Can bonusing be improved? And is there still room for innovation? iGB sat down with Amusnet to hear what’s new with the gaming juggernaut’s new bonus platform, and why the provider is so bullish on its capabilities.

Speaking candidly, Emily Haruko, CEO and founder of Saroca, tells iGB MIW the gaming sector can learn from diversity improvements being made across the tech industry.

“We’ve seen incredible strides and we’re certainly moving in the right direction,” says Haruko. “I just personally don’t think we’re moving fast enough.

“When we look at other industries or organisations putting diversity at the forefront of what they’re doing, we know they are accelerating their influence in the markets they stand in, and I really would like to see that for our industry.”

Digging into what that effort looks like, Haruka highlights organisations investing in initiatives that support their underrepresented communities.

“A cybersecurity client we work with has been deploying a leadership development training that started for underpresented communities which have now evolved into high potentials,” Haruko says.

Nominations for iGB’s MIW will remain open until 31 October and can be made here. You can view more judges’ and previous winners’ invterviews here.

With the ambiguity around how many prefectures will actually apply – especially considering the twists seen in Yokohama – other prefectures may make a late bid to snap up a licence. Or only two of three could be awarded.

Toru Mihara, chair of the National Council on Gaming Legislation, Ayako Nakayama, director at the Japan IR Association and Brendan Bussmann, discuss the remaining challenges for the development of the IR industry and make predictions on what the market will look like once the process is complete.

It shows how the calibre of work being carried out in the sector and the focus on diversity has increased significantly. Bates joins iGB’s Most Influential Women judging panel for the second year in a row.

“I sit on numerous panels,” Bates notes. “And I can tell you the calibre, the diversity and the quantity of nominations have increased exponentially. Which is exceptional and extremely exciting.”

Bates has helped grow the leading Global Gaming Women group to a multinational, multi-faceted entity which supports career growth and hosts a huge number of events for women within the sector.

She is also vice president of sales for slots supplier giant Light and Wonder and is based out of Las Vegas.

Casting back on Global Gaming Women’s developmental stages, she says the group came to the fore at a time when the sector really needed it. “When I looked around there wasn’t a lot of females. So we [were] really trying to create that opportunity for connection and community.”

Bates urges those with any interest in submitting to iGB’s Most Influential Women campaign to “just do it” and to encourage peers to make their own submissions.

Look out for additional interviews throughout the Most Influential Women campaign, to support the call for submissions.

Nominations are now open and can be made here. The survey will close on 31 October and winners will be announced in late November.

This year Reed joins the MIW campaign as a judge and is campaigning for more recognition for the less visible women influencing the sector. “The most deserving winners for this type of award are those who are helping to inspire confidence in other women,” she tells iGB managing editor EMEA, Nicole Macedo.

“That’s a super power that women have, that collaboration and I want to see everyone around them do well.

“I think it’s important to show love for women who are doing that at every stage of their career,” Reed adds.

Looking back on her experience in being part of the campaign in 2023, Reed says the win inspired her to join the Global Gaming Women group and put herself forward as a mentor to younger members.

“It’s been incredible to not think that I could do anything at all, to now have the confidence in myself to mentor somebody. To help see the next generation being developed, and hopefully giving them many more inspiring women they can look up to,” Reed says.

Look out for additional interviews throughout the Most Influential Women campaign, to support the call for submissions.

Nominations are now open and can be made here. The survey will close on 31 October, and winners will be announced in late November. Previous judges’ and winners’ invterviews can be viewed here.

Watch the video above to hear from Arnaud Mandret, manager of Kasino Vannes (in French). Full translated transcript below:

Interview transcript:

Arnaud Mandret, General Manager, Kasino Vannes

“Hello, my name is Arnaud Mandret. I have been managing Kasino Vannes since it was established in 2015 by Kasino Bretagne group. In my career, I have managed four gaming establishments, and I’ve been running casinos in France for over 20 years.

“The game Money Mansion has this slightly cartoonish side, which reminds us a bit of our childhood. And in terms of gameplay, there are several free games, a fairly elaborate design, which makes this machine attractive to players, also because of its payout rate, since, for example, the major jackpot tends to drop almost every day.

“There are several customers who come specifically since we installed these machines, because they find the payout suits them, they enjoy the fun aspect and the game’s design is quite fascinating.

“The graphics on these machines are quite impressive, because there’s a whole mechanism based on the story of the Three Little Pigs. It has a playful aspect and the visuals are very well done.

“The appearance of the wolf blowing on the houses. It’s something that catches the eye and has a very entertaining side for the player.

“So, if I had to describe the gaming experience on this machine in just one word, I think the most appropriate term would really be ‘playful’, because this machine is playful in every aspect and in how it works.”

Watch the video above to hear from Jean-Marc Laperrousaz, slot manager, Circus Casino Resort Namur (in French). Full translated transcript below:

“Hi! I am the slot department director at Casino Resort Namur.

“In my day-to-day role, I manage daily operations, floor optimisation, game selection, performance analysis and fidelity programmes at the casino.

“I have over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry across Europe.

“Lion Link is truly a successful game for us.

“What makes it so attractive is its bonus games, which feature a very strong Hold & Spin mechanic.

“It also stands out for its design and immersive themes, offering players a rich visual and sound experience.

“Indeed, we’re seeing today that players are truly seeking a more immersive and interactive experience.

“Graphics and sound effects certainly contribute to that engagement, but we’re also introducing new game mechanics – such as multi-level jackpots, triple bonuses and real or virtual persistence features – that add real depth to the gameplay and significantly increase player engagement. That’s what players are looking for.

“Lion Link truly reflects current market trends. It features an immersive theme and design, along with dynamic gameplay mechanics.

“Lion Link is an exciting game. It delivers adrenaline and excitement in every session, offering a consistently thrilling experience.

“If I had to describe Lion Link in one word, I would say: captivating.”

Visit the Light&Wonder website for more information.

Speaking to Ella Williamson at iGB L!VE in London, Tomic also touches on critical cybersecurity blind spots, global market expansion beyond the US and the future of sweepstakes casinos.

Watch the video above for the full conversation.

In a conversation with iGB’s Emma Williamson at iGB L!VE 2025 in London, Oren Cohen Shwartz, CEO of solutions provider Delasport, chats about solutions in relation to the ‘sameness’ problem.

Shwartz also provides a peak into where his business priorities lie this year – including where, and why, the supplier is focusing its licensing efforts.

Watch the video above to see the full interview.

Speaking to iGB’s Ella Williamson at iGB L!VE 2025 in London, Amnon Liebermann, head of distribution channels at Elantil, explains how the company is achieving that goal through its bespoke platform tech.

Liebermann also touches on what we can expect from 2025 and beyond, both from a company and industry perspective.

Watch the video above to see the interview.

In conversation with Ella Williamson at iGB L!VE in London, Greentube‘s CPO and CRO Michael Bauer opens up on these milestone partnerships and further plans to expand in the UK.

Bauer also discusses the popular land-based arcade game Piggy Prizes, why Italy is Greentube’s number one market and their recent launches in US states Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Watch the video above to see the interview.

The iGP platform has been around for 10 years but is being updated to keep up with the evolving technology and market demands of the fast-paced iGaming industry.

In an interview with Ella Williamson at iGB L!VE in London, CEO Jovana Popovic Canaki explains how the speed and scalability of the new platform will meet the needs of the current generation of iGaming players who demand instant results.

She also touches upon why the focus until now has been more on their aggregator service; discusses fiat and cryptocurrencies and iGP’s land-based casino offering.

Watch the video above to see the interview.

Speaking to Ella Williamson at iGB L!VE in London, Giorgio discusses how Hub88 aim to centralise on-boarding, KPI tracking and data management into one single back-office system.

This can reduce the clutter caused by emails, paperwork and admin for companies that want to move fast and make their mark in the all-action gambling industry.

Watch the video above to see the interview.

Speaking to Ella Williamson at iGB L!VE in London, Karaoulis emphasises the importance of building trust, reliability and good customer support for long-term partnerships in the gambling industry.

He also explains the benefit of Lynon’s Telegram casino offering; discusses why emerging markets are so exciting for new companies; and fills us in on their ultimate pack offering which allows operators to keep the source code after five years.

Watch the video above to see the interview.

In conversation with Ella Williamson at iGB L!VE in London, Ghazaryan explains what GR8 Tech’s Heavyweight Club concept is all about – namely, committing to helping clients grow.

He discusses the company’s experience in transforming clients into market leaders by ensuring they have the tools they need and also covers how unfair agreements can be avoided.

Watch the video above to see the interview.

iGaming platform provider iGP is shaking up the aggregation space with its next-generation solution, iGaming Deck. Speaking to iGB, Michael Baker-Mosley, CMO at iGP, explains how their platform is disrupting the legacy aggregator model by layering advanced promotional tools and reporting features directly on top of its game content delivery infrastructure.

Although traditional aggregators offer convenience through single API access to thousands of games, they often fall short on promotion support and data transparency. Baker-Mosley argues that operators going direct to studios typically gain access to exclusive campaigns and better player engagement – advantages most aggregators can’t offer.

He explains why iGaming Deck’s mix of speed, flexibility, and innovation is what sets iGP apart in a crowded space – and why they say they’re “crashing” the old model.

Having concluded a lengthy vertical integration process across its business, EveryMatrix group CEO Ebbe Groes says the company’s approach to absorbing new businesses changed.

The company acquired UK-based betting and iGaming platform FSB in an all-cash deal last July and then Fantasma Games later in the year. Groes discussed those and other issues for EveryMatrix in an interview with iGB at the supplier’s new London office.

“We got technology in the FSB deal that was for sure superior to ours, but we chose not to retain it, as integrating this into the Matrix software universe was going to be an easy solution in the short term, but in the long term it would give us more headaches,” Groes tells iGB.

Instead, EveryMatrix sought to rebuild FSB’s technology within the business, in a project heavily influenced by the original FSB team.

“You will find ways where the match is actually not perfect,” Groes nods. “And you realise synergies you thought were there and you maybe lose your way a little bit. When we are done [with the integration], we will keep absolutely nothing [of the technology], only the insights and learnings and the accumulated wisdom behind that [original] technology.”

EveryMatrix sees itself among the roster of tier one suppliers, and recent Q1 group revenue growth of 39% supports that position. This growth trajectory is also reflected in its operational growth, as the company increased its staff headcount by 36% in the quarter, to 1,311.

How much of a threat is operator insourcing?

When asked about the threat of operator insourcing and whether the supplier pool is shrinking to only favour incumbents, Groes says the issue is being “massively blown out of proportion”.

Competing suppliers, like Kambi, have lamented the loss of key sportsbook clients due to insourcing tech. But the provider is now focused on diversifying its client base and making a splash in emerging markets to rebuild declining revenue.

Groes says this challenge exists primarily in the North American market and it therefore does not threaten diversified suppliers.

“We’ve built a company basically with European revenues only. There are lots and lots of opportunities. Local heroes need to step up and our job is to be there for them, whether that’s in Europe, LatAm, Asia, Africa.”

The key, Groes insists, is enabling clients to maintain some control over the front end of their third-party platform. Diversifying their product suite has also helped, of course.

In the first edition of iGB and WagerWire’s Reverse Pitch, Alea founder Alex Tomic sat down with WagerWire CEO Zach Doctor, Flows chief executive James King and Lou Stadler, CEO of 506Tek.

With the power in the startups’ hands, Tomic take on questions about how he has built his business. 

Finding the right talent can be a struggle, he says, especially with the stigma around gambling. Tomic believes this can attract employees potentially more interested in financial gain than pursuing a passion.

“It’s a small industry and we don’t attract the best talents. We don’t attract the best talents because there’s a stigma with gambling,” Tomic says.

“So, a lot of talents don’t want to work in our industry. So, who’s going to come and work in our industry? People that are looking for money, people that are not really interested by the project.” 

The ability to delegate will help CEOs to empower their team, says Tomic, who moved to a non-executive role at Alea in February 2024, with chief operating officer Jordi Sendra assuming his role as CEO.

Tomic points to this as a factor in Alea’s success, although he concedes it was a struggle at first, saying: “When you start, you have a framework in your mind where you used to work alone. You aggregate people around yourself but you still continue working alone with the team around you so they are an extension of you. It took me a good 10 to 15 years to let it go.”

Tomic’s approach to people and talent extends into his investment ethos too, as he says when a potential investment opportunity comes along he is more focused on the talent behind the project than the concept itself.

And now she’s taking on the startups in the Reverse Pitch, powered by iGB and WagerWire. This unique format takes aim at the tried and tired pitch competition by putting the power in the hands of the disruptors. 

In Paris Smith, the panel of SavageTech CEO Tom Lemke, MFC Game CEO Michael Lee and WagerWire CXO Travis Geiger have a formidable industry icon to interrogate. 

Since leaving Pinnacle Smith now serves as an angel investor, as well as a co-founder of startup launchpad Defy the Odds. In December 2024 Smith even became a backer of WagerWire in its latest funding round.

But from her vantage point, what does she think of the gambling startup space? 

For Smith, humility, hunger, smarts and passion are critical qualities in successful founders. She advocates for realistic expectations and collaboration among startups. Prominent challenges, she says, are determining a startup’s valuation and securing funding at a pre-seed stage.

Speaking on the ethics of the gambling sector, Smith notes: “I’ve always been able to go to bed knowing that I’ve done what I believe is right and I think that that’s kind of the balance. But gaming is an industry, it’s a business. 

“You know, we’re not running to people’s houses and putting a gun to their head and telling them they have to gamble. It’s an entertainment industry.” 

Flows, the industry’s no-code automation platform, was founded by its CEO James King in 2021. 

The system aims to support development and workflow automation with simplified controls and building structures. It also lets operators create gamification elements on their platforms, such as missions and tournaments without coding skills.  

Speaking to host Katie Goldfinch, Flows CEO emphasises the importance of been able to adapt and listen to others’ input. 

“All our markets are sort of going in the right way,” King tells iGB@ICE host Katie Goldfinch at ICE 2025. “We’re gaining clients versus losing them. Revenues are going up. The product roadmap, really exciting, sort of new releases, and we’re releasing them on time as we go as well.”  

Pelc started BeyondPlay in 2021 after securing funding from angel investors and venture capitalists. Last year, the jackpot product and multiplayer games start-up was acquired by Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel.

Speaking to host Katie Goldfinch, the founder of BeyondPlay details the challenges of launching a product, obtaining a UK licence, while at the same time continuing to raise funds.

“We launched one of the biggest jackpots in the industry on day one and it went pretty smooth sailing. Customers were happy, end users were happy. And I think it was a big realisation for us that this is going to work,” Pelc tells iGB@ICE host Goldfinch at ICE Barcelona 2025.

But it’s important to challenge the status quo when it comes to sportsbooks, Krazahn warns, especially in emerging markets that have unique needs. The CBDO explains how GR8 Tech is updating its product offering to include a complementary affiliate platform which can cut marketing spend and cost.

Many businesses put shareholders first, customers second and employees third, says Dr Loz. But there is a strong business case, if nothing else, for putting employees first. Ensuring employees are satisfied and happy creates alignment between employer and employee, making it an effective strategy for ensuring staff are working towards business goals – while also boosting engagement and retention.

In this discussion with Katie Goldfinch, Loz and Tomic explore the employee benefits and workplace cultures they’ve cultivated in their offices, from free communal meals to workplace saunas to hyperbolic chambers.

Asked about remote employees, the pair reflect on how remote workers can affect outcomes and company culture. They also break the mould by arguing against the conventional mantra of framing companies as a ‘family’, instead arguing a framing of the business as a ‘tribe’ leads to a more meritocratic environment that is both more genuine and more cohesive.

“During 2023 there was $5.1 trillion wagered on illegal sites. Let’s put that into context, that’s the size of the world’s third-largest economy, just after the US and China,” Vali tells host Katie Goldfinch.  

Currently a main driver of the black market is illegal sports and film streams, says Vali, and unlicensed operators are fighting each other to gain a sponsorship spot on top sports streams like boxing and UFC matches.  

“The problem with illegal gambling though is it’s the tip of the spear of crime,” Vali warns. “They are going to bring in more crime.”  

It’s important to call the black market what it is, Vali insists – they are crooks. He is also quick to warn the sector it should be monitoring all the channels that are pushing illegal gambling sites, from peer-to-peer chats online, influencer ads and social media.  

In part two of his sit-down with iGB@ICE, Vali acknowledges the heavy pressure placed on regulators to solve the illegal gambling epidemic. But, he says, the black market is a problem for everyone. 

One salient point made by the Yield Sec founder is that suppliers may be unknowingly contributing to the black market through third parties utilising their software and proxy servers.  

This is a topic the UK Gambling Commission has flagged a lot recently as it clamps down on stakeholders that are contributing to illegal sites.  

Therefore, it’s a root problem, says Ismail, and that’s how we all must look at it.  

Speaking to Katie Goldfinch in the iGB@ICE studio Breinig explains for operators launching in newly-regulated territories or switching from grey to white jurisdictions, there are naturally a lot of unknowns. The service providers such as EveryMatrix should be guiding their clients with the operational insights that help maintain their competitive edge, she says.  

This lack of support is especially prevalent in emerging regions such as Latin America and Africa. It’s why EveryMatrix aims to tailor its range of services to individual clients, making sure they are fully informed of potential pitfalls and local market quirks.  

Experience the EveryMatrix Effect

Through the EveryMatrix Effect, a monthly podcast series run in partnership with iGaming Business, Breinig is taking a front line role in tackling these challenges. “Hopefully by us doing this podcast we continue to educate the market,” she says. “Whether they choose to work with us or not, I think it’s a good campaign to put out there. Maybe it will inspire others to be more data-driven in their approach.” 

Supporting new games with an ecosystem of marketing tools such as free spins, player journeys and widgets means players enjoy the gameplay regardless of whether they win or not, Rotem tells iGB@ICE host Katie Goldfinch. Rolling this out to customers across the US and Canada has significantly enhanced IGT’s content performance, he adds. 

IGT has also been something of a pioneer in rolling out bespoke titles exclusively for operator partners he continues. “We are happy that we have a very good brand, very strong mechanics and successful skins that we can provide,” Rotem says. “I always say there’s a big difference between each operator for their marketing, their CRM, how they position, which players they attract and how they cross sell.  

“Our games offer pretty much everything to every operator. We have soft games, we have hardcore games, we have big jackpots and we have a different answer to every operator need.” 

How omnichannel aids IGT’s digital growth

But what makes an icasino title successful in 2025? For Rotem it’s simple: while there’s no magic formula, studios need to create games that players like. IGT analyses information about what is popular currently, working closely with its land-based development team to identify hits, future hits and mechanics that could perform well online.  

That parallel land-based business is one of IGT PlayDigital’s biggest assets, Rotem continues. “If the player is familiar with the content, they’ve seen it before, they will come again,” he explains. “When we look at our portfolio because it’s so heavily omnichannel, when we compare ourselves to other competitors, we see we do those games better.  

“Players are familiar with the games, so they want to play it online. That’s a big advantage.” 

Rotem joined the iGB@ICE studio with IGT poised for a new era through its combination with Everi under Apollo Global’s ownership. That deal is in the closing phase, but he sees a lot of synergies between the two businesses.  

“My team is really excited to start the work. Everyone is eager to continue to work, to increase our dominance in the US and Canada, and also to take the new company into new jurisdictions.” 

The market becoming more difficult to navigate in recent years, but both Akad and Goodman see plenty of opportunity in the US today, especially after the initial gold rush of companies fighting for market share dies down.

“There’s a graveyard of people who have tried and failed”

Goodman tells iGB@ICE host Katie Goldfinch: “At Golden Matrix we decided we didn’t want to operate in the initial stages in America because[…] there’s a graveyard of people who have tried and failed [in the market].”

He also touches on the US sweepstakes business, noting it is seeing decent returns from this vertical. Golden Matrix is also preparing to receive its New Jersey supplier licence soon, he adds. “We’d rather supply them than compete with them,” Goodman said of those operating in the Garden State.

Playtech’s Akad: Be realistic about the scale of the US challenge

Meanwhile, Playtech’s Akad also highlights the challenges of navigating the US market.

“When you go into the US market you have to be absolutely serious about what you want and you need to understand, because of the sheer size of it, and the different distribution of the states, you come into the US with a long-term strategy,” he notes.

Cryptocurrency, he says, solves one of the main struggles faced by operators: having to rely on payment networks and banks.  

“One of the biggest challenges I always found as an operator back at FanDuel was payments, being reliant on Visa and Mastercard and being worried that provider might just disappear,” says Eccles.  

But with crypto-powered BetHog, he says, that reliance vanishes. “Those that own crypto tend to be more aligned with betting,” he explains. “They are younger, they skew male, they are risk seeking. There’s $4 trillion in crypto assets just sitting there and there’s nothing to do with it so I think that’s really exciting.” 

The problem with being a pioneer

Eccles is a master of jumping into a sector or venture during its embryonic stages, but there is a fair amount of risk attached to that he tells Tomic.  

“Being the very first is hard because investors are like ‘we’ve never seen anything like this before’ and they hate investing in new things.” 

When it comes to crypto betting and gaming, Eccles says BetHog is in no way a pioneer. He cites Stake as one operator that has “made enormous strides in this sector”.  

On product, Eccles talks up the company’s in-house games and the titles that are unique to them. He also digs into UX and UI and tackling prominent issues faced by players.

Early adoption comes to fruition

“The devil is in the details,” Tomic says on tackling UX/UI niggles. “The issues experienced are very broad.” Tomic also shares his experiences on being a first mover in virtual reality gaming via Alea’s first-ever virtual casino established in 2015.  

“We’re in 2025, 10 years later and we have to wait years for app stores to accept the gambling industry. So 2030 should be the year we have gambling apps available for VR.”  

Part of that strategy includes growing its presence in Latin America, including Peru. “We came into [the LatAm market] 15 years ago so we have really good experience there. We have an organisation in place on location and I expect it will be a busy time ahead.”  

Betsson takes on Brazil

Betsson gained a provisional licence in Brazil upon the market’s launch on 1 January. Lindwall expects Brazil to be a hugely competitive market in the short-term as new entrants fight for market share and flash their marketing fire powers. “It’s going to be a challenging and interesting [time],” he tells Katie Goldfinch in the iGB@ICE studio.  

Bridging the gap between operators and regulators in Europe

On Europe, Lindwall is critical of tightening regulations in various key markets, like Germany and the Netherlands.  

“There shouldn’t be a cliff between regulators and operators,” he laments. “We strive for the same end goal, which is to have a regulated market and to protect players. The fact that we feel distant from regulators [right now] is unlucky and the whole industry wants to move closer to them,” he notes.  

Consumers are playing for shorter periods and average stakes are going down, Chiang explains, but Eeze is optimising its product suite for this casual customer. Essentially it’s less about winning and more about having fun.  

Eeze’s slots were on display for the first time at ICE 2025, with 22 games released. It is a diverse portfolio, Chiang says, with some simple, others slightly more complex, as it looks to refine its slot formula. This he says is a process of experimentation, ultimately, supported by feedback from clients.  

Its live dealer offering is also unique, in that it is all created using greenscreen technology, which doesn’t just change the backdrop. Clients can even change table layouts and overlay promotions and additional features on-screen.  

But where is Eeze looking as it rolls out its offering? Brazil is a major focus, Chiang says, but there is also a gap in Southeast Asia as a potential area of further expansion.  

FiNTEL Sustain aims to offer a more rounded picture of company performance, factoring in ESG and DEI, but not in isolation. Essentially it aims to offer a bellwether that ultimately gives investors a more in-depth view of its prospects.

And with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) coming into effect in the European Union, this will become mandatory for the biggest gaming operators.

Shouting about gaming’s sustainability successes

As Myers says, there’s a lot the gaming industry is doing well and it’s arguably leading on some compliance elements – FiNTEL Sustain actually portrays this effectively. “We’re helping the industry weaponise sustainability reporting to its advantage,” Montgomery adds. “There are a lot of good things being done by companies. We’ve come up with a way to demonstrate that to the market and reap the benefits.”

After all, sustainability is embedded in everything the gaming industry does, Myers adds. What it has long needed is a way to effectively communicate these efforts to the investment community.

Speaking to Katie Goldfinch in the iGB@ICE studio, Sparke says transformational developments such as the wave of gaming expansion in the US may totally reshape the market. However that doesn’t mean every business seeking to take advantage wins, as the dominance of a small number of market leaders across the US shows.

There are interesting markets emerging further afield. Sparke sees opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa and the wider Latin America region. As a large single market, Brazil may even provide enough room for multiple licensees to thrive, provided they localise effectively.

And what of AI? To Sparke, AI is being hyped across multiple verticals, but there is plenty of scope for it to become intrinsic to how the industry operates. Chatbots drove the first phase of AI growth, he says, but the second phase of real-time odds and fraud detection incorporates it deeper into the systems.

Phase three will be where AI-driven personalisation really takes hold and serves players with bespoke odds, Sparke adds.

Speaking in the iGB@ICE studio, he reflects on the first six months of his tenure, including launching for clients in Brazil on 1 January, when the market opened.

Going forward he aims to change the perception of Kambi from a turnkey specialist to a premium sportsbook solutions provider. This increases the supplier’s addressable market, Becher explains

Flexibility is key to the renewed and refreshed Kambi, Becher says. And he admits that Kambi was perhaps too reliant on a small number of partners previously. By offering solutions that allow the sportsbook technology provider to tap into a wider range of clients, there is scope to add far more customers.

Kambi remains a premium proposition

However it remains a premium sports betting product, meaning it’s not looking to add hundreds of customers in the coming years, rather regulated and high quality partners. “We focus on the top 150 to 200 companies, who are either one of the leading companies today, or want to become one of the leading companies.”

And after Kambi was the first to accept a bet in New Jersey, it was the first to launch in Brazil with Rei do Pitaco, Stake and BetMGM. “But we should be careful about expecting too much too quickly from Brazil,” Becher warns. It’s going to be highly competitive and customers will have to adjust to more onerous KYC processes.

But it’s a first step in the regulated Latin American region, he continues. There’s growing momentum behind regulation across multiple markets and those that localise their offering will ultimately win he says.

Drawing inspiration from the examples of DFS-turned-sports betting giants DraftKings and FanDuel in the US, Rei do Pitaco has built a tech-driven product tailored to Brazilian users.

With a strong user base migrated from fantasy sports, Rei do Pitaco is aiming to utilise its DFS origins to deliver an entertaining Brazilian sports betting experience.

“Back when we started the company in 2019, there was no daily fantasy for cash prizes as there were in the US,” Augusto explains to host Katie Goldfinch.

“We followed the playbook of DraftKings and FanDuel. “We’re going to acquire a lot of customers that play fantasy sports for cash prizes and now we’re in the regulated market with a big user base of customers that like sports.”

While acknowledging competition from international operators, Perez emphasises the value of local expertise. Hogan and Perez also discuss the challenges posed by taxation in Peru, including the introduction of a consumption tax.

Reflecting on Apuesta Total’s growth and Cirsa’s acquisition of a 70% stake in the company in July 2024, Perez outlines how partnerships and shared expertise are boosting the operator’s hopes of continuing to lead the Peru gambling market. “We know the people, we know the politicians, we are pretty confident we will continue to be the market leader,” Perez tells Hogan.

“Of course, they [international operators] have new technology that maybe we don’t have, but that’s going to be good for us. It will make us better for our customers.”

Leading Betsul since 2023, Garita has tackled the challenge of understanding Brazil’s diverse regional cultures while preparing for regulation.

Having been handed a provisional betting licence on 1 January, Garita believes Betsul’s Brazilian roots could give the company an edge over international competitors, even with their sizeable marketing budgets.

“The biggest advantage we have is we are locals and we are everywhere. Technically, Betsul is a company [that’s] 99.9% Brazilian,” Garita tells host Katie Goldfinch. “The customer will feel at home with us.

“The first six months will be a huge war or competition of marketing. The big guys will be putting everything on the table trying to chase new customers.”

In conversation with Brendan Bussmann, managing partner of B Global advisors, Sachs said the team was looking to implement an “esports component” to any deal the team pursues in the future.

“We have a visionary owner in John Sherman with the Royals who saw that a sports stadium can unlock value for the ownership group but can also engage fans and bring them down to an engaging and exciting venue more often than they typically do in a place like Kansas City,” Sachs said of the innovation under way within the team.

Sachs also digs into the challenges faced by sports entities in partnering with the gaming sector, due to the built-in moral-based opposition against gambling.

Alfa Entertainment was one of just 14 companies to receive a full licence ahead of Brazil’s legal market launch on 1 January. Given its early mover advantage, Silva expects Alfa Entertainment to gain a competitive edge over others.

He also highlights increased operational costs due to regulations, which have squeezed local operators.

“I think the number [of licences given] sends a message. If it was easy we would have 200 operators on the same list because Brazil is definitely a very attractive market,” Silva tells host Katie Goldfinch.

“Considering all the struggles the other operators are going through because of all the requirements, I think we are in a better position right now.”

More iGB@ICE Studio fireside chats, showcases and interviews can be accessed on the iGB YouTube channel. The ICE studio showcased industry thought leaders, giving them a space to discuss how they are navigating various nuances and challenges within their specific roles and sub-sectors.

However Rootz does have an ace up its sleeve, with a proprietary technology stack, and it is committed to increasing regulated revenue. However as more and more markets ratchet up controls on the industry, this goal is increasingly difficult to achieve.

“Some regulation is very geared towards the big guys and are not friendly towards tier two and below,” Brown explains.

“It’s about choosing the right market and working in a handful of markets where your EBIT can be positive,” he told PlayAGS’ Ebling.

More iGB@ICE Studio fireside chats, showcases and interviews can be accessed on the iGB Youtube. The ICE studio showcased industry thought leaders, giving them a space to discuss how they are navigating various nuances and challenges within their specific roles and sub-sectors.

In an exclusive interview hosted at the iGB@ICE studio, Entain CEO Isaacs shares his experiences in the industry and discusses the importance of empowering staff and holding them accountable.

Sitting down with Moti Malul, CEO of Aristocrat Interactive, Isaacs compares his long career in B2B with his most recent experiences at the helm of Entain.

Breaking down the behemoth business Entain operates, Isaacs says he views the business by platform, rather than market. “The bulk of the business is on the old Bwin platform and my biggest challenge at the moment is to get that platform modernised,” Isaacs explains.

“That platform drives the UK, Brazil, a lot of the European countries and BetMGM in the US. We’re in the process of giving the markets their own flexibility.”

More iGB@ICE Studio videos can be viewed on iGB’s Youtube channel.

This collaboration aims to go beyond the business challenges to provide members with some tailored training for igaming leaders at the show. Hosted in the iGB Executive lounge, it will be led by iGaming Leader founder Leo Judkins, a certified coach with 12 years’ industry experience. 

It will focus on improving executives’ wellbeing and productivity and ultimately aims to help members reclaim up to ten hours a week from unproductive tasks. Members will also walk away with a 30-day implementation plan for sustained progress. 

And this is just the start of the partnership. Going forward iGB Executive and iGaming Leader will run quarterly digital sessions and an in-person event at iGB L!VE in London this summer, tackling topics such as time management, leadership and handling industry-specific pressures. 

Watch on to find out what’s in store, and why executive development is changing to blend personal growth with business strategies. 

For the gambling sector, embracing ESG has been crucial to protect its reputation as an activity that faces significant scrutiny from regulators, media and consumers alike. 

Who’s behind FiNTEL Sustain?

FiNTEL Sustain was established by former Genting executive and founder of the Praxis consultancy Steven Myers and Robert Montgomery. Montgomery is the investor and entrepreneur behind First Maximilian Associates in 2023.

It started by setting out its thesis in a white paper published in June 2023, urging the sector to consider a superior approach to ESG. It also sought to prepare gambling companies for incoming international regulations around sustainability. FiNTEL Sustain’s aim from inception has been to aid the sector in remedying its “significant ESG compliance and reputational issues”.

“Our position is that consistency and transparency vary greatly between different companies and something needs to be done to address it,” says Myers to iGB. “The gaming industry is remarkably inconsistent in its reporting despite many companies having really good initiatives and building from a strong compliance background.

“But there’s a reluctance to share basic data, so that’s where we started the journey to having a consistent approach to rating companies and having no reliance on traditional information formats.” 

Industry-first sustainability rankings

Myers and Montgomery have combined their vast knowledge of the sector and their in-house model to establish an industry-first ranking for those championing ESG in the sector. The list has been in development throughout this year and seeks to rate and rank 20 of gaming’s largest public companies in Europe and the US, using the framework outlined in the white paper.

The top 10 companies ranked will be revealed over the course of the week, kicking off with an insight into how FiNTEL Sustain has modelled its list and views ESG within the gambling sector.

By partnering with Playtech, AMC has been able to bring fans an entirely new opportunity to enjoy the Walking Dead universe.

Branded slots is not a new concept by any means, but this partnership brings a hugely well-known brand in The Walking Dead, to the online slots audience.

iGB content director Robin Harrison sits down with Clayton Neuman, VP and head of games and franchise for AMC and Playtech’s head of strategic partnerships and entertainment for the US, Aaron Berndston, to discuss the role of branding content in today’s gaming landscape.

“The international brands like the Walking Dead have a different kind of value,” Berndston says. “The real build in recognition and loyal following can be crucial for attracting new players and retaining frequent players.”

But when it comes down to development, deep rooted collaboration is required to really portray the right themes and feelings to players.

“It really began with a recognition that each of us were bringing our strengths to the table and we wanted to create something unique for the genre and for the brands,” Neuman adds.

iGB content director Robin Harrison digs into the deal with Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer and MGM Resorts’ SVP and head of interactive Christian Stuart.

This makes good on MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle’s pledge to bring the land-based giant into the digital realm, Stuart explains. After “scouring the earth” for a partner capable of creating a seamless offering it ultimately selected Playtech on the strength of its technology.

MGM Live: “This is truly unique”

Weizer explains current dual play products usually offer a shot of the table only, but Playtech is going a step further with MGM Live.

Playtech aims to incorporate the venue into an immersive experience from the user at home including gaming floor shots from a network of cameras throughout the casino.

“This is truly unique,” Weizer says. “It hasn’t been done before.

“We are extremely excited about the prospect of delivering this entertainment directly from the casino floor to customers worldwide,” he adds.

And it’s only the first phase of the partnership. There are plans to roll out new Playtech games, branded TV shows and celebrity-hosted trivia contests.

“What happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas in this case,” Stuart adds.

Known as igaming’s affiliate management powerhouse, this all-in-one solution helps affiliates to track, analyse and manage their data and programmes all in one place.

Lucas offers valuable insights into the shifting regulatory environment over the past six months, shedding light on the emerging opportunities as regulations evolve. With a keen eye on market dynamics, he elaborates on the new prospects unfolding in both Spain and Latin America, presenting a compelling narrative of growth and adaptation in response to regulatory changes.

Furthermore, we explore ALEA’s expectations for the future, as it navigates the complexities of these diverse markets. Lucas shares the company’s vision for establishing a strong foothold, emphasising innovation, integrity and a commitment to responsible gaming practices as integral components of ALEA’s strategy moving forward.

Join us as we embark on a journey through the evolving landscape of online gaming, guided by the insights and aspirations of Lucas Lebleu and the ALEA team.