Founded in 1996 and overseen by an independent scientific advisory board comprising leading addiction specialists, the ICRG is a funding source for gambling disorder research and education, with nearly 500 articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The centre has recently asked for applicants to participate in research focused on the impact of gambling on under-served groups in the US or Canada, which Playtech is funding to help produce high-quality research in a critical area. 

“We are immensely grateful for Playtech’s donation, which marks a significant step towards improving our understanding of gambling-related health issues among indigenous communities in the US and Canada,” noted Arthur Paikowsky, ICRG President.

“This contribution will greatly enhance the effectiveness of responsible gambling measures and Playtech’s commitment to this cause is commendable and will undoubtedly make a substantial impact in the field of gambling research.”

The ICRG and Playtech stated that the research will also help researchers, policymakers, regulators and the industry “better understand how best to strengthen and enhance player protection amongst the groups in scope for the study”.

Jonathan Doubilet, VP of US Business Operations at Playtech, added: “Playtech is committed to creating a safer gambling environment and is a strong supporter of research that helps reduce gambling-related harm and enhance player protection measures.

“We are delighted to be able to support the ICRG’s research that will help advance player protection for vulnerable groups in the US and Canada.”

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7777 Gaming

7777 Gaming has appointed Mitko Mitev as CEO.

Bringing a wealth of gaming industry knowledge and experience, Mitev has held positions across various companies including with one of the US’ largest poker networks, NetEnt in Malta and with Evolution Gaming for over 14 years.

“I am enthusiastic to join 7777 Gaming and have faith in the product and the path the company is headed in,” commented Mitev.

“I am looking forward to taking the business to new levels and markets with the strong product foundations that have been established.”

Flutter Entertainment

John Bryant has been confirmed by Flutter Entertainment as its new Chairman.

Replacing current Chair Gary McGann, the former Executive Chairman, CEO, CFO and COO of the Kellogg Company will assume the role of Chair Designate before taking on full Chair responsibilities on 1 September.

“I am very excited to succeed Gary as Chair of Flutter,” Bryant remarked. “I look forward to working with Peter and the management team to grow the business and to take advantage of the many exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”

Outgoing Chair McGann said: “We are delighted to announce John’s appointment as Chair. John has had a stellar career in Kellogg Company, one of the most internationally renowned companies in the world. 

“He brings with him an enormous wealth of leadership experience in strategic, financial, and operational matters. It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this very special Company and I wish John every success as he joins the Board at this pivotal point in Flutter’s evolution. I will use my remaining period as Chair to ensure a seamless transition to John.”

Odds On Compliance

Eric Weiss has been named President of North America for Odds On Compliance.

Joining Odds On Compliance in 2021 as VP of Technical Compliance and Audi, Weiss will be in charge of the company’s North American compliance services business, including overseeing the Audit, Technical Compliance, Regulatory Operations and Licensing teams.

CEO Eric Frank commented: “We are thrilled to appoint Eric Weiss as President in North America. 

“His deep understanding of the gaming industry, combined with his proven leadership skills, make him the ideal candidate to continue the strong growth of our North American services operations. I am confident that under his leadership, we will continue to drive growth and innovation in the North American market.”

Weiss has previously worked for the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement as Chief of Staff and as Deputy Executive Director of Technical Services/Slot Laboratory, playing a key role in helping to bring igaming to New Jersey.

Weiss noted: “I am excited to begin this new role, and work with the talented team here to deliver world-class technology and consulting solutions to clients in North America. This is a dynamic and rapidly-evolving industry, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to help our clients stay ahead of the curve.”

Sportradar

Sportradar has named Gerard Griffin as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective May 9. 

Griffin will be replacing Uli Harmuth in the position and will be responsible for the company’s accounting, finance and investor relations operations.

“I am pleased to welcome Gerard to the Sportradar executive management team,” noted Carsten Koerl, CEO and Founder of Sportradar.

“As a highly accomplished CFO with relevant experience across several sectors, we are confident that he will bring discipline and strategic focus as we continue to drive growth and profitability around the world. Gerard will be a strong addition to the management team as we deliver results and continue to position Sportradar as the leading sports technology business globally.

“I also would like to thank Uli Harmuth for stepping in as interim CFO. His partnership and dedication in this role have been tremendously appreciated. I am pleased that Uli will continue to serve as our Chief Strategy Officer and be an integral part of our executive management team.”

Previously working as a CFO for Zynga, Griffin brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in financial and operational management within the gaming, media and technology sectors to the role.

Griffin added: “I am very happy to be joining Sportradar which has established itself as the leader in the sports technology industry. The team’s excellent track record of innovation and growth well positions the company to capitalise on the exciting opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with Carsten and the rest of the Sportradar team to deliver exceptional value for clients, partners, and shareholders.”

ICRG

The International Center for Responsible Gambling has appointed Nicole Scott as a Director of Tribal Nations Relations and Communications.

Scott will develop and maintain relationships with tribal communities and organisations in her new role, overseeing all ICRG communications and outreach efforts.

Art Paikowsky, President of ICRG, stated: “We are excited to welcome Nicole to our team. Her extensive experience in tribal relations and communications makes her a perfect fit for our organisation.

“We are confident that she will be an asset in advancing our mission of funding research to mitigate potential harms to players and promoting responsible gambling practices.”

Scott was previously a consultant to tribal governments and casinos before joining the ICRG.

Commenting on her new role, Scott said: “The organisation has a strong commitment to responsible gambling practices. I look forward to working with tribal communities and organisations to promote these practices.”

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This, said the casino and entertainment group, will support the organisation’s research and education on responsible gambling and the impact advertising has on problem gambling.

“We are pleased to accept this historic contribution from BetMGM,” said Arthur Paikowsky, President of the ICRG. 

“Findings from this evidence-based research study will allow us to better identify potential risks and guide best-practices for the gaming industry. 

“We commend BetMGM for partnering with us to better inform the public, operators, regulators, legislators, and the media.”

MGM stresses that “responsible gambling education remains a key focus” as the pair of aforementioned organisations aim to heighten the US market share online casino and sports betting asset.

Richard Taylor, Senior Manager of Responsible Gaming, added: “Investment into research around responsible gaming is key to our continued education and commitment to providing best-in-class experiences and programs, as well as to ensuring a sustainable industry. 

“This groundbreaking research will not only provide valuable learnings to BetMGM but will also serve as a guide for the industry and key stakeholders.”

Earlier this month, MGM remained bullish on the digital possibilities that lie ahead for the group on a global scale, as retail optimism in Las Vegas is countered by Macau-based struggles through the first quarter.

In a far reaching earnings call, Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM, covered an “exceptionally hot” Las Vegas market, LeoVegas and wider digital prospects and the progression of ongoing developments, as well as hinting that the company could be dipping its toes back into the M&A well in the future.

Regarding integrated resort development opportunities that lie ahead, Hornbuckle updated that MGM is “developing a compelling proposal” in its pursuit of one of three licences for a downstate New York casino.

“If you factor in the licensing fee and the initial expansion, we’re looking at about a $2bn to $2.2bn investment,” he said, ahead of the expected green-light for successful applicants being issued next year.

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The donation will help support multiple years of scientific research on gambling among young adults and the effectiveness of responsible gambling tools, with the ICRG offering portions of the donation as grants to scientists within the gambling field. 

“With this grant, Bally’s Corporation has taken a giant stride toward understanding the health risks of young adult gamblers and improving the effectiveness of existing responsible gambling tools” stated ICRG President Arthur Paikowsky. 

“The ICRG salutes Bally’s Corporation for making such a huge impact on the field of gambling studies.” 

Scientists from all over the world will be invited to apply for a grant supported by this donation, with a rigorous selection process ensuring the non-profit organisation will fund “only the highest quality research”.

Robeson Reeves, President of Interactive at Bally’s, commented: “We take seriously our responsibility to educate the public, including young adult gamblers, and our employees about responsible gaming, Bally’s is committed to this work, 

“We look forward to working with ICRG on cutting-edge scientific research on gambling among young adults and the usage and effectiveness of responsible gambling tools.”

As mobile sportsbooks and online casinos continue to expand around the world, the ICRG is focused on collaborating with key global operators, such as Bally’s, to fund detailed scientific research aimed to support and protect vulnerable citizens.

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The grant comes as MGM continues its efforts in promoting Problem Gambling Awareness Month throughout March, which has also been achieved through its responsible gaming program, GameSense. 

“Gaming operators share an obligation to maintain high standards that contribute to the well-being of our industry,” commented Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts CEO & President.

“We believe the ICRG’s research will complement our commitment to GameSense, guide the advancement of responsible gaming, and help us improve the ways we engage with our guests to promote healthy play. 

“As sports betting and igaming become more widely accessible, it’s important that we strengthen our commitment to providing a safe experience for everyone, whether they’re playing at one of our casino resorts or through one of our apps.”

The ICRG, established in 1996, says that the donation will help fund several programs designed to educate treatment providers, responsible gambling professionals, regulators and public policy makers about gambling disorder and responsible gambling.

“As one of our original donors, MGM Resorts International has literally helped create the field of study on gambling addiction and responsible gambling,” said ICRG President Arthur Paikowsky. “We are deeply grateful for their continuing support of efforts to effectively prevent and treat gambling disorder.”

As mobile sports betting and igaming continue to expand rapidly across the country, the ICRG is focused on collaborating with key operators, such as MGM, to bring a focused approach to research and education aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.

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As a result, the ICRG is able to proceed with a competitive request for applications from researchers around the world who are interested in pursuing research on problem gambling. 

The fund specifically focuses on responsible gaming in sports betting, with the goal of developing peer-reviewed, scientifically based research that contributes meaningfully to the understanding and application of responsible gaming in the industry.

The ICRG created the fund, which is accepting applications by researchers with a view to launching later in the year, to advance innovation and best practices for responsible sports betting

“The cornerstone of our commitment to customers is providing an enjoyable sports betting and gaming experience, and we recognize that we have a responsibility to ensure that customers are playing safely,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings’ co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board of directors. 

“We are pleased to support the critical mission of the International Center for Responsible Gaming and fund important research that will drive responsible gaming innovation and customer safety forward for the entire industry.”

Researchers from top-tier academic institutions may compete for funding to discover new insights concerning public health and sports betting, with applications opening this summer and concluding in September 2021. Grant applications will be peer-reviewed prior to the ICRG independent scientific advisory board selecting the final recipient.

The selected recipient will be announced in September 2021 and receive funds for a three-year project ending in 2024, with the potential for their research to be published earlier in the three-year period. The research fund is open to US-based or international public, private, or non-profit organisations. 

“We are incredibly honoured to have DraftKings’ financial support, which was instrumental in satisfying our funding needs for the fund to support research on sports wagering,” added Dr Russell Sanna, ICRG executive director.

“With the expansion of sports betting across the United States, public health research will be critical in better understanding problem gaming, and we are deeply appreciative of the support from DraftKings to fund research that is cutting-edge and can be utilised across the industry and by consumers.”

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