La Royale Gaming Investments, a pioneering Malta-based holding company fostering an innovative online and offline gaming enterprise ecosystem, has fortified its leadership by appointing Eamonn Faulkner as chief operating officer. Faulkner boasts over two decades of industry expertise, joining from his prior role at Videoslots, and will contribute his extensive experience to La Royale’s management.

The New COO Brings an Impressive Strategic Vision

Faulkner’s career includes significant roles at industry-leading operators. His gambling industry experience started in 2007 with a six-year stint for the Irish sportsbook PaddyPower, where he played a pivotal role in the brand’s evolution amid intense competition. His journey also involved positions at Betfair, Matchbook Betting Exchange, SB Tech, and consulting for various US sportsbooks.

Before La Royale, Faulkner served as COO at Videoslots, managing a substantial portion of the workforce, overseeing operations, customer service, payment processes, risk management, responsible gambling initiatives, and sportsbook operations. La Royale Gaming Investments CEO Dee Maher was excited to have Faulkner on board, lauding his extensive expertise.

Eamonn is one of the most experienced executives in the industry, and we are thrilled to name him as our chief operating officer.

Dee Maher, La Royale Gaming Investments CEO

Maher sees Faulkner as a key figure in achieving the company’s ambitious goals. The CEO added that attracting such a high-caliber executive demonstrated La Royale’s substantial prospects in a highly competitive industry. Faulkner’s blend of leadership qualities and unparalleled experience make him the perfect addition to the team and should propel the company’s growth strategies.

La Royale Relies on Top-Tier Talent

Faulkner’s appointment follows another recent high-profile hire for La Royale. January saw the company appoint Boniface Vaneecloo as head of sports betting, onboarding another seasoned veteran. Such bolstered leadership will help La Royale cement its position as a leading holding company that brings together a unique ecosystem of innovative online and offline gaming companies.

Vaneecloo previously teased that the company was preparing ground-breaking advancements that could significantly impact the broader industry. Such ambitions were likely why Faulkner took his new position. The new COO was excited to join, noting that La Royale had the potential to become a leading player in the global gaming market.

I know I can bring a lot to the table and play my part in ensuring we not only meet our goals but surpass them. I can’t wait to get started.

Eamonn Faulkner, La Royale Gaming Investments COO

This newest strategic hire underscores La Royale’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team with seasoned professionals, aligning with its vision for industry prominence and innovation. Industry insiders will keep a close eye on the company as it unveils its ambitious projects and strives to surpass its competition through operational excellence.

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Global esports betting powerhouse GG.BET has renewed its existing partnership agreement with Team Vitality, an international esports club. Now extended through 2024, the deal will see the bookmaker continue its support of the club’s Counter-Strike team.

GG.BET first penned a partnership agreement with Team Vitality’s CS roster back in 2022 and has supported it ever since. Throughout their partnership, the two parties participated in a variety of activations, both online and real-life.

Some of the previous activations, for example, saw GG.BET and Team Vitality promote V.Hive, a mobile blockading application that has so far been downloaded by more than 80,000 Team Vitality fans.

In addition, Team Vitality participated in GG.BET’s Match of LeGGends, a spectacular event, during which they clashed with NAVI, another professional esports club. The match was seen by over a million fans across the world.

Vitality, which is currently considered the top CS team in the world, won its first major title at the BLAST Paris Major 2023.

The Two Parties Are Looking Forward to Participating in Joint Activations

GG.BET commented on the deal, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Team Vitality. The company pointed out that its 2023 projects reached more than 150 million fans on social media, inspiring countless esports enthusiasts across the world.

In 2024, we’re setting ourselves new goals, and we’ll be taking the strategic partnership between GG.BET and Team Vitality to new heights!

GG.BET statement

Team Vitality CEO Nicolas Maurer weighed in on the matter, saying that his team is likewise pleased to extend this partnership. He lauded GG.BET as a leading esports company and said that this cooperation has always been about “having fun and creating unmatched experiences” for esports fans.

Like our meet & greet event in Rio, which gathered over 3.5 million reach, and the unforgettable show match against NAVI. We’re looking forward to unveiling the exciting projects we’ll be putting in place over the next two years, to make the CS community shine and grow.

Nicolas Maurer, CEO, Team Vitality

GG.BET teased that it will continue to organize joint online initiatives alongside the team, as well as large-scale real-life events for true fans of esports.

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Kambi, a B2B provider of sports betting services, has reported that the arrival of the soccer legend Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has led to an unprecedented spike in Major League Soccer betting activity.

As reported by the sports betting specialist, the popularity of Inter Miami and the MLS as a whole has skyrocketed, leading to a whopping 33% increase in bets on the MLS compared to 2022. This announcement comes ahead of the MLS Cup this weekend and highlights the growing growth of soccer and betting in the US.

For reference, Lionel Messi, who previously helped Argentina win the FIFA 2022 World Cup, joined Inter Miami in July, revitalizing interest in the MLS and MLS betting among Kambi’s operator partners.

In fact, Inter Miami quickly cemented itself as the most bet on MLS team of the year thanks to the addition of Messi to its roster. For reference, the ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player forward played six times and scored four goals in the MLS. Inter Miami also participated in 8 of the 10 most bet on games during the season.

Prior to the acquisition of Messi, Inter Miami was only the 15th most bet on team.

Messi Helped Inter Miami Rise

Messi’s contribution to Inter Miami is not surprising considering the soccer star’s immense popularity. The player quickly cemented himself as the most bet on player in the MLS over the past four years, exceeding the bets on Denis Bouanga, the second most bet on player, by a whopping 140%.

Kambi’s head of soccer, Jonathon Hurst, commented on Messi’s contribution to the MLS, saying that it is a “landmark moment” the importance of which cannot be understated. According to Hurst, the popularity of Inter Miami is poised to explode even further as Messi is about to be joined by his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.

Hurst added that Messi has an undisputable global appeal that will continue to positively affect his team.

Messi’s global appeal and star power have captured the attention of fans worldwide, and this has translated into a significant increase in betting engagement on MLS matches.
Jonathon Hurst, head of soccer, Kambi

Speaking of Kambi, the group just proceeded with a $3 million share buyback program that will be conducted over several transactions on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm.

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As a result, the supplier’s host of innovative and out-of-the-box games will be featured with Betsson Spain. Both companies are determined to expand their market reach and continue to navigate the lucrative opportunity that regulated online gambling brings to businesses in the country.

Betsson and Hacksaw Gaming Double Down on Ongoing Alliance with Spain Launch

Furthermore, Betsson Group is hoping to get a serious content injection boost that will consolidate its status as a leading company in the country associated with some of the best gaming options, leading to the customary increase in player engagement and retention.

Betsson Group and Hacksaw Gaming are both determined to continue securing forward positions in what is a promising if challenging market. The two companies are also working together in other markets as well.

Hacksaw has been helping Betsson consolidate its positions in places such as Croatia and Lithuania in Europe over the past several months, and the two partners are determined to maintain healthy collaboration in other markets as well.

Betsson Spain Casino Manager Laura Sanchez was excited about the opportunity to see this trusted partner join the operator’s ranks of suppliers.  

“Exciting news – we’re now live with the awesome games from Hacksaw Gaming. Our goal is simple: give our loyal customers a bunch of new and cool games, and this partnership is making it happen,” Sanchez said. The content deal is also signed on the occasion of Betsson’s 60^th anniversary.

Hacksaw Gaming CEO Marcus Cordes was similarly pleased with the opportunity to collaborate with Betsson and establish the company locally as one of the go-to suppliers that operators can continually turn to.

Hacksaw Gaming has been expanding to the West as well, with the supplier securing a partnership with Betplay in Colombia in October, and deploying its award-winning and player-favorite games in the face of Wanted Dead or a Wild, Chaos Crew, or Stack’em.

The supplier has also gained a solid foothold in the United States through its license in New Jersey obtained in November. Earlier this month, Hacksaw Gaming also announced that it’s delivering on this license through a content partnership with DraftKings in the Garden State. The launch is going to happen by the end of the quarter, the company recently shared.

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FanDuel, a prominent online gaming company in North America, has revealed plans to enhance its golf betting offerings through the integration of IMG ARENA’s Golf Event Centre into its Sportsbook platform. 

FanDuel’s Integration of Golf Event Centre Set to Transform Betting Experience

Scheduled to commence on August 10, the integration of the Golf Event Centre promises to revolutionize the golf betting experience for enthusiasts. With a special focus on the FedEx St. Jude Championship, FanDuel intends to provide bettors with a 25% profit boost on any live market bets made during the tournament. This initiative is intended to celebrate the launch and attract bettors to experience the new features.

Christian Genetski, president of FanDuel Group, expressed enthusiasm for the integration, stating: “By integrating IMG ARENA’s Golf Event Centre into our sportsbook platform, we can offer fans access to a robust catalog of live markets that will give them new ways to engage with the sport on every hole.”

The integration of the Golf Event Centre will introduce golf fans to an array of fresh live betting markets, including wagers on elements like closest-to-the-pin, longest drive, and the number of birdies. Additionally, the platform will feature exciting stroke-by-stroke bets that allow fans to immerse themselves in the tournament’s progression. An intriguing addition at the FedEx St. Jude Championship is the inclusion of a bunker shot challenge, where fans who present a bet slip can take a bunker shot for the chance to win $5,000 in Bonus Bets.

FanDuel Enhances PGA Tour Engagement with Advanced Data Visualization

Moreover, the Golf Event Centre will provide fans with advanced data visualization tools, enabling real-time shot tracking, hole profiles, and course maps. This feature will empower fans to make informed betting decisions during key PGA Tour events, enhancing their engagement with the sport. A live leaderboard, customizable to track the performance of favorite players hole by hole, will further enrich the experience for FanDuel customers.

Scott Warfield, vice president of gaming at the PGA Tour, acknowledged the significance of the development, stating: “Integrating the Golf Event Centre into FanDuel Sportsbook will be a massive win for golf fans, who will now have a robust offering of betting options to choose from as they tune in to see their favorite players and tournaments.”

FanDuel‘s remarkable revenue growth during the first quarter of 2023, with a 92% increase on an annual basis and a 147% surge in sportsbook revenue, suggests that the company is moving closer to achieving long-awaited profitability, benefitting from its strong presence and 50% market share in the US regulated betting market.

In other recent developments, FanDuel also renewed its collaboration with Women’s Tennis Association. The company further boosted the experience and security of its users by partnering with Prove Identity and enhanced its responsible gambling efforts by hiring Alison Kutler as FanDuel Group’s Vice President for Sustainability and Responsible Gaming.

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The appointments include those of Kiran Ranu, who will now serve as the company’s business development manager, and Martin White, who is stepping in as business development director.

Freemarket Strengthens Team of Experts

Both additions have significant experience working in the gaming and gambling industries. Their appointments come shortly after the selection of Annie Osborne, a former Xace chief executive, who joined the company as business development director last week.

White himself has more than 30 years of relevant work experience, with 23 years of working in the payments vertical. He will now move forward with helping Freemarket strengthen its positions in the gaming and gambling industry which are fast becoming important points of interest for Freemarket.

Ranu has worked with TrueLayer, Trustpilot, and AAT, and she has a lot to offer as well, bringing a diverse set of skills that has to do with coaching, leadership, recruitment, account management, and more.

Freemarket VP of sales Richard Harrison has welcomed the additions of Kiran and Martin and said that the duo added to the talent momentum the company has been enjoying recently, pointing out Osborne’s hiring. Harrison added:

Both bring fantastic energy to the business, as well as the drive and tenacity that is very much central to our company. Their experience and network bolster the gambling team and I am very excited to see the huge impact that they will undoubtedly have.

Freemarket VP of sales Richard Harrison

Company Ready to Offer Gaming Sector What It Needs

Meanwhile, both White and Ranu welcomed their appointments. Ranu said that she was confident that she will be able to build the company’s presence in the gambling industry and take it to the next level.

As to White, he is similarly thrilled to be joining the company and bringing his know-how and expertise. He argued that the gambling industry needed cross-border payments and currency exchange solutions that Freemarket is now fully capable of bringing.

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Aptly called Balkan Bet, the operator is going to benefit from Oddin.gg’s outstanding product solutions dedicated to the esports betting experience and market. Specifically, Balkan Bet will access Oddin’s iFrame solution.

Balkan Bet Taps into Oddin.gg’s iFrame Solution

Balkan Bet is one of the most prominent operators in the region, and it’s mostly focused on its home market in Serbia, offering more than 85 retail venues, and a dedicated online platform. The brand has been building up its proposition rapidly over the past years and will now be expanding to try and cater to esports fans.

Esports has become an indelible part of the betting experience and many operators are beginning to actively seek ways to engage with these communities in a meaningful and sustainable way. Oddin.gg co-founder and managing director Marek Suchar has welcomed the news and said:

We are excited and honored to provide Balkan Bet with our iFrame solution. We are sure this collaboration will expand their esports presence, bring more engagement and attract new bettors in their target markets.

Oddin.gg’s Marek Suchar

Oddin.gg brings a dedicated 360-degree esports betting experience that is designed to elevate the vertical to new levels and engage with the target audience. Oddin is determined to drive profitability and volume around-the-clock for its partners, including Balkan Bet.

Players have access to numerous esports betting markets, including popular choices such as Dota 2, Valorant, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and more.

Operators Committed to Grow in the Esports Vertical

Balkan Bet head of sportsbook Mirza Capra was excited to welcome Oddin.gg as the operator’s latest partner and elevate the bookmaker’s own esports betting potential through the iFrame Solution.

“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering top-notch services to our clients and solidifying our position as the leading player in the competitive Balkan market,” Capra said.

Balkan Bet head of sportsbook Mirza Capra

Oddin.gg has been actively looking to expand its footprint, quickly shaping itself up as one of the most trusted and reliable esports betting partners and providers of the necessary infrastructure and technology. The company recently teamed up with Olimpbet to spearhead the operator’s esports betting offer in Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, Oddin.gg has also been building up its presence in the Balkans, with the company previously announcing a similar partnership with MaxBet.

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Superbet unveiled several new high-level changes to its management core, onboarding Stephen Parry as COO, Andrei Dușu as CBDO, and Glyn Hughes as CFO. These appointments coincide with the promotion of Adam Lamentowicz to VP of Superbet International, extending the operator’s ongoing restructuring efforts. The new talent will be instrumental in Superbet’s continued growth, helping it remain competitive despite challenging market conditions.

The Appointments Represent a Significant Injection of Talent

The most notable of the recent appointments is the addition of former William Hill International CEO Stephen Parry. His appointment as chief operations officer will leverage his two decades of leadership experience, strengthening Superbet’s operational capabilities and optimizing all verticals across its global footprint. Parry’s vast industry knowledge and successful track record make him the perfect fit for such a responsible position.

Andrei Dușu becomes Superbet Group’s chief business development officer (CBDO). His track record includes senior leadership positions at Google and OLX Group and co-founding the automation platform Flawless. His expertise and familiarity with the latest technologies will be instrumental in identifying new growth opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving Superbet’s international expansion plans.

Finally, Superbet chose former IWG CFO and executive VP Glyn Hughes to assume the post of chief financial officer (CFO). His extensive financial acumen and experience across several distinct industries will be crucial in managing the operator’s fiscal operations, enhancing performance, and ensuring robust governance. Hughes’s strategic mindset will support Superbet’s growth trajectory, strengthening its market position.

Internal Achievements Also Received Recognition

Adding to the three new hires, Superbet recognizes and rewards internal talent, as evident in Adam Lamentowicz’s promotion to VP of Superbet International. Lamentowicz has been integral to the company’s success in Poland, contributing to its expansion and delivering exceptional results. His promotion will utilize his skills in the European market, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Such drastic leadership changes continue Superbet’s ongoing restructuring efforts. The company recently appointed two new chairpeople to aid its strategic vision. Superbet CEO Johnny Hartnett noted that the new appointments would provide the operator with crucial capabilities across many sectors and geographies, advancing the company’s ambitions.

“As we embark on the next stage of our growth journey, it is incredibly exciting to add experienced and capable leaders like Stephen, Andrei, and Glyn.”

Johnny Hartnett, Superbet CEO

The new appointments mark a milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. Adding experienced leaders and promoting internal talent reflects Superbet’s dedication to operational excellence, strategic growth, and delivering an unmatched gambling experience to its European clients. The team’s collective expertise and industry knowledge will help the company excel in the evolving landscape of the global sports betting and gaming industry.

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The latest group of people to team up against the legal loophole are Virginia casino workers who have joined Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), a national group that is dedicated to putting an end to smoking on gaming floors.

Band Together to Stop Indoor Casino Smoking

CEASE was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the dangerous conditions that workers were forced to work in, notwithstanding casino smoking exemptions. Interestingly, the organization was formed after workers decided to fight for an extension of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s order that effectively prohibited indoor smoking as part of the anti-COVID measures.

Workers and advocates for smoke-free casinos used this as a catalyst to begin a national movement, that has already spanned several other states, and that insists that casinos should not be exempted from the public space indoor smoking policy that is in place in most states.

The movement has helped a lot in helping bust some myths about ending casino smoking, such as the potential loss of revenue for companies, which CEASE argued, is not true, as well as opponents’ arguments that ventilation systems filter toxic fumes efficiently enough – another claim that was shot down by scientists and engineers.

Casinos have been doing their best to adapt and use preemptive measures. For one, Rivers Portsmouth has introduced several changes to its gaming floor, including the allocation of smoke-free areas. In fact, the casino now features 80% smoke-free areas and has reported no decline in revenue directly related to the imposition of smoke prohibition mandates. Some states have indeed been more proactive in the matter.

No Legal Change Achieved Just Yet by CEASE

CEASE Virginia though is just the latest chapter in this nationwide movement, which includes similar chapters in New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. CEASE though has not been particularly successful in enacting actual legislative change, although its vociferous arguments have indeed ruffled the feathers of some more obstreperous lawmakers in the process.

Ending indoor smoking is still a long process and one that will undoubtedly invite its own challenges. Lawmakers have been paying lip service to the issue and there has been little action momentum through legislative bodies.

In New Jersey, Gov. Murphy has pronounced himself in support of workers’ health, but the powerful gambling industry has cautioned that ending smoke prematurely could further depress results and slow down recovery from the pandemic. Workers have responded by arguing that their health should come first.

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Hard Rock International has launched a new Pride Month campaign, promising a variety of merchandise and activations for LGBT+ people and their supporters. Titled “LOVE OUT LOUD,” the campaign encourages people to be confident in who they are and who they love.

Through its activations, the bar and casino chain will support love in all of its forms. To that end, Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the company’s charity division, will team up with other charity organizations and non-profits to benefit the LGBT+ communities. Hard Rock will also donate $250,000 to the Human Right Campaign and Outright International.

Furthermore, Hard Rock will team up with the GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum, genre-bending artist, Halsey. A queer artist, Halsey has designed two co-branded Hard Rock x Halsey Signature Series Pride Edition T-shirts that fans of the brand will be able to get. In addition, the artist will participate in a private performance at Hard Rock Café London Old Park Lane.

After that, a string of Halsey with String Ensemble Hard Rock Live shows will take place at several other Hard Rock properties. These include Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (June 24), Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana (June 30) and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain (July 2).

In addition to the merchandise designed by Halsey, Hard Rock will also offer a selection of other limited-edition items, bearing the messages “Love All, Serve All” and “All Is One.” The line includes t-shirts, cups, keychains, pins, socks and bandanas. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the LGBT+ community.

In addition to the aforementioned activities and merchandise, Hard Rock will also host a variety of activations at its cafes and hotels. The Hard Rock Cafes all over the world will promote Pride Month, demonstrating the company’s support for the community.

Live performances, Pride-themed menus and customized playlists are just some of the things fans can expect. In addition, Hard Rock will sponsor several Pride parades across Europe.

Meanwhile, Hard Rock Hotel properties will create exclusive experiences for customers, such as curated suites, promotional menus, Pride playlists and LGBT+ fundraisers. The subsidiary will also feature performances of street artists that promote LGBT+ people.

Stephanie Piimauna, Seminole Hard Rock’s chief diversity and inclusion officer, commented on the matter:

At Hard Rock, acts of service and authentic inclusion are engrained in our brand DNA and everyday mottos, ensuring that all Team Members and guests at our properties are treated with love and respect.

Stephanie Piimauna, chief diversity and inclusion officer, Seminole Hard Rock

Piimauna added that her team is committed to supporting LGBT+ people all over the world.

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