.

“Within the ECA, Ms Damestani has emphasised the importance of supporting women in the gambling industry before the term gender diversity became mainstream. Working closely for several years with Ms. Damestani – on issues related to responsible gambling, GDPR and other important topics for our industry as well as trade organisation management – has been a great experience.

“Her contributions to the ECA are very valuable. She will be missed, but we know she will continue to be an ambassador for the land-based casino industry at different levels. Her involvement will have a lasting impact on the ECA, and we wish her all the best for her future endeavours. The ECA is now considering several different options to maintain a close relationship with the land-based casino industry in the UK.” – Per Jaldung, ECA Chairman.

Gold Strike Casino Resort

Brandon Dardeau has been announced as the new president and COO of MGM Resorts International’s Mississippi-based Gold Strike Casino Resort.

Beginning his career with the firm at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas at the turn of the twenty-first century, Dardeau has also served as vice president of marketing at the firm’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi since 2014.

The appointment comes with predecessor David Tsai relocating to Michigan to serve as the new president and COO of MGM Grand Detroit Casino.

“This is a well-deserved promotion for Brandon and an exciting time for Gold Strike. Dardeau’s nearly 20-years of experience with MGM and strong Mississippi ties make him a great addition to the Tunica team.

“He has done tremendous work at Beau Rivage, leading their various marketing programs and, especially, his role launching M life Rewards, and I believe his business acumen, loyalty and passion will make this a successful transition. I also want to thank David for all his good work at Gold Strike. I know he will continue to thrive in Detroit.” – Jorge Perez, regional portfolio president of MGM Resorts International.

FSB

Former Playtech and Kambi board member and Kindred CFO Susan Ball has been appointed to the FSB board, as the firm aims to continue to strengthen its senior team and expand its presence across emerging and existing markets.

Ball will sit on FSB’s board in an advisory capacity and work closely with CEO Dave McDowell and his senior management team to guide the business during a period of planned rapid growth and expansion across new and established markets including Africa, Latin America and the US.

“Susan is a first-class addition to the company’s executive board. Her vast industry expertise and experience will play a vital role in taking the company to its next level of growth. We’re thrilled she has chosen to join us.” – David McDowell, CEO at FSB.

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European Casino Association

Dietmar Hoscher has resigned from his position as vice chairman and board member of the European Casino Association with immediate effect due to “serious health reasons”.

Involved with the ECA since 2011 and subsequently reelected three times, which would have lasted until February 2021, Hoscher oversaw two working groups, with those concerning responsible gambling and corporate social responsibility as well as on legal and regulatory affairs.

“Mr Hoscher was an important leader within the ECA, always focused on the topics that challenge our industry – illegal, unlicensed gambling, money laundering, the protection of consumers, to name the most important ones.

“The sustainability of the licensed casino industry was a mission for him and he made sure the ECA became a member of the UN Global Compact as the first and only gambling trade organisation.

“He was a dedicated representative of the ECA brand and was invited as a speaker to many of the major gambling congresses worldwide. We will miss him, but we understand his decision. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.” – Per Jaldung, ECA chairman.

Scientific Games

A trio of new hires have been welcomed by Scientific Games, as the firm strives to add further talent to strengthen its gaming leadership team.

Hyperion Tech

Ori Zilbershtein has been recruited by Hyperion Tech as chief business development officer, utilising product development and digital marketing experience to serve clients across igaming industry.

The former director of product at Catena Media, Zilbershtein also boasts prior experience at 888 Holdings as well as forming his own digital marketing agency, Imperaweb.

“I couldn’t be happier that my brother Ori is joining Hyperion Tech to help drive our next phase of growth. Since our launch in 2017, we have built an incredibly talented team of passionate people who consistently deliver for our clients.

“Ori’s experience in SEO and digital marketing is second to none, as he has shown with the huge success of Catena Media over the past three years, and we are lucky to have him on board.” – Stav Zilbershtein, CEO and founder of Hyperion Tech.

Sports Information Services

William Morris has been promoted to head of international racing at Sports Information Services, having first joined the firm in 2016 as digital sales manager.

Previously working at the Racing Post for eight years, Morris is lauded as playing a key role in growing the company’s digital business, both domestically and internationally.

In his new role, Morris will be responsible for managing and growing SIS’s international horse racing rights portfolio, which forms an integral part of the company’s betting channels including its new 24/7 live betting channels.

“William has made a significant impact since joining the company three years ago and we’re pleased that he’s now taking on the role of head of international racing.

“With his industry experience and passion for horse racing, we believe William is the perfect candidate to further enhance our international racing rights operations.” – Paul Witten, product director at SIS.

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Revealed during the ECA Casino Industry Forum in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, the ECA has stated that the goal of the partnership is to “enhance industry cooperation and facilitate dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders on matters of mutual interest”.

The companies that are part of the inaugural Strategic Supplier Partnership include Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder and Novomatic.

“We are pleased to welcome Aristocrat Gaming, IGT, Light & Wonder and Novomatic as the founding members of the ECA’s Strategic Supplier Partnership,” commented Erwin van Lambaart, Chair of the ECA.

“This collaboration allows us to share diverse perspectives and work towards solutions that benefit the entire gaming community, while respecting the distinct roles of operators and suppliers.”

The ECA noted that the partnership will aim to “advance responsible practices within the licensed gaming sector while fostering a collaborative environment for industry stakeholders”, in addition to conversations with European authorities “to address crucial issues and promote fair regulatory frameworks”.

“Aristocrat Gaming is pleased to be a part of the newly formed ECA partnership,” stated Marcel Heutmekers, VP of Sales and Operations EMEA for Aristocrat Gaming. 

“Our aim is to work alongside the ECA and other suppliers to expand our collective influence in the region when it comes to regulatory reform and the evolution of gaming in EMEA.”

David Flinn, IGT SVP EMEA, Canada and LatAm Gaming Sales, noted: “IGT is pleased to join the European Casino Association’s Strategic Partnership Alliance and collaborate with other global gaming suppliers to help drive growth opportunities for our customers and to shape a positive framework for the future of casino gaming across Europe.”

Contributing to the sustainable growth and integrity of Europe’s casino industry, the partnership will explore several areas including equipment standardisation, enhanced security measures, and strategies to combat illegal gambling. 

It will also be a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, connecting suppliers with operators, as well as promoting responsible gaming practices and compliance. 

“Light and Wonder are honoured to be collaborating with the ECA on this strategic partnership,” said Jon Lancaster, VP of Sales, EMEA at Light & Wonder.

“We have long considered that casino operators, trade bodies and suppliers need to work closely together on issues that impact the future of our industry and this partnership represents a great opportunity to actively address those challenges together.”

Stefan Krenn, Executive Board Member at NOVOMATIC AG, added: “As Europe´s largest gaming technology group, NOVOMATIC is pleased to join other major suppliers in laying the foundation for the ECA Strategic Supplier Partnership. 

“In this exclusive collaboration, we look forward to shaping the future of European gaming in a responsible and sustainable way, fostering collaboration across the industry and upholding the highest standards of compliance and player protection. 

“We are excited to partner with the European Casino Association and firmly believe that together we can promote the long-term success of the industry.”

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Key priorities of the three parties in the partnership include illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation and security, as the MOU aims to create a platform for joint research projects and shared expertise amongst each organisation’s staff and members.

“This partnership marks a new chapter in our shared vision to build a world-class, trusted and sustainable betting and gaming industry,” commented Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting & Gaming Council.

“BGC members are rightly proud of their reputation as global leaders, and they know the power of collaboration. Working together with the AGA and ECA, I am confident our shared knowledge and expertise will be vital to bolstering safer gambling standards while tackling the threat of the growing and unsafe unregulated gambling black market in the UK.” 

Scheduled for next January, the collaboration’s first initiative will be a law enforcement roundtable focused on combating illegal gambling, bringing together industry leaders, law enforcement officials and regulators. 

Stakeholders at this roundtable will discuss illegal gambling’s impact on legal operators, consumer safety and the global financial system, in addition to examining strategies for improving cross-jurisdictional communication and developing actionable solutions to address these challenges.

“The European Casino Association stands united with the AGA and BGC in its commitment to addressing the key issues facing all gaming industry stakeholders”, stated Erwin van Lambaart, Chair of the European Casino Association. 

“The ECA fully backs this initiative and supports the ongoing efforts to rigorously combat illegality within our industry, continuously strengthen player protections and security, and ensure the creation of an environment that fosters innovation and growth within the gaming community. 

“On behalf of the ECA, I look forward to participating in the forthcoming law enforcement roundtable and to sharing the benefits of these learnings with our members.” 

Bill Miller, CEO and President of the American Gaming Association, added: “This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe. 

“By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices. 

“By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry and ensuring its continued growth and success.”

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Announced during the ECA General Assembly, held at ICE London 2023, the board approved the succession by a unanimous vote and, in recognition of his services to the ECA, Jaldung was presented with the title of Honorary President of the Assembly. 

“It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of the ECA,” explained Jaldung. “The greatest asset of this industry is its people, and I have been privileged in this role to have experienced the warmest of welcomes from across all countries and all roles and positions within the diverse and multi- faceted European and international land-based casino sector. 

“It has not been a role without its difficulties, and the industry continues to face ongoing headwinds from multiple directions, but the members of the ECA, and especially this Board of Directors and the new Chairman, can accept and master these challenges. I congratulate Erwin van Lambaart on his appointment as it is a role which he will tackle with the utmost energy and dedication.”

Jaldung has served as Chairman of the ECA since 2015. Prior to entering the casino entertainment business, he served in multiple capacities for the Stockholm Police Department and the National Criminal Intelligence Service for 13 years. 

His background in law enforcement led him to Casino Cosmopol in 2002 as Head of Security and Surveillance, after which he was promoted to General Manager of the Gothenburg property in 2005. In 2008, Jaldung was appointed CEO of Casino Cosmopol, a role he held until December 31, 2022.

The new ECA Chairman van Lambaart has been a member of the ECA Board since 2021; he joined Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries as CEO in March 2022. 

Van Lambaart has a substantial background in the media, hospitality, event, marketing and entertainment sectors. After graduating from the Hotel School in The Hague, he worked for 15 years in the international hotel industry. After this, he moved on to the global live entertainment world, where he worked for another 15 years.

In 2016, he took over as CEO of Holland Casinos. On March 14, 2022, Erwin van Lambaart moved to Austria and took up his position as CEO of Casinos Austria AG and O¨sterreichische Lotterien GmbH.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as Chairman of the European Casino Association by my peers in this amazing industry,” Jaldung commented. “I understand that it is a big responsibility to serve the ECA members in these challenging times for the casino industry. 

“I would personally like to thank Per Jaldung for his distinguished stewardship of the association and for his ongoing support, advice and leadership. I look forward to working with him in the future and wish him the best in his new ventures. 

“The licensed European casino industry continues to face great changes and even disruptions. In the coming weeks, I will be working with the ECA members and the ECA board as well as our partners on the priorities for the future work of our association.”

The new chairman of the ECA Erwin van Lambaart is supported in his new role by the ECA Senior Vice Chair, Pascal Camia, from Monte-Carlo SBM and the Vice Chair Tiina Siltanen. 

The General Assembly additionally approved in the same session that Yared Gabretensye, General Manager of Casino Cosmopol in Malmo, Sweden, will take Per Jaldung’s seat representing Sweden on the Board of Directors until next year’s elections.

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Siltanen has become the latest individual to look ahead to a full-scale edition of ICE London, in its traditional February spot, stating that the ‘stronger, together’ motto captures the industry mood.

In emphasising the importance of a first full-size offering for three years, Siltanen explained: “I also believe this mindset goes beyond product. We are also ‘stronger together’ when we are addressing diversity in all of its forms, safer gambling and protection of the vulnerable. 

“In this respect the Consumer Protection Zone at ICE represents a stand-out feature on the show floor. Safer gambling has moved centre stage at ICE and the industry is much stronger when we collectively address consumer protection.”

ICE London will take place at London’s ExCeL centre from February 7-9, 2023, and is expected to feature over 650 exhibited brands as well as welcome more than 35,000 attendees.

Stuart Hunter, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, explained: “In the research that we undertake with stakeholders on a regular basis the primary reason quoted for attending ICE is the calibre of the exhibitors and the access their presence provides to the very latest innovations, and technology solutions.

“However it’s clear that when so many of the industry’s influencers and strategic bodies come together in one place it’s also possible to address broader issues. 

“The award-winning ICE Consumer Protection Zone has been and will continue to be the focus for discussions regarding the industry’s safer gambling undertakings and there will also be events and debates regarding diversity and inclusion in the gambling industry.

“I think it’s fascinating to reflect on how the hundreds of thousands of conversations that will take place on and off the show floor at ICE will help to fashion the direction of the industry.”

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During its recent Board meeting held in Finland on December 15, the organisation discussed plans for 2023 as it prepared for the ECA Annual General Assembly, which will be held during ICE London in February.

Amidst this preparation, Siltanen was appointed as Vice Chair in light of a confirmed reshuffle in the ECA, which will see Per Jaldung, Chairman of the ECA, step down from his elected position in the new year.

“To prepare for the challenges facing our sector in the coming years, from the fight against illegal gambling to the promotion of our industry on the global stage, it is vitally important that we strengthen the leadership of the ECA,” stated Jaldung. 

“I am therefore pleased that the Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Tiina Siltanen as the Association’s Vice Chair. I will be stepping down as Chairman of the ECA at the next General Assembly and this appointment ensures strong leadership and robust support for my successor.”

Appointed to the ECA board in 2021, Siltanen has over two decades of experience in the industry and is currently responsible for casino operations for Veikkaus venues in Finland. 

Siltanen commented: “I am very proud of the trust the ECA board has placed in me and look forward to my new role in the ECA. It is not a new start for me, as I have been on the ECA Board for two years. 

“Still, there are topics of special importance, particularly concerning the ECA’s international events, human resource issues focused upon diversity and inclusion, and the overall reputation of the licensed casino sector to which I would like to devote attention in my new role.”

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Announced during last week’s ECA General Assembly, held by the members on the occasion of the Casino Industry Forum at Casino Baden in Austria, the reintroduction of eight casino operators from the UK was approved.

These include: Aspers Group, Crown Aspinalls, Genting Casinos UK, the Hippodrome Casino, Les Ambassadeurs, Mayfair Casino, Rank Group and Metropolitan Gaming.

“It was a great disappointment when the UK left the ECA in 2020, and from the outset we have been working to bring them back,” noted Per Jaldung, Chairman of the ECA.

“The UK has a thriving land-based gaming industry, and we are extremely proud that our joint efforts have led to the successful re-entry of the UK as a full member of the ECA. 

“UK casino operators have a lot to offer to the network of continental European operators, and we are thrilled to extend our membership to include the UK.”

Moreover, as part of their introduction, the eight UK-based operators have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ECA for the UK to become a full association member. 

Adding his thoughts on the matter, Simon Thomas, Chief Executive of the Hippodrome Casino, and also worked with the ECA to formalise the inductions jointly with the ECA Board, stated: “I am delighted to be back in the fold of the European Casino Association. As the representative for the eight UK casino operators within the ECA, we are stronger together through shared experiences. 

“As a full member, we will be capitalising on the knowledge base of the European land-based sector and the incredible value it creates for its members. I’m delighted to be back as a member of the ECA and look forward to the next General Assembly at ICE London on February 7.”

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This will see the group provide advice and thought leadership to enable the 900 casinos that are represented by the ECA on how to deliver the best digital payments experience to customers.

Simon Dorsen, Okto’s CCO, explained: “We are committed to working with like-minded, influential bodies such as the European Casino Association.

“Digital payments are one of the fastest developing sectors within the gambling ecosystem, as such, there is a constant requirement and demand for innovative companies to deliver solutions that meet the needs of regulators, merchants, and consumers. 

“This partnership demonstrates Okto’s desire to collaborate with industry experts to drive innovation and bring the best payment experiences to users. 

“We look forward to sharing and exchanging knowledge with other industry leaders to ensure that collectively, we succeed in driving the industry forward and benefit all stakeholders – consumers, casinos, payment providers and regulators.”

The trade body currently represents the interests of approximately 900 casinos, which employ over 70,000 employees across 28 countries throughout Europe.

Hermann Pamminger, ECA Secretary General, commented: “An essential part of the ECA’s role is to address key innovations as they relate to casino operations. 

“The ECA serves as an information network for our members as we work closely with EU institutions upon initiatives that could potentially impact the European land-based casino sector. 

“The announced partnership with Okto provides our members with the very latest insights and developments regarding digital payments and digitalisation. 

“It will help operators to understand and respond to requirements set out by industry regulators and, most importantly, how they relate to the genuine and effective responsible gambling frameworks implemented by duly licensed operators.”

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