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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Hard Rock International has begun work on its joint project with the Tejon Indian Tribe in California. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon featured a commemorative shovel groundbreaking and was attended by representatives of both Hard Rock and the Tejon Indian Tribe.

Described as an exciting day for the state, the ceremony is also a symbolic development for the tribe, which has been landless for more than 150 years. The new casino is a major victory for the Tejon, which, according to its chairman, Octavio Escobedo, is finally close to the “dream of self-determination through economic development.”

The casino hotel will create 2,000 construction-specific jobs and will be managed by the Penta Building Group. After its completion, the property is expected to create roughly 5,000 jobs, both full-time and part-time.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon will also boast 150,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino is set to have 2,500 slot machines, 48 gaming tables and video poker. The property will also sport a multitude of dining options, a pool, a spa, a theater and 400 hotel rooms.

The casino hotel is expected to be completed within 22 months.

Hard Rock Names a New SVP of Hotel Operations

In the meantime, Hard Rock International expanded its team with the appointment of John Rees as its new senior vice president of hotel operations. The new appointee will be responsible for leading and supporting all facets of hotel operations and will serve directly under Jon Lucas, the company’s chief operating officer.

Rees boasts some 30 years in the hospitality industry and is a passionate innovator. He completed his hospitality studies at Newbury College and has since also secured certifications in restaurant management, leadership training and wine studies from acclaimed universities. Rees completed his hospitality training at the Hotel Bellevue Palace in Bern, Switzerland. He also holds an Honorary Degree in Culinary Arts from the Long Island Culinary Federation.

Rees said that he is thrilled to join the company at what he called a “pivotal point” for the Hard Rock brand.

Our future pipeline of hotel projects is very robust which will allow me to work with my teams to innovate and create more of the special brand touchpoints and guest experiences our fans expect.

John Rees, SVP of hotel operations, Hard Rock International

Rees concluded that he hopes to turn Hard Rock’s hotels into cool places to stay and feel like a VIP.

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) has reinforced its executive team with the appointment of the experienced Joe Maloney as senior vice president of strategic communications. In this position, the new appointee will be tasked with leading the gambling association’s communications, research, marketing and public affairs.

Maloney will officially join AGA’s team in January and will help advance key priorities for AGA members. He joins the AGA from the Washington Commanders, a professional football franchise. During his time with the team, Maloney served as vice president of public affairs and strategic communications. The position saw him spearhead the club’s external engagement, proving his expertise in communications.

As VP of public affairs for the Commanders, Maloney also steered the franchise’s legislative advocacy on sports betting in Virginia and Maryland. Thanks to this, the team was able to form key partnerships with FanDuel in Virginia and Fanatics in Maryland. Maloney was also instrumental in cementing the Washington Commanders as the first NFL team to join AGA’s “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” initiative.

Before joining the Washington Commanders, Maloney served as a partner at Locust Street Group, a full-service public affairs agency in Washington DC. During his team with LSG, Maloney led the agency’s work on G2E and AGA’s Get to Know Gaming series.

Bill Miller, AGA’s president and chief executive officer, welcomed the new hire on board, saying that he will be an invaluable addition to the association’s best-in-class communications team. He described the new appointee as an “accomplished professional” who doesn’t back off when facing significant public affairs challenges.

We will benefit not only from his (from Maloney’s) depth of experience and his tireless advocacy, but his enthusiasm and energy to hit the ground running as a champion for the casino gaming industry.

Bill Miller, president & CEO, AGA

Maloney also commented on the matter, expressing his excitement about his new position. He noted that his new appointment comes at a “pivotal moment for the gaming industry.”

Maloney said: “I’m honored to join the AGA and its dedicated team at this pivotal moment for the gaming industry. The future holds great promise and I’m energized by the opportunity and challenge of communicating the remarkable benefits and economic impact of legal gaming across the country.”

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BMM Testlabs Australia, which is a leader in the provision of certification services for gaming companies, has brought in Zilevski as its latest SVP of client services. In his new role, he will work directly with the EVP and general manager for the APACAF region.

Strengthening Client Services and Technical Understanding

The appointment will see the seasoned specialist join Kirk White’s team, who serves as the EVP and GM for APACAF and help advance BMM’s standing as a leader in the provision of outstanding services for partners.

He hailed Zilevski’s experience and knowledge of the industry and what he brought to the table, commending the man as an established industry specialist. Zilevski’s strong qualities include a deeper understanding of the technical side of the business as well as a good rapport with clients.

“Mario is exceptionally qualified to provide guidance and support to our clients, and his promotion to Senior Vice President of Client Services is well deserved,” White said, hailing the new addition.

The man was excited about the opportunity to be a part of BMM Australia’s team and increase his responsibilities within the company’s structure. He mentioned that he has been working with the company from various global offices over the past years and has accumulated important in-depth technical knowledge that spans numerous international markets and customer engagement models.

Zilevski Has More Than Two Decades of Industry Experience

This knowledge can now be put to good use as part of his new position within the company. Zilevski’s journey with the company has been a long one. He joined in 2000 when the company was still starting out and has spent the last 20+ years working at BMM and helping advance industry standards for safety and responsibility.

The company previously promoted Rubén Baptista to EURSAM SVP of operations. BMM Testlabs has also been expanding its North American footprint. Presently, the company is focused on strengthening both its geographical footprint through license acquisition in individual jurisdictions in North America as well as with the addition of qualified and trusted members of staff.

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Hospitality and gaming operator Hard Rock International (HRI) announced the appointment of Ragheb “Raj” Dajani as its new Senior Vice President of Development.

Help HRI Cement Position in Luxury Hospitality

The appointment of Dajani as SVP of Development will bring on board HRI an accomplished real estate professional with more than 30 years of real estate development experience gained across planning, design and construction of integrated resorts, including luxury residential, hospitality and casino properties.

Commenting on the new appointment, Joe Emanuele, Chief Design and Development Officer at HRI, was excited to see Dajani join the company’s Real Estate Development team in times during which HRI is continuing “to further cement the Hard Rock brand as a pillar in the global luxury hospitality space.”

On Dajani’s future impact, Emanuele added that “his extensive experience in bringing top-of-the-line luxury integrated resort concepts to life makes [him] an invaluable addition to the Hard Rock team.”

As SVP of Development for HRI, Dajani will be responsible for new real estate development prospects, setting up real estate development strategy direction and overseeing the company’s growth plans and objectives, and will be reporting directly to Emanuele.

Experience in Building Luxury Towers and Resorts

In his most recent role as the Head of Planning for gaming and hospitality operator Galaxy Entertainment Group, Dajani was instrumental in establishing a development operation in Tokyo to pursue a casino license for the development and operation of a multi-billion integrated resort.

During his stay with top hospitality firm, Kerzner International, Dajani helped develop several luxury towers – The Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas, Morocco and Dubai – as well as several One&Only hotels and resorts in the Bahamas, Mexico and the Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut.

Dajani, whose career began in the US luxury residential sector where he engaged in bidding and execution of general contracting work, was also central in planning and implementing a revitalizing development program for Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, under Brookfield Hospitality Management.

With venues in over 70 countries and spanning 290 locations featuring owned, licensed or managed hotels, casinos, rock shops, live performance venues, and cafes, HRI is one of the world’s most recognized companies.

One of its recent development projects, Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood in South Dakota, featuring a boutique hotel, a casino, a full-service restaurant, and a bar, is set to open its doors to the public in August this year.

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