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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With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent manoeuvres.

Kaizen Gaming

The recently re-branded Kaizen Gaming has added to its core management team by welcoming Ioannis Koutrakos as group marketing director, succeeding Chris Tzalavras who is now head of commercial for the Stoiximan brand.

Forming part of the company’s strategic approach to achieving local and international expansion, Koutrakos will be charged with heading-up marketing and communication projects that involve both Stoiximan and Betano brands across all markets.

Panos Constantopoulos, CMO Kaizen Gaming, stated: “We are really excited to welcome Ioannis to Kaizen Gaming family and looking forward to see his wealth of experience incorporated in this key leadership position. I am sure he will thrive in pursuing the company’s great dynamics and values, while developing new, innovative ideas.

“Along with Ioannis, we hope to further enhance our brands’ image across markets. His knowledge and experience in the sector of technology, being in top-tier positions and undertaking big projects, offers great value to our company.”

Paysafe

Payments platform Paysafe has announced the appointment of Jeffry Beene to the position of senior vice president of merchant risk.

Reporting to chief risk officer Richard Swales, and bringing in excess of 25 years leadership experience in risk and payments, primarily in the US market, Beene is to gain overall responsibility for leading Paysafe’s merchant risk function.

In addition to overseeing all merchant risk management globally, Beene will be responsible for monitoring risk across ISO partners, independent software vendor partners, and distributors.

Swales said: “We’re delighted to further strengthen our team with a leader of Jeffry’s caliber and experience. We’re confident that Jeffry, a pioneer in the U.S. payments risk management space, will ensure risk and compliance play an instrumental part in helping Paysafe fulfill its vision of becoming the global leader in specialized payments.”

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment has appointed Kevin Lowry as assistant general manager of the operator’s flagship Mohegan Sun Connecticut property.

Working alongside Jeffrey Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun, and the leadership team on all major initiatives, Lowry will be responsible for finance, gaming, cashiering, tenant and retail operations at the facility.

“We are pleased to introduce Kevin Lowry as the new Assistant General Manager of our flagship property,” said Mario Kontomerkos, CEO of MGE. “Kevin has been a member of the Mohegan family for more than 20 years and served Mohegan Sun Connecticut faithfully since we opened our doors in 1996.

“We are confident Kevin will guide Mohegan Sun, one of the largest integrated entertainment resorts in North America, on a path of continued growth and success.”

Maxima Compliance

Full-service compliance provider Maxima Compliance has lauded “another major hire,” with María Romero de Alba joining the company as senior business development manager.

Romero de Alba joins Maxima Compliance’s commercial team from BMM Testlabs, and will work across the firm’s client base and Complitech product.

Antonio Zanghi, founder and managing director of Maxima Compliance, commented: “Maxima Compliance continues to expand its team aggressively to consolidate our position as the industry’s leading compliance specialists.

“María perfectly fits the bill and we are confident that her commercial expertise will help take us to the next level.”

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As a result of the deal, the Kaizen Gaming brand will benefit from exposure during the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League for the next three seasons.

Aris Dimarakis, Deputy CEO of Kaizen Gaming, said: “During UEFA EURO 2024, we formed an impeccable partnership with UEFA, elevating the experience of millions of fans across the globe who enjoyed the excitement of watching one of the world’s most prestigious sports events. Building on that success, we are joining forces again to support the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League. 

“As Kaizen Gaming continues to grow, delivering one-of-a-kind entertainment through responsible gaming, this partnership with one of the world’s most respected sports organisations is a testament to our progress and our team’s continued hard work.”  

The deal builds on the successful sponsorship programme that made Betano the first-ever betting partner of UEFA EURO 2024. 

As part of that partnership, the Kaizen Foundation and the UEFA Foundation for Children joined forces in support of the 10,000 Smiles project that in total meant 10,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds attended 40 matches across ten stadiums during UEFA EURO 2024.

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Marketing Director, added: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Kaizen Gaming and its Betano brand for the next three seasons of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League. After witnessing the impressive scale at which they activated their UEFA EURO 2024 sponsorship with us this summer, we eagerly anticipate how Betano will capture the passion of European club football to deliver even more excitement for the fans.”

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Underlining just how much attention and excitement the market has garnered from operators, a total of 113 registered in a bid to operate in the region. 

The 113 applicants are looking to operate under the framework, which after much back and forth has all but been cemented and will include igaming as a key component. 

According to SIGAP’s website Kaizen Gaming, which has considerably bolstered its marketing presence in South America in recent months, is one of the key players pursuing licensing in the space. 

A myriad of key players from the sector also make up the rest of the submissions, including the likes of Betfair, Stake and Meridian Gaming. 

As a result of being part of the 113 initially registered companies, they will get priority in terms of the reviewing of their registration. That being said, Plínio Lemos Jorge, President of the ANJL, revealed his belief that there will be an increasing number of companies that apply for a licence until the end of the year.  

“We are certain that next year we will have a completely different market. Honest, responsible and regulated, where bettors will be able to be sure that they are playing on a serious and safe platform,” Lemos Jorge said. 

The current submissions are expected to be approved or rejected by mid-November, with the wider regulated market set to launch on 1 January, 2025.

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Using a money wheel game show format and filmed out of the provider’s Romanian live studio, Pig Champions sees three pig characters compete with each other to access enhanced multiplier prizes in three newly-created bonus rounds. 

“We are delighted to partner with one of the leading sports betting & gaming operators in the world to launch its bespoke live game show, Pig Champions, to its extensive player base,” said Kevin Kilminster, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Playtech Live.

“After being selected by Kaizen Gaming as the leading developer of bespoke live content, collaborating on Pig Champions has enabled the team to showcase their passion and experience by exploring new innovative ways of bringing live casino games to life that offer a fresh, safe gaming experience for players.

“Our partnership with Kaizen Gaming continues to evolve and we look forward to our next collaboration in bringing further exciting games to market.”

The game has been produced using Unreal engine technology, said to offer “unique gameplay built from the ground up using advanced real-time animation”. Kaizen Gaming will distribute the title across its network of online casino brands, including Betano and Stoixman. 

Christos Mavridis, Head of Live Casino of Kaizen Gaming, added: “Our content offering is some of the most exciting on the market and working with an established partner like Playtech will assist in enhancing our current portfolio even more.

“Pig Champions stands as evidence of Playtech’s expertise and extensive experience, elevating our live casino offering and emphasising our commitment to creating top-quality innovative game experiences for our players.”

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Under a three-month exclusive partnership, Stakelogic’s live casino and slot titles will be made available to players on the Betano platform in the country. Meanwhile, Stakelogic Live’s live casino offering will be featured on Stoiximan.

Christos Mavridis, Head of Live Casino at Kaizen Gaming, commented: “This is a major content deal for us, adding some of the hottest slot titles and live casino games in the market to our premium Stoiximan and Betano platforms. I believe Stakelogic’s titles will prove to be a big hit with our players.”

Kaizen Gaming’s players can now play Stakelogic classic slots such as Super Bonus Wild, Runner 8 Runner, Bonus Runner, Super 6 Timer and Mega Runner, as well as video slots including Rooster Mobs, Wild Wild Bass 3, The Secret of Machu Picchu, Spinata Pinata and Wild Hogs.

In addition, Stakelogic Live will provide Stoiximan and Betano players with live dealer roulette, blackjack and gameshow titles.

Some Stakelogic titles will also include the Super Stake feature, which allows players to “double their bet to increase the chance of a bonus triggering and crazy win combinations landing”.

Neil Tanti, Senior Sales Manager at Stakelogic, noted: “Kaizen Gaming is a GameTech powerhouse running two of the most successful brands in the world. It’s great to see our classic slots and video slots land in the game lobbies of Stoiximan and Betano, and for players to finally get to see why our titles top the charts in markets across the world.

“Our Live titles provide the authentic, interactive gameplay that players are seeking, wrapped up in a sleek, stylish, VIP experience like no other. We are thrilled to have integrated our premium live titles with Kaizen Gaming’s super popular brands in a three-month exclusive deal.”

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Betano has been the host of the game, which features the Brazilian football icon and is set to kick off a series of football themed games for the supplier. 

It feeds into a theme for Betano, having also backed the key tournaments this Summer as the key sponsor of the EUROs and the Copa.

Speaking to SlotBeats, Frederik Niehusen, Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games, revealed: “Players and operators can look forward to a diverse offering within the Ronaldinho Series, featuring various game types that are not only entertaining but also distinctly different from one another. 

“Each game in the series will showcase unique graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics, ensuring there’s something fresh and exciting for every player. We’re committed to expanding the Ronaldinho series with high-quality, engaging games that continue to celebrate Ronaldinho’s legendary career and appeal to a global audience of gaming enthusiasts.”

In terms of tapping into licence opportunities and various branding partnerships, he added: “As we look ahead, we see tremendous value in continuing to create branded content with the right partners, which we believe is very beneficial for our company’s growth. We are actively collaborating with other brands and personalities to develop and launch unique games that resonate with our audience.”

Players can now immerse themselves in this exceptional product, boasting thrilling graphics, exciting mechanics, and generous bonuses, experiencing the magic of Ronaldinho’s legacy with every spin.

Antonio Lamagna, Head of RNG at Kaizen Gaming, also spoke glowingly about the impact of the game, adding they are ‘beyond excited to be among the first operators to offer this fantastic product to our players’. 

He continued: “The collaboration between Booming Games and Ronaldinho Gaúcho has brought exceptional gaming experience, and we are thrilled to offer it through our platform. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our players with top-notch entertainment and further solidifies our position as a leading operator in the industry. We can’t wait for our players to dive into Ronaldinho Spins and experience the excitement firsthand.”

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In a revealing interview, he details the importance of football, technology and branding to one of the betting and gaming industry’s most ambitious expansion plans.

“Our vision is called 26-26. Operating in 26 countries by 2026,” he explains. 

“For us, organic growth is the name of the game in the foreseeable future. We will be pretty busy getting to the 26 mark in the next two years. 

“LatAm is a key region for us, Europe too. Then we launched in Africa & North America, so we will see what’s coming out of there. We are testing, trying new things, learning.” 

The Betano logo is a familiar sight to football supporters as it features on the shirts of numerous clubs, and fans can expect to see more of it this summer. Having made history by becoming a partner of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the brand is a sponsor of both Euro 24 and the Copa América 2024. 

Describing the background to those partnerships, Hernando identifies operating in regulated markets as the key to being taken seriously by football’s governing bodies. 

“That means that when you go to talk to internationally prestigious institutions, you are well-researched, you are well-accepted, you are understood,” he says. “And when they are looking for partners to do ground-breaking deals, they don’t want the skeletons in the closet. In this case, we have been going through extended due diligence with these companies. 

“You need to ensure that you are getting a deal that works for you, works for them, and reassure them that you are marching towards the same direction, that you are the right partner to build the future of the sport with. This is also a reassurance that we’re doing things the right way. Because when you go to FIFA, UEFA and CONMEBOL, you don’t just tell your story, but you show them what you’ve done.”

Elsewhere in the magazine, SBC Leaders readers will hear from Stake.com’s CMO Akhil Sarin about the crypto-first operator’s F1 team, from Betfred’s Head of Digital Compliance Norma Campbell about the bookmaker’s Positive Play campaign, and from Jackpocket Founder Peter Sullivan about the deal that saw his company acquired by DraftKings.

There is also a real focus on the world of igaming, ahead of this week’s CasinoBeats Summit conference in Malta. In addition to interviews with Casumo COO Tim De Borle, Livespins COO Michael Pedersen and a feature examining the impact of AI on operators’ human resources team, there is an in-depth look at the cannibalization debate that is currently taking centre stage in the US.

For all this and much, much more, you can read Issue 31 of SBC Leaders here or pick up a copy at CasinoBeats Summit, which takes place at the InterContinental Hotel in Malta on 21-23 May. 

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The sponsorship looks to elevate the firm’s recent expansion into the UK market, building on the Kaizen Gaming  operator brand’s recent links with UEFA EURO 2024 and CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.

Chris Heck, President of Business Operations, Aston Villa said: “We are delighted to welcome Betano as Aston Villa’s new principal partner. Their dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction and responsible gaming aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear as a club. 

“Aston Villa and Betano share a commitment to excellence, and we look forward to achieving great success together on and off the pitch. This collaboration marks an exciting chapter for both our organisations.”

As a result, the Betano logo will be showcased on the front of Aston Villa shirts from the 2024-25 season.

Kaizen Gaming’s Co-Founder and CEO, George Daskalakis added on the deal: “Aston Villa fans have a lot to be proud of in the Club’s long and illustrious 150 year history. Their passion matched on the pitch by incredible players and management taking the Club on the road to glory makes The Villans one of the most formidable teams in world football today. 

“Aston Villa’s sensational on-field success in the Premier League along with their return to European football matches Betano’s own growth and continuing accomplishments.”

Betano’s sponsorship will complement Aston Villa’s positive community impact, as the brand has continuously contributed to the local societies where it is present via joint Corporate Responsibility initiatives, tailored to each market to promote inclusion, improve healthcare and raise awareness on important social issues.

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Fuelling the expansion, the firm has agreed a plethora of sponsorship deals in recent months as the group elevates exposure and brand awareness ahead of the new market entry, having been announced as an Official Sponsor of both UEFA Euro 2024 and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024. 

Brent Almeida, CCO of BVGroup, commented on the expansion: “Kaizen Gaming, with its flagship Betano brand, has cemented its status in recent years as a leading operator in the online gaming industry, evidenced by its partnerships with the world’s largest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and now the UEFA Euro 2024 and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024. 

“We are honoured to partner with Kaizen Gaming in bringing its Betano brand to the UK market, where we are confident that our technology and operating capabilities will give sports fans the safe and entertaining gaming experience that they expect from such a well-respected brand.” 

The launch will see the firm combine its global brand presence with BVGroup’s tech as it places a key focus on inroads into the UK market. 

Furthermore, the operator also laid out that its customers will be able to engage with a range of features, including In-Play Betting, Enhanced Accas, Bet Boosts and a highly responsive Bet Builder product with progressive pricing.

Julio Iglesias Hernando, CCO of Kaizen Gaming, added: “At Betano we are currently operating in multiple markets across Europe, Africa and the Americas, and we have engaged with customers with our top-notch proprietary platform offering a thrilling online betting experience. 

“It is a challenge to enter one of the largest regulated online gaming markets in the world, and to ensure a successful entry, you need excellent partners. A bit like competing in the Premier League. Finding the right partner has been a top priority for us, and this is exactly what we did with the well-established and reputable BVGroup. We are confident that our partnership in the UK will be a success. 

“As it has always been the case for us at Kaizen Gaming and Betano, responsible gaming will be at the heart of all our initiatives along with our commitment to support the local sports community’s growth, and our partners share our vision.”

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