Italy is progressing with its ‘reorganisation of gambling’, as the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) enters the final stages of implementing a new framework for online gambling concessions. Last Friday, the ADM submitted the documentation for this framework to the Treasury. The Treasury and the Council of State will provide binding opinions on these proposals.

Once approved, this framework will become part of the ‘Reorganisation of Gambling’ decree, overhauling Italy’s online and land-based gambling laws. The Ministry of Made in Italy (formerly the Ministry of Enterprise) will then send the technical rules to the European Commission for evaluation, initiating a three-month ‘standstill period’ before adoption in Italy.

New Licensing Framework and Fee Structure

The Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF) has endorsed a new licensing framework, which introduces a €7 million fee for nine-year online gambling concessions. This fee significantly increased from the €200,000 for concessions granted in 2018. MEF considers this increase appropriate for a market dominated by major gambling companies like SNAI (Playtech), Flutter Entertainment, Lottomatica, and Entain.

ADM has revised concession terms to ban skin gambling websites, limiting operators to one brand per license. As reported by Agipronews, each permit is now restricted to “one concessionaire, one website.” Additionally, ADM mandates that operators “activate an app for each type of product category: betting, casino, poker, and bingo.”

Stricter Regulations and Enhanced Controls

New concessions will be subject to stricter scrutiny regarding IT security and game integration between operators and suppliers. Once the decree is in effect, licensees must ensure that their games and IT systems are verified by an external certification body. ADM will also implement enhanced controls to monitor player funds and their management by licensees.

As ADM advances towards final procedures, it plans to establish a D-day for launching the new licensing regime. Antonio Giuliani, Head of ADM’s online office, stated, “The Agency will set a D-day for the current operators to start collecting bets with the new regime.”

Giuliani added, “Other operators will have up to six months to launch their systems, as required by law. We will ensure equal conditions for current licensees and new operators who obtain the licence.”

Anticipated Impact and Future Prospects

If the new framework launches in 2024, ADM will achieve a key objective of the Reorganisation of Gambling decree: resolving long-standing legal disputes over Italian gambling concessions granted since 2011. This Reorganisation Decree represents the first regulatory evaluation of Italian gambling since the authorization of online gambling in 2011. The decree aims to protect players, especially minors, combat criminal activities, and increase tax revenue for government projects and social initiatives.

The implementation of this new framework is expected to significantly change the Italian gambling landscape, ensuring a more regulated and secure environment for both operators and players.

Source: Italy begins final procedures to settle new licensing regime, CasinoBeats, July 9, 2024.

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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.

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The leading North American business-to-business (B2B) technology provider of gaming solutions and international sports betting operator, GAN, announced changes to its senior-level management team. On Wednesday, the company confirmed that its Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Dermot Smurfit from his role as director of the company and its subsidiaries and chief executive officer (CEO).

GAN said that it is currently in the process of evaluating a consulting arrangement for Smurfit who is at present one of its substantial stockholders. In addition to the resignation, the company confirmed the appointment of an interim CEO.

Although the announcement came today, GAN said that Seamus McGill, the current chairman of the Board, will fill in the role of interim CEO as of September 26, 2023. It is yet to be confirmed if the company has already initiated a search for a permanent CEO. Still, McGill represents a strategic appointment for the interim role, considering his solid experience within the technology and gaming industries.

The latest change to GAN’s C-suite comes after early last month, the company released its financial results for the second quarter of the year. Overall, Q2 revenue hit $33.8 million, representing a slight dip when compared to the $35 million result from the corresponding period in 2022. At the time, Smurfit explained that GAN remains optimistic for the upcoming Q3 and Q4.

Interim CEO Brings Solid Experience

Focusing once again on the latest announcement, McGill joined GAN’s Board back in April 2014. In his new role as interim CEO, he brings 25 years of experience within the technology and gaming vertical. McGill’s professional career started with Mikohn Gaming Corporation. Before he moved to the United States, he worked for 3 years in Singapore and 7 years in Japan, allowing him to accumulate skills and experience from those vital markets.

Prior to becoming a part of the Board at GAN, McGill served as the president of the mobile software company, JOINGO. Additionally, his professional tenure includes a chief operating officer role with Aristocrat Technologies for five years. Throughout his extensive career, McGill was also a part of Cyberview Technology as well as WMS Gaming Inc, where he held different senior-level roles.

“On behalf of the entire Board and GAN team, I want to extend our appreciation to Dermot for his commitment to the Company since joining twenty years ago. Under Mr. Smurfit’s leadership, GAN experienced many great accomplishments and reached numerous milestones as a Company.“

Seamus McGill, interim CEO of GAN

Commenting on the topic, McGill thanked Smurfit for his exceptional guidance and dedication to the company over the last two decades. He acknowledged that thanks to the guidance of Smurfit, GAN was able to hit multiple milestones and significantly expand its position. Finally, McGill said that he is honored to assume the responsibilities related to his new role with the company.

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Bragg Gaming Group, which just teamed up with bet365 in Ontario, announced the appointment of its board of directors chair, Matevž Mazij, as chief executive officer. Effective immediately, the move will see Mazij replace the outgoing Yaniv Sherman.

In addition to chairing Bragg Gaming’s board, Mazij is also the company’s largest stakeholder, the announcement noted. He is also the founder of Oryx Gaming, the company’s original PAM, aggregation and RGS gaming tech platform. For reference, Oryx was acquired by Bragg Gaming back in 2018.

In the meantime, Sherman will step down from his position. His departure follows an evaluation of Bragg Gaming’s board. The replacement thus seeks to “ensure optimal alignment of the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.”

Mazij Is Well-Suited to Lead Bragg Gaming

Holly Gagnon, lead independent director of Bragg’s board, commented on the leadership change. She thanked Sherman for his exceptional leadership, commitment and contributions to the company, wishing him all the best.

In the meantime, Gagnon promised that the board will continue to support Bragg Gaming’s senior management team as it continues to executive profitable and growth-oriented initiatives. Gagnon added that her team is certain Mazij has the needed experience and vision to further Bragg’s growth and help it generate shareholder value.

We are confident that as the founder and visionary of Oryx Gaming, the combination of Matevž’ significant industry experience and deep knowledge of Bragg with the Company’s experienced senior leadership team favorably positions Bragg to continue successfully executing on our key strategic objectives and serve our valued customers and partners with excellence.

Holly Gagnon, lead independent director, Bragg Gaming Group

Mazij Hopes to Bring New Perspectives

Mazij also expressed his thoughts on his new appointment. Having served the company’s board for several years, he said that he is glad to return to an operational role and promised to lead Bragg toward “continued top-line and cash flow growth.

Bragg possesses many opportunities to further grow our scale of operations across North America, Europe and evolving global regulated iGaming markets.

Matevž Mazij, CEO, Bragg Gaming Group

Mazij concluded that he is looking forward to working with the company’s senior management and team members to “bring fresh perspectives” to the company.

In other news, Bragg recently launched its games with Unibet in the United Kingdom, following a launch with FanDuel in Michigan and Connecticut.

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Rootz, a provider of solutions to the iGaming industry, unveiled a major transition in its executive leadership. As announced by the company, Rootz’s co-founder and CEO, Lasse Rantala, will be stepping down from his position. Rantala will be succeeded by Sam Brown, the company’s current chief commercial officer.

Rootz was founded in 2018 and quickly grew to be a leading iGaming platform provider. Thanks to the efficiency of its solutions, the company grew and formed alliances with multiple gambling companies.

Lasse Rantala was instrumental in this growth, laying a robust foundation for the company. His leadership nurtured Rootz’s success and helped the company emerge as a major supplier. Luckily, Rootz will continue to benefit from Rantala’s guidance as he transfers to chair of the board of directors.

In his new position, Rantala will continue using his savvy to guide Rootz’s initiatives and drive further growth for the company.

Rantala’s successor, Sam Brown, joined the company as CCO a year ago. Despite being fairly new to the company, Brown boasts more than 15 years of experience in the iGaming sector. His impressive track record includes positions at many high-profile companies, earning him much respect in the industry.

As CEO, Brown will be tasked with solidifying Rootz’s position as a major iGaming provider.

Rantala Believes Rootz Is in Good Hands

Rantala shared that he trusts Brown to be a worthy successor. He said that the new CEO’s commitment to excellence, strategic mindset and passion for innovation made him a perfect candidate to become Rootz’s new CEO.

I have full faith in his ability to steer our company to even greater heights and the Board is fully dedicated to offering him unwavering support every step of the way.

Lasse Rantala, CEO, Rootz

Brown also commented on the matter, sharing his thoughts on his new position. He said that his first year with the company has been a blast and that his passion for the business is now stronger than ever.

Brown is looking forward to supporting Rootz’s vision and ambition and helping the company enter a new phase of its journey.

After an exciting first year at Rootz my passion for the business has only grown stronger. We have a great vision for the future, and have the people, technology, and ambition to deliver it. It’s an honor to be entrusted with the next phase of the Rootz journey.

Sam Brown, CCO, Rootz

In May, Rootz secured content from Octoplay, a passionate provider of slot games. Around the same time, the company added Air Dice to its roster of casino game providers.

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The trade association representing licensed gambling operators in Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA), has announced changes to its senior-level team. The Association’s chairman, Nigel Birrell, pointed out that the Association has been going through a transition period. Moreover, the chairman revealed that GBGA’s CEO, Paul Foster, has taken the decision to resign from his role.

Birrell explained that the decision comes at a time when Foster plans to pursue other business ventures. Besides Foster’s resignation, the chairman confirmed that Merel Swarts is also resigning from her role with the Association. Both Foster and Swarts played important roles in the administration and operation of the GBGA, confirmed Birrell.

The chairman acknowledged that Foster was a part of the Association for five years. During his tenure, the GBGA grew and was able to overcome different challenges. Speaking about Swarts and Foster, Birrell thanked them for their dedication, hard work and the important role they played over the last few years.

“We would like to say thank you to Paul for all his hard work over the past five years and the best of luck with his future endeavors. Merel Swarts will also be leaving the GBGA as she continues to provide her support to Paul.  Merel has played a pivotal role in all the operations and administration work that the GBGA has carried out over the past few years and we would like to thank Merel and wish her well.“

Nigel Birrell, chairman of the GBGA

GBGA Creates New Secretary General Role

The role of CEO will be replaced with the newly created role of secretary general, explained Birrell. Nicholas Macias, who previously held the role of GBGA’s chief operations officer, will now return to the Association and take the newly created secretary general role. In his new position, Macias will oversee strategic processes as he brings extensive experience within the gambling vertical in Gibraltar.

Throughout his professional experience, he held different senior-level roles related to compliance. The GBGA’s chairman welcomed Macias to the company’s team of experts. He added: “We wish Nicky the very best of luck in this new position and look forward to working with him over the coming years.”

In his new role, Macias will collaborate with the Association’s dream team, Angela Almeida and Bua Malamalatabua. The duo played an important role with GBGA’s website and social media channels and will continue to leverage their expertise while at the same time collaborating with the new secretary general.

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Bostelaar’s departure marks the end of an era, as he leaves behind a legacy of transformative leadership and strategic vision. He was instrumental in the operator’s rise to prominence in the Dutch market, helping it climb above the competition. While Walia has big shoes to fill, the new CEO’s substantial experience and history of success means the company should be in safe hands.

Bostelaar Was Instrumental to the Company’s Success

In a surprising announcement, Melvin Bostelaar tendered his resignation as the CEO of BetCity, leaving many in the industry speculating about the potential impact on the company’s future. Bostelaar’s tenure saw the operator achieve stellar growth in the Netherlands, elevating it among the region’s market leaders. 

The former CEO also guided the company through its transformative acquisition by Entain, preserving its positive work culture and unique approach. Bostelaar thanked the BetCity team for their contributions, wishing them enduring success. He also used the opportunity to welcome Vic Walia as the company’s new CEO, lauding his successor’s experience and industry knowledge.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to my business partners at BetCity, who allowed me to establish and nurture a culture that will endure. Our journey together has been remarkable…”

Melvin Bostelaar

Bostelaar stated he would use the extra time to prioritize his health and family after a risky surgery allowed him to reflect on his priorities. He received heartfelt goodbyes from his colleagues, including Entain CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen, who thanked him for his significant contributions to the company. 

The New CEO Has the Skills to Usher Further Growth

Entain global managing director Vic Walia will have the difficult task of preserving Bostelaar’s legacy and enduring momentum. The new CEO possesses all the necessary skills to excel at his new position, sporting over twenty years of leadership experience. His close ties to BetCity’s parent company also open the way for further collaboration, giving the Dutch operator access to Entain’s vast wealth of knowledge and resources.

BetCity remains among the top players in the Netherlands, skyrocketing in popularity after a wildly successful marketing campaign in 2021. BetCity’s solid foundation and talented team should be able to mitigate any potential disruption caused by the leadership transition, reaching a mutual understanding with their new CEO. 

While Bostelaar’s resignation as CEO signifies the end of an era for the company, his leadership and strategic vision have set it up in the perfect position to pursue further growth. BetCity should easily navigate this transition period, maintaining its focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. The new CEO should preserve its unique culture while contributing fresh ideas and steady leadership.

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Caesars Entertainment joined National Problem Gambling Awareness Month with an official press release detailing the company’s continued commitment to the cause. Its updated self-exclusion program and enhanced 21+ gaming policy aim to create a better betting environment and ensure the operator’s continued commitment towards integrity and customer care.

Self-Exclusion Receives a Substantial Update

The first update to Caesars’ policies concerns the company’s self-exclusion program. The initiative will see significant expansion by the end of March, making it the widest-reaching exclusion option available in the USA. Large-scale integration among Caesars Entertainment’s brick-and-mortar and iGaming operations aims to ensure universal country-wide coverage.

Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg noted that the company’s position as a leading North American operator entailed a lot of responsibility to maintain a solid foundation and a sustainable, user-friendly business model. He lauded the updated measure and noted it benefited the company and community equally.

When a person tells us that playing with us is no longer in their best interest, we will be able to ensure that they are… excluded from every gaming platform we offer, in one simple step.

Tom Reeg, Caesars Entertainment CEO

Any person whose name is present in a self-exclusion accessible to Caesars will be added to the operator’s universal registry and be unable to bet on any of its gaming facilities and platforms. Furthermore, individuals considering this measure can register themselves, opting out of all online, retail, marketing, and complementary benefits.

Individuals under 21 Will Face Significant Restrictions

The other significant update to Caesars’ safe gaming efforts is the so-called 21+ gaming policy. It entails restricting users from jurisdictions that allow gambling under age 21 from using the operator’s services where permissible by law. As per the new rules, only individuals over that age can access iGaming and sportsbook content.

In jurisdictions that do not permit such restrictions, Caesars will limit all reward programs to individuals over 21. Company president and COO Anthony Carano highlighted the operator’s unwavering dedication to battling underage gambling by implementing proven and working solutions. He added that the new policy would ensure compliance across all sectors and jurisdictions.

Establishing consistent standards regarding age restrictions underlines our commitment to our guests and to the industry.

Anthony Carano, Caesars Entertainment COO

The company’s press release underlined the many ways Caesars contributed to local communities. The operator remains dedicated to providing responsible gambling training to all its employees and donates significant sums to charities and organizations dedicated to gambling harm prevention and research. The recent introduction of Caesars’ Responsible Gaming Council will help oversee all aspects of the company and help it maintain its place as a leader in safe gaming initiatives.

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