In the realm of Italian gaming, a seismic shift is underway as two industry juggernauts, Hacksaw Gaming and BetFlag, join forces to redefine the very essence of online entertainment.

BetFlag, The Champion of Italian Gaming

At the helm of this epic alliance stands BetFlag, a true champion in the Italian gaming sphere. Backed by the esteemed Lottomatica Group, BetFlag’s influence reverberates across the nation, setting standards and shaping trends with each spin of the virtual reels.

Enter Hacksaw, the maestros of innovation and architects of immersive experiences. With a knack for weaving dreams into digital realities, the brand brings a fresh perspective and unparalleled creativity to the gaming landscape.

Together, Hacksaw Gaming and BetFlag produce a symphony of possibilities, where every spin, every win, is a note in a splendid composition of excitement and anticipation. From classic favorites to groundbreaking new releases, players are invited to immerse themselves in a world where imagination knows no bounds.

This collaboration is about raising the bar and exceeding expectations. Through cutting-edge technology, tempting storytelling, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the two aim to deliver a remarkable gaming experience.

The Journey Begins

As players embark on this thrilling journey, they can expect to be transported to realms of adventure, mystery, and endless possibilities. The fusion of Hacksaw’s ingenuity and BetFlag’s legacy promises an experience that transcends mere gameplay.

In the ever-evolving stage of Italian gaming, the duo serves as beacons of innovation and progress. Together, they herald a new dawn—a golden age of gaming where imagination reigns supreme and players are the ultimate beneficiaries of this groundbreaking collaboration.

The fusion of the two brands isn’t just a partnership; it’s proof of the transformative power of collaboration. As they embark on this exciting journey together, the stage is set for a new era in Italian gaming filled with excitement, adventure, and endless possibilities.

Marcus Cordes, CEO of Hacksaw Gaming, shared: “This collaboration stands on a number of shared incentives. With BetFlag, we can expect spectacular growth, while the players can enjoy a variety of Hacksaw content.”

Laviero Saganeiti, Casino Project Manager at BetFlag added: “These games express the dynamism and engagement we have not seen in the market for some time. Moreover, the young team is always available and ready to receive feedback for the development of new products. It’s going to be a banger!”

Source: ”Hacksaw Gaming and BetFlag Salute Brand New Partnership in Italy”. European Gaming. March 21, 2024.

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The campaign, backed by the National Council on Problem Gambling, seeks to heighten public awareness of problem gambling and boost support for prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

The Silver State Acts Hesitantly on Problem Gambling

It similarly seeks to connect people who may need such services to the available options. Commenting on the upcoming month and the state of the state in Nevada, the International Problem Gambling Center’s (IPGC) Elizabeth Evans has expressed concerns about whether enough has been done.

At least in the Silver State. Evans has lived experience with addiction, making her uniquely suited to understand the grueling self-flagellation that gambling addicts go through, to speak nothing of mounting debt.

IPGC Executive Director Stephanie Goodman is similarly concerned about whether enough people are getting the message. Yet, she also seems moderately optimistic. Speaking to 8newsnow, Goodman finds reasons to be upbeat.

“What happens here is I think a space of hope,” she explains. Yet, there is an underlying trend that cannot be simply ignored. For starters, Nevada is not nearly doing enough. This opinion is shared by the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling counselor Ted Hartwell who echoes those concerns.

The Silver State has indeed been slower to respond to the need to muster more efforts – private and public – to address the issue of problem gambling. Lawmakers have already agreed to spend $2.2 million on problem gambling in 2024, but this may be insufficient to accomplish the task at hand, which is to spread awareness, and importantly – to offer treatment services to individuals who are already suffering.

There have been all sorts of calls to help bolster awareness. Goodman for one has criticized the lack of similar awareness for responsible gambling, or a sufficient chunk of the big events driving the state’s revenue being allocated to helping people who are suffering from gambling proliferation.

Funding Missing the Main Problem

According to UNLV’s International Gaming Institute Distinguished Fellow Alan Feldman was similarly concerned about how Nevada is addressing what is a growing problem not just in the state, but all across the nation. According to Feldman, efforts to fight back against gambling addiction ought to start in school already, citing evidence from other jurisdictions.

Feldman similarly cautioned that there is a gap in the understanding of problem gambling and more study of the issue is necessary. This underlying challenge comes amid the fact that Nevada may have more people who need and are even interested in assistance than there is funding to cover. Nevada is not alone in underfunding problem gambling safeguards, as Washington D.C. fully did away with it.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, there have been strong voices in support of doing more to protect consumers. This is good news. Now the money needs to be mustered for tangible results to materialize.

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The ongoing battle over the future of smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos continues with a major victory for the proponents of the controversial smoking ban. However, the war is yet to be won.

The latest development saw an anti-casino smoking measure move forward after three years of intense discussions between pro-smoking and anti-smoking activists. The bill was now approved by the New Jersey Senate health committee, sparking hopes among the latter camp.

Following the advancement of the anti-casino smoking bill, a confrontation between the two camps erupted. People screamed at one another as anti-smoking activists rejoiced.

For reference, Atlantic City’s nine casinos can currently turn up to 25% of their gaming area into a smoking area. However, this means that employees responsible for that area must breathe cigarette smoke all shift long, exposing them to a variety of health problems.

Casino operators fear introducing a smoking ban as it may impact their business. Some believe that patrons who go outside to have a smoke may decide to call it a day. Others fear that fervent smokers will simply go to play in Philadelphia.

Because of that, operators have long been seeking a compromise, such as smoking rooms. However, this would still require employees to man said rooms.

In any case, the bill will now go to the Senate for a vote. In order for the measure to pass, an identical bill must also be approved by an Assembly committee and voted upon by the full chamber. Finally, it would be up to Governor Phil Murphy to sign the measure into law.

The Industry Says the Ban Would Be an “Economic Catastrophe”

Casino industry supporters conceded that smoking is harmful but warned that a smoking ban may, at the very least, lead to layoffs. Donna DeCaprio, president of the Local 54 of the Unite Here union, a group representing hospitality staff, warned that as many as 3,000 of the 50,000 casino jobs in the city could disappear.

DeCaprio also predicts the potential closure of three of Atlantic City’s casinos, saying that a total ban on smoking is going to result in an “economic catastrophe.”

However, Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, pointed out that, according to polls, more people would be inclined to visit the city’s casinos. In addition, previous surveys have found no proof that a ban on smoking would hurt casino operators’ business.

Senator Shirley Turner, on the other hand, was firm that Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between their job or their health.

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The leading business-to-business provider of services and solutions, powering betting operators across the globe, Kambi Group, announced changes to its senior leadership. On Monday, the company confirmed that its co-founder and CEO, Kristian Nylén, intends to step down from his role. The CEO and co-founder notified the company’s Board of Directors, confirming that he plans to step down at some point this year, whenever a successor for the role is appointed.

Nylén co-founded Kambi together with Anders Ström back in 2010. Since then, he played an instrumental role, navigating the business through different obstacles and successfully achieving many important milestones that made Kambi a go-to supplier of sports betting solutions.

Besides the plans for the CEO to step down from his role, Kambi confirmed that its Nomination Committee proposed Nylén for election to the Board during the upcoming 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Commenting on the topic, Ström, who serves as a chair of the Board, praised the efforts of Nylén that helped ensure Kambi is a leading provider for the growing betting sector. He spoke about the outgoing CEO’s dedication and commitment that helped the company achieve many milestones over the years. “I am delighted the Nomination Committee has proposed Kristian for the Board, where his extensive industry knowledge will continue to greatly benefit Kambi,” added Ström.

Nylén Was Instrumental for the Success of Kambi

He predicted that Nylén will continue to guide Kambi and help it create value for its shareholders. According to the Board’s chairman, Nylén’s shift to a Board position reaffirms his dedication as a major shareholder and founder of the company. Finally, Ström said that Kambi will start the search for a new CEO and vowed to deliver updates in due time.

“Kristian’s role has been critical in positioning Kambi as a frontrunner in our sector.“

Anders Ström, chair of the Board at Kambi

Nylén also commented on the topic explaining that the decision to leave his role at Kambi was a tough one. Yet, he confirmed his plans to spend more time with his family as a reason behind the difficult choice.

“The decision to stand down from my position at Kambi after so many enjoyable years has been difficult, but one predominantly driven by my desire to spend more time with my young and growing family.“

Kristian Nylén, co-founder and CEO of Kambi

Speaking about the proposal to join the company’s Board, Nylén said that it is an honor for him to accept this proposal. He outlined that he currently remains committed to helping Kambi continue to grow. Finally, Nylén explained that once he transitions to the role with the Board, his focus will shift toward the “strategic aspects” of the business.

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The owner and operator of NorthStarbets.ca, an online casino and sportsbook gaming platform in Ontario, NorthStar Gaming, unveiled future changes to its senior-level team. The company has announced that its current chief financial officer (CFO), Jennifer Barber, intends to step down from her role. The C-suite change is effective a month from now, starting from December 1, 2023.

Details on why Barber decided to step down from her role with NorthStar were scarce. Still, the company confirmed that once she steps down from her CFO role, she plans to pursue “another opportunity.” To fill in the vacant role, NorthStar confirmed it selected Chin Dhushenthen, one of its senior-level executives with extensive experience.

According to the company, once Barber steps down from her role, Dhushenthen, who currently serves as the company’s vice president, finance and compliance, will be appointed to the role of interim CFO. As interim CFO, he will oversee strategic financial processes and ensure the smooth transition to a new permanent CFO.

NorthStar did not disclose whether or not it has already started going through either internal or external applicants for the permanent CFO role. The company also did not disclose a timeframe on when it anticipates hiring a permanent CFO.

A Seasoned Executive Takes on the Role of Interim CFO

As interim CFO, Dhushenthen brings more than 25 years of executive-level experience within a wide range of verticals, including finance, risk management, technology and compliance. He initially joined NorthStar back in 2021 and since then played a key role in the development of the company’s financial reporting processes, as well as important functions related to regulatory reporting and compliance, among other strategic processes.

Outside of NorthStar, Dhushenthen held important senior-level roles with The Hunter Group, Azerty United Canada, as well as Hydrogenics Corporation. Before joining NorthStar Gaming, he was a part of the largest publicly traded provider of quality rental housing in Canada, CAPREIT. Overall, he was a part of the company for 13 years, holding important financial leadership roles.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jennifer for her contributions at an important time in our Company’s development.“

Michael Moskowitz, chair and CEO at NorthStar Gaming

Michael Moskowitz, NorthStar’s chair and CEO, thanked Barber for her dedication and hard work. He praised her experience which drove the company’s development. At the same time, Moskowitz outlined that Barber played an important role in strategic financial processes, including the acquisition of Slapshot Media. “We wish Jennifer the best as she moves into a financial leadership role in a new sector,” he added. Finally, Moskowitz said that NorthStar anticipates a smooth transition to Dhushenthen as an interim CFO.

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Despite remaining one of Australia’s leading operators, Star remains in a precarious position. Ongoing controversies, falling stock prices, and regulatory pressures have urged the company to take urgent measures or face further damage to its business. Hodgson’s appointment marks the end of Star’s board renewal program, hopefully providing sufficient breathing room to focus on stabilizing its business.

Hodgson’s Talents Round Out the Star Management Team

Star Entertainment Group launched its board renewal program in response to the money laundering scandals that rocked the company and the subsequent regulatory scrutiny it faced. The initiative aims to revamp the operator’s governance practices, enhance oversight, and reinforce compliance measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Its completion marks a significant milestone on Star’s journey back towards compliance.

Peter Hodgson brings a wealth of financial services expertise to his role as a non-executive director at The Star Entertainment Group. He possesses an impressive financial sector background, including executive positions at leading institutions like Judo Bank and Victoria’s Centre for Evidence and Implementation. Star chairman David Foster lauded Hodgson’s expertise, welcoming him to the company.

With his extensive commercial, governance, and risk management experience, Peter is well positioned to contribute to The Star’s remediation and transformation.

David Foster, Star Entertainment chairman

Hodgson’s appointment will hopefully bolster the company’s governance framework and strengthen its risk management capabilities. The new non-executive director’s deep understanding of financial operations and regulatory compliance will be invaluable in rebuilding the company’s reputation and establishing robust controls in line with Australian and international law.

The Operator Is Still in Hot Water

Following the money laundering scandals, Star Entertainment faced intense scrutiny from regulators, investors, and the public. By completely refreshing its leadership team and focusing on experienced professionals like Hodgson, the company demonstrates its commitment to addressing past shortcomings and implementing more robust controls to prevent future breaches. This renewed focus on lasting compliance is crucial to restoring faith in the company and its operations.

With the completion of its board renewal program, Star is ready for a new chapter in its corporate journey. The company has taken proactive steps to address past issues and reinforce its commitment to integrity, compliance, and sound governance. By leveraging the expertise and experience of its new management team, the operator is well-positioned to navigate its current pressing challenges.

Despite Star’s significant progress, the operator is far from redeemed. Substantial fines, ongoing lawsuits, and financial pressures pose significant risks, necessitating a swift and skilled response. The new management team will be hard-pressed to guide the company through these turbulent times, but their combined skills will hopefully prove sufficient for the task.

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As a result, moving forward, DAZN Bet will provide players in Spain with a number of games by MGA Games, a respected and proven developer of innovative content. To get players started, DAZN Bet already offers 10 of MGA Games’ titles, but a full portfolio launch should be realized in the coming weeks.

DAZN Bet Hails MGA Games’ Vast Portfolio

Among the titles available with the first wave of content are such hand-picked options as Mario Vaquerizo, La Mina de Oro Plus, Chiquito and Chiquito 2 Condemor al Rescate, Poli Diaz Boxing Champions Megaways and Nacho Vidal Megaways, Gnomos Mix, Santa Fe Mix, RF Neopolis, and El Cartel Plus.

All of these games are exceptional choices that will appeal to local gaming crowds in the country and provide players with exciting and rewarding gameplay across the board. Commenting on this partnership MGA Games sales director Javier Lanfranchi said:

This new association demonstrates that the online sector continues to grow in our country. We are extremely pleased that DAZN Bet has chosen to work with us to help them stand out in Spain.

MGA Games sales director Javier Lanfranchi

Lanfranchi also hailed the company’s future potential, arguing that DAZN Bet is set to become one of the most prominent operators in the Spanish iGaming sector and bring around meaningful change as well as compete with other established operators.

The addition of MGA Games is only going to help DAZN Bet achieve this lofty goal. DAZN Bet Spain managing director Elicia Martínez was similarly pleased with the development. Martínez hailed the achievement and said that DAZN Bet is very happy to be entering the sports and gaming market in Spain.

Chance to Establish DAZN Bet as Leading Spanish Operator

She further explained that the content boost that MGA Games now offered the brand would serve to strengthen the operator’s performance and provide players with even more worthwhile games in the long term. Player-favorite titles are already being added to the DAZN Bet’s library of titles, Martínez assured.

Previously, the company negotiated a similar deal with DAZN Bet for the markets in the United Kingdom and Spain. Content has been a priority for the company which is expanding rapidly in new markets and verticals as it goes along.

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