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Exclusive Interview with Matthew Stafford, CEO at BlockChain Innovations Corp
Reading Time: 4 minutes
It is my great pleasure to bring to you my latest interview. This week we once again focus on the role of blockchain in the gambling industry as it still is a trending topic. And what better way to get a glimpse into the vertical, then asking the experts of the industry. Matthew Stafford has been appointed as CEO of BlockChain Innovations Corp. this April and he has since than given speech at many industry events. It is high time we got the chance to pick his brain in our unique style. See below our interview with Matthew.
Let’s start with a few words about yourself. Our readers love to hear top-class professionals describing themselves.
Matthew: Thank you for a very kind introduction. I’ve spent 10 years in regulated gaming and public markets as an attorney, most recently with Scientific Games and NYX Gaming Group where I helped take that company public in Toronto in 2014 through its acquisition of Openbet Technologies Limited; the world’s largest sportsbook platform provider in 2016. I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of gaming clients both brick-and-mortar and in the digital space, as well as payment providers, data and compliance vendors and the multitude of gaming software platforms around the world.
You took over as CEO of Blockchain Innovations Corp (BCI) about four months back. What are your early reflections on the job?
Matthew: It’s a very exciting and busy time. We are bringing a disruptive technology to two markets – both the commercial gaming industry for operators and the public market in Toronto for investors.
There is a lot of interest in both sectors around the technology and what it can do. In the capital markets, it’s about building blockchain companies as a value-added segment that gives depth to cryptocurrencies beyond price speculation and mining. For the gaming industry, it’s about building a modern gaming and payment platform that is compatible with conventional technologies so that our operator clients can offer blockchain wagering now and be poised for the future.
You studied law and started your career as a legal intern. How does your legal background help in your functioning as the CEO of BCI, especially as cryptocurrencies and other blockchain financial solutions are still viewed with suspicion by the regulators in several countries.
Matthew: I was fortunate enough to work in gaming – at leading slot manufacturer Aruze Gaming America, Inc. – before graduating law school. As the Assistant General Counsel there, I obtained over 150 gaming licenses for the company worldwide and won approval for hundreds of devices. I also oversaw regulatory compliance at NYX and that foundation provided me with the ability to navigate complex regulatory issues, just like the treatment of crypto and blockchain with regulators. A working partnership and understanding of the regulatory schemes behind those agencies is crucial in terms of finding a viable solution for the industry in any circumstance.
What is important to note regarding uncertainties around crypto and blockchain is that, although perhaps skeptical, regulators are addressing the issue. There is positive movement towards adoption; the regulation/licensing frameworks that are being considered are being conducted by many jurisdictions and the outcome is to find that balance of providing the industry with competitive technology while meeting the regulatory objectives within a particular jurisdiction.
Can you tell us more about BCI’s soon to launch cryptocurrency wallet, Pebwallet, and its PebbleShare tipbot?
Matthew: Pebwallet.com is our fully-functional cryptocurrency wallet for users to manage and exchange multiple cryptocurrencies for smart-contract coins. They can also buy, sell, and exchange wagers via our PebbleShare tipbot. The wallet communicates to any existing operator’s PAM via an API and, in addition to standard transaction accounting and reporting, operators may permit wagering between players using pay-as you-go cryptocurrency where no money is on deposit as well as players with fiat currency on deposit, in their existing operator account.
Once activated, users with popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum may then exchange those coins for PebbleCoin and begin placing smart-contract wagers. PebbleCoin, the gaming-by-design crypto-currency BCI’s technology utilizes, is one of the first cryptocurrencies to use smart contracts and trade them as freely as coins.
BCI claims that its blockchain social betting solution has something unique and innovative that the competitors, especially Bitcoin and Ethereum, do not have: basically, BCI’s solution does not have a lag in provable transaction confirmation. Could you explain about its practical real-time implications?
Matthew: BCI has provably instant confirmation of transactions, or bets integrated within its technology and our cryptocurrency PebbleCoin. The confirmation time for Bitcoin is 1 hour and Ethereum is 180 seconds. The implication of that 180 seconds to 1 hour is that live wagering environments are not possible with Bitcoin or Ethereum since there is an ability for one side to “roll-back” the transaction on the blockchain. If this were the case, users could cancel bets when the line prices move against their position – that’s not feasible in a betting market.
These are good times to be a betting solution provider in the USA, as the US supreme court has repealed PSPA, which would inevitably lead to the legalization of sports betting in many US states. How do you see the prospects for BCI?
Matthew: We see a lot of opportunity for operators to be “born on the blockchain”, that is to have a blockchain wagering offering for their players as their sole platform or a complementary offering to their player base. With the 6-3 United States Supreme Court decision striking down a 1992 law prohibiting such sports betting outside of Nevada, and the American Gaming Association estimating there is over $250 billion wagered annually in the US, it is a promising time for the sector.
Those figures mean that the demand for suppliers in the US will exceed the capabilities of conventional platform providers. We anticipate operators that want to be live when authorized by their state will look to blockchain as a modern technology that is able to offer a full solution for their sports wagering operations. Along those lines, because of the near-zero cost to operate our system, Tribes and state sports lotteries stand to gain the most from a blockchain solution since those savings go directly back to the taxpayer or tribal entities managing gaming operations for the tribe.
About BlockChain Innovations Corp.
Blockchain Innovations is headquartered in Las Vegas. The company designs and develops market ready blockchain technology for public and private real-money wagering and peer-to-peer gaming companies across the globe.
The company’s blockchain technology consists of a fully functional crypto-currency wallet, a tipbot – PebbleGo for easily sending and receiving smart contracts, and its smart contracts platform – the ideal wagering eco-system for instant confirmation, where contracts are tradeable, divisible, transferable and new wagering not available in traditional retail or online markets.
The company’s technology is built around PebbleCoin, a gambling-by-design cryptocurrency that has been mined since 2015. Pebblecoin’s unique features make it the only crypto-currency that can facilitate real-time wagering.
For more details visit www.blockchaininnovations.info
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
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LoopMe research: Increasing GenAI adoption paves the way for an explosion in mobile gaming ad potential
New research from LoopMe, the global leader in brand performance, reveals that consumers are twice as likely to use GenAI for search (x2 in the US and x2.2 in the UK), while it’s nearly three times in Australia (x2.7).
As AI redefines online behaviour, and the enormous implications this has for brand visibility and advertising, the solution may lie in mobile gaming. While the adoption of AI tools is leading to a decline in clicks and associated site traffic, the story is different in gaming. This channel is on the rise, offering a scale that encompasses all demographics, alongside engaged and receptive audiences.
LoopMe surveyed 66,819 consumers across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to gauge GenAI usage. The data shows the majority are now using these tools daily or at least several times a week (US: 56%, UK: 55%, Australia: 57%). For those using tools daily, similar patterns emerge, with approximately three in ten adopters falling into this group (Australia: 27%, UK: 29%, US: 30%).
Nearly one-fifth of GenAI users across all three markets report spending less time browsing the web because of AI tools (US: 19%, UK: 20%, and Australia: 22%). Even among infrequent GenAI users, there’s a move away from traditional search, resulting in web browsing falling by 19%-50% across the markets. This shift isn’t limited to specific demographics but plays out across all age groups, indicating a move towards embracing AI and a corresponding reduction in browsing time to varying degrees.
Nearly a third of users (28% in the US and 30% in Australia and the UK) across all three countries cite ‘getting answers faster’ as the number one benefit of GenAI. This reduction in browsing time online is freeing them up for other pursuits. And one of these appears to be more time for gaming: In Australia, 18% cited that they are spending more time on mobile gaming, while in the US, it’s 19% and rising to 21% in the UK.
Again, this is a trend across all age groups and markets. While the greatest shift in the UK is seen among 18-24-year-olds, with 62% spending more time on mobile gaming rather than less, in the US it’s the 25-34-year-olds (40%). Meanwhile, for Australians, it’s the 35-44-year-old demographic (58%). However, growth is being experienced across all age bands, with all three countries seeing strong mobile gaming growth even among the 55–64-year-olds.
This growth can also be seen among infrequent GenAI users too. In the US, there is a 40% net difference between those casual GenAI users who spend more time gaming and those who spend less, rising to 55% in Australia and 71% in the UK.
When asked about streaming games, there is more preference among younger age groups. While there are country variations, the 18-24 and 25-34-year-old age groups are the heaviest users of streaming games, and these groups will likely drive its future potential.
“What the research highlights is the advertising opportunities opening for brands as gaming becomes a key route to market. This is a medium that’s being embraced by all age groups and all demographics. And it’s increasing among frequent AI users as well as more casual ones, offering brands the potential to get in front of audiences that other channels might not serve well,” commented Stephen Upstone, CEO & Founder at LoopMe.
“We’ve found that gamers are more than three times as likely to be receptive to advertising in this environment compared to the mobile web. And because audience value and the opportunities gaming offers are out of alignment with current advertising investment in the channel, this lack of competition only adds to its attractiveness. As digital advertising adjusts to this era of AI, mobile gaming is shedding its bit player role and moving centre stage, delivering scale and reach that competes with traditional broadcast channels.“
The post LoopMe research: Increasing GenAI adoption paves the way for an explosion in mobile gaming ad potential appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
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Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026
Boomerang Partners, a global Affiliate Gambling & Betting Marketing Agency, starts 2026 with participation in the largest industry awards. The company has been included in the shortlists of several prestigious nominations, notably the International Gaming Awards (IGA), European iGaming Awards, and Global Gaming Awards EMEA. Winners will be announced during the iGB and ICE Barcelona 2026 exhibitions, which will take place from January 19 to 21. Boomerang Partners will participate in the event with its booth, 81-L10.
For Boomerang Partners, this marks a record number of nominations that the company has been included in. Here are the awards it’s competing for:
International Gaming Awards:
- Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Charitable Community Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
European iGaming Awards:
- Charity Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
- Affiliate Company Of The Year
- Best Live Event Marketing Campaign (Golden Boomerang Awards)
Global Gaming Awards – EMEA 2026:
- Affiliate Program of the Year
What’s next
Boomerang Partners will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2026. The company is approaching this date at the peak of its effectiveness. Its inclusion on shortlists of prestigious awards is a testament to its recognition in the market. Experts have noticed Boomerang’s successes and recognize the contribution the company makes to the industry’s development. It feels strong enough to win most awards and is focused on achieving new milestones on the path to becoming the best sports-focused affiliate program in the world.
Currently, Boomerang Partners has over 3,000 affiliate partners and 13+ brands in its client portfolio. The company is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, and the second year of collaboration began in the summer of 2025. In 2024 and 2025, it held a global annual tournament for affiliate teams, the Golden Boomerang Awards. In fall 2025, the Golden Boomerang League, its first sports traffic tournament, took place. Boomerang Partners regularly participates in industry events, showcasing its booth and receiving prestigious awards. Over four years, the company has won 10 awards, including in 2025:
- ‘Unique Gaming Company of the Year’ at the International Gaming Awards 2025
- ‘Social Media Campaign of the Year’ at the SBC Awards 2025
- ‘Rising Star in Sports Betting’ (Operator) at the SBC Awards 2025
And Boomerang Partners affiliate team lead, Kristina Shkredova, won the award for Best Affiliate Manager AskGamblers 2025.
How many awards will Boomerang Partners win in January? – Follow the official website and social media of the company, so as not to miss anything.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 13+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
The post Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Latest News
Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026
Boomerang Partners, a global Affiliate Gambling & Betting Marketing Agency, starts 2026 with participation in the largest industry awards. The company has been included in the shortlists of several prestigious nominations, notably the International Gaming Awards (IGA), European iGaming Awards, and Global Gaming Awards EMEA. Winners will be announced during the iGB and ICE Barcelona 2026 exhibitions, which will take place from January 19 to 21. Boomerang Partners will participate in the event with its booth, 81-L10.
For Boomerang Partners, this marks a record number of nominations that the company has been included in. Here are the awards it’s competing for:
International Gaming Awards:
- Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Charitable Community Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
European iGaming Awards:
- Charity Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
- Affiliate Company Of The Year
- Best Live Event Marketing Campaign (Golden Boomerang Awards)
Global Gaming Awards – EMEA 2026:
- Affiliate Program of the Year
What’s next
Boomerang Partners will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2026. The company is approaching this date at the peak of its effectiveness. Its inclusion on shortlists of prestigious awards is a testament to its recognition in the market. Experts have noticed Boomerang’s successes and recognize the contribution the company makes to the industry’s development. It feels strong enough to win most awards and is focused on achieving new milestones on the path to becoming the best sports-focused affiliate program in the world.
Currently, Boomerang Partners has over 3,000 affiliate partners and 13+ brands in its client portfolio. The company is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, and the second year of collaboration began in the summer of 2025. In 2024 and 2025, it held a global annual tournament for affiliate teams, the Golden Boomerang Awards. In fall 2025, the Golden Boomerang League, its first sports traffic tournament, took place. Boomerang Partners regularly participates in industry events, showcasing its booth and receiving prestigious awards. Over four years, the company has won 10 awards, including in 2025:
- ‘Unique Gaming Company of the Year’ at the International Gaming Awards 2025
- ‘Social Media Campaign of the Year’ at the SBC Awards 2025
- ‘Rising Star in Sports Betting’ (Operator) at the SBC Awards 2025
And Boomerang Partners affiliate team lead, Kristina Shkredova, won the award for Best Affiliate Manager AskGamblers 2025.
How many awards will Boomerang Partners win in January? – Follow the official website and social media of the company, so as not to miss anything.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 13+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
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