The conference was the first after confirmation of the new statutory levy and the application of £2/£5 stake limits in the UK, which Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross underlined will ensure Britain has the safest gambling environments.

As the landscape unfolds the NHS will be positioned as the Chief Commissioner with the goal of improving the accessibility, quality, and impact of services tackling gambling-related harms by addressing the individual needs of local communities.

However, the GambleAware conference provided a stage to emphasise just how crucial collaboration will be moving forward and why it’s so vital that the third sector continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding players. 

In spite of this, Dr Claire Murdoch, National Mental Health Director, NHS England, surprisingly took aim at the industry and pinpointed Gordon Moody, for “stoking demand and preying on the vulnerable”, having apparently confused the non-profit with an operator. 

She later took to X to state the comments “badly reflected Gordon Moody’s position on industry. Rushing. I want to thank you for great work. Happy to meet to further address your important questions on procurement and hear more about your work”.

Gordon Moody provided CasinoBeats with the following statement in response: “We are pleased that Dr Claire Murdoch quickly clarified her comment about Gordon Moody made at the recent GambleAware conference during her In Conversation session with GambleAware CEO, Zoe Osmond. We look forward to meeting with Dr Murdoch to explain the work Gordon Moody has been doing since 1971 to help people reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling-related harms.

“Gordon Moody is the expert by experience in the gambling harm treatment space. Our unique programmes are delivered by highly qualified professionals who are equipped to focus not just on gambling harm, but also on other comorbidities. We carry out comprehensive assessments that help us integrate appropriate therapies into personalised treatment plans that address each service user’s unique needs.

“The new commissioning framework will fundamentally change how treatment services are funded. It is vitally important that the framework takes into account the work of organisations like Gordon Moody, as well as those within the NGSN and the wider third sector.”

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Announced during a press conference at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, the charity emphasised that whilst most people know how to respond to a medical emergency such as a heart attack, few people know how to react if they noticed someone struggling with gambling, or know how to recognise signs of gambling-related harm in a family member or friend.

As a result, the group’s new Gambling Support First Aid training seeks to reduce the fear and uncertainty of addressing gambling issues. It empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge to recognise and respond to signs of gambling-related harms confidently and responsibly.

In a bid to bring the course to as many people as possible, the two-day course (two full days or four half days) can be delivered online or face-to-face and is suitable for anyone aged 18 and over who is looking to develop their skills and understanding. Developed by our experts, the highly supportive learning atmosphere will help people become the vital link – connecting individuals in need with the right support services.

Monica Shafaq, Gordon Moody CEO, said: “I am delighted that we are launching Gambling Support First Aid training. It’s important to us to address the stigma associated with seeking support for gambling-related harm. This requires individuals and communities to have a greater understanding and empathetic approach to the issue.

“Our training will help individuals create supportive, non-judgmental environments where not only speaking about these issues is supported, but where there is a clear action plan in place to help individuals who may be affected gain professional help.

“With 4.2 billion people across the globe gambling at least once each year, this is an issue that requires more attention.”

It builds on the efforts of Gordon Moody to serve those who have previously slipped through the cracks when it comes to gambling treatment.

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Regarding gender, 76% of applications were male, 23% female, and 1% transgender or other, whilst the report also detailed that the 24-34  age group was  the largest segment of applicant

Nonetheless, the treatment charity did emphasise it has boosted reach and effectiveness with younger audiences as applications in the age range of 18-24 had grown to 8%.

In general, it underlined the significant impact interventions have had on safer gambling, reporting a 10% increase in applications (481 patients) in comparison to the previous year’s data. 

Of significance to researchers, Gordon Moody provided insights into the employment status of applicants, which once more displayed the pervasive nature of gambling issues impacting all societal segments.

The statement was underscored as data detailed that 57% of applicants were in employment, whilst 16% were unemployed and 20% were classified as ‘disabled or long-term ill’, whilst 1% were students and 1% in full-time care.

The report identified pre-treatment complexities for patients applying for treatment services, including mental health challenges, substance misuse and criminal backgrounds.

Of concern, period reporting detailed that while patients reported a drop in drug and alcohol misuse, those committing criminal offences had increased by over 150%.

On improving pre-treatment, Gordon Moody cited the importance of tailored intervention strategies, in which it increased one-to-one pretreatment support sessions by over 68% in the first half of the year.

Treatment programmes provided by Gordon Moody indexed an average improvement of 18 points in the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score for residential programmes and 16 for Retreat & Counselling (R&C), with both programmes maintaining low scores post-treatment.

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She will succeed Matthew Hickey at the charity, however, he will continue to support the leadership team until the end of the year in a bid to ensure a seamless transition.

Shafaq currently holds the position of CEO at The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, a charitable organisation focused on mental health and wellbeing. She has been in the role for almost 14 years. 

During this time, she has implemented the charity’s rebrand from Sandwell Mind into The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and retained a place on the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work for every year since 2015.

In addition to this, Shafaq is also a Trustee of the Professional Footballers’​ Association, as well as a Non-Executive Director at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

“It is a huge privilege to have been appointed the new CEO of Gordon Moody,” Shafaq commented. “It’s an honour to lead an organisation that is committed to making a positive impact to the lives of those affected by gambling harm and to work with the remarkable team of passionate individuals. 

“Together, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support, and a path to recovery. I am excited to collaborate with existing partners and stakeholders as well as forging new relationships to drive meaningful change.

“I am leaving The Kaleidoscope Plus Group with a heavy heart but filled with pride for what the team has achieved over the past 13 years. We have done some extraordinary work together fighting for mental health equality and I know that we will remain strong allies going forward.”

Outgoing CEO Hickey is hailed as playing an instrumental role in growing Gordo Moody’s treatment capacity from 120 to 270 a year. He also  oversaw the opening of the UK’s first women-only residential treatment centre in 2021, and paved the way for a new West Midlands-based treatment facility, which is due to open in 2024, that will increase the number of bed spaces to 350.

Claire Arnold, Gordon Moody trustee, said: “We are delighted to welcome Monica to the Gordon Moody team as our new Chief Executive Officer and we would also like to express our sincere thanks to our departing CEO, Matthew Hickey, who has worked tirelessly to advance our cause over the past four years. 

“Monica brings a wealth of experience from her work in the charity sector, most recently from The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and her energy for achieving social change will be a huge asset to Gordon Moody.

“We look forward to the new era of leadership under Monica Shafaq’s guidance and are confident that her expertise will contribute significantly to our mission of addressing gambling harm and its profound impact on individuals and families.” 

In addition, Gordon Moody also cited fresh research that revealed that applications for their treatment services were up 43 per cent through the past year.

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This two-year programme is tasked with establishing a network of former problem gamblers who have been successfully treated by the charity and now want to support others who may be seeking, or have recently finished, treatment.

The project will formally launch next month and will be overseen by Gordon Moody’s Head of Service Development, Clinical Director and the members of its Clinical Governance Committee.

Matthew Hickey, CEO of Gordon Moody, commented: “The Alumni Project will help Gordon Moody reach more people who need our support by putting the voice of lived experience at the heart of both our engagement and residential services. 

“Support from the Entain Foundation is crucial to help Gordon Moody grow its services and meet the demands of those needing treatment and support. We are delighted to continue our work with Entain and for their ongoing support and financial donations.” 

The project includes a peer mentor programme with training and supervision capabilities that can be offered both before and after treatment takes place. 

In addition, it will also provide a number of flexible part-time and full-time paid positions for alumni. A steering group will be established in order for the alumni to share experiences and help inform and improve the treatment programmes.

“We have been proud and active supporters of Gordon Moody for a number of years now, and are delighted to continue that support with the funding of the charity’s Alumni Project,” explained Barry Gibson, Chair of Entain.

“This is in addition to the more than £40m we have voluntarily donated to GambleAware, who commission treatments for gambling addiction across England, Scotland and Wales, free at the point of delivery. 

“Gordon Moody’s Alumni Project will be the first time that those who have completed their treatment will be able to support those seeking treatment. It will provide people who are most at risk from gambling harm with direct support from those who have been in their position and recovered.” 

Entain has been a supporter of Gordon Moody for over six years, which has helped the development of Gordon Moody’s Gambling Therapy app, a women’s residential programme and COVID-19 pandemic services.

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As part of its week-long campaign contribution, Microgaming noted that, via its corporate responsibility arm – PlayItForward – the company backs various organisations and charities that provide support and assistance to people who have expressed gambling harm. 

One of these charities include Gordon Moody, a charity that aims to assist people to reclaim and rebuild their lives through recovery in a safe, supported environment.

“Responsible gaming has always been a key focus for Microgaming,” claimed Andy Clucas, Microgaming CEO. “Safer Gambling Week offers us the perfect chance to highlight Responsible Gaming charities who do amazing work in the field of problem gambling treatment and research. 

“Importantly, people who may be struggling with gambling issues need to know there are lots of organisations who can offer support and help them regain control of their lives.”

PlayItForward recently helped Gordon Moody to create a comfort fund for affected others, as well as donating towards the purchase of new furniture to help treat more people.

In addition, PlayItForward recently donated to digital mental health treatment service Anonymind, funding treatment and therapy courses for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Rob Mabbett, Director of External Engagement at Gordon Moody, stated: “Having a family member in treatment for gambling addiction can add extra pressure to the lives of their families. PlayItForward donations from Microgaming help our Comfort Fund bring respite to our service users’ families. 

“From days out for their children to birthday or Christmas cards or presents, the Comfort Fund assists families to find peace of mind while their loved ones access therapy for problem gambling.”

Meanwhile, a financial contribution to Betknowmore UK helped the group undertake new research into support systems for women. This has led to a new gender specific support service called New Beginnings.

PlayItForward has also helped to fund treatment and provide a comfort fund for service users of Motiv8, an Isle of Man based charity offering addiction counselling.

Matt Smith, Head of External Affairs Betknowmore UK, concluded: “The collaboration with Microgaming PlayItForward has enabled us to undertake research which highlighted the challenges that face women who want to access help and support for their gambling issues. 

“In response, we have launched a new service called New Beginnings, which is a peer-led support programme. We have found that when engaging in groups women generally find them to be life-changing, giving them confidence, friendships, role models and tools to help them manage their recoveries.”

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Gordon Moody

Willem van Oort, the founder of the Gaming in Holland, Spain and Germany business communities, has joined the Gordon Moody Board of Trustees.

In addition, van Oort is also a member of the Mindway AI board, as well as a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law, the International Association of Gaming Advisors, Jdigital, and the Netherlands Online Gambling Association.

Matthew Hickey, Gordon Moody Chief Executive, said: “Along with the rest of the Gordon Moody team, I am delighted to welcome Willem to our Board of Trustees. Willem’s experience will be a great asset to Gordon Moody.

“I am looking forward to working with Willem as Gordon Moody focuses on our goal of helping people reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling addiction by providing the most effective therapies, intervention and counselling possible.”

Nevada Gaming Control Board

Brin Gibson, Nevada Gaming Control Board Chair, has confirmed that Kristi Torgerson is to take up the role of Chief of the Enforcement Division at the NGCB, effective October 31, 2022.

Torgerson, a member of the board since January 1997, will lead a division that is the law enforcement arm of the NCGB and maintains five statewide offices.

Primarily responsibilities include conducting criminal and regulatory investigations, arbitrating disputes between patrons and licensees, conducting background investigations on work card applicants, gathering intelligence on organised crime groups and making recommendations on potential candidates for the list of excluded persons. 

“Deputy Chief Torgerson’s impressive career with the Gaming Control Board, the military, and federal law enforcement should give Nevadans confidence in the safety and integrity of gaming as she begins to lead the Enforcement Division,” Gibson explained.

“As gaming enforcement has evolved from chip theft and slot machine manipulation to issues involving global cybersecurity, Deputy Chief Torgerson will work to ensure the safety of Nevada’s residents and visitors, as well as the continuity of the gaming industry’s benefits to the Silver State’s economy.”

Continent 8 Technologies

Brian Koh has been named as Chief Commercial Officer of Continent 8 Technologies, where he will be tasked with continuing to build on the company’s ambitious growth plans and its go-to-market expansion.

This includes developing and implementing its commercial strategy, where he will have crucial input into sales, account management, marketing and customer service.

“We have a world-class team at Continent 8 and our headcount has grown significantly over the past few years to ensure we remain at the top of our game. Brian is a significant addition to our team and comes at an exciting time for the organisation,” explained Michael Tobin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Continent 8 Technologies.

“As more countries embrace regulation and new markets open for business, we see a huge opportunity for Continent 8 to expand its reach and deliver our award-winning managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and security solutions to customers entering these jurisdictions.

“Brian has been tasked with overseeing our expansion, a job that he is undoubtedly the best person to take on. I look forward to working with him closely moving forwards.”

American Gaming Association

The American Gaming Association has confirmed that Maureen Beddis will join the group’s executive team as senior vice president, membership and events.

In the role, Beddis, who will join the AGA on October 31 following 16 years at The Vision Council, will lead member relations, business development and events, including Global Gaming Expo.

“We’re delighted to welcome Maureen to the AGA at this critical time for our association and industry,” stated Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. 

“Maureen’s career is defined by her ability to drive strategy, convene members and deliver results. Her significant experience as an association executive will bolster our already strong team and help lead our organization into the future.”

Underdog

Underdog has appointed problem and responsible gambling policy expert Brianne Doura-Schawohl as a consultant to bolster its responsible play efforts.

As a consultant, Doura-Schawohl will help the group with its responsible gambling initiatives, including internal policy development, creation and execution of strategic plans to increase problem gambling understanding and making introductions to key stakeholders within states to show the brand’s responsible gambling commitments.

“I’m thrilled to be working with the incredible team at Underdog as we reimagine the fantasy sports experience,” commented Doura-Schawohl.

“With the company’s rapid growth and as it expands its offerings to new customers, it is critical that we uphold the highest degree of integrity while delivering users with a safe and reliable platform.”

Allwyn

Allwyn has confirmed the appointments of Sharon Doherty and Victoria McKenzie-Gould as non-executive Directors, following the formal award of the fourth National Lottery licence.

The multi-national lottery operator was officially granted the licence earlier this month after current incumbents Camelot withdrew a legal appeal against the UK Gambling Commission’s decision.

Doherty currently works as the Chief People and Places Officer at Lloyds Banking Group and will bring “significant executive experience with large, diverse workforces in the technology, telecommunications and aviation sectors”.

Meanwhile, McKenzie-Gould, who currently works as the Corporate Affairs Director at Marks & Spencer, will bring “long standing experience of working across complex stakeholder environments”.

“We are delighted to welcome Victoria and Sharon to Allwyn’s team of sector leading experts who are implementing a forensically detailed and winning proposal through the transition to the fourth National Lottery licence,” explained Allwyn Chair Justin King.

“We are committed to building a diverse board who oversee and hold the business to account every day, while helping in a practical way meet all the challenges that a project of this size entails.”

“Today’s appointments continue the forward momentum needed to put in place a more accessible National Lottery that is bigger, better and safer for all.”

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This saw Gordon Moody, which drove the creation, Better Change and Mindway AI join together to deliver an enhanced degree of protection and support to the industry through the formation of a global network.

Here, CasinoBeats speaks to Rob Mabbett, Head of Growth at Gordon Moody; Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO of Mindway AI; and David Richardson, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Better Change; to delve into the finer details of how this came about, what each brings to the table and key aspects of the partnership.

CasinoBeats: How did this partnership come about and what were the key reasons for doing so? How much of a part did an increasing demand for services play?

Rob Mabbett: The partnership came about through an initial meeting at ICE 2022, where the CPZ brought like-minded safer gambling organisations together. We all recognised our mutual aims regarding responsible gambling and through collaboration, we knew we would have a far stronger voice in tackling global gambling-related harm.

Rasmus Kjaergaard: Through complementary attributes and services, we now have the ability to reach more people in need. At Mindway AI, we have been making technological advances in identifying those gamblers at risk of potential harm.

David Richardson: Better Change brings the awareness and prevention of gambling-related harm to life with an experienced and varied team, which joined up well with the established and well-renowned team at Gordon Moody, working in the treatment field with those that are most in need.

Mabbett: The heart of everything we aim to do is in the true nature of collaboration, not losing sight of the fact that real people are being helped and not just nameless data sets.

CB: This has been labelled as a ‘unique partnership’, but how will this ensure that growth ensures both as a collective and individual organisations?

Kjaergaard: The partnership is a true nature of collaboration over competition. In an industry that can appear disjointed across many levels, we are looking to provide a new model to support all stakeholders in the fight against gambling-related harm.

Richardson: This includes giving clarity to the operators within the industry and encouraging joined-up thinking with their safer gambling strategies. We see organic growth from the joint objectives of all organisations and the fact that we are working from the same mission template.

Mabbett: Recognition of the gambling harm continuum and understanding different organisation’s roles in ensuring those in need receive access to the appropriate level of support, as well as supporting others in the sector to achieve the highest standards in safer gambling, will support the strategic objectives of each of our organisations individually as well as collaboratively.

CB: What does each bring to the table?

Richardson: Better Change brings a modern approach to safer gambling and CSR strategies, with an experienced team from across the industry.

Mabbett: Gordon Moody has over 50 years of experience working with the most problematic gamblers and the resultant lived experience. More recently, working with comorbidity of trauma, mental health, and other addictions. We also have an international platform with over five million unique users annually.

Kjaergaard: We are the market leaders in technological systems and processes for the identification of at-risk and problem gamblers, through scientific-based virtual psychologists and the combination of AI, neuroscience, and human responsible gambling expert assessments.

CB: What will be the key aspects of the partnership? What will be delivered and how will this enhance the support offered regarding responsible gambling from both a player and operator perspective?

Mabbett: The start of the partnership has seen us launch an online learning system and operators can work with us to create a bespoke training platform for their colleagues, which is fully translatable and uses the latest gamification to assess knowledge uptake.

Richardson: We see this as our initial product and will ultimately be driven by the industry in what they need to allow us to create a one-stop shop platform for everything safer gambling.

Kjaergaard: Through collaboration, we are always looking to expand the network and bring the best ideas together. Through interactive self-help resources, we aim to put those in need of support in contact with organisations that can help, providing clarity and practical support at a time of chaos and vulnerability.

CB: When looking at the enhancement of player protection from an operator standpoint, what role does industry collaboration play in achieving these goals?

Richardson: Through engaging with operators and the establishment of responsible gambling leadership forums, networks, and working groups, we see the partnership as staying in front of the needs of the industry rather than playing catch up.

Kjaergaard: This means that rather than dictating what is needed we are actively engaging with the industry to provide solutions.

Mabbett: A true global forum for safer gambling with the service user at its heart. Together we can tackle gambling addiction and through these collaborations, we can better understand the causes of gambling harm.

The post Gordon Moody, Mindway AI & Better Change on collaboration over competition appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Whilst a political juxtaposition isn’t usually an avenue I would willingly venture down, a continued voice needs to recognise that party in-house fighting for leadership – in a move actioned only to propel the needs of the Conservatives and not the people on whom they were elected to represent – has had a continued negative effect on the latter. 

This cirque du slapstick has, once again, brought a delay to the ambiguous White Paper on the Gambling Act. A wait which Gordon Moody’s CEO Matthew Hickey noted was “causing a great deal of uncertainty” in many areas of the industry.  

He commented: “From our perspective as a treatment provider we have been impacted by this uncertainty as it threatens to undermine the good work we have done collaboratively with the sector to provide treatment to those who need it most. 

“Throughout the pandemic we were supported by our stakeholders which meant we were able to navigate the challenges presented and meet the growing need of those who needed our help. 

“New wrap around services and a women’s residential programme were created during this time and we have significantly increased our bedspace to meet the growing demand. 

“The delay of the white paper and the uncertainty that this brings especially around the issue of funding could impact on this continued work and have an impact on access to treatment for those most in need. Treatment that for many is lifesaving.”

However, where there is time to reflect, there is time to ponder what could be when, or rather if, the White Paper lands on the desks of companies throughout the gambling sector. One issue that Hickey would like to resolve from the revised Act is clarity on how the funding of research, education and treatment of gambling harm is made available and governed. 

“We strive to provide the very highest standards of care for our residents and therefore it is important that a robust funding model is in place to ensure we continue to provide the effective treatment that helps people reclaim and rebuild their lives free from gambling addiction,” Gordon Moody’s CEO stated. 

“We have seen from the changing needs of our service users that innovation in this space is important and it is essential that there are opportunities for the sector to develop. Gambling addiction has not had the recognition that other issues such as substance abuse has had yet the effects of this addiction being untreated can be devastating for the individual and their families. 

“The gambling act review is an opportunity for more funding to be made available to the sector so that we can continue to tackle gambling addiction together.”

Though the review process is still not finalised and released, this delay should not result in gambling companies sitting on their hands waiting for it to drop on their desk. When asked what more firms can do in the industry, Hickey stated that everyone involved in problem gambling is “on a steep learning curve”. 

He explained: “I feel that all of us, treatment providers and industry alike are on a steep learning curve about how we interact and engage and treat those that need support. It’s paramount that we work collaboratively to provide the right assistance at the right time in the right place. 

“There is a real opportunity to share experience, data and innovation so that the customer experience for problem gamblers is consistent across all operators and treatment providers. The major concern for us as a treatment provider is when someone affected by harm makes the courageous decision to reach out for help and come forward, but then disappears. 

“This is common at this vulnerable time with some not reaching out again for a long period of time if not at all. We cannot let that happen anymore. We must work collaboratively as an industry to break down these barriers, reduce stigma and find a way of helping those people when they first come forward.” 

One way that Gordon Moody has continued to break down barriers and provide a place for people to feel comfortable coming forward is via its clinics. Recently, the charity opened a hub in the city of Manchester, a development Hickey stated that the firm was “immensely proud” of, whilst stressing that demand for bed space has increased since the pandemic.

He added: “Gordon Moody provides a unique treatment offer through residential and retreat programmes where our service users can break the cycle of addiction in a safe supported environment. 

“Our 14-week residential programme designed for those severely affected by gambling harm provides unrivalled outcomes with many who access the service going on to enjoy a sustained recovery free from gambling. Our unique women’s residential service has been created to meet the needs of women severely impacted by gambling harm, many of whom need to escape an environment which is further impacting on their issues. 

“Whilst for many the opportunity to spend time being able to focus on themselves in a residential setting is fundamental to their treatment for some it is not possible, so our retreat and counselling programmes have been designed to offer a hybrid of short stay retreats and online therapy which have helped hundreds of people on the road to recovery.”

With demand for bed space rising, Hickey noted that gambling addiction is “serious” with many accessing Gordon Moody’s treatment as a “last chance to try and beat the addiction”. 

He concluded: “The vast majority of our service users have previously accessed some form of treatment for their gambling but have relapsed, felt it was not for them or have not received the required level of support. Gordon Moody was set up in 1971 for that very reason. 

“The Reverend Gordon Moody brought gamblers anonymous groups to the UK in the 1960s and became an honorary member. After sitting in on the groups he realised that for many the issues caused by gambling were so severe that they had led to the loss of work, the breakup of families and for some the loss of their home. This led to Gordon Moody opening Gordon House in 1971 as a hostel for single men left homeless by gambling. 

“Whilst the treatment programme has changed over the 50 years and our services have expanded to meet the needs of women as well as men, the ethos of Gordon Moody is very much the same and our vision is to be the UK’s benchmark for successfully treating people with the most severe gambling addictions.”

The post Gordon Moody: white paper delay causing ‘great deal of uncertainty’  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In the lead interview for Issue 22 of the SBC Leaders Magazine, Biloruska walks us through her career thus far and the work that Parimatch Tech, and its CSR arm Parimatch Foundation, have been doing to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. 

She also discusses the constant evolution taking place at Parimatch Tech – from land-based to online, and then from gambling to technology.

Over in our sports betting section, we hear from BoyleSports’ Lee Otter as he champions retail betting and the ‘community feel’ of a local betting shop. 

Gordon Moody’s CEO Rob Mabbett discusses the growing demand for problem gambling treatment across the UK and why the delay to the white paper review is causing a ‘great deal of uncertainty’ for the industry.

As SBC prepares to head to Barcelona in a fortnight’s time, Jdigital’s General Manager Jorge Hinojosa talks all things Spain as he details the impact that the implementation of advertising restrictions last year has had on the country’s licensed online gambling operators. 

Heading up our North American section is David Highhill, Vice President and General Manager of Sports Betting at the NFL, who took time out of his new job to speak to us about the league’s perspective on the potential future direction of its relationship with sports betting. 

Joining him in this edition of SBC Leaders is IGT PlaySports’ Joe Asher and Tony DiTommaso who also look forward to this year’s NFL season, sharing the reasons why they believe the league is a “true juggernaut” for betting engagement across the US.

In Latin America, we take a look at the potential for growth in the Peruvian market and the challenges that the tax regime may pose for local operators. We also ask what lessons Europe can learn from Latin America in our panel preview ahead of SBC Summit Barcelona.

Diversity and inclusion is a big focus for LottoLand’s Sophie Wood as she reflects on her career and the intrinsic values that have led to her becoming a lottery leader. She shares that whilst the industry still has a long way to go before it can truly be considered diverse and inclusive, considerable progress is being made.

Issue 22 also takes a look at some of the innovations taking place in the lottery industry and the improvements being made to elevate the overall user experience. 

Throwing it back to the classics, Jo Purvis at Blueprint Gaming looks at the reinvention of classic slot themes and the allure of familiarity for players. Swintt’s new CEO David Mann pinpoints mobile games as a key growth area for the gaming industry.

And for Shelly Suter-Hadad, former CEO of Casumo, the tides are changing as she discusses the most pressing leadership challenges that companies are facing in 2022 – and more importantly, the ways to address these obstacles.

These are just some of the leading figures featured in Issue 22 of SBC Leaders Magazine. You can read the full edition HERE.

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