In its quarterly report, the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) posted online gambling gross revenues of $335.4 million for the first quarter of FY2025.

This marks a significant drop from a record-breaking high of $379 million posted in the final quarter of FY2024.

Player Registrations Also Down In Q1

The regulatory body has not posted a quarter-to-quarter fall in revenue since back in mid-2022. This latest fall was the largest percentage drop (at 12%) since 2018.

The quarter also saw a quarterly drop of almost 15% in new player registrations.

This all resulted in a 4% quarterly drop in revenues from the nation’s online tax levy, the Portuguese media outlet Eco reported.

Despite the surprise fall, the revenues still make for a 9% year-on-year compared to Q1 of 2024.

Portuguese Gaming Revenues: Unfavourable Sports Results to Blame?

One of the biggest falls came in the online sports betting category, where revenues dropped by 17%. This category has not seen such a big quarter-over-quarter fall since 2022.

The Portuguese Association of Online Betting and Gaming (APAJO) confirmed that a “reduction in the volume of sports betting” was to blame for the broader slowdown.

Volumes dropped by 13% year-on-year and 6% compared to the previous quarter. Gross casino revenues, by contrast, grew by 6% compared to the first quarter of 2024.

However, even this sector experienced a wider drop, falling by 8% year-on-year.

The APAJO was stoical. It pointed out that the margin in fixed-odds sports betting had been “well above average.”

And it said that much was “dependent on the sporting results which in the first three months of the year will have been more unfavourable to Portuguese bettors.”

Shutting Down Illegal Operators Still A Focus

APAJO President Ricardo Domingues said that the first quarter saw “a slowdown in some sectors and even a contraction in others.”

However, Domingues said the drop was a “natural” phenomenon in “market that is still maturing.”

He added: “Our main concern remains being able to absorb demand in the face of the threat from illegal operators.”

Indeed, the report makes mention of regulatory efforts to shut down illegal operators. It said that the authorities have blocked 129 illegal gambling operations in Q1 of FY2025.

Police and courts also ordered 54 operators to shut down in the same period.

Young Bettors Dominate Portuguese Market

The report also showed that the vast majority of Portuguese sports bettors (over 71%) wager on soccer (football) games, with tennis a distant second with 16%.

Online slots, meanwhile, dominate the casino sector, representing almost 80% of the total volume of casino bets.

Most Portuguese bettors tend to be aged under 35, the figures indicate. Almost a third of new registrations came from people aged 18 to 24. And over a third of the total number of people with betting accounts in Portugal are aged 24-34.

Last year, the regulator posted a report showing that revenue from land-based operations decreased year-on-year during Q2 of FY2024.

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Gaming revenue in June was MOP$21.06 billion ($2.6 billion), just below May’s post-pandemic high of MOP$21.19 billion ($2.62 billion). 

Wynn Resorts‘ stock price jumped from $91.94 last week to $104.7, an increase of almost 14%. Wynn’s two Macau casinos generate more than half of the company’s total revenue. 

MGM Resorts, which also operates two properties in Macau, saw stock prices rise by over 12%. Las Vegas Sands, which has six locations in Macau, similarly saw a price rise of over 10%. 

Tourism Numbers Recover In Macau To Drive Revenue

Macau’s revenue is driven primarily by tourists visiting the region, which have finally returned to pre-pandemic levels. Tourism reached a low in 2022 due to travel restrictions, but 2023 saw figures return to over 70% of the numbers in 2019. 

Last year, there were 34.93 million visitors to the special administrative region, which is the only part of China to allow gambling. This was a 23.8% increase from pre-pandemic levels. 

Numbers have continued to increase this year, with over 3 million visitors in May, an increase of 25% from May 2024. 

Financial Recovery Leads To Crime Increase

The flood of tourism to the region has injected much-needed funds, but has also contributed to a rise in crime. The first quarter of the year saw gaming-related crime increase by over 60% from Q1 last year. 

While the return of tourism and activity in the region has contributed to the rise in crime, authorities also attribute the rise to a change in legislation that criminalized illegal money exchange operations.

As well as the pandemic, revenue figures have also been affected by campaigns to reduce corruption in the region. The revenue figures reported in June and May show the area is recovering. But, Macau may never be able to get back to the record revenue seen over a decade ago. 

Regulatory Crackdown Has Impacted Growth

In 2013, Macau’s gross gaming revenue was at MOP$361 billion ($44 billion). An anti-corruption campaign run by Chinese President Xi Jinping clamped down on wealthy businessmen using Macau casinos to launder money. As a result, VIP gaming revenue dropped by over 50% between 2014–2016.

A crackdown on junkets also led to the arrest of Alvin Chau, CEO of Suncity Group (Macau’s largest junket operator), in November 2021. 

New gaming laws were introduced in 2023, which placed several restrictions on casinos, including shortening license terms, requiring the need for non-gaming investments, as well as stricter rules around financial flows. 

Sam Hou Fai, chief executive of Macau since 2024, has emphasized the need for the region to diversify its economy. He also stressed that “The gaming industry is Macau’s primary industry, and if it does not develop healthily, it will have far-reaching consequences.”

Revenue figures in May and June suggest operators have come to terms with the new regulations. Though this year may not see figures of 2013, it signals a stability in the region. 

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Bangkok said it had held talks with the likes of MGM and Wynn Resorts over the complexes, whereby casinos would occupy a maximum of 10% of floor space.

However, the proposal was met with public and political outcry. Following street protests against the proposal in March and April, the Deputy Prime Minister and former Prime Minister joined senators in calling for the government to ditch the plan.

The Bangkok Post reported that the government has since “bowed to growing public pressure by stepping back” from its plan.

Thai Casino Bill Placed On The Backburner

The government had hoped to fast-track its bill when parliament reconvenes in early July following a summer break.

It had tabled the plan as the first bill up for deliberation on a July 9 session. However, the government has instead chosen to deprioritize a debate on the casino proposal.

The Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said that the draft law had already been placed on the parliamentary agenda.

As such, she said that only a formal house resolution could ensure its total removal from the schedule.

Manaporn said the ruling Pheu Thai Party has informed the government’s chief whip that it wants to defer debate on the bill, and place it at the bottom of its list of priority draft laws.

The deputy minister said the party’s decision was part of its commitment to listening to public opinion.

She denied that the decision had anything to do with the opposition People’s Party’s recent call for Pheu Thai to scrap the bill. Manaporn said: “We don’t need the opposition to tell us what to do. The government always listens to the people. We take their voices into account.”

Despite Manaporn’s assertions, however, there can be little doubt that pressure from the Thai parliament played a key role in derailing the bill.

The Bhumjaithai Party, Pheu Thai’s former coalition partner, has left the ruling coalition after its leader voiced objections to the bill.

This has whittled down the size of the coalition’s majority to just seven seats. In recent days, Bhumjaithai has also called for another vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Political Pressure Growing for PM Paetongtarn

Paetongtarn has already seen off one challenge to her leadership this year. But fears that Bhumjaithai’s proposal will gain momentum continue to grow.

Casinos remain illegal in Thailand. Paetongtarn, who championed the bill, claimed that green-lighting casino-resorts would help boost year-round tourism-related business and tax revenues.

Her government also claimed it could boost Thailand’s GDP by 0.8% and create between 9,000 and 15,000 new jobs.

While some had suggested green-lighting casinos only on the condition that they do not admit Thai citizens, MGM questioned the financial viability of such a proposal.

An MGM official said that similar initiatives elsewhere in Asia have struggled to remain profitable by only admitting foreign passport holders.

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Extreme 7 – Green Jade Games

Green Jade Games has gone back to basics with its latest slot, as Extreme 7 offers casinos three different RTP’s of 93 per cent, 96 per cent and 99.09 per cent.

Stripping away all bonus features, the title aims to deliver a base game that “delivers the thrills and big win potential,” with 100x and 200x wins able to appear.

Promising to deliver its most engaging performance at 99.09 per cent, Extreme 7 has been designed with high value customers and VIPs in mind.

“Our most recent slot that we stripped back – Neon Lights – with no bonus game and all of the RTP in the base game surprised us with its popularity in certain territories – especially in Asia – so we decided to follow this up with one that delivers even more excitement.

“We are also excited to be the first developer to launch a slot that has an RTP of 99.09 If customers wish to reward their VIP’s they now have only one choice- Extreme 7.

“Responsible gambling is at the forefront of everything we do, allied with German Transitional regime and updated UKGC recommendations it was natural that we would supply variable RTP.

“We want gambling to be a choice – a safe choice, we also know for some people it is more about the thrill and with Extreme 7 we believe we’ve hit the jackpot.” – Mark Taffler, Chief Commercial Officer at Green Jade Games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWaM9b-vdNo

Pawprints of Purrsia – Kalamba Games

Kalamba Games invites players into a realm where mystical cats rule in a 5×3, 10 paylines slot that promises to be packed with a plethora of features.

Pawprints of Purrsia, to be distributed via the Oryx Gaming platform, includes the bonus wheel of dreams, spin boost, locking and multiplier wilds and three different free spins bonus variants. Furthermore, Kalamba’s signature feature hyper bonus is also included, which allows players to shortcut to the bonus wheel.

“With Pawprints of Purrsia we offer players a fun and quirky theme but with a game play and feature set that can offer some serious rewards. Pawprints of Purrsia is a fur-midable addition to any serious, or not so serious, operator’s lobby.” – Alex Cohen, COO and co-founder of Kalamba Games.

Phantasmic Fortunes – iSoftBet

Phantasmic Fortunes has been released by iSoftBet, and has become the first to feature the supplier and aggregator’s Xpanding Ways mechanic. This sees more spaces open up on the reels if a diamond appears, increasing the paylines from 243 up to a maximum of 7,776.

As players gather more diamonds, the orb prizes that float above each column come into play. Each orb contains random prizes, which could be cash, magic modifiers or even trigger the bonus feature, which sees prizes significantly increase in value.

These rewards can be triggered by players expanding their reels to full size before landing another diamond symbol below the sought-after orb.

If any orb prizes are triggered, then the base game resets to its original 5×3 format, while also revealing new rewards that players can aim to reach with the expanding reel.

To start the free spins round, three bonus symbols are required to land on any spin, or players must reach a bonus round prize orb in gameplay, where the orbs are boosted in value, with some offering up to 1,000x cash value.

“With its mystical theme and bewitching win potential, Phantasmic Fortunes is the perfect addition to our portfolio in time for Halloween.

“With players aiming to rise from the depths of the reels to claim their wins with our riches-filled orbs and lucrative bonus rounds, Phantasmic Fortunes is set to be another thrilling title for iSoftBet.

“It also marks the debut of another exciting new feature for us, Xpanding Ways, which we will see more of in the future.” – Mark Claxton, head of games at iSoftBet.

Celtic Spirit Deluxe – Stakelogic

Stakelogic has challenged players to get into the spirit of the Celts as the firm introduces Celtic Spirit Deluxe, a release that forms part of the company’s game licensing partnership with Reflex Gaming.

During free spins in the 5×3, 20 winline slot, triggered by the Celtic princess, the mini reel becomes active and includes extra wilds and extra free spins to aid players in achieving winning combinations and wins.

Free spins begins with the centre symbol of the reels transforming into a sticky wild, which is then locked in place for the duration of the round.

Randomly during the feature, the mini reel spins with the potential to award extra wilds and additional spins, further enhancing the potential riches that await.

The most adventurous players can continue their exploits by taking their winnings into the player selectable gamble. All rests on the flip of a card as prizes can be multiplied by up to x4.

“We are very excited to release our latest slot game in conjunction with Reflex Gaming and offer the online players yet another new experience in gaming.

“Boasting an impressive land-base following and having such a renowned pedigree, Celtic Spirit Deluxe is sure to be a hit with our loyal online player-base.

“Following the acquisition of our supply license from the UK Gambling Commission and the recent launch of our first Megaways title, which is under license from Big Time Gaming, Q4 promises to continue the success we’ve seen in 2020, which is testament to the exceptional work our team has produced this year.” – Stephen van den Oetelaar, CEO of Stakelogic.

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Bragg Gaming Group

Holly Gagnon and Alex Spiro have been appointed to the Bragg Gaming Group board of directors, with the group lauding the addition of ‘specialist expertise’.

Gagnon is an experienced gaming industry CEO with over 29 years’ in the industry, and has held senior positions at the likes of Seneca Gaming Corporation, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, MGM Resorts International, and Harrah’s Entertainment.

Spiro, a former prosecutor and the former coordinator of a program for children with autism at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School’s psychiatric facility, is a litigator and investor and serves as chair of Glassbridge Enterprises.

“We’re extremely pleased that Holly and Alex have agreed to contribute their expertise to the Bragg board,” said Paul Godfrey, chair of the board at Bragg Gaming Group.

“Holly’s extensive experience in the North American gaming sector will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in the US, and Alex brings exceptional analytical and business leadership skills to the team. Their areas of expertise are strong complements to our current board.”

Full House Resorts

A series of management promotions have been outlined by Full House Resorts, with Angelika Truebner-Webb, the current executive director of finance of administration at Indiana’s Rising Star Casino Resort, to be elevated to the role of general manager, pending customary gaming approvals.

Furthermore, the same property is to also see James McCracken promoted to assistant general manager, as well as Ashlee Wilkerson to director of human resources.

Elsewhere, in the group’s Nevada segment, which consists of Grand Lodge Casino in Incline Village and Stockman’s Casino in Fallon, Cyndy Carter formerly director of finance, is to become assistant general manager.

“I am pleased to announce these recent promotions from within our internal ranks,” stated Daniel Lee, president and CEO of Full House Resorts. “Angi, Cyndy, Jim, and Ashlee have done great jobs in helping our company grow to new heights. We look forward to their continued contributions in their new leadership roles.”

Crown Resorts

Steve McCann is to become chief executive officer and managing director of Crown Resorts, subject to the receipt of probity and regulatory approvals.

McCann, currently CEO of real estate and investment group Lendlease Corporation, a role he has held for more than a decade, last year delayed his planned retirement to lead the group’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will retire from the board on May 31 2021.

He will join from June 1, 2021, with Helen Coonan to continue to perform her executive responsibilities as interim executive chairman until approvals have been received, in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Coonan said: “Steve is a first-class appointment for Crown and the right person to embed the ongoing reforms necessary to restore regulatory and public confidence in our operations.

“Recognised as one of Australia’s most respected business leaders, Steve has a unique blend of strategic, financial and corporate governance expertise and a track record of building strong employee engagement and driving cultural change.

“During a comprehensive recruitment process, Steve was the clear choice from a quality
field of prospective candidates. The board was looking for a CEO firmly committed to building on the momentum for change within our business and Steve is ideally placed to hit the ground running as our sweeping reform program takes hold.”

Alliance for Gambling Reform

The board of the Alliance for Gambling Reform has announced the appointment of Gordon Ramsay as the organisation’s new CEO.

Gordon brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently as the ACT attorney-general from 2016-2020. While in government, Ramsay is lauded as championing a gambling reform agenda in the ACT, resulting in a more than 20 per cent reduction in poker machines, and substantial regulatory improvements that have laid the pathway for ongoing reform.

Sharon Dickson, board chair, explained: “Gordon brings a wealth of experience that will further the Alliance’s work with our partners and community to reduce gambling harm, which is one of the most pressing public health issues we face as Australians.

“Gordon has a unique combination of experience in social justice and advocacy, as CEO in a services-based organisation, working with people with lived experience, and in gambling reform in the political arena. I’m excited about the change we will achieve with Gordon leading the organisation.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Mohr for his contributions as the inaugural leader of the Alliance. His work and that of the Alliance’s staff has created a solid foundation for Gordon to build on. It’s exciting times ahead.”

The post Part 69 | On the move: recruitment round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Glitnor Group

Cathryn McGinty has joined the Glitnor Group as chief human resources officer, bringing over 25 years experience in senior human resources and organisational strategy to the role.

This past expertise spans multiple sectors including FTSE 250 and blue chip organisations
such as such as William Hill, BUPA, Avis, BwinParty and TalkTalk.

“Glitnor Group has a strong brand and values driven culture, which was a key consideration for me when considering my next role,” McGinty said.

“I believe in developing a strong employer brand through providing a great employee experience. I am passionate about both customer and employee experience and putting people at the heart of our business.

“Within Glitnor Group, I see a tremendous opportunity as we grow; to develop our brand alongside our employees to offer a true best in class employee experience.”

Betsoft Gaming

Betsoft Gaming has named Anna Mackney as head of account management, where responsibilities will focus on demand generation; planning, executing and measuring throughout every stage of the sales team.

In addition to driving new business forward, Mackney will also be charged with ensuring that the group’s service and customer support will both retain and expand existing customers’ exposure to the Betsoft product portfolio, in a bid to deliver and track profitable growth for clients.

Matt Avison, managing director, Betsoft Gaming, noted: “Anna is hugely professional at onboarding clients. Now, as she takes over the leadership of the team, we anticipate positive change and sustained growth as we move into new markets.”

Rank Group

The Rank Group has announced the appointment of Katie McAlister to its board as a non-executive director, with immediate effect  She will also serve on its nominations, safer gambling and remuneration committees.

McAlister is currently the chief marketing officer for TUI Northern Region (UK, Ireland and Nordic), and sits on the TUI Northern Region board. She has thirteen years of digital and marketing experience, during which time she has been responsible for digital transformation and business change programmes.

Alex Thursby, Rank‘s chair, noted: “We are delighted to welcome Katie to the Rank board. Her extensive background in digital marketing, together with her customer-focussed strategic experience, will be a real asset. The board and I are very much looking forward to working with her over the coming years.”

BoscaSports

BoscaSports has rolled-out the recruitment of Racecourse Media Group’s Ben Dowding to its board of directors; lauding the move as “another important step” in scaling up the group on an international basis.

Downding is a senior executive with over 12 years’ experience within the Horseracing and
wider sports industries, and is currently director of betting for Racecourse Media
Group having previously held roles with The Jockey Club.

Dowding explained: “I am delighted to join the BoscaSports board and look forward to supporting the team in scaling the business and technology. They have developed a cutting-edge data and rights agnostic platform allowing betting operators complete flexibility and management of their customer experience.

“The BoscaSports technology has also been a great success for stadia and venue distribution as showcased by the transformation of UK racecourse Tote screens.

“I can already see some clear technology synergies from digital into retail across multiple sports not just racing, and how this will support international growth, with the product already due to launch in Italy with media system technologies broad network of shops.

“I will also look to bring my low latency streaming experience with Stats Perform and Phenix Real Time Solutions to bear in helping develop BoscaSports IPTV solution for retail and venues.”

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UK Gambling Commission

John Baillie and Catharine Seddon have been reappointed by Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, as commissioners of the Gambling Commission for one year from April 11, 2021 to April 10, 2022.

Baillie is a chartered accountant and a former partner of KPMG in Scotland and London. He is immediate past chair of the Accounts Commission for Scotland, the Scottish local authority watchdog and served two three-year terms.

Seddon spent 20 years as a film-maker before taking up public non-executive roles. She now sits on the Legal Services Board, where she chairs its audit and risk assurance committee and has recently joined the board of the HFEA. She is a founding member of the Health Service Products Appeal tribunal and is also a trustee for special needs charity, CPotential.

Soft2Bet

Casino and sportsbook platform provider Soft2Bet has appointed Hamza Afifi, the former head of sales for the SiGMA Group, as its PR director.

Afifi will play a key role in the promotion of the firm’s over 30 strong portfolio of operator brands, including recent launches such as the gamified sportsbook Betinia and the cabaret-inspired casino Winota.

Boris Chaikin Soft2Bet CEO, said: “A warm welcome to Hamza Afifi, who we are thrilled to name as our new PR director. Having enjoyed tremendous success at a range of highly regarded companies in our industry and beyond, Hamza will apply his impressive skills and experience to the promotion of our award-winning offering, and we are delighted to have him on board.”

Epic Risk Management

Michael Huber has joined Epic Risk Management as an advisory on US operations, enhancing the company’s responsible gambling activities in the country.

The new advisor’s primary responsibilities will see him discuss his lifelong struggle with problem gambling, beginning in his adolescence and ending in 2012, bolstering the company’s ‘lived experience’ knowledge base.

Since overcoming his gambling addiction, Huber has gone on to establish a mental performance coaching and mentoring business. He will join the team overseeing Epic’s burgeoning US operations during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

“Michael is a very impressive and inspirational mentor and coach,” explained John Millington, vice president of US operations at Epic Risk Management.

“Epic Risk Management is a company that is built on the lived experience of gambling addiction and this underpins everything that we do in the space of harm prevention.

“Our educational programmes and training content use real-life, hard-hitting stories of gambling-harm to educate and raise awareness of the significant risk that problem-gambling creates.

“Michael will leverage his authenticity and own experience of gambling-addiction during his collegiate years and connect it with his subsequent work with high school and college athletes to help convey these vital messages in a powerful and informed way.

“Ultimately, at Epic we want to make as many at-risk groups as possible aware of the potentially destructive financial implications and health issues that out-of-control gambling can cause. To have someone of Michael’s stature, background, and own lived experience bringing this message to life, will only enhance the work that we passionately believe saves lives.”

Gamesys Group

Online gaming operator Gamesys has announced that Tina Southall, chief people officer, will join the group’s board of directors as an executive director with effect.

The company says that the appointment of Southall, who joined the company in March 2014 to establish and lead a new people team, signals further recognition of its “commitment and priority” to all colleagues.

“I am delighted to welcome Tina to the Gamesys board. She has been at the heart of establishing the Gamesys values, our ‘DNA’ and a highly successful new way of working for the company during the current pandemic,” noted Neil Goulden, non-executive chair at Gamesys Group.

“I am confident that Tina will continue to evolve our culture as we face the future, bringing valuable insight and new perspectives to the Board.”

The post Part 60 | On the move: Recruitment round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Soft2Bet

Peter Christian Noer has been appointed as the regional manager for the Nordic markets at casino and sportsbook platform provider Soft2Bet.

The appointment follows what is praised as “an impressive spell” as the company’s country manager for Sweden, with new responsibilities to include helping Soft2Bet continue to grow its footprint in the key territories of Sweden, Norway and Finland. 

Boris Chaikin, CEO at Soft2Bet, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Christian Noer as our regional manager for the Nordic markets, which remain a key area of focus for us as we maintain the expansion of our international reach.

“Having performed impressively as our country manager for Sweden, we have no doubt that Peter will continue to play a key role in helping us succeed in the Nordic territories and beyond.”

Galaxy Gaming

Galaxy Gaming, the developer and distributor of casino table games and technology, has announced that Paul Omohundro has joined the company in the position of vice president of business development.

In the position, Omohundro will be responsible for expanding the company’s business through exploring new markets and discovering innovative products and services to further provide value to casino clients.

Todd Cravens, Galaxy Gaming president and CEO, noted: “Paul’s addition to our team will focus on new markets and new products. These new markets include land-based casinos as well as igaming, the fastest growing part of our business. We have a number of new product and market opportunities, and Paul will drive these to commercial success.”

MGA Games

MGA Games has announced the addition of four new members to its staff roster, each of which is charged with aiding the company its growth and developmental strategies.

The additions come from the MGA Games Academy, which the online casino developer says “was born to promote and attract talent to the gaming sector and is meeting all expectations”.

Joan Sanahuja, founder and CEO of MGA Games, stated: “We continue to grow in every way. We are expanding into new markets, creating new products, and also recruiting more staff.

“We are proud to think that we have the opportunity to employ, empower and retain talent, undoubtedly a valuable resource and one of the main assets of our company.

Salsa Technology

Josh Tromans-Jones has been recruited by Salsa Technology as chief technology officer, where he will be charged with building on the business’ expansion drive.

Key responsibilities for the company will focus on continuing the development of the proprietary platform, delivering the roadmap and leading the business’ expansion into regulated markets from a technology perspective. Tromans-Jones will be based in Spain.

Peter Nolte, Salsa Technology’s CEO, commented: “Josh is a superb addition to our Salsa team as he brings a wealth of experience of various regulated markets, both inside of Europe and out.

“He will play a vital role in maintaining our position as an industry leader and delivering on our roadmap. It is vital that we continue to have the technology to meet these changing requirements of the industry quickly and efficiently.”

Better Collective

Better Collective has strengthened its team after naming Anders Crillesen as its new head of PR & communications.

In his new role, he will take responsibility for overseeing the company’s global corporate and product communication strategy, with an aim of enhancing Better Collective’s communication initiatives toward responsible gambling.

Crillesen said: “I’m thrilled to join Better Collective and become part of its innovative company culture. Better Collective has been on a fantastic journey since the company was founded in 2004 and is strongly positioned globally following a targeted acquisition and internationalisation strategy.

“I look forward to leveraging my PR and corporate communications experience in an entirely new context, to support Better Collective’s continued growth and build visibility around its responsible gambling initiatives.”

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Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers

David Lucchese, executive vice president of sales, marketing and digital of Everi Holdings, has been named as the president of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers.

The Las Vegas non-profit international trade association, which represents manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, table games, welcome Lucchese on a two-year term which began on January 12, 2021.

Stating the he is looking “forward to working with the entire AGEM leadership team and our member companies,” Lucchese is focused on ensuring that the voices of AGEM’s worldwide members are heard on important political, regulatory, problem gambling and other matters

“AGEM is very pleased to welcome David Lucchese as our president for the next two years,” said Marcus Prater, executive director of AGEM. “His vast experience and deep understanding of the issues facing gaming suppliers will serve him well as we navigate a difficult path brought on by the pandemic.

“We will forge ahead under his leadership and the overall gaming industry will emerge from this in a better position by working together to promote a spirit of cooperation championed by Dave, the AGEM Officers, and our member companies.”

Kaizen Gaming

Kaizen Gaming has named Claus Jansson as head of affiliate marketing and media buying, with the group focused on a strategic approach for local and international growth.

Jansson’s primary responsibility will be overseeing the firm’s strategic local and international expansion plans for its flagship Betano and Stoiximan brands, and will report directly to company CMO Panos Konstantopoulos.

Κonstantopoulos stated: “We are very pleased to welcome Claus to Kaizen Gaming family and highly confident that he has the full potential to thrive in communicating the company’s great dynamics and values, while developing new, innovative ideas.

“His expertise and extensive experience in our industry offers great value to our company and could be no less than a testament of our growth; we are looking forward to further enhancing our Affiliate Marketing strategic positioning across all markets of operation under his guidance.”

FanDuel 

FanDuel Group has appointed Andrew Sneyd as senior vice president of brand, bringing more than 20 years of global marketing experience, specifically in the Fortune 100 consumer packaged goods and technology sector.

He will take ownership of creative and brand strategy, consumer insight, product marketing, team and league marketing, press relations, integrated campaigning, and creative operations. He will report to FanDuel Group CMO Mike Raffensperger, effective immediately.

“We are amidst a pivotal moment in history where, as a brand, we have the opportunity to make a true impact both for our customers and industry at large,” noted Raffensperger.

“Andrew’s expertise with iconic brands will be invaluable as we continue to drive transformational impact and give sports fans the best experience possible.”

Bragg Gaming Group

Bragg Gaming Group has confirmed the appointment of former Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp chair Paul Godfrey to its board of directors with immediate effect.

According to the firm, Godfrey’s experience in the Canadian gaming industry will prove valuable as the government moves forward with its recently announced proposed federal legalization of single-event sports betting. He will guide Bragg’s strategy in this evolving market.

Adam Arviv, CEO of Bragg, commented: “Paul’s extensive experience in the media, gaming and sports worlds will be invaluable as we move forward with our rapid growth plans. We’re extremely pleased to have him join the championship team that we’re building and look forward to his guidance.”

Sazka Group

Justin King CBE has become the latest British business figurehead to join Sazka Group’s bid to ‘refresh and revitalise’ the National Lottery.

The former Sainsbury’s CEO will sit on the company’s ‘advisory board’ to provide counsel to Sir Keith Mills’ bid team, which is competing to win the government’s fourth National Lottery tender.

King will play a pivotal role in developing Sazka’s business strategy on how a revamped National Lottery can recover from the unprecedented COVID impacts.

Mill explained: “Justin King is one of the UK’s leading experts in the retail sector. He has a track record of turning around businesses, which will only strengthen our efforts to make the British public fall back in love with the National Lottery.

“With Justin on board, we will present a plan that modernises retail channels to ensure that not a single National Lottery player or retailer is left behind.

“Justin’s experience will also be of huge benefit for our transition plans which must be submitted to the Gambling Commission as part of our bid. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to welcoming more experts to our team, who will help us to share our vision for the National Lottery as the fourth licence competition progresses.”

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Rabbit Entertainment

Gaming operator Rabbit Entertainment, recently awarded the Rising Star in Casino gong at this month’s SBC Awards, has appointed Tal Zamstein as chief executive with immediate effect.

Joining from German operator Löwen Play, Zamstein plans to invest in infrastructure, expand in key markets, and continue to focus on “achieving operational excellence in a regulated environment”.

Zamstein said: “I’m delighted to be taking over as CEO of Rabbit Entertainment and look forward to the challenge of helping build on the company’s strategy reshape to release further potential, including capitalising on the certification in Germany and as the winner of best Rising Star in Casino at the prestigious SBC Awards.

“The business is entering a new phase and I have identified a number of actions necessary to further strengthen the company’s position.

“Both Lapalingo and Lord Lucky have universal appeal that will help our business go from strength-to-strength and I look forward to building on that legacy further with a focused multi-brand strategy in our key markets.”

National Council on Problem Gambling

Lia Nower, JD, PhD, Rutgers University professor and director of its Center for Gambling Studies, has joined the board of directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling. She is currently chair of the NCPG Research Committee and has served on several other committees.

Nower has co-authored several policy initiatives, including models for self-exclusion, responsible gambling programs, and problem gambling treatment service integration into state systems. She co-authored the Pathways Model and the Gambling Pathways Questionnaire, which are used internationally in research and treatment and currently heads the team evaluating play-by-play data for internet gambling and sports wagering in the state of New Jersey.

“The National Council on Problem Gambling works closely with our board of directors to advance policies and programs that assist people and families affected by problem gambling,” noted Keith Whyte, executive director of NCPG.

“We are excited that Lia Nower will be joining our board. Her expertise will help NCPG be more effective in an environment where gambling is expanding rapidly throughout the country.”

Nuvei

Payment tech firm Nuvei has announced the addition of of Neil Erlick to the executive leadership team, who will join on January 5, 2021 and will report to Philip Fayer, Nuvei’s chairman and CEO.

Erlick will serve as chief corporate development officer, where he will focus on strategic business development in key industry verticals, corporate partnerships, as well as enhancing the company’s overall growth in the US regulated gaming market.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Neil to Nuvei. As a passionate and talented digital payments industry executive, he brings a tremendous level of depth and knowledge in numerous verticals including igaming, regulated gambling and sports betting,” stated Fayer.

“With over 20 years of experience serving complex markets, we believe that Neil’s expertise will provide incredible value as we continue to strengthen our leadership team.”

BMM Testlabs 

BMM Testlabs, a gaming testing laboratory and product certification consultancy, has confirmed the appointment of Navin Goel as its new chief operations officer.

Goel will join BMM’s executive leadership team from Aristocrat Technologies, where he formally led the firm’s global tech support operations for all casino management and distribution units as the company’s senior vice president of technology.

“Navin is uniquely qualified to evolve and guide our global operations going forward. His industry experience, breadth of knowledge, and proven leadership make him very well-suited to advance BMM’s strategic initiatives,” commented Martin Storm, BMM Testlabs CEO.

“I am pleased to welcome Navin to our growing executive management team, and I know that he will be a great fit in our values-driven culture and leadership team.”

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