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Roundtable – Continent 8’s Leaders and Legends
The Continent 8 Leaders and Legends series has been running for several years now, bringing together some of the industry’s biggest names to share their thoughts, insights and experiences on the hottest trends of the moment. The latest Leaders and Legends took place at the KPMG Gibraltar eSummit and saw heavyweights Shay Segev (Chief Executive Officer at DAZN), Joanne Whittaker (Chief Executive Officer at Betfred), Edo Haitin (Chief Executive Officer at Playtech Live) and Vaughan Lewis (Chief Strategy Officer at 888 Holdings) take to the stage to discuss a wide range of topics from the review of the UK Gambling Act to the future of retail in an increasingly digital world.
Moderator:
Micky Swindale – Partner, Global Gaming Team – KPMG
Panellists:
- Edo Haitin – Chief Executive Officer – Playtech Live
- Vaughan Lewis – Chief Strategy Officer – 888 Holdings
- Shay Segev – Chief Executive Officer – DAZN
- Joanne Whittaker – Chief Executive Officer – Betfred
MS: What changes do you expect to see as a result of the UK government’s review of the Gambling Act? What impact might tighter restrictions have on the market and how are you preparing for them?
JW: We just need to know what is coming. The review is hanging over us and we just need to be able to move on as an industry. We are agile, we evolve. We have heard some of the expected changes around slot stake limits, enhanced affordability checks, the levy and so on but until we know exactly what changes are coming, it is hard to properly prepare. Of course, as a business, we are trying to get ready for what is to come. I think initially there was a bit of panic, but we have got passed that now. We had a significant hit on retail when the FOBT legislation came in a few years ago, but we survived that and when I talk to Fred, he always says these legislative changes come in cycles. So, we are watching, we will respond, and I hope that we are given time to implement the technology changes that will be required. But right now, it’s just a case of wait and see.
VL: I think getting the line right as to where gambling tips over from personalisation, enjoyment and the promotion of great products and offers into something that becomes exploitative is the really challenging area that the review of the Gambling Act is trying to address. For us, we just want clarity about what are the standards that we need to meet. Once operators have that clarity, we then back ourselves to be able to provide a great player experience but with high levels of safety and within the standards set. At the moment, we are not clear on what standards we are trying to meet so our hope is that through the review process we get that clarity. Once any changes from the review have been implemented, we can then refocus on delivering the best player experience.
EH: Coming from the provider side, my perspective is perhaps a bit different. I believe that it is in the product to solve issues around responsible gambling and affordability and to deliver the right player experience. This also needs to be done in a way that the regulator can see that the player is doing so within their affordability. So, it is our responsibility as a provider to give our operators the products to do this. On the flip side, and especially as a big provider, I do feel for smaller businesses as the bar for entry into the market is being set even higher. So, regulators should bear in mind that there are companies making their first move that do need clarity and guidance as to what is expected of them.
ML: All jurisdictions, including Gibraltar, are having to quickly adapt to market changes. But what makes Gibraltar such an appealing jurisdiction to companies such as DAZN?
SS: We recently announced that DAZN would be going into betting with the launch of DAZN Bet and that we would be using Gibraltar as the hub for that. Having personally been based in Gibraltar for the last ten years I have found the jurisdiction to be amazing both in terms of the government’s support for the industry and the infrastructure it has provided, as well as the ability to establish a business here. It is also highly respected in terms of its regulatory framework and standards, and the talent that can be accessed here is second to none. This made it a very easy decision for us to set up DAZN Bet in Gibraltar.
MS: As the industry continues to grow, we have seen a real wave of M&A activity crash over the sector. With no sign of these mega deals slowing down, is now the right time for smaller businesses to position themselves for a takeover? And what makes for an attractive acquisition target?
VL: We are not seeing any slowdown in the trend of mega transactions. We have been through multiple waves of M&A and deals just keep getting bigger and bigger. We just closed a £2bn transaction but that now seems relatively small. Just before Christmas, Flutter undertook a £2bn acquisition and didn’t even have an investor call to explain it, it’s kind of like a bolt-on for them now. And then a few weeks ago you have the MGM takeover of LeoVegas, which it called “bite-size”. We are definitely in a new phase of the industry where these huge businesses have been created and significant value has been generated, and that is starting to really drive the M&A cycle.
At the medium and smaller end, we are still seeing a lot of activity. These transactions often have one or more characteristics that they share including unique products and content that you just can’t get elsewhere or that you can’t create quickly enough, market access, media convergence and other attributes that drive outsized value. This is where the future focus of M&A will be.
MS: The big four operators now account for more than 50% of the UK market share, so these companies can leverage the advantages of scale. But what impact does this have on consumer choice?
EH: We are an entertainment business, and the future of entertainment cannot be controlled by big companies. We see today that the biggest entertainers in the world are individuals that pick up their smartphones and cameras and stream videos on YouTube to tens of millions of followers. That makes them the big force in entertainment. I understand why companies undertake M&A and want to drive scale, but will this stop other businesses from entering the industry, I don’t think so. The nature of entertainment is so fluid that what is popular now will be different in five years’ time and we will most likely consume it differently. Once you work with video and content, you really pay attention to this and when we look at the market and what is in front of us, we see our immediate rivals but also those on the sidelines of the industry. Consolidation might block the immediate entry for some companies, but I do not believe that it will block the variety and versatility of the products that are offered to players.
SS: I think we might also see consolidation between industries with new experiences coming in. Where betting and gaming were perhaps seen as unethical just a few years ago, big businesses from outside of the sector are undoubtedly now looking at it. I think the US opening up has changed perceptions, too. For example, ESPN and Disney have indicated they are considering betting as a potential market for them to explore.
MS: The industry is expanding internationally with new jurisdictions embracing licensing and regulation all of the time. But with most taking a state-by-state or province-by-province approach, just how tough is it for operators to be truly global?
VL: If you were to ask all operators and suppliers if you could wave a magic wand and have harmonised rules across the world, I think the vast majority would say that is the dream scenario. It would enable us to really focus on product innovation and development, player protection and ultimately creating a much better consumer experience rather than having to spend time tailoring the platform for each market. We are one of the few operators that have a global, scalable platform that can run in multiple jurisdictions, but we have to tailor that to each market. If you look at the US, the investment we have to put into each state to meet the local tax and disclosure regulations sucks up a lot of time and diverts resources away from other areas that could be much more productive in terms of making great products and really looking after players. The more we can move towards standardised approaches, especially in the area of player protection, the better it will be for all stakeholders.
EH: Any company that wants to enter regulated markets such as the UK really needs to have a strong compliance team in place. This team is not there to scare you but to give you direction when it comes to developing products within the guidelines set. For us, one of the biggest challenges in the US is that we have to create a dedicated studio in each of the states that we enter based on the Wire Act of 1961. At the time I couldn’t understand why we could not just build one studio, but now we are up and running I see it as a good barrier to the competition. Really, you need to embrace regulation and understand the meaning behind it, even if you do not agree with it. For us as a live casino provider business, having to create a studio in each of the states we target is not optimal. But if you can understand the playground you are in and cater to that culture, it is possible to succeed.
MS: In all of our talk about online, are we losing sight of the land-based punter? Is it true that once they have gone online, they will never come back to retail betting?
JW: During Covid, it was a real fear for our business. Our retail shops were forced to close which saw our online business grow significantly but now restrictions have been lifted we have seen retail fully bounce back. We are really pleased with how the high street is performing and we can see that our customers are enjoying the betting shop experience and especially the social element. Long may that continue.
SS: You can’t ignore that betting shops are more part of the past than the future of the industry. I do think there is an opportunity to reinvent the betting shop experience, which some operators are doing with things like self-service betting terminals. There is something there but, clearly, it is not on the rise and consumers are transitioning to digital. That said, there is room to create something synergistic between retail and online.
JW: I agree there will not be new betting shops coming but at the turnover level customers are returning and they want to come to the shop. Our digital business has normalised, but we are in a much stronger position than we were pre-Covid. There is a place for the high street; I believe in SSBT and omnichannel but customers still want to come into the retail environment. We are also seeing this in other territories. In our US business, the retail performance is strong in the casinos where we have partnerships and in South Africa, we have a significant retail presence, too, although it is a very different retail offering with a much bigger footprint with 30-40 tills. I understand the importance of digital, but retail will survive.
VL: As an industry, we do not do a great job of standing up and talking about the value of the products we are selling. Retail is back to where it was post-pandemic because people love it, and they go to the shops because it is a fun thing to do. It is similar to the convergence of media and online, so long as we are providing something of value to consumers then that’s great. I think we should be proud of the service and entertainment we provide and for me, retail betting still provides a huge amount of enjoyment for customers. Betting shops never really went away, they just had to close due to the pandemic and they remain a core part of the industry.
EH: I’m going to take the middle ground here. Retail is back and I think part of the reason why players are enjoying going to betting shops is that it was taken away from them for a long time. But I do agree with Shay that reinventing betting shops is an important thing. This includes self-service and other experiences that will drive people to retail as well as online. As a live provider, we are often asked if we are cannibalising land-based by my answer is always no. We are an extension of the business, and I don’t believe we can really replace the experience of going to a casino.
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Pioneering Compliance and Innovation: Atlaslive’s Strategy in the Evolving iGaming Landscape
HIPTHER, organizer of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is excited to welcome Atlaslive, a cutting-edge iGaming platform provider, as the Badge & Bracelet Sponsor and key participant in this year’s event. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Lasha Kupatadze, Chief Product Officer at Atlaslive, to explore the company’s readiness for Brazil’s evolving regulatory landscape, its approach to industry certifications, responsible gambling, and the product innovations driving the future of iGaming.
Atlaslive has achieved the Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification for its iGaming Platform in Brazil. What were the most critical compliance requirements for entering Brazil’s newly regulated gaming market, and how does this certification position Atlaslive for long-term success in the region? What are your next strategic steps?
Entering Brazil’s newly regulated gaming market presented a unique set of compliance requirements that companies must navigate carefully. For Atlaslive, achieving the Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification was a significant milestone, as it demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high standards of fairness, security, and player protection.
Achieving this certification gives us a solid foundation for long-term success in Brazil. It not only enhances our credibility but also streamlines the regulatory approval process for entering the market. This positioning can help us attract investors and partners who prioritize ethical operations in their collaborations.
As we look to the future, our strategic focus will be on enhancing partnerships within the region. By fostering relationships with local payment processors and regulatory authorities, we can ensure a more seamless entry into the market. We also recognize the importance of creating a marketing strategy that resonates with Brazilian players, emphasizing responsible gaming and community engagement.
Furthermore, we plan to localize our game content to align with Brazilian culture, ensuring that we enhance the user experience. As we progress, continuous monitoring of compliance requirements will be vital to adapt to any regulatory changes. Investing in the technology behind our platform will also support our ability to scale and engage players effectively.
You have recently shared insights about how AI revolutionizes responsible gaming and player protection. Can you share Atlaslive’s perspective with our readers?
At Atlaslive, we see artificial intelligence as a real game-changer in ensuring player well-being. By using AI-driven analytics, we can detect potential risk behaviors early and proactively assist players who might need a break or additional support. We offer self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and other responsible gaming tools. Also we’ve found that these real-time insights help us personalize responsible gaming measures and gain genuine trust with our audience. We will continue leveraging AI-driven insights to make Atlaslive a safer and more enjoyable platform for players worldwide!
Responsible gambling and KYC compliance are growing priorities worldwide. How does Atlaslive integrate these crucial elements into its platform to ensure a secure and player-focused experience?
At Atlaslive, we understand that responsible gambling and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance are not just regulatory necessities but essential elements in delivering a secure and player-focused experience. Our commitment to these priorities is seamlessly integrated into our platform, particularly as we tailor our solutions for the Brazilian market.
A key component of our KYC compliance strategy is a strategic partnership with Brazil’s leading identity verification technology provider. This partnership allows us to leverage advanced tools that meet the specific requirements of the Brazilian market. Utilizing document examination through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and 3D facial identification, our partner provides comprehensive identity verification in fewer than 30 seconds. This innovation not only streamlines the registration process, reducing player registration time by an impressive 30%, but also significantly minimizes fraud risks and ensures strict adherence to Brazilian regulations.
In addition to our robust KYC services, we are devoted to promoting responsible gaming. Atlaslive has developed a suite of features designed to empower players to engage in gaming safely and responsibly. We offer customizable settings that allow users to set their own limits on deposits, wagers, and gaming sessions. Self-exclusion options and cool-off periods are also available, providing players with the tools they need to manage their gaming behavior effectively.
We additionally provide educational resources on our platform to inform players about the risks associated with gambling. Our customer support team is well-trained to identify signs of distress and offer appropriate guidance, ensuring that support is always available when needed.
Atlaslive is known for its adaptable and scalable platform. Can you share some of the latest product innovations and enhancements that set you apart in the competitive iGaming landscape?
At Atlaslive, we focus on developing a platform that seamlessly adapts to our partners’ evolving needs. That means we’re constantly refining everything—both the user-facing interface and the powerful backend behind it. Recently, we have prioritized real-time data analytics, enabling operators to swiftly identify player trends and adapt to engagement shifts seamlessly. We’ve also introduced flexible integrations, making it effortless for businesses to plug in third-party services while keeping everything running smoothly. On top of that, we’re unveiling personalization features that let operators fine-tune everything from lobby layouts to bonus offerings according to each player’s preferences. Altogether, these updates give our clients the agility and creativity they need to stay ahead in a market that never slows down!
At the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, you’ll be speaking on the panel “Regulatory Crossroads: Lessons & Compliance Strategies from North America & LATAM.” Can you share a sneak peek of the key regulatory challenges and strategies you’ll be discussing with the audience?
During the panel, I’ll dive into how our platform is built to adapt to Brazil’s unique regulatory requirements, which can change quickly as legislation matures. I plan to highlight two core areas: first, how to navigate the nuanced compliance landscape to ensure operators are always a step ahead, and second, how technology-driven solutions—like real-time monitoring and reporting—make that possible. We’ll also touch on the importance of forging strong relationships with local authorities, so you can seamlessly enter and thrive in the market. When you boil it all down, a flexible, tech-savvy approach to compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting players, earning trust, and ultimately growing a strong brand in one of the world’s most dynamic iGaming arenas!
With Atlaslive at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into the future of iGaming and technology. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!
Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!
The post Pioneering Compliance and Innovation: Atlaslive’s Strategy in the Evolving iGaming Landscape appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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XSOLLA AND UKIE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP AT GDC 2025 TO EMPOWER GAME DEVELOPERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THROUGHOUT EMEA
Xsolla, a global leader in video game commerce, is proud to partner with UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie), the United Kingdom’s industry trade body. This strategic collaboration names Xsolla as Ukie’s official monetization partner and exclusive programming sponsor, reinforcing their commitment to providing game developers with the tools, services, and solutions needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving gaming market.
The primary objective of this partnership is to create a new collaboration that delivers an exclusive programme, showcasing Xsolla’s unique strengths and capabilities for monetization and commercialization in games. By focusing on commercial excellence, the partnership aims to transform the long-term success of the UK video games industry, fostering sustainable growth and innovation. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to build confidence among government bodies, investors, and key stakeholders, demonstrating the UK’s potential as a global leader in the video games sector.
To achieve these objectives, Xsolla and Ukie will implement a series of targeted activations across the UK designed to support and empower game developers directly. One key initiative will be a programme of UK-wide activations, including bespoke workshops delivered through Ukie’s new Supercharged Sessions. As part of this effort, Ukie will manage and deliver two tailored workshops for Xsolla at two different game hubs across the UK, equipping developers with the knowledge and tools to maximize commercial success.
In addition to the UK-based initiatives, the partnership will include a strategic activation at Gamescom, one of the world’s largest gaming events. This presence will showcase Xsolla’s cutting-edge solutions, strengthen international connections, and reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in game development. Throughout the year, Xsolla and Ukie will explore further opportunities to support the UK games industry through additional activations and community engagements.
“We are thrilled to partner with Ukie, a leading voice in the UK games industry,” said Chris Meredith, Senior Vice President of Business Development – EMEA at Xsolla. “This collaboration allows us to help UK-based developers unlock new revenue opportunities and streamline the monetization process. At Xsolla, we’re committed to providing a seamless, scalable experience for developers, and working with UKIE enables us to extend our support to a vibrant community of gaming professionals.”
Nick Poole, CEO at Ukie, added. “This partnership with Xsolla is an exciting development for our members. As the video game landscape continues to evolve, developers must have access to the best tools to support their financial growth. With Xsolla’s expertise in monetization and global payment solutions, Ukie members are strongly positioned to thrive in domestic and international markets.”
“In 2025, we are looking to partners in the industry to collaborate and help connect with video game developers of all sizes and from all regions around the world to provide distribution, monetization, and payment solutions to help developers create a successful gaming business,” Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla. “We remain committed to providing access and bringing opportunities together for the video game industry. We look forward to connecting and building a long-lasting relationship with Ukie and its member companies and individuals in the UK and beyond.”
Through this collaboration and partnership, Ukie and Xsolla will create custom programming, events, and opportunities for game developers to share the challenges and opportunities facing them in the growing video game industry. A full schedule of activities will be shared through Ukie and Xsolla in 2025 and beyond, as their mission is to bring opportunities together for the gaming industry and to help stimulate the growth of gaming businesses in the UK and Europe.
The post XSOLLA AND UKIE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP AT GDC 2025 TO EMPOWER GAME DEVELOPERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THROUGHOUT EMEA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Medusa is back and out for Revenge – Face Medusa’s Wrath Once More in Stakelogic’s Stone Gaze of Medusa 2!
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The innovative, Greek-inspired release features scatter pays and cascade mechanics with a maximum multiplier of x10,000 and huge potential wins. Players will experience a journey through ancient Greece, where Medusa’s powerful gaze can turn symbols to stone, triggering cascading wins and unlocking extraordinary treasure opportunities.
Stone Gaze of Medusa 2 will be available across Stakelogic’s network of online casinos from 19 March 2025, inviting players to test their courage against the legendary snake-haired Gorgon and claim untold mythical riches.
James Jelliffe, Head of Slots at Stakelogic, said: “Stone Gaze of Medusa 2 represents our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of online slot entertainment. We’ve crafted an experience that not only pays homage to Greek mythology but also delivers unprecedented excitement for players seeking legendary wins.”
The post Stakelogic Unleashes More Mythological Mayhem with Stone Gaze of Medusa 2 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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