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Exclusive Interview with Dennis Tsalikis (CEO at Fantasy Sport Interactive)
It is always nice to catch up with successful people and get a glimpse into their extensive knowledge. This week I had the pleasure to interview a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in setting up and managing businesses in diverse sectors. Dennis Tsalikis is co-founder and CEO of Fantasy Sports Interactive, an entrepreneur who decided to combine his passion for Fantasy Sports with his skill in establishing successful businesses.
Dennis has an engineering background and prior to starting his own business ventures, he was employed at Vertu.
After establishing his Higher Technical Education with a University degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and gaining hands-on working experience as a CNC operator at N. Bazigos S.A, Dennis proceeded to acquire a Master’s Degree (MS) in Composite Materials, from London’s Imperial College. Below is our exclusive interview with Dennis, hope you enjoy it!
Let’s begin with a few words about yourself. Our readers love to know how top-class entrepreneurs describing themselves.
Dennis: Fervent. Down to earth,with a positive outlook. Demanding, but fair. Always striving for the best, first and foremost for my people and then in terms of personal accomplishment.
You have studied engineering and science in some of the foremost institutions in Europe, and have had a stellar industrial career. What made you switch to something seemingly different like betting and fantasy sports?
Dennis: For me, engineering and science are the foundations of constructive thinking and a solid professional background. Our Co-Founder, Bill Mexias, and I, got to know fantasy football while working in the UK at Barclays and Vertu respectively, as a team-bonding activity in the workplace. We immediately realized that fantasy football would become the next big thing in gaming and we could see that fantasy sports were the perfect option, combining innovation with great business potential.
You have made your debut in the gaming sector when you co-founded Bet4theBest.com? Did the launch and subsequent performance of the company go according to the plans? Would like to hear your experiences?
Dennis: Bet4theBest was my debut in the gaming industry, an amazing and most positive experience. We managed to establish a tight-knit and effective core team, sharing a common passion in fantasy sports and skill gaming. Internally speaking, we learned a lot in this difficult and demanding journey, while on a collective, industry level, we were part of a generation of operators that managed to bring Fantasy Sports in Europe and to the spotlight. We are most proud about being the first licensed fantasy sports operators in Europe to launch under a wide and impactful marketing strategy, including mass media such as the newspapers and the radio alongside digital marketing. Furthermore, Bet4theBest was a successful Proof of Concept and a product that caught the attention of the UK fantasy football audience, one of the most mature and demanding audiences in the industry.
It has been close to a year since you launched Fantasy Sports Interactive Ltd. How is it going now? Would like to hear some stats and details about major deals.
Dennis: Fantasy Sports Interactive (FSI) is the next level of our Fantasy Sports business venture and the main, B2B act after our B2C opening. During our original business planning, we had foreseen the future need of the market for reliable white label fantasy sports solutions. Our platform has been designed to increase customer attraction, enrich Marketing strategy, provide competitive content and an exciting gaming experience. Our tailored offering led us to a very satisfying first year, featuring a partnership with Gauselmann’s subsidiaries, Cashpoint and Xtip, in progress, a successful World Cup launch and ongoing collaboration in Africa with Africabet.com and a couple of more projects, including our future launch in India with Indus Games.A very important piece of information I can share with you now, is the development of an exclusive, breakthrough Fantasy product, which we plan to announce at ICE 2019.
It is already a crowded market of gaming software developers. What makes Fantasy Sports Interactive stand apart in the crowd?
Dennis: The winning combination of Fantasy Sports Interactive is that variety, versatility and innovation. Our goal is to offer original products going beyond standard market formats and this is what makes us stand apart. Our We make customized fantasy products for fantasy sports betting, social gaming, skill gaming, in mobile-first, online and retail formats. We offer back-end support services, flexible marketing solutions and consulting, making results and meaningful customer relationships a top priority. However, the most important part of FSI is our team, which is high-skilled and most experienced in the fantasy betting industry.
In the USA sports betting is likely to grow significantly in the coming years, following a recent US Supreme Court order that allows states to decide on legalizing sports betting. What are your thoughts on the development? How it is going to affect the gaming industry, and gaming software developing companies in particular?
Dennis: I think that everyone in the iGaming industry was expecting the US market to open at some point. The PASPA court ruling made this possible and it is groundbreaking, since it opened the doors to a wide market of consumers who have been seeking to enjoy legal and regulated gaming services for some time now. The US audience is one of key importance; It has a strong affinity for Fantasy Sports, but at the same time it needs further education in betting and igaming. The skill gaming element is very important and this will require software companies to become more versatile and flexible. This is why we feel that FSI is ready for the US market, with a mature, tested product, combining fantasy sports with betting options.
Fantasy sports have been evolving all the time. How do you see it developing further in the near future, amidst the rise of new disruptive technologies?
Dennis: Indeed, Fantasy Sports have evolved greatly, from the classic season-long model, to the various daily fantasy options available today. I think that contemporary technologies and the lasting internet boom will lead to further progress and gamification, with more clear and mature fantasy products developed around instant and social gaming. Gaming technology will evolve under a customer-centric model, with bet types where the user has full control and a wide range of options to choose from.
Here are a few more details about Dennis and FSI:
Dennis chose to exploit his industrial background and expand the valuable experience he gained in business, by shaping Genesis World Trans, an international cargo services company, which already counts 12 years of successful activity.
While being the Managing Director of Genesis World Trans since 2008, Dennis continued to explore all aspects of business activity and decided to pursue his entrepreneurial vision, by founding one of the first Fantasy Sports Companies in Europe.
In 2014, together with Bill Mexias, he Co-founded “Bet4theBest” – a B2C fantasy football company based in Malta and Athens and the first step of an innovative and ambitious business plan targeting the contemporary iGaming industry.
Bet4theBest operated under a soft launch since 2014 and its official launch within the UK in 2015, was marked by organized and intense marketing activity. Traditional wide-range marketing channels such as the newspapers and the radio (The Racing Post, Daily Star, Daily Mirror, talkSport), were combined with digital marketing activity and a well-known brand ambassador in retired footballer and BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas.
Bet4theBest is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, servicing all locations covered by both Authorities. The company kept operating, offering a variety of fresh and competitive fantasy football games to consumers, until 2017 and served as a Proof of Concept for the white label products of the upcoming Fantasy Sports Software Company, Fantasy Sports Interactive (FSI).
Dennis Co-founded FSI in 2016, keeping the business core and philosophy of Bet4theBest, while further growing its dedicated team and the company’s caliber.
FSI is based in London and has an active branch in Athens, as well.
Under Dennis’s leadership and with an experienced team, the Business and IT divisions have been constantly developing the company and its Fantasy Sports products, aiming at continuous evolution and successful partnerships.
FSI already boasts two important iGaming partnerships, one already launched for the World Cup with Africabet.com and one being a work in progress with Gauselmann’s sportsbook subsidiary companies, Cashpoint and Xtip. In the meanwhile, the team has been working on projects yet to be announced, as well.
About FSI:
Fantasy Sports Interactive offers the most complete range of fantasy sports gaming options. It has been the first company to launch fantasy betting services in Europe through its own fantasy sport product, Bet4theBest, and gain hands-on B2C and marketing management experience.
Powered by our innovative platform and deep insight in fantasy sports betting and skill gaming, we provide tailored white-label solutions to iGaming operators, lotteries and business companies seeking a modern and effective customer acquisition tool.
We offer companies the opportunity to create an engaging, competitive and fully licensed iGaming product that fits each operational model like a glove.
FSI has developed the optimal Fantasy Sports Solution for every operator:
A complete software offering for the iGaming industry, designed to increase customer attraction, enrich Marketing strategy, provide competitive content and an exciting gaming experience.
Our offering includes:
- Fantasy Sports gaming products
- social gaming concepts
- fantasy sportsbook and betting formats
- online, mobile-first and retail options
- backend support services
- full adaptability in terms of Regulatory frameworks
For more details contact: [email protected]
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

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‘Unforgettable’ iGB L!VE sets new industry record with show visits topping 20,000 for the first time
The international iGaming industry has given a resounding endorsement of iGB L!VE 2025 with visitation hitting a record 20,227 a figure that’s 16% up on the previous high of 17,498 which was set in 2024.
iGB L!VE also underlined its stellar international credentials with attendees travelling to the show’s new London home from 149 nations, up from the 2024 figure of 131.
Reflecting on the industry’s electric response to iGB L!VE London, Jody Frost, Clarion Gaming’s Head of Marketing and Brand said: “iGB L!VE 2025 was an unforgettable experience setting new records in its new London location. The UK capital city is the birthplace of iGaming and the relocation to ExCeL London was undertaken to enable the show to continue to grow and in the process create a sustainable Tier 1 event which consistently meets the needs of the global iGaming ecosystem that it serves.
“According to the independent data iGaming professionals from an amazing 149 nations harnessed the unique energy of iGB L!VE to cultivate partnerships, embrace innovation, gain a competitive edge and drive business growth. As preparations get underway for the 2026 edition we will continue to work in partnership with the industry notably our Vendor and Visitor Advisory Boards in order to identify those areas where we can improve and ensure that iGB L!VE continues to address the needs of all of our international stakeholders bringing together operators, affiliates, suppliers, and iGaming providers for an unmatched networking experience.”
The importance of iGB L!VE’s relocation to London and the show’s ability to deliver the right audience was key for stakeholders. Märit von Stedingk, Head of Marketing at Alea confirmed: “My God, was this event all about connections and reconnections? The show was so busy I was on the booth all of the time. Was iGB Live 2025 worth it? A big resounding yes both personally and from a business standpoint. London stays a highlight in our gaming calendar”.
Her view was endorsed by Soft2Bet’s Chief Business Development Officer Martin Collins who posted: “London in July proved itself. The event brought together one of the most geographically diverse crowds I’ve seen. It’s clear: iGaming’s future isn’t European, it’s everywhere.”
Joshua Gamble, Managing Director, ActiveWin Marketing shared: “You’ll find a perfect mix of affiliate partners, operators, and suppliers, all in one place, which makes it incredibly efficient for forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. The content is sharp and relevant, the atmosphere is energetic, and the event consistently delivers tangible ROI—not just in leads, but in insights that shape your strategy for the year. It’s a key fixture on the calendar because the quality of attendees and conversations is unmatched.”
His assessment was echoed by Sita Mamidanna, Head of Customer Success Management at CDNetworks:“Based on my experience attending this event, I would certainly recommend it to friends and colleagues, especially those involved in the iGaming sector, whether as distributors, affiliates, operators, technology providers, or those considering entry” she stated. “While networking is a key element, the event is more about the energy, innovative ideas, and genuine relationships you develop. It offers opportunities to meet industry leaders, discover emerging technologies and trends before they reach the mainstream, and gain a deeper understanding of market directions. I always leave with new insights and valuable contacts. This event delivers real value, not just a pile of business cards.”
iGB L!VE 2026 will take place across 1st – 2nd July at ExCeL London.
The post ‘Unforgettable’ iGB L!VE sets new industry record with show visits topping 20,000 for the first time appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Brightstar Lottery Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
Brightstar Lottery PLC has reported the financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.
“We achieved several important milestones over the last few months. We secured the Italy Lotto license through November 2034, closed the sale of our Gaming & Digital business for $4 billion in cash, and announced plans to return significant capital to shareholders. With a singular focus on lottery and unmatched industry expertise, we are well positioned to create value for all stakeholders with our mission to elevate lotteries and inspire players around the world,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar.
“Our second quarter results reflect sustained global demand for instant ticket and draw games. We are investing in key initiatives to drive sustainable, long-term growth, while also delivering structural cost reductions to right-size the business. The Company’s attractive profit profile and strong, predictable cash flows support our balanced approach to capital allocation,” said Max Chiara, CFO of Brightstar.
Key Highlights
• Successful completion of Gaming & Digital sale for approximately $4.0 billion of net cash proceeds on July 1, 2025.
• Secured several meaningful contract wins and extensions including a nine-year Lotto operator license in Italy, an eight-year contract in Missouri which includes a fully-integrated OMNIA retail and digital solution, and several multi-year instant ticket printing contract extensions.
• Expanding OPtiMa 3.0 cost reduction programme to $50 million to right-size the business following the Gaming & Digital sale.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights
Second quarter revenue was $631 million, up 3% or stable at constant currency.
• Instant ticket & draw same-store sales increased across geographies with Italy increasing 3.7%, U.S. higher by 0.6%, and Rest of World climbing 8.4%.
• Product sales rose 59% on higher instant ticket printing and terminal sales.
• Foreign currency translation had a positive impact on growth.
• Growth from the drivers above was partially offset by elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot activity and associated LMA incentives in the prior year.
Loss from continuing operations was $60 million compared to income from continuing operations of $84 million in the prior year period.
• Incurred a foreign exchange loss versus a foreign exchange gain in the prior year, primarily reflecting the non-cash impact of fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate on debt.
• Operating income was lower, driven by the high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives in the prior year and restructuring charges related to the expanded OPtiMa 3.0 cost reduction programme in the current year.
• Increased provision for income taxes.
• Dynamics noted above were partially offset by reduced interest expense.
Adjusted EBITDA was $274 million compared to $290 million in the prior-year period, demonstrating resiliency despite incremental investments in the business and multi-state jackpot and LMA dynamics.
• Prior year results include the high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives.
• Selling, general, and administrative costs were modestly higher as ongoing investments in the business were partially offset by OPtiMa cost savings.
• The Q2’25 period benefited from positive foreign currency translation.
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.47 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.21 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.12 compared to $0.20 in the prior year, primarily driven by lower operating income.
YTD 2025 Financial Highlights
Year-to-date revenue of $1.2 billion compares to $1.3 billion in the prior-year period.
• The decline was due to higher U.S. multi-state jackpot activity and associated LMA incentives in the prior year.
• Global instant ticket & draw same-store sales rose 1.2%.
Loss from continuing operations was $52 million compared to income from continuing operations of $200 million in the prior year period.
• Lower operating income, primarily due to the items affecting Adjusted EBITDA as noted below.
• Foreign exchange loss versus foreign exchange gain in the prior year, primarily reflecting the non-cash impact of fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate on debt.
Adjusted EBITDA of $524 million compares to $617 million in the prior-year, primarily driven by high profit flow-through from elevated U.S. multi-state jackpot sales and associated LMA incentives in the prior year, partially offset by positive foreign currency translation.
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.59 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.56 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.20 compares to $0.47 in the prior year primarily driven by lower operating income, partially offset by reductions in net interest and income tax expense.
Net debt was $5.2 billion compared to $4.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an approximate $340 million impact from fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate. Net debt leverage was 3.0x pro forma for $2 billion debt reduction completed in July.
Cash and Liquidity Update
Total liquidity was $2.9 billion as of June 30, 2025 with $1.3 billion in unrestricted cash and $1.6 billion in additional borrowing capacity from undrawn credit facilities.
Other Developments
The Company plans to launch a $250 million accelerated share repurchase programme (ASR) by entering into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with a counterparty bank. The Company plans to execute the ASR as part of its $500 million share repurchase authorization outlined below and in accordance with the share repurchase authorisation provided by the Company’s shareholders at the Company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting. The Company has been informed by De Agostini S.p.A., that it does not intend to participate in the ASR.
The Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share with a record date of August 12, 2025 and a payment date of August 26, 2025.
Completed the sale of the Gaming & Digital business on July 1, 2025. The Company received approximately $4.0 billion of net cash proceeds that are expected to be allocated in the following manner:
$2.0 billion used to reduce debt (completed in July 2025).
• Redeemed in whole the 4.125% Senior Secured U.S. Dollar Notes due April 2026 and the 3.500% Senior Secured Euro Notes due June 2026.
• Prepaid €300 million of the Term Loan Facilities due January 2027.
• The remaining amount was allocated to prepay the Revolving Credit Facilities due July 2027.
$1.1 billion to be returned to shareholders.
• The Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend to common shareholders in the amount of $3.00 per share. The record date of the distribution was July 14, 2025, and it is payable July 29, 2025.
• In addition, the Board authorized a $500 million, two-year share repurchase programme. The new authorisation replaces the Company’s existing share repurchase programme.
$500 million to partially fund upcoming Italy Lotto license payments.
$400 million to be used for general corporate purposes.
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions by the Company will depend, in part, on whether the Company has current or accumulated earnings and profits (“E&P”), as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Based on preliminary estimates, the Company does not expect to have current E&P for fiscal year 2025 or accumulated E&P from prior fiscal years that would offset the current year expected E&P deficit. Accordingly, the Company anticipates that the special dividend, the Q1 dividend paid on June 12, and any future dividends paid in the current fiscal year will be treated for U.S. income tax purposes as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain, although no assurances can be provided because the determination of E&P is a full-year calculation which depends upon facts that are not known as of the date hereof.
FY’25 Outlook: Adjusted EBITDA Reaffirmed, Cash Flow Improved
• Revenue of approximately $2.50 billion; adjusting revenue down $50 million compared to the previous outlook to reflect a timing shift in product sales and increased amortization related to Italy Lotto upfront license fee (which is treated as contra-revenue).
• Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.10 billion, in line with the previous outlook as incremental benefit from foreign currency translation is offset by higher-than-expected U.S. multi-state jackpot and LMA impacts.
• Net cash used in operating activities of approximately $275 million reflects a $75 million improvement versus the previous outlook driven by interest, income taxes, and other working capital items.
• Capital expenditures of approximately $375 million, a $75 million improvement from the previous outlook to reflect timing shifts related to recent contract extensions.
• Increasing FY’25 EUR/USD assumption to 1.12.
The post Brightstar Lottery Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Meet Dodo: The New Home for Crash Gaming Fans
Dodo, the newest player in the iGaming space, officially launches as a dedicated network built entirely around the fast-rising crash and instant games. Created to meet rising player demand, it offers top game reviews, trusted casino listings, and free demo play—all in one place.
Dodo answers a clear market need: a centralized destination designed specifically for crash gaming enthusiasts. Dodo network spans 8 specialized verticals: CrashDodo, WheelDodo, CoinflipDodo, DiceDodo, HiloDodo, LimboDodo, MinesDodo, and PlinkoDodo—each dedicated to a specific instant game format.
“We created Dodo because it was time for a site that treats crash games as a category of their own — not a subgenre or a passing trend. With the format’s rise in popularity, players need a dedicated space where they can explore, compare, and play,” said Ethan Thompson, content lead at Dodo.
Dodo also reflects a wider trend—the growing intersection of crash mechanics and crypto gambling. As localisation and hybrid formats expand, Dodo steps in as a natural platform for discovery, guidance and connection between players and operators.
Dodo’s Key Features:
• Curated crash and instant game selections with a free play option
• Game reviews, expert tips, and easy-to-follow player guides
• Trusted casino listings tailored for crash games fans
• Designed with crypto players in mind, offers crypto-related insights.
The post Meet Dodo: The New Home for Crash Gaming Fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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