Brigid Simmonds, chair of Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), will step down on April 20, 2024, the industry standards body announced. The announcement also noted that Michael Dugher, the council’s chief executive officer, will step in as the new chair from April 21.

Brigid Simmonds has served the BGC since its inception in 2019 and has been instrumental in its development. Having served the body for four years and a half, Simmonds will finally depart, leaving behind an organization that is stronger than ever.

The outgoing chair said that the opportunity to serve the BGC and represent some 110,000 gambling industry workers for almost half a decade has been a privilege. She said that she really enjoyed working with all BGC members to raise standards within the industry, create a culture of safer gaming and build public trust.

Simmonds thanked everyone who has supported her throughout her years as the BGC’s chairman.

I would like to thank the Executive Committee, colleagues, members, charities and stakeholders, who have supported me and worked very hard to deliver all of the achievements of which the BGC is rightly proud.

Brigid Simmonds, outgoing chair, Betting and Gaming Council

Simmonds recently defended Safer Gambling Week, highlighting the industry’s commitment to responsible practices.

Dugher Will Succeed Simmonds as Chair

Michael Dugher, the council’s chief executive officer, paid tribute to Brigid, thanking her for the incredible work she has done for the organization. He highlighted her contribution in launching the organization and bringing together the different sectors. Dugher also praised the outgoing chair’s change program that sought to raise standards on safer gambling.

Brigid is a high-integrity leader who is rightly held in huge regard, not just in the betting and gaming industry, but across so many other industries and sectors, and across the political divide.

Michael Dugher, CEO, Betting and Gaming Council

In the meantime, Dugher said that he is looking forward to welcoming a new CEO in the spring and assuming the role of chairman. He promised that he would leverage his new position to continue raising the safer gambling standards in the UK.

The BGC reiterated its support for high standards and balanced, proportionate and effective reforms. Some of the measures outlined in the white paper were promoted by the BGC, helping Britain usher in a new age of safer gambling.

For reference, BGC members support over 110,000 jobs, contribute some £7.1 billion to the economy and raise £4.2 billion in taxes to fund vital public services.

The post Brigid Simmonds to Exit the BGC, Michael Dugher Steps in as Next Chair appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Two days after naming an ex-Washington Commanders executive as SVP of strategic communications, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has elected Michael Rumbolz as its new chairman.

Rumbolz currently serves as the executive chair of Everi Holdings’ board. As chair of the AGA, he will succeed Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. The new appointee’s term is set to begin in January 2024.

Rumbolz boasts a colorful track record that saw him rise “from a busboy to the c-suite,” the AGA said. His career spans across all levels and aspects of the gaming industry with experience encompassing gaming equipment manufacturing and distribution, hotel and casino operations, casino financial technology, iGaming and compliance.

Some of the hire’s most notable prior positions include time as chief executive officer of Everi Holdings, member and chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and chief deputy attorney general of Nevada.

Rumbolz’ predecessor, Allen, played a key role in the industry’s impressive post-COVID recovery and the war on illegal gambling. The new hire will be responsible for maintaining the existing momentum and reinforcing the industry.

Rumbolz Will Be a Valuable Asset to the AGA

Rumbolz commented on his new position, expressing his gratitude about the opportunity to help shape gaming’s future. He promised to leverage his new position to build on the progress his predecessor made.

From stopping illegal gambling to evolving responsible gambling, the AGA is tackling transformational issues and I am eager to build on the progress made during Jim’s tenure.

Michael Rumbolz, chair, AGA

Bill Miller, the AGA’s president and chief executive officer, welcomed the new hire on board, praising him as “an industry legend in his own right.” Miller is certain that Rumbolz’ prior career has taught him all the skills needed to make him an invaluable addition to the AGA team.

Mike’s career as an operator, manufacturer and regulator is unparalleled and will be vital to driving meaningful progress on industry priorities.

Bill Miller, president & CEO, AGA

Miller also commented on Allen’s departure, thanking him for his exceptional service and help in maximizing the AGA’s impact on the industry. The CEO described the outgoing chair as a “trusted advisor” and said that he is thankful for his partnership.

Allen also shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that the AGA is poised for reshaping the industry under Miller and Rumbolz’ leadership. He concluded: “Our industry and this association have never been stronger. I am immensely proud of our success over the last two years accelerating gaming’s recovery while defining and advancing new priorities.”

The post AGA Selects Industry Veteran Michael Rumbolz as Next Chair appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The leading MGA-licensed esports-first iGaming business-to-customer (B2C) operator, Esports Entertainment Group (EEG), confirmed it strengthened its senior-level management team with a new promotion. The company has announced it selected Michael Villani for the permanent role of chief financial officer (CFO). The latest promotion, EEG confirmed, is effective as of August 29, 2023.

Villani’s career with EEG started back in 2021. Before joining EEG, he was a part of globally recognized companies where he was able to accumulate significant experience, unique knowledge and skills. A graduate of Pace University, magna cum laude, Villani is also a CPA.

Prior to joining the C-suite at EEG, he held multiple important roles with KPMG, the global network of professional firms offering tax, audit and advisory services. During this tenure with the company, Villani held important roles as director of the deal advisory practice. At the time, he oversaw important buy and sell transactions, along with technical accounting and SEC reporting, among other processes.

Overall, Villani was a part of KPMG for nearly two decades. For nine years he led the Deal Advisory practice, while for nine years he was also a part of the audit practice. Throughout Villani’s extensive experience, he was also a CFO for a Geneva-based hedge fund, among other important C-suite roles with public companies.

The Company Is Delighted to Continue Its Collaboration with Villani

As noted, Villani first joined EEG back in February 2021. At the time, he was appointed to the role of financial controller. Then, in January this year, he was selected as the interim CFO of the company. In addition to CFO, Villani holds another role as he is also EEG’s principal financial officer.

“We are pleased to formally appoint Michael as our Chief Financial Officer after serving as our Interim Chief Financial Officer since early January, as well as holding other key financial roles since becoming part of the Esports Entertainment team in 2021.“

Alex Igelman, CEO of EEG

Alex Igelman, EEG’s CEO, said that the company is thrilled to promote Villani to the permanent CFO role. He praised his effort as interim CFO since January and explained that Villani has played a pivotal role for the company since 2021.

Igelman spoke about Villani’s skills, including financial knowledge and leadership, that proved to be crucial for his exceptional performance within the financial vertical. Finally, EEG’s CEO said that Villani is an exceptional member of the company’s C-suite and that EEG will be delighted to collaborate with him further.

The post Esports Entertainment Group Selects Michael Villani for CFO appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The provider of the next-generation iGaming platforms, powering operators across the globe, Pragmatic Solutions, announced a new senior-level appointment. The company confirmed Monday it selected Michael Boylan, a seasoned iGaming executive with solid experience, for the role of chief operating officer (COO). Strengthening its C-suite, Pragmatic Solutions prepares for further growth and expansion on a global scale.

Before joining the company as its new COO, Boylan held an important role at LadbrokesCoral where he served as director of service operations. His professional background includes a senior-level role with the globally-recognized gaming company, Entain PLC. Boylan was also a part of DAZN Bet where he served as IT director.

Overall, he brings nearly two decades of experience and knowledge within the online gambling industry. As COO, Boylan will help Pragmatic Solutions expand its client portfolio and deliver its innovative technology and solutions to new markets across the globe.

Boylan, Thrilled to Join Pragmatic Solutions

Sharing his excitement, Boylan said that it is thrilling to join Pragmatic Solutions after holding different senior-level roles within the business-to-customer sector for the last two decades. Finally, he pointed out: “I’ve been a licensee of their products for over a year now and can attest to the commitment and energy brought by the team to deliver a world-class service and product to clients.”

“After circa 18-plus years on the B2C side of business it is with genuine excitement that I’m making a move into B2B with platform market-leader Pragmatic Solutions.“

Michael Boylan, COO at Pragmatic Solutions

Ashley Lang, Pragmatic’s CEO, added that the company is delighted to see Boylan become a part of its senior-level team. He spoke about the team of experts at Pragmatic, acknowledging that they help deliver innovative and smart technology.

“We are very excited to have Michael join our team.“

Ashley Lang, CEO at Pragmatic Solutions

Currently, Pragmatic offers a flexible, scalable and modular Player Account Management (PAM) platform that stands out from competitors within the iGaming sector. Leveraging an API-based approach, the PAM solution caters to operators offering their services in different jurisdictions. The PAM platform elevates the players’ experiences while at the same time helping operators handle risks and comply with the established regulations.

The post Pragmatic Solutions Names Michael Boylan Chief Operating Officer appeared first on Keno Wizard.