Latest News
Women at Reflex | Surj Stott Interview
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1. Hi Surj, tell us about your role at Reflex Gaming
I head up the sales and marketing function, so customer account management is a big part of the job. Along with Steve Clark, I help manage our customer relationships. At Reflex, we pride ourselves on great partnerships with pub retailers, operators and our AGC customer base.
Day-to-day, I also manage our production schedule and liaise closely with our production and logistics teams to ensure that our games are delivered to customers on time.
I’m also responsible for planning our events, including major expos, such as ICE, EAG and ACOS. I really enjoy this side of things, due to my love of people and socialising. The cancellations of both EAG and ICE this year have been a blow for Reflex, as both events are important marketing platforms for us to showcase our new product lines. They also provide a great opportunity to speak to our customers and learn their requirements and find out what is performing well on their estates.
2. How has the global pandemic impacted on Reflex Gaming?
At the start of 2020, the outlook was positive for Reflex, we were acquired by the Dransfield Group in 2019 and we had established ourselves as one of the country’s leading machine suppliers to the pub and club sectors.
The first lockdown resulted in our entire customer base being closed which wiped out our forward-looking orders. We consequently made strategic decisions to fast track our drive to the online space. We have formed strategic alliances with two major distributors, Yggdrasil and Stakelogic. These give us the opportunity to penetrate the online slot market quickly and get our games in front of more players via their vast distribution networks. This is typical of the Reflex psyche in that, being faced with the biggest negative impact imaginable to our existing business, we have leveraged opportunities that have been unaffected by the pandemic.
However, it is very disappointing that the Government have given very little support to manufacturers and suppliers to the leisure and hospitality industry. Supply chain companies like Reflex have simply slipped through the Government’s support net. Other than the furlough scheme, we’ve had no additional support and it has been a real struggle to operate for 14 months with, effectively, no income. We have tried to lobby for a business support grant and a rates relief, but with no success to date.
I am a strong character and I’ve managed to remain positive throughout the pandemic. We need to focus on the future and there is now some light at the end of this long tunnel, through the impressive vaccine rollout which has resulted in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. Right now, it seems that the leisure and hospitality industry will reopen in April/May as planned, and if people opt for “staycations”, these will be positive steps to ease the recovery of the sector.
3. How did you get into this sector?
I grew up in Leicester in a first-generation Indian family. At the age of 15, my parents had arranged for my marriage to a goat farmer, based in India. My instincts told me that it did not feel right, and it certainly wasn’t a life I wanted. I took the drastic step to do a runner, and I haven’t looked back since!
As you can imagine, leaving home at 15 was tough, but I was fortunate to have a good network of friends who helped me through the situation. I’m thankful that I didn’t end up in the wrong crowd.
I was running a successful Nottingham city centre pub in my early twenties, following which I established my own bar in Newark. This meant working very long and unsociable hours, and with a young child, often proved to be difficult. I decided that more of a 9-5 job would better suit my home / work life balance and I mentioned this in conversation with one of the customers in my bar, who happened to work at a local gaming machine business called BWB. An opportunity came up there, so I applied. I was interviewed, got the job, and began my career in gaming at BWB. After a while, I moved into a sales role and it was whilst I was working here that I met my husband, Quentin, (these days the MD of Reflex Gaming).
4. What would you tell your younger self?
It would be to trust your instincts. At 15, my decision to leave home was very much a “Sliding doors” moment. Although it was the risky choice, I went with my instincts. Fortunately, I have no regrets.
Also understand that sometimes you may have to work harder and apply more attention to detail than some male colleagues. Enjoy the journey and don’t be afraid to be yourself!
5. What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
When I first started my career in this sector, sadly, I did experience both racial and sexual discrimination. I don’t get easily intimidated and the discrimination ultimately made me a stronger person. I have proved myself with great determination irrespective of other people’s prejudices.
However, I have witnessed much progression in the industry since I started. I am seeing an increasing number of women in senior positions who have progressed from junior roles and long may this continue.
6. The International Women’s day theme is, “Choose to Challenge”, what would you choose to challenge?
I passionately believe that there is no place in the world for bullies. Whether this happens in school, at work or your community. We need to take a collective stand against it. I cannot bare people who belittle others to make themselves look superior! Call them out for what they are. I’ve met a few bullies during my career and behaviour like that should be confined to the Skip of history.
7. What message do you want to send out to young women who are considering a career in this industry?
The i-Gaming sector has opened a huge host of career possibilities. There are jobs ranging from game design, graphic design, software development, marketing, etc. You will be able to unleash your creativity and let’s face it, the end-product is fun. There is never a dull moment in gaming.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
IGT announced that its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin electronic table game (ETG) recently made its world debut at Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The vibrant standalone ETG game includes many of the attributes that have propelled the success of the Wheel of Fortune slots franchise for nearly three decades including word puzzles, wheel spins and exciting jackpot rewards. The game is accompanied by an attention-grabbing, 9-plus-feet upright video wheel that stands independent of the ETG terminals and entertains casino guests with the famous “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” chant.
MGM Resorts International has announced that Corey Sanders, Chief Operating Officer, will retire from the company after more than 30 years of dedicated service and leadership. Sanders has agreed to remain COO through Dec. 31, 2025, and to serve as an advisor to the President and CEO through Dec. 31, 2026. The Company intends to name a new COO to serve as Sanders’ successor later this month. Sanders is currently MGM Resorts’ Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and regional properties as well as multiple corporate departments, including Hospitality, Gaming, Human Resources and Strategic Initiatives. Prior to that, he served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
Members of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria gathered outside the State Capitol in Sacramento to protest Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831). If passed, the bill would limit economic opportunities available to less wealthy tribes in the state by banning legitimate online social games using sweepstakes promotions. It would also eliminate more than $1 billion of existing economic activity generated by the industry in California, and close off a potential new revenue source for the state via sensible, modern regulation and taxation.
Partnerships
Genius Sports Limited has expanded its long-term partnership with Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook (Hard Rock Bet) to power the top-rated platform with its market-leading official data, trading and marketing solutions, as well as its ground-breaking BetVision product. Genius Sports has worked in partnership with the leading operator since 2021, providing the highest quality official data and pinpoint trading solutions across top tier leagues globally, including the Premier League, Serie A, European Leagues, Liga MX, NFL and more. Hard Rock Bet will be able to provide its customers with Genius Sports’ first-of-its-kind BetVision low latency streaming solution.
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of data-driven casino intelligence and player engagement platforms, has announced that Dania Beach Casino is continuing to benefit from its deployment of the QCI Nimble platform. While the property currently focuses on the QCI Host and QCI Marketing modules, it has expressed enthusiasm about the capabilities of the new AGI56 release and its impact on future customer engagement strategies. AGI56 represents the most ambitious release in QCI’s history, with the platform undergoing a full refresh of its technology stack, improved integration of advanced analytics, and the introduction of generative AI-driven tooling through Chatalytics.com. QCI’s platform is currently deployed in more than 350 casinos worldwide.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 8-15 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The iGaming industry is one of the fastest-changing landscapes in the world. New technologies, shifting regulations, and evolving player expectations create both challenges and enormous opportunities. In this environment, only those who dare to innovate, adapt, and partner wisely are able to thrive.
One company that embodies this journey is Stellar Bets — an ambitious software provider that began in Africa and is now preparing to reshape the future of retail betting in Europe. Our story is not just about creating games. It’s about building a complete ecosystem for operators, affiliates, and entrepreneurs — and opening doors for long-term partnerships across continents.
🌍 Humble Beginnings, Bold Vision
When we entered the African market, the industry was already crowded with solutions. Many thought there was little room left for innovation. But we believed otherwise.
From the start, we knew the secret to success wasn’t just about building games — it was about designing ecosystems. Operators needed more than entertainment; they needed reliable tools, sustainable margins, and technology that would support them in real conditions — including low internet speeds, limited hardware, and highly competitive retail environments.
Our first big step was the launch of Stellar Rocket, a crash game that quickly captured the imagination of African players. With stunning visuals, a dynamic multiplier, and an innovative balance between player wins and operator profitability, it became much more than just a game — it became a movement.
Within months, betting shops from Nigeria to Kenya were reporting higher engagement, stronger retention, and more stable revenue. The success of Stellar Rocket proved that innovation could transform even the most traditional retail setups.
📈 Growth Backed by Numbers
Success stories are powerful, but in iGaming the numbers matter most.
- In 2024–2025, Stellar Bets expanded into more than 15 African countries.
- Successfully achieved the ideal balance between player satisfaction and operator profitability with our Next-Gen RTP System.
- Operators reported 30–45% revenue growth after integrating our solutions.
This growth wasn’t accidental. It came from a deep commitment to R&D, continuous improvement, and a philosophy that sees technology as a service to both operators and players.
And here’s the key: we didn’t just help operators earn more — we also made sure players enjoyed fairer, more exciting experiences. In a market where achieving both can be challenging, this balance clearly sets Stellar Bets apart.
🎮 Beyond Games: Building an Ecosystem
The heart of Stellar Bets has always been innovation, but we quickly realized that individual games are not enough. Operators need comprehensive solutions to scale their business.
That’s why we built an ecosystem:
- Stellar Box — a plug-and-play solution that allows operators to deploy instantly.
- Stellar Kiosk — an all-in-one machine with built-in computer and receipt printer.
- Cloud-based admin tools — for user management, analytics, and cashier control.
- Proprietary hardware — designed for stable operation even in areas with low bandwidth.
- AI-powered RTP engine — balancing fairness for players and profits for operators.
And perhaps the most groundbreaking innovation of all — HomePlay.
📱 HomePlay: Bridging Offline and Online
Retail betting shops are still the heartbeat of many markets. But until recently, their biggest limitation was the number of physical terminals. Only so many customers could play at the same time.
With HomePlay, we changed that forever.
This breakthrough technology transforms every smartphone inside a betting shop into a personal gaming station. Customers join live Stellar Rocket sessions using their own devices, while the cashier desk continues to handle all deposits and withdrawals.
✅ No waiting lines.
✅ No need for extra hardware.
✅ Every customer becomes an active participant.
✅ Revenue per square meter grows exponentially.
In essence, HomePlay gave new life to retail betting, transforming it from a simple place to play into a vibrant community where thousands of players share emotions and experiences — while providing operators with a scalable, compliant, and seamlessly integrated tool.
For many partners, this feature alone was a game-changer — and it’s one of the clearest examples of how Stellar Bets delivers innovation designed for real-world business impact.
💡 The Secret Behind Our Success
One question we often get is: how can a startup compete with legacy companies in the iGaming space?
The answer is simple — being a startup is our biggest advantage.
🔹 Agility over bureaucracy — We test, pivot, and bring innovations to market quickly, while larger companies get stuck in long decision-making cycles.
🔹 Innovation in our DNA — We don’t just rely on proven models. We experiment, take risks, and introduce features that others are too slow to try.
🔹 Closer to the player — Our teams listen, analyze, and adapt in real time, creating products that reflect what players actually want.
🔹 Growth mindset — Every market matters. Every operator matters. Every affiliate matters. For us, every partnership is a chance to grow together.
🔹 Constant rapid development — We continuously expand our product portfolio, scale operations, and evolve to meet the needs of new markets.
But above all, we recognize the importance of technological excellence — investing in R&D, proprietary hardware, and resilient software that deliver security, stability, and reliability for both operators and players. It’s this mindset that has powered Stellar Bets from a small startup into one of the most recognized software providers in Africa.
🤝 Reshaping the Future of iGaming Together
After building a strong foundation across Africa, we are now preparing for the next chapter — entering the European market. We see great potential in several EU countries where many operators still depend on outdated systems and solutions.
Our goal is not just to expand, but to bring real value: technology that has proven itself in highly competitive retail environments, tools that balance innovation with compliance, and products that boost both player satisfaction and operator revenue.
For us, Europe is an opportunity to share what we’ve learned, adapt to new contexts, and grow together with forward-looking partners who are ready for benefit from:
✅ A personal account manager.
✅ 24/7 technical support.
✅ Access to a constantly evolving ecosystem.
We know our success depends on the success of our partners. That’s why we treat every collaboration as a joint venture — where both sides grow together.
And here’s our invitation: if you are looking for an iGaming software partner who delivers not just games, but full-scale solutions designed for growth — Stellar Bets is ready to work with you. Let’s reshape the future of iGaming — together.
📩 Contact us: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: stellar-bets.com
💼 LinkedIn: Stellar Bets
The post 🚀 Stellar Soft: From Africa’s Betting Shops to the Future of Global iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
The Chiliz Group acquires OG Esports, reuniting with original co-founders to launch new era
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Chiliz Group acquires 51% of OG Esports, investing to grow the team, expand operations, and strengthen fan and player engagement.
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Xavier Oswald, a former co-founder and shareholder of OG, becomes CEO, while OG co-founders Johan “n0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs launch a new strategic project consolidating the team’s competitive foundation.
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Socios.com becomes the exclusive platform for $OG Fan Tokens, $OG will act as the showcase for blockchain-based utility.
The Chiliz Group, the world’s leading blockchain provider for the sports and entertainment industry and operator of Socios.com, today announced it has acquired a 51% controlling stake in OG Esports, one of the most iconic and innovative names in global esports.
Founded in 2015 by legendary Dota 2 players Johan “n0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs, OG is the first team in history to win back-to-back titles at The International. Since then, OG has expanded into Counter-Strike, Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, building one of the most successful and culturally significant organisations in esports.
OG has a track record of delivering a fan-driven culture through innovation and launched the $OG Fan Token in 2020. The $OG Fan Token recently became the first esports Fan Token to surpass a $100 million market capitalization, driven by surging global demand for digital fan assets. Having delivered exclusive voting rights, VIP experiences, merchandise, and direct access to the team for fans worldwide, $OG represents a thriving $100m+ digital fan economy.
As part of the acquisition, Xavier Oswald will take on the role of CEO of OG, guiding the organisation into its next chapter, while co-founders Johan “n0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs will lead a new strategic project consolidating the team’s competitive foundation, driving innovation at the intersection of esports and Web3.
At the same time, Socios.com will become the exclusive wallet and engagement platform for $OG Fan Tokens, establishing $OG as the flagship example of the new fan economy. The token will now showcase how fan assets can evolve – serving as the blockchain layer for tickets, merchandise, in-stadium perks, and digital content, while also integrating real-world assets and club revenues through mechanisms like buybacks to deliver deeper influence and tangible value to supporters.
Through The Chiliz Group’s global network of more than 80 leading sports properties, OG will now be able to expand into new countries and markets, building a larger international footprint and new commercial opportunities. Backed by the financial strength of a global group, OG will become more resilient and sustainable, ensuring long-term stability while focusing on what matters most: players, fans, and innovation.
More details about the acquisition will be released in the coming weeks.
“OG has always been about community and innovation, and since 2020 it has demonstrated that Fan Tokens can create genuine economic value and meaningful engagement,” said Alex Dreyfus, CEO and Founder of Chiliz. “With a $100 million fan token economy already established, OG represents the perfect case study for what’s truly possible when we place Fan Tokens at the centre of the fan economy. This acquisition allows us to showcase the next evolution – Fan Tokens 2.0.”
“This marks the start of a bold new era for OG,” said Xavier Oswald, incoming CEO of OG. “With Chiliz as our majority partner, we can scale our teams, grow our global community, and unlock a new dimension of engagement through the $OG Fan Token. We’ve always believed that fans should be at the centre of everything we do, and now we have the tools and the backing to make that vision a reality.”
“With Chiliz, we share a common vision based on strong values: passion, transparency, and the power of communities.” said Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, co-founder and historic figure of OG Esports. “From winning back-to-back Internationals to competing against OpenAI Five in a world-first showcase of human-AI collaboration, OG has always been about pushing boundaries. This alliance will allow us to stay true to our identity while continuing to grow.”
“This agreement marks the beginning of a new competitive cycle,’ added Sébastien “Ceb” Debs, two-time world champion with OG. “We want to once again become a major force on the international stage and inspire a new generation of players and fans. With the support of Chiliz, we now have the means to build an ambitious and sustainable project.”
The post The Chiliz Group acquires OG Esports, reuniting with original co-founders to launch new era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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