The largest casino-entertainment company in the United States and operator with one of the most diversified casino-entertainment providers in the world, Caesars Entertainment, announced the completion of the acquisition of WynnBET’s iGaming business in Michigan. The move represents a major expansion of the company in an important online gambling market.

Besides acquiring WynnBET’s iGaming operations, Caesars also closed a long-term extension of an iGaming market access deal with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Upon announcing the completion of the acquisition, the company said that existing WynnBET brand users won’t experience any interruptions. Assuming the ownership of the WynnBET iGaming business in the state, Caesars said that it plans to keep the existing platform’s name, at least for the moment.

Eric Hession, Caesars Digital’s President, acknowledged the importance of the latest announcement. He thanked the gambling regulator in the state, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, as well as the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, for their efforts that ultimately resulted in the closing of this landmark acquisition.

“Caesars Entertainment would like to thank the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their collaboration through this process.“

Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital

Transitioning from WynnBET to a New Brand Expected Later This Year

Although initially, Caesars will retain the existing platform by using the WynnBET brand in Michigan, the company hinted at the possibility of introducing a new online casino brand. Once this is completed, the company said it will proceed with the transitioning of the existing WynnBET customers to the new iGaming brand.

Still, Caesars confirmed that such a move remains subject to the relevant regulatory approvals. The company disclosed that it expects to complete the aforementioned processes at some point during the second half of this year.

Still, a solid date or an exact name for the new iGaming brand in Michigan was not disclosed.

Recently, Caesars’ shareholders rejected a proposal to study the benefits of going smoke-free. The announcement came despite the growing opposition from anti-smoke organizations who have repeatedly raised concerns about the negative impact of smoking on casino patrons and employees.

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Leading iGaming technology company that provides solutions, products, and services to iGaming operators, Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), has appointed Ryan Collinge as the new senior vice president of business development for Platform and Sportsbook.

The news comes in the context of the company’s ongoing efforts to improve its commercial expertise and expand the reach of its fresh and revolutionary X-Suite Platform CoreX, Sportsbook SportX, and Artificial Intelligence-led features DataX and LogicX. 

The state-of-the-art technology leverages the latest in AI and data-based solutions while aiming to provide safe end-to-end features focused on users that are prone to maximize growth opportunities for operators.

Flawless Reputation as a Senior Figure 

Blueprint Gaming and Gauselmann Group’s ex-director has built a flawless reputation in the industry, becoming an easily recognizable senior figure over the course of over two decades of experience. 

GiG anticipates customer relations expert Collinge will transfer his wealth of commercial success onto them, after spending the past seven years playing a critical role in delivering contracts valued at millions of Euro for Blueprint Gaming and the Gauselmann group online and in the retail world.

Collinge significantly grew his reputation after he helped initiate an MBO of Playnation with Palatine PE prior to exiting the investment to Austria-based strategic buyer Novomatic nine years ago, in 2015. 

From his new position of senior vice president of business development for Platform and Sportsbook, Collinge is expected to assist GiG’s highly ambitious strategic commercial initiatives, as highlighted by chief business officer Andrew Cochrane. 

Using a smart combination of excellent products, the highest levels of service in the industry, and the brightest and best talent in the industry, GiG plans to strengthen its leading position while extending its worldwide footprint and fostering sustained growth. 

GiG will attend the much-anticipated ICE London 2024 held between February 6-8 where it will showcase its complete X-Suite product range on Stand N9-140 at ExCel London.

Commenting on his appointment, Collinge described the opportunity to join GiG as “too exciting” to pass up, in the context of the giant growth potential of the business. 

He also expressed his excitement regarding the new X-Suite of products and GiG’s plans for the future, adding they will join ICE and walk into the new year “full of ambition and anticipation for what we can achieve together.”

“Another Fantastic Addition” to the Senior Team 

Chief executive officer for Platform and Sportsbook at GiG, Richard Carter, spoke about the excellent hires that they have made over the past few months, calling Collinge “another fantastic addition” to their senior team. 

Carter added the new SVP’s appointment “will further help propel GiG forward to significantly scale revenue and acquire accomplished new partners.”

The CEO also praised Collinge’s exquisite reputation and solid background in the iGaming world while expressing certainty regarding the way his “high-level knowledge of the industry and strategic approach” will prove to be invaluable assets to the company during the fast growth period. 

At the same time, the chief business officer for Platform and Sportsbook at GiG, Andrew Cochrane, described Collinge’s arrival as one that will provide “a fantastic boost” to their efforts to develop the business in the context of the important escalation in interest across all verticals since the successful launch of the X-Suite. 

Cochrane also acknowledged Collinge’s expertise and proven track record at attracting commercial successes which he called “undeniably impressive,” explaining his appointment will reaffirm their capacity to attract some of the best talents in the industry.

In December, GiG completed a deal with KaFe Rocks as part of its plans to conquer the casino affiliate sector.

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Star Entertainment Group has six more months to regain its license in New South Wales, lest it risk closing. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the NSW regulator is not content with Star’s ability to do business without supervision.

Star’s business has been having regulatory trouble for some time now. Its casino license was suspended by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) last year after a probe that uncovered multiple AML and CTF failings.

An independent manager has been appointed to oversee Star’s Sydney property ever since, ensuring that the company implements its remediation plan. However, the NICC does not believe that Star has yet reached a point where its license suspension can be lifted since it does not trust the company to run its casino without supervision.

The NICC spokesperson confirmed that The Star should prove its capability to run its business independently within six months or risk losing its license for real.

This comes just after the NSW and Queensland regulators agreed to extend the terms of the independent managers appointed to oversee Star’s business in two states. Back then, Star also pointed out that this would be the final extension of the manager’s term.

NICC Says Manager Weeks Has Been the Main Driver of Remediation

The NICC was very unhappy at the fact that much of Star’s remediation measures had been spearheaded by independent manager Nicholas Weeks, instead of driven by the casino company’s own decisions.

In addition, the regulator has doubts that the NSW remediation plan would be enough to reinstate Star Entertainment’s license. The NICC also expressed its concerns that the operator’s profit-driven culture might return once the independent manager concludes his term, considering that a significant portion of the senior executive team has remained the same.

However, a Star Sydney spokesperson argued that the company is firmly committed to implementing the remediation plan with the “utmost rigor and discipline.” The Star team said that it is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with manager Weeks for so long and is glad that his term was extended three times.

In any case, Star will be fighting an uphill battle if it is to retain its license. The company must make sure that its business is in order and show initiative when implementing remediation measures.

In other news, Star recently renegotiated its duty rates in NSW.

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Great Britain has parted ways with its oldest casino. The old property, unfortunately, had to close its doors, citing lack of custom as the reason.

At almost two centuries old, the Crockfords casino boasted being the oldest one in the country. Originally founded in 1828 by William Crockford, a working-class fishmonger, the casino was, for over a century, a popular venue among rich people and tourists. Situated in the Mayfair area in London, the property used to welcome hosts of affluent tourists, making its founder rich.

The Crockfords casino, which has operated for 195 years now, will sadly be unable to celebrate its 200th birthday because of declining interest. Many of the high rollers, on which the casino depended, have been won over by its foreign competitors, leading to lower revenues.

The decline of affluent consumers is attributable to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union and the repeal of VAT-free shopping for tourists. Instead, many high rollers now prefer Paris and Milan, experts believe.

The Lack of High Rollers Forced the Casino to Close

In an interview with Daily Mail, Paul Willcock, president of Genting Casinos UK which owns the property, described the closure as the “end of an era.” Willcock pointed out that Crockfords casino has become unsustainable because of a variety of factors.

There is a combination of factors that have put high-end London casinos at a competitive disadvantage to other global marketplaces and this has led to an unsustainable future for Crockfords in Mayfair.

Paul Willcock, president, Genting Casinos UK

Crockfords isn’t the only high-end gambling property to shut its doors in recent years. Its closure was preceded by the shutdown of The Ritz and The Clermont, whose future also became unsustainable because of the lack of affluent visitors.

Some people have suggested that the lack of high rollers is caused by some of the local regulations, which force visitors to prove the source of their funds. Many consider this measure intrusive and believe that it is a put-off for rich casino goers.

Whatever the case, the closure of the Crockfords casino will lead to redundancies, forcing Genting to part ways with approximately 100 employees.

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Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading business intelligence solutions provider, has reinforced its team with the appointment of the experienced Alicia Hawkins as its new gaming business intelligence manager.

Hawkins boasts 14 years in the gaming industry and will bring a wealth of experience to the team. She excels in driving business improvement through data-driven strategies and will be a valuable asset to the QCI team.

Hawkins’ career started in tribal gaming where she specialized in slot operations analysis, contributing to revenue growth and enhanced customer experiences. Following that, she joined Boyd Corporate as a database management and data quality control officer. In that position, she helped the company make informed decisions based on reliable data.

Prior to joining QCI, Hawkins served Everi Holdings, further cultivating her gaming industry expertise. She worked together with a number of gaming partners, supplying them with data-driven solutions.

Boasting a Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Hawkins also boasts an impressive skill set that encompasses database management, slot operations analysis and data quality assurance. In addition, QCI’s new hire has impressive abilities in vendor relations and problem-solving.

CEO Thomas Welcomed Hawkins on Board

Hawkins commented on her new position, saying that she feels privileged to be able to join QCI’s team as its gaming business intelligence manager.

QCI beautifully bridges technology with business operations, and as customers gain a passion for data-driven decision making and leverage data for business optimization, I have the privilege of embarking on this journey with them.

Alicia Hawkins, gaming business intelligence manager, QCI

She was welcomed on board by Ralph Thomas, QCI’s chief executive officer. The CEO said that his team is looking forward to seeing the impact the new appointee will have on the company. According to him, she will play an important role in the rollout of new product offerings.

Alicia will ensure data integrity and will lead in educating users on effective software utilization. Her hands-on experience will serve as the foundation for the guidance she provides, enabling our clients to make well-informed, data-driven decisions.

Ralph Thomas, CEO, QCI

Thomas concluded that QCI is certain that Hawkins will be a valuable addition to the team. Her appointment highlights the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions, the CEO said.

Two months ago, QCI unveiled a partnership agreement with DigitalWin. Earlier this year, the company expanded in Australia with Gaming Dynamics.

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Leading provider of player account management (PAM) platform services for sportsbook and iGaming operators, Soft2Bet, has appointed Martin Collins as its Chief Business Development Officer. Collins brings a wealth of experience in the iGaming sector and will drive Soft2Bet’s growth and expansion in the global B2B betting and gaming markets, helping the company stand out amidst harsh competition.

Collins Is a Perfect Fit for This Demanding Position

Soft2Bet, headquartered in Santa Venera, Malta, has a strong presence in European regulated markets and aims to grow its footprint in the B2B segment of the global betting and gaming industry. The company has achieved considerable momentum, finalizing several high-profile partnerships to strengthen its position in its most profitable jurisdictions.

The appointment of Martin Collins as Chief Business Development Officer underscores Soft2Bet’s commitment to achieving its growth plans. The new C-level addition has an impressive track record in the iGaming industry, making him an ideal candidate for this leadership role. Collins was excited to begin, noting that the company was in the perfect position to capitalize on its success.

I believe Soft2bet can be a unique and flexible offering to many major operators in the market, consistently working with their customers to help them achieve their goals.

Martin Collins, Soft2bet Chief Business Development Officer

Collins previously worked as Director of Sales and Business Development at Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), another Malta-based betting and gaming solution provider. His two decades of relevant experience have fostered a passion and drive to help organizations flourish. Collins’ strategic skills should be invaluable for Soft2bet as he helps the company identify new business opportunities and pursue further growth.

The Company Will Use His Talents to Pursue New Heights

Soft2bet bolsters its leadership team during a pivotal moment as it recently obtained operating licenses for several high-profile European markets like Greece and Romania. Expanding into these new jurisdictions provides the leading supplier with unparalleled opportunities to bring value to operators, accelerating their growth. Soft2bet’s continued investments in its software and technology should allow it to find traction in these markets.

Collins’ appointment will also be instrumental in developing existing markets like Italy. Soft2bet recently secured a stable foothold in the region, giving it direct access to its thriving gambling industry. Soft2Bet CEO Uri Poliavich was enthusiastic about the new appointment, hoping the new CBDO would help the company maintain its impressive momentum.

We’re happy to welcome Martin to Soft2Bet and are looking forward to his vast experience and deep knowledge of our sector getting us to the next level!

Uri Poliavich, Soft2Bet CEO

By onboarding Martin Collins as Chief Business Development Officer, Soft2Bet positions itself for continued growth and success in the international B2B betting and gaming markets. The company’s customer-centric approach and unrelenting focus on innovation allow it to consistently iterate and improve its offering, paving the way for new strategic partnerships and enduring growth.

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Three and a half years ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic impacted nearly all industries across the globe. The entertainment, hospitality and gambling sectors weren’t spared, and tribal and commercial casinos across the US endured temporary restrictions, including closures. Despite the huge impact of the pandemic on the gaming and hospitality sector, visitation is gradually returning to normal in gaming and entertainment hubs such as Las Vegas.

With the increase in traveling and removal of restrictions over the last two years, Las Vegas has started its recovery as companies seek to surpass financial figures recorded before the pandemic. Judging by a recent report, the global business travel industry is on the right track. Considering an increase in business travel is observed, it is safe to say that Las Vegas operators may also be able to start seeing benefits soon.

The recent report, published by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in partnership with Visa, was titled “2023 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook – Annual Global Report and Forecast,” and reveals important trends and predictions regarding the global business travel industry. Undoubtedly, this report is relevant for entertainment and gambling operators in Las Vegas, and on the Strip in particular, that offer business amenities such as convention and exhibition spaces.

Rebound of Business Travel Is Faster than Expected

According to the recent report, the global business travel industry has rebounded faster than anticipated. “The global business travel industry has rebounded at a more accelerated rate than expected just a year ago and is now expected to surpass its pre-pandemic spending level of $1.4 trillion in 2024 − and grow to nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027,” explains the new report.

Last year, global business travel spending increased to $1.03 trillion, up by 47%. The positive trend materialized this year as well, with growth expected to reach some 32%. Per the recent report, the positive results come amid an increase in demand after the pandemic and “more favorable global economic conditions in 2022 and 2023 and recession risks that have yet to happen.”

GBTA’s report revealed that business travel recovery recorded different values depending on the region. While Western Europe saw the biggest uptick in 2022, Latin America and North America have been growing their spending significantly too.

“The headwinds that were anticipated to impact the rebound of global business travel over the past year didn’t materialize and that is good news.“

Suzanne Neufang, CEO at GBTA

Suzanne Neufang, GBTA’s CEO, revealed that the challenges that were expected to impact global business travel didn’t happen, which was a good sign. She added the report points to an accelerated return to business travel spending to pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, Neufang predicted further growth for the business travel industry in the next few years.

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The provider of The Open Gaming Architecture backend gaming platform, Black Cow Technology, announced a new senior-level appointment. The company revealed Thursday it strengthened its C-suite with the appointment of Sarah Agostini to the role of head of business development. The recent hire comes amid a busy period for the company as it sees significant growth and strong demand for its suite of solutions.

In her new role, Agostini will oversee important processes and help build a structured sales pipeline that will include new and existing opportunities. This pipeline would feature game developers, aggregators, as well as operators, among other companies that can benefit from Black Cow’s innovative technology.

Additionally, as head of business development, she will help businesses better understand how The Open Gaming Architecture can bring benefits. Ultimately, Agostini will play a key role in the expansion of Black Cow’s portfolio of business clients and help the company expand its technology among suppliers and operators alike.

The recent senior-level appointment isn’t a surprise, considering Agostini’s extensive experience and knowledge. Throughout her professional career, she was able to accumulate significant experience in investments and advertising, as well as precision analytical equipment. As a part of the C-suite at Black Cow, she will also engage with the company’s PR team and assist with product education.

Agostini Is Thrilled to Join Black Cow Technology

Sharing her excitement, Agostini said that she will be excited to help develop the company’s structured sales pipeline. At the same time, she acknowledged she will provide valuable feedback to Black Cow’s teams and help more suppliers and operators benefit from the company’s leading solutions.

“It’s an honor to join Black Cow and to be responsible for structuring its sales pipeline, deliver valuable feedback to the wider team and connect with more operators and suppliers that could benefit from our incredible suite of solutions.“

Sarah Agostini, head of business development at Black Cow Technology

Additionally, Agostini pointed out that she finds the challenge exciting and looks forward to helping Black Cow exceed its targets. In conclusion, the company’s new head of business development pointed out: “Black Cow’s solutions really do sit at the cutting edge and I can ensure more businesses than ever before understand how Black Cow can help them to succeed.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Sarah to the team as our Head of Business Development.“

Max Francis, CEO at Black Cow Technology

Max Francis, Black Cow’s CEO, welcomed Agostini to the senior-level team of the company. He spoke about her exceptional track record in business development and sales while highlighting her talent.

Francis said that Agostini makes the perfect fit for the role at Black Cow and predicted that the company will exceed its targets with her invaluable guidance. Finally, he said that Black Cow is looking forward to the success the new collaboration will bring.

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ZEAL Network, an international Hamburg-headquartered gambling group, has reinforced its team with the addition of a vice president of new business. The one up to the task is Stefan Harder, an e-commerce heavyweight with over two decades of experience.

A Hamburg native, Harder joined ZEAL last month, reporting directly to Helmut Becket, ZEAL’s chief executive officer. In his new position, the hire is tasked with expanding the group and developing its proprietary charity lottery Deutsche Traumhauslotterie.

Harder boasts over 20 years of experience as an e-commerce specialist and entrepreneur. Prior to joining ZEAL, he had a short stint as the interim chief commercial officer of the heycar group. Before that, he worked as an independent e-commerce consultant, following a short tenure as the interim chief growth officer of Rebike Mobility.

Harder spent much of his career at Jollydays, an adventure gift company. He was one of its co-founders and served as its chief executive officer for around 17 years.

Harder is not the sole recent change to ZEAL’s team. In February, the company replaced Marc Peters with Kenneth Chan. In October 2022, the gambling group also welcomed Rodja Schmitz-Hübsch as its vice president of marketing, tasking him with optimizing customer engagement.

Harder Will Leverage His Know-How to Grow the Deutsche Traumhauslotterie

Stefan Harder expressed his excitement about joining ZEAL, saying that he is looking forward to growing Deutsche Traumhauslotterie. He hopes to establish the charity lottery as a major player in the German lottery market.

Harder said that he is very passionate about building and growing brands. He added that he sees a lot of potential in ZEAL’s charity lottery and praised the growth it has experienced since its creation. The appointee concluded that he will join forces with the ZEAL team to maintain this momentum.

ZEAL’s chief executive officer, Helmut Becker, welcomed the VP of new business on board, praising his experience in brand creation and e-commerce. Becker lauded Harder as a proven industry expert and a skilled entrepreneur.

According to ZEAL’s CEO, the Deutsche Traumhauslotterie needs talented people such as Harder to continue to grow and expand its market share. Becker concluded that Harder has infallible intuition and know-how that made him the perfect candidate for the VP position.

ZEAL is also the holding behind the popular LOTTO24 brand. In June, the company launched iGaming in Germany through LOTTO24 and Tipp24.

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Leading gaming testing and certification company BMM Testlabs announced a new high-profile appointment as Mike Van Ermen becomes VP of Business Development at its Las Vegas headquarters. He will utilize his extensive experience and deep gaming industry knowledge to bolster North American growth and generate enduring success.

The New VP Boasts In-Depth Industry Knowledge

Van Ermen’s substantial strategic business development, sales, and management experience with prominent gaming organizations gives him a unique outlook on the gambling industry, helping him make informed strategic decisions. His process-driven approach and insistence on hands-on involvement make him the perfect choice for such a demanding position.

The new VP held leadership roles in high-profile venues like Golden Gate Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, sportsbooks like Circa Sports, and leading suppliers like FSB Technology. BMM Testlabs North America executive VP Travis Foley noted that Ermen’s extensive portfolio gave him invaluable insight into the most recent industry trends, perfectly aligning with the company’s expansion ambitions.

(Mike’s) extensive leadership experience… in the sportsbook, igaming, hospitality, and technology fields… will generate great success for our North American business development team.

Travis Foley, BMM Testlabs North America executive VP

In his new role, Van Ermen will focus on driving business growth initiatives at BMM Testlabs. His primary focus will be identifying expansion opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships, and growing the company’s client base. By leveraging his knowledge and passion for the industry, the new VP aims to enhance the company’s position as a trusted and innovative gaming testing and certification service provider.

BMM Testlabs Strengthens Its Leadership

Van Ermen’s appointment is the latest in a series of high-level reshuffles at BMM Testlabs. The company invested significant efforts in attracting top talent, bolstering its management team to answer evolving market challenges. 2023 saw BMM Testlabs make changes to its SVP roster for the Australia and EURSAM regions, ensuring all its global teams have access to outstanding leadership.

With the rapid advancement of technology and the evolving regulatory landscape, there is an increasing demand for comprehensive testing and certification services. Van Ermen’s experience and industry insights in the US market will be instrumental in identifying new growth verticals. The new VP was excited about the opportunity, promising to give the new position his all.

I am committed to contributing my sportsbook operator and vendor knowledge toward new ventures and providing elevated service levels to our partners at BMM.

Mike Van Ermen, BMM Testlabs VP of Business Development

As BMM Testlabs continues to expand its services and explore new opportunities, Van Ermen’s expertise will be invaluable in shaping the company’s growth strategy and identifying emerging trends and technologies. His leadership will enable BMM Testlabs to continue to meet the evolving needs of its clients and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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